KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL NEWS
Monsignor Thomas M. Wells Council Volume 6, Issue 10 #13008 Silver Spring, MD www.america-tomorrow.com/KofC13008/ April/May 2008
Grand Knight's A Great Loss to the Council Message On May 9th, the council suffered a great loss upon the death of charter member Grand Knight Dave Czarnecki and former Advocate Alan Kistler. Alan Worthy Brothers All: worked hard in the formation of our council and as the charter Advocate of The fraternal year is rapidly winding down – Yippee!! Actually the council was instrumental in developing our By-Laws. He I’ll miss these little talks. It is one of life’s few opportunities will be sorely missed. Requiescat in Pace.* where you can pontificate about any subject and no one can repute you – at the moment. Knights Attend Men’s Retreat But the year hasn’t been just about writing the monthly Grand GK Dave Czarnecki, DGK John O’Donnell, Trustees Knight message, which was often late (thanks for your Wayne Miller and Bill Bolin, and four other gentlemen from
indulgence Jim L) and in strong need of editing (thank you the parish attended the annual St. Andrew’s Men’s Retreat at
Werner). But it has been over seeing the planning of excellent the Loyola Retreat Center in Faulkner, Maryland. On this programs and activities of the council (thank you John) under silent retreat, retreatants attend a variety of activities as well the thoughtful eyes of our Chaplains (thank you Father Mike, as Stations of the Cross, the Eucharist, and Reconciliation. Father Joe and Deacon Kevin) and the watchful monitoring The 3-day retreat provides many opportunities for quiet of our Trustees (Bill B, Wayne and Jim). Often we were prayer and reflection in the beautiful setting of the retreat inspired at our meeting lectures (Thanks Deacon Michael) house which is situated on a 225-acre wooded property I imagine you may be picking up on the trend here. The overlooking the Potomac River. Thanks are due to John
council’s success has been the result of many able and O’Donnell for coordinating the retreat. We hope many
other Knights can take advantage of this opportunity next generous parish men and most often their ladies (Anne, Connie, Laverne, Elesa, and Margaret). Whether it was selling year.* Christmas Cards (thanks Tony G), collecting signatures (thank you Steve) or providing the opportunity for our youth to excel
in basketball and soccer (thanks Bill T), individual performance and tenacity was always demonstrated (way to go Shaun – Mr. Tootsie Roll). We were fiscally guided (thank you Paul and Dave K). We had the benefit of calming
personalities (thank you Prosper) and the wisdom of years and
enthusiasm of experience from our elders (merci Alan, Tony G and Tom M). We were inspired to see our newer members stepping in and taking charge (thanks Harold, Tom H and Tom D), and we will miss those who have been taken away
(farewell Dominic and Alan). I really wish to thank everyone in the council. Every one of State Free Throw Results you has made this Council an organization we all can be proud All four of our Council winners, who were also District
of. The membership set the bar high by their example and winners, advanced to the State competition and Paul Stubin
(10 year-old boys) came in second at the MD State K of C contributions made. And to those I may have missed, know that although you may not have been singled out, your help is Free Throw contest at School of the Incarnation, Gambrills, more than appreciated, especially Michael, Wilfred, Joe, Russ, MD on March 16, 2008.* Continued on page 2 April/May 2008
GK’s Message Cont’d from page 1 7. Tepid souls shall become fervent. Al, Jeff, Jim, Andrew, Gery, Christopher, Mike, Gene, Bob, 8. Fervent souls shall rise quickly to great perfection. Harry, Joe, Jay, Nick, Jim, Chris, Michael, George, Dennis,
Frederick, George, Bernie, Jim, Albert, Noel, Francis, John, 9. I will bless those places wherein the image of My Nick, John, Norm, Bill, Bob, Robert, David P, Don, Jose, Heart shall be exposed and honored and will Yves, Dennis, Carl, Jeff, Al, Phil, Jim, Diego, Don, Richard, imprint My love on the hearts of those who would Tony W, Jeff and Joe. wear the image of their person. I will also destroy in them all disordered movements. Vivat Jesus * 10. I will give to priests who are animated by a tender Chaplain's Message devotion to my Divine Heart the give of touching Assoc Chaplain Rev. Mr. Kevin Mukri the most hardened hearts.
