FEBRUARY 20 10 ! VOLUME 27 ! NUMBER 2 ! WWW.KOFC.ORG

KNIGKHNIGHTS OFT COLUMLBUS In SIervice tNo One. In ServiEce to All.

NEWS FOR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS LEADERS ! 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326 USA POPE JOHN PAUL II Knights Rejoice over ‘Venerable’ Declaration; Sainthood Cause Advances

ope Benedict XVI announced the opening of the cause for saint - P hood of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyta, d. o

April 2, 2005), on May 13, 2005. On Dec. 19, 2009, Pope Benedict t o h p declared that John Paul lived a life of “heroic virtue” or holiness, and S N

that the Church considers the late pope as “Venerable.” This important C step allows for John Paul to be beatified after the Congregation for the Causes of Saints certifies a miracle through his intercession. Order Rushes Aid to Haiti The Knights of Columbus enjoyed a long and close relationship with IN THE WAKE OF THE MASSIVE DESTRUCTION on Jan. Pope John Paul II, who reigned from 1978 to 2005. The timeline be - 12, caused by the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, and the tremendous suffering of the ginning on Page 2 in this newsletter tells the story of the Knights’ in - people there in its wake, the Knights of Columbus sent an immediate contribution volvement with one of the most beloved and remarkable popes in the of $50,000 to Catholic Relief Services. Officials estimate that 200,000 people may history of the Church. have perished under the rubble of thousands of collapsed buildings. Among the Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson issued the following statement on dead is Catholic Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot of Port-au-Prince, whose body behalf of the Knights of Columbus regarding the Vatican pronounce - was found in the ruins of his office. ments on Pope John Paul II and also Father Jerzy Popieluszko: Knights are invited to make contributions through the Supreme Council to maximize the SEE DECLARATIONS , P AGE 2 impact of the funds raised, and document the amount donated in this tragedy by mem - bers of the Order. State and local councils, and individual Knights, have contributed a total of more than $150,000 to Haiti earthquake relief during the first 12 days following the dis - In April 2002, Pope John Paul II granted Supreme Knight aster. Among these contributions were a $1,200 donation from the California State Coun - Carl A. Anderson a private audience, at which time they cil, approximately $3,500 raised through a benefit concert held by Edward Douglass o n discussed the Cause for Canonization of Father a White Council 2473 in Arlington, Va., and twelve $1,000 donations by individuals. m o R

e DONATION CHECKS should be made out to Knights of Columbus Charities, Michael J. McGivney. Supreme Knight r o t a

v Inc. and mailed to 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510. Please write “Haiti r

Anderson presented a bas-relief of Father e s

s Earthquake Relief” on the memo line of the check. O '

McGivney, sculpted by Donatella L Gismondi, to the Holy Father. Tie ‘Blitz’ to Founder’s Day onor the memory of our founder by inviting qualified Catholic H men into his creation — the Knights of Columbus. On the weekend prior to March 29, arrange for your council to conduct a church drive as part of the Orderwide recruitment blitz. A church drive is an ideal opportunity to reach an audience of qual - ified prospects. Its ultimate success depends on careful planning and execution. Start by obtaining your pastor’s approval to hold a mem - bership drive at all Masses on the target weekend. Order quantities of Prospect Cards (#921A), “The Greatness of a Man” flyer (#4496), “What this Organization Stands for” flyer (#4547), “Membership Benefits” (#2773), and the Membership Doc - ument (#100). SEE FOUNDER’S DAY , P AGE 2

MEMBERSHIP IN THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church. Timeline: Pope John Paul II and the K of C For a more detailed account of Pope John Paul II and the Order visit www.kofc.org/JPII .

