Knights Of Columbus May 2009 Mater Dei Council #9774 www.geocities.com/materdei9774 Month of Mary

GK’s Message brating the Holy Thursday hoping that this will be Knights of Columbus mass. His death left St. the last of the funerals Mater Dei Council Worthy Brother Knights, Raphael’s in shock, disbe- for Brother Knights this lief, and sadness. Thou- year. As we enter the sands of parishioners and Inside this issue: month of May, we experi- On a brighter note, mourners came to the GK’s Message 1 enced a lot of change two of Brother Knights, Vigil Mass on Easter within our Council. Some George Prokop and Jack DD’s Report 2 Monday and the Funeral of that change was good; Phillips, both widowers, Mass on Easter Tuesday to In Memoriam 3-4 a lot of that change we happily remarried to two pay their final respects. experienced was difficult. new wives in private Officers 5 It’s still strange not seeing On Holy Thursday, our ceremonies. We at Ma- him at mass or hearing one St Paul, Divine Mercy 6 Chaplain, Brother Knight, ter Dei Council wish of his jokes after mass. Calendar 7 and pastor of St. Raph- both George, Jack, and ael’s, Fr. William Finch, On the same day that their new brides, happi- Pope on Mary died suddenly after cele- Father Finch was being ness in their new mar- mourned, we lost another riages. The covenant with Israel was like a period of courtship, a Brother Knight, Lloyd long engagement, then came the definitive moment, the mo- In April, we also ment of marriage, the establishment of a new and everlasting Welter. Lloyd was not welcomed three new covenant. As Mary stood before the Lord, she represented very active in Mater Dei members to our Council. the whole of humanity. In the angel's message, it was as if Council, but he did spend Both Babu Davis and God made a marriage proposal to the human race. And in his career working for Michael Araman are our name, Mary said yes. Catholic Relief Services. members of St. Raph- In fairy tales, the story ends there, and all 'live happily Lloyd was also very active ael’s, and Rafael ever after.' In real life it is not so simple. For Mary there in the Community Minis- Aguirre-Sacasa joins us were many struggles ahead, as she lived out the conse- tries of Rockville during quences of the 'yes' that she had given to the Lord. [...] council from Our Lady his few years of retire- of Mercy. Welcome to Throughout her trials she remained faithful to her promise, ment. sustained by the Spirit of fortitude. And she was gloriously Mater Dei Council, and I rewarded. This year, I’ve at- hope to see you more Dear young people, we too must remain faithful to the 'yes' tended the funerals of five often over these next that we have given to the Lord's offer of friendship. We Mater Dei Brother few months. know that he will never abandon us. We know that he will Knights: Bob Cassin, Ken Despite all the sad- always sustain us through the gifts of the Spirit. Mary ac- Sullivan, PGK Chet cepted the Lord's 'proposal' in our name. So let us turn to her ness we experienced in Kasprzak, Father Finch, April, we did have an- and ask her to guide us as we struggle to remain faithful to and Lloyd Welter. On the life-giving relationship that God has established with other successful Blood May 6, we will have the each one of us. She is our example and our inspiration, she Drive on April 18. intercedes for us with her Son, and with a mother's love she inurnment ceremony of Thanks again to Mike shields us from harm. PGK Chet Kasprzak at Donahue for organizing - Pope Benedict XVI, July 20 2008 Arlington Cemetery. I am another great blood Page 2 May 2009 The Blue Mantle drive, to Tom Sherman and Joe Either way, I hope that many of you We finish up the month of Doane for helping out at the front can show up to the meeting to take May with a fun event: the Poker table, and to the 28 donors who part in the election of your new of- and Bridge Tournament in the St. were able to donate a pint of ficers. Raphael’s Duffy Center on Thurs- blood. May is also Special Olympics day, May 28th at 8:00PM. Many This month, more change is in Month, and Mater Dei Council will Mater Dei card-playing luminaries the air as we elect the new Mater once again help out. On May 24th, should be there including PGK Pat Dei Council Officers in the May we will man the grills at the Special DeGraba, Eric Gregrich, and hope- 14th election. The election takes Olympics Barbecue at the Potomac fully PGK Wil Adams. Hopefully, place at the Business Meeting at Community Center. On May 27th, we’ll see you there too. St. Raphael’s school. We are we return to Potomac Community scheduled to meet at 8:00PM in Center to serve ice cream to the Fraternally, the Youth Center, but the location Special Olympics Athletes after Bob McCaffrey, GK of the election may change de- their final meeting before the Mary- Mater Dei Council 9774 pending on what room we can get. land Special Olympics.

