December Reminders Bobb Mahrer, Education and Training Director

Transcription

1 from Texas State Council Education and Training Volume 4 Issue 12 Publication of the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus Dec 2009 E&T TEAM DIRECTOR Bobb Mahrer (Glenda) Greenville (Home) (Cell) r-mahrer@geusnet.com STAR TRACKER RPT Ken Boone (Laura) San Antonio (Home) ktlboone@msn.com STATE TRAINER Craig Modrzynski (Barbara) Carrollton (Home) (Work) (Cell) craigmod@gte.net STATE TRAINER Pete Muceus (Carol) Sugar Land (Home) (Work) peterkofc@comcast.net STATE TRAINER Joseph Maire (Yvonne) Deer Park December Reminders Bobb Mahrer, Education and Training Director Merry Christmas from E&T One hundred and thirty-one years ago on Christmas Day of this month, Father Michael J. McGivney climbed the pulpit at St. Mary s Catholic Church in New Haven, Connectivut for the very first time as the assistant pastor. Looking out on his new congregation, what was this 26-year old priest thinking?. See page 2. Bobb Mahrer STATE DIRECTOR Remember to Help a Child in Need Christmas is one of the most joyous times of the year, especially for children. Unfortunately, there are many children in need who can t enjoy the Christmas season. See page 2. Coats for Kids This winter, the Knights of Columbus will again continue its Coats for Kids program bringing g new, warm coats to children through the United States. See page 2. Pearl Harbor Never Forget The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise launched by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the morning of Sunday, December 7, It was intended to neutralize the American forces in the Pacific in an impending World War II. See page 7. Lone Star Award Winners A list of the Lone Star Award winners will be provided in next month s issue of the FINISH LINE. Copyright 2009, Knights of Columbus, Texas State Council, Austin, Texas (Home) Th Fi i h Li i id d thl d l t i ll b th Ed ti d T i i T d i (cell) knights.archgh@yahoo.com The Finish Line is provided monthly and electronically by the Education and Training Team and is a running outlook of the activities, events, award criteria, and due dates for the next days. Specific questions about Membership, Programs, Charities, Council Development, and the specific subjects therein should be directed to the appropriate State Director. FINISH LINE 1

2 DECEMBER HEADLINES Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Education and Training i Team Dear Brothers in Christ, One hundred and thirty-one years ago on Christmas Day of this month, Father Michael J. McGivney climbed the pulpit at St. Mary s Catholic Church in New Haven, Connecticut for the very first time as the assistant pastor. Looking out on his new congregation, what was this 26-year old priest thinking? Ordained in Baltimore s cathedral three days prior and having celebrated his first solemn Mass just hours before at his boyhood church in Waterbury, Connecticut, Father McGivney s emotions must have been running high. His life as a priest something he had planned, studied, and prayed for since the age of 16 was just beginning. There is no record of the homily he preached on that morning of Christmas Day of But what he did all the days thereafter, however, is the history we continue to research, and know, and live by as we live out his vision of Catholic Knighthood. We, the members of the Education and Training Team hope that you and your family are blessed on the Holy Feast Day of Christmas and remain blessed during this Holy Season and throughout the new year. Fraternally in Christ, Bobb Mahrer, Ken Boone Craig Modrzynski Bill Muceus Joe Maire Remember to Help a Child in Need This Christmas Christmas is one of the most joyous times of the year, especially for children. Unfortunately, there are many children in need who can t enjoy the Christmas season. Every council is urged to conduct programs to aid them as part of the Supreme Council Knights of Columbus Help a Child in Need initiative. Through this initiative, councils are urged to undertake a variety of activities to help disadvantaged youths. Some examples include distributing Christmas Food Baskets to families in need, collecting Christmas presets for children who would otherwise go without gifts, supply meals to orphanages or shelters for mothers and their children, or collecting funds to benefit foster child programs. Coats for Kids This winter, the Knights of Columbus will again continue its Coats for Kids program bringing new, warm coats to children throughout the United States. The initiative is part of the Order s Help a Child in Need campaign which began in 2006 with a nationwide television appeal for donations to charities that support the needs of children. Helping children in need was a fundamental reason for the formation of the Knights of Columbus in 1882 and continues to be an important component of our work today. --Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson FINISH LINE 2

