from the State Deputy

Transcription

1 from the Texas State Council Volume 8 Issue 12 Publication of the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus DEC 2013 STATE DEPUTY Jim Collins (Duchess) (cell) jcollinskc@comcast.net STATE CHAPLAIN Most Reverend Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller MSp.S San Antonio (office) STATE SECRETARY Terry Simonton (Estelle) (cell) simon@vvm.com STATE TREASURER Doug Oldmixon (Jo-Dee) (cell) doldmixon@austin.rr.com STATE ADVOCATE Diego Pena (Pia) (cell) djpena57@me.com STATE WARDEN Rudy Escamilla (Amy) (cell) rudy_242@hotmail.com IMMEDIATE PAST STATE DEPUTY Tony Herreth (Marty) (cell) therreth@att.net from the State Deputy Our Christmas Message God Bless Our Country and God Bless Texas Dear Brother Knights, Jim Collins STATE DEPUTY One of the real joys of the Christmas Season is having the opportunity to say Thank You, And Celebrate all that we hold dear Our land, our friends, our family, and our faith. We wish you the Blessings of Hope, And The peace of His love always. God Bless our Country, God Bless Texas, And God Bless you and your families! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Jim and Duchess Collins FINISH LINE 1

2 SUPREME DIRECTOR Javier Martinez (Marietta) (cell) ASSOCIATE STATE CHAPLAIN Most Reverend Bishop George Sheltz (office) ASSISTANT TO STATE CHAPLAIN Deacon Mitch Chavez EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Mike McLaughlin (Dawn) (office) STATE ADMIN ACCOUNTANT Kari Jordan (office) STATE ADMIN COUNCIL RECORDS Kathleen McLoughlin (office STATE COUNCIL OFFICE 6633 Highway 290 East Suite 204 Austin, TX (office) (fax) FINISH LINE Editor Bobb Mahrer (cell) Keep Christ in Christmas Build an Advent Wreath Another joyful Christmas season is fast approaching. What better way to prepare for and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ than by using an Advent wreath as a focal point for your family s prayers and holiday celebrations. Gather your family around the Advent wreath daily, generally before the evening meal, and then light the candles and pray together. Once Advent is over you can transform your Advent wreath into a Christmas wreath. An Advent wreath is generally made with leaves of laurel, spruce, or similar foliage and with four candles assembled at equal distance from one another. Each candle is successively lit during the weeks of Advent to symbolize the light that Christ s birth brings to the world. Traditionally, three of the candles are purple, the color of kings and of penance, while one is rose, signifying a break of joyful expectation on the third Sunday of Advent. Once Advent is over, you can transform your wreath into a Christmas wreath by replacing the Advent candles with long red candles, red ribbon, and other festive decorations, and light it at breakfast on Christmas morning. Also, the Christmas season is a time of giving and helping others. A great way for your family to experience the joys of the Christmas season is by volunteering together. Not only is it a chance for your family to grow closer through togetherness and a shared experience, but it is a fantastic way to give back to the less fortunate. Merry Christmas from the Texas State Council Copyright 2013, Knights of Columbus, Texas State Council, Austin, Texas The FINISH LINE is published monthly by the State Deputy and electronically posted on the tkofc website by the Editor. This publication is a running outlook of the activities, events, award criteria, and due dates for the next days. Specific questions about Membership, Charities, Programs, Council Development, Communications, and the specific subjects therein should be directed to the appropriate State Director. [Bobb Mahrer, Editor] FINISH LINE 2

