The Knightly News. K of C Newsletter for Fr. Michael C. Kidd Council, Mitchellville, MD

Transcription

1 The Knightly News K of C Newsletter for Fr. Michael C. Kidd Council, Mitchellville, MD MAIL: P.O. Box 4051, Upper Marlboro, MD / HALL: Woodmore Rd, Mitchellville, MD Volume II, Number 5 Knights of Columbus Council #14455 Nov MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND KNIGHT Dear Brother Knights, I want to thank the men for all they accomplished in the month of October. We really had our hands full. We helped the parish; indeed, we helped a number of parishes by providing wine, cheese and crackers at THE JEWELER S SHOP play held here at Holy Family at the request of Sacred Heart Church. Our Youth Director and his volunteers hosted a soccer shoot out and the kids had a great time. Awards were presented at Mass. The Knights also worked in unison with the parish Teen Group to make possible the Halloween Party for little kids and their families. The teens ran the games and our extended K of C family made sure that everyone got a nice meal. Many thanks again to Jim and Peggy Marosy for helping with the food again. Perry Concepcion and his wife looked after ticket sales. Dave Thomas was our magician in a swami hat. I still laugh when I think about that hat! Given that the Halloween party was OUR EVENT we really did need and expected more council participation. Please, in the future, bring your kids and get your ladies involved. If we are going to be a success, your wives and girlfriends have to play a part. I urge our men to talk to them about starting an Auxiliary group as soon as possible! On top of these obligations, we also hosted a Second Degree. My sincere thanks go out to those who so quickly made a degree possible here in October! As if all this was not enough, volunteers were involved with the Shelter Meal Program and supplies and food were taken to SOME. The Tootsie Roll program also started and I think we made something near a thousand dollars for God s special children and the mentally challenged. Congratulations on such a good start! Vivat Jesus! George H. Johnson, GK CHAPLAIN S COUNSEL Dear Brothers, I want to thank those knights who helped us with THE JEWELER S SHOP refreshments and the HALLOWEEN PARTY. We are still struggling with too few carrying the weight of the council s responsibilities. Please volunteer and take an active part. As for our good officers, remember that it is crucial that you communicate with one another and participate at the two meetings each month. Other than for a dire family emergency or work commitment, we should never miss meetings. Word has come down to me that the State K of C is in utter amazement at our membership growth! Please keep a list of occupations and talents. Our men can do much to help the parish operate and flourish. While the obligation is removed this year from the All Saints holy day, and All Souls disappears into the Sunday all together, nevertheless, November is the month that we remember our beloved dead. Envelopes are available in the church upon which you can write the names of deceased family members and friends. The envelopes will be placed upon the altar and the intentions will be remembered at Masses throughout the month. Election time is also upon us, and while we must never bring partisan politics into our council chambers, I trust that by our actions and prayers we will not forget our values and deepest convictions as Catholic gentlemen and Knights of Columbus. God bless you in all your labors and have a happy and bounteous Thanksgiving! Father Joe Jenkins

2 CHAPLAIN Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins ASSOCIATE CHAPLAIN Deacon Hank D. Dardy GRAND KNIGHT George H. Johnson, GK DEPUTY GRAND KNIGHT Terry Reinhart, DGK CHANCELLOR Dr. Ujuchris Okereh WARDEN Mark M. Manapul TREASURER Kevin Renze FINANCIAL SECRETARY Porfirio Concepcion INSURANCE AGENT John Canter Contributions, gifts, etc. to Fr. Kidd Council #14455 are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions. DISTRICT DEPUTY S REPORT Vernon Hawkins, PGK, FN, FDW (301) vhawkinsjr@aol.com November is the month in which the Knights of Columbus remember our departed members and their families. Our Order makes it a point to remember all of our Brothers and Sisters that have passed away, especially those over the past year, at special Masses. Please make it a point to attend this year s Memorial Mass, to remember all of our Family members that have passed away. Please remember our Widows especially; the Knights were founded to support our Widows and Orphans. Thanks to all the Councils in the District for getting their First Quarter Surge for Service reports in on time. This continues our excellent progress this year. Also, congratulations to all our active District Councils for their excellent recruitment progress, so far. I know all of our Councils will be well on the way to meeting their quota by the end of December. Thanks to Fr. Kidd Council for hosting the excellent Second Degree. Thanks also to all the members of the District Second Degree Team. Without the special participation of each of you we would not be able to conduct these degrees. During this month of Thanksgiving, please remember to support our