Fraternal Year

Transcription

1 Fraternal Year

2 The information contained in this handbook was assembled from multiple Knights of Columbus sources. We envision this to be a dynamic document, changing as our new Council evolves. Please contact Tom Starchville (starchville_koc15256@yahoo.com) for content suggestions or corrections. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 2

3 Welcome! Helpful Information About Blessed Louis Martin Council For New and Existing Members On behalf of the Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, and other officers of Blessed Louis Martin Council 15256, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking what we feel will be one of the most important and adventurous steps of your life, becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus. Welcome to our Council! The following websites will be helpful to keep you updated on activities of the Knights and our Church: Knights of Columbus Council Web-Site: ashburn.com/ St. Theresa Catholic Church: Fraternal Benefits: Supreme Council: Virginia State Council: This Reference Handbook has been created to assist you, the new member, in coming to an understanding of who we are, what we do, and more importantly how you can become an active and viable member of the largest Catholic Men's Organization in the world, the Knights of Columbus. When you took your First Degree, you were given the lessons and the requirements of what it would take to advance to full Knighthood in the Knights of Columbus. In addition to the information offered above, we invite you to review Surge... with Service The Surge... with Service program manual is a publication from Supreme Council that contains a wealth of information about council activities, structures, and chairmanships. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 3

4 Contents of This Handbook About the Knights of Columbus...5 Our History...5 Our Emblem...6 Emblem of the Fourth Degree...6 Structure of the Knights of Columbus...7 The Fraternal or Columbian Year...8 Council Officers, Duties and Responsibilities...9 The Degrees...12 About Our Council...14 History of Our Formation...14 Our Officers...14 Our Service Programs...16 What We Expect of New Members...17 Meeting Schedules...17 Website...17 Council Activities...17 Dress Code...18 Odes and Prayers...20 Opening Ode...20 Closing Ode...20 Onward, Christian Soldiers...20 Prayers of the Holy Rosary...21 Glorious Mysteries...21 Joyful Mysteries...21 Sorrowful Mysteries...21 Luminous Mysteries...21 How to Pray the Rosary...21 Apostle s Creed...21 Our Father...21 Hail Mary...22 Glory Be...22 Fatima Prayer...22 Hail Holy Queen...22 Memorare...22 Our Lady Queen of the Knights Prayer...22 Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel...22 Prayer for the Canonization of Venerable Servant Father Michael J. McGivney...23 St. Theresa Parish Prayer Card...23 Blessed Louis Martin Council Prayer Card...24 Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 4

5 About the Knights of Columbus Our History The Knights of Columbus is an order of Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, respect for life and defense of the priesthood. On Oct. 2, 1881, a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary's Church on Hill house Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their 29-yearold parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith. These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, They were Knights of Columbus. The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. Father McGivney's founding vision for the Order also included a benefits program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Order's benefits program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights' growing membership. Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The Order provides the highest quality insurance, annuity and long-term care products to its members, along with many other fraternal benefits. The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities. The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 5

6 Our Emblem The emblem of the Order dates from the second Supreme Council meeting May 12, 1883, when it was designed by James T. Mullen, who was then Supreme Knight. A quick glance at the emblem indicates a shield mounted upon the Formée Cross. The shield is that associated with a medieval Knight. The Formée Cross is the representation of a traditionally artistic design of the Cross of Christ through which all graces of redemption were procured for mankind. This then represents the Catholic spirit of the Order. Mounted on the shield are three objects: a fasces standing vertically, and, crossed behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword. The fasces from Roman days is symbolic of authority which must exist in any tightly-bonded and efficiently operating organization. The anchor is the mariner s symbol for Columbus, patron of the Order, while the short sword or dagger was the weapon of the Knight when engaged upon an errand of mercy. Thus, the shield expresses Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action, and with the letters, K. of C., it proclaims this specific form of activity. The red, white and blue in the background of the shield and the foreground of the Cross of Malta are the colors of our country. As such, red is the symbol of stout-hearted courage, of pulsing activity and a full measure of devotion. Blue is the symbol of hope, of calm tranquility under God and of confidence in the protection of our country. White is the symbol of nobility of purpose, of purity of aim and of crucible tried ideals to be carried out. But there is another symbolism of color in red, white and blue. This is the ecclesiastical symbolism in which red becomes the reflection of the drips of Christ s redemptive bloodshed upon Calvary, and of the martyr s bloodshed in defense of the faith. Red then is the symbol of Faith, of belief in Christ, in the Redemption and in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God s Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God has for man and the overwhelming affection which the God-man has for each individual. White then is the symbol of Christ-like Charity. Blue is the color of Our Lady s mantle, in which she wrapped her beloved Son, through Whom came salvation to a sinful world. Blue is then the symbol of Hope. Emblem of the Fourth Degree The triad emblem of the Fourth Degree features the dove, the cross and the globe. The dove, classic symbol of the Holy Spirit and peace, is shown hovering over the orb of the Earth (globe). Both are mounted on a variation of the Crusader's cross, which was found on the tunics and capes of the Crusading knights who battled to regain the Holy Land from the pagans. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 6