phase. We move forward with a col- As a member of your Council in lection of activities to complete our good standing, you have an important program plans for the current year, right to elect the new leaders in our and plan for the beginning of each Order. Take this right, and duty, se- new administration. Of course, riously. So, I recommend all to re- many hands are needed. Please con- flect on the candidates carefully and tinue to support your Council’s ac- support those who will lead your DD’s Report DD’s By E. Roberto Ibáñez, DD #18 tivities. Councils to an even higher level of We need to choose those who performance; make an extra effort to My Brothers all, will lead our Councils in the coming attend your Council meeting on elec- May is a glorious time of the fraternal year. I am aware of the tion night, and participate in shaping calendar: hard work Nominations Committees the new fraternal year. It is the month of Mary. As chil- at each of our Councils, forming a Along with May comes the 111th dren, we crowned Mary as our slate of officers to lead each council Maryland State Convention in Ocean queen in beautiful ceremonies each during the new fraternal year, sched- City, this year to be held May 15th year – as many of our children still uling installations of new officers, through the 17th. Come on early and do today. Let us as Knights also and planning activities for the new see your Grand Knight’s athletic crown her in our hearts as our Columbian Year. Let me send an abilities while he participates in the Queen and renew our pledge of fe- open invitation to all our members: “BEACH OLYMPICS.” Bring the alty and devotion to her. The Rosary if you are interested in taking a lead- entire family! Your Grand Knight has is a very good way to reach Mother ership role in the finest Catholic fra- information about dates, schedules, Mary and then Her Son. Say a Ro- ternal service organization in the times, etc. I look forward to seeing sary as often as you can. Try to in- world, and are a Third Degree many of you there. stitute the praying of the Rosary Knight (or will be at the time of the prior to the beginning of your Busi- election), let your Nominating Com- ness Meetings, or continue doing it, mittee know of your interest, or give Fraternally, if your Council already has this the startle of the year to your Grand E. Roberto Ibáñez, PGK most worthy practice. Knight or Financial Secretary by giving them a call. Let them know District Deputy No. 18 This is also the month when (as of your interest. You’ll never regret "We are Called to Serve" the fraternal year draws to a close), it. our Councils enter a transition Page 3 The Blue Mantle