Knights Bring All to the 11. Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced. Sacred Heart 12. I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart On Friday, May 30, we celebrate the great that all-powerful love will grant to all those who feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. communicate on the First Friday in nine Unfortunately, many no longer know what consecutive months, the grace of final penitence: the great feast is about or have lost sight of the importance they will not die in my disgrace, nor without of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. receiving their Sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment. When we honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we honor His heart, the universal symbol of love, the Sacred Heart that In 1928, Pope Pius XI in an encyclical affirmed that the Our leads us to the whole of our Divine Savior who is love. Lord had in fact promised St. Margaret that all those who Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a constant reminder rendered this honor to His Heart would be endowed with an th of the total love of Our Lord for us in all His actions: in the abundance of heavenly graces. On the 50 Anniversary of that encyclical, Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed the Incarnation, in the Passion, in the Eucharist. importance of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Devotion to the Love of Almighty God is found as early as Many families have a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus St. John the Evangelist and St. Paul and continued in many prominently displayed in their homes. Many make the forms through the centuries. The most significant source for requirements of the First Friday Devotion. Some frequently devotion to the Sacred Heart in the form that we know today say during the day, “O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust was from St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Our Lord appeared in Thee.” All are proper devotions to the Sacred Heart. to her, showed her His Sacred Heart, and asked for a feast of The promises of Our Lord to St. Margaret are for all. What reparation on the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christ. a great gift a Knight could give to another by leading them to Our Lord asked St. Margaret to spread to all his twelve a greater devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.* promises for those who practice devotion to His Sacred Heart: Annual Service Appreciation
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their Spaghetti Dinner state in life. Grand Knight Dave Czarnecki invites you to our annual 2. I will give peace in their families and unite families Appreciation Dinner in the All Purpose Room in Wednesday that are divided. May 28, 2008 at 7:00PM. It is our special “Social Meeting” 3. I will console them in all their troubles. to thank members of the community, parish and council members for their community contributions. PGK Wayne 4. I will be their refuge during live and above all in Miller and Lady Elesa will be providing their secret recipe death. spaghetti sauce, while master-like chef John O’Donnell will 5. I will bestow the blessings of heaven on all their fire up the spaghetti Turbo. enterprises. Guest are asked to bring a salad or desert and your appetite,
C O U N C I L #13008 6. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and the council will provide the rest. Please RSVP GK Dave infinite ocean of mercy. OFFICERS: Czarnecki. [email protected] or 301-438-8206. 2 Chaplain Msgr. Michael Mellone Chaplain Emeritus Rev. Joseph Kennedy Associate Chaplain Deacon Kevin Mukri Grand Knight David Czarnecki, PGK April/May 2008
C O U N C I L #13008 Membership Blitz at St.
