Volume 68 No.4 December 2016

Transcription

1 Volume 68 No.4 December 2016 Dear Brother Knights, Columbiettes, and Squires, as I write this article, Corpus Christi Council Number 2502 has already hosted the Catholic War Veterans Post 1949 Annual Brunch and is getting ready to host our Annual Memorial Mass to honor those council members that have recently passed away. Preparation for these events has reminded me of the death of my godfather, Luis Ubiles, who died on January 3, He was a proud United States Marine who was injured by a grenade during the Korean War. Later on during his life, Tio (uncle) Luis designed, obtained political support, and funded the building of a War Memorial Monument in his hometown of Luquillo, Puerto Rico. He did this to honor all of the local veterans of American wars. The day after his death I was able to fly to Puerto Rico to attend his wake and to mourn together with his family. A couple of days afterwards I was visiting some cousins in the southeastern city of Humacao. They taught me that every year the whole island celebrates the Christmas season from December 25 till the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. This date commemorates when Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings) followed the Bethlehem star in order to adore Jesus at his birth. That afternoon I experienced what is called a parranda or a trulla navidena (traditional Christmas music festival). This was something that I had only previously heard about from my parents. A group of townspeople came to the front of my cousin s house and started singing jibaro (hillbilly) music while playing with traditional instruments such as maracas and a cuatro (a ten string guitar). The music was comprised of cultural and religious songs that is usually heard only during the Christmas season. After a while, the group asked us to give them something to drink and encouraged us to join them in singing as they went from house to house of this mountainous village. My cousin and I joined them and at the end of the evening, this ever growing musical congregation ended up at a previously designated house where the owners gladly fed all of us with the traditional food of pasteles (green banana pastry filled with meat or fish), pernil (roasted pork), and rice. Many people stayed throughout the night as folk songs were sung and played. The sense of community that resulted that day was very encouraging to me as all of us were united in celebrating Christmas in our own traditional way. On Thursday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m., before our Business Meeting, the Columbiettes will assist us in gift wrapping presents for our Annual Children s Christmas Party which will be held upstairs on Sunday, December 11th. Contact our Worthy Chancellor James Tracy to lend your assistance. On Sunday, December 11th, it is Our Annual Children s Christmas Party starting at 1pm and continuing until 4pm. Entertainment, light snacks and a special visitor from the North Pole. I invite all Brother Knights to attend our Social Meeting on Thursday, December 15th at 8:30 p.m. as Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth will be our guest speaker. Continued on page 4

2 Page 2 CLARION December 2016 NFRANKP@aol.com The Clarion is published upon request, or visit our web site at Corpus Christi Council #2502, Knights of Columbus, and PO Box 243, Mineola NY Fraternal Chairman (To be notified in case of sickness, death or need) Tony Donnelly (516) NYS 17th District SK Thomas J. Liddy, DD Corpus Christi Council Officers Chaplain Msgr. Robert J. Batule Grand Knight SK, Peter Zayas Deputy Grand Knight John Mallon, PGK Chancellor James Tracy Warden SK, Kevin Keenan Financial Secretary SK, Nick Pennacchio, PGK, FDD, PFN Treasurer SK, Jim Corrigan, PGK Recorder Mike Beatty Outside Guard Brian O Donnell Inside Guard Frank McGuinness Advocate SK, Tom Kelly, PGK Lecturer Ed Pappalardo Trustee 1 YR John Macejka, PGK Trustee 2 YR Danny Lynch, PGK Trustee 3 YR SK, Paul Kelly, PGK Directors/Chairmen Council Director SK, Peter Zayas, GK Program Director John Mallon, DGK Church Directors - Tony Donnelly (CC), Dan Lynch, PGK (St.A) Community Directors -- Ed Pappalardo (WP, EW), Ken Lyons, PGK (M) Public Relations Chairmen SK Tom Kelly, PGK Pro-Life Chairman - Tony Donnelly Vocations Chairman SK Jim Corrigan, PGK Parade Chairman James Tracy Insurance Agent -- Will Havron Membership Chairman Recruitment Chairman & Admissions Chairman James Tracy Retention Chairman SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK, FDD, PFN, FS Eagle Scout Chairman SK Marcel Chaillol, PGK Chairman SK Tom Kelly, PGK Delegates to Nassau Chapter SK Peter Zayas GK SK Paul Kelly, PGK, SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK Delegates to Nassau Conference SK Peter Zayas, GK, SK, Paul Kelly, PGK SK, Steve Driscoll, PGK, Alt. to GK SK Mike Murtha, PGK, DD, Alt. to PGK Financial Secretary SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK, FDD, PFN, FS 241 Columbus Pkwy, Mineola (516) Grand Knight SK Peter (917) iplaychess@optonline.net Insurance Agent Will Havron, CLTC, (516) KofCWillHavron@gmail.com President of the Columbiettes Margaret (516) Margaret.Lund90@hotmail.com Squires Circle Chief Squire Nicholas (516) WILMIN CORPORATION: Bob Morrison, President, Charles Ribando, VP Denis O Sullivan, Secretary, SK Sam Donato, PGK, Treas. Dan Lynch, PGK, (medical leave) Bill Gyves, SK Tom Kelly, PGK, John Macejka. PGK, SK Jim Corrigan, PGK John O Shea, President Emeritus 2502 ASSOCIATION Danny Donovan, President; Nick Passarella II, VP Jude Ohrtman, Secretary, Bob Redmond, Treas., Danny McWeeney, Bill Kessler, Billy Wisniewski Joe Conlon, (PP), Dave Redmond, Andy Bernstein Ken Lyons, PGK, John Mucella, STEWARD - Tom Doherty Fax # (516) Council Telephone (516) The Clarion For information on ads contact Bill Gyves, Business Manager at (516) Editor Ken Lyons (516) Deadline for submissions 15 th of the month The human soul is like a whiteboard. You never know how dirty it can get (living in this world) until someone's love makes a clean spot. Anyone

