March 2014 Worthy Sir Knights and Brothers All, This Golden Plume is being published just days before the March 15th Fourth Degree Exemplification at Fort Bragg. As of this publication, we have 59 candidates scheduled to become members of the Patriotic Arm of the Order. Fantastic!! I would also like to announce the establishment of our 42nd Assembly in North Carolina. It is the first Military Assembly in the State and is located at Fort Bragg. Welcome to the members of the Chaplain (Major) Charles J. Watters Assembly No. 3459. The announcement letter from Supreme Master SK Dennis J. Stoddard is included in this issue. On Saturday, March 1st the Charlotte Diocese hosted the Catholic Men s Conference. I don t know the numbers, but I observed a packed house. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson was one of the featured speakers and joined us at Mass. I m proud to say we had 45 Sir Knights, from both Diocese, in regalia for the Mass and many more as attendees at the conference. I want to thank all the Assemblies for their attention to completing the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (Form 1728C). We had 100% participation. The next exemplification is Saturday, May 3, 2014 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesville. The instructions, dress code form and an example of a properly completed form 4 are attached for your reference and use. Do not wait. Recruit candidates now. This is a less expensive way for a Third Degree brother to become a member of the Patriotic Arm of the Order and do it in just one day. The six month waiting period has been eliminated by Supreme. Once a Brother becomes a Third Degree Knight, he can immediately become a member of the Fourth Degree. Remember, new members are the life blood of the Order. I truly believe that belonging to the Order of the Knights of Columbus and becoming a Fourth Degree Knight is the Experience of a Life Time. Sir Knights with regalia please make every effort to attend all exemplifications as a member of the Color Corps, properly dressed. If you don t have regalia, see if you can borrow from another Sir Knight or your Assembly. If you can t, attend anyhow. It is important that the candidates see that we are proud to have them join our ranks and we are behind them 100%. It is now time for Assemblies to be thinking about who will be the next Assembly Officers for the fraternal year of 2014 / 2015. As soon as elections are held, there are two things the Navigator / Comptroller must do. 1. Go on the State website (www.kofcnc.org), under the 4th Degree section and fill out the directory form. 2. Go to the Supreme website (www.kofc.org) and complete Form 186 Report of Officers Chosen for the Term. It can be done online or download and do it manually. Please send the VSM and myself a copy. I can assure you that I, the District Marshal and his ADMs, and the District Secretary will be reminding you. District Marshal Rick Lewis has more on this topic in this issue. Continued on Page 2 1
District Master s Message Continued from Page 1 Worthy Faithful Navigators Don t forget to send me your list of delegates to the Biennial meeting on April 5th. You should have elected the delegates at your February meeting. You, as the Navigator, are automatically a delegate, but you should have elected additional delegates based on your membership as of December 31, 2013. The details were in the letter I sent you in early December. If you have questions, please contact District Secretary Bill Barry. His number and email address is in the Directory. The North Carolina State Convention will be the weekend of May 16 through 18 at the Crown Plaza Charlotte Executive Park. Saturday, May 17th is Armed Forces Day. At last year s convention we had 47 Sir Knights participate in the Honor Guard for the Mass. Let s top that this year. As the Patriotic Arm of the Order, this is a great way to pay tribute to and show our thanks for the contributions made to our Country by those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces. Dates for various Assembly forms and when due: 6/30 RSVP and Plaque Application Form 2863A 6/30 Civic Award Application Form 2321 6/30 To Be a Patriot Award Entry Form Form TBP-1 7/1 Report of Officers Chosen for the Term (100% participation) Form 186 7/1 Fourth Degree Directory form, as mentioned above (100% participation) State website 8/1 Annual Assembly Audit Report (100% participation) Form 1315 These are the due dates, but don t wait until the last minute to complete them. For the most part, there is no reason why you can t do them at least a month ahead of time. Lent has begun and it is time to reflect on the Way of the Cross and the Passion of Jesus Christ. I would like to end my article with the following quote. It comes from a set of prayers I try to pray every day and to me is one of the most profound statements. Sweetest Jesus! What is there that Thou couldst have done for us which Thou has not done! Fraternally, District Master SK Dave Onofrio, PSD God Bless You, God Bless Our Church, and God Bless America! 2
