Our Chaplain s Comments

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1 St. Joseph Council #8954 July 1, 2017 Richardson, Texas Volume 32, Issue 1 From the Grand Knight Don DeLorenz Brothers, Thank you for affording the new officers and me the honor of serving you during the fraternal year. District Deputy Mike Courtney recently expressed how fortunate we are to be taking over a council that is in pretty good shape. We are grateful for the hard work of the many Knights who have come before us. They helped make our Council one of which we can all be proud. I especially wish to thank Grand Knight Steve Snyder and the rest of his team for the tremendous efforts they expended and the great results they achieved. During the last few weeks, your new officers have been busy soliciting, collecting and analyzing input regarding the Council. Our Chaplain, Father Cargo, asked that the Council place an emphasis on connectivity, i.e., using its manpower and talent to assist other parish ministries and organizations and the parish school. He suggested the Knights support the school by assisting with the Back to School Picnic. Efforts are underway to do just that. Father has asked for our involvement to help staff a new Parking Lot Ministry and to assist the Adoration Ministry by providing manpower to attend to the Most Blessed Sacrament when it is exposed in the monstrance during adoration. I have no doubt that as Father Cargo s right hand men, the Knights will heed his call. District Deputy Mike Courtney suggested that Council officers attend the meetings of other councils to get new ideas. Some of us already plan to do so. He also pointed out that flocknote, which relies on cellphone numbers and addresses, may not be an effective method of communicating with some members. To reach out to those brother Knights, we are mailing this letter to those Knights for whom we do not have a current cell phone or address. Finally, Brother Mike suggested a few new activities that the Council could pilot. See From the Grand knight on page 3 Our Chaplain s Comments Our Council Chaplain, Father Jason Cargo, in his talk to the members offered his views on fund-raising and tithing for the parish and the Council. He stated that for some organizations Fund-raising is an essential part of the organizations and many times is needed so that the organization can do it's good work. It is the preference for an organization to fund-raise by way of free - will offering. Father referred to his recent series of talks on tithing. The aspect of these talks and the teachings of the church are that all that we have has been given to us. Since so much has been given to us, the question becomes how much will we freely give back as a way to say thank you to God? Scripture specifies a tithe, which is ten percent. However, he says, some organizations will place "Fundraising often times as a substitute for acts of charity and corporeal works of mercy." In this context, fund-raising is saying that to support some charity, I am going to create some product that you may want to buy thereby also contributing to this charity. In this sense, the act becomes a commercial transaction ver- sus a free gift on your part. For some of our organizations, especially, our Council and school support organiza- tions, fund raising is necessary to accumulate funds for improving conditions in the parish and school and provid- ing charitable assistance to the poor. One challenge is to make sure that the fundraising moves toward free-will offerings and donation. "The other challenge of this fund raising is that it must always be a smaller component to our on-going works of mercy. It can never be a substitute. Yes, we will have casino night, Lenten fish fry, and pass book sales to raise funds. My challenge to you is that these activities must always be a small percent of your actual works as we both go forward in the service of God." Many of the groups in our parish like youth ministry do have not enough time for fund raising. We want our organizations to meet in fellowship and enjoy their ministries in the grace of God without expending their time in fund raising.