3 December Calendar 2016 Thursday, Dec. 01 Business Meeting 8:30 pm Thursday Night Football Friday, Dec. 02 Outside Rental Saturday, Dec. 03 St. Francis Xavier Outside Rental Sunday, Dec. 04 Outside Rental Football Sunday Tuesday, Dec. 06 Light up for Christ 8pm St. Nicholas Wednesday, Dec. 07 Pearl Harbor 75 th Anniv. Wilmin Meeting Thursday, Dec.08 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Officers Meeting 8pm Thursday Night Football Friday, Dec.09 Outside Rental Saturday, Dec Outside Rental Sunday, Dec.11 Children s Christmas Party 1-4pm Football Sunday Monday, Dec.12 Columbiettes Meeting 8pm Poinsettia Day Wednesday, Dec.14 Roast Chestnuts Day Thursday, Dec.15 Social Meeting 8:30pm Friday, Dec.16 Nassau Chapter Meeting 8pm Outside Rental Saturday, Dec.17 Member s Christmas Party 6-11pm Line Dance Tuesday, Dec.20 St. Thomas the Apostle CWV Meeting 8:30 pm Wednesday, Dec.21 Squires Meeting 7:45pm Winter Solstice begins Thursday, Dec. 22 Thursday Night Football Saturday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Sunday, Dec. 25 Merry Christmas Council Closed Monday, Dec. 26 St. Stephen Saturday, Dec. 31 NYE Party in Lounge Bar Team Schedule December Monday, Dec McWeeney s Court Monday, Dec Jude s Teachers Monday, Dec Nick s Team Best Monday, Dec. 26 Kelly s Heroes

4 Page 4 CLARION December 2016 power of the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary Continued from page 1 conceived and gave birth to Emmanuel, that is, God with Brother Mike Curly is chairing our Annual Members us. As the Sacred Scriptures tell us further, Our Savior Christmas Party on Saturday, December 17. will free us from our sins. He will redeem and reconcile us once again with God. Contact him to make reservations and to assist him Annually, Christians commemorate the Messiah s so that this will be a successful event. birth at Christmas. Those of ardent faith kneel before the Remember to put out your Keep Christ in crèche in silent adoration. Those whose faith is tepid Christmas signs and say Merry Christmas to all. observe this festival too. They come yearning, some of I would like to encourage everyone to attend the them desperately, for a word of hope or consolation. New Year s Eve Party that is being run by our Worthy Advocate and PGK Tom Kelly. For the cost of $40 for adults and free for children, This great festival even draws the curious and the skeptical. They re interested in knowing what all the fuss is about. all of our friends and family can safely and locally At Christmas, the grandeur of God is not found in ring in the upcoming year together with plenty of a sunset, a mountaintop view or in a rainbow. The grandeur of God is available to us today in a Person. But good food, an open bar, and a champagne toast at the Babe of Bethlehem is not just any person. He is the midnight. one of whom the prophet Isaiah writes: For a child is Yes, Corpus Christi Council will be hosting our born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulders Second Annual Golden Gloves boxing tournament dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, on Friday, February 17, Tickets will cost God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. (Is 9:5) He $30.00 per person so reserve early. Our council will need plenty of Brother Knights to volunteer in the many aspects of this event and also to seek out is the one of whom the Church professes: Son of God, Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, Master and Teacher. Today, a Divine Presence has touched down in community vendors as sponsors for this function. our midst. Contact Golden Gloves Chairman and PGK Mike The gorgeous sunset lasts but a few minutes before it disappears. We cannot remain on the Murtha to purchase tickets, to assist, and for further mountaintop but a few minutes before the severe cold information. forces us off. The rainbow vanishes from the sky just as This, the spirit of Christmas that forever and ever quickly as it formed there. We might say the same of endures. May it leave its richest blessing in the persons: here today and gone tomorrow. They are born hearts of you and yours. and then they die. Not so with the Person of Christ! To all my Brothers, Columbiettes and Squires I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and warm wishes for a healthy, safe and By virtue of what Christ did at the Last Supper, the grandeur of God can never be momentary, fleeting or temporary. By offering Himself Body and Blood, Soul prosperous and Divinity, under the appearance of bread and wine, Vivat Jesus Our Lord assured us that we would never be without His Presence. In the Holy Eucharist, there is the enduring SK Peter Zayas, GK and ineluctably Real Presence of Jesus. Because of this Great Mystery, the world is not sometimes charged with Chaplain s Christmas Message: the grandeur of God, but always charged with the Gerard Manley Hopkins, the great grandeur of God. nineteenth century English priest and poet, once wrote: Too often, we fail to appreciate what Christ has The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It bequeathed to us in the Blessed Sacrament. We either surely is. Evidence of this abounds: a beautiful sunset, a stay away entirely from the Eucharist out of laziness or breathtaking mountain view and a spectacular rainbow. indifference or we attend the Divine Liturgy lacking any Yet at no other time than now is Hopkins fervor and zeal. Perhaps we need to re-capture the observation more appropriate. In Bethlehem of Judea, wonder and awe of those first shepherds who came to more than two thousand years ago, the cry of a Child Bethlehem to gaze upon the Divine Presence. As would pierce the stillness of the night air. This cry, which Bethlehem means house of bread, it makes perfect did not sound differently than the cry of any other newly sense for us now to renew our commitment to the Holy born infant, would mark the arrival of the King of Kings, Eucharist. the Lord of Lords. His swaddling clothes would shield The grandeur of the Eucharist does not derive Him against the shivering cold, we are told. Unlike other from what the human eye perceives without faith. If so, kings, however, this One would not be born in a the shepherds would never have been inspired to set splendiferous palace, but in a musty, foul-smelling their eyes on the Tiny Person in the manger. With faith stable. though, we do perceive a grandeur a grandeur which As grand as God s creation of the world of nature is caught in illumination and insight. is, it pales in significance to what God has accomplished Continued on page 5 in the Incarnation, the Word become flesh. Through the

