Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

“The Knightly News”

Join the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Council #7877 Taking Applications NOW!! – 1st Degree – 27 Jan

Grand Knight Dan Bolas invites all Catholic Gentlemen to join the Knights of Columbus. Contact Dan at 540-318-6045 / [email protected] or the Membership Director Bob Ghormley at [email protected], to obtain more information about joining. If you are a member in another Council, please consider transferring to #7877. The General Membership Business and Program meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month with Rosary at 7 p.m. and meeting at 7:30 p.m. Socials are held normally the 4th Wednesday on alternate months. See calendars at the end of newsletter.

“Keep Christ In Christmas” Poster Contest Winners The Knights of Columbus appreciate all of the children who participated in the “Keep Christ in Christ-mas” (KCIC) poster contest. The winners of the poster contest are Madelyn Brown (ages 5-7), Faith Pham (ages 8-10), and Victoria King (ages 11-14).

Madelyn Brown – 7

WINNER – 5-7 age group

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

Faith Pham – 10

WINNER - 8-10 age group

Victoria King – 12

WINNER – 11-14 age group

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

Principles of the Knights of Columbus

Charity - Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Unity - None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually.

Fraternity - In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES 2016

20 Mar 2016 and 22 May 2016

Like many blood recipients, Emily will need life-saving transfusions for the foreseeable future

WATCH EMILY’S Story: A letter from Mom and Dad at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5WIFIA4XoM

“Give the Gift of Life” to someone in need this year. The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a Blood Drive on the above Sundays, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Won’t you help? Please be aware that a valid picture ID is required to register. Donors will be processed as quickly as possible on a first come basis. If any questions, contact Mr. Ray Piaskowski (540) 429-3151.

. ALL CATHOLIC MEN SHOULD JOIN THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Our webpage is at http://www.staffordknights.org/

Facebook Page: KofC 7877 https://www.facebook.com/groups/staffordknights/

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

Disclaimer: Any article appearing in this newsletter is strictly the opinion of the author and does not reflect the views or official position of Father Widmer Council or of the Virginia Knights of Columbus. Any other use of the material contained herein, including distribution of names, telephone numbers, photos, and personal information, is unauthorized without the expressed written consent of the author.

MEMBERSHIP and DUES PAYMENT JANUARY 2016

It is important that every Knight pay their dues annually and promptly. The Council is responsible for paying all State and Supreme Council assessments.

For members who fail to make their payment, the council must pay out of the council's general funds, which reduces our ability to support other programs.

If you have been disabled or out of work, please let us know and we can make other arrangements. If you did not receive your Due Renewal notice, please contact us and provide us with your current address, telephone number and email address.

CONTACT: Financial Secretary, Anthony Devino, 540-657-0592

For Insurance Needs CONTACT

Don Murphy

Insurance and Fraternal Benefits [email protected]

Member of Fr. Widmer Council #7877

. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: http://www.kofc.org/un/en/insurance/

IF YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER – CONTACT THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS Grand Knight - Dan Bolas, 540-318-6045 Deputy Grand Knight, Walter Lamb, 571-247-2957

The Knights of Columbus Margaret Ladies Auxiliary promotes the Women of the Parish, supports the Culture of Life and Education. Open to all Women of the parish. Contact Deb Bolas at [email protected]

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016) Holy Trinity Assembly No. 2520

Greetings My Brother Knights and Sir Knights!

As the Faithful Navigator of the Holy Trinity Assembly I would like to wish you and your families a most Happy and Healthy New Year!! We had a busy Fall Season with two major events:

On October 24 we supported the Annual Aquia Field Mass at the Brent Cemetery where we had 14 Sir Knights in Full Regalia providing escort to Fr. Killian after which was followed by a luncheon at St. William of York Hall. A big thanks goes out to SKs Carrol Frederick, Bill Emond, Tom Vetter and Al Lowder (the Brent Cemetery Committee) who gave a presentation on the current status of the upkeep of the cemetery and a history of the Brent Family.

