THE KNIGHTLY NEWS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 Father Michael C. Kidd Council #14455 January 2010

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1 THE KNIGHTLY NEWS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 Father Michael C. Kidd Council #14455 January 2010 INDEX for Newsletter 01 Chaplain s Counsel / Grand Knight s Message 02 Roster / DD Report / Membership / Chancellor 03 Chaplain s Counsel 04Chaplain s Counsel / Program Director 05 Program Director / Church / Community 06 Community / Council / Family 07 Family (Photographs) 08 Youth / Pro-Life 09 Supreme / State 10 Insurance / Chapter / Fourth Degree / Ladies 11 Calendar of Events Chaplain s Counsel What is Important for a Priest in the Knights of Columbus? As a pastor of souls, the area of CHURCH activities is especially important to me. Indeed, it is the main reason I wanted a Council in my current parish. I have been involved with both free-standing and parish-based Councils in the past. Let me quickly run through my background affiliations. I started with Rock Creek Council in Rockville, MD. Never will I forget the late great George Chapman and the very dramatic and moving degree by which I became a Knight. Over the years, I served as Chaplain in numerous Councils: St. Mary of the Assumption Council #9302 in Upper Marlboro, MD; Dr. John Henry Griffin Council #2293 in Waldorf, MD; St. Thomas More Council #11578 in SE, DC; St. Pius X Council #4076 in Forestville, MD; and now Father Michael C. Kidd Council #14455 in Mitchellville, MD. In all the Councils where I have served, I have taken my charge very seriously. My role is to teach, to inspire, to console, to guide and, if need be, to admonish. Priests are all about forgiving sins and saving souls. It is my conviction that a good Knight of Columbus is cognizant of our mortality and fully knows that we were made for eternity, not simply for this vale of tears. Knighthood in our Order should make our men better Catholics and more worthily disposed for saving grace. Our men should have a keen sense of their Christian brotherhood and LOVE one another; yes, even when there are clashes of personality or things said and done which should never have happened. One cannot be a true Knight or even a Catholic Christian without repentance for faults and granting forgiveness to others. A responsible Chaplain knows this, and should always be ready to remind his brother Knights. Just as the Chaplain and all our priests should be there for the Knights of Columbus; the Knights are also there for their priests, their parishes and the larger Church. While Father Michael C. Kidd Council is only a couple years old, we have made some good toddler steps. However, there is still much more we can do. All Councils need to be creative with their ideas and look to the example of older and wellestablished Councils. Further, the heart of any good Church Service Program is communication and cooperation with the immediate parish and the priests. Father Kidd Council is intimately associated with Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchellville, MD. Our Council s name memorializes our late pastor. I feel much honored to be the current pastor and Charter Chaplain. The men know they have my support and I trust they do all they can to help me and our little faith community. While I would not exclusively fuel selfish aims, it must be admitted that a constructive and close presence to the parish will also readily inspire other men to join our fraternal membership. Every pastor and priest should regard the men and their ladies of the Knights of Columbus as his best friends. Counsel continued on page 3. Grand Knight s Message I want to congratulate PGK George Johnson and the Council on the recent presentation of the Double-Star Council Award. It proudly hangs in the hall alongside our previous Star Council Award. Let us continue to work hard and add a third award next to these plaques of recognition. Get your activity reports completed quickly for the Second Quarter. There is also still work that needs to be done in Membership recruitment and insurance. Please help our newsletter editor by getting your reports to him in a timely fashion. Remember to check your s and the website for the latest editions. This is a wonderful tool for education which should not be neglected. Given the college students who will be staying in our hall while they participate in the pro-life march, we will need volunteers to assist them and give them supper. I know you will be generous with your time and talent. Fraternally yours, Terry Reinhart, GK 1