5 Page 5 CLARION December 2016 new cars, TVs, clothes and going out to eat and Continued from page 4 now they had nothing left to give to someone else. Brilliant spiritual illumination and keen spiritual insight What has happened to the times when even a make it possible for us to bear up against the greatest small gift was greatly appreciated because you human adversity death and triumph. In this, we knew the person had sacrificed so much to buy it or follow a path marked out for us by Our Savior whose make it? Resurrection from the dead was prophetically What happened to the times when our parents foreshadowed even in His birth. By the Incarnation, God has inserted Himself into worked so hard in order to be able to buy their human history in a way which we cannot overlook with children that special gift? a Body, a Tiny One in Bethlehem but a Body When did it become acceptable to call on your nonetheless. On Calvary, Christ would surrender this expensive cell phone from your favorite restaurant Body much bigger now of course than at birth in a to let others know that you can t buy them a gift this supreme act of love. Grandeur then is not so much in year because you cannot afford it? what we keep or preserve but in what we let go of in Have I been mistaken all this time in my love. In the Holy Eucharist, we learn over and over to understanding of gift giving? divest ourselves or empty ourselves so that we might be It was then my 12 years Catholic education kicked built up anew in Christ. In the Holy Eucharist, we give up in with a passage from the Old Testament. For all claims to what the world views as grand and take upon ourselves what in Christ s view is grand. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Batule have eternal life. I realize it wasn t wrong to love, Council Chaplain to sacrifice, to want to give gifts to the people I like and love. Imagine God in heaven using all His resources for Himself. I am truly thankful I didn t receive any messages from God saying, Sorry I couldn t afford to give you any gifts this year. Once again, I see it is all in the way you look at things. If you are feeling that you can t afford Christmas gifts this year you may want to do some soul searching about the true meaning of Christmas. This Christmas buy your gifts with your heart not your wallet. Remember the true meaning of Christmas is not shared by how much you spend on gifts but by the heart which you give. The Right Corner: When you re struggling to decide on a gift, consider the true meaning of Christmas. Genuine giving is not about how much you spend but how you love. Thanksgiving is over and soon it will be Christmas, my favorite time of the year. But my heart is heavy in spite of the weather and the feeling of Christmas that it should invoke. The Christmas spirit that I had felt all year long seemed to have been drained out of me with a couple of simple phone calls, each from a family member saying they didn t want to exchange gifts this year because they couldn t afford them. As I turned from the window, my eyes fell on the little tree standing in the corner. Its lights twinkled ever so brightly, casting a warm glow over the small pile of gaily wrapped gifts lying under it. A smile touched my lips as I thought of each person that the gifts were for. In my mind I could see the joy and excitement on their faces as they tore open the gifts and saw what was in them. Oh, I knew there were those out there who would always tell me I should think of myself more and do more for myself, but I just shook my head in pity for them. They had no idea what they were missing out on with that attitude. It was that very same attitude that had caused the heaviness on my heart right now. The phone calls I have received came from people who had spent all year spending money on the things they wanted: Food Drive 2016: I am happy to announce that this year s donations for our food drive was over $300; the goal of the Knights of Columbus is to continue to make difference in helping the less fortunate in our community. With the help of donations from supporters we were able to continue to see improvements in the battle against poverty. Your monetary gifts provide the Corpus Christi Parish Outreach with the ability to maintain a consistent amount of nutritious food from season to season, by helping to maximize their long-term relationships with grocery vendors and wholesalers to purchase the staple foods they need. Continued on page 6

