KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ARCHBISHOP DUKE COUNCIL 6855

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1 In service toone In service to all Inside this issue: Message from DD#23 2 Columbus Charities Asso Days for Life 4 40 Days for Life 5 Family Rosary Night 6 Regional Seminar 7 Food for Life Program 8 Food for Life Program 9 Family-Knight of the Month Bulletin Board 12 Field Agent s Corner 13 Calendar of Activities 14 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ARCHBISHOP DUKE COUNCIL 6855 St. Paul Par ish 8251 St. Albans Road, Richmond BC V6Y2L2 District 23 - BC and Yukon State Dear Brother Knights, Greetings of Peace and Joy! GRAND KNIGHT S MESSAGE Walk with faith in your heart Summer has just ended and we see changes in the weather and colors of leaves. School children are back in school and the daily grind is back. September 2015 Newsletter The council is experiencing the same. It s all systems go after the summer break. Council activities are raring to start anew: pancake breakfast, Sarah - Blood Pressure Check/ Family Rosary Night/Membership Blitz, 39th Anniversary and Awards Night, Seniors Christmas Luncheon, Family Sports Night planning, Food for Family Program, etc. These make the council alive and they give meaning to its very existence. Spirits are high! At the resumption of regular activities, new plans and new programs are also put in place. Brothers are assigned either as head or a member. It doesn't matter what the assignment is. Everything is valuable and significant to the entire work. What is important is the commitment to participate and get involved; To make a difference. Unbeknownst to us, we can make the world a fun place and a better world to live in. CHAPLAIN MONSIGNOR DENNIS LUTERBACH FIELD AGENT JOSE P. CABALU DISTRICT DEPUTYFEDERICO (BING) DE CASTRO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Grand Knight RELY A. DIEGO Deputy Grand Knight FELIX TAN Chancellor JACK COURSOL Financial Secretary ALBERTO NISPEROS Treasurer ASHLEY CARDOZ Lecturer DOMINGO (SUNDY) ARCA Advocate RICARDO ROZARIO Recorder REYNOLD LOBO Warden KEN CHEW Inside Guard 1 CATALINO ORILLANEDA Inside Guard 2 MICHAEL LOH Outside Guard 1 THOMAS HEENEY Outside Guard 2 JOSEPH LO Trustee 3 Year FRANCIS LEE Trustee 2 Year EDGAR URSUA Trustee 1 Year FRANCIS YONG Immediate Past GK LORENZO RANADA WEBSITE That said, things are ready to go! Let me remind everyone nonetheless that there will come unexpected drawbacks; expectations may not be realized, targets may not be met. This may cause someone some disappointment and frustration. But we must remember, there is no perfect world. Unpleasant outcomes happen and these should make us more determined to pursue our objectives. The main ingredient to reach our goal after everything has been done-- according to what we think is necessary-- is our humility to say to God, Please do the rest. we have done our best. PRAYER must take a major part in and of everything that we do. Our dependence on God s blessings is a sign of humility. Only God can and will make things happen. Let s admit it-- God knows best and so we must walk with faith in our hearts, entrusting to God all our plans and intentions, as we continue to give and do our best. We take comfort in the truth that God is always there for us every time (even through darkness) And, if for whatever reason, we have less success in what we planned to achieve, then we leave things as they are to God. There IS a reason for it. AND, with faith, (yes, strong and deep faith) we will always overcome! (PS: Sometimes blessings are not in what God gives but in what He takes away. He knows best. Trust Him.) Vivat Jesus! Rely A. Diego G r an d Knig ht Archbishop Duke Council kofc6855@gmail.com :Phone:

2 Page 2 Archbishop Duke Council 6855 Newsletter Christina, Chris, John, Scott, Lynne and Gerina on Divine Mercy Sunday The first quarter of this fraternal year went by like a lightning. The experience and the knowledge I gained as District Deputy more than compensate for Below: the hardships, I am sure someone and shouted, the different Mine! and issues had a clean confronting swipe at each the ball. The Knights wrapped up the game in tidy and gracious council along the fashion. way. It K-N-I-G-H-T-S, was indeed go a KNIGHTS! pleasure and an honour to be of service to the different councils here in Richmond and Whitehorse. In the performance of my duties, I had several opportunities to communicate, meet with many brother knights. I wish to extend to each and every one of you my sincere thanks and gratitude for the kindness and hospitality accorded to me. I thank everyone for your continued support and help and for the trust and confidence you have entrusted to me. Specifically, in the Knights of Columbus, every start of a fraternal year presents to us many COLUMBUS CHARITIES opportunities to take stock of our advancement, both in the spiritual and material sense, to repair omissions, to correct errors and to plan for a worthy future. That is, to try our very best to achieve the Star Council Award; This is the highest award that each council can attain. It represents a true benchmark of what makes a council outstanding----excellence in membership retention and recruitment, programs and insurance promotion. Attaining a Star Council Award is the greatest legacy that a Grand Knight can give to his council. I am confident that this award can be attained because of the unbelievable dedication, team work of all councils in our District. Let us therefore, STATE COUNCIL WORKSHOP stay the course to implement your plan of action to achieve the goal. Pray! Most of all have fun! One of the most important task facing every brother Knight is to ensure that every one of your councils is open to new members. Our ability to do good in countless communities that we serve is directly related to the growth and vitality of our membership. Inviting men to join our order not only helps each man who joins, it also helps those in need. It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to report to you that during the first quarter of this fraternal year , Our District did very well. The District conducted a total of six (6) first degree exemplifications versus the required two(2) by the Worthy State Deputy during summer months. With regards to membership growth, the District stands now at 38% of our quota which is equivalent to 15 new members versus the quota of 40. This is an excellent performance considering that we are in the summer months. This performance will not be possible without the hardwork, dedication, teamwork and leadership qualities of all Grand Knights in our District. Thank you also to the Executives and members for your support. We have a long ways to go before this fraternal year is over. Remember, when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Strive always to earn the honors your council deserves that is to win. New members love to join a winning team. God Bless to all. Fraternally, Federico (Bing) de Castro District Deputy #23

3 September 2015 Page 3 COLUMBUS CHARITIES ASSOCIATION (CCA) PROVIDING HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS CCA 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesday, September 15, 2O15 At Immaculate Conception Parish in Delta. (AGM picture below) What We Do Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus councils of greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, Columbus Charities Association (CCA) provides affordable seniors housing. We also provide opportunities to make new friends, enjoy additional peace of mind and personal security, increased daily activities, as well as wonderful meals at our full service sites. CCA is a registered charity incorporated on July 29th, 1965 by the councils of the Knights of Columbus of the Lower Mainland. The charity relies on the continuing and generous support of its members and the public. Gifts of any amount are welcome. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations of $10.00 and over. Dedications on behalf of departed family members may be arranged for larger donations. Objective Our goal is to provide conveniently located, affordable, multi-cultural and home-like seniors housing at each of our residences allowing all residents to live with respect and dignity in a supportive setting, regardless of age, race, religion or status. Organization Two Directors of CCA are selected by each council in greater Vancouver and the Lower Fraser Valley to represent them on the board of directors of the CCA. Each year the Directors elect the executive at the Annual General Meeting. Brothers Rod Winning and Jack Coursol were the two appointed Directors to represent Council They attended the September 15, 2015 Annual General Meeting,

4 Page 4 Archbishop Duke Council 6855 Newsletter Dear Brothers, Three pictures of one building tell the story. 1. BEFORE 40 Days for Life 2. AFTER 40 Days for Life 3. TODAY These photos show the former Planned Parenthood abortion center in Bryan/College Station, Texas the site of the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign back in