1970 S 1980 S 1978 — The Order underwrites the costs of 1981 — The Order establishes the Knights of Columbus 1986 — The Holy Father presents, the uplink and downlink of the telecast in mission Vicarius Christi Foundation, the earnings of which will be as a gift to the Knights of s e v countries of the installation of Pope John Paul II, presented to the Holy Father for his charitable purposes. Columbus Museum in i h c r a

and funds a film of his New Haven, the copper C

1984 — At the request of Canadian Knights, the f o

first trip to Mexico. cross held in the arms of K

Supreme Council authorizes a special $1 per capita on / o

the statue of the Savior n a

Canadian members to assist the Canadian Conference of m

on the very top of St. o R

1979 — In October,

Bishops in defraying expenses coincident with the Holy e Peter’s façade. The gift is r o the Order collaborates t Father’s visit to Canada. a v in appreciation for the r e

with the U.S. Confer - s s O

1985 — The Order provides funding to enable collaboration of the Order '

ence of Bishops by L / o the Vatican Television Center (CTV) to purchase a in restoring the façade. t o

providing funding h p completely equipped television production studio for the filming of S N C

housed in a van and trailer. f

Pope John Paul 1987 — During the September visit of the Holy o

y s e

II’s United 1985 — At the wish of the Holy Father, the Order Father to the United States, and in particular to the t r u o

is presented with the opportunity to restore the entire c States visit. Southwest, the pope grants an audience to the s e

façade of St. Peter’s Basilica. g Board of Directors in San Francisco. a m I

FOUNDER’S DAY , FROM PAGE ONE Prepare an announcement for the parish bulletin and ask that it be Founder’s Day, March 29 run during the two weekends prior to the drive. Founder’s Day this year marks our 128th anniversary! Put together a tabletop display that highlights your council’s activities Make it memorable by holding recruitment activities, or and the benefits of membership. This display should include handouts by honoring parish priests as a testament to our with information about your council and copies of your council’s founder. Consider presenting priests with the “In Soli - newsletter. Select a spot near the main church entry for this display. darity with Our Priests” certificate (#4362) from the Supply Department. For more information on Founder’s Arrange for the pastor, grand knight or membership director to make Day, visit the “Council” section at a brief announcement before the Mass explaining the Order and en - www.kofc.org/service . couraging men to complete the Prospect Cards and turn them in as they leave the church. Read a letter of support from the state council or the local bishop, or use a Sample Pulpit Announcement (#2678) available After the event, deliver Membership Documents and completed from the Supreme Council Supply Department. Collate materials for Prospect Cards to the membership director for follow-up. Men who presentation to men as they leave the church. Have Knights in position signed Membership Documents should be immediately informed of the at church exits to answer questions from prospects, and assist interested date and time of their meeting with the Admission Committee and the men in completing Membership Documents. First Degree exemplification.

DECLARATIONS , FROM PAGE ONE the rights of every human person are rec - ognized .” “The Knights of Columbus welcomes the declaration of John Paul II as Venerable JOY OVER BESSETTE CAUSE and of Father Jerzy Popieluszko as a Additionally, Supreme Knight Ander - martyr. Both men were willing to lay son issued a statement regarding the mir - down their lives for their sheep, and for acle for the cause of Blessed André speaking the truth of the dignity of their Bessette: fellow man. John Paul was shot for his “The Knights of Columbus share in efforts, and Father Jerzy was killed. Canada’s joy over the approval of a mir - “But as our members in Poland know acle in the cause for canonization of

well, the heroism of these men and count - CNS file photo Blessed André Bessette. Brother André is less others helped to create the Europe we Father Jerzy Popieluszko, left, and Blessed André Bessette a shining example for the Knights and know today, a Europe in which the iron all Catholics in Canada of faith, hu - curtain has fallen and opportunity for both individuals and evan - mility and charity to those most in need. By allowing himself to be gelization is now possible. It is important that, true to the legacy of the instrument of God, he touched the lives of thousands of people. these men, we continue our efforts to evangelize our neighbors, bring May we always follow in his footsteps of faith, humility, devotion to the Gospel back to Europe, and strive to create a just society in which St. Joseph, and charity to his neighbors .”

