Knights of Columbus. St John the Apostle Council P.O. Box 6793 Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Transcription

1

2 Knights of Columbus St John the Apostle Council P.O. Box 6793 Virginia Beach, VA Dear First Degree Knight, Welcome to St. John the Apostle Council I congratulate you on taking the first step to full knighthood in our order and encourage you to continue your journey through the Second and Third degrees. Information on those events is available from our Worthy Chancellor Ted Quinter and he will be glad to answer any questions you may have and assist you in your goal of Knighthood. Our council meetings are held on the Second Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:30 p.m. at St. John the Apostle School Cafeteria, with the rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m. As a First Degree Knight, you have become part of a fraternal brotherhood that dates back well over a hundred years. As you have learned, the order was founded by Father Michael McGivney to support the collective well-being of Catholic men and Catholic families, and is now 1.8 million men strong. The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. Like the rest of us, you probably lead a very busy life as you fulfill your professional and family obligations. It may be difficult to envision fitting even one more activity into your schedule. At Council 13467, we focus on making a positive difference through carefully selected actions. We don't place undue demands upon our busy men. Rather, we practice the policy, "If many of us do a little, together we accomplish our objectives." We are truly blessed to have many Knights working for many worthy causes within the parish and community and I understand all Knights cannot make it to all the monthly meetings. Our website, is a quick and convenient tool to stay up to date on planned events, become more familiar with the Knights of Columbus, as well as the purchase of council shirts and other articles. I am certain you will enjoy spending time in the congenial company of other Catholic men, engaged in actions and programs that will help you practice your religion, strengthen your family, support your Parish and assist your community. The time will be well spent and will enrich and add balance to your life. Once again, congratulations on your achievement of First Degree and I look forward to meeting you and also to attending your Second Degree. Fraternally yours, Steve Randolph Grand Knight

3 St. John the Apostle Council Membership Handbook Welcome! On behalf of the Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Chancellor, Financial Secretary, and all of the officers of St. John the Apostle Council 13467, welcome and we want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking what we feel will be one of the most important and adventurous steps of your life, becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus. Welcome to our Council of Saint John the Apostle! Helpful Information This Members Handbook has been created to assist you, the new member, in coming to an understanding of who we are, what we do, and more importantly how you can become an active and viable member of the largest Catholic Men's Organization in the world, the Knights of Columbus. When you took your First Degree, you were given the lessons and the requirements of what it would take to advance to full Knighthood in the Knights of Columbus. The following websites will be helpful to keep you updated on activities of the Knights and our Parish: - Knights of Columbus Council Web-Site: - St. John the Apostle Catholic Community: - Fraternal Benefits: In addition to the information provided herein, we have provided below a link to the booklet Surge... with Service in PDF format. This Surge... with Service program manual is a publication from the Supreme Council that contains a wealth of information about council activities, structures, committees, and chairmanships. This booklet is part of a packet of programming material sent to the Financial Secretary (FS) at the beginning of each Fraternal Year which starts 1 July. We would encourage you to take the opportunity to become familiar with the contents of the Surge... with Service booklet. Surge with Service link; 1

4 An Index of this Handbook About the Knights of Columbus Our Principles and Knights of Columbus Structure The Fraternal or Columbian Year About Our Council Council Officers and Their Duties and Responsibilities The Degrees of the Knights of Columbus What is Expected of you as a Council Member of St. John the Apostle Meeting Schedules and Council Web Site Council Activities Dress Code and Procedure for Entering Late or Leaving Early Service Programs Organizational Chart Songs and Prayers Parish Ministries Check-off List Fraternal Benefits About the Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus is an order of Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, respect for life and defense of the priesthood and religious freedom. On Oct. 2, 1881, a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary's Church on Hill House Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith. These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, They were Knights of Columbus. The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. Father McGivney's founding vision for the Order also included a benefits program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Order's benefits program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights' growing membership. Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The Order provides the highest quality insurance, annuity and long-term care products to its members, along with many other fraternal benefits. The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities. The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. 2