3 STATE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Terry Fruge (Beth) (cell) STATE RECRUITMENT Jack Gunn (Lori) (cell) STATE ALL COUNCILS ACTIVE Tom Watters Sr. (June) (cell) STATE MEMBERSHIP 365 Carlos Martinez (Rosamar) (cell) STATE COLLEGE COUNCILS Tony Gutierrez (cell) STATE CEREMONIALS Clarence Fey (Helen) STATE RETENTION Ed Glisky (Karen) (cell) MEMBERSHIP 100,000 Members and Growing Terry Fruge, State Membership Director Greetings My Brother Knights Terry Fruge Congratulations to all the hard work it took to reach 100,000 Knights in Texas. We are the largest jurisdiction in the Americas, and our focus should be to keep recruiting qualified Catholic Gentlemen to join our ranks. We never want to be complacent, or we could end up like two other Jurisdictions that had around 130,000 knights several years ago, and slowly quit recruiting which caused a major slide that allowed us to surpass them in the last few years. We welcome Samuel Esparza, from the Austin Diocese, who was the 100,000th member of Texas. He will be invited to the Mid-Year Conference in Houston in December along with his proposer, Gabriel Zayas. These brothers are from Baylor University Council #13577 in Waco. Horseshoe Bay Resort on Lake LBJ We kicked off the new fraternal year with an incentive for all members to recognize the brothers who recruited the most new members combined in July and August in each of the three divisions. These leaders win a 4 day/3 night stay for two at Horseshoe Bay Resort on Lake LBJ. These winners are: DIV 1 DIV 2 DIV 3 DIV 3 Stay tuned for a new incentive coming out in the next month. Church Drives (BLITZ) During October October was the Orders Fall Blitz month, which is the chance for every council to plan and execute a Church Drive in every Parish in October or as soon as possible. District Deputies will collect the numbers from each council so we can report the results to Supreme. Hopefully, by the time you read this, you have had a successful membership drive and had a First Degree scheduled within a week or two of the drive that allowed you to get your recruits into the Order. If you have not completed this task, there is still a chance to get this done. All results should be sent to Tom Watters, State Membership Chairman, twattersassoc@netzero.com, who will compile and report to the Supreme Council. Fraternally, Terry Fruge John David Keating Alejos Salazar James C. Stark Col. E. L. Harper #08771 #15776 #03558 #01003 Gal/Houston Brownsville Amarillo Tyler 16 members 5 members 6 members 6 members (TIE) (TIE) FINISH LINE 3

4 STATE CHARITIES DIRECTOR Mark Evans (Mary) (cell) STATE FUNDRAISING Bill Elliott (Karen) (cell) STATE SPECIAL OLYMPICS Jack Harvey (Jerre) (cell) STATE INFIRMED PRIESTS CARDINAL MEDEIROS Paul Fehmel (Mary) (cell) STATE CHARITY REPORTS HISTORICAL DATA David Zwingman (Barbara) (cell) STATE CHAIRITIES BOARD Boyd Burris (Patricia) (cell) Bobb Mahrer (Glenda) (cell) Joe Picard (Jeanne) (cell) John Regan (Collen) (cell) CHARITIES Charity: The 1st Principal Are You Committed? Mark Evans, State Charities Director My Brother Knights, Please note the following diocesan standings as of 12/01/2013. Mark Evans DIOCESE PERCENT STATUS OF COUNCILS Amarillo % 9 of 20 councils are at 100% Austin % 30 of 85 councils are at 100% Beaumont % 13 of 26 councils are at 100% Brownsville % 7 of 36 councils are at 100% Corp Christi % 8 of 51 councils are at 100% Dallas % 18 of 52 councils are at 100% El Paso % 6 of 27 councils are at 100% Fort Worth % 21 of 55 councils are at 100% Gal-Houston % 43 of 114 councils are at 100% Laredo % 2 of 20 councils are at 100% Lubbock % 7 of 17 councils are at 100% San Angelo % 8 of 31 councils are at 100% San Antonio % 34 of 91 councils are at 100% Tyler % 14of 28 councils are at 100% Victoria % 17 of 32 councils are at 100% Fraternally, Mark Evans Do you have your Charity Pin? FINISH LINE 4