OFFICERS: Andrew the Apostle Chaplain Msgr. Michael Mellone The Msgr. Wells Council held its Spring Membership Blitz Chaplain Emeritus Rev. Joseph Kennedy after all Masses on the weekend of April 12 and 13. Council Associate Chaplain Deacon Kevin Mukri Grand Knight David Czarnecki, PGK members manned tables outside the Church and in the Deputy Grand Knight John O’Donnell multipurpose room after all Masses. We got over 10 Chancellor Prosper Youm interested candidates from the parish. Thank you to the Warden William Taylor membership for a great turnout! We had fifteen brothers Recorder Werner Moeller Financial Secretary Paul Sanneman participate.* Treasurer David Keefe Advocate Thomas Murphy April Birthdays Lecturer Deacon Michael Bond Inside Guard Harold Tarver Brother Stephen Nichols on the 4th; Chancellor Prosper
Outside Guard Tom Hollister th rd Youm on the 11 ; PGK Eugene Cottilli on the 23 . Also, Outside Guard Steven Schwartz April, wife of PGK Eugene Cottilli on the 4th.* Trustee 1st Year William Bolin, PGK
Trustee 2nd Year Wayne Miller, PGK
Trustee 3rd Year Jim Lehr April Anniversaries
CHAIRMAN: Brother Joseph Zagami and his wife Diane celebrate their Program Director John O’Donnell nineteenth on the 15th; Brother Tony Gatti and his wife La Church Activities Dir. Deacon Michael Bond Verne celebrate their sixty-first on the 23rd; and, Brother Community Activity Dir Harold Tarver Frank Kenney and his wife Marjorie celebrate their fifty-first Council Activities Dir David Peterson on the 27th.* Family Activities Dir Michael Caruso Youth Activities Dir Bill Taylor / Tom Hollister
Membership Director Wayne Miller, PGK May Birthdays Vocations Chairman Prosper Youm nd Recruitment Chairman Bill Bolin, PGK Brother Bernie Hillig on the 2 ; Brother Jeffery Bergman on
Retention Chairman David Czarnecki, PGK the 5th; Financial secretary Paul Sanneman on the 11th; DGK
Tootsie Roll Chairman Werner Moeller John O’Donnell on the 11th; Brother Frank Kenney on the Pro-Life Couple Steve & Beth Nichols 17th; Brother Jeff Whitesell on the 18th; and, Brother Tom Health Services Tony Gentilcore Christmas Card Chairman Tony Gentilcore Devlin on the 27th. Also, Josephine Costa, wife of Chancellor Newsletter Editor Jim Lehr Prosper Youm on the 1st; Sylvia, wife of Brother Robert
Webmaster David Keefe Panick on the 26th; and, La Verne, wife of Brother Tony
Gatti on the 31st.* M E M B E R S H I P M EETINGS May Anniversaries
All council meetings are held in the Teachers' Lounge of Brother Robert Panick and his wife Sylvia celebrate their the school. Officer’s meetings are held at 7:30 on the first rd fiftieth on the 3 ; Brother Al Tagliaferro and his wife Ana Wednesday of the month. Business meetings are held at th celebrate their twenty-ninth on the 12 ; PGK Eugene Cottilli 7:45 on the second Wednesday of the month. Social and his wife April celebrate their twenty-first on the 23rd; meetings are held at 7:45 on the fourth Wednesday of the Dennis Gorres and his wife Isabel celebrate their twenty- month, preceded by recitation of the Rosary at 7:30. seventh on the 26th; and, Trustee Jim Lehr and his wife Eleanor celebrate their fifty-fourth on the 29th.* May Meetings May 7 Officer’s meeting After Mass May Knight of the Month May 14 Business meeting 7:45 PM May 28 “Special” Social meeting 7:00 PM This month’s Knight of the Month is Chris Farrell. Thanks to Chris inspiration and administrative prowess. Chris and John O’Donnell have captured Arcola Avenue as our Adopt
a Road. If not already in place soon you will see our Council name advertised as the custodian of the street to our church.