2 1990 S 1990 S CONTINUED 1991, AUGUST — The Knights launch an Orderwide Quincen - 1995, JAN. 15 — Supreme Knight Virgil Dechant ( left ) attends tennial Prayer Service centering on replicas of the cross that had the closing World Youth Day Mass of the Holy Father in Manila. been presented, in 1984, by Pope John Paul II to the bishops of the Americas in the Dominican Republic. 1995, OCTOBER — The Knights of Columbus 1993, MARCH — Renovations of the roof and mosaics and the Diocese of Brooklyn in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica ( left ) co-host the Holy Father’s are offered as a gift to the Holy Father by the Order. Mass at Aqueduct. 1993 — The Fourth Degree funds restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver to commemorate Pope 1996, FALL — 1997 — A grant is given John Paul II’s visit there for World Youth Day. The Order publishes to the Pontifical Council for a study guide for the Laity to support World 1993, AUGUST — World Youth Day in Denver — Evangelium Vitae Youth Day in Paris. The Order The Order staffs a booth and distributes 100,000 Rosaries, (The Gospel of sends nine college council 200,000 rosary prayer cards, and 100,000 confession cards. Life). representatives to attend.

SHORT TAKES

Ordering Supplies To order any of the items mentioned in this newsletter, or listed in the Supply Catalog (#1264) complete a Requisition Form (#1) and send it to: Supply Department, Knights of Columbus, 78 Meadow Street, New Haven CT 06519. The Supply Department also accepts fax orders at 1-800-266-6340. Only orders that are to be charged to a council, assembly, circle or agency account are accepted. Use the Requisition Form (#1) for fax orders. Include the council, assembly or circle number on all requisitions. Please be sure the return address on the form is written legibly. Do not mail in orders that have been faxed and send in separate forms for promotional, gift and print orders.

Deadline for Star Council K of C Receives CPTV Award Now is the time to make sure your council has met all On Dec. 12, 2009, Connecticut Public Television the requirements for the Star Council Award by quali - gave their “Power of Giving Award” to the Knights fying for the Father McGivney, Founders’ and of Columbus and Newman’s Own Foundation for Columbian awards. The eligibility requirements for their support of a special TV series on voluntarism these awards are: conducting and reporting at least and philanthropy. Pictured are (left to right): four major programs in each of Robert Forrester, President and CEO of Newman’s the Service Program cate - Own Foundation; Jerry Franklin, President and CEO gories (using the Columbian of CPTV; Supreme Secretary Donald Kehoe; and Award Application found in the Supreme Advocate John Marrella. Council Report Forms Booklet (#1436) or on the Order’s Web The Supreme Knight’s Book Club Discusses: site by June 30), achieving The Difference God Makes: A Catholic Vision of Faith, Communion, and Culture associate member quota, (The Crossroad Publishing Company) Join Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Cardinal and achieving insurance Francis George OMI, Archbishop of Chicago, for an online discussion of the cardinal’s first book. member quota. For more detailed information The work explores our relationship with God, the responsibility of community and the transfor- on achieving these awards refer to the Surge ... mation of culture. Visit www.kofc.org to submit your questions online and participate in the with Service program manual (#962) or the Grand discussion, which takes place Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. EST. Find archived book club discussions at Knight’s Handbook (#915). To ensure timely process - www.kofc.org/bookclub . ing, all Form #100s must be received, processed and recorded at the Supreme Council before 4:30 p.m. ET by June 30, to be counted toward 2009-10 fraternal Fraternal Surveys Past Due: Substance Abuse Awareness year quotas. All insurance policies must be issued and Submit Now if You Haven’t Yet Poster Contest Participation released by June 30 in order to count for the 2009-10 Councils, assemblies and circles should have com - If your council has participated in the Supreme Coun - fraternal year quotas. pleted the 2009 Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity cil Substance Abuse Poster Contest, please complete (#1728) and submitted it to the Supreme Council of - and submit the participation form (#4001). Special Olympics Report fice by Jan. 31, 2010. The Knights of Columbus has always had a close rela - Semiannual Audit Have you planned your council’s Semi-Annual Council tionship with Special Olympics. To further track local Free Throw Participation Audit yet for the period ending Dec. 31, 2009? Make councils’ involvement, make sure that your council If your council has participated in the Supreme Coun - sure the treasurer and financial secretary are on hand completes the Partnership Profile Report with Special cil International Free Throw Championship, and you with their records and that the trustees schedule the Olympics (#4584) and submits it to the Supreme have not yet submitted a completed participation form audit as soon as possible. Council Office as quickly as possible, with copies to (#FT-1), please do so at once. the state deputy, district deputy and the council’s files. These forms are available at www.kofc.org/forms or in the Council Reports Forms Booklet (#1436).

