KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Holy Family Council 9236 Blessed Theodore G. Romzha Assembly 2279 P.O. Box 1391 Windermere, FL 34786 The Knights Line Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 26 Windermere, Florida MAIL TO: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY THE HOLY FAMILY WEB SITE - http://www.kofccouncil9236.org VOLUME 14, No. 6 June 2008 Supreme K night and Mrs. Anderson Deliver Joint Commencement Address at CUA The Catholic University of America 119th Commencement Remarks of Carl and Dorian Anderson May 17, 2008 Your Excellency Archbishop Wuerl, President O Connell, members of the Board of Trustees, distinguished faculty and administration, graduating students, family and friends, thank you for the privilege of joining in this great tradition of The Catholic University of America. I know some of you may be thinking if the speaker this morning had to be a Knight of Columbus, why could he not be someone like Vince Lombardi, Babe Ruth or John F. Kennedy? Well, believe me, as I was writing and re-writing these remarks I had the same thought. But I am very proud to be here and very proud of the long relationship between the Knights of Columbus and this university, beginning in 1905 with the establishment of the first endowed chair in American history, our university scholarship and fellowship programs that have helped nearly 3,000 students here, the establishment of the Columbus School of Law in the 1950s, our Bicentennial Fund and most recently the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. Looking across the green to what will soon become Father McGivney Council E-mail - council9236@mac.com Hall, I cannot help but recall a meeting in the 1980s with Pope John Paul II, in fact, it was a faculty meeting for professors of the John Paul II Institute a two-hour meeting at the Vatican presided over by the pope. It was the first time we discussed the possibility of bringing a campus of his Institute to the United States. We proposed Washington, D.C., as the location, and the pope expressed interest in Catholic University because of its historic importance to Catholics in the United States, reminding us that he had lectured here in the 1970s. I replied, that one day I believed this would be possible; and now, this Fall, when Father McGivney Hall officially becomes the home of the John Paul II Institute his dream will become a reality. We are proud to say our university shines today in a special way from the glow of thousands of hearts justly proud of your accomplishments and eager for the future you have prepared for so carefully. Before you, a long line of graduates have achieved greatness both for their personal careers and for our society. Without a doubt many of you will join them in this success. But even more, I hope you join this distinguished tradition of an openness of intellect to a life of learning as well as an openness of spirit to a life of service to others. But our campus continues to have a special glow during these days for another reason. We still remember just weeks ago, the eye of this nation was drawn to our campus by the light of a man of great hope. Pope Benedict s words still linger with us from his historic visit. But let us be clear, even this momentous occasion will fade into the history books if nothing changes as a result of his visit. Likewise for us, his message of hope will fade into mere memory if we are not changed by it. Your graduating class in particular was prepared uniquely for his message. You are, in fact, the last class to have entered college during the pontificate of the great John Paul II be true to this. Likewise, Pope Benedict commenced a new chapter in his life of teaching his pontificate and wrote two of the greatest encyclicals of our time. These popes have been your companions in an education in hope. (Continued on Page 5) Assembly E-Mail - romzha@mac.com
Financial Secretary s Report It is time to start collecting Council dues for the next fiscal year. Dues for the council are $30.00. Bills will be going out toward the end of the month. You can make your payments early by sending your dues to me at the address below or pay at then next council meeting. The dues are used to pay the State and Supreme Per capita in June and July. Our council is dependant upon your financial support. Send payments to: Michael P. Krochmalni Financial Secretary 2207 Viento St. Orlando, FL 32822 Marty Moore with his brother Jeff who was recently ordained a priest. Pictured is the memorial chalice presented to Marty s brother from the Blessed Bishop Theodore G. Romzha Assembly. Inscribed on the chalice are the names of our brothers who have passed away this past year. (Charles Murray, Joseph Obuch, Dominick Leone and Jack Ashton). ASSEMBLY OFFICERS Faithful Navigator Marty Moore 421-277-6248 Faithful Captain Don Kahrer 407-656-6262 Faithful Admiral Robert Urrutia 863-420-2248 Faithful Pilot Donald Abate 407-295-0424 Faithful Comptroller Michael Krochmalni 407-381-5854 Faithful Purser Eugene Hawk 407-656-8617 Faithful Scribe Charles Leppert 863-420-8770 Faithful Friar Fr. Sal Pignato 407-351-0133 1 Yr Trustee John Long 407-876-1465 2 Yr Trustee Vincent Samosky 352-242-0522 3 Yr Trustee Michael Crawford 352-242-1979 COUNCIL OFFICERS Grand Knight Jeffrey Jones 407-656-4421 Deputy Grand Knight Charles Leppert 863-420-8770 