On October 31st we had 10 new Sir Knights taking the 4TH Degree Exemplification in Chantilly, one of which was a Priest - Fr. Curtiss Dwyer, from the MCB Quantico Basic School. Eight Knights were from Fr. Widmer Council #7877

Our Sir Knights also supported the "Our Lady of Guadalupe" Mass at St. William of York and both Midnight Christmas Eve Masses at St. Francis in Triangle and at St. William of York.

For those Brother Knights who are Third Degree I sincerely wish that you consider further growing in Knighthood of the Knights of Columbus by taking the next 4TH Degree Exemplification in April 2016 in Roanoke, Virginia. I am looking forward to an exciting new year supporting our Church, our community and our country!

Vivat Jesus! SK Alan Arena FN 2520

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest

Free event! All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 (age as of 1 Jan) are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2016 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The local competition will be held Sunday, January 17th. For convenience participants may show up anytime between 9 am to 2 pm at the SWOYCC school gymnasium to compete.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions. All boys and girls 9 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions. At the council level, each competitor gets 15 free throws, and the one who makes the most shots wins. All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event. For additional information contact: James Kotwicki at 540-903-8031 or [email protected]

27 DECEMBER 2015 (Sunday) HONORARY & HONORARY LIFE APPRECIATION DINNER Special Presentations to our newest Honorary Knights ST. William of York Parish Center – 6 p.m. start

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

HONORARY & HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

Title First Name Last Name YRS SVC Member Class ASSY SK MORRIS DAMATO 60 HONORARY LIFE 2520 RICHARD KOEHL 52 HONORARY LIFE SK DAVID SPELLMAN 49 HONORARY LIFE 1678 SK ROBERT GIBBONS 45 HONORARY LIFE 2520 DONALD MC NULTY 40 HONORARY LIFE CPT JOSEPH MANGINO 39 HONORARY WILLIAM CARMAN 38 HONORARY LIFE GLENN SPRUMONT 38 HONORARY LIFE SK ROBERT DOFFLEMYER 35 HONORARY 2520 JOHN LEVESQUE 35 HONORARY LIFE LEONARD SZAFRANSKI 35 HONORARY LIFE WILLIAM CASLER 34 HONORARY LIFE ROBERT MARINARI 34 HONORARY LIFE ROGER SHARPE 34 HONORARY LIFE WILLIAM TEHAN 34 HONORARY LIFE DALE HUDSON 33 HONORARY DR RUBEN BENITO 33 HONORARY LIFE RICHARD LE BLANC 32 HONORARY DEA RICHARD SMITH 31 HONORARY LIFE WILLIAM GUYTON 30 HONORARY SK JOSEPH HALL 30 HONORARY LIFE 2520 CHARLES SAKOWICZ 30 HONORARY LIFE SK RAY COOK 29 HONORARY LIFE 2520 MICHEL FORTIN 29 HONORARY LIFE SK ALBERT GRZECH 29 HONORARY LIFE 938 SK JOHN BELL 28 HONORARY 2520 SK GINO ORSINI 27 HONORARY 2520 RAY CUEVAS 27 HONORARY LIFE SK ANGELO COLLORA 26 HONORARY LIFE 2520 REV ROBERT DE MARTINO 25 HONORARY LIFE REV ANTHONY KILLIAN 12 HONORARY LIFE 2520