2 Council Officers CHAPLAIN - Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins frjoe2000@yahoo.com ASSOCIATE CHAPLAIN - Deacon Hank D. Dardy dardy@cmf.nrl.navy.mil GRAND KNIGHT - Terry Reinhart, DGK terry.reinhart@comcast.net DEPUTY GRAND KNIGHT - Geony J. Provido geonyprovido@yahoo.com CHANCELLOR - James H. Murry jhmury2@aol.com RECORDER - Eddie Dela Cruz edlen.5307@yahoo.com FINANCIAL SECRETARY - Porfirio Concepcion perry_vi@verizon.net TREASURER - Kevin Renze renzek@ntsb.gov ADVOCATE - John E. McInerney mcinerneyverret@aol.com LECTURER - Bill Kaczor bkaczor@comcast.net WARDEN - Dick Mewshaw jrmewshaw@verizon.net INSIDE GUARD - Andres Padilla padilla.a@verizon.net OUTSIDE GUARD Diego Dy-Cok godregs-jr@yahoo.com Other Council Positions 3-YEAR TRUSTEE - George H. Johnson, PGK ghj@olg.com 2-YEAR TRUSTEE - Rodelio M. Bunag sinz_1968@yahoo.com 1-YEAR TRUSTEE - Tunde Oyalowo oyalowo@hotmail.com MEMBERSHIP - James H. Murry jhmury2@aol.com RECRUITMENT - Akinbode A. Akinola aakin98102@aol.com ADMISSION - Winefredo B. B. Barias kimtoh2005@yahoo.com DELEGATE #1 - George H. Johnson, PGK ghj@olg.com DELEGATE #2 - Nino Foronda No FIRST ALTERNATE - Bill Kaczor bkaczor@comcast.net SECOND ALTERNATE - Vincent Hubbard No PROGRAM DIRECTOR - Geony J. Provido geonyprovido@yahoo.com CHURCH - John E. McInerney / Vincent Hubbard mcinerneyverret@aol.com / No COUNCIL - Daniel Njingeh aboyawowdn@yahoo.com COMMUNITY - Andres Padilla padilla.a@verizon.net FAMILY - Barry Hickey hickeybarry@ymail.com YOUTH - Ramon G. Evasco monevasco@yahoo.com PRO-LIFE - Paul Batson paulbatson726@aol.com INSURANCE - John Canter / Roger Doucette john.canter@kofc.org / roger.doucette@kofc.org / DISTRICT DEPUTY REPORT Vernon Hawkins, Jr., PGK, PFN, DD vhawkinsjr@aol.com Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a safe and very happy holiday season. January begins an opportunity for a new beginning and new goals. It only seems like yesterday that at the Grand Knights College, we began the planning of our fraternal year. Now we are half way through the year. As we begin the second half of the fraternal year, I thank all Grand Knights and Councils for their efforts to reach their recruitment and retention goals. Remember our Supreme Knight and State Deputy has designated recruitment and retention as their top priorities. We have a number of First Degrees scheduled for the remaining half of the fraternal year. Our District also has another Second Degree and a Third Degree scheduled before the summer. Remember that meeting your membership quota is a requirement for the Star Council Award. The Maryland State Council s Mid-Term meeting for District Deputies, District Wardens, Grand Knights, and Deputy Grand Knights will be held on January 9 at Cardinal Gibbons Council #2521 in Baltimore, Maryland. This meeting is especially important for Deputy Grand Knights because, it will help prepare them for their year as Grand Knight. After the meeting, a Pro-Life Mass at St. Joseph s at 5:00 PM will be celebrated and the evening will conclude with cocktails, dinner and a short program. Second Quarter Surge With Service Reports (Church, Council, Community, Family, and Youth) are due to State by January 15. Your Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (Form 1728) is due to Supreme by January 31. Please be responsive to your Council s request for information to support the Fraternal Activity Survey. This survey is necessary for the Knights to maintain our not-for-profit status. Also, the Semiannual Council Audit Report is due to Supreme by February 15. Failure to submit this report can cause a council to forfeit the bonding covering for its Financial Secretary and Treasure. Please consider participating in one of the planned State Council tours. You can expect a great trip and the wonderful company of your brother Knights and their families. Also, please consider supporting our State Charity Fund. Vivat Jesus! MEMBERSHIP James Murry We have the following birthdays in January: Dominador Ballerda, James Marosy, Alan Johnson, Ramon Evasco, and Eugene Batson. Spousal birthdays in January are as follows: Filipina Hartwell, Mickey Mewshaw, Geneva Murry, Tata Sacal and Gloria Marinas. We also have some January wedding anniversaries: Woodrow & Ursula Bell, Anel & Erlinda Concepcion, Andres & Sonia Padilla, Apollo & Chey Cordon, Edgar & Sylvia Sacal and Saturnino & Ely Foronda. Father Michael C. Kidd Council #14455 has volunteered to host the Third Degree on Friday, February 26, [As the newsletter went to press, we were trying to move it to Saturday, February 27 to avoid a conflict with Soup and Stations.] The degree will start at 7:30 PM and run about 2 hours. The Council is expected to provide a meal for the Degree Team at 6:00 PM. It is also expected that we would provide something for the candidates after the exemplification. There is a $100 fee which can be pro-rated among the District councils. The Degree Team will have all the equipment except for an American Flag. The Ceremonials Chairman Andrew C. Bauer, P.S.D. will send us a diagram for the ceremonial so that we can properly set things up. This is a great honor and another first for our Council. CHANCELLOR James Murry Please keep the following ailing priests in your prayers: Rev. An Vu, pastor, Our Lady of Vietnam, Silver Spring, MD; Rev. Kevin O Reilly, pastor, St. Mary Parish, Barnesville, MD; Rev. Levester Jones, pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Largo, MD; Rev. Greg Butta, pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Washington, DC; Rev. Samuel Craig, retired; Rev. Rory McKee, pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Washington, DC; and Rev. William Berry, retired. Keep the following brothers in your prayers; Edward Kopczak and Theodore C. Haaser. 2