State Charity Program. This is another way you can continue to help a Brother Knight or community member in their time of need. Are you ready for a little Shuffleboard Pool? The District #6 Shuffleboard and Pool Challenge will be held on Friday, November 14 th at Sacred Heart Council, starting promptly at 6:30 P.M. Bring the entire family. There will be fun, games, prizes, and food galore for one and all. The Contest of Champions will commence shortly after 7 P.M. I wish everyone a very special and prayerful Thanksgiving. Don t forget to VOTE! Vivat Jesus! MCNAMARA CHAPTER We have a special starting time for our next meeting, 7:30 PM on Wednesday, November 19 at Sacred Heart Council 2577 at 6111 Columbian Way, Bowie, MD It is our annual Memorial Mass and silent auction. We meet on the Third Wednesday of each month. While the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight routinely attend, all officers are urged to do so. The meeting raffle was won by our own GK George Johnson. Congratulations, George! Given how close the next chapter meeting will be, let us have good attendance.

3 CHANCELLOR S REPORT Dr. Ujuchris Chris Okereh Vocations Do any of our men have boys in high school? If you do, the Archdiocese of Washington extends an invitation to them to take part in what will hopefully become an annual visit to Mt. St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. This is simply a day-trip designed to allow young men to see and experience a bit of what seminary life is like. We hope this will allow exposure for the possibility of college seminary for those approaching their High School graduation. The Mount is, of course, not a college seminary but because of its locale and accessibility, it was thought ideal for this kind of visit. Pass this information along and please feel free to invite personally any high school boy to participate. The trip is scheduled for Sunday, November 16 from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information or RSVP by November 12, contact Fr. Rob Walsh or Jenny Mulhare at / mulharej@adw.org. Departure and pickup at the ADW Pastoral Center, 5001 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD Maybe some of our men have daughters or sisters open to a religious vocation? The Daughters of Charity are offering a Come and See retreat weekend November 7-9 in Emmitsburg, MD. Single women ages interested in a vocation as a Sister are invited to attend. If interested please contact Sr. Denise LaRock, DC at or dcvoc@doc.org. Learn more at We also have some single men in our council; have you ever felt called to the priesthood? If so, you should consider attending the annual Mass and dinner with Archbishop Wuerl for adult men who are open to the priesthood on Sunday, November 23, 4:00 PM-7:30 PM at St. Peter Catholic Church in Washington, DC. The evening will include Mass, a presentation, dinner and an opportunity to meet other Catholic men who are considering the call. If you are looking for a sign, this is it. Come and see why the priesthood is such a gift. To register and for more information contact Msgr. Rob Panke, Director of Priest Vocations at or vocations@adw.org. Participants should be single men in their 20 s-40 s who are practicing Catholics. Would that not be sweet fruit, not simply giving money but one or more of our single men to the priesthood? Call me if you know of any sick or distressed members! COUNCIL ACTIVITIES Geony J. Provido It is time to start thinking seriously about the 111th Annual Maryland State Convention. It will be held at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, Ocean City, Maryland, the weekend of May 15, 16, & 17, Reservations may be made beginning 8 AM on November 3, To make reservations, call ; identify yourself as a Knight of Columbus attending the convention in May Room rates range from $114 to $249. Reservation attempts made prior to 8 A.M. November 3, 2008 will not be honored. All reservations at the Princess Royale must be made by April 15, Additional information may be found on the State Web Site and the District #6 Yahoo Site. For questions, contact DD Vern Hawkins or DW Pat Springmann or Bob Worthington. Redskins Football Games The time commitment is 6-7 hours per game, with report time at least 3 hours prior to game time. Park at Landover Mall by former Hechts store and take the free shuttle bus to Fed Ex Field (indicate you're working concessions). The uniform is black pants (with free hat and shirt provided early in the season). Review the schedule information below and indicate to Kevin Renze (202) (renzek@ntsb.gov) via how many (and/or which) games you would like to work. Our council goal is to supply 5 people or more per game: Nov. 03 Pittsburgh 8:30 PM Nov. 16 Dallas 8:15 PM Nov. 30 N.Y. Giants 1:00 PM Dec. 21 Philadelphia 1:00 PM Christmas Cards Sales KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS cards are still available after weekend Masses. Look for a display in the church or outside. Proceeds go toward the charitable activities of our council. The Jeweler s Shop Play This event was sponsored by Sacred Heart, St. Ambrose, St. Joseph, St. Pius X, St. Edward and Holy Family. Selling refreshments, we profited $ and assisted the churches.