5 September 2015 Page 5 and now, that building will now include: The new headquarters of the worldwide 40 Days for Life movement A lab and clinic for a local pregnancy center and Medical services provided by two former abortionists who had conversions and have become outspoken pro-life advocates This is the kind of story only God can write... and yet it's not an isolated occurence. This is one of 60 abortion centers that have CLOSED when 40 Days for Life prayer vigils have been held outside their doors. Could your city be next? You can help make that happen by joining the 40 Days for Life campaign that begins tomorrow, September 23, in 307 locations. (You can start when you read this). We just held the dedication ceremony at the new 40 Days for Life headquarters, and I spoke about the impact that local prayers and efforts can have on saving lives and ending abortion in any community. Here's the 6-minute video of my comments. Click the image below to watch or go to: As I share in that video, the solution to the global abortion crisis is LOCAL. That's why 40 Days for Life has seen these results: 650,000 volunteer participants in 579 cities across 30 nations 10,331 lives saved from abortion 118 workers who have had conversions and quit the abortion industry 60 closed abortion centers, including the one pictured above And, starting tomorrow, YOU can help expand these victories by joining the next 40 Days for Life campaign. It s going to be an amazing 40 days! For life, SHAWN CARNEY Campaign Director 40 Days for Life PS: Each of these next 40 days, you ll receive a daily message just like this one. Those updates will include a daily devotional at the end of each report. Prayer Heavenly Father, we have turned our backs on you and your principles in your Word. We have allowed man to usurp Your role as God over life and the number of our days. But we come to you in brokenness and repentance over our sin. We cry out for Your mercy and ask you to remove the scourge of abortion from our land. Use us as your vessels, Lord, to bring the light of Your Truth to our nation once again. Because of Christ we pray, Amen.

6 Page 6 Archbishop Duke Council 6855 Newsletter Praying together as a family or as a community reminds us how precious our family is in our lives, in our memories and in our hearts. We think and pray about and thanking our loving God for all. "The family is where we first learned to love and be loved; where we first learned to trust and believe; where we first learned to hope and care for others; where we first learned to pray and to honor and thank God; where we first learned to share with and respect others. Sept. 15, 2015 at the residence of Bro. Kevin and Bridget Mendonca The family is so precious and valuable because it was imagined by God as the best way to reflect his own heart and love in the community of grace and beauty we call Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There is no relationship more valuable in giving and protecting life, in building a community and society where the relationship of love and kinship are central. The family is our most prized possession and we do well to honor it, cherish it and protect it. God in Christ became man so that man might become godlike The family is the path and the destiny of this Christian vocation. Pray for the family; thank God for the family; love the family; believe in the family; place all your hope in the family. You will not be disappointed." by anonymous contributor. The Family Rosary Night has become a source of deeper faith and spirituality. This activity resumes in September and ends in July. Brother Americo Silva has been deeply committed making sure that there is a family assigned to host each month. For this month, it was at the residence of Brother Kevin and Bridget Mendonca. Aside from council members and their spouses who attend it, many of the widows from the council religiously attend. Brother knights look forward to it every month. It becomes not only an opportunity to pray as a community but it also provides time after the rosary for fostering brotherhood and friendship amongst the members like a one big family. It serves as a catching-up time especially for the widows. Brother Knights and spouses that attended this month were Bro Pol and Jean Garcia, Mike and Doreen Ripplinger, Alberto and Alma Nisperos, Reynold Lobo, Americo and Maria Silva along with our widows, Margaret Vaz, Mary Nezil and Kathleen McDonagh and of course, brother Kevin and Bridget..

7 September 2015 Page 7 Regional Seminar Sponsored by the State The Power of One Our lady of Sorrows Parish Vancouver September 26, 2015 Brothers Francis Yong, Sundy Arca, David Chong with the GK were among the Knights from the different councils who attended the seminar sponsored by the State Council. The seminar centered on recruitment and membership. The main idea was about not having to leave anybody behind in the recruitment for new members. It is imperative to contact if possible, all catholic men in the parish. It was an informative seminar teaching the Knights on the effective way of recruiting possible candidates. The other aspect of the seminar was about the benefits that member knights can get from the fraternal insurance of the Order. Why join the Knights of Columbus?