3 Chaplain s Counsel continued from pg. 1: Speaking for myself, given a world where we are surrounded by immorality, blasphemy and faithlessness; the Knights of Columbus is one of the reasons why I can still sleep at night. I know that no matter what might come; my good brothers in Columbianism will be standing by my side. If I had my way, every Catholic man would be a Knight of Columbus. The Catholic Church is the Soul of the Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus was established by Father Michael J. McGivney in He was a Catholic priest; this fact alone is an immediate dead-give-away, even without other details, that the CHURCH is important to our fraternal order. When so many other so-called Catholic organizations have breeched themselves from the Catholic Church and the Gospel of Life, the Knights of Columbus have remained staunchly loyal and steadfast. The Knights have even initiated national campaigns TO SUPPORT OUR PRIESTS and TO SUPPORT OUR BISHOPS. They have assisted the Holy Father when funds for his charities fell short. They paid for the external renovation of St. Peter s in Rome. They financed the side bell tower to the BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION in Washington, DC. They are resolutely PRO-LIFE and promote the TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH through their information services. They encourage DEVOTION to the BLESSED MOTHER and the HOLY EUCHARIST. Each member is given a ROSARY and encouraged to pray it and to carry it as a token of our faith. The local Councils are urged to imitate the State and National efforts on behalf of the Church. Many of our attributes and activities can be found in other organizations; the one element that really distinguishes us is our required fidelity and membership in THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Parish Round Table Programs It was once commonplace to find fairly large Councils serving a number of parishes. During recent years, the focus has moved to smaller parish-based Councils. Those that serve several churches are required to have a Round- Table program, with chairmen or representatives from each church. This insures regular communication with pastors and the churches they shepherd. A larger free-standing Council can draw members and material resources from several communities and is more autonomous than parish-based Councils. They might also avoid the hassle of using parish property and the connected questions of liability. Free-standing Councils must be cautious not to take parish associations for granted. If we are careless in not having active Round-Table chairmen and committees, we run the risk of forfeiting much parish goodwill. I knew one isolated case where a pastor became increasing angry that, except for recruitment, the Knights rarely or never did anything to support his parish. When another organization came forward and promised active parish involvement, the Knights had to face the tragic prospect of losing a foothold in their anchor parish. Another area of annoyance which must be guarded against is competition with churches. We should try to schedule our fundraisers, dinners, Masses, etc. so as not to conflict with the parishes we serve. I recall way back in the early 1960 s my pastor being quite upset with the local Council because they had scheduled a Mass on a Sunday at their hall. He made it very clear to them that they should go to their parish Mass on Sunday and the practice was quickly corrected. There is also the concern about duplication. If a Council has a Christmas party for children then the same effort in the churches might be compromised. Here is a wonderful opportunity for a Council to invite local parishes to use their hall for one large celebration. Similarly, we must be on our guard about Holy Days. Holding an evening meeting or some other activity when Catholics need to fulfill their obligation of going to Mass can harm souls and give scandal. Such confusion as annotated here does not emerge from malice but from a lack of coordination with our local pastors. Duties of Church Activity Chairmen 1. Solicit for Committee membership those Knights already actively involved in the appointed parishes. 2. Seek regular or monthly contact with pastors, asking how we might be of service? 3. Acquire the weekly parish bulletins and bring them to meetings, announcing parish activities. 4. Get on the list for the Archdiocese for regular updates and alerts. 5. Follow closely the Supreme and State initiatives for faith events and opportunities. Parish-Based Councils Church Activity Chairmen in Parish-Based Councils would also do well to follow the five before-mentioned activities. We can only succeed if we stay informed. Increasingly, what we are seeing are Councils focused upon a single parish. A couple of years ago I had the privilege of working with Maryland State officials in the formation of one such Council, Father Michael C. Kidd Council (affiliated with Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchellville, MD). Given this association, many of my examples and suggestions for programs focus upon intimate PARISH- COUNCIL relationships. There are pluses and minuses in the various set-ups. Parish-based councils tend to be smaller with fewer assets. They must also acquire separate insurance for meetings and other gatherings. Knights of Columbus Councils might function as a parish organization but, strictly speaking, they are not. They are not covered by the insurance of an Archdiocese or Diocese. Parish-based 3