3 1990 S CONTINUED 2000 1998, JANUARY — A grant is given by Knights to 2000, FEBRUARY — the bishops’ conference of Cuba to help with expenses of Then-Supreme Secretary Carl A. Pope John Paul’s visit there. Anderson participates in Vatican events marking the fifth anniversary 1999, JANUARY — The Order an - of Pope John Paul II’s encyclical on nounces funding for the restoration of the 17th life issues — Evangelium Vitae . Century Maderno Atrium in St. Peter’s Basilica as a gift to the Holy Father and to the 2000, MARCH — The universal Church for Jubilee 2000. Order funds the telecast of the Holy Father’s visit to the 1999, OCTOBER — The Holy Holy Land, and in particular to Nazareth. Father receives the Board of Directors 2000, MAY 21 — 1997, DECEMBER — The Holy Father Pope John Paul II canonizes in audience. He blesses a mosaic of receives the Supreme Officers in audience. A 25 Mexican martyrs, victims of the religious persecu - Our Lady of Guadalupe commissioned spiritual bouquet of prayers is offered by tion of the 1920s who were members of the Knights from the Vatican Mosaic Studios for Knights to mark his 50th Anniversary as a priest. of Columbus, and of whom six were priests. The the Knights of Columbus Museum. priests had been beatified on Nov. 22, 1992.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM WINNER : Pro-Life

This year, we have added a category to our inter - national service program awards: the best Pro-Life activity. The first winner in this new category is a council that has put together an especially note - worthy program to help mothers, who decide to have their baby instead of an abortion, care for their infant children. Recognizing that an esti - mated one-third of the million-plus abortions per - formed every year in the U.S. are done because Three silver roses were exchanged on the International Bridge on the border between the United States and Mex - the mother is afraid she won’t be able to meet her baby’s needs, Council 4226 in Murrysville, Pa., ico, on Dec. 10, 2009. Fourth Degree Knights and Father Francisco Hernandez, administrator of San Agustin launched “Our Rosebud Program” back in 2004 Cathedral, far right, helped escort the roses, shown here being carried by Grand Knight Pedro L. Garcia of Laredo and it is now in its fifth year. Council 2304 . In cooperation with “Welcome Little Ones” of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the program pairs a young mother or couple with a sponsoring couple from the council. They provide emotional support SILVER ROSE RUN throughout the pregnancy and for a full year after which the Order is heavily involved. The pro - the child is born. They identify unmet needs, such Celebrating 50 Years gram’s devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe as baby furniture and clothing, as well as ongoing stems from the fact that she is considered the needs like diapers, baby wipes, bath products and laundry detergent that are provided throughout the hree silver roses were exchanged on the patroness of the pro-life movement. year. T International Bridge on the border be - The roses began their journey in Canada tween the United States and Mexico, on Dec. last May, and spent the last six months travel - The council sponsors four little “Rosebuds” each 10, 2009. It was the first in a series of events ing throughout the western, central and east - year, and to date 17 mothers and 18 babies have sponsored by the Knights of Columbus to ern corridors of North America, with Knights benefitted from the program, including a 15-year- commemorate the 50th running of the silver of Columbus from Canada to Mexico carry - old mother from a dysfunctional family who had rose and the 478th anniversary of the appari - ing them from destination to destination. twins. With the help of the “Our Rosebud Pro - gram,” she has since gone on to graduate with tion of Our Lady of Guadalupe, on Dec. 12. On the morning of Dec. 10, runners car - honors from high school and is now in college. The “Running of the Silver Rose” began in rying the roses began the final leg of the 50th 1960 as an initiative of the members of the “Running of the Silver Rose.” Their journey For more information on entering your council’s Columbian Squires, the youth arm of the concluded in Mexico City at the Basilica of top activities in the areas of Church, Community, Council, Family, Pro-Life and Youth in your juris - Knights of Columbus. The roses, symbols of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, Dec. diction’s Service Program competition, please visit unity among the peoples in the Americas, are www.kofc.org/service and then select the also symbols of the pro-life movement of SEE ROSES , P AGE 6 “Council” link.