7 Spiritually, the sacred symbols on the emblem typify the union of the Three Divine Persons in one Godhead, the most Blessed Trinity. The Globe God the Father, Creator of the Universe. The Cross God the Son, Redeemer of Mankind. The Dove God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of Humanity. The colors of the symbols are: A blue globe with the land of the Western Hemisphere in white. A red cross with gold borders and gold knobs at the end of the points forming the ends of the arms of the cross, also known as the Isabella cross. A white dove. Red, white and blue are the colors of the flag of the country in which the Knights originated. They are used to stress patriotism, the basic principle of the Fourth Degree. Structure of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Office The Knights of Columbus international headquarters is located in New Haven, Connecticut. Led by the Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, the chief executive officer of the Knights, the office provides administrative support and leadership for our more than 14,000 local units. For additional information, see Jurisdictions The Supreme Council has more than 75 state council organizations to help guide regional activities that are consistent with the principles of the Order. For additional information, see Districts Each state council is divided into districts - groupings of several local councils. There are 29 Districts in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our council is in District 18. David Crew is the current District Deputy and Dennis Godfrey is the current District Warden. District 18 is made up of the following councils: 6175 Good Samaritan 6831 Holy Family St. Francis De Sales Our Lady of Hope St. Stephen the Martyr Blessed Louis Martin Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 7

8 Local Councils Local councils are the basic unit of the Knights. Most are based in parishes, though some have their own council hall within a community. Each local council works to assist with the needs of its community consistent with the principles of the Order. Fraternal Benefits Every council is assigned a certified insurance agent, who is a Knight, and whose job it is to provide top-rated products focused on the financial needs of members' families. The fraternal benefits mission is providing families with professional Knights of Columbus Field Agents dedicated to the Venerable Michael McGivney s dream of caring for the widows and children of Knights of Columbus members through life insurance, retirement annuities, long term care, and long term disability insurance products. Our current field agent is Wayne Winters. The Fraternal or Columbian Year There are many calendar formats in the world. The one most familiar to us is the Julian calendar which begins in January and ends in December. After that, for those of us in the business world, we are familiar with the term Fiscal Year. Fiscal Years can be many things to many people. Some governmental organizations operate on a Fiscal Year that starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th. Other Fiscal Years begin October 1st and end September 30th. The Knights of Columbus has what we refer to as a Fraternal Year or sometimes referred to as the Columbian Year. It runs from July 1st through June 30th. Council activities and reports, in addition to the election of officers, are based on the Fraternal Year. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 8

9 Council Officers, Duties and Responsibilities Grand Knight The Anchor, indicative of Columbus, the Mariner. The anchor has also been a variant form of the Cross for centuries. He is in charge and responsible for the welfare of the council. He presides over council meetings, acts as an ex-officio member of all committees, appoints a membership and programming director, convenes officers for a monthly meeting, and ensures all necessary reports are submitted to the state and Supreme Council. He should also be aware of the council's financial status and ensure that his signature appears on all checks drawn. For more specific duties and responsibilities, refer to the Grand Knight's Handbook. The following men have served in the position of Grand Knight of our Council: Steve Rogers (Charter Grand Knight) Chaplain Isabella Cross in silver and blue. He is the spiritual advisor of the council. He is expected to make a report at council meetings on religious matters. The Grand Knight appoints a priest in accordance with any rules established by the Bishop of the Diocese to serve as council chaplain. For more specific duties, responsibilities and eligibility, refer to the Chaplain Handbook. Deputy Grand Knight The Compass. Also used by Columbus, the Mariner. (The Knights of Columbus Compass is known as the Compass of Virtue, its 32 flame-like rays representing the 32 virtues which may be possessed by men.) He is second in command. He assists the Grand Knight with council affairs and fulfills all duties assigned to him by the Grand Knight. Should the Grand Knight be absent from a council meeting, the Deputy Grand Knight will preside. He serves as the general Programs Director. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 9