5 Our Principles All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles: Charity (FIRST DEGREE) Our Catholic faith teaches us to Love thy neighbor as thyself. Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day. Unity (SECOND DEGREE) No one of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that together we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together we support one another. That doesn t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that as a Knight of Columbus you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in our parish and community. Fraternity (THIRD DEGREE) The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died often prematurely. The Order s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who annually give more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled, members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another. Patriotism (FOURTH DEGREE) Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens. The Structure of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Office The Knights of Columbus international headquarters is located in New Haven, Connecticut. Led by the Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, the chief executive officer of the Knights of Columbus, the office provides administrative support and leadership for our more than 14,000 local units. Jurisdictions The Supreme Council has more than 75 state council organizations to help guide regional activities that are consistent with the principles of the Order. Districts Each state council is divided into districts - groupings of several local councils. There are 30 Districts in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 3

6 Local Councils Local councils are the basic unit of the Knights of Columbus. Most are based in parishes, though some have their own council hall within a community. Each local council works to assist with the needs of its community consistent with the principles of the Order. There are 140 local Councils in Virginia. Note: Our Council is one of four Councils in District Three of Virginia Insurance Agents Every council is assigned a certified and licensed insurance agent, who is a Knight, and whose job it is to provide members of the Knights of Columbus with top-rated products focused on the financial needs of members' families. Our Council s Field Agent (FA) is Sir Knight Bob Abbate The Fraternal or Columbian Year There are many calendar formats in the world. The one most familiar to us is the Gregorian calendar which begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. After that, for those of us in government and the business world, we are familiar with the term Fiscal Year. Fiscal Years can be many things to many people. Some governmental organizations operate on a Fiscal Year that starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th. Other Fiscal Years begin October 1st and end September 30th. The Knights of Columbus has what we refer to as a Fraternal Year, sometimes referred to as the Columbian Year. It runs from July 1st through June 30th. Council activities and reports, in addition to the election of officers, are based on the Fraternal Year. About our Council St. John the Apostle Council #13467 was chartered February 24, 2004 adopting the name from our host parish, Saint John the Apostle. Our primary emphasis is service to our parish community as one of many parish ministries. We have over 250 members, as of July 2013, all working for the betterment of our Church, Council, Community, Family, and Youth. Since its creation, St. John the Apostle Council has continued to grow and flourish and we look forward to your participation in the council. Council Officers: Their Duties and Responsibilities The fifteen offices of the Council are shown below with photos of the incumbents and descriptions of their duties and responsibilities. These officers serve a term of one fraternal year from July to June. Elections for officers are held each fraternal year in May or June. Members must have completed the Third Degree to be eligible to hold office. It is important for you, the members of our Council, to understand the duties and responsibilities of the various offices within the council. One day, you may very well ascend to one or more of these positions, and knowledge about them is mandatory. 4

7 Steve Randolph The Grand Knight is in charge and responsible for the operation, welfare and accomplishments of the council. He presides over council meetings, acts as an ex-officio member of all committees, appoints a membership and programming director, convenes officers for a monthly meeting, and ensures all necessary reports are submitted to the state and Supreme Council. He should also be aware of the council's financial status and ensure that his signature appears on all checks drawn. The following men have served in the past in the position of Grand Knight of our Council. As a consequence they enjoy the honor of the title Past Grand Knight. Charter Grand Knight PGK Dave Smith PGK Dennis Atkins PGK Mel Pritchard PGK Manny Ramos PGK Vince Kapral PGK Tony Reade PGK Brett Bell PGK Jim Henry PGK Joe Connelly Rev. Fr. Rob Cole The Chaplain is the spiritual advisor of the council. He is expected to make a report at council meetings on religious matters. The Grand Knight appoints a priest in accordance with any rules established by the bishop of the diocese to serve as council chaplain. Bishop DiLorenzo has approved the appointment of our pastor Father Cole for this Fraternal Year. 5

8 Mike Lemoine The Deputy Grand Knight is second in command. He assists the Grand Knight with council affairs and fulfills all duties assigned to him by the Grand Knight. Should the Grand Knight be absent from a council meeting, the Deputy Grand Knight will preside. He serves as the general Programs Director of St. John the Apostle Council and is the chairman of the council's Retention Committee. Ted Quinter The Chancellor has a variety of responsibilities. Primarily, he assists the Grand Knight and the Deputy Grand Knight in the execution of their duties and oversees the council in both their absences. He is charged with strengthening the members' interests in council activities. The Chancellor is chairman of the Admission Committee. 6