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April/May 2008
May Family of the Month The hours for George’s kids are to fulfill the service hours required by Our Lady of Good Counsel HS. All totaled the Congratulations to Richard and Mindy Wanat for this three of them worked about 35 hours there. There are many month’s Family of the Month. The council and the parish other volunteers who take care of the grounds and other owe our gratitude to Richard and Mindy for their continual teens who come to paint and do other projects.* support at parish events. Their recent planning of the Derby Days is an example of their contributions to the welfare of Brother Tony Gatti Graduates! the parish. * Tony’s daughter Denise informs us that Graduation from Rehab finally happened March 31st! Brother Tony is one Remember In Your Prayers happy camper! He got a certificate and they played the Brother Sir Knight Alan Kistler who passed away May 9th, graduation song for him. The nurse said that Tony was a Brother Robert Cowley who is ill, June Kastre, wife of real inspiration to the others for completing all 36 classes, deceased Brother Dominic who is ill, as well as other especially with all of the obstacles that he overcame, Brothers who are ill or in need and our servicemen who are including his bout with pneumonia. He will be going back in harm’s way and those who are no longer with us.* once a month to maintain what he has gained. It's up to Tony now to walk on his own. We wish him well and cheer Help Us Update him on!* The council database is lacking information on wives The Pope Visits birthdays (month and day only are needed) and on wedding anniversaries (month, day and year). This information allows Did you see Pope Benedict VI when he visited?* us to provide recognition in the newsletter. Please send the information to FS Paul Sanneman at 301-460-9410 or [email protected] .* Big Baby Bottle Campaign St. Andrew Apostle Parish raised $2,066.92 in donations for The Gabriel Network in the Big Baby Bottle Campaign conducted by Msgr. Wells Council. This amount exceeds last year's efforts by over 15%! These funds will assist pregnant mothers and their families with food, diapers, car seats, clothing, bottles, furniture, and other essential infant and child care needs. Our next campaign will be in September, when bottles will be distributed for collection To the youth rally at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y. during October's Respect for Life month activities.* he said: “Proclaim the Lord Christ…. and always have your answer ready for people who ask the reason for the hope that Knights’ “Adopt a Road” is within you” (1Peter 3:15) Clean-up Day Monsignor Wells Council has adopted Arcola Avenue between Kemp Mill Road and Georgia Avenue as part of the county’s “Adopt a Road Program.” The council will be holding a clean-up day on Arcola on Saturday, May 3. All council members and family members are welcome to participate. Please meet DGK John O’Donnell in the church parking lot at 9:30 AM. Wear gloves if you have them. We will provide trash bags.* Another Community Service Project Brother George Gillespie and his son, Callan have spent 3 Saturdays so far in April and May weeding, sweeping and power-washing the driveway around the Jeanne Jugan Monsignor Mellone and Father Shaffer were there! Residence of Little Sisters of the Poor (LSP) in DC. His (Photos courtesy of Ed Cunningham) daughter, Danielle, also came on a Saturday in April to 4 power-wash and clean up there. April/May 2008
Monsignor Wells Message May the Spirit of the Risen Lord Jesus conquer the fear [From the Pastor’s Desk, Spiritual Reflections in our lives; m that Spirit fill us with the joy of the
by Monsignor, Thomas M. Wells] women at the tomb; and may that Spirit give us the zeal that drove the disciples to the ends of the earth Be Not Afraid with the Good News. May God bless each of us this Easter April 7, 1996 Day.*
The Holy Father and Cardinal Reflections Hickey both celebrate fifty years of priesthood this Lawrence P. Grayson year. Pope John Paul's story is, of course, one of the most dramatic of the century. He studied for the Multiculturalism Is Not priesthood in secret because of the Nazi occupation of Pluralism Poland; he was ordained just in time for the Communists America, from its founding, has been a pluralistic society to take over when the Germans were defeated and then welcoming people of diverse backgrounds, nationalities,
spent most of his priesthood and episcopacy doing religions and cultures. This has resulted in a nation whose battle on behalf of the people and Church of Poland strength lies in the multiplicity and diversity of ideas and against the completely anti-religious Marxist puppet talents of its populace. Within a generation or two, the y regime of his countr . It has been said so many times customs and mores brought by the then-immigrants have that it becomes almost trite, but surely the Holy Spirit harmonized with the extant ones to move towards a new,