In Memoriam priests, and over 1500 people, some George William Finch was born on of whom had to stand outside for the April 9, 1954, in Washington DC. He Fr. Bill Finch 1954-2009 mass. Father Lee Fangmeyer, Pastor grew up in Southern Maryland and On Holy Thursday, Father G. Wil- at St. Francis of Assisi and a seminar- was raised in the Baptist faith. He liam Finch died of a heart as he was ian classmate of Father Finch, said the attended Charles County Community returning to the church after he fin- homily at the funeral mass. Father College. He converted to Catholicism ished celebrating the Washing of the Fangmeyer had to pause many times after he met nuns while doing con- Feet in the Trumpet Room. As the during his homily to contain his emo- struction work on a Carmelite monas- priests returned to the sanctuary after tions. tery. He was ordained to the priest- the mass, Father Finch said he wasn’t Father Finch was named pastor of hood at the Basilica of the National feeling well. The priests led him into St. Raphael’s in 2002, and since then Shrine of the Immaculate Conception the church and laid him down below he greatly improved the parish. He in 1989. the statue of St. Joseph. Father Terry oversaw the renovation of the church He served as associate pastor of St. Ehrmann read Father Finch his last with new pews, carpet, altar, sanctu- Joseph’s in Beltsville and St. Mary’s rites, some priests and parishioners ary, ambo, cross, stained-glass win- in Rockville, and he was pastor of St. attempted to revive him, and some pa- dows, and a new paint job. He up- Ambrose in Cheverly before coming rishioners prayed the rosary. The para- graded the signs in front of the to St. Raphael’s. Father Finch was medics arrived to take him to Shady church. He also added new walkways the chair of the Archdiocesan Educa- Grove Hospital, but they were unable in front of the church and new gar- tion Fund, and he served on the Priest to revive him along the way. dens on the side of the church. Personnel Board, Council of Priests, Two masses were held for Father When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisi- and Priest Retirement Board. Finch: a Vigil Mass on the evening of ana in 2005, Father Finch asked pa- Father Finch was well-known Monday, April 13, and the Funeral rishioners to offer places to stay to around the Archdiocese for leading Mass on Tuesday, April 14. those who lost their homes in Louisi- pilgrimages to Rome and the Vatican Barry Knestout, Auxiliary Bishop of ana. He then traveled down to Hous- during the autumn. He enjoyed grill- Washington and a seminarian class- ton to invite displaced persons to ing peppers & onions each year for mate of Father Finch, presided over the come to Maryland and start a new the St. Raphael’s Parish Picnic. He Vigil Mass. Over 1500 people at- life. Twenty-one accepted his offer also enjoyed cooking, Italian foods, tended the Vigil Mass as St. Raphael’s and accompanied him on the 40-hour dancing, red wine, and hot fudge sun- was completely filled. Archbishop bus ride back to Rockville. daes. Father Finch served as Chaplain presided over the Fu- Father Finch’s biggest accomplish- of Mater Dei Council before he ap- neral Mass on Tuesday. The Funeral ment was the creation of St. Raphael’s pointed Fr. Grant Gaskin to take his Mass was attended by all of the Auxil- elementary school out of the parish place. iary of Washington, all the nursery school. St. Raphael’s School Father Finch is survived by his seminarians in the Archdiocese, the opened in 2006, and it now has 100 mother, Barbara, one brother, Carmelite Sisters, and about 85 priests students from kindergarten through Stephen, and four sisters, Lorraine, (including past and present St. Raphael 3rd grade. Susan, Kelley, and Cindy.

“You doing anything this morning? him that my vocabulary in Italian had order. I feel like having a good cream chip met its limit when I greeted him. When he had a need he would call breakfast.” And so we would start a From that time on I was challenged by on the cell phone and say “Hey what day of pleasantries and good conver- him to know the Italian language bet- are you doing?” My response would sation. It was a casual and easy way ter. be “what do you need?” And he to get to know each other. His desire to do the liturgy properly would state what he would need. We My first introduction to Fr. Bill was and without fault was carried on at the would then meet and resolve the need. at a 6:00 Pm Mass on a Sunday when altar with quiet whispers and hand Since we have gone our separate ways he first arrived at our parish. I knew directions. The Mass and the Eucha- I can still feel his presence and am he had studied at the NAC in Rome rist were to be done reverently and waiting for that: “You doing anything and so I greeted him with a short Ital- with a decorum that would glorify this morning? I feel like having a ian greeting. He immediately went Jesus. There would be silent commu- good cream chip beef breakfast.” into a response with what seemed like nications at the altar to keep every- a paragraph in Italian and I advised thing in order. He was a person of Deacon Frank Salatto Page 4 The Blue Mantle