2 For further details see kofc8954.com for complete schedule. Council Calendar July Saturday, July 1 First Saturday of the Month Mass, Rosary & Breakfast - 8:00 a.m. In memory of all departed Knights. We are starting a new tradition of meeting for breakfast with fellow knights & their families after the rosary at Tony s Diner (S.E. corner of Jupiter & Beltline). Please join us. Contact Ken Ducote, Sunday, July 2 1. Sale of Breakfast Burritos. In the Forum after every Mass. Team Number one: John James, Joe Sendrowski, and Ad Cometa. Burritos sell for $2 each, while donuts are $1 each. For further information, contact co-chairmen Ad Cometa or Joe Sendrowski. 2. Patriotic Rosary The rosary begins at 2:30 p.m. in the main sanctuary. (See article) Tuesday, July 4 Independence Day Wednesday, July 5 Council Leadership Meeting. 6:00PM 7:00PM Contact the Grand Knight Thursday, July 6 Council Business Meeting. 7:30 p.m. Upper Room. Contact the Grand Knight at Safe Environment "Family of Faith" Course required for the certification process. Council 6065, St. Mark's Plano. 6:00 p.m. To register call Saturday, July 8 Fourth Degree Assembly Corporate Communion, 5:00 p.m. Council members are invited to attend. Sunday, July 9 Squires meeting. 1:30 p.m. Upper Room. Kevin Quinn Wednesday, July 19 Visit to Dallas VA Hospital. Meet on the J upiter side of St. J o- seph at 5:45 p.m. Group leaves promptly at 6 p.m. Dan Dunn, Chairman. Call Saturday and Sunday July 22 & 23 Wheelchair Drive. Sponsored by the knights and Squires. Six Knights and four Squires are needed after each Mass to collect donations. Thursday, July 27 First Degree Exemplification. 7:30 p.m. Contact Kevin Quinn, Saturday and Sunday, July 29 & Wheelchair Drive. Sponsored by the knights and Squires. Six Knights and four Squires are needed after each Mass to collect donations. 2. Pass Book Sales. Sales at the J MJ Wall. After all Masses. Chairman, Ken Ducote. 3. Fifth Sunday Rosary. To honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, Knights will be leading the praying of the Rosary beginning 25 minutes before the vigil Mass on Saturday July 29 and before each Mass (except the 8:45 am Mass) on Sunday July 30. Please plan on arriving early for Mass and participating. August Tuesday, August 1 Council Leadership Meeting. 6:30PM Contact Grand Knight Thursday, August 3 Council Business Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Upper Room. Contact the Grand Knight at Saturday, August 5 First Saturday. Mass, Rosary & Breakfast. 8:00 a.m. In memory of all departed Knights. Contact Contact Ken Ducote, Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6 Pass Book Sales. Sales at the J MJ Wall. After all Masses. Contact Ken Ducote, Sunday, August 6 1. Sale of Breakfast Burritos. In the Forum after every Mass. Team Number one: Harold Hansen, Isaac Sandoval, Cesar Vasquez. Burritos sell for $2 each, while donuts are $1 each. For further information, contact co-chairmen Ad Cometa or Joe Sendrowski. Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13 Pass Book Sales. Sales at the J MJ Wall. After all Masses. Contact Ken Ducote, Saturday, August 12 SJCC Back to School Picnic. Ear ly after noon. Contact Will Quintanilla Father Cargo has asked the Knights to help. Major Degree Ceremony. 7:30AM Our Lady of the Angels, Allen, TX Ridgeview Dr., Allen, TX, (See Article). Sunday, August 13 Squires meeting. 1:30 p.m. Upper Room. Kevin Quinn Tuesday, August 15. Feast of the Assumption Wednesday, August 16 Visit to Dallas VA Hospital. Meet on the J upiter side of St. J oseph at 5:45 p.m. Group leaves promptly at 6 p.m. Dan Dunn, Chairman. Call Friday, August 25 and Saturday. August 26 Special Olympics, Aquatics. Lewisville Natatorium, 1750 Duncan Lane, Lewisville, TX. West of I35 and Hwy 3040 (West Round Grove Road) Contact John James, Thursday, August 31 Admissions Degree Exemplification. Host, Council 11862, St. Michael's, Garland. 2