9 Kevin Cassidy The Recorder is similar to a court reporter or a secretary. He is responsible for maintaining a true record of all actions of the council and its correspondence. A Recorder's Minute Book (#1403) is available from the Knights of Columbus Supply Department for keeping a record of council meetings.. Brian Avery The Financial Secretary is appointed by the Supreme Knight (the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Knights of Columbus), upon recommendation of the council. His main area of responsibilities is maintaining all financial and membership records. He collects and receives all moneys from all sources, including annual dues from council members. He also handles supply orders for the council officers and members, filing the Report of Officer (#185), and submitting all membership transactions to the Supreme Council. 7

10 Jim Novelli The Treasurer is responsible for the safekeeping and maintaining of records of all council funds and accounts. He is responsible for depositing money into the council accounts and provides a voucher or certificate of deposit of such monies to the Grand Knight. He is also responsible for payment of all expenses. Arthur Sanchez The Lecturer is appointed by the Grand Knight to provide both educational and entertaining programs to the council. He is responsible for the 'Good of the Order' portion of council meetings. In order to provide members with informative and educational programs, he must be knowledgeable and aware of all council programming. 8

11 Ed Bosko The Advocate is the parliamentarian of the council and serves as the council's attorney at trials and investigations of any interest to the council. While he does not need to be a member of the legal profession, he should be familiar with the council by-laws, the Order's Charter, Constitution and Laws (#30), Methods of Conducting a Council Meeting (#1937), and Robert's Rules of Order. When a by-law is to be revised, the Advocate serves as chairman of the revision committee. John Kummers The Warden is the 'watchdog' for council property and degree paraphernalia, except the property of the Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Recorder. He is also responsible for setting up the council chambers for meetings and ceremonial work. During ceremonial exemplifications, he will appoint and supervise the inside and outside guards. 9

12 The Guards have similar responsibilities, but distinct differences. The Outside Guard tends to the outer door admitting visitors and members to the inner door. Once at the inner door, the Inside Guard checks to make sure that their membership cards are current A.J. Sanders Inside Guard Ed Hamilton Outside Guard Joe Connelly 3-Year Trustee Jim Henry 2-Year Trustee Brett Bell 1-Year Trustee The Board of Trustees consists of three members elected by the council and the Grand Knight, who serves as Chairman of the Board. They oversee the work of the Financial Secretary and Treasurer, and with the Deputy Grand Knight serve on the council's Retention Committee. During council elections, only the three-year trustee is voted on, with the others moving on to lved. become You will two-year be glad and you one-year did. trustees, respectively. 10

13 The Degrees of the Order There are four degrees in the Knights of Columbus; each is associated a Principle of the Order. At the Council Level: First Degree Charity Second Degree Unity Third Degree Fraternity Every applicant must take the First, or Membership, Degree before he can be considered a Member of the Knights of Columbus. Once he has taken his First Degree, he becomes a member in good standing of the Order. To reach full Knighthood, members must also take the Second and Third Degrees, and all members are strongly encouraged to do so at their first opportunity. At the Council Level, First, Second, Third, and Fourth degree members meet on at least a monthly basis. Members must have attained the Third degree to be elected to Council offices or to enter into the Fourth Degree. At the Assembly Level: Fourth Degree Patriotism The Fourth Degree is separate from the first three degrees. Once a man has been a member of the Knights of Columbus and has completed his Third Degree, he is eligible to join a Fourth Degree Assembly. The Fourth Degree has its own organizational and dues structure separate from that of the Council. Fourth Degree Assemblies gain their membership from Third Degree members of several Councils within a larger geographic area. The most visible members of the Order are often the Fourth Degree Color Corps, with their colorful capes, chapeaux and swords. Our Council is affiliated with Father Habets Assembly 1505 to which all of our Fourth Degree members belong. For a Knight to be both a member of the Council and the 4 th Degree Assembly, they must keep their dues current in both organizations. Failure to do so will result in a change in status from a Member in Good Standing to possibly suspension and termination of membership within the Order. Within the structures of a Council and an Assembly, there are similar duties but different officer titles. We present the following comparison for your edification: Comparison of Officer Ranks of Councils and Assemblies. Council Worthy Grand Knight Worthy Chaplain Worthy Deputy Grand Knight Worthy Warden Worthy Recorder Worthy Financial Secretary 11 Assembly Faithful Navigator Faithful Friar Faithful Captain Faithful Pilot Faithful Scribe Faithful Comptroller