IN MEMORIAM Inurnment for Lloyd P.Welter PGK Francis C. Kasprzak On April 13,2009, Brother Lloyd Cutler Members of the K.of C, Mater Dei Council are invited to attend passed into Eternal Life after learning he had PGK Chet Kasprzak's inurnment at the Arlington National Ceme- cancer. Lloyd attended Catholic schools in tery. The Service will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 1:00 Minnesota where he was born and earned de- PM. Everyone attending, please meet at the Administration Build- grees in history, sociology, and an MA in ing at 12:30 PM. Latin American Studies. He held management Directions to Arlington National Cemetery: positions with Catholic Relief Services in Take I-495 (Capital Beltway) South to Virginia, crossing over the Central and South America . In 1979 he American Legion Bridge. moved to Rockville where he founded His- Take the First exit in Virginia, the George Washington Parkway. panics United for Rockville , worked with US Proceed South on the G. W. Parkway for about 9 miles, passing government agencies involved with humani- under the Key Bridge and the exit for Constitution Ave- tarian projects in Latin America, and was a nue/Roosevelt Bridge until you come to the exit for Arlington Na- member of local civic organizations. Lloyd tional Cemetery. loved books, history, music, and his wife At the end of the ramp, turn left at the stop sign. Proceed to guard station: indicating that you are attending the ser- Mily and son Philip, whom he leaves behind. vice for Francis C. Kasprzak, "Chet". His advice to us was, “keep smiling, spread The guard will direct you accordingly. the word”.Thank you Lloyd for your contri- butions to the Church and to the community.

Frank & Nancy Della Penna are The Mater Dei Council Family of Barbecue and Ice Cream Social the Month for April, 2009. You might know Frank from his work on the Parish Retreats at the Events for Special Olympics – Loyola Retreat House, or from the Mater Dei Golf Tournament. How- Montgomery County ever, like many of his fellow Knights, Frank has other charitable inter- Mater Dei Council will once again host ests. both a Barbecue and an Ice Cream Social His Trigeminal Neuralgia work has continued ever since it started for the area Special Olympic athletes who back in 1995. The work has helped many people who are stricken with have been chosen to compete in the 2009 TN. The pain is comparable to that experienced in heart attacks, kidney Maryland Summer Games. stones and childbirth. The pain is not continuous, but sporadic. The pain The Barbecue will be on Sunday, May experienced is sudden electrical-type shocks on usually one side of the 24th, after the athletes complete their soft- face and usually lasts from 10-30 seconds. Attacks can come several ball practice. It is expected that we will times a day. The pain is excruciating and history states that it has been start setting up at 10:00AM and start serv- called the "suicide illness" since some have been driven to it due to un- ing at 11:30AM. bearable pain. See the following web sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ The Ice Cream Social will be on Wednes- Trigeminal_neuralgia, http://www.endthepain.org/ day, May 27th, after a Special Olympics In the most recent meeting of the support group, MVD was discussed. planning session. Setup will start at MVD refers to micro-vascular decompression. Pressure is relieved on 6:30PM, and we will begin serving the ice the trigeminal nerve coming off the brain stem by placing a tiny sponge cream at 7:30PM. between the nerve and an artery or vein. MVD was discussed in detail; and it was discovered that some of the audience did not know about Both events will occur at the Potomac MVD, which has been the most successful treatment for TN. The sup- Community Center, (240) 777-6960, at port group continues to pray for, and inform, all those who suffer from 11315 Falls Road (between the intersec- TN (and those close to them) so that then may find relief from the pain. tions of Bells Mills and Glen Roads). The assembly of families such as Frank & Nancy is what makes St. If you are willing to help with one or both Raphael’s the focus of Christian activity that it has become. of these activities, please contact Dick Bi- The Council takes pride in naming Frank & Nancy as their Family of anchi at (301) 279-7244 or TheBianchi- The Month. [email protected]. Page 5 The Blue Mantle