4 CHURCH ACTIVITIES Vincent K. Hubbard Monthly Corporate Communion Mass It was announced at the last business council meeting that the 7:30 PM Mass on the 4 th Wednesday of the month would be our Corporate Communion Mass. Our men can read, serve and help with the cup. After Mass we can offer the Novena of the Miraculous Medal with the other parishioners and add our three staple Knights of Columbus prayers. From time to time we might also offer refreshments following Mass. The Knights and their ladies and families would be welcome. Father Michael J. McGivney Guild We offered applications at the last business council meeting and all in attendance filled out applications. There is no cost. Members are to daily offer the K of C prayer that Father McGivney be elevated to the honors of the altar. First Saturday Eucharistic Adoration Holy Family Parish offers this monthly opportunity for us and our families to spend an hour at prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance upon the altar. Our Lord is asking each of us, Can you not spend just an hour with me? A schedule is being circulated. Please sign it and make a monthly commitment. The worship ends at 5:00 PM with benediction right after the community prays and sings the Divine Mercy devotion. Father Jenkins would like to plan a Memorial Mass some time during the month of November for both the council and the parish. We would remember our beloved Father Kidd who died December 31 last year and pray by name for all those buried from the parish in the last year. More details will be forthcoming. The Maryland State Council is offering an Ignatian style silent retreat at Loyola Retreat House in Faulkner, MD on the weekend of Friday, Nov. 7 (6:45 PM) to Sunday, Nov. 8 (12:30 PM). The cost is $215. Call Arnie Calhoun at to register and contact the retreat center at (Peggy Poole). COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Andres Padilla The Community Activities Program was very busy making arrangements for the Tootsie Roll campaign to benefit people with intellectual disabilities. This is one of the most important programs of the Knights of Columbus in the State of Maryland and we were glad to be able to support it in our first full fraternal year. Our council s Tootsie Roll campaign chairman, Brother James Moore, was able to secure the following locations for this fundraiser: Safeway Food & Pharmacy, 4100 Northview Drive in the Bowie Town Center on 11 October Giant Foods, 3500 Crain Highway in Bowie on 18 October Holy Family Church in Mitchellville after the Masses on October Saturday October 11 was a quite a productive day at Safeway. Brothers James Moore, Jim Murry, Dick Mewshaw, Bode Akinola, and yours truly put on our aprons and enjoyed meeting customers coming in and out of the store and receiving donations for our campaign. A couple of fellow knights from Sacred Heart Council stopped to introduce themselves and offered kind words of encouragement for the work we were doing. The Tootsie Rolls were a hit with the little ones and with the children at heart as well. Final results and pictures will be reported in the December newsletter and will also be posted on our website. Brother Knights are invited to assist the parish efforts in its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. We will be collecting hot and cold cereals. These items can be placed in the baskets in the back of the church. We are in much need of boxes (zerox paper size) in which to pack food. Boxes can be dropped off on the rectory porch at any time. Leaders and volunteers in parish social ministry to the poor and needy, in justice ministries and in programs that promote the life and dignity of the human person are invited to a quarterly gathering of the Archdiocesan Department for Social Concerns. This is a time to get to know each other, learn from each other and support one another as we seek to reflect Christ our Hope to the poor and vulnerable. For further information, contact Tony Bosnick at or DSC@adw.org. Those working in Prince George s County parishes are invited on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the St. Francis Center for Deaf Ministries, 7202 Buchanan St. Landover Hills, MD Archbishop Donald Wuerl will celebrate a Mass with and for persons who have disabilities on Sunday,