6 Page 6 CLARION December 2016 Continued from page 5 First and foremost, we praise God and lift up with deep gratitude all who gave so much to the cause of fighting hunger in our community. Hot and cold buffet, dessert, coffee and a champagne toast at midnight. RSVP Tom Kelly kellyofmineola@earthlink.net The greatest benefit of all, I hope, is the feeling you know that you personally helped one child get the food they need to survive and the opportunity to overcome their desperate situation. Ken Lyons, Food Drive Chairman. Memorial Mass: On Thursday, November 17 th I attended the Annual Memorial Mass held in our council and celebrated by our Chaplain Msgr. Batule. Although there were over thirty Brother Knights, Columbiettes and widows of past knights who died previously there were not any family members of the knights who passed away in 2015/16 fraternal years. It is a sad commentary for brother knights who were always so kind and helpful. Whose faith, hope, and love showed in everything they did. Many of them showed us how to live in both good times and during struggles. A year has come full circle, but our tears have never gone away. We will never forget them for in our memories they will forever stay. Children s Christmas Party: Our Annual Children s Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Please leave a message with gender, name and age of children 1 to 10 years of age and newborns at the Council (516) Jim at james.tracy.kofc@gmail.com Member s Christmas Party: Come share the joys of the Christmas season with us and spread cheer! The Annual Members Christmas Party will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2016 in the Columbian Lounge. Come down and share the camaraderie with Brother Knights, Columbiettes and friends. The party starts at 6:00 pm and cost of the party is $25 per person for food, beer, wine and soda. Mixed drinks will be offered at Council prices. For additional information please contact Mike Curley at (516) New Year s Eve Party: The New Year s Eve Party will be from 8pm to 1am. The cost for adults (children are free) is $40 per person. This includes party favors, hats, open bar, Resolution -- Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council #2502: This publication shall serve as notice to all members of the Council that the below proposed resolutions will be presented for consideration at the meeting scheduled for January 5, Any objection to or question with regard to the same shall be heard at that meeting. Resolution: WHEREAS, Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council #2502 has regularly scheduled Business Meetings occurring on the first and third Thursday of each month commencing at 8:30pm; and WHEREAS, the Council is considering moving the starting time of the Business Meeting from 8:30pm to 8:00pm in an effort to be more accommodating to the schedules of the Council members. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Business Meeting have a start time at 8pm on it s regularly scheduled date(s); Dated this 7th day of November, 2016 Faithfully submitted James Tracy, Chancellor Congratulations are in order: Jude and Kathy Ohrtman celebrated their 30 th wedding anniversary last month. Congratulations to Scott and Linda Fairgrieve on their 40 th wedding anniversary. Congratulations to Frank and Carol Beyrodt on their 50 th wedding anniversary. Congratulations to Brother Knights Bobby Shannon and Matthew Kelly who made their Third Degrees. Fraternal Corner: Please keep in your prayers the following brother knights and their families. PGK Tom Kelly, Vilma Doherty, Tommy Hayden, Rich Lindeman, PGK Danny Lynch, Chris Lynch, PGK Marcel Chaillol, Helen Melvin, John O Shea, John Spellman, PGK John and Hilda Macejka, Paul Libassi, PGK Richie Ryan, Donna Andanuy, PGK Jim Corrigan, Danny Donovan, Joe Conlon, PGK Carl Marchese, Maryann Ribando, Lou Pagano, John Colbert and the souls in Purgatory, all our Christian brothers in the Middle East and an end to abortions. Let us also pray for a safe return of all our soldiers in harm s way and for all our first responders Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT s.

7 Page 7 CLARION December 2016 that the sacrifices that you have made for our country, for people like me, were never in vain. Know that I hold you in the highest regards for your service and sacrifices. I am the grandson of two veterans, one who served in World War II, and one who served in Korea. My WWII veteran grandfather still recalls his time in The Pacific. I know that if not for them, and you, I would not have the freedoms that you have fought so hard for. Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. I want you to know with the acceptance of this scholarship, I am not taking it for my own selfish gain. I promise to use my education for the betterment of our country and our faith. Thank you, and good day. Daniel Albano CWV Post 1949: The CWV Veterans Brunch was held on Sunday, November 13, at 1 PM. Chef Peter Augello s food display can only be the creation of a great chef, as every dish was incredible! Here you see that dedication matters: quality food, ingredients [and nothing brings out the flavor better than a praiseworthy presentation]! Msgr. Batule gave the opening prayer and Post Commander Bill Kessler led the guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Denis O Sullivan invited the Albano and the Peppard families up to the podium. He then presented the CWV (Greg Peppard) Scholarshiip Award to Daniel Albano a freshman at Manhattan College. Mary Peppard and her sons Greg, John and her daughter-in-law Kathy joined Denis in presenting Daniel with a check from the post and a matching check from the Peppard family. Commander Kessler thanked Timmy Clarkin for setting up and cleaning up the hall, he also thanked Bernadette Ferguson for running a 50/50 raffle and PGK Ken Lyons for collecting at the door. The 50/50 was won by the Mr. Albino who graciously donated the winnings back to the CWV. Let s Meet Daniel Albano Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I gratefully accept this scholarship from the Catholic War Veterans of Post I will use these funds to further my education. I am a graduate of Chaminade High School, an institution well known for its rigorous academic program and its Catholic message and agenda. My four years there deepened my faith and gave me a great education. My Catholic faith helps and guides me in my life. The motto of Chaminade is Fortes in Unitates which means Strength in Unity. My good friends that I hold and cherish clearly all hail from the halls of Chaminade. I now continue my education at Manhattan College, a Catholic college, which, despite the name, is located in the Bronx. Manhattan is known for its core values, faith and helping the poor, set by its founder Brother DeLaSalle. I know that when you were my age, you faced challenges much greater than college. You were likely bound for The Pacific, Europe, Korea, Vietnam or more recently, The Middle East. Although I may not have walked the roads you have, and I pray that I may never have to, know Squires News On November 18th the Squires visited the Merchant Marine Academy and spent time visiting the museum there. The Squires Investiture was held at the St Paul the Apostle Church on the 18 th of November. At the time of the investiture it was my understanding that James Tremblay and Andrew Klaus would be attending and Andrew Corsello will obtain his designation at another time. We arrived at 7 pm with the ceremony beginning at 7:30 sharp. The Squires were appropriately dressed and food was provided after the Investiture is completed. All Squires and Knights were invited to attend the Investiture. Community Service Opportunities: Decorating the K of C hall took place on Saturday, November 27 th. Our Squires arrived at 11am and assisted other members with the decoration of the Council Hall by putting up lights, Nativity scene, Christmas trees, etc. On December 1st we will come down the Council at 7 pm to assist with the wrapping of gifts for the children s Christmas Party. Fund Raising. The Squires are a self - financed organization and it is important to raise funds for activities/participation etc. There is consideration of selling Easter flowers as an alternative to other fund raising events. We have some time to plan and coordinate this event. If you have any experience or contacts to assist with this endeavor, please let me know as it a new idea requiring action in the near future. We meet monthly at Corpus Christi Council #2502 hall at 186 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola. Nick Librandi, Chief Squire