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING KNIGHTS -

PLEASE LET THEM KNOW!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH SK ROBIN BURKE RUBEN BENITO JASON AKRIDGE JASON CANON JUSTIN BETTENDORF SK BRICE BADER VICENTE CARAG SK GREGORY BOBECK ISAAC BETTENDORF LUIS CARRILLO JEFFERY BRIXIUS GREGORY BRUNACCI JONATHAN CARTER BRIAN BUCKLEY GUNTER BUHRDORF RAY CUEVAS WILLIAM CASLER JACQUES CHRETIEN CORTLAND DAVIS JOHN CHAPMAN SK ANGELO COLLORA SK BLAINE DONLEY THOMAS CLASEN SK RAY COOK GREGORY EHRMANN JOSHUA COLE JONATHAN DUCKWORTH SK DONALD FLUSCHE SK WILLIAM EMOND CHRISTOPHER EHRMANN RAYMOND GRAFT JOHN ENSRUD JOSE ESPINOSA WILLIAM GUYTON SK RUDOLPH JANICZEK MICHEL FORTIN SK BRIAN HARRIS MARK JAWOROWSKI WILLIAM GRAB JOHN LEVESQUE SK AMANCIO JIMENEZ ROBERT GRECZEK JOHN NANDE STEPHEN KELLY PATRICK KELLY EDMUND NAWURAH NICOLO LO DUCA SK ANTHONY KILLIAN MICHAEL NICHOLS SK MANUEL MATHEW ROBERT LUXEDER SK GINO ORSINI CONRADO MAYO SK MICHAEL MCLEESE JOHN RICHARDS MICHAEL NICHOLS WILLIAM MCSORLEY EDWARD RUBBO CHARLES RUSSO PATRICK MCILHERAN ANDREW STOLTZ GLEN SPRUMONT WILLIAM MORRIS EVERETT TAYLOR SK DONALD STARBUCK LEE MUDD WILLIAM TEHAN GERALD WHITE MATTHEW NICHOLES SK DARREL VIDRINE TIMOTHY O'KEEFE SAM YAKULIS VINCENT OLIVERIRA ROBERT YATES MICHAEL PARROTT SK CHRISTOPHER PATTERSON SK - SIR KNIGHT SEAN QUIGLEY 4TH DEGREE JOSE RAMIREZ FRANCIS RECK DANIEL RUBBO ROGER SHARPE JOHN SUMERVILLE SK ROBERT TART SK DAVID THOMA SK JAMES TOTH SK PAUL TRAUTMAN

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

Father Bader Scholarship Program

This annual competition is among eligible graduating High School Seniors, who are children of Knights, who are going on to higher education in the fall.

The application period opens annually on January 1st of each year and closes on 14 March.

Competition is based on the whole person that includes Grade Point Average, any awards or civic recognition, financial need, and the student's involvement in activities in their Church, Community, Family, and School.

Virginia's Father Bader Scholarship honors the memory of Fr. Michael J. Bader, who entered the priesthood in 1989 after a long career in business and the military, at the age of 62. The scholarship program also offers need-based scholarships for Knights, their wives and widows of Knights who reside in Virginia at death.

For more information go to http://www.vakofc.org/scholastic-programs.html

Contact #7877 Grand Knight Dan Bolas or Financial Secretary Tony Devino – START EARLY!!!

CONGRATULATIONS - TO OUR NEWEST KNIGHTS!!

st nd 12 Dec 2015 –Fr. Widmer exemplification of 1 Degree and 2 Degree Knights of Columbus. Grand Knight SK Dan Bolas, Andrew Connolly, Michael Scharf, Robert Connolly Jr., Nathan McAndrews, Christopher Costanzo and SK Robert 8 Connolly Sr Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

Photo of Rev. John Cregan, Assoc. State Chaplain

Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center provides FREE Ultrasound Confirmation for Pregnancies due to the work of Fr. Widmer Council #7877. We coordinated the purchase of a new mobile Ultrasound to serve the Fredericksburg and Stafford area. For More Information- http://fredericksburgpregnancycenter.org/

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

MARCH FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM – 10 JAN

January 10th 12:45pm Annual March for Religious Freedom starts at the downtown train station parking lot at the intersection of Frederick and Sofia Streets. The March ends at the Monument to the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on Washington Avenue. After the march a ceremony organized by the Knights of Columbus will take place outdoors at the monument. January 10th 2:30pm Annual Religious Freedom Celebration at Central Rappahannock Regional Library at 1201 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg. This event is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Coalition of Reason. The Library Celebration places more emphasis on religious diversity than the outdoor ceremony at the monument. January 26th, 2016 Jefferson Lecture Celebrating the Statute of Religious Freedom Sponsored By The UMW Department of Classics, Philosophy, & Religion; Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall, University of Mary Washington.