10 Chancellor The Isabella Cross, with Skull and Crossbones. The cross is self-explanatory while the skull and crossbones are symbolic of man s mortality. The Chancellor has a variety of responsibilities. Primarily, he assists the Grand Knight and the Deputy Grand Knight in the execution of their duties and oversees the council in both their absences. He is charged with strengthening the members' interests in council activities. Recorder Crossed quills. Symbolic of his responsibilities for letter and document (records) writing and preservation. The Recorder is similar to a court reporter or a secretary. He is responsible for maintaining a true record of all actions of the council and its correspondence. Financial Secretary Crossed key and quill. The key has always been associated with an officer concerned with money, safekeeping and secrecy. The quill is the symbol of a scribe a record-keeper one who writes letters, documents, etc. He is appointed by the Supreme Knight (the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Knights of Columbus), upon recommendation of the council. His main area of responsibilities is maintaining all financial and membership records. He collects and receives all moneys from all sources, including annual dues from council members. He also handles supply orders for the council officers and members, filing the Report of Officer, and submitting all membership transactions to the Supreme Council. For more specific duties and responsibilities, refer to the Financial Secretary Handbook. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 10

11 Treasurer Crossed Keys. Symbolic of his complete authority over funds (money), particularly responsible for its safekeeping. The Treasurer is responsible for the safekeeping and maintaining records of all council funds and accounts. He is responsible for depositing money into the council accounts and provides a voucher or certificate of deposit of such monies to the Grand Knight. He is also responsible for payment of all expenses. Lecturer Lyre and Scroll. These are traditionally symbolic of music and literature and the arts. He is appointed by the Grand Knight to provide both educational and entertaining programs to the council. He is responsible for the Good of the Order portion of council meetings. In order to provide members with informative and educational programs, he must be knowledgeable and aware of all council programming. Advocate The Scroll (legal literature and law) with sword (the power to defend and enforce the law). He is the parliamentarian of the council and serves as the council's attorney at trials and investigations of any interest to the council. While he does not need to be a member of the legal profession, he should be familiar with the council by-laws, the Order's Charter, Constitution and Laws, Methods of Conducting a Council Meeting, and Robert's Rules of Order. When a by-law is to be revised, the Advocate serves as chairman of the revision committee. Warden An axe bound with rods, known as a fasces, traditionally carried by the guards or protectors of Roman magistrates as a symbol of authority. The warden, ideally, has and exercises that authority. He is the 'watchdog' for council property and degree paraphernalia, except the property of the Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Recorder. He is also responsible for setting up the council chambers for meetings and ceremonial work. During ceremonial exemplifications, he will appoint and supervise the inside and outside guards. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 11

12 Inside Guard Crossed Axes and Key. Key is symbolic of a guardian, secrecy and responsibility for safekeeping and admission. Axe is indicative of authority even to the point of punishment to maintain it. Originally, the axe was symbolic of power over life and death. The Inside Guard tends to the inner door and checks to make sure that membership cards are current. Outside Guard Crossed Axes and Key. Key is symbolic of a guardian, secrecy and responsibility for safekeeping and admission. Axe is indicative of authority even to the point of punishment to maintain it. Originally, the axe was symbolic of power over life and death. The Outside Guard tends to the outer door admitting visitors and members to the inner door. Trustee An anchor mounted on an axe bound with rods (fasces) over crossed swords. Symbolizes Columbus, authority and the power to defend and enforce the law. The Trustees consists of three members elected by the council and the Grand Knight, who serves as Chairman of the Board. They oversee the work of the Financial Secretary and Treasurer. During council elections, they develop the slate of officer nominations. The Degrees All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles: Charity (FIRST DEGREE) Our Catholic faith teaches us to Love thy neighbor as thyself. Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 12

13 local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day. Unity (SECOND DEGREE) None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that together we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together and we support one another. That doesn t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that as a Knight of Columbus you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in our parish and community. Fraternity (THIRD DEGREE) The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died often prematurely. The Order s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another. Patriotism (FOURTH DEGREE) Members of the Knights of Columbus whether they are Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it is in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 13