5 November 30, 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St. Mary s Place, Laurel, MD The liturgy will honor the 30th anniversary of the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities, which created a blueprint for a welcoming and inclusive Church. A reception and awards ceremony will follow. For more information, contact the Archdiocesan Office of Ministry for Persons with Disabilities at Sign language interpreted. St. Mary of the Mills is a fully accessible parish. A Home Retention Workshop is being offered for any Maryland resident having trouble paying the mortgage on Sunday, November 9, 10:00 AM., 2:00 PM, at Ascension Catholic Church, Lanham-Severn Road, Bowie, MD Presentations will be held at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Call HOME or for more information or to RSVP. Presented by Housing Options & Planning Enterprises, Inc. (H.O.P.E.) and Civil Justice, Prince George s DHCD Home Ownership Center and the Pro Bono Resources Center of Maryland. FAMILY ACTIVITIES Dr. F. Daniels & Tim Adams Activity Director Needed Both Dr. F. Daniels and Tim Adams regret having trouble finding the time for council family activities. If any member would like to give it a try, contact the Grand Knight or Program Director, Brother John E. McInerney. Children s Halloween Party We hosted this event on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 12 Noon to 4:00 PM. The K of C took responsibility for the tickets and helped with the food (hotdogs, soup, chips, dessert). Many thanks to Pam Rozanski, the parish youth director, for working on the decorations, candy, games, etc. Dave Thomas was quite something else with his magic show! The kids were cute in costume. YOUTH ACTIVITIES Ramon G. Evasco Christ in the City is a ministry of the Office of Young Adult Ministry that specifically focuses on spiritual growth and provides an opportunity to establish a relationship with Christ truly present in the Eucharist. On the second Thursday of each month, young adults from across the city congregate at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 10th and G Streets, NW, Washington, DC to pray and worship. Stop in for a few minutes or join us for the entire service. Either way, your prayer life will be enriched by the experience. The evening starts with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary. From 7:30 PM-8:30 PM., there will be Eucharistic Adoration, Praise and Worship, Confession available and Reflection. St. Patrick s is Metro accessible via Metro Center s 11th Street exit or Chinatown s 9th Street exit. Free parking at the garage on Tenth Street between G and H. Bring your ticket to the sacristy for validation. Upcoming dates: Nov. 13, Dec. 11 and Jan. 8. Holy Family Youth Ministry Remember, if we want to help out and participate, we must complete a volunteer application and be certified through Virtus and Child Protective Services: 11/08 Parish Indoor Yard Sale (8 AM-3 PM) 11/14 Meeting (7 PM-9 PM) 11/16 Cemetery Leaf Raking (Confirm Class) 11/28 Meeting (7 Pm-9 PM) Virtus Workshop will be held on Saturday, November 1 here at Holy Family Parish. This workshop is REQUIRED for anyone who works with children in the parish. To register visit where you will be asked to create an account and directed to the schedule page where you can register for this class. There are no fees. If you do not have internet or need help registering, contact Pam at Child Protective Services As a reminder, those intending to assist with youth programs must not only attend a Child Protective Services workshop, but also fill out a parish volunteer application and get fingerprinted at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center so that a police report can be requested. The State of Maryland and F.B.I. assess a charge of $33.25 per volunteer for processing completed Criminal History Record Checks. Checks or money orders must be made payable to the Archdiocese of Washington (cash will not be accepted). Signed authorization form and photo I.D. required. Fingerprinting is by appointment only; to request an appointment, call (301) (Mon. Fri. 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The web link is: The location is the Archdiocese of Washington Pastoral Center, 5001 Eastern Avenue Hyattsville, MD 20782

6 (one block from the District Line) Times are: Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 AM 9:00 PM and Saturday: 8:00 AM 6:00 PM. The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a poster contest, with the theme being, Keep Christ in Christmas. This contest is held on two levels (Council and State). Children in grades one through eight are eligible to participate. Students interested may pick up a copy of the contest rules from Pam in our Religious Education Department or by contacting the rectory at The deadline for submission is November 15 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on November 23 after the 9:30 AM Mass. The Maryland Soccer Shoot Out is a Maryland State program. This is a soccer skills program in which all youth, boys and girls, ages 8 to 18 can participate. Participants in MD will compete in ball throw in for distance and accuracy, kicking for distance and accuracy, and goal shots for accuracy. We conducted our event on October 5 at Holy Family Parish: CATEGORY 6 & UNDER Francis Emmanuel Santos (6 years old)* Gia Santos (5 years old) CATEGORY 7-8 Geo Provido (7 years old Sam Doucette (8 years old)* CATEGORY 9-10 Miguel Inigo S. Lim (9 years old) Leatrice Bulls (10 years old)* CATEGORY George Provido (11 years old) John Oputa (12 years old)* CATEGORY Asha Roper (16 years old) Kiersten Laroche (16 years old)* PRO-LIFE REPORT Paul A. Batson 100,000 