5 STATE PROGRAMS DIRECTOR Chris Johnson (Jean Ann) (cell) ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES Daryl Entrop (cell) FREE-THROW Carl Bernal (Teresa) (cell) FAMILY/YOUTH David Zeigler Sr. (Laura) (cell) PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES Tom Clark (Lisa) (cell) VOCATIONS Ed Tydings (Carmen) (cell) COLUMBIAN SQUIRES Larry Prather (Darla) (cell) WHEELCHAIR Sam Szalwinski (Beverly) (cell) Assistant Wheelchair Rich Moken (Irene) SILVER ROSE and OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Olie Dangerfield (Evelyn) PROGRAMS Are You Working Towards Star Council? Chris Johnson, State Programs Director My Brother Knights, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the program chairmen for their help over the last five months and especially for their efforts in each of their specific areas. As you have probably heard, Texas is off to a very good year in all facets of our order. Let s keep this momentum through the entire fraternal year. All councils should be working toward Star Council Award. Develop a plan for recruitment, set dates, get your members involved. Looking forward, you should note that several Program deadlines are fast approaching: 1. Council essay and poster contests should be wrapping up now. District competition December Diocesan competition January 2014 State competition March 2014 Supreme competition June Basketball free throw contest should be getting organized. a) Council January 2014 b) District February 2014 c) Diocesan February 2014 d) State March 1 st, State Program Awards programs as well as the PACE Setter programs should be coming together for submission. The deadline for State and Supreme Awards is March 1, Plan a Wheelchair Fund Raiser. It only takes $150 to provide mobility to a person who is immobile. 5. The Immaculate Conception Icon program has just begun. Look for opportunities to conduct prayer events focused on Mary. 6. Work with your Chaplain to identify seminarians to sponsor for RSVP. These future priests in our parishes need our support. 7. Support your local Squires Circle. If your council does not have a Squires Circle, investigate the possibility of starting one. 8. As always, work for Pro-Life. Our Holy Father has called us to be Pro-Life, from conception to natural death. Participate in five Pro-Life events and earn your ACE WINGS. 9. Don t forget to submit your Family of the Month. Recognize your fellow members and their family. It just takes a minute to fill out the form. Now is a good time for a council to reflect on where they are in the fraternal year. It's a good idea for council officers to look back at their efforts so far this year and then meet, discuss, and plan what programs can be expanded or improved. Is the council growing or has it become stagnant? Remember, recruitment is the life blood of our order. New members bring new ideas, ideas that can keep the council alive and active. Lets finish this fraternal year as strongly as we have started it. Fraternally, Chris FINISH LINE 5

6 Msgr. Michael Olson Named Bishop of Fort Worth Diocese FORT WORTH: Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Michael Olson, a priest of the Fort Worth Diocese and rector of Holy Trinity Seminary in the diocese of Dallas, to head the Diocese of Fort Worth. The appointment was announced November 19 in Washington, DC by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Following the announcement Bishop-elect Olson said, I m very humbled by Pope Francis trust in me in what the nuncio articulated to me, the Holy Father holds our diocese in esteem, as part of the New Evangelization and as part of a vital area of growth in the Church. Further, he stated that he is delighted to return home to the Diocese of Fort Worth to serve the priests, deacons, religious, and all of the faithful as their bishop. He will become the second youngest bishop in the United States to lead a diocese and the first priest of the Diocese of Fort Worth to be named a bishop.. Bishop-elect Olson has served in parishes, in diocesan administration, and in seminarian formation. He will now lead a fast-growing diocese of an estimated 710,000 Catholics in 90 parishes in the 28- county region of North Texas. Bishop-elect Olson was born in Park Ridge, IL on June 29, 1966, and was raised in Des Plaines, IL where he attended St. Mary s Parochial School. He graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary North in 1984 and began collegiate seminary studies for the Archdiocese of Chicago in August of that same year. In 1985, his family moved to Fort Worth and, in 1988, he officially transferred as a seminarian to the diocese of Fort Worth. He earned a bachelor s and mater s degrees in philosophy in 1988 and 1989 respectively, from the Catholic University of America. He also has degrees (M.Div. and M.A.) in theological studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Fort Worth on June 3, On May 6, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI granted him the Papal Honor of Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor. In March of 2011 he successfully earned his doctorate in moral theology at the Academia Alfonsiana in Rome. He served as parochial vicar of St. Michael Catholic Church in Bedford from July 1994 through June From 1997 to 2010 he studied at the Center for Health Care ethics in the Catholic Tradition at Saint Louis University. From July 2006 through June 2008 he served as the vicar general and as pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in the Diocese of Fort Worth. Since July of 2008 he has been serving as the rector of Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, TX. Bishop-elect Olson will be ordained bishop and installed as Bishop of Fort Worth on January 29, 2014 at 2:00 PM during the Mass of Installation which will be in the Forth Worth Convention Center. He will be ordained by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio. Archbishop Vigano, representing Pope Francis, will also participate in the ordination. FORT WORTH: Fort Worth Diocese Bishop-Elect Michael Olson (r) walks in procession with Deacon Jim Crites behind several priests as he enters to celebrate noon mass at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, Tuesday, November 19, 2013 following the announcement of his appointment as the next Bishop of the Fort Worth Diocese. Source: Texas Catholic, November 22, 2013 FINISH LINE 6