3 From the Grand Knight Continued from page 1 To allow all members a chance to provide their thoughts, a survey was sent to Council members via flocknote seeking input regarding their level of satisfaction with the Council, the effectiveness of the council s communication program, the conduct of business meetings, the amount of dues being charged, and the knowledge of the KC insurance program. Brothers were also asked how much time they are willing to spend on Council activities, do they wish to serve in a leadership position, and do they desire to attain a higher degree. Survey results were very instructive and positive. All members of the Council were invited to participate in a day-long planning meeting that occurred on Saturday June 17. Eighteen members attended for at least part of the day. The day began with Mass at 8:00 a.m., followed by a joint donuts and coffee breakfast with members of St. Joseph Men s ACTS members (many of whom are also Knights) who were celebrating the commissioning of their team that will be conducting a retreat in September. Our meeting reviewed each activity conducted by the Council during the fraternal year. There were numerous suggestions for improving a number of those activities. Next, the group discussed the survey results and possible new activities. The attendees shared their thoughts and suggestions regarding the recruitment of new members and increasing the involvement and retention of existing members. The inputs we have received have been invaluable and will definitely impact the Council over this fraternal year. It is my hope that by keeping an open door, by offering all members an opportunity to be heard, and by listening, member engagement and satisfaction will increase Scholarship Winners Alia Quintanilla Mary Messonnier Alia Quintanilla and Mary Messonnier have been chosen as the recipients of the Council scholarships for Each of the winners received a $500 award from the Council. Father Cargo presented the awards. August Knight Letter The next Newsletter will be published August 1. All copy must be received at not later than July 26 to be included in the next issue. Contact the editor at lpbrunner@aol.com or call Contributions and comments from members are encouraged. Pray For The Sick and Distressed Jim Atkins Frank Behanek Kevin Brannon+ Sean Conway Emily Cruz Edward D. Davis IV Theresa Dillon Steve Ducote Uzoma Duruji Charlie Gomez Joe Horan Oliver Iheme Denise Lane Jo Ann Mann Ray Mann Jim Massey Kate McCoy+ Morris Melancon Gina Morris Donna O Rielly Praxie Osong Tressa Reyes Bill Rumenapp Delores Rumenapp Isaac Sandoval Nicolasa Sandoval Bob Snyder+ Tom Talacios Nancy Perry-Tylman Alfonso Urrutio Gloria Webb Remember them in your prayers Passbook Sales Begin August 5th Our council will be raising funds by selling the new 2018 Entertainment Passbooks at all Masses August 5, 6, and August 12,and 13th in the west JMJ location. The passbooks, which may be used immediately after purchase, cost $30 (cash, check, or credit card), and contain hundreds of 50% off and 2-for-1 discounts on dining, travel, shopping, movies, special events, sports and more. The sale of these passbooks helps support our charitable works such as sponsoring vocation scholarships and donations to St. Joseph Church and various charitable organizations and ministries. Volunteers are needed for 15 minutes before and after each Mass to help sell the passbooks. A sign-up sheet will be available at our August 3 meeting or you can contact Brother Ken Ducote at Thanks for your help and support. Patriotic Rosary Sunday July 2 at 2:30 PM Please plan on attending the Patriotic Rosary Sunday July 2 at 2:30 PM in the sanctuary with your family and friends. At this critical time in our country s history, with many of the values and principles that have built this country under siege, it is especially important to ask for the Blessed Virgin Mary s intercession. The Fourth Degree Color Corps Guard will be present, Knights and Columbian Squires will play a major part in the ceremony and there will be a brief presentation on the role that our Order played in adding the words under God to the Pledge of Allegiance. And you will have your chance to add your voices to rousing patriotic songs such as My Country tis of Thee, America the Beautiful, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America. 3

4 Investiture of Our Knights and Squires Officers L to R. Will Quintanilla, Lincoln Jones, Harold Hansen, Daniel Salzman, John James, Ken Ducote, Brian Tooley, Steve Snyder, Rick Bentine, Don DeLorenz, Don Stephens, Bill Button, Adrian Rodriguez, Isaac Sandoval, Richard Sepan Squires Officers New Members Join Council (L to R) Josh Dunn, Bursar; Jason Baterna, Deputy Chief Squire; Daniel Quinn, Chief Squire; Matthew Baterna; Sentry; Chris Dunn, Mar shall; Adam Kotria, Notary; B. J. Osong, Sentry. (L to R) Joe Resendez, Joe Lilly, and Greg Schettini were conferred the First Degree and joined the Council in ceremonies on Wednesday, July 28 at the Prince of Peace Parish. We congratulate them and wish them much success as members of the Knights of Columbus. Council 8954 Officers Grand Knight Don DeLorenz* don.delorenz@yahoo.com Dep G Knight John James* johnrjames3321@outlook.com Chancellor Brian Tooley* briantooley@outlook.com Recorder Daniel Salzman* Daniel.salzman@gmail.com Treasurer Harold Hansen* pnhhansen@yahoo.com Advocate Will Quintanilla will.quintanilla@gmail.co Warden Bill Button bill.button@att.net Inside Guard Lincoln Jones Lincoln.kyle@gmail.com Inside Guard Richard Sepan Richard.sepan@gmail.com Outside Guard Don W. Stephens donaldwstephens@yahoo.com 1Year Trust Rick Bentine* rickbentine@gmail.com 2Year Trust Adrian Rodriguez* adriankofc@gmail.com 3Year Trust Steve Snyder* steve@visualapp.com Lecturer Ken Ducote kenjun@aol.com Chaplain Rev. Jason Cargo* jcargo@stjosephcc.net Financial Sec Isaac Sandoval* Isaac.sandoval@verizon.net District Dep M. Courtney mike.courtney@reclaimedtextiles.com Directors Programs John James johnrjames3321@outlook.com Church Brian Tooley briantooley@outlook.com Community John James johnrjames3321@outlook.com Council David Lane davidelane@gmail.com Culture of Life Isaac Sandoval Isaac.sandoval@verizon.net Family Don Stephens Youth TBD Squires Kevin Quinn* kevin@thequinns.us Membership Steve Snyder steve@visualapp.com Social Will Quintilla will.quintanilla@gmail.com * Safe Environment Current 4