8 Page 8 Archbishop Duke Council 6855 Newsletter In conjunction with the annual BC Thanksgiving Food Drive A letter was sent out to all Grand Knights, in particular, on July 16, 2015, from Worthy State Community Director for BC and Yukon Brother Frank Visentin. In said letter, councils were encouraged to participate in the annual BC Thanksgiving food drive by coordinating with the local Food Bank and see how the council can take part. Archbishop Duke Council 6855 has in place a committee that handles Food Bank. Under this new Fraternal Year with the new Executive, Brother Greg Bautista, a 3 rd Degree Knight, was appointed as the committee chair. He collects the Food Bank donations from the Parish Church collection box every last Sunday of the Month and delivers it to Richmond Food Bank. With this Food for Life Program (Food for Family), he was instructed to meet with the person-in-charge of the Food Bank and discuss on how Council 6855 can participate. Brother Greg reported to the council that while this is mainly a program led by another church denomination, it didn t stop the council from participating. So, on August 29, 2015, Brother Greg and his wife, Mary Jean and son, Gary went to Richmond Food Bank to help prepare some 20,000 empty bags and leaflets for distribution come Sept. 14, 2015 to Sept. 19, 2015.

9 September 2015 Page 9 The council was given a designated area North East Central section of Richmond. On the evening of Sept. 14, 2015, Brother Greg, wife Mary Jean, his son, Gary, Brothers Francis Yong, Sundy Arca and David Chong started distributing the empty bags with leaflets to the residential houses with-in the assigned area. They continued distributing the following days. Unfortunately, on the morning of Sept. 19, 2015 when they were starting to collect the bags from the houses, it started to rain hard. They had no choice but to continue until they finished collecting all the bags. They delivered the collection to Richmond Food Bank and they completed the job past 12 noon but with joy and excitement in their hearts despite being wet. They collected a total of 706 lbs of food stuff, spent 23 man hours with 6 people. It was a blessing because Brother Greg operates his own (SUV) Taxi and he used it to go around with the Team to collect the filled bags. According to Brother Greg, it was an opportunity to help and they felt happy to have done it.

10 Page 10 Archbishop Duke Council 6855 Newsletter FAMILY OF THE MONTH Bro. Sundy and Sis. Cess Brother Sundy, in a short span of time, earned recognition for being an exemplary member in just one year. He is active in council activities and recruits new members consistently. Within a year as a Knight, he was awarded the Shining Armour Award in June As a couple, Sundy and Cess whenever possible, make time to help in all council activities: during the preparation for the installation of officers, Dinner- Dance events, Parish picnic, Joint Council BBQ, daily rosary nights during the months of May and October, Pancake Breakfast setup and clean-up, distributing and collecting bags for the Food for Families Program, etc. He is currently the council Lecturer and he has plans on how to encourage new members to participate and get involved in the council activities, especially for the new members. He calls it mentoring system and he plans to propose it to the council. Read what brother Sundy says. I am Domingo Arca or Sundy for short. My wife is Concesa (Cess) Castillejos Arca. We migrated from Cabangan, Zambales, Philippines. We have been married for 25 years. Since we became parishioners of St. Paul Parish, we have actively joined bible studies. I became a lector at Sunday masses, joined RCIA, attended spiritual retreats and Life in the Spirit Seminar, joined Marriage Encounter. It is in this church where our spirituality blossomed. However, since we were married outside the Catholic Church way back in the Philippines, we went through a marriage convalidation in the Catholic Church when we migrated to Canada. After having been convinced to join the Knights, I was exemplified for my 1 st Degree on July 28, 2014, 2 nd Degree in November 2014 and 3 rd Degree in January I was very impressed with the exemplifications and the degree team. I attend the meetings regularly and I hope to go for my 4 th Degree.