3 DECEMBER HEADLINES Pearl Harbor - Never Forget Pearl Harbor: The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise launched by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the morning of Sunday, December 7, It was intended to neutralize the American forces in the Pacific in an impending World War II. The attack destroyed 8 American battleships, severely damaged 9 other warships, destroyed 188 aircraft, and killed 2,403 American servicemen and women. The following day, President Franklin Roosevelt, addressing a joint session of Congress, called December 7 a date which will live in infamy. Congress then declared war on Japan. Within days, Japan s allies, Germany and Italy, declared war on the United States. FINISH LINE 3

4 DECEMBER HEADLINES Next Month Lone Star Award for Excellence Follow Up Host a First Degree during December OUR NUMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Year 2008 VOLUNTER SERVICE More than $1.3 billion in charitable contributions and 626 million volunteer hours in the last 10 Years CHARITABLE $150 CONTRIBUTIONS MILLION HOURS MILLION DOLLARS FINISH LINE 4

5 DECEMBER HEADLINES International Silver Rose Pilgrimage Schedule Confirmed by VSM Paul Weigl (OK PSD) For those of you who are interested in attending the transfer of the Silver Rose from Oklahoma to Texas, it will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church in Gainesville, Texas at the 4:00 PM Vigil Mass on November 28, The officers of the Oklahoma State Council have scheduled the running of the Rose from Marietta, Oklahoma to Gainesville, Texas for that Saturday morning, with completion in time to dress and prepare for Mass. The route will follow Highway 77, south from Marietta to the state line. Regarding the 50th Running of La Rosa Plata (the Sliver Rose) of Our Lady of Guadalupe, transfer of the Rose from United States to Mexico at the International Bridge in Laredo, Texas will take place on December 10th followed with a mass at the Basilica in Monterrey, Mexico on December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This year, three Roses started in Ontario, Canada are traveling throughout the United States and will arrive in Texas at El Paso, Beaumont, and Gainesville and will make their way to Laredo for the transfer to Mexico. From Laredo, the Squires of Mexico will run the bouquet to the Basilica in Monterrey for the opening procession at the 5:00 PM Mass offered by Cardinal Ortega on December 12th. Vivat Jesus, Paul Weigl, PSD, Vice Supreme Master, Our Lady of Guadalupe Province International Silver Rose Pilgrimage Hotel and Travel Accommodations HOTEL - LAREDO, TEXAS - La Posada Hotel Suites Zaragoza St. - Laredo, TX across from San Agustin Cathedral - K of C block reservations - Single or Double occupancy $89 + tax - Reservations by individuals HOTEL - MONTERREY, MEXICO - Radisson Gran Hotel Ancira Monterrey - downtown historic Monterrey (5 Star) - Single or Double occupancy $58 + tax - Reservations through Javier Cabello cell fax jcabello@cabellocanales.comcom TRAVEL LAREDO / MONTERREY - Round trip per person: $95 - Includes banquet dinner at KC Hall in Monterrey on December Bus to tourist attractions and organized tour in Monterrey (does not include any entrance fees). - The bus will remain at KC disposition throughout the stay. - Seating capacity is limited to Reservations through Javier Cabello. See next page for Itinerary La Posada Hotel Radisson Gran Hotel FINISH LINE 5