Nominated Officers for 2009-2010 Worthy Brothers, Shaffer, Wilsie Adams or Pat De- Please congratulate the following Graba. Fraternally, nominated officers of Mater Dei Our Elections will be held during Council 9774 for the 2009-2010 Fra- the May 14 Business Meeting at Bob McCaffrey, GK ternal Year. If you have any other 8:00 in the St. Raphael's school. Mater Dei Council 9774 brother you would like to nominate Please attend to elect your new for a position, please contact Don officers. Titzman, Bob McCaffrey, Bill

• GK Don Titzman • DGK Ted Tate • Chancellor John Li • Warden Federico Sologuren • Recorder Tony Cammarota • Treasurer Eric Gregrich • Advocate Richard Weller • Lecturer Larry Boesch • Guards Dick Bianchi, Maurice Brice, John Kent • Trustees Bob McCaffrey, Bill Shaffer, Wilsie Adams

Convention • Delegate Bob McCaffrey • Delegate Tom Schneider • 1st Alternate Don Titzman • 2nd Alternate Wilsie Adams

Page 6 The Blue Mantle

Year of St Paul Pilgrimage sites all have a history, are beautiful, Blood Drive Saturday - June 13, 2009 offer opportunities for prayer, and can serve to help us better appreciate our Pope Benedict XVI has declared Thank you to all who partici- heritage and Catholic traditions. We’ll pated in the April Blood 2008-2009 as a Year of St. Paul to leave St. Raphael by bus at 8:30 am Drive in the Trumpet Room honor the 2000th anniversary of the and return at 5:00 pm. It was Fr. at St. Raphael's. Thank you birth of the early apostle. To honor Finch’s desire that we make this pil- also to Tom Sherman and Joe Saint Paul, whose missionary jour- grimage. Doane for helping contact neys spread the gospel to the Gentile donors and handling sign-in We’ll take lunch at Emmitsburg’s His- world, the Archdiocese of Washing- at the drive. We registered a toric Carriage House Inn. Lunch ton invites all to pilgrimage during total of 33 donors who do- this special year, which ends on June choices will include Glazed Salmon or nated 28 units of blood. The 29, 2009. A pilgrimage is a journey to Florentine Chicken or Crab Inova staff was again effi- a sacred place as an act of devotion. Soup/Turkey Breast Sandwich Combo. cient, professional, and It is an ancient Catholic tradition and Beverage and dessert included. Total friendly and donor feedback offers opportunities for many graces cost for trip, lunch and gratuities - was positive. Most donors and indulgences. St. Raphael has ar- $16.00 adults, $10.00 children. Space were out in less than an hour. ranged a one day pilgrimage, which limited. Pay in advance to hold reser- Our next blood drive will be will take us to the Saint Paul Catholic vations. Provide your name, telephone number, e-mail address, choice of en- June 20th. Please check your church in Damascus and two National June Blue Mantle for the trée, and check payable to St. Raph- Shrines to our North, the Lourdes date, time, location, and ael, Memo: “2009 Pilgrimage“. Send Grotto at Mount Saint Mary’s, and other details. the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth to Parish Office. Questions? Call Dick Ann Seton in Emmitsburg. These Jasinski , 301-983-1445. Mike Donahue