4 2001 2002 2001, JUNE — The Holy Father 2002, JANUARY — The makes a gift to the Knights of Colum - Order authorizes a grant of $1 bus of a mitre worn by him during the million to fund “Duc in Altum” Jubilee Year, park, where the sacrament of specifically at a reconciliation was available to Mass cele - young people attending World brated on Youth Day in Toronto. March 21, 2000, in 2001 — Beginning on Sept. 30, Supreme 2002, JANUARY — The 2001, APRIL 29 — Amman, Knight Carl A. Anderson participated as an Order provides funding for the In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Jordan, auditor in the month-long Synod of Bishops, worldwide satellite coverage of John Paul II beatifies Carlos during his having been named to that post by Pope John the Jan. 24 peace summit, Manuel Rodriguez, a visit to the Paul II, one of 22 auditors chosen by the Holy convened by the Holy Father in member of the Knights of Holy Land. Father from throughout the world. On Oct. 10, Assisi, which attracted more Columbus in Puerto Rico. the Supreme Knight addresses the session of than 200 religious leaders the Synod of Bishops ( shown above ). from around the world.

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED hen our country needed them our W veterans answered the call to serve. Now Knights are being called to serve our vet - Van Provides Freedom for Vets erans through a new program: “Serving Those WHAT STARTED AS A NEED EXPRESSED by a member of the West Haven Vet - Who Served.” erans Affairs Health center’s amputee support group for a means of transportation to allow Our goal is to have an active corps of veterans who use wheelchairs to attend outside events, grew into a project resulting in the Knights serving, on an ongoing basis, as vol - purchasing of a van capable of carrying eight motorized wheelchairs and three aides – unteers at every Veterans Administration med - thanks in part to the lead - ical facility in the nation. Through the ership of Knights. “Serving Those Who Served” program, coun - District Deputy Gary cils and assemblies are asked to form volunteer Thomas worked with the groups to regularly meet veterans’ needs. members of the amputee Some volunteer opportunities for Knights support group to raise the include: more than $90,000 for  coordinating volunteer activities – matching the the vehicle. Through do - volunteers available with the needs of hospitalized veterans. nations solicited from  providing transportation for veterans. Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, local  distributing toiletries, sweaters and other items that help make veterans more comfortable. councils and assemblies,  providing “Pet Therapy” – bringing pets to facilities military support groups Attendees gather for the dedication ceremony, presided by Father Cosmas to interact with the veterans at appropriate places (e.g. American Legion, Archibong, Catholic chaplain of the VA center. and times. VFW, etc.) local and na -  vocational rehabilitation – helping or providing the tional businesses and the general public, and the sale of “I Support Our Amputee Veter - opportunity for veterans to participate in job skills ans” pins by the veterans, more than $100,000 was raised. Excess funds will be given to programs. the VA to buy non-standard accessories (e.g. PA system) and to pay for ongoing fees and  arts and crafts – providing materials and programs routine maintenance and up-keep. that help veterans use artistic and creative skills. “This (the van donation) shows what dedicated Knights can do,” said Assistant for Mil -  patient visiting. itary and Veterans Affairs Chuck Gallina in referring to Thomas’ efforts.  patient check-in and escort and/or reception area “It’s a perfect example of people working together for one purpose,” said Sharon Croteau, and information services. Chief of Voluntary Services at the West Haven VA facility. “This van brings the vets who  offering holiday celebrations – organizing parties use wheelchairs the gift of freedom.” for veterans.  taking patients to sporting events or performances.  hosting picnics, parties or recreational outings. sionate, caring and committed individuals, like  note changes in the patient’s condition and inform Upon discharge from the VA facility some a K of C volunteer, to: the healthcare team. veterans find they have lost touch with friends  help them access community events and services. and family. Discharged veterans need compas -  visit, listening to, and talk with them. SEE IDEAS , P AGE 7