7 Pearl Harbor Day December 7th On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the American Army and Navy base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Intending to neutralize the American forces in the Pacific in an impending World War II, the attack came as a surprise and lead to great losses of life and equipment. More than 2,400 American servicemen and women and citizens were killed, and more than 1,000 were injured. The Americans also lost a large proportion of their battle ships. The attack destroyed 8 American battleships, severely damaged 9 other warships, and destroyed 188 aircraft. Losses for the Japanese Navy included 60 servicemen, 5 midget submarines, and 29 aircraft. The Japanese military had hoped that the attack on Pearl Harbor would prevent the United States of America from increasing her influence in the Pacific. However, the events in Pearl Harbor actually led to the escalation of World War II. The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan and so entered World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt in a speech to Congress stated that the bombing of Pearl Harbor was a date which will live in infamy. Shortly afterwards, Germany also declared war on the United States. In the months that followed the attack, the slogan Remember Pearl Harbor swept the United States and radio stations repeatedly played a song of the same name. In 1991, which marked the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Congress established the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal. This is also known as the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Medal National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is and can be awarded to any veteran of the United States annually on December 7, commemorates the attack military who were present in or around Pearl Harbor on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II. during the attack by the Japanese military. The medal Many American service men and women lost their can be awarded to civilians, who were killed or injured lives or were injured on December 7, in the attack. FINISH LINE 7

8 q December 1, Order Membership Cards Financial Secretaries and Comptrollers are reminded that it is time to order Membership Cards for Year 2013 from the Supreme Council Supplies Department. q December 6-7-8, 2013 Mid-Year Meeting The Mid-Year meeting for all District and Diocesan Deputies will be held the weekend of December at the Omni Houston Westside Hotel near Katy, Texas. q December 1, Advent Begins December 1st 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 encouraged to have a ceremony with the blessing of an Advent Wreath by their chaplain and the lighting of its candles. q December 3, 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. q December 7, Pearl Harbor Day Plan a patriotic community activity that may be reported in the Community Activities section of the Columbian Award application. q December 12, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Plan a pro-life activity in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Unborn, and report it in the Pro-Life Activities section of the Columbian Award application. q 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 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. FINISH LINE 8

9 DECEMBER 2013 REMINDERS continued q 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. q December 31, State Council Charity Goal is Due (Early Date Grand Knights needs to make sure their council s Charity Goal to the Texas State Charities is paid by December 31st (early deadline) in order to qualify for the prestigious Lone Star Award with Distinction from the Texas State Council. q December 31, State Council Per Capita is Due (Early Date) Grand Knights need to make sure their council s State Per Capita assessment is paid by December 31st (early deadline) in order to qualify for the prestigious Lone Star Award for Excellence and the Lone Star Award for Excellence with Distinction. First Call for State PER CAPITA CHARITY 100,000 MEMBERS Texas is now the largest jurisdiction in the America s Plan now for a First Degree Dec Keep Christ in Christmas Jan March for Life!!! Feb Be My Valentine Congratulations to our 100,000th Member Samuel Esparza of Waco (Baylor Univ) Council #13577 Pope Francis often says that true power is service. FINISH LINE 9

10 JANUARY 2014 REMINDERS q January 1-31, 2014 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 1, Contact Texas State Council Free-Throw Chairman Carl Bernal in San Antonio at (cell) or at chbernsyc@yahoo.com for more information. q 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. NVAW is moving to November 2014 The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have made the decision to move National Vocations Awareness Week from January to the first week of November beginning in Year The date is set for November 2-8. It 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 (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 10