March For Life - 11 am & KofC Soup Supper 4 - 6 pm Need more Knights for MARSHALS – contact Deputy Grand Knight Walter Lamb to volunteer - 571-247-2957

Please sign up today to help as a Marshal using the online form at http://tinyurl.com/KofC2016MFL. - 25 of 100 slots filled as of 18 Dec

The March For Life is the largest grass roots Civil Rights event of the year. Your help as a Marshal is needed to assist the participants, guide the march, and help have a successful March For Life. Meet at the First Aid RV on the Washington Monument Grounds near 15th Street and Constitution between 9:30 and 10:00 AM on Friday, January 22, 2016. We will finish up at the Supreme Court before 3:30 PM.

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

The March for Life 2016 - continued

“The March for Life 2016 is fast approaching, and the March For Life Education & Defense Fund is pleased to announce that Super Bowl Champ and pro-life advocate Matt Birk will speak at this year’s March for Life Rally on the National Mall and keynote the 34th Annual Rose Dinner, both of which will be held on January 22, 2016.

As a Center for the Baltimore Ravens, Matt Birk is a 15 year veteran of the National Football League. He was recognized as the 2011 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year, which acknowledges off the field contributions to the community as well as on the field accomplishments. Named to the Pro Bowl 6 times, Matt’s career culminated in February of 2013 in a Super Bowl win for the Baltimore Ravens.”

Source: http://marchforlife.org/2016-rose-dinner-speaker/ SOUP SUPPER – The Margaret Ladies and Knights of Columbus will provide hot home-made soups and bread after the March for Life to continue the fellowship and warm up the participants and Marshals.

Join the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Council #7877

Taking Applications NOW!! – 1st Degree – 27 Jan

Cada hombre Católico debería unirse a los Caballeros de Colón.

Para unirse a los Caballeros de Colón, contacte cualquier Caballero de Colón o

El Gran Caballero, Dan Bolas, en [email protected] or Frank Santana, en [email protected]

For more information on the Knights of Columbus

Go to http://www.kofc.org/es/index.html

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – GET INVOLVED

JANUARY 2016 1-Jan Holiday - New Year Day 1-Jan Adoration Security, 1800 3-Jan Donuts, 0630 - 1300 hr 5-Jan 4th Degree meeting 2000 9-Jan VA KOC Mid-Yr - Newport News 10-Jan Pancakes, 0630-1300 10-Jan Religious Freedom Day - Fredericksburg 1245 12-Jan Officer's Mtg 1830 13-Jan General Membership meeing 1930 17-Jan Freethrow Competition - 1000-1300 17-Jan Donuts, 0630 - 1300 hr 18-Jan Holiday 22-Jan March For Life & Soup Supper - 1500-1900 24-Jan Hispanic Breakfast 0630-1300 27-Jan 1st Degree 1900 31-Jan Margaret Ladies 0630-1300

FEBRUARY 2016 2-Feb 4th Degree meeting 2000 5-Feb Adoration Security, 1800 6-Feb Car Raffle - Stuffing - 0900-1200 7-Feb Hispanic Breakfast 0630-1300 9-Feb Officer's Mtg 1830 10-Feb General Membership meeing 1930 14-Feb Donuts, 0630 - 1300 hr 15-Feb Holiday - MLK 21-Feb Pancakes, 0630-1300 25-Feb Fraternal Benefits Night 1900 27-Feb 2nd Degree Fredericksburg 0900 28-Feb Margaret Ladies 0630-1300

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

MARCH 2016 1-Mar 4th Degree meeting 2000 4-Mar Adoration Security, 1800 5-Mar 3rd Degree - SWOY - schools and parish center 6-Mar Hispanic Breakfast 0630-1300 8-Mar Officer's Mtg 1830 9-Mar General Membership meeing 1930 12-Mar State KOC meeting - Richmond 13-Mar Pancakes, 0630-1300 18-Mar Fish Fry 1500-2000 20-Mar Donuts, 0630 - 1300 hr 27-Mar Holiday - EASTER My first semester of seminary by Sam McIlheran

My first semester of seminary was quite an experience. It just went by so incredibly fast and fully that it’s even more surprising how peaceful and fruitful it has been. Entering seminary wasn’t nearly as jarring an experience as one might expect. From the first second of being here, I could feel the immediate and true sense of belonging. One of my first thoughts was something like: “wow, these guys are so nice.” I was made welcome from the first second, and such welcome still persists to this day. I can truly say that these men from many different dioceses and backgrounds are indeed my brothers. And I am one of theirs.