Warden Edward Podugal 407-293-5008 Chancellor Joseph Chenette 407-291-8969 Financial Secretary Michael Krochmalni 407-381-5854 Treasurer Eugene Hawk 407-656-8617 Recorder Michael MacMenamin 407-295-9489 Advocate Alex Cooke 352-242-1787 Chaplain Fr. Sal Pignato 407-351-0133 1 Yr Trustee Norman Bartley 321-217-3473 2 Yr Trustee Donald Abate 407-295-0424 3 Yr Trustee Otis Hester 407-325-1725 Insurance Agent George Chandler 407-435-8357 District Deputy Don Kahrer 407-656-6262 2 HOLY FAMILY COUNCIL 9236 The Nominating Committee appointed by Grand Knight Jeffrey Jones has presented the following slate of candidates for elective Council Officers for the 2008-2009 fraternal year: Grand Knight Jeffrey Jones Deputy Grand Knight Joseph E. Chenette Chancellor Charles Leppert Warden Ed Podugal Recorder Michael MacMenamin Treasurer Eugene Hawk Advocate (OPEN) Inside Guard (OPEN) Outside Guard (OPEN) 3 Year Trustee Otis Hester 2 Year Trustee Alan Spears 1 Year Trustee Donald Abate Nominations may also be made from the floor at the next general meeting and prior to elections. BLESSED THEODORE G. ROMZHA ASSEMBLY 2279 The Nominating Committee appointed by Faithful Navigator Marty Moore has presented the following slate of candidates for elective Assembly Officers for the 2008-2009 fraternal year: Faithful Navigator Robert Urrutia Faithful Admiral Donald Kahrer Faithful Captain Henry Abbott Faithful Pilot Donald Abate Faithful Purser Eugene Hawk Faithful Comptroller Michael Krochmalni Faithful Scribe Charles Leppert Inner Sentinel Joe Mizii Outer Sentinel Peter Shine 1 Year Trustee Vincent Samosky 2 Year Trustee John Long 3 Year Trustee Michael Crawford Nominations may also be made from the floor at the next general meeting and prior to elections. CONGRATULATIONS! KNIGHT of the MONTH for May Donald Abate FAMILY of the MONTH for May Family of Michael Krochmalni happy birthday! To all brother Knights who were born during the month of June some years ago: Lawrance P. Cartelli Real J. Charron Fr. Ernest J. Corriveau Dennis Forza John A. Gabele Gerald P. Kinzler Mark A. Russo Joseph L. Territo
Our Flag: Did you Know? Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776? Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day! The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong. The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. 3 (Continued on Page 4)
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Red Skelton had a favorite teacher in school and that teacher once explained the origins and meanings of the Pledge of Allegiance to the class. Red Skelton never forgot it and recorded it as he remembered his teacher saying it. Here is a transcript of that recording. I Me, an individual, a committee of one. Pledge Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity. Allegiance My love and my devotion. With Liberty Which is freedom. The right of power to live ones own life without threat, fear, or some sort of retaliation. And Justice The principle, equality, for dealing fairly with others. To the Flag Our standard, Old Glory. A symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there s respect. Because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody s job. United That means that we have all come together. States Individual communities that have united into Forty eight great States, forty eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose. And that s love for Country. And to the Republic Republic; A state in which Sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people. And it s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. For which it stands, one Nation One Nation; meaning so blessed by God. Indivisible Incapable of being divided. (Continued from Page 3) The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, In God We Trust. For All For all; which means boys and girls, it s as much your county as it is mine. And now boys and girls let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Since I was a small boy two States have been added to our Country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance Under God. Wouldn t it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools too? ( Note: I have placed the audio and a video of this from the old Rush Limbaugh TV show on our web site Assembly Home Page) of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you ll see flags folded and now you will know why. After the flag is completely folded! and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces 4 Share this with others who love the symbol of Liberty and Freedom If you can read this, thank a teacher... If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier. *********************************
