GRAND KNIGHT S MESSAGE

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1 DECEMBER 2013 Greetings Brother Knights: GRAND KNIGHT S MESSAGE The holiday season is an exciting time for the young and special time for the older generation to spend time with family and friends. It is important that we remember to keep Christ in Christmas as much as we can. There are many ways this can be accomplished, such as, sending Christmas cards with a religious theme, attending mass of your choice with the entire family or donating money or time to a charitable organization that specialized in helping the poor or shut-in the community. Can you think of other ways? The council will be holding its annual Breakfast with St. Nick on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Brother Rich Gagnon has volunteered to perform the role of St. Nick on that day, and, he will be performing the role at several organizations around the area. All donations collected from this activity will be donated to Operation HOPE. If you have nothing to do on December 14 th, how about coming to the parish center and support this worthy event. Don t forget to turn in your State Charity tickets to me before January 15, You could be the lucky winner of the $5,000 first place prize. The Knights of Columbus, after Father McGivney s example, has always been attentive to careful fiscal manage. To that end, the Supreme Council Board of Directors has approved a series of 10 Charitable Giving Accountability Standards for its own use as well as for implementation at state and local levels. The Knights of Columbus should adhere to and be measured by these standards in all instance of charitable fund management. The 10 standards are included in this newsletter for your information. Let s not forget the membership campaign motto, ONE NEW MEMBER PER COUNCIL PER MONTH. Reach out to a Catholic gentleman of the parish and give him the opportunity to become a Knight of Columbus. I wish you and your family a happy and Merry Christmas. Thank you for your support in the past and the future. Vivat Jesus! Theron Simpson Jr. Theron Simpson Jr. Grand Knight

2 THE GUARDIAN DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 2 Charitable Giving Accountability Standards To foster public confidence in the Order s charitable programs, promote transparency and accountability, encourage fair and honest solicitation practices at all levels of the organization, maximize the effectiveness of donations and promote ethical conduct, it is important that all Knights of Columbus entities, including related charitable corporations established by state councils, follow best practices when soliciting and receiving money for charitable purposes. As a fraternal benefit society, the Knights of Columbus, including all of its subordinate councils, is exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, council officers should make clear that donations to any council are NOT deductible by the donor on his or her federal income tax return. Donors may only claim a tax deduction for contributions to charitable corporations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The officers and directors of any Knights of Columbus organization that solicits and receives money for charitable purposes should ensure that the organization observes the following best practices, which are based on standards for charitable accountability established by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and the American Institute of Philanthropy: Provide adequate oversight of the organization s operation and staff through regular appraisals, evidence of disbursement controls, establishment of a conflict of interest policy and accounting procedures to safeguard charity finances. Dedicate at least 75 percent of the total amount collected to the cause for which the funds were raised. Spend no more than $25 to raise $100 in public support. Maintain an open book status for disclosure of basic financial information and documents. Financial statements should include a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to the program, fund raising and administrative activities. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Avoid transactions in which any director, officer or staff member has a material conflict of interest with the organization. Material conflict of interest means not only personal financial gain in conflict with the duties owned to the organization by its directors, officers or staff members, but also conflicts arising form a director, officer or staff member s interest in or duty to another organization or person. In general, directors, officers and staff members shall neither seek to profit personally from their affiliations with the organization or favor the interest of themselves, relatives, friends, supporters or other organizations over the interests of the organization, nor will they bring their personal interests into conflict or competition with the interest of the organization. Disclose clearly how the organization benefits from the sale of products or services. Adhere to all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, including reporting of financial information. Respond promptly to an act on complaints brought to the organization s attention about fund raising practices, privacy policy violations, or other issues. Disburse as quickly as possible funds received from annual fund raising programs, and avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. Limit the amount of unrestricted assets available for future use to three times the size of the past year s expenses or three times the size of the current year s budget, whichever is higher, where total funds raised are not needed in a given year. As an example, a state council charitable fund that conducts an annual appeal and does not disburse all the funds raised within a year following the appeal should disburse those unused funds during the next subsequent year. An exception may occur when a multi-year drive is held for a specific cause with an established end date.