5 2002 C ONTINUED 2003 2002, FEBRUARY 25 — 2002, MARCH — As a sign of solidarity 2002, NOV. 23 — The Holy Father appoints Supreme with the Holy Father, the Order establishes the $2 Supreme Knight An - Knight Anderson as one million Pacem in Terris Fund, the earnings of derson is given a let - of 25 new members of which will be used to promote peace initiatives in ter on peace, the Pontifical Council the Holy Land and assist the Latin patriarchate in personally handwrit - for the Laity. supporting the Christian community there. ten by the Pope. The letter became the From the 2000 centerpiece of a display at the Knights of Vicarius Christi meeting 2002, APRIL — Supreme Knight Columbus Museum: “John Paul II — A Anderson is granted a private audience Passion for Peace” that opened in 2003. 2003, JULY/ AUGUST — by Pope John Paul II, at which time they The Holy Father’s Encyclical on the discusses the Cause for Canonization of 2002 — For Christmas, the Order col - Eucharist, Ecclesia de Eucharistia is Father Michael J. McGivney. A sculptural laborates with the Pontifical Council for the topic of the second Knights of representation of Father McGivney cre - Social Communications in a streaming Columbus Eucharistic Congress held ated by Donatella Gismondi is presented video production of a 24-hour television at the Basilica of the National Shrine to the Holy Father, who expresses keen program celebrating the 25th Christmas of the Immaculate Conception in interest in Father McGivney’s cause. of the Holy Father’s Pontificate. Washington, D.C., Aug. 7-8.

Day of Prayer for the Unborn Child he Knights of Columbus has been a leader in the Right to Life T movement for the past 37 years. With the Knights of Columbus IN ADDITION, TO FURTHER ASSIST your pro-life activities, Day of the Unborn Child soon approaching on March 25, also the day the Supreme Council offers the following materials (all of which are free of of the feast of the Annunciation this year, Knights have the opportunity charge when ordered in reasonable quantities; there is only a shipping to stand up and speak out against the evil of abortion. charge): All members of our Order are encouraged to participate by holding a vThe brochure “A People of Life – And for Life” (#4795) outlines the special prayer service in council homes, meeting places or local parishes. Order’s commitment to reversing the trend toward a culture of death and When celebrating the Day of the Unborn Child councils are encour - building a culture that values human life aged to conduct a pro-life Mass or rosary service. at every stage. The beautifully designed, Remember to invite all members of the community, including public full-color brochure explains the common officials and health care workers. Strength in numbers gives others the sense and common law basis for the courage to speak up and also lets the community know there is a group protection of life, and also offers five willing to help women in crisis pregnancies. To plan a service, councils practical action items to help members, should: their families and all concerned individu - vConsult with your chaplain or the pastor of the local parish to estab - als get involved in building a culture of life. A poster, shown at right , (#4804) lish a time and the kind of service (i.e. rosary, Mass, etc); with a similar design is also available. vAsk the pastor to make a pulpit or bulletin announcement regarding the program at all Masses the weekend prior to the event; v“Pray the Rosary to End Abortion” vSend a notice to the local diocesan newspaper and local secular media; poster (#2073) and prayer card (#2072) vDistribute Prayer for Life cards (#4665). Additional copies are avail - v“Gospel of Life” poster (#4238) and able in reasonable quantities from the Supply Department. Also, uti - prayer card (#4237E, F, or S) in English, French or Spanish lize this sample prayer service in planning your council’s event. The Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child was instituted as an addition to the Order’s commitment to build a culture that re - For more information on the Knights of Columbus Day of the unborn spects and protects every human life from conception to natural death. Child see the “community” section of www.kofc.org/service .