(Continued from Page 5) As Pope Benedict said in his remarks to Catholic educators, a Catholic educational institution is a place to encounter God s transforming love and truth. Many of you have found this here at our university you have had an openness of the intellect to this CUA President Father David M. O Connell, C.M., Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, Dorian Anderson and Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington. transforming truth and you have had an openness of the spirit to this transforming love. A hallmark of Catholic education has been its personalist approach an approach which finds strength not in the utility of learned facts, but in the unity fashioned by truth and love. It considers academic commitment an empty icon of success if it does not also provide for the responsibility of building a more just community. It recognizes a greater good beyond self interest, and declares that self-betterment without self-giving is no betterment at all. This is so much a part of our tradition that we may take it for granted. But we should not as recent events on Wall Street demonstrate. We must constantly reaffirm that regardless of our different backgrounds, our different stories and our different journeys of faith, we are all as Pope Benedict reminded us brothers and sisters dwelling in the same house and around that table which God s bounty has set for all. But if this is our hope, it is not yet our reality. It is obvious that we live in a world in which millions do not sit with us around a bountiful table. One billion people in the world today live on less than two dollars a day. Nearly half the persons who do so live in Africa. But it need not be this way. We can do something about it. This is the challenge we face today. We are called to build a better society here in the United States. But we cannot stop within our borders. We are called to transform our society in such a way so that it will lead a greater effort to overcome poverty, disease, hatred and violence throughout our world. Many of you have studied the effects, both positive and negative, of globalization and of what some scholars have called our emerging global civilization. We cannot stop this process. But we can help to shape its direction. We can bring a greater ethical dimension to it. The challenges confronting us are great, but our response can be greater. For we have been called to build a civilization: a civilization promoting the sanctity and dignity of every person; a civilization recognizing fundamental human rights for all; a civilization respecting the vocation of every person a civilization that Pope Benedict has called a civilization of love. The faint of heart may say the difficult is impractical, even impossible, and our vocation is unrealistic. But it is not. Standing in front of McGivney Hall is a statute of Father McGivney founder of the Knights of Columbus. He was an American parish priest; the eldest of 13 children six of whom died in childhood. He worked in a factory as a child, his father died while he was in seminary. He knew what poverty meant, what it meant to be without health care and what it meant for a widow to care for her children without the social safety net that supports us today. And he also knew first-hand the effects of discrimination in employment and housing. Yet Father McGivney knew something more he knew the transforming power of faith, hope, unity and charity. He had a steellike determination to bring together and empower the working men of his time to change their social conditions. For him this work was not idealism, but the very test of realism. It is a realism that arises from the Lord s basic commandment love one another as I have loved you. If we have experienced the transforming power of this love, then through love we can bring this 5 transformation to others; first in our own country and then beyond. Only then can our hope be an active hope; and a hope for all. Mrs. Anderson: This commitment begins with each of us with what John Paul II called the most important dimension of the civilization of love. It begins by understanding that we are called to make a sincere gift of ourselves to others. But where is this sincere gift of self first learned? It is, of course, learned in the family nature s school of life and love. Dear graduates, to say that the family is a true school is to say also that marriage itself is an educational process a process that is helped by what you have learned here; an openness of intellect and an openness of spirit. In other words, marriage must foster a life open to the transforming power of truth and of love. It is the commitment of a man and a woman who seek to discover the truth about themselves in the school of their life together. And for that to be truly possible each must be willing to make a sincere gift of self to each other and to their children. In this way they can make of their marriage and their family, not only a school of love, but a true building block of the civilization of love. This year, the Pontifical Council for the Family, of which we are members, has been celebrating the 40th anniversary of the great encyclical of Pope Paul VI on human life and love Humanae Vitae. And its lessons speak to all of us. We see all around us the weakness of merely human love. There is more than enough evidence to conclude that our hopes for love and happiness exceed what is possible for us. But to abandon hope would be the greatest deception because it would mean living as if God does not exist. This is the great temptation of our time and this is the great betrayer of our deepest aspirations. Human love in the light of Divine love can reach its true potential. Married life offers a great promise the promise of the transforming power of truth and love. It is the promise also of enduring hope and joy. Throughout his long pontificate, Pope John Paul II reminded us that the future of humanity passes by way of the family. Of course, this is true in the most obvious way. But it