14 About Our Council History of Our Formation The idea to form a council at St. Theresa s Catholic Church in Ashburn had been under consideration for some time. The key issue preventing the development of a new council was the concern that the split of Good Samaritan Council #6175 in Sterling, VA (the Council that currently had served St. Theresa s) would adversely affect the ability of Good Samaritan to hold on to the Council Home (The Barn). In 2010 and early 2011 it was determined that the Council home of Good Samaritan Council would need to be sold. At that time preliminary discussions began with the State staff and District Deputy #18, Jay McCarthy, as to the process to form a new Council. Bob Lanier, former Financial Secretary of Good Samaritan, and Steve Rogers, PGK of Good Samaritan and both members of St. Theresa s Parish both began to talk about the possibility of forming a new Council at St. Theresa in Ashburn. In February 2011 Bob Lanier made initial contact with Rev. Richard Guest, the pastor of St. Theresa s, to gauge interest on his part in forming a Knights of Columbus Council at the parish. Fr. Guest was very interested. On March 1, 2011, with the closing of the sale of the Good Samaritan Council #6175 facility, Steve Rogers sent a message to the Good Samaritan list asking members of Good Samaritan Council who were members of St. Theresa s if they were interested in forming a new Council. The response was a little over 30 current members that expressed an interest in doing so. On March 15, 2011, Steve Rogers, Bob Lanier and Jay McCarthy met with Fr. Guest at the parish school to discuss the logistics of forming a new Council at the parish. At that meeting Fr. Guest expressed his strong desire to see a Council formed and suggested that space for Council meetings could be made available in the school cafeteria on Mondays. Fr. Guest also agreed to be the new Council s Chaplain and gave permission for Steve Rogers to do a short pulpit announcement after all Masses on the weekend of April 2nd and 3rd. At the Masses on that weekend Steve Rogers announced the formation of the new Council and solicited transfer members and new members to join as Charter Members. After each Mass members were in the main foyer accepting Form 100s for transfer, reactivation, and new membership. The response was overwhelming. As DD Jay McCarthy later commented that we had people standing 3 deep at times to get signed up and there were men filling out Form 100s on the walls and columns since the table space was all filled. We needed a bigger boat. As a result of this effort and personal contacts and communications, by the end of the weekend there were approximately 100 names, with s, that had expressed interest and /or signed a Form 100. On Monday April 4th at 8PM an organizing meeting was held at the St. Theresa s School cafeteria to inform interested parties and to begin the process of forming the new Council. Over 70 men showed up to that meeting to include 30+ new candidates for entry into the Council. At the meeting, a Council Name was proposed by Fr. Guest and adopted by the assembled men. That name was Blessed Louis Martin, the father of St. Theresa. At the same Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 14

15 meeting the monthly meeting days of the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month was made and the dues for the new Council were set at $50 per year. Before splitting the group so that current members could vote on the applications of the new Candidates, a set of officers was chosen and approved for the new Council. This was done via individuals volunteering and accepted by the assembled men. Paperwork for the appointment of the Financial Secretary was submitted along with the request for a Council number by the District Deputy to the Supreme Council. The Council number was assigned as and Bob Lanier was appointed by Supreme to be the Financial Secretary. On Wednesday April 13th the first set of new Candidates received their 1st Degree into the new Council at Holy Family Council #6831 in Leesburg, VA. At that time 12 new members of the Order from Blessed Louis Martin Council #15256 received the 1st Degree. This was followed by 4 new 1st Degree members on April 19th at Council #7566 in Reston, VA and 19 new 1st Degree members at Good Samaritan Council #6175 on April 28th. In total 35 New Members, 7 Reapplications and 75 Transfers made up the list of Charter Members transmitted to the Supreme Office on May 12, On April 30,, 2011 at the Virginia State Meeting, the State Deputy of Virginia, William McCarthy, announced that the 25000th member in the Virginia State Council came from the April 13th 1st Degree class of Blessed Louis Martin Council. The th member was James P. Beglis and a plaque was presented by the State Deputy to the Grand Knight in commemoration of this milestone. The first meeting of Blessed Louis Martin Council #15256 was held on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 8PM in the St. Theresa School cafeteria. At that time 55 members of the Council plus visiting members were present. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 15