3 THE GUARDIAN DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 3 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PRAYER PROGRAM In District 15 from December 1 thru December 20, the icon of the Immaculate Conception will be passed from district council to the next for display and ceremonies. Bishop O Connell Council will receive the icon from Our Lady of Grace on Saturday, December 7th for display on Sunday, December 8th through Saturday, December 14th. At that time, the council will hand it off to All Saints. Watch for more information regarding this program. 4 th DEGREE EXEMPLIFICATION FOR 2014 NEWS TO NOTE The contractual issues associated with the annual 4 th degree exemplification regularly held in Columbia have been resolved. The State Deputy has announced that a 4 th Degree exemplification will be conducted over the weekend of February 14 and 15 and will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in Columbia, SC. For those Knights interested in taking their 4 th degree, please see the Grand Knight for more details. Canonization for Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXII Father Dan Pisano from St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellsburg, WV, will be the Spiritual Director for a 10 day Pilgrimage to Italy from April 23 to May 2, 2014 to attend the canonization of our two beloved Popes: John Paul II and John XXII. The itinerary includes 4 nights in Rome, 1 night in San Giovanni Rotundo, and 2 nights in Assisi. Visits to Monte Sant Angelo, Lanciano, Loreto Cascia and Montecassiono are included. Cost is $2,850 per person. Packages includes round-trip from most east coast and Midwest cities, Superior tourist class hotels, all fees, Escorted guides, and daily breakfast and dinners. For information and brochures, contact John Tagnesi, toll free or jtag1964@verizon.net Saturday, March 1, 2014 SAVE THE DATE You are invited to The First Annual South Caroline Catholic Men s Conference Building Men of Faith on March 1, 2014 at St. Joseph s Church 3600 Devine Street, Columbia, SC. The topics will be timely and to the point for the Husbands, Fathers, Brothers, and Sons of the 21 st Century America. The speakers are: 1. The Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone 13 th Bishop of Charleston 2. Joseph Lombardi grandson of Vince Lombardi 3. Steven Wood founder of the Family Life Center International 4. Father Longenecker Parish priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Greenville, SC The primary goal in the conference is: 1. To impact attendees to be better Catholic men and more active in their faith, families and parishes. 2. Help men establish and nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 3. Invite men to have an inferior conversation. 4. Encourage regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church. 5. Encourage an active prayer life. The conference fee will be approximately $25.00 for Knights and $35.00 for other adults. More information on registration is forthcoming.

4 THE GUARDIAN DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 4 CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER Start of State Charity Drive 2 First Sunday of Advent 2 Council Members Meeting at 7:00 p.m. 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception 14 Breakfast with St. Nick 20 4 th Degree Assembly Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at SPN 25 Christmas 30 Council Officers Meeting at 7:00 p.m. 31 New Year s Eve JANUARY New Year s Day, Feast of Mary, Mother of God 4 Third Degree Pawley s Island, Council Members Meeting at 7:00 p.m. 6 Feast of the Epiphany 11 Right for Life Rally, Columbia 17 4 th Degree Assembly meeting at 7:00 p.m. 25 Mid-Winter Meeting Charity Ball and Drawing Irmo Council rd Degree Exemplification Spartanburg Council Council Officers Meeting at 7:00 p.m. FEBRUARY Council Members Meeting at 7:00 p.m. 12 Lincoln s Birthday 14 Valentine s Day th Fourth Degree Exemplification Columbia Council Assembly Semi-annual Audit Report #1295 Due 15 Washington s Birthday 17 President s Day 21 4 th Degree Assembly meeting at 7:00 p.m. 24 Council Officers Meeting at 7:00 p.m. THANK YOU NOTE Dear Knights of Columbus of St. Philip Neri Church, The members of the Legion of Mary of St. Philip Neri Church thank you, for once again, participating and honoring our Blessed Mother on Sunday, October 6 th, at St. Philip Neri Church procession and services for her. Sincerely, All of us in The Legion of Mary