is also true in a less obvious way. The family is that place where the transforming power of love is first experienced and is passed on to the future. If the family is a school of love, then it is a place where the lessons of charity, unity and hope are learned. For this reason it is no exaggeration to say that the ultimate fate of a truly human society lies in the family. And the ultimate fate of the family lies in the integrity of the lives together of husband and wife. Where the family remains a school of love we may hope to one day build a society and even a civilization of love. We may think that one family dedicated in this way cannot make much of a difference. But there can be millions of these families and millions can change a nation. The transforming power of the family can transform society. And all of this begins with a simple, yet profound decision: to make a sincere gift of one s self to another person. Mr. Anderson: All of us wish you the graduation Class of 2008 great success in your chosen careers. Many of you will find, as we did, that our careers take us in directions that we could never have imagined on our graduation day. And it may seem at times that change in a career can come with an almost dizzying speed. But if careers may lack permanence or stability what does remain is your vocation. We hope that each of you realize that a career and a vocation are not the same thing and that you find your true vocation in the days (Continued on Page 6)
Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 9236 Pro-Life Seminar Saturday September 20, 2008 Special Guest Speaker Rev. Denis Wilde, O.S.A. from Priest for Life Other Guest Speakers Lorreta Fleming Assistant Director for Field Coordination for the National Committee for Human Rights Amendment and Deborah Shearer Director of the Respect Life Office for the Orlando Diocese at St. Andrew s Catholic Church 801 Hastings St Orlando, Fl 32808 Registration fee $15.00 per person Includes Luncheon Cutoff date September 10, 2008 Call for reservations at 407-656-8617 or e-mail reservations to council9236@mac.com Visit our web site at kofccouncil9236.org 6 And What I Have Failed To Do... Fr. Frank Pavone M.E.V. National Director, Priests for Life What s this I hear from some people that they might sit out the Presidential election because they aren t comfortable with the likely choice of candidates? Since when are elections supposed to make us comfortable? Since when do we exercise that right to vote, for which people fought and died, only when it s easy and clear-cut, and our choices are just the way we want them to be? At Mass we pray, I confess to Almighty God...that I have sinned... in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do... What we fail to do can make us just as guilty as what we do. A sin is a wrong choice, and to decide not to do something is just as much of a choice as to decide to do something. A sin of omission is still a sin - and we are still responsible for the results. What, then, makes us think that we are more responsible for the results of voting than for the results of not voting? A vote is not a philosophical statement. It is a transfer of power. It is a pragmatic act to preserve, as much as possible under the circumstances, the common good, and to limit the evils that threaten it. And in the pragmatic matter of elections, what matters is not how closely a candidate measures up to my preferences and convictions. Instead, it s a question of who can and will actually get elected. It does little good if the person I felt most comfortable supporting doesn t get to actually govern and implement those positions I like so much. The vote can be used just as much to keep someone out of office as to put someone in. If we fail to use that tool, however, and as a result the person who gets elected is far worse and does far more damage than the other person we did not like, then we still share responsibility for the damage that will be done. Elections have seasons. In the earliest phases, the field is wide open. We can recruit candidates, or decide to run ourselves. We build up the name recognition and base of support for the person or people who would make the best candidate. This takes years of work. Then the season of primaries arrives, during which voters choose between the candidates who have been recruited and who have been building up their strength. Then the general election season arrives, and we may find that we don t like any of the names on the ballot. At that point, we have to shift our thinking and focus on better rather than best. The reality usually is that one of several unsatisfactory candidates will in fact be elected. So we use our vote to create the better outcome and to limit the damage. That s the shift that some fail to make. (Continued from Page 5) ahead. A vocation is the commitment of your whole self to something that will raise you beyond yourself. If you are true to your vocation you will always be true to yourself. Do not live lives as if God does not exist; but, as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta said so often, give God permission to enter your lives, your marriages, your families and your careers. If you give God permission, you will find your true vocation. And when you do that, no matter what may happen to you in the years ahead you will achieve true greatness.