ROSES , FROM PAGE 4 sent all the efforts and sacrifices of the Knight Carl A. Anderson titled: Our Lady of Columbian Squires and Knights of Columbus Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of 12, where the roses were presented to Our Lady. along the way. And the strong stem represents Love , which reached No. 6 on the bestseller list Each part of the bouquet has an important faith. in August 2009. (For more information on the meaning. The five roses (one of the three is a Also in attendance at these events was Msgr. book, visit www.guadalupebook.com .) bouquet of three roses) represent the five Eduardo Chávez, postulator for the cause for For more information on the history and decades in which this tradition has been in canonization of St. Juan Diego. Our Lady ap - origins of the “Running of the Silver Rose” as place. The seven guides carrying the roses rep - peared to St. Juan Diego on that fateful day in well as more detailed information about resent the sacraments of the Catholic faith and 1531. Msgr. Chávez recently co-authored a that weekend’s events, please visit the ways to approach God. The thorns repre - New York Times bestselling book with Supreme www.runningoftherose.org .

6 2003 C ONTINUED 2004 2005 2003, OCTOBER — At an audience granted to the Board of Directors, 2003, 2005, APRIL 8 — Supreme Pope John Paul II encourages the Knights as follows: “In fidelity to the vision of NOV. 24 — Knight Anderson, past Surpreme Father Michael J. McGivney, may you continue to seek new ways of being a leaven The Holy Knight Dechant, their wives, of the Gospel in the world, and a spiritual force for the renewal of the Church.” Father names and Coun Enrico Supreme Demajo (the 2003 — In October, the Order begins a year-long 2003, OCT. 9 Knight Carl A. Order’s Rome prayer program in honor of Pope John Paul II and priests — The Holy Father Anderson as representative) rep - through a “Divine Mercy Prayer receives the Board a consultant to 2004 — In solidarity with the resent the Knights Service,” featuring the image of of Directors in audi - the Pontifical Holy Father and his proclamation of Columbus at Pope Divine Mercy ence, at which time Council for that October 2004-2005 will be John Paul II’s funeral. blessed by the Supreme Knight Justice and the Year of the Eucharist, the Holy Father. Anderson presents Peace, the Knights of Columbus plans a third the pope with a only American Knights of Columbus Eucharistic gift of $2.5 million, among Congress that takes place imme - including earnings 10 new diately following the Supreme on the Vicarius appointees. Convention in Chicago. Christi Fund.

IDEAS , FROM PAGE 5 ‘Coats for Kids’ Initiative  remember them on birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. Moves to Canada Sometimes councils and assemblies are not located close enough to a veterans med - anadian Knights joined the Order’s ical facility to make regular efforts practical. C plan to bring warm winter coats to However, they may still participate in and children through the Order’s “Coats for Kids” make a valuable contribution to, the “Serv - initiative, with the first distribution held in ing Those Who Served” program. The pos - Canada as part of the 2009-10 program. sibilities are limited only by the imagination On Dec. 7, 2009, the Ontario State Coun - and the needs of the veterans. For instance: cil of the Knights of Columbus, in conjunc -  Organize a drive to collect clothing, coats, tion with Father Paul J. F. Wattson, S.A. gloves, pajamas, robes, toiletries, etc. Council 8919 (Windsor) distributed 600  Organize program to provide rosaries, Bibles, coats to children in Windsor ( shown at right ). Catholic literature, and Chapel items like Mass Distribution took place at the Unemployed bells, Easter candle holders and altar lines. Help Centre which, along with the Windsor- Essex Catholic District School Board, assisted  Volunteer as Eucharistic Ministers to take Com - in the distribution. Coats were given to stu - Academy in West Orange, where special needs munion to bed patients. dents from several local Catholic children received winter coats ( left ). Addi -  Collect and donate to veterans facilities TV sets, schools including: Assumption tional distributions are planned at Blessed DVD players, stereo equipment, audio books, Secondary, St. Bernard, WJ Sacrament and St. Michael’s schools, as well DVDs, CDs, personal computers and computer Langlois, St. Francis, St. Anne, as at other locations around New Jersey. programs, printers (as well paper and ink). OLPH, Holy Name Ele - These events were part of the second  If possible, plan and conduct a special outing or mentary, Cardinal Carter, annual “Coats for Kids” initiative of holiday event for veterans and travel to the facil - St. John, Catholic Cen - the Knights of Columbus. Sim - ity to conduct it. Or, “adopt” veterans at a distant tral, Our Lady of Lourdes, ilar distributions have taken facility and remember them regularly with cards and letters. Queen of Peace, Christ place in eight U.S cities, the King, Immaculate and approximately 12 For more details on volunteering as an Conception, and St. Jules. more distributions are in individual, or as a council/assembly, contact In addition, on Friday, the works in the weeks the Chief of Voluntary Service at the nearest Dec. 18, the New Jersey to come. In total, the VA Medical Center to arrange an initial State Council of the Knights Knights of Columbus screening. Volunteering opportunities are of Columbus, in conjunc - will distribute approxi - also listed at www.va.gov/volunteer . tion with several local coun - mately 10,000 Ultimate Assemblies can honor military personnel cils in the Newark area, Apparel coats this winter. and veterans by presenting them with “Pa - began distribution of new For more information triotic Service Award” certificates – (#839). winter coats to area children in on this program, visit These vertical certificates are available for 25 need. The first distribution took www.kofc.org/ cents each from the Supreme Council Sup - place at the Mt. Carmel Guild coatsforkids . ply Department. Specify English, French, Spanish or Philippines.