14 Worthy Treasurer Faithful Purser Worthy Inside Guard Faithful Inner Sentinel Worthy Outside Guard Faithful Outer Sentinel Worthy Trustees (3) Faithful Trustees (3) (There are no equivalent offices in the Fourth Degree for Advocate, Chancellor, or Lecturer.) What is expected of you as a member of St. John the Apostle Council What you get out of membership in our council depends entirely on what you put into it. You will certainly know more about the council and what activities might interest you, or benefit from contributing your time and talents, by attending the monthly business meetings. Attendance at business meetings also gives you an opportunity to interact with the officers and the other members to become better acquainted both with them and the Council s service programs. There are only five firm requirements as explained to you by the Grand Knight at your first degree: 1. Pay your dues on time 2. Attend at least three business meetings each year 3. Support the annual KOVAR drive in April with at least two hours of your time 4. Wear your nametag to Mass and other church functions 5. Volunteer to participate in at least one activity per year. Meeting Schedules The Council Business Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Members are expected to attend and participate as much as possible. The meetings are held in the Cafeteria of St John the Apostle School and start with the Rosary at 7:00 PM. The Business meeting will begin at 7:30 PM and will be immediately followed by some time for refreshments and social/fraternal fellowship. A second monthly meeting is held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. It is usually a Spiritual or Social meeting but occasionally will be a Degree Ceremony. The Council Officers meet on the first Thursday of the month prior to the Business meeting in the school library. First and Second Degree Ceremonies, when held at St. John the Apostle, generally take the place of the Social Meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Third and Fourth Degree ceremonies, regardless of location, are always on a Saturday. Web Site We urge you to consult our web site for news calendars and information relating to the Council. If you are in charge of an event, please submit a brief write-up describing the activity for posting on the web site. Information, pictures and content must be approved by the Deputy Grand Knight prior to being added to the website. 12

15 Council Activities The activities listed below are only a sample of what our council is involved in around the parish and community. We invite your suggestions and encourage your ideas as to other activities that will continue to help us in our mission of service to the membership, our families, and the community at large. You are also referred back to the information contained in the Surge... with Service for many programs within the Order. ( KOVAR KOVAR is a Virginia Knights of Columbus charity established in 1971 to provide financial assistance through grants and home loans to tax exempt organizations providing training and assistance to intellectually disabled citizens in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For example, KOVAR is a Platinum Sponsor of the Virginia Special Olympics, donating over $50,000 a year. The annual KOVAR fund-raising drive is conducted in the spring (mid-april) each year. The drive starts on a Thursday and runs through the weekend with Brothers manning locations in the nearby shopping centers. You have probably seen your brother Knights, in their bright yellow vests during the Tootsie Roll Fund Drive collecting donations. We have a great time every year with this event and it is for such a worthy cause. For more information on KOVAR visit their website at CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish) CRHP (pronounced "chirp") is a spiritual renewal process coordinated for and by lay members of St. John the Apostle parish. Parishioners spend a renewal weekend engaged in reflection, enlightenment, and communal prayer. Renewal weekends are held in the spring and fall, with separate weekends for the women and men of our parish. Join us for fun activities, good food, worship, and a chance to make new friends within our parish. Our council has experienced a tremendous relationship with CRHP. Brother Knights have enjoyed their own renewal experience and the council has gained many new members through CRHP. BASKETBALL FREE THROW CONTEST The Basketball Free Throw Contest is an annual Knights of Columbus event that is open to all boys and girls from the ages of 10 years through 15 years of age. Participants can advance from local council through District to State competition and even to national level competitions. There is no cost to the participants. Our Free-Throw contest is run by the Knights and usually scheduled in January in the school gymnasium. PARISH BREAKFAST Our biggest fund raiser is the Parish Breakfast. The third Sunday of each month our council takes over the kitchen of St. John the Apostle School and cooks a delicious breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, biscuits and gravy for the parishioners. This is our opportunity to share fellowship as we provide a service to our fellow parishioners. As an added benefit the money we raise goes toward the many charitable works of our order. So that we may have a successful event, each Knight is asked to consider attending the breakfast with us each month and bring your family and friends. 13