6 DECEMBER HEADLINES International Silver Rose Pilgrimage Itinerary WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9, LAREDO 03:00 PM Registration at La Posada Hotel 07:30 PM Informal Reception at San Agustin Cathedral Parish Hall (casual dress) THURSDAY DECEMBER 10, 2009 LAREDO & MONTERREY 11:15 AM All Sir Knights in regalia to meet at St. Agustin Cathedral Courtyard for instructions 11:30 AM All dignitaries to arrive at St. Agustin Cathedral for instructions and processional align 12:00 PM Mass 01:10 PM Procession to International Bridge 01:15 PM International Silver Rose transfer at mid-bridge 03:30 PM Bus departs for Monterrey, Mexico 06:30 PM Bus arrives in Monterrey FRIDAY DECEMBER 11, 2009 MONTERREY All Day Free day for shopping and sight-seeing tours (coordinated by Monterrey Knights) SATURDAY DECEMBER 12, 2009 MONTERREY 03:0000 PM Meet tin lobby of fregalia Hotel l(formal official i ld dress) 03:15 PM Depart to Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica 05:00 PM Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica 06:45 PM Board buss to Monterrey Council Hall (Council #2312) 07:30 PM Dinner / Banquet 11:45 PM Board bus to return to the hotel SUNDAY DECEMBER 13, 2009 MONTERREY & LAREDO 07:30 AM Bus departs for Laredo 12:00 PM Buss arrives in Laredo NOTE: Those wishing traveling to Mexico will need to have proof of citizenship on hand when returning. A U.S. passport or a birth certificate with a photo ID will suffice. MEXICO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U. S. citizens do not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within the border zone defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers from the U. S, border, depending on location. U. S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee ($22) to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FM-T, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee for the tourist card is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. Please note that travelers not in possession of their FM-T card at the point of exit from Mexico may face a fine from Mexican Immigration (INM). FINISH LINE 6

7 DECEMBER 2009 REMINDERS November 29, Advent Begins November 29th is the First Sunday of Advent, signifying the beginning of Advent. All Catholics are encouraged to set an Advent Wreath in their homes. Councils, assemblies, and circles are encourage to have a ceremony with the blessing of an Advent Wreath by the council chaplain and the lighting of its candles. December 1, Order Membership Cards Financial Secretaries and Comptrollers are reminded that it is time to order Membership Cards for Year 2007 from the Supreme Council Supplies Department. December 1, Light Up for Christ The Supreme Council has designated the first Tuesday of December of each year as the day for Light Up For Christ. On this day, councils and assemblies and circles are invited to turn on a switch and light a Nativity scene, and/or Christmas Tree at 8:00 pm local time. A Lights Up for Christ poster (#2757) is available from the Supreme Council Supply Department. December 7, Pearl Harbor Day Plan a patriotic community activity that may be reported in the Community Activities section of the Columbian Award application. December 10, Transfer of the Silver Rose from Laredo Diocese to Mexico The transfer of the Silver Rose from the Laredo Diocese to Mexico will take place in the Laredo Diocese at a 12:00 Noon mass at San Agustin Catholic Cathedral in Laredo on Thursday, December 10th under the charge of Laredo Diocesan Deputy G. Javier Medellin and Texas State Deputy Javier Martinez. The Silver Rose program features a sculpted silver rose carried by Knights from Canada, through the United States, to Mexico, bringing the Culture of Life message on its journey. The silver rose is received at councils and parishes along its way and Masses and prayer services are offered. Special border ceremonies with the Fourth Degree Honor Guard are held when the rose is transferred from one state to another. The Silver Rose program is a sign of the Order s unity on life issues. Busses to Monterrey (Mexico) will depart from Laredo at 3:30 PM on Dec 10th. Those traveling to Mexico will need to have proof of citizenship on hand when returning. A U.S. Passport or birth certificate with a photo ID will suffice. International Bridge at Laredo, Texas FINISH LINE 7