Letters for Life: November Initiative During the 2009 session of the MD General Assembly it is expected a bill that attempts to discredit and ultimately shut down pregnancy resource centers, will be introduced. The legislation is part of a national campaign waged by the abortion industry. In Nov., the MD Catholic Conference (MCC) and the MD State Council of the K of C will collaborate once again in an effort to generate 100,000 Letters for Life. This year s effort will focus on sending electronic letters to elected officials by encouraging people to sign up after Mass to become a member of the MCC s legislative action center. This online system makes it simple to send letters to legislators because the software automatically determines the legislative district, and name of the senator and delegate(s). Our K of C members, assisted by other volunteers, are prepared to conduct the sign-up in our parish in Nov. Additional details will be provided by the MCC. If you have questions, please call Dr. Nancy Paltell, MCC associate director for respect-for-life activities, Again this year Holy Family Parish has been asked to host the Memorial or Cemetery of the Innocents. We are tentatively scheduled for January, matching the time of the national march. This project of 721 crosses is made possible through a partnership between the Right to Life, the K of C and our churches. Message from the K of C regarding the Nov. 4 election: Dear friend of the unborn: It has been a difficult struggle, but the pro-life movement has accomplished many things since the Supreme Court's decision to preempt all state and federal laws regulating abortion in Roe v. Wade in While achieving the ultimate goal of overturning Roe remains somewhere in the future, we have been able to achieve many small successes along the way: the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions; the federal law banning partial birth abortions, which was finally upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in April 2007; the "Mexico City Policy," which has barred the use of federal taxpayers' money to pay for abortions in other countries; laws in 44 states that preserve a parental role when children under 18 seek abortions; laws in 40 states that restrict late-term abortions; laws in 46 states that protect the right of conscience for individual health care providers; laws in 27 states that protect the right of conscience for institutions; laws in 38 states that ban partial birth abortions; laws in 33 states that require counseling before having an abortion; and laws in 16 states that provide for ultrasounds before an abortion.

7 All of these restrictions on abortion - all of the progress we've made over the past 35 years in trying to limit and reduce abortions in the United States - would be invalidated with the stroke of a pen if the next Congress passes, and the next president signs, the socalled "Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA). Before you cast your vote on Tuesday, please take the time and effort necessary to learn whether candidates for whom you might vote favor or oppose FOCA. The Senate sponsors of FOCA are listed here: The House sponsors of FOCA are listed here: Obviously, if a candidate in your area is not listed among the sponsors, you may have to ask his or her campaign for their position on FOCA. We have gathered much additional information about the Freedom of Choice Act, including links to material from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and on life issues generally on a special Knights of Columbus web page: Remember, all that we've done together since Roe to save the lives of the unborn is at stake. Please pass on this message to your pro-life friends. MEMBERSHIP Brother Knights, Sacred Heart Council has announced a special first degree exemplification (initiation) ceremony for next week. The ceremony details are: Thursday 7:30 PM / November 6, 2008 Sacred Heart Council 6111 Columbian Way Bowie, MD Coat and tie (desired) We have several approved candidates that are ready for initiation and this is an excellent opportunity to bring them into knighthood. Proposers (sponsors) can assist us in getting the word to their candidates. Also, we have 6 applications that must be acted on at our next regular meeting. A 3rd degree exemplification (initiation) ceremony date is available for our 2nd degree Brothers to move to the next level. Please pass the word so that we can get our 2nd degree Brothers out for this ceremony. This is another great opportunity to show that the FR. Michael C. Kidd Council is on the move. The ceremony details are as follows: 7:30 PM / Friday November 7, 2008 St. Mary the Assumption Council # Main Street Upper Marlboro, MD Coat and tie (desired) On October 16th the Council gained 4 new Brother Knights: Candidate Venerando Dinglasa Joseph C. Hebron Barry C. Hickey Edgar R. Sacal Sponsor Allan Noel F. Diongson James Marosy Terry M. Rienhart Allan Noel F. Diongson The first degree exemplification ceremony for