could not have given to the Church a more perfect modified, unitary culture – a culture that receives continual instrument of hope to be Holy Father than he did when refreshment from the arrival of new peoples. he gave us Pope John Paul II This roan--brilliant philosopher, compassionate listener political genius The social history of this evolving American way of life has and spiritual giant—has personally experienced the been one of striving for unity-amid-diversity. While never world a its worst. And yet, despite all he has seen of the perfect, the success of the societal “mixing bowl” has rested on a communal commitment to tolerance and respect for power of evil, virtually the first words he spoke as Pope, words he has repeated over and over again, were, individual rights. It also has required a broad consensus "Be not afraid!" among the multiple communities, minority and majority alike, on the nation’s core beliefs and cultural values. = Our Holy Father can tell us not to be afraid 1 or the Without this consensus, the nation could not continue to
same reason that the angel tells the women at the exist – at least as a democracy. empty tomb of Jesus the same thing: Jesus Christ is More recently, the traditional approach to pluralism has been Risen from the dead! His resurrection is the transformed, as the emphasis has been to celebrate diversity proclamation of God’s victory over sin, evil and death itself. "Fear is useless, what is needed is trust," Jesus over unity. While this may appear to be more tolerant, open- told those who wept over the dead daughter of Jairus. minded or progressive,
Trust Jesus, we are told, because all that really matters with a greater commitment to promote equality and in life He will freely give to those who put their trust in Him. Of course, it is hard to believe: we crave togetherness, it has a control; we want to be in charge; we want the assured significant flaw. Multicul- outcome. How could there be an infinite God who turalism is based on cares about me who, as the Psalm says, "hold me in the relativism. In its drive for palm of his hand"? The world is so big, the obstacles impartiality and equity, it against me and my family are so overwhelming, how is presents every culture and All cultures do not support liberty, society as equally desirable equality, rule of law, freedom of anyone supposed to be able to place trust in God, religion, freedom of speech, etc. especially when He asks things so alien to all that the and beneficial – except that world teaches. But the Resurrection is the Father's of the prevailing majority which is consistently denigrated response to the trust of Jesus who believed that no evil and pressured to be contrite for failings that were corrected could prevail over His Father's love. generations ago. Peoples of other cultures are encouraged Reflections continued to page 5 5 April/May 2008
Reflections continued from page 4 to express their traditions in glorified ways, but those of the central to our lives or no respect and reverence for that country’s dominant culture are maligned with accusations of which is holy, individuals attempt to achieve self-fulfillment intolerance, bigotry, or nativism when they try to exhibit through a predominant focus on wealth, consumerism, and pride in the aims, ideals, achievements, heroes, struggles, personal pleasure. The results are declining moral standards,
sufferings, and triumphs of the nation’s past. a neglect of the common good and, at best, a temporary faithfulness to family and community. Multiculturalism ignores the necessity for a common set of
values. It acknowledges and promotes separate group America has succeeded on the basis of pluralism, in which a identities and disparate societal principles. To obtain balance has been struck between adherence to a common set recognition and acquire special rights, groups speak with of values – based on Christian teachings – and the indignation and outrage, claiming histories of abuse. A prerogative for peoples of varying backgrounds and beliefs
common identity for the faction is promoted through to maintain their own identities. Multiculturalism, which consciousness raising and an emphasis on things that often promotes relativistic secularism, undermines core separate it from the rest of society. Spokesmen for the values such as freedom of conscience, the dignity of the group assert that its members are victims of discrimination, a individual, human rights at all stages of life, concern for the concept that is constantly enlarged and used to limit the common good, and patriotism. American, without those
freedom of opinion and autonomy of conscience of others. values, is a profane and hedonistic society. A charge of discrimination is a powerful accusation, The Knights of Columbus, with approximately 1.5 million especially in a nation founded on freedom, and often members in the United States, can have a very significant suppresses opposing views. effect on the future of this nation by, as Pope Benedict XVI When core principles are in conflict, as when minority has stated, continuing “with renewed energy the Church's groups hold views or pursue activities that are anathema to evangelizing mission in the context of modern cultural
the larger society, the nation becomes fragmented. Bitter movements”. It can work to strengthen the understanding conflicts arise when one group makes statements, displays of the Catholic Faith among its members, encourage them to images or behaves in ways that offend the majority, live and lead their families according to these teachings, and especially when those actions are an attack on religious serve as a catalyst in the public arena to strengthen the beliefs. Group identity then becomes a source of dissent, Christian principles that underlie the culture of the nation.