8 DECEMBER 2009 REMINDERS continued December 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patroness of the Unborn) Plan a pro-life activity that may be reported in the Church Activities section of the Columbian Award application. December 15, Family of the Month (Form 1993A) Due The Grand Knight of each council should appoint a Family Activities Chairman and Select a Family of the Month each month. Form 1993A is due to the Supreme Council office by the 15th of the month for the immediate past month. Two families are selected from each jurisdiction each month to represent the Supreme Council and those families Receive a small statue of the Holy Family in recognition of their selection. Participation in the Family-of- the-month Month will count for one of the requirements of the Youth Activities section of the Columbian Award. A council that participates at least eight times in a timely manner during the fraternal year will be recognized with a special certificate from the State Council. The Family of the Month for November is due now. December 15, 2009 Deadline for Advertisement in State Columbian Squires Mid-Year Convention Program Book The mid-year State Squires Convention will be held during the weekend of January 15-17, 2010 in Laredo, Texas. The support from Councils and Assemblies is requested by placing an ad in the 2010 State Squires Mid-ear Convention Program Book. Ad prices are as follows: Full Page $100, Half Page $50, Fourth page $25, Business Card size $15. Make checks payable to Columbian Squires, and mail to State Columbian Squires Chairman Dean Gutierrez, 2610 Rosales Ave., Brownsville, TX 78521, cell Ads may be submitted via to gutierrezsra@att.net. The publication deadline is December 15, December 25, Keep Christ in Christmas Plan a church, community, family, or youth activity that may be reported in the appropriate section of Columbian Award application December 31, State Council Charity Goal is Due (Early Deadline) Grand Knights needs to make sure their council s Charity Goal to the Texas State Charities is paid by December 31st in order to qualify for the prestigious Lone Star Award with Distinction from the Texas State Council. December 31, State Council Per Capita is Due (Early Deadline) Grand Knights needs to make sure their council s State Per Capita assessment is paid by December 31st in order to qualify for the prestigious Lone Star Award for Excellence and the Lone Star Award for Excellence with Distinction from the Texas State Council. December 4-5-6, Mid-Year Meeting Crown Plaza Hotel, Midway Rd., Addison, TX 75001, (North Dallas) FINISH LINE 8

9 JANUARY 2010 REMINDERS January 1-31, 2010 Council Free-Throw Contests Councils are encouraged to participate in the Supreme Council sponsored Youth Basketball Free-Throw Contest and to schedule their local council contests during the month of January. The contest is for boys and girls ages as of January 1st. Councils should verify ages via a copy of a birth certificate at the time of acceptance of the parent consent form. Councils must also be current with their State Per Capita in order for contestants representing their council to be eligible at the district, diocesan, and state level contests. The State contest will be held at Antonian High School in San Antonio on March 6, Contact Texas State Council Free- Throw Chairman Carl Bernal in San Antonio at or at chbern34@juno.com for more information. January 1-31, 2010 Diocesan Conferences Winter 2010 The schedule of diocesan conferences during January and February will be announced in the January 2010 issue of the FINISH LINE. COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CONVENTION January Mid-Year Squires Convention Circle Officers are encouraged to attend the mid-year State Squires Convention which will be hosted by Circle 4954 at Laredo, Texas. The mid-year State Squires Convention will be held during the weekend of January , 2010 in Laredo, Texas. The support of Councils and Assemblies is requested by placing an ad in the 2010 State Squires Mid-ear Convention Program Book. Ad Prices are as follows: Full Page $100, Half Page $50, Fourth page $25, Business Card size $15. Make checks payable to Columbian Squires Circle #4954, and mail to Dean Gutierrez, State Columbian Squires Chairman, 2610 Rosales Ave., Brownsville, TX Ads may be submitted Dean Gutierrez via to gutierrezsra@att.net. The publication deadline is December 15, Contact Dean Gutierrez at for more information. January 3-10, 2010 National Vocations Awareness Week National Vocations Awareness Week is an opportunity to promote awareness of the need for more priests. The Catholic Church invites us to reflect on Jesus mission as our own calling and to pray for all vocations. Ten Things You Can Do To Support Vocations may be found at org/news/vocations/parish htm (note that ideas for Church Activities may be found in the Surge With Service booklet and note how they may be reported in the Church Activities section of the Columbian Award application.) FINISH LINE 9