8 Page 8 CLARION December 2016 Golden Gloves News: Mark this date, on your calendars on Friday, February 17, 2017, Corpus Christi Council # 2502 will host a preliminary round of the Daily News Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament. Please come to our meetings on the first and third Thursday of the month to get updates and to find out how you can help make this a successful event for our council. There is plenty of work left to do. For additional information if you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact me at our meetings or call my cell phone number, Mike Murtha Mtm12533@aol.com Supreme News: The Face of Mercy, a new Knights of Columbus documentary that uses personal accounts to highlight the impact of God s mercy on people s lives. Throughout the 20th century, the Catholic understanding of Divine Mercy became increasingly important. Both St. John Paul II and Pope Francis, who declared this Year of Mercy, made it a central theme of their papacies, said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. This extraordinary film highlights the sort of transformations that are possible in individual lives that embrace the way of mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation. The Face of Mercy draws connections between the history of Divine Mercy and this year s Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. It also shows mercy s role in the transformation of the lives of ordinary people. The documentary explores how Pope St. John Paul II inherited and shared the message of Divine Mercy revealed to a Polish nun, Sister Faustina Kowalska, in the first half of the 20th century. While still an archbishop in Poland, John Paul worked to gain the Church s approval of the message revealed to Sister Faustina. Her message was embraced, and the pope who had worked so hard to spread her message declared her a saint in These two Polish saints Faustina and John Paul II together propelled the image of Divine Mercy and insight into the concept onto the world stage. That work continues as Pope Francis continues to promote Divine Mercy during the Jubilee Year of Mercy now underway in the Catholic Church. The project weaves theology and history with modern testimonials to reveal what constitutes the face of mercy in people s lives and how it is the antidote to evil even in the most difficult times. The individuals featured include Immaculée Ilibagiza, who found freedom in forgiveness after seeing her family wiped out by genocide in Rwanda; a former-nfl linebacker who walked away from his sports career to share Christ s mercy with the homeless; a baseball player who traded major league ambitions for a priestly vocation; a priest with a drug-dealing past; and a young widow who chose to forgive her husband s killer. All witness to mercy in incredible ways in their own lives. These moving testimonies remind us that Divine Mercy is not just a devotion or theological concept it is alive, it is present, and it is a force that can transform the world, said Anderson. More information about the film, including broadcast times and the DVD release, is available at faceofmercyfilm.com New York State News: For many in society Christmas has become for many - especially children - a secular holiday. To combat this, the Knights of Columbus has introduced the Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest. This program - similar to the Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest - will allow young people to engage their creative talents and imaginations while understanding the true, spiritual meaning of Christmas. Entries in the Knights of Columbus Keep Christ in Christmas Poster contest must include a slogan reflecting the topic and an original visual image. The Knights of Columbus Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest is open to all young people between the ages of 5 and 14. Contest entrants compete in one of three age groups ages 5 through 7, ages 8 through 10, and 11 through 14. Some schools may have different age brackets for their elementary and middle schools. In these cases it may be appropriate to group students by grade rather than age. Sponsoring councils should use their own judgment in deciding how to group participants. (Each local, district, regional or state competition may have up to 6 winning entries first, and second place winners in each age group.) Council officials should order the program kit (#CPC-Kit) by calling or visiting kofc.org/forms, promote the contest and contact schools to participate. Fourth Degree News: The Fourth Degree Christmas Party will be held at Barry Council on Sunday, 12/11/16 cost is $15.