16 You are also invited to come out and lend a helping hand with the breakfast. What better way to introduce the Catholic men of the parish to our order. For those who wish to help work the event, doors open at 6:30am. Breakfast is served from 8:30-12:30 and usually coincides with the ending of the Masses. LENTEN FISH FRY Each Friday during Lent, our Fourth Degree Assembly, Father. Nicholas J. Habets Assembly #1505 hosts a fish fry. Our Council assists the Assembly on one Friday during the Lenten season by taking orders, serving the dinners and bussing tables while our Ladies provide and serve the desserts. SPECIAL OLYMPICS Each year in the fall our Council assists with serving dinner one night during the Fall Special Olympic Games in Virginia Beach. This is usually at the end of October or beginning of November. Details for supporting this event will be announced through our business meetings and by . Members also participate in the annual Polar Plunge in February to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS During the Christmas season, our council participates in the Order s Keep Christ in Christmas program being one of the only organizations from whom you can purchase Christmas cards that express the REAL reason for the season. Council members are asked to participate both by purchasing Christmas cards and by assisting during the scheduled periods in the selling of the cards between the Masses. VOCATIONS The Knights of Columbus are in the forefront for promoting vocations. Our council supports a local seminarian and all are encouraged to attend ordinations. Each Knight should be prepared to contribute to this endeavor with their prayers and finances so that we will have an adequate supply of priests and religious as our elderly priests and religious approach retirement. RESPECT LIFE Every life is sacred, from the moment of conception till natural death. As Knights of Columbus, we are called to defend the dignity of each human being at every stage and work together in building a culture of life and a civilization of love. In the continual battle for the rights of unborn children and the elderly, our Knights, their families, and all pro-life supporters need to change hearts as they strive to change laws. They must witness to the injustice of abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide, as they assist pregnant women in need, tend to vulnerable handicapped persons and care for the elderly. Of all the efforts, movements, talent, and treasure that the Knights of Columbus can muster, none has more importance than to defeat the horrors and the consequences of the misnamed and misdirected Pro-Choice movement. Our council strongly supports St. John the Apostle Parish s annual trip to Washington D.C. for the Right to Life March held in January each year. We dedicate the Rosary before our business meetings to our 14

17 Pro-Life mission and members and their families participate in 40-Days for Life prayer vigils at local abortion clinics. PARISH MINISTRIES Many members are active in one or more of the 73 ministries in 11 groups available in the parish. All are encouraged to join their number. Remember always to wear your council name badge when participating in any of these ministries. A listing of the service areas in the parish and the ministries within them is included at the end of this section. It is intended to both familiarize you with what is available and assist you in choosing which area(s) of stewardship in which you will choose to participate. You can fill out the form and drop it at the welcome desk in the commons and someone will contact you. Dress Code BUSINESS MEETINGS Normally, Council attire (polo or long sleeve shirt) is considered appropriate unless otherwise instructed. Don t forget your name tag and rosary. SOCIAL MEETINGS Normally, Council attire or casual dress is considered appropriate unless otherwise instructed. DEGREE CEREMONIES Council members attending any degree ceremony should be dressed in a business suit or sport coat and tie. Naturally, the Knights blazer is always appropriate. For members being honored by a degree ceremony, always wear a coat and tie. Don t forget your name tag. STATE MEETINGS Formal attire (coat / tie / nametag / rosary) is appropriate for all State events. OTHER GATHERINGS Normally, Council attire is considered appropriate unless otherwise instructed. The Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight or the event coordinator will instruct members of any special dress considerations. Procedures for Entering Meetings Late/Leaving Early Do not feel embarrassed to enter a Council meeting once it has started. Don t skip one simply because you are running late. On these occasions, quietly enter the room, show your membership card to the Inside Guard, then quietly walk to the center of the room, salute the Grand Knight, then turn and salute the Deputy Grand Knight, then take any available seat. Use the same procedure if you must leave the room for any reason during a meeting. 15

18 IN SUMMARY So, what about you? If you have made it this far in the Handbook for new members, you have a pretty wide array of choices to make as far as being an active participant in the Knights of Columbus and our St. John the Apostle Council in particular. Remember that you must go to the event. No events are going to come to you, or wait for you to make up your mind. If there is an activity you think we should be involved in, bring it to the attention of the Program Director or the appropriate service program chairman. An involved Knight is a person who receives many blessings. Don't sit idly on the sidelines, become involved. You will be glad you did. 16