10 JANUARY 2010 REMINDERS continued January 15, Family of the Month (Form 1993A) Due The Grand Knight of each council should appoint a Family Activities Chairman and select a Family of the Month each month. Form 1993A is due to the Supreme Council office by the 15th of the month for the immediate past month. Two families are selected from each jurisdiction each month to represent the Supreme Council and those families receive a small statue of the Holy Family in recognition of their selection. Participation in the Family-of-the-Month will count for one of the requirements of the Youth Activities section of the Columbian Award. A council that participates at least eight times in a timely manner during the fraternal year will be recognized with a special certificate from the State Council. The Family of the Month for December is due NOW. January y 16-17, th Annual March for Life Contact Texas State Council Pro-Life Chairman Tom Clark in the Dallas area at or at tjclark123@comcast.net for more information about Pro-Life Activities, particularly, the ACE Wings program. January 31, Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity Report (Form #1728) Councils (and Assemblies and Circles) must complete and submit their 2009 Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity Report (Form #1728) to the Supreme Council by January 31st in order to qualify for the Columbian Award and the Star Council Award. January 31, Partnership Profile Report with Special Olympics (Form #4584) The Knights of Columbus have always had a close relationship with Special Olympics. To further track local councils involvement, make sure that the councils in your district complete the Partnership Profile report with Special Olympics located in the Council Reports Form Booklet and submit it to the Supreme Council office by January 31st with a copy to the State Council office. The Supreme Council of Knights of Columbus provides funds to support the State Special Olympics activities based on the number of volunteer hours provided by Knights. Councils which report the greatest number of volunteer hours per member and greatest monetary donation per member will be recognized with a special award by the State Council. Form 4584 must be submitted to the Supreme Council office and the State Council office by January 31st. January 31, Culture of Life Fund AssessmentWheelchair is Due Program is Rolling At the 127th Annual Supreme Council Meeting in Quebec during August 2009, the delegates unanimously renewed their approval of the establishment of the Culture of Life In Fund. San The Antonio purpose of the fund is to promote the Catholic teaching matters affecting life, family, and marriage. In other Archbishop words, tojose build Gomez a Cultureof Life. the San All councils in the United States and Canada, including territories Antonio will beblesses assessed a wheelchair $3 per member on October on your council s membership roster as of July 1, The assessment 10, 2009 will exclude in the Chapel Honorary, of Padua Honorary Place, Life, a Disabled, and Inactive Insurance members. retirement and assisted living facility for Financial Secretaries will receive a separate billing for the assessment. retired clergy Payment in Alamo in full isheights, due by January Texas. 31, Additional councils contributions are encouraged. Personal The wheelchair checks should was one be made of more out tothan the Knights of Columbus with the notation Culture of Life Fund in the100 memo. donated by the San Antonio Knights Each council received a letter from the Supreme Secretary during October outlining where the funds are to for the use of the residents. Looking on be sent. (left of the archbishop) is San Antonio Supreme Director and Texas State Deputy Javier Martinez reminds Texas Knights that they must step forward in a big way and announce their support for the Culture of Diocesan Life so that Deputy no one Sam doubts Szalwinski. our commitment to life, marriage, and our families. January 31, Adopt All Seminarians State Deputy Javier Martinez has asked that all the dioceses and archdioceses in Texas make certain that all seminarians in Texas have been adopted by a council by January 31st. In addition, councils are encouraged to provide their adopted seminarian with moral support, birthday greetings, funds for personal items, invitations to council functions, and recruit him to join the Knights of Columbus. FINISH LINE 10

11 FEBRUARY 2010 REMINDERS February 1-29, 2010 District and Diocesan Free-Throw Contests District Deputies and Diocesan Deputies are encouraged to schedule respective district and diocesan level Youth Basketball Free-Throw Contests during the month of February, and are reminded that all district and diocesan contests should be completed by the last weekend in February. The contest is for boys and girls ages as of January 1st. District Deputies and Diocesan Deputies should verify ages via a copy of a birth certificate at the time of acceptance of the each score card. District and Diocesan Deputies must also confirm that councils current with their State Per Capita in order for contestants representing their councils to be eligible at the district, diocesan, and state level contests. The State contest will be held at Antonian High School in San Antonio on March 7, Contact Texas State Council Free- Throw Chairman Carl Bernal in San Antonio at or at chbern34@juno.com for more information. February 1, 2010 Diocesan Free-Throw Medals Will Be Arriving State Programs Director Alfredo Vela and State Free-Throw Chairman Carl Bernal report that the Diocesan Free-Throw Medals for the annual Diocesan Free-Throw Contest will be shipped to each individual diocesan deputy by February 1, February 2, 2010 GROUND HOG DAY February 12, 2010 LINCOLN S BIRTHDAY February 14, 2010 VALENTINE S DAY February 15, 2010 Semi-Annual Council Audit Report (Form #1295) Due Grand Knights must have their council s audit report for the time period of July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 completed and submitted to the Supreme Council office by February 15th. FINISH LINE 11