11 JANUARY 2014 REMINDERS continued q January , 2014 Columbian Squires Mid-Year Convention Squires Circle 5022, in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus Council 9930 is proud to host the 2014 Texas State Columbian Squires Mid-Year Convention in Harker Heights, Texas. The convention will be hosted on January 17-19, 2014 at St. Paul Catholic Church and Hall, 1001 E. FM 2410, Harker Heights, TX Everyone is responsible for their own hotel reservations. A block of rooms have been arranged at the Shilo Inn, 3701 W.S. Young Drive, Kileen, Texas ( When making reservations, please refer to SQUIRES MID-YEAR STATE CONVENTION to get the group rate of $89 (plus tax) for a room with two Queen size beds or a room with two single beds and a pull-out sofa. Remember to bring your circle s or council s tax exemption certificate in order to avoid the tax. Room availability and price will not be guaranteed after December 8, Request registration materials by contacting Edward Repetski, Chief Counselor for Circle 5022 at or him at edward.repetski@gmail.com or State Squires Chairman Larry Prather at (home) or (cell) or him at ldprather@embarqmail.com. There is a $35 registration fee for each Squire ($45 after January 3, 2014). Please make all checks payable to Columbian Squires Circle Registration materials must be received by January 3, q January 22, st 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. q January 31, Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity Report Due Councils (and Assemblies and Circles) must complete and submit their 2013 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. q January 31, Partnership Profile Report Due 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. q January 31, Adopt All Seminarians State Deputy Jim Collins 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 11

12 FEBRUARY 2014 REMINDERS q February 1-28, 2014 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 1, Contact Texas State Council Free-Throw Chairman Carl Bernal in San Antonio at (cell) or at chbernsyc@jyahoo.com for more information. q February 1, 2014 Diocesan Free-Throw Medals State Programs Director Chris Johnson and State Free-Throw Chairman Carl Bernal report that the Diocesan Free-Throw Medals will be purchased and awarded by each Diocesan Deputy hosting a diocesan contest. Diocesan Deputies will need to submit a request for reimbursement (up to $3 per medal). q February 2, 2014 GROUND HOG DAY q February 12, 2014 LINCOLN S BIRTHDAY q February 14, 2014 VALENTINE S DAY q February 15, 2014 Semi-Annual Council Audit Report Due Grand Knights must have their council s audit report (Form 1295( for the time period of July 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 completed and submitted to the Supreme Council office by February 15th. Submit your council audit for Jul 1 Dec 31 FINISH LINE 12

13 FEBRUARY 2014 REMINDERS continued q February 15, 2013 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. q February 17, 2014 Presidents Day q February 22, th Anniversary of the Fourth Degree As early as 1886, Supreme Knight James T. Mullen had proposed a patriotic degree with its own symbolic dress. In response, one hundred charter members of the Charles Carroll Assembly took part in the first Grand Exemplification of the Fourth Degree on February 22, All together, about 1,400 members attended that first exemplification of the Fourth Degree at the Lenox Lyceum in New York, that was infused with Catholic and patriotic symbols and imagery that "celebrated the American Catholic heritage. The two knights leading the ceremony, for example, were the Expositor of the Constitution and the Defender of the Faith. The ritual soon spread to other cities. The new Fourth Degree members then went back to their councils and formed assemblies composed of members from several councils. Those assemblies then chose the new members going forward. In 1903 the Board of Directors officially approved a new degree exemplifying patriotism Order-wide, using the New York City model. After taking their third degree, knights are eligible to receive their fourth degree, the primary purpose of which is to foster the spirit of patriotism and to encourage active Catholic citizenship. Fourth degree members, in addition to being members of their individual councils, are also members of Fourth Degree assemblies which typically comprise members of several councils. As of mid-year of 2013, there are over 335,000 members in over 3,100 assemblies worldwide. Fourth Degree Knights may optionally purchase and wear the full regalia and join an assembly's Color Corps. The Color Corps is the most visible arm of the Knights, as they are often seen in parades and other local events wearing their colorful regalia.. q February 22, 2014 Washington s Birthday q February 28, 2014 Diocesan Free Throw Tournaments Should Be Completed By This Date Diocesan Deputies are encouraged to hold their regional tournament during February. Winners advancing to the State Council Free Throw Tournament on March 1, 2013 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). FINISH LINE 13