rather than adding to the richness of a shared culture. We must once again act and live as if we are one nation under God. Militant factions often redefine words to extend their
meaning and justify previously unacceptable behavior, create Vivat Jesus!* new rights, or socially sanction others. Claims of privacy are Words of Pope Benedict XVI used to justify abortion; artistic expression to legitimize lewd public behavior and denigrate religious symbols; tolerance to Dear brothers and sisters, how necessary it is at the
beginning of this third millennium that the entire Christian negate objections to same sex marriage; oppression to cower the Church into conferring priestly ordination on women. community, unanimously and of one accord proclaim, teach Catholic hospitals, doctors, and pharmacists are excoriated and witness to the full to the truths of the Catholic faith, for violating a patient’s presumed rights when they refuse to doctrine and morals! provide contraceptives and abortifacients, even though those Angelus, July 3, 2005* actions are in accord with their religious beliefs.
The strength and permanence of a society, especially a “Cast out into the deep” democracy in which government is invested in the people, requires a commitment to shared constants that provide criteria for communal action. America was founded on Christian principles. Its common standards are based on values and virtues that are best taught by religion. But this nation, as Europe before it, has relegated religion to the private sphere and banned any mention of God from public discourse or expression. When there is no belief that God is 6 April/May 2008
New Haven, CT - March 16, 2008 - Pope Benedict XVI Saturday approved a decree recognizing the heroic virtue of Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. The pope's declaration significantly advances the priest's process toward sainthood and gives the parish priest the distinction of "Venerable Servant of God." If canonized, Fr. McGivney would be the first American born priest to be so honored. "All of us who are members of the Knights of Columbus are profoundly grateful for this recognition of the holiness of our founder," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "The strength of the Knights of Columbus today is a testament to his timeless vision, his holiness and his ideals." Worried about the religious faith and financial stability of immigrant families, Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus with the help of several men of St. Mary's Parish in New Haven in 1882 to help strengthen the faith of the men of his parish and to provide financial assistance in the event of their death to the widows and orphans they left behind. He was also known for his tireless work among his parishioners. Born in Waterbury, Conn., Aug. 12, 1852, Michael Joseph McGivney, was the first of Patrick and Mary (Lynch) McGivney's 13 children, six of whom died in infancy or early childhood. His parents, natives of Ireland, had immigrated to the United States during the 19th century. Patrick was a molder in a Waterbury brass mill, where Michael himself worked for a brief time as a child to help support his family. From an early age, however, he realized a calling to the Catholic priesthood. After studying in several seminaries, he was ordained in that Baltimore's historic Cathedral by Cardinal James Gibbons Dec. 22, 1877. He took up his first assignment, as curate at St. Mary's Church, New Haven, Conn., Jan. 2, 1878. Father McGivney was named pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, Conn. in 1884. He became seriously ill with pneumonia in January 1890, and died Aug. 14, 1890 at age 38. The cause, or process, for Father McGivney's sainthood, was opened by Hartford Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin, in December 1997. The cause was presented to the Vatican in 2000, where it has been under review by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. With the pope's recent decree, and the authentication of a miracle at Father McGivney's intercession, the priest could be beatified. A second miracle would be required for canonization. Still maintaining its headquarters in New Haven, the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic Fraternal Organization with more than 1.7 million members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean islands, the Philippines, Guam and, most recently, Poland.* May 2008 Monsignor Thomas M. Wells Council #13008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3
4 5 6 7 Officers’ 8 9 10 Meeting 7:30PM 11 Mothers’ 12 13 14 Business 15 16 17 Day Meeting Distribute 7:45PM Flowers 18 19 Armed 20 21 22 23 24 Forces Day 25 26 27 28 Service 29 30 31 Memorial Appreciation Day Dinner 7:00PM
7 April/May 2008 If you have an E-Mail address and did not receive this newsletter by e-mail, please help us save postage by sending your e-mail address to the editor at: [email protected]
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