12 FEBRUARY 2010 REMINDERS continued February 15, 2010 Family of the Month (Form 1993A) Due The Grand Knight of each council should appoint a Family Activities Chairman and select a Family of the Month each month. Form 1993A is due to the Supreme Council office by the 15th of the month for the immediate past month. Two families are selected from each jurisdiction each month to represent the Supreme Council and those families receive a small statue of the Holy Family in recognition of their selection. Participation in the Family-of-the-Month will count for one of the requirements of the Youth Activities section of the Columbian Award. A council that participates at least eight times in a timely manner during the fraternal year will be recognized with a special certificate from the State Council. The Family of the Month for January is due NOW. February 21, 2010 Presidents Day February 22, 2010 Washington s Birthday February 27, 2009 Wheelchair Distribution State Program Director Alfredo Vela reports that the Wheelchair distribution from Texas to Mexico is scheduled for February 27 thru March 1. On Friday afternoon, February 27th, participants will depart from St. Mark Catholic Church in San Antonio and arrive in Nuevo Laredo for an evening meal. On Saturday, February 28th, a partial distribution will follow Mass. On Sunday, March 1st, the remaining distribution will be completed following Mass. Bus transportation is currently being arranged. February 28, 2010 Diocesan Free Throw Tournaments Should Be Completed Diocesan Deputies are encouraged to hold their regional tournament during the last half of February. Winners advancing to the State Council Free Throw Tournament on March 7, 2009 at the Antonian High School in San Antonio must provide a copy of their birth certificate to State Council Youth Activities and Free Throw Chairman Carl Bernal in order to verify their age (ages 10 through 14 as of January 1st). Congratulations to Texas for surpassing 90, members. OUR NUMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Year ,030 Blood Donors VOLUNTER SERVICE More than $1.2 billion in charitable contributions in the last 10 Years CHARITABLE $145 CONTRIBUTIONS 68 MILLION HOURS MILLION DOLLARS FINISH LINE 12

13 DECEMBER REMINDERS Pro-Life Added as Sixth Service Program Category Effective this fraternal year, rather than report Pro-Life activities under the Community category, you will report them under the newly created Pro-Life category. If you use either the State Service Program Awards (#STSP) entry form or the Columbian Award (#SP-7) application from the Council Report Forms booklet (#1436), you will need to make a couple of simple changes. In reporting your council s best Pro-Life program to your state council, write Pro-Life in the area at the top of the form where the other categories are listed. On the Columbian Award application, attach a separate sheet of paper listing your four reported program in the Pro-Life category. Electronic versions are being updated. Get New First Degree Certificates Supreme Knight Carl Anderson recently announced that all First Degree ceremonials until June 30, 2010, will be conducted in honor of our beloved priests. New member certificates honoring YEAR FOR PRIESTS (#268 09/09) can be ordered from the Supply Department. You may print the candidate s name and date on the certificate t on your home computer by using the template link provided on the Supreme Council website under For Officers. You may also print the certificate directly from your home computer. Prizes begin in Week 10 of the NFL schedule. Checks will be mailed automatically to the winners. Follow along on the tkofc website. Pray the Rosary - New Guide Available The newly revised Guide to Praying the Rosary (#4772) is a full color pamphlet that explains how to pray the Rosary. This guide (sized to easily fit into a pocket, pocketbook, or prayer book) includes scripture passages and images associated with the mysteries of the Rosary, the prayers of the Rosary, and a method of praying the Rosary. The guide, offered in lost of 100 for $4, can be ordered by sending an to cis@kofc.org or by calling This item is also available through the Supreme Council Supply Department, 78 Meadow St., New Haven CT Use a requisition Form #1 and fax to Quota Bar for Membership Has Been Raised to 7% Starting July 1, 2009, the new membership quota will be based on the 7% net gain of a council s membership (with a minimum of 3 members and a maximum of 35 members). This quota is up 2% over previous years and affects qualifying for the Father McGivney and Star Council Awards. FINISH LINE 13