4 Councils can breed a real family atmosphere; but conversely, any squabbling can hurt both the Council and the local church. A particular benefit can become a terrible deficit: the relationship with the pastor. If a pastor is supportive and becomes the Chaplain of a Council, all sorts of good work can be accomplished. However, despite the pleading of Ordinaries, some priests have cold or negative attitudes toward the Knights of Columbus. I have witnessed how flourishing Councils were virtually shut down by pastors who refused recruitment overtures after Masses and the regular use of parish facilities for meetings and fundraisers. (This area will one day have to be resolved. It may be that formal contracts with parishes and dioceses should be pursued to insure the continued functioning of Councils, especially to avoid turmoil when there are priest transfers and reassignments.) Potential Activities It might be good to give a quick list (with Father Kidd Council in mind) of the many efforts which fall under the jurisdiction of the CHURCH activity chairman and committee: WORSHIP AND PRAYER 1. State Masses (encourage participation at Memorial, Pro-Life, Founders, etc.) 2. Father Michael J. McGivney Guild Program 3. Corporate Communion Mass (4 th Wednesday at 7:30 PM) 4. First Saturday Eucharistic Adoration (9:30 AM to 5:00 PM) 5. Council and Parish Memorial Mass (and other special liturgies) 6. Rosary Program (Living Rosary) 7. Icon Program (image changes annually) 8. Divine Mercy Devotion 9. Stations of the Cross (our Lenten Soup & Stations) 10. Coordination with Council Chairman over Knights Funerals (prayers & repast) 11. State & Council Retreats / Days of Recollection VOCATIONS SUPPORT PROGRAM 1. Fundraising for Vocations (like our 2009 Dinner) 2. Distribution of Funds to Seminarian 3. Coordination with Chancellor over Seminarian Communications 4. Books or Gifts for Seminarians 5. Marine Corps Marathon (recruitment) 6. Vocations Awareness: Speakers, Flyers, Videos, etc. HOLY LAND OUTREACH 1. Promote Pilgrimages 2. Sponsoring Speakers About the Plight of Holy Land Christians 3. Facilitate Financial Support: Vendors Selling Olive Wood Gifts PARISH/CHURCH SUPPORT 1. Year of the Priest / Prayer Cards (special activities) 2. Involvement in Parish Celebrations (Dinners, Picnics, etc.) 3. Fundraisers for the Parish or Larger Church (Dinners, Raffles, etc.) 4. Clergy / Nuns Night 5. Parish Catechesis & Evangelization (Catholic Information Services) 6. Catechist & Teacher Awards 7. Knights of the Altar (Readers, Servers & Extraordinary Ministers) 8. Handy Knights (sharing talent & skills to maintain the parish) 9. Simbang Gabi Sponsorship I hope that these extended reflections and observations about Church Activities will spur our own efforts to be more involved with the parish. There is much that we can do of lasting value. Some of our activity chairmen have been very active; others have had an easy ride because when they fumbled the ball, others came to bat so as not to embarrass or hurt the Council. I will not name names. But, we must all be responsible. When it comes to Church activities, the work belongs not merely to our chairmen, but to our Council as a whole. Father Joe Jenkins DGK/PROGRAM DIRECTOR Geony J. Provido December 12 is One for the Books Unbeknownst to many, Fr. Kidd Council did quite a feat last December 12 when it pulled off the holding of four major events covering four service areas in one single day. These events are the setting up of the Cemetery of the Unborn (Pro-Life), Lunch with Santa (Family), Keeping Christ in Christmas Poster Making Contest (Youth) and the Bowling Tournament (Council). Add to this the kiosks for the K of C Christmas Cards and Membership Recruitment that were set up during the Lunch with Santa and that actually makes six activities in all! The knights were busy morning, noon and nighttime, as the song goes. It is surely a testament to the commitment of Council members to do the best they can, knowing that as Knights there are a lot of things that they are expected to do. Let us pay tribute to our brothers and their spouses who have shown dedication and commitment that remarkable day, namely, Hubert, Chito, Manny and Roima, Mark and Beth, Barry, James and Peggy, Bill and Joan, Dick, Joe, Daniel, Jim, Ramon and Virgie, Eddie, Ian, Andy, Nino and Ely, Dave and Mary Jane, Kevin and Janet, Diego, Paul and Rochell, Israel and Glo. Of course, thanks to Fr Joe and our Grant Knight Terry for the outstanding leadership. This is as far as my mental notes go. If I missed some of our brothers, please give feedback so they can be mentioned in the next issue. For some of us, that eventful day started with the brewing of coffee and setting up of tables in preparation for Lunch with Santa or the laying out of stakes and punching of holes as we set up the Cemetery of the Unborn. For others, the day s work shifted from unpacking food, to serving them, and to throwing out the trash. Quite a few engaged in unique tasks like herding the kids, or operating the karaoke, or manning the kiosks, or putting on a happy face as they clicked the cameras away. Yeah, just a lot of odd 4