5 Important Notice to Knights Not Receiving Flocknote Communications As indicated in the Grand Knight s Message, if you are one of the many members of Council 8954 who is receiving this month s Newsletter by mail, that is because the Council does not have a current address or cell phone number for you. The Council s primary means of communication are and text messages sent through Flocknote. Communicating by and text message saves the Council printing and mailing costs money that we would all prefer to spend on charitable and social activities. It also ensures that members receive timely announcements and updates regarding activities, events and meeting rooms, and provides a vehicle for you to sign up to participate in various Council activities. If you haven t seen a copy of the Newsletter for a while, that s because it is also sent out via and text message. If you received this Newsletter by mail please send your address and cell phone number to Grand Knight Don DeLorenz at don.delorenz@yahoo.com so we can ensure you receive or text messages going forward. Although we are working on initiatives to enhance other means of communication (e.g., the Bulletin and the Council website), those tools are intended to supplement and text communications. If you do not have either an address or cell phone number and wish to receive the Newsletter by mail, please mail a note to that effect to Knights of Columbus Council 8954 c/o St. Joseph Catholic Church, 600 S. Jupiter Road, Richardson, TX 75081; attention: Don DeLorenz. Save the Date: Upcoming Major and 4 th Degrees A significant number of Knights who responded to the survey expressed interest in attaining higher degrees during the new fraternal year. Here s some information for any Knights interested in doing so. All First Degree Knights are encouraged to attain their Second and Third ( Major ) Degrees this fraternal year. Major Degree ceremonies are held locally only a few times a year. As indicated in the calendar, the next one is scheduled for Saturday August 12 at Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeway Drive in Allen from 7:30 am until 2 pm. Considering the significant number of council members who have only attained their first degree, and especially in light of the large number of new first degree Knights who have joined in the last two years, we are hopeful that many of our members will take advantage of this opportunity. There is no cost. If you are interested in attending, please contact Steve Snyder: steve@visualapp.com Knights who are interested in attaining their Fourth Degree should keep the weekend of October 6-8 open for the Exemplification Ceremony at the Convention Center in Hurst, Texas. Anyone who has attained his Major Degree before that weekend, including brother Knights who will have just attained their Major Degree in August is eligible to join the Fourth Degree at that time. Again, we are hopeful that a large number of members will join the Fourth Degree at that time. For more information, or if you are interested in attending, please contact Rick Bentine: rickbentine@gmail.com Finally, since the Council survey discussed in this issue was only sent out by and text, we did not get your input. If you are interested in completing the survey, please mention that in your or letter and we will ensure that you have the opportunity to do so. 5

6 SURVEY RESULTS A couple of weeks ago our new Grand Knight sent out a survey to the Brother Knights with the goal in mind to constantly search for new ideas to enhance our contributions to our parish, our community, and our brotherhood. The survey was designed to get your input regarding areas we can improve and help finalize plans for the next fraternal year. Below are the results of the survey: Agree Unsure Disagree I am happy to be a member of Council I am satisfied with the scope of social activities offered by the council I feel welcome at Council meetings I am satisfied with the information the Council provides about activites and programs The Council has been open to my input and ideas The Council has lived up to the expectations I had when I joined I am satisfied with the information provided in the monthly newsletter I am satisfied with the information provided in /flocknote notices I would like to be able to sign up to participate in activities outside of business meetings, e.g. on the members only website or other web based app I am satisfied with the scope of charitable activities offered by the Council The members only website should include a forum where members can discuss their ideas and thoughts about Council's goal, concerns, etc Business meeting should take no more than an hour The recitation of receipts and vouchers should be omitted provided a writtn financial report is available and distributed before the meeting Food should be served before the meetings I would support a $10 increase in dues to make (continued on back of page)

7 Agree Unsure Disagree A written agenda with timeframes for each topic should be provided for each business meeting I would like to hear a testimonial from a brother knight at business meetins I would volunteer to give a testimonial at a business meeting I enjoy attending council business meetings I would support a $10 increase in dues to permit more social activities I would support a $10 increase in dues to provide greater support to charity I would not support an increase in dues for any reason I understand the importance of the insurance program to the global mission of the Knights of Columbus I understand the importance of the insurance program to the success of my Council I participate in the insurance program st Degree 2nd & 3rd Degree 4th Degree What is the highest fraternal degree you have received YES NO MAYBE Are you interested in attaining your 2nd & 3rd degree during the next 12 months 6 25 Are you interested in attaining your 4th degree during the next 12 months I am open to chairing or co-chairing an event over the next 12 months I am open to being a Director or a Co-director of a committee over the next 12 months > 10 How many are you willing to spend on council activities a month (other than business/officers meetings)