16 Our Officers Position Name Grand Knight Steve Rogers Chaplain Rev. Richard Guest Deputy Grand Knight Doug Anderson Chancellor Cole Slattery Recorder Joe Dame Financial Secretary Bob Lanier Treasurer Biff Schied Lecturer Cary Cusumano Advocate John Reaser Warden Tom Starchville Inside Guards Leo Titus Frank McGrail Outside Guards Don Burnham 3-year Trustee Tom Paolozzi 2-year Trustee Al Graff 1-year Trustee Andy Leanes Fraternal Benefits Field Agent Wayne Winters Council Officer group list: Council group list: Our Service Programs Note that full descriptions of the Service Programs can be found in the Surge with Service document: Position Name Program Director Doug Anderson Church Director Don Lavanty Vocations Chairman Col Slattery Community Director Henry Stammler Pro Life Couple Tony Gizzi Council Director Fred Persing Family Director Nayer Din Youth Director Paul Martin Membership Director Cole Slattery Recruitment Committee John Reaser Ray Cook Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 16

17 What We Expect of New Members BE PROUD TO BE A KNIGHT! Wear your name badge to Mass, parish activities, and Council activities. This gives us a tremendous boost in visibility. We expect only one thing of new members during their first year in the Council obtain the Shining Armor Award. Awarded for service to the Order with distinction during the first year of membership, the Shining Armor Award is given to those men who exemplify what a true Knight of Columbus is. The concept of the Shining Armor Award program is to get new members active in the many facets of the Knights of Columbus as early as possible and assist in maintaining that activity and also honor them as a valued member of your council. To qualify for the Shining Armor Award new Knights must during their first year of membership: Be involved in at least three council service programs Attend at least three council business meetings Receive their Second and Third degrees Meet with their council s insurance representative Recruit at least one new member Qualification cards help new members keep track of their progress toward attaining the Shining Armor Award as their grand knight verifies each completed requirement. Meeting Schedules The monthly Council business meeting is the first Monday of each month at 8:00 pm in the St. Theresa School cafeteria. Business meetings are open only to Brothers in good standing and in possession of a current membership card. Bring your card to the meetings, since they will be checked by the Guards prior to admission. The third Monday of each month is reserved at the discretion of the Grand Knight for an Officer meeting, first degree ceremonies, or social gatherings. Website The council website can be found at ashburn.com/. Council Activities Mass Ushers While not exclusively a Council program, the majority of the ushers are Brothers in the Council. The usher duties include: greeting parishioners, taking up collections, directing Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 17

18 Communion, and passing out bulletins at conclusion of Mass. The typical commitment is 4 weekends, 3 times per year; you are placed on a "Team" that is responsible for a particular weekend Mass for a month and then you have 2 months off, etc. Contact: Michael Purcell, meppti@aol.com or Pancake Breakfast (Second Sunday of Month) Parish Picnic (October) The Council coordinates and volunteers time/effort to the operation of the St. Theresa parish picnic. Soccer Challenge (October) The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is a competition designed for players to demonstrate the most basic soccer skill the penalty kick. Open to all boys and girls in your community, ages 10-14, where each player will be allowed 15 shots at the goal from the penalty line (12 yards from the goal). Winners progress to the district, regional, state and international levels. Keep Christ in Christmas (November/December) At Christmas we honor the birth of Jesus Christ. At times our Savior is forgotten in the commercialization of the season and the rush to get ready for holiday festivities. Each year the Knights of Columbus takes a leading role in reminding society that Christmas is first and foremost a holy day. Our Council sells religious Christmas cards and other products to keep alive the holiday s true meaning. Children s Christmas Party (December) Free Throw Championship (January) Since 1972, councils have sponsored the Knights of Columbus International Free Throw Championship for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14. The championship is set up to have the contestants compete within their own gender and age group. All competition starts at the local level. Winners move on to the district, regional, and state or provincial levels. From there, some make it to the international level for championship competition in their group. KOVAR (March/April) A charitable corporation established by the Virginia Knights of Columbus in 1971, dedicated to assisting Virginians with intellectual disabilities. Local Councils collect donations (and hand out Tootsie Rolls) through the volunteer efforts of the members and families and distributes 100% of funds collected in the form of grants and loans to tax-exempt organizations that serve people with intellectual disabilities in Virginia. Dress Code Business Meetings Normally, Council attire or casual dress is considered appropriate unless otherwise instructed. Don t forget your name badge. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 18

19 Social Meetings Normally, Council attire or casual dress is considered appropriate unless otherwise instructed. Degree Ceremonies Council members attending any degree ceremony should be dressed in Council attire or casual dress. For members being honored by a degree ceremony, always wear a coat and tie. Don t forget your name badge. State Meetings Formal attire (coat / tie / name badge) is appropriate for all State events. Other Gatherings Normally, Council attire is considered appropriate unless otherwise instructed. The Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight or the event coordinator will instruct members of any special dress considerations. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 19