5 jobs here and there. For the participants of the bowling tournament, AMF Alley in Laurel is a long way from bed as they spent most of the night wishing for the strike that rarely cometh. Behind every successful activity is a person or group of persons committed to make things happen. And behind these persons is an organization keenly aware of its mission and purpose. We hope we can keep things this way. It was quite a day. And surely, it is one for the books. CHURCH John McInerney/Vincent Hubbard Simbang Gabi Masses The Filipino- American Heritage Group invited all parishioners to join them for a week of Masses from December 15th to the 23 rd at 7:30 PM at Holy Family Parish. Our Council sponsored the party and reception on the final day of the celebration. Our men also read and functioned as extraordinary ministers at the Mass. Our Pastor s Guidance Please note the extended Chaplain s Counsel in this month s newsletter. Men's Vocation Retreat Archbishop Wuerl is sponsoring a retreat for men in their 20's-40's who are considering a call to the priesthood. The retreat will be held at Theological College, from the evening of Friday, February 5 through Sunday, February 7 at noon. The retreat will allow men time away from the daily grind and an opportunity for prayer and reflection to examine God's call. If you feel Jesus may be calling you, why not give Him a weekend? It will cost you nothing more than your time. To register or for more information, contact Msgr. Rob Panke, director of priest vocations, at or vocations@adw.org. COMMUNITY Andres Padilla Tootsie Roll Campaign The Tootsie Roll campaign concluded November 7 with the last collection at Sam s Club in Laurel, MD. In all $1, was collected surpassing our council s first campaign last year of $1,200. This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Brother James Moore, Tootsie Roll Campaign Chairman, who scrambled through multiple cancellations to find appropriate locations for this fundraising activity The following brothers assisted in this campaign (some multiple times) to make it a success: GK Terry Reinhart, DGK Geony Provido, PGK George Johnson, Jerry Clark, Nino Foranda, Mark Manapul, Dick Mewshaw, Bill Kaczor, Andres Padilla, Seth Doherty, Mervyn Byer, Diego Dy-Cok, Alan Robinson, Barry Hickey, Jim Marosy, Ramon Evasco, and Bode Akinola. Thanks go out to all on behalf of the organizations serving the intellectually challenged in the Prince George s County community that will directly benefit from these funds. Veteran s Day Celebration A special program to recognize the military service of veterans in our church community was held on Sunday, November 22 at Holy Family Church during the 9:30 AM Mass. A total of 28 veterans were honored during the ceremony including brothers Joseph Hugya, Jim Marosy, Dick Mewshaw, Bill Kaczor, and Jim Murry. Each veteran received a special commemorative flyer designed by our own Brother Seth Doherty (also a veteran honored during the ceremony) and a beautiful prayer card of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the U.S. Military commemorative. Our brother veterans received additional recognition during the December 7 council business meeting in which Worthy State Deputy Richard V. Siejack presented the Double Star Council Award to PGK George Johnson. As part of the activity, parishioners donated used winter coats to be delivered to a community-based organization that assists homeless veterans in the Washington DC area. 5

6 S.O.M.E. Saturday, January 23 is the next breakfast service at So Others Might Eat (SOME) in Washington DC. As it is customary, council members are asked to support this activity through individual donations of food and volunteering to cook and serve breakfast to approximately 400 people. A list of needed food items will be distributed separately via . Once again, we will count on Brother Bill Kaczor to pickup surplus goodies at Dunkin Donuts outlets. Service hours are from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Involve your family and friends. This is an excellent opportunity for students seeking to meet school community service requirements and to learn how to make an impact in the lives of less fortunate people who must scrape by every day just meet to their basic necessities. Community Recognition Program This program provides an opportunity for local councils to honor personnel in five different categories (Catholic Teacher, Citizen, Policeman, Fireman and Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic) who contribute to the betterment of the community. The qualifications are: Catholic Teacher: a Catholic teacher who teaches in a parochial school, religious education or CCD program. Citizen: an individual who has made significant contributions to the quality of life in the community. Policeman, Fireman, and EMT: Public safety personnel who excel in protecting life and property in their community. Selected individuals will be nominated to the MD State Council to compete for the best