5 THE GUARDIAN DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 5 PHOTOS OF NOTE Council and Habitat for Humanity of York County partnership to collect donations for the ReStore on November 2, 2013 was a success. Thank you to Brother Denny Rodino for his support and taking donated items, which Habitat would not accept, to the Hospice store in Rock Hill. DONATE NOW TO HELP THE VICTIMS NEWS TO NOTE With Typhoon Haiyan striking the Philippines, Knights and their families throughout the Order are urged to remember in their prayers all the people affected by the massive storm. Contributions will go toward for humanitarian relief in the Philippines and restoration of venerable Catholic sites that were destroyed by the earthquake that also struck that country in October. The Knights of Columbus has a long history of lending a helping hand in times of distress. The Knights of Columbus was one of the first organizations to provide financial support to families of fallen first responders on 9/11. The Knights of Columbus led a multimillion-dollar recovery effort in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Knights were on the ground with supplies in a matter of hours after Superstorm Sandy devastated the Eastern seaboard. And already in 2013, Knights have responded to disasters in West, Texas; Moore, Okla.; and Alberta, Canada. In this year alone, Knights donated $3.3 million and 18.4 million hours of their time toward disaster relief efforts. When Father McGivney founded this organization in 1882, he did so with the intention of helping those most in need, said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. Today we are happy to continue this legacy in numerous ways through our works of charity. But we honor this vision in a special way with our ministry to those affected by disaster. When our neighbors are left with nothing, Knights are among the first to rush in and help them get back on their feet. With Typhoon Haiyan striking the Philippines, the Supreme Council has approved $250,000 for humanitarian relief. Knights and their families throughout the Order are urged to remember in their prayers all the people affected by the massive storm. Your contributions for humanitarian relief in the Philippines can be made here. In the News. *** The Knights of Columbus Disaster Relief Fund is used to support the local work of our Knights of Columbus councils though their disaster response efforts in coordination with emergency agencies and first responders. To donate to the Knights of Columbus Disaster Relief Fund, go to To find out how you can get involved, call (203)

6 THE GUARDIAN DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 6 I have taken the liberty of copying the headline from the Supreme K of C Web Page As the world remembers the assassination of President John F. Kennedy 50 years ago, many reflect on the words from his inaugural speech made less than three years before his tragic death. On the 50th anniversary of that inaugural speech, the Order underwrote the restoration of the lettering at the gravesite of President Kennedy in Arlington Cemetery.Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said that the Knights of Columbus is proud and honored to be able to make this contribution to honoring the memory of President Kennedy. His words inspired an entire generation, not just in America but throughout the world. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Arlington National Cemetery in helping to ensure that those words will continue to inspire all who visit his final resting place. : You can visit the supreme webpage at to read the rest of the story. Click on the word restoration. By the time you read this report, Thanksgiving will have come and gone and we will all prepare for Christmas. The need to feed hungry families is constant, and it is even greater during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. In order to encourage increased council outreach to food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens, the Knights of Columbus offers financial rebates to councils that donate food or money. The Supreme Council will refund $100 for every $500 or 500 pounds of food that a council contributes to a parish food pantry, community food bank, or soup kitchen, up to a maximum refund of $500 per council per fraternal year. Indicated contributions of food and/or money should be cumulative for the fraternal year. In the November issue of Knightline, there is a very nice article about charitable giving. The article starts out with Active Councils are Successful Councils It s a very simple formula: The more active your council is with charitable initiatives in the parish and community, the more people will see and appreciate the good works the Order performs and the easier it will be to recruit qualified Catholic men into your council. It s a circular process that benefits the new member, council, parish and community. The following schedule for next month is for your information:: Sun, Dec 1 Start of Charity Drive Sun, Dec 1 First Sunday of Advent Sat, Dec 7 District Deputies Meeting Dec Westin Hotel Hilton Head Sun, Dec 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Sat, Dec 14 State Soccer Kick off Contest in Irmo SC- Council 6892 Wed, Dec 25 Christmas Tue, Dec 31 New Year's Eve Vivat Jesus Dan Hamilton, District Deputy #15 DISTRICT DEPUTY REPORT DECEMBER 2013

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8 THE GUARDIAN DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 8 UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Council Meeting Monday, December 2, 2013 at 7:00 pm Breakfast with St. Nick Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 8:00 a. m. Council Officers Meeting Monday, December 30, 2013 at 7:00 pm Return State Charity Fund Ticket Purchase Saturday, January 15, 2014 SICK & BEREAVEMENT IMPORTANT DATES AND INFORMATION Please inform one of the Council Officers when Knights and their families are in need of our prayers or help. MOVING? CHANGING PHONE NUMBER OR ADDRESS? If you are changing any of your contact information: address, telephone number, or address, be sure to inform the Financial Secretary, David Kucinski, at (803) or kufarm@aol.com. We do not want to lose track of you! DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 5 Enrico Tonelli 9 Gus Leotta 10 Jon Dwyer 11 Angel Labrador 13 Michael Butala 13 Robert Wilusz 14 Richard Ingram 16 Paul Blackann 20 David Eggert 24 Theodore Mager 24 Paul Turevon 26 Richard Gagnon