20 Odes and Prayers Opening Ode (to the tune of O Christmas Tree ) Sing ye his praises loud and long, And let the unenlightened know, In every echo of your song, The great deeds done, tho long ago By Columbus of the valiant soul, Who first old Neptune has controlled, Despite of envy, intrigue, gold, In the dim past of long ago. With vessels three o er stormy sea, He thrilled the world of long ago, While wisdom linked with destiny, In justice scales its weight did throw. We are his heirs; we wear his name; We boast his deeds; we spread his fame. Our Order is the shining flame, That lights the gloom of long ago. Closing Ode (to the tune of My Country Tis of Thee ) Now our evening s work is done, Then let us every one, Join in song. Long may our Order stand Foremost in this free land, Ready with heart and hand To right each wrong. We have a mission great, True to our Church and State, Onward we move. We dry the mourner s tear, The tired heart we cheer, Faith in our works appear, upheld by Love. Onward, Christian Soldiers Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the Cross of Jesus, going on before; Christ the Royal Master, leads against the foe, forward into battle, see this banner go. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the Cross of Jesus, going on before; like a mighty army, moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod; we are not divided, all one body we, one in faith and doctrine, one in charity. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the Cross of Jesus, going on before. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 20

21 Prayers of the Holy Rosary Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays and Sundays) The Resurrection; The Ascension; The Descent of the Holy Spirit; The Assumption; The Crowning of Mary Joyful Mysteries (Mondays and Saturdays) The Annunciation; The Visitation; The Nativity; The Presentation; The Finding in the Temple Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays, Fridays and Lenten Sundays) The Agony in the Garden; The Scourging at the Pillar; The Crowning with Thorns; The Carrying of the Cross; The Crucifixion Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays) The Baptism of the Lord; The Wedding Feast at Cana; The Preaching of the Kingdom; The Transfiguration; The Institution of the Eucharist How to Pray the Rosary 1. Make the Sign of the Cross and say the Apostles Creed. 2. Say the Our Father. 3. Say three Hail Marys. 4. Say the Glory Be. 5. Announce the First Mystery; then say the Our Father. 6. Say ten Hail Mary s, while meditating on the Mystery. 7. Say the Glory Be, then say the Fatima Prayer. 8. Announce the Second Mystery; then say the Our Father. Repeat 6 and 7 and continue with Third, Fourth and Fifth Mysteries in the same manner. 9. Say the Hail Holy Queen. 10. Say the Memorare. Apostle s Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Our Father Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 21

22 Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory Be Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Fatima Prayer O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Hail Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. Our Lady Queen of the Knights Prayer Our Lady, Queen of the Knights, bless all activities of our Order. Keep us true to our pledge to extend the Kingship of your Divine Son on earth. Through your intercession, win for us the grace, ever to exemplify in our public and private lives, the virtues which should characterize those specially dedicated to the service of the heavenly court. Make us always aware, that as your Knights, our actions are constantly observed, our faith measured, and our Order judged. Accept, O Mary, this renewed pledge of fealty and devotion from us, your servants, the Knights of Columbus. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 22

23 Prayer for the Canonization of Venerable Servant Father Michael J. McGivney God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father Hail Mary Glory be Please report all favors received: The Father McGivney Guild One Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT USA St. Theresa Parish Prayer Card Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Louis and Zélie Martin Parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Beatified on October 19, 2008 God of eternal love, You give us Blessed Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Therese, as an example of holiness in marriage. They remained faithful to You and Your commandments in all the duties and trials of life. They desired to raise their children to become saints. May their prayers and example help Christian family life to blossom in our world today. If it be Your will, grant us the grace we now ask of You through the intercession of Blessed Louis and Zélie Martin, and let them be counted among the Saints of the Church. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! Blessed Louis and Zélie Martin, pray for us! St. Theresa Catholic Church Ashburn, VA Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 23

24 Blessed Louis Martin Council Prayer Card Blessed Louis Martin ( ) God our Father, You alone are Holy; without You nothing is good. Trusting in the prayers of Blessed Louis Martin, husband and father, we ask You to help us to become the holy people You have called us to be. Never let us be found undeserving of the glory You have prepared for us. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. Knights of Columbus Blessed Louis Martin Council #15256 Ashburn, VA Council Handbook, Fraternal Year Page 24