in the state and to be honored at the Founder s Day Program on March 21. Further information on this program will be disseminated in early January. Special Olympics Walt Wankowski, Special Olympics Chairman for the Maryland State Council, reports on a series of Special Olympics events to be held in the state of MD that require volunteers from the Knights of Columbus. Brother knights as well as their families and friends who are at least 16 years of age may volunteer for Plungalooza 2010 (MSP/SOMD Polar Bear Plunge) which will take place on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County. Volunteers DON T have to take a plunge in the freezing waters. Volunteer duties include assisting with parking, providing directions to participants, and food distribution. Hours are between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Warm sweater caps and some other identifying outerwear will be provided to all volunteers. In addition to the Polar Bear Plunge, here is a list of events in 2010 that you can volunteer for time keeping, score keeping and the awards presentation: February 27th - Winter Games Floor Hockey Capital Clubhouse, Waldorf, MD March 1 & 2 Winter Games Alpine, Nordic & Snowshoeing Wisp Resort, McHenry, MD March 20 & 21 Spring Classic Capital Sports Complex, District Heights, MD June Summer Games Aquatics, Athletics, Bocce, & Softball Towson University, MD IMPORTANT: The June Summer Games is a planned community activity of Father Michael C. Kidd Council. Please work this event into your schedules. Last year we missed a great opportunity and we would like to make up for it. More information will be disseminated in future newsletters. Please contact your Community Activities Director at for further information if you can volunteer for any of these events. COUNCIL Daniel Njingeh FedEx Concession Stand Many thanks to our guys who came out this year to help at the Stadium. We made needed funds for the Council and had a great time. The coordinator for the event is stepping down so next year is in some doubt. Are there any takers? Bowling Tournament Everyone was invited to participate in our Bowling Tournament at Odenton Bowling Alley in December. Here are the results: Champion Andres Padilla (458 pts) Second Place Terry Reinhart (328 pts) I would like to thank the following for making the bowling tournament successful: Terry and Pat Reinhart Geony and Nesza Provido Nino and Ely Foronda Kevin and Janet Renze James Murry Andres Padilla I also want to thank my family. God bless you all! Mark Manapul FAMILY Barry Hickey Family of the Month The family for November is that of Mark Manapul and his wife Beth. Congratulations! Lunch with Santa Many thanks to all those who helped with this important event. The numbers were great and everyone had an incredible time. 6

7 This page is dedicated to Lunch with Santa photographs. 7

8 YOUTH Ramon Evasco As the holiday season winds down, Our Council will need to conduct its Basketball Free Throw contest. Vernon Hawkins is in the process of scheduling the District finals and needs to hear from those Councils participating this year. The District finals are tentatively scheduled for mid-february at the Bowie City Gym. The State finals are scheduled for Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Archbishop Spaulding High School at 8800 New Cut Road in Severn, Maryland. PRO-LIFE Paul Batson Cemetery of the Innocents Defenders of Life, on Saturday, the 12th of December, the Knights of Columbus and MDRTL installed the 25th Cemetery of the Innocents for 2009, and 143rd memorial since I especially wish to thank Father Joe Jenkins for his strong stand for life, and to thank Terry Reinhart, the GK, for his coordination of this event. I would like to also thank Pete Heisey for his transport of the crosses all the way from St. Mary's County to Holy Family in Prince George County. Finally, I would like to thank Terry, Mark, Johnny, Hubert, Cheeta, and Manny for the hard work of the installation. Park (St. Mary's County), and Holy Family in Mitchellville (Prince George's County). Our next installation for the new year is 2 January at St. Aloysius in Leonardtown. God bless this effort Jim McFillin Hosting Pro-Life Marchers On January 22 and 23, an estimated 75 to 100 students from Marion, Butler and Purdue Universities will be sleeping over in Holy Family s hall so that they can participate in the Right to Life March. Our council will welcome them and offer breakfast and dinner. Please mark your calendar and volunteer to help the council to welcome these dedicated young adults with their quest to support the unborn. More details will follow as their plans firm up. MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR LIFE! Annual Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest A number of young people participated. The names of winners were not available when this article became due. More information will be provided next month. Today, there are 4 Cemetery of the Innocents in Maryland: Jesus of the Divine Word in Huntington (Calvert County), St. John's in Hollywood (St. Mary's County), Immaculate Heart of Mary in Lexington The Mall and 7th Street Rally 37th Annual March for Life Theme: Stand Up Now Unite for the Life Principles No Exception! No Compromise! March along Constitution Avenue, up Capitol Hill to the Supreme Court, and to the Congress. Be sure to visit the office of your Congressman and two Senators to let them know that you are here on a work-day in mid-winter to overturn Roe v. Wade on behalf of the innocent preborn boys and girls, and to UNITE ON THE LIFE PRINCIPLES! March for Life Fund will send a letter to Washington Officialdom explaining the Theme and Life Principles a letter to the President, Supreme Court Justices, and each Member of the House & Senate 8