11 September 2015 Page 11 KNIGHT OF THE MONTH Bro. Kevin Mendonca Brother Kevin did not rise to become the Grand Knight of the council for nothing. His leadership has earned him the respect of the council members. The awards and recognition for the council during his term as Grand Knight speaks well of his leadership and deep commitment to the Order. He was appointed District Deputy for District 23 in After his stint as District Deputy, he didn t slow down. In fact, he has resumed his full speed as an active member of the council supportive to the council and the leadership. Brother Kevin says, I joined the Knights in November 1999, a year after I settled in BC. In May 2000 I did my 2nd and 3rd Degree and soon after, I took on the roles of music man for the 1st Degree Exemplification Team from Brother Alex Bessuille and Treasurer for the Council. I moved up to become the Chancellor, DGK and then Grand Knight from During my term I started the Children's Christmas Party, the Spring Break and Summer Break Soccer and Basketball events for the youth of Richmond, the Month of May and October Devotion to our Lady. This devotion provides the opportunity to the members and parishioners to say the daily Rosary as a community at our Lady's Grotto. It is now on its 3rd year. During my term, our Council won the highest number of awards and trophies at our Annual BC & Yukon Convention After serving as Grand Knight, I was appointed District Deputy for And now, I am focused on assisting my council with the 1st and 2nd Degree Team, Membership, Recruitment and Retention Committee. I enjoy working with my fellow brother knights in my council and our district. My wife Bridget and I have made many new friends through the Knights. The Knights of Columbus has helped me grow deeper in my faith and has made me stronger and determined to defend our Catholic faith. I think every Catholic man should have the opportunity of joining the Knights and grow deeper in their faith and share their talent with the community.

12 Page 12 Archbishop Duke Council 6855 Newsletter Noteworthy October 24, 2015 BULLETIN BOARD Mass: 5PM Cocktails: 6:30PM Dinner and Awards to follow St. Paul Parish Center Ticket - $15.00 for the Un Daily Rosary at 7PM weekdays and after evening Mass weekends at Our Lady s Memorial of the Unborn. (at church foyer if it is raining) - October 1 to 31, 2015 October Membership Blitz first Sunday, October 4, 2015 First Degree Exemplification October 7, 2015 St. Paul Parish Center at 8:15PM Second Degree Exemplification October 16, 2015 St. Paul Parish Center at 8PM Congratulations to a new Lawyer, Brother David Chong!!! PRAY FOR THE SICK AND DISTRESSED May the Lord s healing hands bring our beloved Brother Knights and their family members a speedy recovery, alleviate their suffering, and deliver peace and comfort to their loved ones. We ask in Jesus name. Amen Bro. Charles Sze, Bro. Marcel Schellekens, Bro. Tony Biro, Bro. Pat Rooney, Bro. Cris Asis, Bro. Roger Cabrera, Bro. Rudy Chamberland. Mariana Hauser (wife of Bro. Jakob), Sarah Floro (mother of Sister Mary John Paul) Lyce Rozario (wife of Bro Rick), Lourdes de la Cruz (wife of Bro. Roger), Norman Mendonça (father of FDD PGK PRAY FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED Kevin Mendonça), Henrique Silva (cousin of PGK Americo Silva). May the souls of our faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. Lilia Diego, sister-in-law of Bro. Rely, Enriquita Reyes, Betty Reyes-Magnaye, grandmother and aunt respectively, of Gaizel Aclan, wife of Bro. Randy Aclan, Ofelia Lauro-Diaz, sister-in-law of Bro. Catalino Orillaneda, Annabella Ramos, sister-in-law of WDD Bro. Bing de Castro, Aunt Odette of Worthy FDM Tony Pimentel. Please kofc6855@gmail.com or call GK RELY A for prayer request updates, additions and corrections.