7 Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE P A I D NEW HAVEN CT KNIGHT1 ColumbLus Plaza,I New HNaven, CT 0651E 0-3326 PERMIT No. 400

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS INSURANCE : M AKING A DIFFERENCE FOR LIFE Momentous Milestones force for presentations on how to better v 2009 marked the ninth consecutive year serve their members and their families. our issued life insurance increased over the Thomas P. Smith Jr. v During 2009, we celebrated an extraordi - previous year. Executive Vice nary nine months that were in the “best v Our number of associate members becom - President (Agencies ever” category. Records were set in Febru - ing insured members also grew, showing ary, April, May, June, July, August, Septem - and Marketing) more of our brothers availed themselves ber, October and November. and their families to our products. When v Our annuity business saw record growth the 2009 totals are included, we can claim his past year was a momentous one for from 2008 to 2009. The number of annu - that during the past five years, more than T the Knights of Columbus Insurance pro - ity plans issued in 2009 more than doubled 103,000 members of the Knights of gram. Let me just highlight a few of the many from those issued in 2008, with over Columbus joined the ranks of our insured milestones. 19,000 new annuities issued to our mem - members by whether purchasing life in - v The Order issued more life insurance than bers and their families. surance, long-term care or a retirement ever before in our history: $7.57 billion. v Our AAA (Extremely Strong) rating from product. v Our total insurance in force reached a new Standard and Poor’s was reaffirmed for the What does all of this mean to you? First, it high of $74 billion. To put this remarkable 17th consecutive year and our A++ (Supe - means that you can take great pride in the suc - number in perspective, consider that at the rior) rating from A.M. Best was reaffirmed cess your organization is having in fulfilling end of 1999, just 10 years ago, we stood at for the 34th consecutive year. Additionally, the vision of Father Michael J. McGivney by $38 billion. we were again certified by the Insurance caring for the financial security of our mem - v Our field force continues to grow, and we Marketplace Standards Association (IMSA) bers and their families. Second, in case you finished the year with a net gain of new for our ethical business and marketing haven’t already, this would be a great time to agents. practices. At the close of 2009, we were get on the bandwagon and have a discussion v In July, we held our first ever Field Agent among only three U.S. insurers with all with your agent. If you don’t know who he is, Sales Conference in St. Louis, Mo., an three of these distinctions. In Canada, we please visit www.kofc.org and click on “Find event that gathered nearly half our field were the only insurer with these three. an Agent.” You’ll be glad you did.

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