A 2014 Lenten challenge for Brother Knights It s not hard to understand why so many people, Catholic and non-catholic, are so excited about Pope Francis. Since his election as our 266th successor to St. Peter, many have said that his personal warmth and determination in setting a new tone has become the breath of fresh air we need to bring back hearts that have grown cold and left the church. That's a hope we can all agree and pray will succeed. That said, even Pope Francis for all his charisma has his work cut out for him as the Church searches for new ways to bring back those who have fallen away. Let's be honest, we know what to do for someone who comes to church, we just don't know how to attract their attention and rekindle their interest in returning home again. This may sound like an over-simplification to the problem but it speaks volumes about the state of the church in America and the world. Simply put, today we are better at dealing with someone already sitting in our church pews than we are at getting anyone there in the first place. Our churches are strong on rules but weak on witness. The research is clear: One-half of all baptized Christians rarely enter a church, our churches are greying, our culture is increasingly marginalizing the church, and, most serious of all, too often we cannot pass on our faith to our own children. Even as so many good things are happening within the church we are being challenged on every side. The crisis, it seems, is not in the area of parish programs, liturgy, or theology but in the missionary dimension of what Jesus mandated for his followers to go forth and proclaim the good news. We know how to run a church, but how to be church is the question. What's needed? We need to remember that God is first and foremost a relationship and not an idea. A process more than a conclusion. A journey in search of life's deeper question than in a destination to settle for the easier answer. The challenges facing today's believer must first begin with that important first step in serious soul searching and discernment. As we begin the Holy Season of Lent it's my hope that this will be a wonderful opportunity of self-discovery for you as well as a time of self renewal - to rethink and as well as to reform (i.e. to turn your life around) than the fasting and giving things up that we're so accustomed. You may recall Stephen R. Covey's books, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (1989) and The 8th Habit (2004) from Effectiveness to Greatness. Both were timeless and best sellers and if I may I would like to tailor these eight habits into spiritual principles in helping you in your Lenten preparation. These are not quick fixes by any means but ideas for you to ponder in your own spiritual journey of faith. I call them The Eight Spiritual Principles of Highly Effective Discipleship. First Habit Be Proactive. Your spiritual life doesn't just "happen." Whether you know it or not, it is carefully designed by you. Life's choices, after all, are your choices. You choose happiness. You choose sadness. You choose decisiveness. You choose ambivalence. Being proactive is all about taking responsibility for life's choices. You can't keep blaming everything on others. Proactive people recognize that they are "response-able." They don't blame circumstances or conditions for their behavior. They know they choose their behavior. Disciples of Jesus are proactive people who exercise their spiritual gifts in service to others. They work on the things they know they can do something about. Second Habit Begin with the end in mind. What do you want to achieve during Lent or about your life in general? That question may appear trite, but think about it. Are you - right now - where you want to be in your spiritual journey? Sometimes people find themselves settling for the lesser victory little successes that come at the expense of the bigger victories that can be far more difficult but more valuable in the end. Winning the easier battle only to lose the war in the end. Habit 2 is based on imagination - the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. The spiritual journey is not what you see but how you see. In the end, to see as God sees. Continued on Page 4 3
District Friar Message Continued from Page 3 Third Habit Put first things first. To live a balanced spiritual life, you have to recognize that its OK to say no to everything that comes your way. Why overextend yourself? No is necessary so you can focus on those important priorities you set for yourself. Habit 3 is all about how you manage your life what is God's purpose for you and what are the values you want to incorporate as you move forward in your spiritual journey. First things are those things you personally find most fulfilling and worthwhile. Fourth Habit Think Win/Win. Many people think in terms of either/or thinking. The dualistic mindset - I'm right and you are wrong. Win-win requires that you be both. It is a balancing act between courage and consideration. To think win-win, you not only have to be empathic, but you also have to be confident. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, a risk to take the road less traveled that can make all the difference in the world. In spirituality mystics speak of divine union and oneness with God - the discipline of learning to live with the tensions and contradictions in life. Father may they be one as we are one. (John: 17) Fifth Habit Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood. Listen twice but speak once. If you're like most people, you probably seek first to be understood; you want to get your point across. And in doing so, you may ignore the other person completely, pretend that you're listening, selectively hear only certain parts of the conversation or attentively focus on only the words being said, but miss the meaning entirely. Recall the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand. Silence is the one language to truly understand another human being. Sixth Habit Synergize Balance the conflicts. Synergy simply means "two heads are better than one." Synergize is the habit of creative cooperation. It is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. But it doesn't just happen on its own. The spiritual journey is more a process than a conclusion, and through that process disciples bring their unique, spiritual gifts to the dialogue. Seventh Habit Sharpen the Saw. Sharpen the Saw means preserving and deepening the greatest asset you have - you. It means having a balanced spiritual program in your life - self-renewal that attunes you to the four areas of your life: Physical: Beneficial eating, exercising, and resting Social/Emotional: Making social and meaningful connections with others Mental: Learning, reading, writing, and teaching Spiritual: Spending time in nature, expanding spiritual self through meditation, music, art, prayer, or service. An effective spiritual renewal to each of these four areas creates growth and a healthy life style. Eighth Habit From Effectiveness to Greatness. This means not only finding your voice but inspiring others to find theirs. The spiritual journey is first and foremost the inner voice of the human spirit God's voice working through us that's full of hope and boundless in its potential to serve the common good. Remember, life is never about you but you are about life. I hope and pray that you have a fruitful Lenten Season. Vivat Jesus! Fr. Bill Lesak NC State Chaplain and District Friar 4
Worthy Masters and All Sir Knights: Many thanks to all the Assemblies that submitted their Fraternal Activity Report in a timely manner. This Report was due in Supreme by January 31, 2014, with copies to the Vice Supreme Master, District Master and Assembly. As of February 26, 2014 there are STILL 87 Assemblies that have failed to submit this Report. REMEMBER: ALL ASSEMBLIES MUST SUBMIT THIS REPORT. I have advised the appropriate District Masters of the Assemblies that are not in compliance and have asked them to contact them to ensure that the Report is completed and distributed to the proper offices. North Carolina is the only District with 100% reporting. On February 15, 2014, an Exemplification took place in Columbia, South Carolina. A total of 79 men, including three Priests, received their Fourth Degree. The next Exemplification will be held in Navarre, Florida on March 1, 2014. This will be followed by an Exemplification on March 15 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The DeSoto Province had an intake of 828 new Sir Knights at the end of January. This represents 42% of our membership goal of 1,980 new Sir Knights. We still need 1,152 more Sir Knights to meet our goal. We have six more Exemplifications currently scheduled before the June 30, 2014 deadline. We can still make our membership goal if we have some large classes. This will require hard work and heavy recruiting from ALL Assemblies, but I know that it is possible if we all pull together on our common goal of making our membership numbers. The Supreme Convention will take place in Orlando, Florida at the World Center Marriott Resort from August 5-7, 2014. The Fourth Degree will participate in the Masses throughout the Convention and will stand watch at the Adoration Chapel. Volunteers will be needed for these duties and details will be forthcoming in the future. For those attending the Convention and are members of the Color Corps, please consider bringing your regalia. You will NOT need your sword for the Convention. We are looking for 125 Color Corps members for the opening Mass. So, as a heads up, please give this request your attention and consideration. A list of volunteers will be requested at a later date to ensure we reach our required number of participants. I would be remiss if I did not once again ask you to please remember the Military Chaplains Fund. We will be completing the third year of the five year Program on June 30, 2014. Even though the DeSoto Province is doing well in approaching our total goal for the Program, there are those State jurisdictions that are struggling to meet their goal. This gives us an opportunity to remember the principle of Unity. Your continued support will help to reach the $1,000,000.00 goal. Make checks payable to Knights of Columbus Charities and on the memo line of the check write Military Chaplains Fund. Mail your donation to Gary L. McLain, PSD, Vice Supreme Master, 36 Currant Avenue, Middleburg, FL 32068. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at (904) 406-2718 or garymc36@comcast.net. Joan and I wish all a Happy St. Patrick s Day. Fraternally, SK Gary L. McLain, PSD Vice Supreme Master, DeSoto Province 5