13 September 2015 Page 13 FIELD AGENT S CORNER Jose P. Cabalu, FIC, CHS Field Agent The following is a list of Knights of Columbus fraternal benefits and opportunities that members in good standing and their families enjoy. COLUMBIA MAGAZINE Free subscription to the Order s monthly magazine examining issues of concern to Knights, Catholics and families. KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS ROSARY Blessed by the supreme chaplain, presented during the First Degree exemplification to each new member. DAILY MASS OF REMEMBRANCE AT ST. MARY S CHURCH Mass for deceased members and their wives, and deceased members of the Squires program, at birthplace of the Order. INSURANCE Exclusive access to a portfolio of top-quality life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance and annuity products for members and their families. FAMILY FRATERNAL BENEFIT For eligible families: a) Pays $1,500 for the child who dies before the age of 61 days; b) Pays $750 for the child who is stillborn at least 20 weeks after conception; c) Offers guaranteed-issue insurance up to $5,000 to any child under age 18. ORPHAN BENEFIT $80 monthly allotment for orphans of eligible families; up to $7,000 in college scholarships available. MEMBER/SPOUSE FRATERNAL BENEFIT Accidental death coverage for member and spouse at no cost. WIDOW BENEFITS a) Continues to be covered under the Member/Spouse Fraternal Benefit; b) May purchase life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance or annuities up to one year after insured member s death; c) Receives a free lifetime subscription to Columbia; d) Eligible with her children for scholarships, etc. SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarship programs for higher education available to members, their spouses and children. College funding (tuition) for children of brothers in the military or law enforcement service killed or wounded in the line of duty. etc. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Opportunity to build personal leadership skills, public speaking ability, organization skills, FOURTH DEGREE Eligibility to join the Patriotic Degree. HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP at Age 70 with 25 years of membership. CATHOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE Availability of a variety of literature on Catholic faith and spirituality. MEMBERSHIP CARD Entitles participation in all Catholic, fraternal and social activities in nearly 15,000 councils throughout the world. ACTIVITIES FAMILY/YOUTH/RELIGIOUS/SOCIAL/ATHLETIC Participation in a variety of programs and activities conducted by local councils.

14 ~ October 2015 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Daily Rosary Night 7PM during weekdays and after evening mass weekends in front of Our Lady s Memorial of the Unborn. October Meeting St. Joseph Service 4 th Degree Executive Canadian Blood the Worker 7:30PM 4 Membership Blitz (all masses) 5 No Executive Meeting on this day. It was held earlier Thanksgiving 13 Monthly Family Rosary at Bro. Edgar and Lady Priscilla Ursua s Residence 18 Pancake BF & BPC SARAH 25 Food Bank Submission deadline for Quarterly Volunteer Hours Report th Degree General Meeting at St. Joseph the Worker 7:30PM 16 2nd Degree Exem. 8PM St. Paul Rm Setup for Pancake Breakfast 11AM 19 General Council Meeting Rm 1+2 at 7:30PM Setup for Anniversary-Awards Night 9PM (to be confirmed) Halloween th Anniversary and Awards Night October November 2015 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Parish Pastoral 4 th Degree Executive Council Meeting at 7PM PM 1 2 Executive 7:30P Rm Columbus Charities Ass. 5oth Anniversary 8 9 General 7:30PM Rm Pancake Breakfast Blood Pressure Check-SARAH 10 Monthly Family Rosary at Bro. Reynold and Clera Lobo s Residence at 8PM th Degree General Meeting 7:30PM St. Joseph the Worker Parish Hall 11 Remembrance Day Setup for Pancake Breakfast 11 AM First Degree Exemplification Food Bank 30 Notes: Please to kofc6855@gmail.com any question about the calendar of activities. Printed copies only upon request.