Prayer has become a central part of my life. Entering seminary forced me to pray a lot more than I was used to, but instead of disliking the sudden change, I loved it. I felt more alive, even when I didn’t make it through my holy hour due to overwhelming drowsiness from my late-night studies. When Pope Francis visited and addressed us at our seminary, it was surreal and it only began to register in my mind once his little fiat was pulling away from our driveway. He asked us: “do you adore God? Do you know how to adore?” This question still provokes thought. Do I know how to adore? This is one of the questions that I am here to find the answer to.

I am still unsure if God wills me to be a priest. Sometimes I get signs of this, and other times I don’t. There is one thing I am sure of. Regardless of my vocation, I am called to be here now. Whether I leave seminary as a priest or as a lay man, I know one thing I will also be: a better man and a better child of God. Thanks be to God, and thanks to all he has brought into my life, including my friends, family, parish priests, the Knights of Columbus, and many more.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

Pope Francis visited the John Paul II Seminary in 2015 and joined them in the great photo!

FRONT: from left to right are Fr. Bob McCreary, Fr. Mark Ivany, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Pope Francis, Monsignor Robert Panke, Fr. Carter Griffin, Fr. Mark Smith, and Fr Charles McCann.

Samual McIlheran is back row, 3rd from left.

Samuel McIlheran – Seminarian, Saint John Paul II Seminary;

Brother Sam McIlheran is a member of the Fr. Widmer Council #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church, Stafford, VA

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

DEGREE CEREMONIES

27 Jan – 1st Degree ceremony (#7877) - for initiation of new Knights, starts 7:30 p.m.

27 Feb – 2nd Degree ceremony (Fredericksburg Council #4034) 4724 Harrison Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22404 – Showtime 8:30 a.m., starts 9 a.m., done by 10:00 a.m.

5 Mar – 3rd Degree Exemplification (#7877) – see below for more information

9 April – 4th Degree Exemplification – Roanoke, VA – 12 – 3 p.m.

OBTAIN FULL KNIGHTHOOD IN 2016 This 3rd Degree ceremony will be held at St. William of York starting at 11 a.m. (show time is NLT 10:30) Luncheon provided, starting about 1 p.m.

Fr. Widmer #7877 - ALL 1st and 2nd Degree Knights will be reviewed and nominated by the Grand Knight and Officers of Council #7877 to attain this degree on Saturday, 5 March 2016. There is no waiting time between degrees. All 1st Degree Knights must plan to make the 2nd Degree on 27 February. All costs are paid by the Council. WE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE TO UPDATE OUR MEMBERSHIP RECORDS - ADDRESSESS, TELEPHONE #s & EMAILS. To update on-line, go to: http://www.kofc.org/un/en/about/contact/address_contact.html

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

SOCCER CHALLENGE - RESULTS Sponsored by Knights of Columbus, Council # 7877

CONGRATULATIONS to the Fr. Widmer Council and District #11 CHAMPIONS. Plaques and Medallions were awarded to the following WINNERS

Boys 9 - Ben Wheatley Girls 9 - Elizabeth Dixon Boys 10 - Ian Gassner Girls 10 - Genevieve White Boys 11 - Donnie Akridge Girls 11 - Anna Wheatley Boys 12 - Eric Hein Boys 13 - Zachary Elliott Girls 13 - Jacqueline Vontersch Boys 14 - Daniel Mejia Girls 14 - Sophia Akridge

Knights of Columbus and St. William of York Debt Reduction MULTI-VEHICLE & CASH RAFFLE

Car, Truck, Van and Cash Raffle - April 2016

TICKETS WILL BE MAILED TO ALL SWOY HOUSEHOLDS IN FEBRUARY

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FRATERNAL BENEFITS NIGHT 25 February 2016 – THURSDAY SWOY Parish Center – Social 6:30 p.m.