14 DECEMBER REMINDERS A Pledge to Our Lady The most important event in the evangelization of the New World occurred when, over the course of four days, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego. As a result of this encounter, and the image miraculously imprinted by Our Lady on Juan Diego s tilma (cloak), millions of Native Americans embraced the Catholic faith and the America began to be transformed into the Catholic hemisphere. Devotion to Mary has always been an integral part of the Knights of Columbus. To recognize this devotion, Knights and their families throughout the Order are asked to complete an Our Lady of Guadalupe pledge and prayer card (#9754). Copies of these cards were included in the Surge With Service kits sent to all Financial Secretaries of record. Additional copies are available from the Supply Department. Knights are asked to sign the pledge card, consecrating themselves entirely to Mary in the promise to defend human life from the moment of conception to natural death. The member keeps one copy of the pledge while the second signed copy of each pledge should be collected by the council and mailed to: Knights of Columbus, ATTN: Luis Guevara, One Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT The Supreme Council will present these signed copies in honor of Our Lady during a Mass at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico. Members and their families are encouraged to join in this commitment to the culture of life through honoring Mary. Year for Priests Holy Card Available In keeping with the Order s longstanding In Solidarity With Our Priests campaign, the Supreme Knight has called upon all Knights to actively participate in the Year for Priests declared by Pope Benedict XVI. The centerpiece of the Order s program for this yearlong celebration (June 19, 2009 thru June 19, 2010) is a new holy card (#4864) featuring a prayer for priests. This prayer should be used at all council meetings and events, as well as in the homes of members during their family prayers. The card features an icon on its front showing Christ in Mass vestments with a gold pelican over his heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. At the bottom of the icon is an altar prepared for Mass, and at the sides are Melchizedek, whose sacrifice of bread and wine prefigured the Eucharist, and St. John Vianney, the patron of parish priests. The back of the card includes a prayer for priests. The card can be ordered in amounts of 100 at a cost of $3 from the Supply Department. e t You can download an order form and more information from the Supreme Council website at FINISH LINE 14

15 STAR COUNCIL GOALS The State Deputy has set some ambitious but obtainable goals for this fraternal year, including 166 Star Councils. See the following chart for the goal in each diocese/archdiocese. DIOCESE STAR COUNCILS ACTIVE COUNCILS STAR COUNCIL GOAL AMARILLO AUSTIN BEAUMONT BROWNSVILLE CORPUS CHRISTI DALLAS EL PASO FORT WORTH GAL-HOUSTON LAREDO LUBBOCK SAN ANGELO SAN ANTONIO TYLER VICTORIA TOTAL Knights of Columbus MEMBERSHIP Experience of a Lifetime Knights of Columbus INSURANCE Making a difference for life FINISH LINE 15

16 FINISH LINE Checklist FORM REPORT DUE DATE SENT DATE 185 Report of Officers REPORT OF PROGRAM PERSONNEL* Semi-Annual Audit (ending Jun 30 ) SUPREME PER CAPITA* SUPREME CATHOLIC ADVERTISING* FT-Kit Supreme Free Throw Kit State Per Capita (LSAFE w/distinction) State Charities (LSAFE w/distinction) ANNUAL FRATERNAL SURVEY* Partnership Profile Special Olympics Report Semi-Annual Audit (ending Dec 31) State Per Capita (LSAFE) State Educational Grant Application State Programs Award Entries State Family of the Year Entry State Public Relations Award Entry SUPREME PER CAPITA* SUPREME CATHOLIC ADVERTISING* SP7 COLUMBIAN AWARD APPLICATION* State Charities (LSAFE) MEMBERSHIP GAIN (7%)* INSURANCE GAIN (3 or 3%)* RSVP Application *Star Council Award requirement LSAFE Lone Star Award for Excellence requirement FINISH LINE 16

17 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS C E L E B R A T I N G 127 TEXAS STATE COUNCIL YEARS OF FAITH IN ACTION ONE NATION UNDER GOD a family organization The Knights of Columbus is the world s largest lay organization with more than 1.7 million members annually donating over $150 million and nearly 69 million hours of service to charitable causes. Visit or for more information. K of C Membership Experience of a Lifetime Congratulations to Texas for surpassing 90,000 members. Ron Gay, Former Supreme Director Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism Join the Fr. Michael J. McGivney Guild FINISH LINE 17