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Father Charles Joseph Watters, Major, US Army January 17, 1927 - November 19, 1967 Ordained May 30, 1953 Parish Priest - Jersey City, Rutherford, Paramus, and Cranford, NJ Chaplain - New Jersey Air National Guard - 1962-64 Chaplain - US Army - 1964-1967 Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, November 4, 1969 173rd Airborne Brigade 7
Additional Honors for Fr. Charles Watters - Buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 2-E-186-A The Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Panel 30E, Row 036 The bridge on Route 3 in New Jersey spanning the Passaic River between Clifton and Rutherford Public School No. 24 in Jersey City Chaplain Charles J Watters Center in Fort Bragg, NC The Seton Hall University Army ROTC Ranger Challenge team is named the Charlie Watters Ranger Company Roman Catholic Church of the Epiphany in Cliffside Park, NJ, there is a rose garden dedicated in memory of Fr. Watters. There is a memorial plaque located in the center of the garden. KofC 4th Degree, Charles J. Watters Assembly #2688, Dunwoody, GA The U. S. Army Chaplain Center & School is named in his honor Watters Hall Ash Wednesday is March 5, 2014 8
2014 North Carolina Fourth Degree Regional Exemplification May 3, 2014 Hosted By: The Great Smoky Mountain Assembly No. 3001, Maggie Valley Where: St. John the Evangelist Church: 234 Church St. Waynesville, NC 28786 Exemplification Time: 12 Noon sharp! Candidates should arrive no later than 9:30 AM and dressed as explained on the attached Exemplification Dress Code Form Observers: You should also be dressed in the official uniform of a Sir Knight, as explained on the Dress Code Form. You also must complete the Dress Code Form and submit with you luncheon fee. Luncheon: Immediately following the Exemplification at approximately 3:00 PM Please advise if there are any Dietary Restrictions! FEES & PAYMENTS Candidates fee is $70.00. He will receive a social baldric, Fourth Degree lapel pin, one luncheon ticket, and a Fourth Degree certificate. This fee is governed by Supreme. Observer and Guest fee will be $18.00 and it will cover one luncheon ticket. The Master must have the name and Assembly number of all observers and the name of all guests. All checks must be from the Assembly and made payable to Master's Fund. There will be no personal checks accepted. DO NOT mail cash!! Candidate and Guest money, completed form 4, and the completed Exemplification Dress Code Form must be sent in together no later than April 19, 2014. No refund requests will be accepted after that date. Observer and Guest money and completed Exemplification Dress Code Form must be sent in by the same date. If the form 4 is not complete, it will not be accepted. See attached example of a completed form 4. Send to District Master SK David L. Onofrio, 601 Parker Street, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 If you are planning on staying overnight, there are some Hotels and Motels in the area that you should be able to use. Do not wait. Recruit candidates now. This is a less expensive way for a Third Degree brother to become a member of the Patriotic Arm of the Order and do it in just one day. 9
May 3, 2014 Waynesville Exemplification The following Exemplification Dress Code Form MUST BE COMPLETED, SIGNED, AND SUBMITTED WITH EACH CANDIDATE'S COMPLETED FORM 4 Appropriate Dress for Candidate and/or Observers is Black Tuxedo, Plain White Tuxedo Pleated Shirt (with lay down collar - NO wing tips allowed), Black Bow Tie, Black Shoes, Black Socks, Black Cummerbund. Observers must also wear their social baldric and the PG-113 lapel pin, not the flag lapel pin. Candidate will receive his Social Baldric and Fourth Degree pin in the Ante-Chamber after registering with the District Secretary. Clergy to wear their Blacks or cassock. Active Duty Military may wear their Class A or Dress Uniform instead of the Black Tuxedo. You also have an option of not wearing the baldric with your dress uniform. No weapons, concealed or otherwise, are permitted! Attach lower portion to candidate's completed Form 4 and send to the District Master I fully understand the above requirements and must be in the appropriate dress to be eligible to take my Fourth Degree. I am to report to the District Secretary s Registration Desk no later than 1 hour prior to the published start time of the Exemplification (9:30AM to 10:00 AM is recommended). Print Full Name of Candidate or Observer Signature Date Please indicate whether you are staying for luncheon YES NO Will you be bringing a guest for the luncheon YES NO Print Full Name of Guest Please advise if there are any Dietary Restrictions! No refund requests will be accepted after April 19, 2014 ASSEMBLY OFFICERS: THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETELY FILLED OUT AND SIGNED BY THE CANDIDATE AND ATTACHED TO THE CANDIDATE'S FORM 4. BOTH MUST BE SUBMITTED, TOGETH- ER, TO THE DISTRICT MASTER ALONG WITH A CHECK FROM THE ASSEMBLY MADE OUT TO THE MASTER'S FUND. 10