14 STAR COUNCIL Checklist FORM REPORT DUE DATE COMPLETE 185 Report of Officers JUL 01 P 365 REPORT OF PROGRAM PERSONNEL* AUG 01 P 1295 Semi-Annual Audit (ending Jun 30) AUG 15 P SUPREME PER CAPITA* OCT 10 P SUPREME CATHOLIC ADVERTISING* OCT 10 P FT-Kit Supreme Basketball Free Throw Kit NOV 01 P State Per Capita (LSAFE w/distinction) DEC 31 State Charities (LSAFE w/distinction) DEC ANNUAL FRATERNAL SURVEY* JAN Partnership Profile Special Olympics Report JAN Semi-Annual Audit (ending Dec 31) FEB 15 State Per Capita (LSAFE) MAR 01 State Educational Grant Application MAR 01 State Programs Award Entries MAR 01 State Family of the Year Entry MAR 01 SUPREME PER CAPITA* APR 10 SUPREME CATHOLIC ADVERTISING* APR 10 SP7 COLUMBIAN AWARD APPLICATION* JUN 30 State Charities (LSAFE) JUN 30 MEMBERSHIP GAIN (7%, minimum of 3)* JUN 30 INSURANCE GAIN (3%, minimum of 3)* JUN RSVP Application JUN 30 *Star Council Award requirement LSAFE Lone Star Award for Excellence requirement FINISH LINE 14

15 MARKET PLACE Donate Now Texas State Charities Texas State Charities has an online donation page on the state council s website to assist generous Knights and others with a paper trail to support individual income tax deductions for donations made to six separate charitable projects. Select the Donate Now button on the main page and you will be linked to a special page with details on each of the six charity projects (1) Bishops Fund; (2) Disaster Relief; (3) Texas Special Olympics; (4) American Wheelchair Mission; (5) Wounded Warrior Project; (6) Frontline Faith Project; (7) West Disaster Relief Fund, (8) Granbury Disaster Relief Fund; and (9) Cardinal Medeiros Fund. Donations may be made by VISA or MASTERCARD to one or more of these state sponsored charity projects with the donor receiving a receipt by return . Texas State Council Charities, Inc, is qualified under the United States Internal Revenue Code as a section 501(c)(3) charity. Donations to it and projects funded through it are tax deductible to the extent allowed by federal law. Bishop s Fund Special Olympics Wounded Warrior West Relief Fund Disaster Relief Wheelchair Mission Frontline Faith Granbury Relief Fund Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Cardinal Medeiros Fund Send donations to: Texas State Council Charities Knights of Columbus 6633 Highway 290 East, Suite 204 Austin, TX ATTN: (Specify Fund) FINISH LINE 15

16 MARKET PLACE K of C Insurance John Regan, General Agent John F Regan, CFP, ChFC, CLU & FIC Texas State Council Insurance Liason General Agent Knights of Columbus Insurance 610 Coit Rd, Ste 100 Plano, TX Ofc EFax John.Regan@KofC.org Now at 909 FINISH LINE 16

17 MARKET PLACE Mark Johnson, Editor Mark Johnson, Website Master Visit us at Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Venerable Fr. Michael J. McGivney Aug 12, 1852 Aug 14, 1890 Founder of the Knights of Columbus like us on OUR NUMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Year 2012 sets new records for Charitable giving VOLUNTER SERVICE More than $1.475 billion in charitable contributions and over 673 million volunteer hours have been provided in the last 10 Years CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS 70.1 MILLION HOURS $167 MILLION DOLLARS FINISH LINE 17

18 MARKET PLACE Texas State Charities Donations of $20.00 or higher will be recognized with a State Charities Pin. Make check payable to Texas State Council Charities. Texas State Council Charities 6633 Highway 290 East, Suite 204 Austin, TX Name: Council No. Address: City, State, Zip: Telephone: ( ) - Amount Enclosed $ Presented (Y/N) Mark Johnson, Editor Send articles and photos to: Find An Agent Join The Guild Fr. Michael J. McGivney Guild Editor, Texas Knight 707 Harbor Drive Georgetown, TX mark.johnson@texasknight-news Published 3 times annually KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS C E L E B R A T I N G 131 YEARS OF FAITH IN ACTION Texas State Council Wheelchair Chairman Sam Szalwinski samkc@sbcglobal.net FINISH LINE 18

19 MARKET PLACE Texas State Council Knights of Columbus Contact Duchess Collins at: where good guys wear black Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas For information on the exciting life of the priesthood, please contact the Vocations Office at KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS C E L E B R A T I N G 131 YEARS OF FAITH IN ACTION Send submissions to Bobb Mahrer, Editor r-mahrer@geusnet.com FINISH LINE 19