9 News From Supreme Supreme Knight Karl A. Anderson A Troubling New Development Appears in American Politics For decades, Americans have been subjected to the arguments of certain Catholic politicians who argued that while personally opposed to unjust policies like abortion, they were nonetheless unwilling to impose that view on the rest of the country. The argument was disingenuous, premised on the fact that somehow a Catholic conscience had to be put to the side in the public square. Now, the very people who argued that they couldn't bring their private conscience into a secular public square are poised to use the law to impose a particular view on their fellow Catholics. By working and voting to include abortion coverage in health care legislation, several Catholic politicians stand at the precipice of being the deciding votes in forcing a particular immoral view on their fellow Catholics, by forcing them to fund abortion through their tax dollars. While professing that they cannot impose their conscience on anyone else, these politicians seem to have little hesitation about imposing a political view one they claim to oppose in principle on the consciences of their fellow Catholics. Far from Kennedy Catholic politicians willing to forsake their own consciences and impose a directly anti-catholic view on others have come a long way from the legacy of American history's highest profile Catholic statesman, John F. Kennedy, who while discussing his role as a Catholic and candidate for president said: If the time should ever come and I do not concede any conflict to be even remotely possible when my office would require me to either violate my conscience or violate the national interest, then I would resign the office; and I hope any conscientious public servant would do the same. And while some might consider that Catholic politicians have disagreed with the public policy recommendations of their bishops in a variety of areas, the key is this: Many issues are prudential and open to reasonable disagreement; but the inalienable right to life in the context of abortion is not, it is fundamental and it may not be compromised. As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, noted about Catholic politicians in 2004: Not all moral issues have the same moral weight as abortion. He added: While the Church exhorts civil authorities to seek peace, not war, and to exercise discretion and mercy in imposing punishment on criminals, it may still be permissible to take up arms to repel an aggressor or to have recourse to capital punishment. There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion. Unjust Law Catholic politicians must now consider the effect of national legislation mandating Catholic cooperation in abortion. In his famous pro-life encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, Pope John Paul II said: The passing of unjust laws often raises difficult problems of conscience for morally upright people with regard to the issue of cooperation, since they have a right to demand not to be forced to take part in morally evil actions. He said further: Christians, like all people of good will, are called upon under grave obligation of conscience not to cooperate formally in practices which, even if permitted by civil legislation, are contrary to God's law. Indeed, from the moral standpoint, it is never licit to cooperate formally in evil. This cooperation can never be justified either by invoking respect for the freedom of others or by appealing to the fact that civil law permits it or requires it. Each individual in fact has moral responsibility for the acts which he personally performs; no one can be exempted from this responsibility, and on the basis of it everyone will be judged by God himself. It is doubly ironic that a law that would force millions to violate their conscience by paying their taxes and would entangle thousands of Catholic physicians, nurses, hospitals and charities in the evil of abortion is being considered at precisely a time when the majority of Americans in greater and greater numbers are increasingly becoming more pro-life. Catholic public officials in Washington have the power to prevent this moral tragedy from happening. They should not hesitate to do so. State Council Report State Deputy Richard V. Siejack I ask you to support the Church s Voice in the Public Square, by joining the Catholic Advocacy Network. Please be aware of the Maryland Catholic Conference and the pro-life efforts. Avail yourselves and your council as it pertains to key Life Issues and Legislative Positions. We stand in solidarity with our Bishops and Priests and I