Sample - Form 4 11
One Nation Under God Designated Flag Flying Days from the U.S. Flag Code New Year s Day, January 1 Inauguration Day, January 20 Martin Luther King Jr. s birthday, (third Monday in January) Lincoln s Birthday, February 12 Washington s Birthday, (third Monday in February) Easter Sunday (variable) Mother s Day, (second Sunday in May) Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15 (half-staff all day) Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May Flag Day, June 14 Independence Day, July 4 Labor Day, first Monday in September Patriot Day, September 11 (half-staff all day) Constitution Day, September 17 Columbus Day, (second Monday in October) Navy Day, October 27 Veterans Day, November 11 Thanksgiving Day, (fourth Thursday in November) National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7 (half-staff all day) Christmas Day, December 25 12
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Knights of Columbus District of North Carolina Programs The following programs are considered as District wide. Military Chaplain Scholarship Fund To support priestly vocations for the military. This is reserved exclusively for seminarians who will, once ordained, serve both their home diocese and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, as a uniformed chaplain. The goal is to have each State, combined with the Fourth Degree District, raise a minimum of $4000 per year over a five year period. Checks are to be made payable to Knights of Columbus with the notation Military Scholarship in the memo area and mailed to: Gary L. McLain, VSM 36 Currant Avenue Middleburg, FL 32068 Wounded Warrior Fund Run through the Military Order of the Purple Heart, we raise money to send all of the Wounded Warriors, in the Military Hospital at Camp Lejeune Marine Base, home for the Holidays. This is a 501c3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. 100% of the money is used to send them home. This program has been approved by Supreme Master Dennis Stoddard. Checks are to be made payable to M.O.P.H. with the notation Wounded Warrior Fund in the memo area and mailed to: Robert J. Singer, FVSM, FDM, PSD 2506 Canal Drive Wilson, NC 27896-1326 VAVS (Veterans Assistance Volunteer Service) This encompasses so many activities in support of our Veterans and it is only limited by your imagination. SK Tom DuPree is our representative for this extremely valuable program and has implemented several ways we can help and work with our Veterans. One such activity was the collection, at the Fourth Degree Exemplification, of specific items that are needed at the VA Medical Centers in NC. Please contact Tom, find out what he has already set up and volunteer. Tom is always looking for more ideas. Tom DuPree, North Carolina District VAVS Representative VA twdupree@aol.com H- 919-577-6901 or C- 919-302-5550 14
Knights of Columbus District of North Carolina Programs One Nation Under God Pledge Program It calls for all assemblies in each U. S. state to gather at the state's capital city on Flag Day, June 14th, to conduct a flag ceremony and recite the Pledge of Allegiance each year. Every Assembly should plan and event in their community for Flag Day. Assistant District Marshal Paul Spire is heading this up for the District. Contact Paul at pspire@hotmail.com. Patriotic Coupon Program All we are asking you to do is to save all the national product unexpired or expired coupons and send them to Joe Bailer. He is working with his contacts at Fort Bragg to distribute these coupons to military families in the U.S. and overseas. This doesn't involve any manual labor (except using a pair of scissors) and would mean so much to many military families. There is no reason you can't get your Assemblies and Councils involved immediately, at little or no cost. Contact info: Joe Bailer 3717 Colorado Drive Hope Mills, NC, 28348-2106 910-424-4880, No email 15
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Greetings Faithful Navigators and Sir Knights, Vivat Jesus! Veterans Affairs and VAVS VRQ: As we approach the Lenten Season, let us focus our thoughts and prepare ourselves for this season. The Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ) program Shelter Our Veterans is off to a good beginning of meeting our goal of $25,000 for the roof. As of this writing, $6,294.00 has been donated by our Brother Knights. Recently, at the Third Degrees, Father Price, Clemmons and Jacksonville, I had the opportunity to share the importance of this program. Those in attendance generously donated funds in the amount of $700.00 and agreed to take this important program back to their Councils and Assemblies. HAVE YOU MADE YOUR PERSONAL CONTRI- BUTION and have you brought this to the attention of your FN/Assembly? The project is to replace the roof of the kitchen, dining, reception and meeting/training rooms. Donation Process: VRQ is a tax exempt organization. www.abccm.org Donations should be Payable to VRQ Memo: Shelter Our Veterans Council/Assembly# Mail to : Colin R. Jorsch, State Secretary 5500 Hartfield Ct. Fayetteville, NC 28311-0295 REPORTS: As described in the February issue of the Golden Plume, reports are due at the end of March (March 31st) for the first quarter. Please make sure these reports represent all the hard work you and your Brothers have completed for Our Veterans. ASSEMBLY BUDGETS: As you prepare your budgets for the coming year, please include line items for coats, National Wheel Chair Games, Wounded Warriors, USO and items for VA Medical Centers. All these are in support of our Veterans. This past winter has been extremely harsh on many Veterans and without your financial support; many would have gone hungry and cold. NATIONAL WHEEL CHAIR GAMES: This year s games will be held in Philadelphia, PA from August 11-18, 2014. Two teams will be sent: Durham VA and Salisbury VA. Each team will have 5-7 members. In the past, the Knights of Columbus pay for their hotel accommodations and transportation. Hotel accommodations are two Veterans per room for 7 nights @ $155.00 per night plus tax. From RDU currently airfare is $267.00 round trip. Anyone willing to contribute to either teams expenses, contact SK Mitch Miller (millernc@aol.com), VAVS Representative Salisbury or SK Tom DuPree, VAVS Representative Durham (twdupree@aol.com) LITTLE KNOWN BENEFIT FOR AGING VETERANS: As Veterans age, many are unfamiliar with a benefit that can help pay for care at home or in assisted living or nursing home. The benefit is call the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Improved Pension (A & A). This covers the costs of caregivers in the home (including sons, daughters who are paid to be caregivers, though NOT SPOUSE) This benefit is not insignificant: up to $2,019 monthly for a veteran and spouse and up to $1,094 for a widow of a veteran. Check with your local VA for current program status. Fraternally, SK Thomas W. (Tom) DuPree, Jr. NC State and District Veterans Affair and VAVS Representative 18
This is the roof at the Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ) 19
Greetings Sir Knights; We are quickly approaching that time of year again where each assembly will consider its leadership for the next fraternal year; Annual Elections. This annual event is important for the stability and growth of your Assembly, and is not something that should be done last minute. To plan properly for this event, we need to work backwards from the date of your assembly election in order to have enough time to prepare a slate of officers and give all members of the Assembly ample time to review and consider their options. WHEN TO HOLD ELECTIONS: Per the Supreme By-laws governing the Fourth Degree, Article VIII, Section 23, subsection j; The regular election of officers in Assemblies shall take place annually at the first regular business meeting of the assembly held in May of each year. The officers then elected all hold office for the term of one year, except the faithful trustees who election is for a three year term and until their successors are elected and qualified. Navigators should mark their Assembly calendars now so that all membership know when the elections will be held. WHEN TO PRESENT THE SLATE OF OFFICERS: A slate of officers should be presented to your membership for your April meeting by the nominating committee. The proposed slate of officers should be read into the minutes of the meeting by one of the committee members for the record. The slate needs to be provided to ALL members after being read at the meeting. It is recommended that a hard mailing (USPS) be done with the slate to ensure all members receive it. However, email can be used if you are confident every member receives emails. Those who do not will have to have the slate mailed to them. WHEN TO PREPARE THE SLATE OF OFFICERS AND BY WHOM: Solicitation of those seeking office should occur in March. Though at the discretion of the Faithful Navigator to appoint a nominating committee to prepare the slate of officers, this is a great job for the Assembly Trustees. In considering candidates for office, the committee should ensure that each candidate seeking election: A. Understands what the duties of that office are. Candidates should be provided with a written document to read through. Copies of each position can be found in a number of periodicals of the Fourth Degree. Make them available B. Be able to perform the tasks consistently throughout the year C. Be able to attend assembly meetings regularly, as well as other officer meetings as designated by the Faithful Navigator. A slate of officers CAN have more than one proposed name for an officer position, provided the nominating committee has vetted the candidates properly to ensure they are qualified to fulfill the office. If you have any questions regarding the process for preparing or presenting a slate of officers, you can contact your Assistant District Marshal for assistance, or contact me directly. Fraternally, SK Rick Lewis, PFN District Marshal rlewis17@nc.rr.com 20
Inspirational Thought For The Month In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.. 21
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