REPORT FROM OUR INSUR ANCE AGENT ARE YOUR BENEFICIARIES CURRENT? Sometimes it is easy to overlook the simplest of things. Take the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies. If your policy was applied for and issued several years ago, it could very well be that the beneficiary originally designated to receive the proceeds from that policy needs to be updated. If you bought the policy when you were single, for example, you may have named your parents as beneficiaries. If you have since been married, that could be updated to reflect your spouse, and even your children. Most people list a primary beneficiary that person is specifically designated as the first in priority to receive policy proceeds. We also encourage the naming of a contingent beneficiary an alternate person designated to receive policy proceeds, usually in the event that the original beneficiary predeceases the insured. When I call to arrange your annual insurance check-up, one of the matters that we can discuss is the status of your beneficiary designations. If they need updating, and they often do, I can usually complete the paperwork during the appointment. I look forward to meeting with you to review all your life insurance policies. By the way, in most cases you should never name the beneficiary of your policy the estate of the insured. This opens it up to creditor claims. Always name a family member of a class, i.e. equal to all children. I look forward to meeting with each of you. Call George Chandler at 407-435-8357 for his assistance in setting up a plan that will protect your wife and family. (E-mail - georgepchandler3@aol.com) n William Busk Edgar and Josie Johnson John Cheney, Sr. Thomas & Gerri Prebee Donald & Bobbie Abate Ralph & Jeanne Zens Peter Shine Jane & Jeffrey Jones Alan Spears Janet & Vincent Samosky John & Maria Long Florida State Council Knights of Columbus 8 2 9 G r ove s m e r e L o o p Ocoe e, F L 3 4761 SPONSORS CORNER Donald Kahrer District Deputy #23 George & Michele Fencik Nancy & Robert Robitaille Robert & Lucille Urrutia Joe & Helen Obuch Victor J. Prezioso Edward Fitzgerald John Gabele John Robertson Vincent P. Samosky Ellie & Ron Indelicato Phone: 407-656-6262 Email: cmkdtk1@embarqmail.com 7
Dates to Remember JUNE 2008 2 7:30 P.M. Council business meeting Saturday 14 FLAG DAY Sunday Friday Tuesday Sunday JULY 2008 9 15 20 24 23 29 Friday 4 Friday 20 7:30 P.M. Assembly business meeting and elections FATHER S DAY All articles and reports due for June newsletter FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST 7:30 P.M. Council business meeting and elections FEAST OF PETER AND PAUL APOSTLES INDEPENDENCE DAY 14 7:30 P.M. Assembly business meeting 28 7:30 P.M. Council business meeting Wednesday 6 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD Friday 15 AUGUST 2008 Wednesday Tuesday All articles and reports due for next month s newsletter ST. John the Baptist 11 7:30 P.M. Assembly business meeting 20 All articles and reports due for next month s newsletter 25 29 Transfiguration of our Lord DORMITION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD 7:30 P.M. Council business meeting BEHEADING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Dormition of the Mother of God Pray For If anyone knows of a member or family member that should be listed in our Pray For column please contact Michael P. Krochmalni at 407Mike DeStio 381-5854 so that we can add their names. Helen Obuch You can send this information by mail to: Michael P. Krochmalni 2207 Viento St. Orlando, FL 32822 or Email to: council9236@mac.com Jeanne Zens Henry Dugan Mary Jane Spencer Lois Swirderski Thomas Prebee Vincent Samosky Anna Kocur Eugene & Shirley Hawk Dennis Forza SK Donald Whiting Norman Bartley Leo Chenette 8 Stan & Dale Zgurzynski Minnie Gates Juanita Ortega Edgar & Josie Johnson Lorrie Siegfried Greg Siegfried Jerry Chenette