9 Page 9 CLARION December 2016 Pro-Life News: Christmas is also for the Unborn: Behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people A Savior has been born for you (Luke 1:10-11). Christ the Savior becomes man precisely for all who share human nature. He excludes nobody. The good news of Christmas is for all people of all times and places. In fact, so universal is the good news of Christmas that even nature shares in it: Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall ministry of the sacraments and preaching of the Gospel (Deus Caritas Est, no. 22). Our Christmas cannot be complete until we join in the great effort to end the oppression of the unborn once and for all, and let them hear that for them, too, a Savior has been born. Never tire of firmly speaking out in defense of life from its conception and do not be deterred from the commitment to defend the dignity of every human person with courageous determination. Christ is with you: be not afraid! Pope John Paul II browse together, with a little child to guide them (Isaiah 11:6). All of this leads to an inescapable conclusion: Christmas is also for the unborn. The Savior has come also for the children yet living in their mothers wombs. The Gospel message is addressed also to our youngest brothers and sisters. In fact, we can say it is addressed especially to them, because they are the most helpless. That good news was announced first precisely to the lowly, not to the great and powerful. He consistently sought out those who were on the outskirts of society. His Church does the same today, taking a preferential option for the poor. The poor are not simply those deprived of material goods. This preferential option for the poor and vulnerable includes all who are marginalized in our nation and beyond unborn children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and terminally ill, and victims of injustice and oppression. To welcome the Savior means to welcome the obligations which His mission places on us. He is, in the words of the Prophets, one who will establish justice on the earth. In Biblical terms, this indicates He will intervene for the helpless, bringing deliverance to those held in bondage. That s all of us, of course, subject to the bondage of sin and death, unable to save ourselves. But it s especially in a mother s womb, subject to the additional bondage of a Court decision that said, The word person does not include the unborn (Roe vs. Wade, 1973). In the beautiful Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, we Father Michael McGivney: What I ve always loved most about Father McGivney is that he was an ordinary parish priest for 13 years who, without fanfare, devoted all his energies to the spiritual and material care of those entrusted to him by God. As far as we know, he had no great miracles associated with his prayer. He wasn t a flashy preacher. He was not known for any particular theological brilliance. He simply did his job with great love for God and others, regularly opting for the toughest assignments, like visiting death-row inmates. In fulfilling his duties with humble fidelity, however, he ended up affecting the lives not only of his parishioners, but of men and women of all walks of life right down to our day. As the light from the dying embers casts its last glow upon the Christ child in the crèche, members of the Knights of Columbus begin a humble request. We hope that the church leaders will fill our little stocking with the announcement of Fr. Michael J. McGivney, canonization. Only three people born in the United States have ever been made saints in the Roman Catholic Church. Two, Saints Elizabeth Seton and Katharine Drexel, founded religious orders dedicated to educating the poor. They were canonized in 1975 and 2000, respectively. The third, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, was canonized in 2012, becoming the only Native American saint. Were Father McGivney to be elevated to sainthood, he would become the first American-born man ever canonized. sing these words. Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love, and His Gospel is Peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His Name all oppression shall cease. Pope Benedict XVI taught that love for widows and orphans, prisoners, and the sick and needy of every kind, is as essential to [the Church] as the Nassau Conference News: Worthy Brother Knights and Nassau If your council has sold some of the conference fund raising calendars, please bring them to this meeting. Continued on page 10

10 Page 10 CLARION December 2016 Continued from page 9 If you have not yet purchased your winning calendar, they will be available for sale at the meetings at just $20 each. They make great stocking stuffer gifts! Ed Willie, National Conference Secretary Nassau Chapter News: The Chapter Officers are pleased to announce that our December meeting at St. Mary s/maris Stella Council on Friday, December 16, will be an open meeting/christmas Party. Wives, girlfriends and children are welcome to attend. The 2017 Charity Ball will be held on Sunday March 26th from Noon 5pm at The Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Tickets are $80 per person and include a full cocktail hour, dinner with a choice of 10 entrees, dessert, and coffee and cordials. Come join us for this Gala event (Black Tie Optional) and help us honor our Knight of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, and of course present a donation to our charity, The Morgan Center. Michael Galgano, President Membership Report: The biggest thing in social media that many councils need is a way to translate Facebook fans and Twitter followers into active, dues-paying members. It's 2016, and hopefully, many councils already have a presence on at least one social media site. But, councils may have a hard time justifying putting the time and effort into social media because the return on investment isn't always easy to see and to measure. Although you're not going to turn everyone on social media into a dues-paying member, you're also not going to increase your council s membership by always asking them to become a member. People will get bored if all you do is ask, then no one has any reason to tell you, "Yes." You haven't given those reasons, and people aren't going to search for it on their own. Which is why you give them reasons to join by getting them to your website or to an in-person event. You do this through calls-to-action, where you tell your future members exactly what you want them to do. This means that you can't just say you have an event next week and you hope they come. You need to tell people why they should come and how to attend. You need to tell people how they will benefit by attending. These reasons give them reason to attend your event, and reason to become a member. Someone who follows you on Facebook, but isn't (and has no intention of becoming) a dues-paying member, isn't a follower you ought to ignore. Members can be very helpful to increasing your council membership by doing some word-of-mouth marketing for you. Your outspoken brother knights should be willing to sing the praises of your council, encouraging others to join while becoming great referral sources in the process. Social media is the new "word-of-mouth." Since many people respect the opinions of their friends and family, and many of those opinions reside on social media, you want to make sure that everyone has a positive opinion of your association. Too many organizations make a mistake! They simply post the link to the event, blog post, web page etc., let the window come up with the page title and photo, and that's it. No explanation as to what the link is about, why it's interesting, or why it's being posted. Not only are links less engaging than photo or video posts, but simply posting a link isn't social media marketing or social media engagement. Without any introduction as to what someone may learn, why the link is cool, or any context at all, then you're not developing any conversation around the content or on social media. It's just spamming. Insurance News: Protecting Widows A Founding Goal As a member of this council, you know how important spouses can be to the charitable works of the Order. If you re married, your wife is probably involved in a few of the many events that happen each fraternal year. This support adds great value and impact to what a council can achieve. When the Order was founded in 1882, Father Michael J. McGivney and the other brave men were setting out to protect Catholic families, but especially wives and children. Today, we remain committed to this mission by offering insurance products and fraternal benefits designed with that goal in mind. One specific policy rider that you may not know about is called Spousal Waiver of Premium. This rider is unique to the Knights of Columbus philosophy of helping our widows. This rider is available on most permanent and Discoverer plans purchased at standard rates by a member and his wife on the same day. When both spouses apply, the rider provides for waiver of premiums on the spouse s contract in the event of the insured s death. Continued on page 11