continue to ask you to assist your Pastors, Priests and Religious and to provide support to them in any way you can. Remember..this is The Year for Priests! The result from our Membership Blitz continues to be successful. I ask you to earnestly follow-up on each Catholic man who signed a Form #100 application and a prospect card and get him to an admission interview and a First Degree. Any delay in this process could be costly in his joining our Order. Remember..always carry a form #100 with you at all times. Shortly, on January 9, 2010 we will conduct our Mid-Year Meeting at Cardinal Gibbons Council #2521. Your attendance at this meeting is very important as it will be critical to the success of your Fraternal Year. It will allow you to review your progress to date as well as prepare your Deputy Grand Knight as to his role of responsibility and leadership that lies ahead. We will also conduct the State Pro-Life Mass that will be the forerunner to the March for Life on January 22 in Washington D. C. Again, your attendance is most important at this meeting. Vivat Jesus! 9

10 Fraternal Benefits Roger L. Doucette, PGK John Canter Right to Apply Helps Widows in Need The laws and rules of our Order, as well as state (provincial) laws, specify that the Knights of Columbus may accept insurance applications only from Knights of Columbus members. As a member, you may apply for insurance on yourself, your wife and your dependent, minor children. The Order s Board of Directors has taken action, though; to assure that a brother Knight s widow maintains the right to purchase additional insurance for a limited time. This can be of great benefit and comfort to those we leave behind. This right to apply is available only to the widows of insured members. If a member has not availed himself of our top-rated life insurance program, or purchased an annuity or long-term care policy, this benefit is not available to his widow. But if the Knight was an insured member, his widow has the right to apply for additional insurance on her life and on the lives of the member s minor children. This right can be exercised for up to one year following the Order s receipt of proof of the insured s death. Know two things. First, I ll assist your widow and children in any way possible if you should die, both with your Knights of Columbus insurance and any other life insurance you may have. Second, I ll provide them my best professional advice and service to ensure that they continue to have adequate insurance protection. As a professional agent and a brother Knight, I have no greater responsibility. I m at or roger.doucette@kofc.org. Call me let s talk. RD CHAPTER NEWS The next meeting of the Bishop McNamara Chapter is scheduled for January 20 at St. Mary of Landover Hills Council #10046 in Landover Hills, MD. It begins at 8:00 PM. The theme will be, So You are Going to be the Grand Knight. FOURTH DEGREE The next meeting of the Bishop Walsh Assembly will be at 8:00 PM on Monday, January 11 at St. Pius X Council in Forestville, MD. K of C LADIES Geneva Murry has dropped off a proposal packet (including by-laws) for the fledging Auxiliary and we hope to have organizational meetings in January. Posts to be filled are as follows: President Vice President Treasurer Recording Secretary For additional information contact Bettie Johnson (301) , Geneva Murry (301) or K of C Council Director Geony Provido (240) More Lunch with Santa Pictures 10

11 Father Michael C. Kidd Council Knights of Columbus Council #14455 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4051, Upper Marlboro, MD Hall Address: Woodmore Rd, Mitchellville, MD Terry Reinhart, GK James Murry, Membership Fr. Joseph Jenkins, Chaplain fatherkidd.wordpress.com We are called to serve. Provisional Newsletter Editor: Fr. Joseph Jenkins January Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 10 AM Mass 01 First Degree at Mother Seton Council, Lanham 8 PM 02 First Saturday Eucharistic Adoration 9:30-5 PM 04 Council Business Meeting 7:30 PM 09 Mid-Term Meeting at Card Gibbons Council, Baltimore 11 Walsh Assembly Meeting at SPX at 8 PM Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity from Baltimore 15 Family of the Month Due (December) 15 Second Quarter Activity Reports Due 18 Martin Luther King Flag Promotion 19 Council Social Meeting 7:30 PM 20 McNamara Chapter at St Mary s, Landover Hills 8 PM 21 First Degree at Fletcher Council, Largo 7:30 PM 21 First Degree at Sacred Heart Council, Bowie 8 PM 22 March for Life in Washington, DC 27 Corporate Communion Mass 7:30 PM 27 Executive Meeting 8 PM February Council Business Meeting 7:30 PM 01 Family of the Year Deadline 02 First Degree at Mother Seton Council, Lanham 8 PM 06 First Saturday Eucharistic Adoration 9:30-5 PM 08 Walsh Assembly Meeting at SPX at 8 PM 11 Second Degree at Sacred Heart Council, Bowie 8 PM 15 Family of the Month Due (January) 15 Presidents Day Flag Promotion 15 Council Social Meeting 7:30 PM 16 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6 PM-8 PM 17 McNamara Chapter at Regis, Hollywood 8 PM 17 Ash Wednesday 8 AM & 7:30 PM Mass 24 Corporate Communion Mass 7:30 PM 24 Executive Meeting 8 PM 27 State Free Throw Contest at Arch Spalding HS, Severn 11