Family Fraternal Benefits

Being a member of the Knights of Columbus is an opportunity to be part of the largest Catholic lay organization in the world. Being an insured member means you’ve taken full advantage of the benefits of membership. Avail yourself and your family of our full line of life insurance, retirement and long- term care products and you’ll help chart a course to safe waters in your financial future.

In addition to our strong, secure products, there are Family Fraternal Benefits that can help our members facing unique needs. Many of these benefits are unique to the Knights of Columbus and our members. Some of these benefits include:

 Guaranteed life insurance benefits for uninsurable children  Death benefits available for stillborn or miscarried children  Orphan benefits  Member/spouse accidental death benefits

SOURCE: http://www.kofc.org/en/insurance/benefits/index.html

If you would like to contribute to this newsletter, please contact the Grand Knight, Dan Bolas at [email protected]. We are always looking for human interest stories, book reviews and items of

interest to the Knights, Families, Parish and Community.

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016)

LETTER TO THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, FR. WIDMER COUNCIL #7877 Seminarian Edouard Guilloux

The past few months since moving to the Pontifical North American College in Rome have flown by! I am so very grateful to be continuing my studies for the priesthood here in the Eternal City.

From learning the language and adjusting to a European academic system, to adapting to an Italian diet and schedule, the transition has not been easy. But above all, it has been a great joy to be here in the seminary with 250 other men all striving to better know and love the Lord and preparing to serve Him as priests.

The opportunities to grow in the Faith here in the heart of the Church are countless: in addition to what we learn in class, Rome itself is our teacher as we discover the countless churches and catacombs where so many saints were buried. It is a special grace to live so close to our Holy Father Pope Francis, the successor of St. Peter, the rock on which Christ built His Church and promised to sustain it.

Finally, the universal aspect of our formation here in Rome is particularly enlightening. We study alongside seminarians and religious from literally all over the world. It brings a healthy perspective to our own impression of Catholicism in the United States to see the struggles and successes of the Church throughout the world. As tragedy unfolds in the Middle East, for example, it has been inspiring to be in class with a seminarian from Syria. Upon completion of his formation here, he is prepared to return to his homeland where martyrdom is a real possibility.

We therefore continue to pray for peace in the world and for the triumph of Christ and His Church over the forces of evil.

I am confident that with the help of God, my formation here will equip me well to serve back home. I am deeply grateful for all those who keep us going by their prayers and support, and in a particular way for my brother Knights.

Vivat Jesus! Edouard Guilloux, Seminarian

Learn more - Pontifical North American College in Rome at: http://www.pnac.org/the-seminary/about-the-seminary/

Brother Edouard with his St. Francis of Assisi reunion group

Father Widmer #7877, St. William of York Catholic Church P.O. BOX 672, STAFFORD, VIRGINIA, 22555-0672 Newsletter 2015-2016, 3rd Quarter (January – March 2016) Papal Blessing Requests

As of January 1, 2015, the Holy See adjusted the method by which Papal Blessings on parchment are distributed. All requests must now be submitted directly to the Office of Papal Charities via letter or fax. Proceeds from the distribution of parchments will be given toward the poor in the name of the Holy Father. For more information go to: http://www.pnac.org/visitorsoffice/papalblessings/

Circumstances for which parchment Apostolic Blessing papal blessings are granted:

1. Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation 2. Marriage 3. Priestly Ordination 4. Religious Profession 5. Secular Consecration 6. Ordinations of Permanent Deacons 7. Marriage Anniversaries (10, 25, 40, 50, 60 years)*, Priestly Ordination, Religious Profession 8. Birthdays (18, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100)* 9. Catholic individuals or families (with name and surname of the spouses united in a religious marriage).

The asterisk (*) indicates the need for the nihil obstat or approval of ecclesiastical authority.

Pope Francis (left) greets Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI during a consistory ceremony in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, February 22, 2014. – Reuters pic, February 27, 2014.