11 Page 11 CLARION December 2016 Continued from page 10 Pope St. John Paul II was a powerful exponent of Best of all, for members and spouses ages 18 to 60, this personal vocation, and the idea is central to much waiver can be added for no charge. The rider stays in of his writing. His landmark document on the role of effect until the spouse attains age 65 or certain other the laity, Christifideles Laici, declares the triggering events occur. discernment and acceptance of one's personal Our products are designed with your needs and budget in mind. With a solid portfolio of life insurance, long-term vocation the "fundamental objective" of the care, disability income and retirement products, the formation of lay people. And it adds this: Knights of Columbus can help you meet all of your "From eternity God has thought of us and has loved financial goals. Call me to learn more about these us as individuals. Every one of us he called by solutions to protect your family. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU! name...however, only in the unfolding of the history of our lives and its events is the eternal plan December 25th marks an important day in our lives. I of God revealed to each of us...day by day" wish the Corpus Christi, Msgr. Seidenschwang, St. (Christifideles Laici, 58). Joseph-Bishop Baldwin, and Twelve Apostles Council s So by all means let's keep praying for more families the gift of love, the gift of peace and the gift of vocations to priesthood, consecrated life, and lay happiness. May all of these and more be yours at Christmas. ministry. But, please, could we also pray that more May your family's year ahead be rich with God's people discern, accept, and start living out their blessings. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New personal vocations? Simple as it sounds, that Year! would be a big step toward a general upturn in VJ Will Havron, CLTC vocations Knights of Columbus Fraternal Benefits Representative KofCWillHavron@gmail.com Vocations: In the prayer of the faithful said at Mass in my parish day after day we regularly ask God for "an increase of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life." Sometimes "lay ministry" gets added to the list. When we pray for these things, I'm happy to join in the response--"lord, hear our prayer"--because I share the hope that they increase. At the same, though, I feel a twinge of regret. Not for what the prayer says, mind you, but for what it leaves out. If you think that's odd, consider a fundamental fact: everybody has a vocation. This is his or her particular role in God's plan, that life of "good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2/11). Thus it seems to me that before praying for vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and lay ministry, it would make sense to pray that everyone discern his or her particular calling from God, accept it, and start living it out. But wouldn't that mean shortchanging vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and lay ministry? Not really. For if more people started thinking and praying about their own vocations, some may discover that their vocations include a calling to one of those three. In other words, a win-win situation. Seminarian News: Today too, men studying for the priesthood face skepticism that their ministry is no longer needed in a new age marked by technical mastery of the world and globalization. For many, the Catholic priesthood is not a 'job' for the future, but one that belongs more to the past. But that is not true, today they have accomplish a good thing in entering seminary. Because people will always have need of God They will always need the God who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ, the God who gathers us together in the universal Church in order to learn with Him and through Him life s true meaning and in order to uphold and apply the standards of true humanity. The priest must first and foremost be a man of God, who is willing to grow in self-knowledge and humility through prayer. Pope Benedict XLI encouraged seminarians to cultivate an inner closeness with Jesus through the sacraments, especially the sacrament of Penance. This sacrament is vitally important to the spiritual formation of priests, by letting myself be forgiven, they learn to forgive others. In recognizing their own weakness, they will grow more tolerant and understanding of the failings of my neighbor. Seminarians need to foster the right balance of heart and mind, reason and feeling, body and soul, and to be humanly integrated. Continued on page 12