these Brother Knights was held at the Charles C. Fletcher Council (St. Joseph Catholic Church - Largo, MD). District Deputy Vernon Hawkins praised the Fr. Michael C. Kidd Council on its steady membership growth that has occurred during its initial year of existence. On October 20, 2008 the Council WAS honored by hosting a second degree exemplification ceremony for the Maryland Knights of Columbus 6th District at the Holy Family Parish Hall. Though this degree ceremony will be open to the entire 6th District, it was anticipated that at least 20 Brother Knights from our Council would participate and progress to second degree of Knighthood. The event was a great success! Our Council membership is growing and we are on our way to "triple star" status for this fraternal year. Keep up the good work. Jim Murry Membership Cell FOURTH DEGREE The Bishop James E. Walsh Assembly #1548 meets on the second Monday of each month at 8:00 PM in the

8 Bert Parise Room at St. Pius X Council #4076 (Sarto Hall), 3611 Stewart Road, Forestville, MD Last month our Grand Knight brought Ramon Glorioso Evasco who formally transferred from the Manila Assembly to Walsh as a Fourth Degree member. FRATERNAL BENEFITS The most basic plan of permanent life insurance protection whole life insurance calls for premiums to be paid for your entire life, or up to age 100. You amy also consider another permanent life insurance product one with guaranteed cash values that offers a limited period of premium payments. The Knights of Columbus offers three permanent life insurance products for which premiums do not have to be paid for all of life. Twenty Pay Life is exactly as the name suggests a permanent plan with premiums payable for 20 years. After the premiums are paid for 20 years, the plan is paid up and no more premiums are due. Unlike its term counterpart, however, the plan stays in force, the death benefit remains intact and the guaranteed cash value continues to grow. Another such plan is our Life Paid Up at 65. With this permanent product you pay premiums until you reach age 65. Then, premiums, stop (just in time for retirement), but the plan remains very much in force. Finally, the ultimate in limited pay is our Single Premium Life product. Imagine buying life insurance permanent life insurance and only paying one single premium? It s possible. I have detailed information on all these products. At your convenience, I ll meet with you and your wife to perform a free custom-tailored needs analysis, to help determine which of our many life insurance products is right for you and your family. RS roger.doucette@kofc.org Call John Canter at (301) or Roger Doucette at (240) NEWS FROM SUPREME In eight of the last nine presidential elections, the crucial Catholic vote has picked the winner. America s 69 million Catholics are again likely to hold the key not only to the White House, but to a great number of other races as well. The bishops of the United States recently stated, The Church s obligation to participate in shaping the moral character of society is a requirement of faith. At the top of their list of Catholic moral convictions, the bishops put defending the inviolable sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death. This is especially important since Catholics often confront a dilemma in deciding how to vote: Can we support a candidate who may be attractive for many reasons but who supports abortion rights? Some partisan advocates have sought to excuse support for pro-abortion-rights candidates through a complex balancing act. They claim other issues are important enough to offset a candidate s support for abortion rights. But the right to abortion mandated in the United States by the Supreme Court s Roe v. Wade decision is not just another political issue; it is in reality a legal regime that has resulted in more than 40 million deaths. Imagine for a moment the largest 25 cities in the United States and Canada suddenly empty of people. This is what the loss of 40 million human beings would look like. In fact, 40 million is greater than the entire population of Canada. What political issue could possibly outweigh this human devastation? The answer, of course, is that there is none. Some will argue that faith has no place in politics. But the notion that the First Amendment s Establishment Clause somehow forbids either a public official or a voter from taking into account personal religious values when deciding matters of public policy is absurd. After all, some of the most important movements in our history the abolitionist movement which ended slavery, the civil-rights movement, which finally made racism morally unacceptable in America were born as religious movements. It is significant that both of these movements sought to end what were rightly regarded as fundamental violations of the dignity possessed by every human person. Legal respect for, and protection of, human dignity lie at the heart of our Constitution, as well as at the core of religious faith.