19 St. John the Apostle Council Fraternal Year Service Programs GRAND KNIGHT Steve Randolph PROGRAM DIRECTOR DGK Mike LeMoine MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Chancellor Ted Quinter Recruitment Retention Insurance CHURCH DIRECTOR Paul Beni COMMUNITY DIRECTOR Dave McClees COUNCIL DIRECTOR Doug Dyckman FAMILY DIRECTOR Ed Laskowski YOUTH DIRECTORS PGK Manny Ramos Jeff Uthe CULTURE-of- LIFE DIRECTOR Lew Cabral Committees Committees Committees Committees Committees Committees Vocations Lay Apostolate Parochial Services Religious Devotions Keep Christ In Christmas (KCIC) Support CRHP Special Olympics Wheel Chairs Volunteerism Coats for Kids Civic Involvement Environment Food for Families Health Service Decency Public Relations Fraternalism Cultural Social Blood Donors Athletics KOVAR Web Master 17 Survivors Assistance Memorials Education Communication Family of the Month Family Projects & Events Recreation Athletics Religious Activities Youth Groups Educational Programs Youth Welfare Social Activities Baby Bottle Campaign Ultrasound Initiative March for Life Memorials to Unborn Children Culture of Life Fund

20 Songs and Prayers o Opening/Closing ODE o Onward, Christian Soldiers o St. Michael the Archangel Prayer o The Memorare o Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great o Our Lady, Queen of the Knights Prayer o Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney 18

21 Opening Ode (To the tune of Oh Christmas Tree ) Sing ye his praises loud and long, And let the unenlightened know, In every echo of your song, The great deeds done, tho long ago, By Columbus of the valiant soul, Who first old Neptune has controlled, Despite of envy, intrigue, gold, In the dim past of long ago. With vessels three o er stormy sea, He thrilled the world of long ago, While wisdom linked with destiny, In justice scales its weight did throw, We are his heirs; we wear his name; We boast his deeds; we spread his fame. Our Order is the shining flame, That lights the gloom of long ago. Closing Ode (To the tune of America) Now our evening s work is done, Then let us every one, Join in a song. Long may our Order stand Foremost in this free land, Ready with heart and hand To right each wrong. We have a mission great, True to our Church and State, Onward we move. We dry the Mourner s tear, The tired heart we cheer, Faith in our works appear, Upheld by LOVE. 19

22 ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS, MARCHING AS TO WAR, WITH THE CROSS OF JESUS, GOING ON BEFORE; CHRIST THE ROYAL MASTER, LEADS AGAINST THE FOE, FORWARD INTO BATTLE, SEE THIS BANNER GO. ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS, MARCHING AS TO WAR, WITH THE CROSS OF JESUS GOING ON BEFORE. LIKE A MIGHTY ARMY, MOVES THE CHURCH OF GOD; BROTHERS, WE ARE TREADING WHERE THE SAINTS HAVE TROD; WE ARE NOT DIVIDED, ALL ONE BODY WE, ONE IN FAITH AND DOCTRINE, ONE IN CHARITY. ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS, MARCHING AS TO WAR, WITH THE CROSS OF JESUS GOING ON BEFORE. 20

23 Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel Saint Michael the Archangel, Defend us in battle, Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, By the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits Who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Pope Leo XIII ( ) The Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, That anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, Or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, But in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen. Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great Our Lord told St. Gertrude the Great that the following prayer would release 1,000 souls from Purgatory each time it is said. Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen St. Gertrude s life was the mystic life of the cloister a Benedictine nun. She meditated on the Passion of Christ, which many times brought a flood of tears to her eyes. She had many penances and our Lord appeared to her many times. She had a tender love for the Blessed Virgin and was very devoted to the suffering Souls in Purgatory. She died in Her feast day is November 16 th. 21

24 Queen of the Knights Prayer Our Lady, Queen of the Knights, bless all the activities of our Order. Keep us true to our pledge to extend the Kingship of your Divine Son on earth. Through your intercession, win for us the grace, ever to exemplify in our public and private lives, the virtues which should characterize those specially dedicated to the service of the heavenly court. Make us always aware, that as your Knights, our actions are constantly observed, our faith measured, and our Order judged. Accept, O Mary, this renewed pledge of fealty and devotion from us, your servants, the Knights of Columbus. 22

25 Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father Hail Mary Glory be to the Father /08 Please report all favors received to: The Father McGivney Guild One Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT USA FATHER MICHAELJ. McGIVNEY GUILD