Divine Mercy Celebration a success Once again the support of our Mater Dei Knights was very much in evi- dence as St. Raphael celebrated Di- vine Mercy Sunday on April 19. The Most Reverend Martin Holley , Aux- iliary Bishop of Washington, was the principal celebrant. A movie on the life of Saint Faustina was shown in the Trumpet room. Confessions were offered by 12 priests in the Duffy Center. Eucharistic adoration, Chant- ing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Holy Mass were offered in the Church. The celebration concluded with veneration of the Divine Mercy Image and relics of St. Faustina. Thank you to all our Knights who helped in this celebration. Top: Bishop Holley Left: Color Guard KEY CONTACTS lumbus GRAND KNIGHT Knights of Co 774 Robert McCaffrey, 301-251-5225 Mater Dei Council #9 [email protected] DEPUTY GRAND KNIGHT Don Titzman, 301-545-1910 [email protected] CHANCELLOR Federico Sologuren, 301-983-5894 Message Board WARDEN • Poker/ Bridge Night, May 28: Ple Mike Herman, 301-216-1679 ase join us as we take part in one of M [email protected] ater Dei Council's favorite O events. ur social meeting on Thursd RECORDER ay, May 28 will be another Jack Phillips, 301-340-1360 Poker/Bridge Night. The t ables will be set, and light [email protected] refres hments will be served. The TREASURER games will begin at 8:00PM. All of our proceed Paul Sullivan, 301-610-7752 s will go to charity. This is [email protected] one of the best times to so cialize in a relaxed and en- ADVOCATE joyable atmosphere.. Dick Weller, 301-990-8185 • [email protected] Articles are due on the 25th by noon. Whenever possi- FINANCIAL SECRETARY ble, please submit early. John Frey, 301-424-3386 [email protected] LECTURER Larry Boesch, 301-762-7134 [email protected] GUARDS Don Novotny, 301-424-6772 Dick Bianchi, 301-279-7244 Tom Schneider, 301-279-029 Joseph Murray, 301-762-3370 Schedule of Events: May-June 2009 Tony Cammarota, 301-424-6138 Bob Scott, 301-299-6053 Tue May 5, Executive Board, 7:30-10pm, Upper Rooms TRUSTEES Wed May 6, Inurnment of Chet Kasprzak, 1pm, Arlington Cemetery Bill Shaffer, 301-762-1735 [email protected] Thu May 14, Business Meeting (Elections), 8-10pm, Youth Center Wilsie Adams, 301-924-1422 May 15-17, 111th Maryland State Convention, Ocean City [email protected] Patrick DeGraba, PGK, 301-279-2879 Sun May 24, Barbecue for S.O., 10am—2pm, Potomac Community Center [email protected] Wed May 27, Ice Cream Social, 6:30-8pm, Potomac Community Center CHAPLAIN Wed May 27, McNamara Chap. Meeting, 8-10pm, PG's Council, College Park Fr. Grant Gaskin [email protected] Thu May 28, Social Meeting (cards), 8-10pm, DC 4&6

INSURANCE FIELD AGENT Rick Morin, 301-384-7627 Tue Jun 2, Executive Board, 7:30-10pm, Upper Rooms DISTRICT DEPUTY Thu Jun 4, Business Meeting, 8-10pm, DC 4&6 Roberto Ibáñez, 301-445-3238 Sat Jun 13, St Paul Pilgrimage, All Day, Emmitsburg [email protected] Wed Jun 17, McNamara Chap. Meeting, 8-10pm, Council 9968, Lexington Park Program Director: Don Tizman Membership Director: Federico Sat Jun 20, Blood Drive, TBD Sologuren Sat Jun 20, State Officers & DD’s installation, St John, Hydes Council Program: Mike Donahue 301-424-6041, [email protected] Thu Jun 21, Social Meeting (GAS Awards), 8-10pm, Trumpet Church Program: Wilsie Adams Jun 26-28, DD’s & GK’s Seminar, Mt St Mary’s Community Program: Tom Schneider Youth Program: John Li 301-424-2713, [email protected]

Editor, Blue Mantle: Camille Ng “The Blue Mantle” is a publication of Knights of Columbus, Mater Dei Council No. 9774, Rockville, MD. 240-686-0808, [email protected] It is an unofficial publication and does not represent official opinion of the Knights of Columbus. It is published monthly. The Blue Mantle Non-Profit Organization Knights of Columbus U.S. Postage Paid Mater Dei Council # 9774 Suburban MD P.O. Box 10237 Permit No. 2302

Rockville, MD 20849-0237

May 2009