12 Page 12 CLARION December 2016 Continued from page 11 Lord Jesus, as You once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your sweet invitation continue to resound: Come follow Me! Traditional Catholic Celebration of Christmas in India One of the best, ever green memories about growing up in India, a multicultural and multi religious country with just 2.3 percent of Christians among 1.3 billion population, that I always cherish is the memories of the Christmas celebrations with traditional pomp and joy. We all eagerly waited for the arrival of December and for the season of Christmas every year. As my Christmas memories now run upstream to fifteen to twenty years back, I remember that the Christmas preparations and the festivity started immediately in the first week of advent itself with the parish priest, parish choir and youth groups visiting the houses and families, praying, singing Christmas Carrols with music and dancing. Meanwhile, with the arrival of December, the Catholic households got their homes cleaned and whitewashed and womenfolk started preparations with preparing the traditional Christmas eatables, pastries and cakes needed for the entire family, guests and visitors and the neighbors! In India, Christmas has been the greatest family festival and a time for family reunions; people staying outside in different places returned to their homes and families to celebrate Christmas with their near and dear ones. During Christmas, the families turned extraordinarily generous in sharing gifts and buying new clothes for family members and relatives. No one celebrated Christmas without the family or outside the family. It was less commercial and more of human relational celebration. As the Christmas drew near, the religious preparations and the church services played important role; going for confessions was obligatory and the parents always checked on the children with this regard. Majority of parish children, youth and adults took part in the preparations for Christmas Masses, choir, decorations, crib making, planting of the Christmas tree with colorful lights. On every Sunday during Advent, at the parish level, many competitions like Carrols singing, creative cribs in the houses, best Christmas tree and star competitions, were organized for individuals, families and different groups. Catholic families also decorated and illumined their houses and put up the cribs or mangers with nativity scenes in their houses as an important part of the Christmas celebrations. Christmas eve was the most exciting and colorful moments of Christmas celebrations; all around glittering decorations, flickering of colorful lights and twinkling stars made the Christmas eve as though the heaven descended on earth. The solemn midnight Mass, with carol singing was the central event awaited by all. The families attended the midnight Mass and after the Mass, people got involved in lot of fun and celebrations, dancing with Santa Clause with music. The parish also arranged socializing events of sharing Christmas cake with a cup of tea or coffee, while people wish everybody Merry Christmas. And the night celebration ended not before 2 a.m. On Christmas day, as it has been a public holiday in India, in the morning all Catholics attended the festive Mass with family members, and after the Mass all exchanged the Christmas greetings and wishes with each other and returned home for the family celebrations. Back at home, the families offered to all the neighbors and friends Christmas cake, pastries and sweets, without any distinction if they were Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Jains or Buddhists. And the festive dinner at noon with traditional spicy dishes and delicacies is that all looked forwards to savor. It is truly a big event, with all the family members, neighbors and friends, all at table ate festive meal with great joy, after which, in some families all danced together and others played some party games or tricky games. In the evening, all again went to the church premises for the Christmas tree function, during which the prizes for the competitions held are given away. After the function in the church, the faithful went house to house to view the cribs/mangers put up in the families and greet each other. And this ambience of festivity continued till the New year day, on which the families visited each other and exchanged new year greetings as well as blessed each other, wishing each other a prosperous and joyful new year. Rev. Dr Richard Britto St Aidan s Church Rev. Britto is a visiting priest from India, temporarily assigned to the Church of Saint Aidan Editor s Note #1: Volunteers will be needed to distribute Poinsettia s to the widows of our members. For additional information please contact Jim Corrigan at the council at Christmas is the spirit of giving, without a thought of getting.

13 Page 13 CLARION December 2016 Christmas Day Sunday, December 25 th, :30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, 12 Noon, & 1:30 pm No Evening Masses on Christmas Keep Christ in Christmas Signs and Car Magnets: Let s face it. We live in a world that commercializes almost everything, especially Christmas. We all know that the true meaning of Christmas is Christ, so we want to help all Christians to Keep Christ in Christmas! Our mission is to advocate for the religious origins and symbolism of the Christmas season across all Christian denominations. Also to further evangelize silently and verbally through those symbols. If you need a lawn sign contact the Grand Knight at the Council. If you need a car magnet the Catholic Daughters are selling them after all the Masses at Corpus Christi Church. Corpus Christi Church Christmas Mass and Confessions Schedule: Confessions: Friday, December 23 rd 7 pm 8 pm. Saturday, December 24th 11 am 12 pm Christmas Vigil Masses: Christmas Eve (December 24th) Masses 4pm Children s Liturgy 5:30 pm (English) 8 pm (Spanish) 12 o clock Midnight (English) Christmas Day (December 25 th ) Masses 7 am (English) 8:30 am (Portuguese) 10 am 11:30am (English) No Evening Mass on Christmas Night Saint Aidan s Church Christmas Mass and Confessions Schedule: Confessions Saturdays 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm and 4 pm 5 pm Thursday, December 22 nd, pm 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm 8:30 pm Friday, December 23 rd, pm 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm 8:30 pm Saturday, December 24 th, pm 6 pm Christmas Vigil Masses Saturday, December 24 th, pm Church 4:15 pm Msgr. Kirwin Hall 4:15 pm Gym 5:30 pm Church 8 pm Church 12 Midnight Solemn Mass with Choir The Meaning of the Candy Cane: Many years ago a candy maker wanted to make a candy that would symbolize the true meaning of Christmas Jesus. The hard candy was shaped like a J to represent that Jesus is the rock of all ages. The candy was made of white to stand for the pureness of Jesus. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from our sins. So the next time you see a candy cane take a minute to remember the real meaning of Christmas. A different Christmas Story. There is a story told of a mother putting away the nativity set after Christmas when she noticed the Baby Jesus was missing. She asked her four-yearold if he knew where Jesus was. He replied, 'Yes, but He doesn't want me to tell anybody.' 'Why not?' she asked. 'Because He doesn't want you to put Him away with the decorations,' he said. Wisdom from the lips of a child! Editor s Note #2: If you enjoyed the meaning of the candy cane and have some extra cash on hand ($0.49) please take time to send a Christmas card to someone whose sacrifice is greater than most of us know. When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following. A Recovering American Soldier C/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, D.C Editor s Note #3 Tuesday, December 6 th, is Light Up For Christ. At 8pm all councils in Nassau and Suffolk light up their Council Christmas Trees. We do not have Mariah Carey singing her hit, 'All I Want for Christmas' or Rod Stewart crooning 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'. The lighting of the Christmas tree won t be broadcast by NBC S Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie. Please take time from your arduous schedules and come down and join our Grand Knight light up the council tree. Have a Blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

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