9 It is time to put away the arguments of political spin masters that only serve to justify abortion rights. How should Catholics exercise their responsibility as citizens? The most important way is to build a culture of life. It is time for Catholics to demand the end of Roe v. Wade. It is time to stop creating excuses for voting for proabortion-rights politicians. It is time that Catholics shine a bright line of separation between themselves and all those politicians who defend the abortion-rights regime of Roe v. Wade. During the pope s visit to the United States last April, he urged those gathered at Yankee Stadium to protect the unborn in the mother s womb. That statement drew the loudest, longest applause of his trip. Imagine the effect if this year millions of Catholic voters simply say no no to every candidate for every office of every political party who supports abortion rights. It s time Catholics stop accommodating pro-abortionrights politicians and it s time to start demanding that politicians accommodate us. In this election, if a Catholic cannot vote for a pro-life candidate, then not voting for that office may be the sincerest expression of faithful citizenship. As faithful citizens, Catholics can build a new politics a politics that is not satisfied with the status quo, but one that is dedicated to building up a culture of life. Vivat Jesus! STATE COUNCIL REPORT Richard V. Siejack The Columbus Day Ball was well attended as well as the Columbus Day Parade. We had a very large turnout of Fourth Degree Sir Knights for the wreath laying ceremony in Maryland and Washington D.C. During this month we honor in a special way our deceased brothers and family members. Plan now to attend our Annual Memorial Mass and reception on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 3 PM in St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Church, Rosedale, Md. We Knights and Family Members will again spearhead a pro-life program by conducting an electronic letter writing campaign in collecting parishioner s names, addresses and addresses on a Maryland Catholic Conference Legislative Action Center sign-up form. The Parishioner will subsequently receive electronic letters that can be easily sent to their legislator. We expect every council and parish to participate in this important Pro-Life activity after every Mass on a weekend (selected by the pastor) in November We ask every Brother Knight and Family to answer this call to serve and promote The Culture of Life. In closing, growth is our #1 priority. The Membership Blitz results are still coming in. I strongly encourage you to get these prospective members to a First Degree as soon as possible. We must not miss any of these potential members by a failure to follow up. They deserve the same Experience of a Life Time benefit as you and I have. Pat and I wish each of you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving. Remember, We Are Called To Serve, Jesus I Trust In You! Vivat Jesus SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER First Saturday Eucharistic Adoration 8:30 AM-5 PM 01 Virtus Training Workshop 2 PM-4 PM 03 Council Meeting at 7:30 PM (Business) 03 Washington Redskins Concession Stand 04 Election Day 06 First Degree at Sacred Heart Council 7:30 PM 07 Knights of Columbus Retreat (Loyola) / 6:45 PM 08 Knights of Columbus Retreat / ALL DAY cont. 09 Knights of Columbus Retreat / ends after lunch 12:30 PM 07 Third Degree Exemplification at St. Mary s UM 7:30 PM 08 Indoor Yard Sale 8 AM-3 PM 10 Walsh Assembly Meeting at SPX at 8 PM 11 Veterans Day 14 District 6 Shuffleboard and Pool Challenge 6:30 PM 16 MD State Annual Memorial Mass 3 PM 16 Washington Redskins Concession Stand 17 Council Meeting at 7:30 PM (Social) 19 McNamara Chapter 7:30 PM at Sacred Heart 26 Corporate Communion Mass (Memorial) 7:30 PM 27 Thanksgiving Day (HF Mass at 10 AM) 30 Washington Redskins Concession Stand PARISH WEBPAGE: TO CONTACT COUNCIL NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Good Knight at fatherkidd@yahoo.com Father Joe Jenkins at frjoe@erols.com REMEMBER articles are due by the 15 th of the previous month. A successful council means COMMUNICATION!

10 VISIT THE COUNCIL WEBSITE FOR MORE SHOTS!