June-July 2015

The Web Edition of The COLUMBIAN© NEWSLETTER

Go Against the Current—Pope Francis 2014 June-July 2015

Vol. 111 No. 6 The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Oregon State Council of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Theo Robert Kish State Chaplain State Deputy

CONVENTION 2015 Newport Oregon April 24-26

Columbian Newsletter Contents

1. Introductory Page 19. Ladies’ Trip To Newport Bay Front

2. Contents Page 20. Convention Photos—General Activity

3. Officers Listing + State Deputy Message 21. Friday Night’s Entertainment And Dinner

4. State Deputy’s Message Continued 22. Necrology Mass At Sacred Heart Church

5. State Chaplain Message + Exemplification List 23. Saturday Evening Convention Dinner

6. Oregon State Council Website Information 24. State Warden Report + Ladies Thank You

7. Silver Rose Pilgrimage Schedule 25. District Master’s Report

8. Honoring Deceased Bishop Connolly 26. Food For Families Report

9. State Youth Director Report 27. State Membership Director’s Report

10. Family of the Month + General Prog. Director 28. State Advocate’s Report

11. Article About Special Olympic Knight 29. Insurance Corner + Words Of Wisdom

12. Photos And Captions Of Awards 30. Vocation Director’s Report

13. Photos And Captions Of Awards 31. Seminarian Takes A Different Route

14. Photos And Captions Of Awards 32. Seminarian Cont. + District Deputy 3 Report

15. Baby Council Given Baby Buggy 33. Keep Christ In Christmas Flyer

16. Convention Photos—General Activity 34. Newsletter Information + Sick & Distressed

17. Convention Photos + Bishop Carey Icon Photo 35. Necrology Mass Listing

18. Ladies’ Convention Events 36. In Memoriam

Your State Officers for July 2014 to June 2015 Reelected for 2015-2016 State Deputy Robert Kish Council 1785 Corvallis State Chaplain Fr. Theo Lange Council 15595 Mt. Angel Abbey Imm. PSD Pat Rice Council 6602 Newberg State Secretary Sidney Thiel Council 9137 Sherwood State Treasurer Francis Mohr Council 0849 Baker City State Advocate Ron Boyce Council 3591 Tigard State Warden Steve Steele Council 6266 Beaverton

FROM THE DESK OF THE OREGON STATE DEPUTY Dear Brother Knights and Families

It was very good to see many of you in Newport a few weeks ago at the 107th State Convention. Attendance has been on the rise and this year we had more Councils in attendance than ever before. We sold out the hotel and some had to stay at the backup hotel (so sorry). The banquet room was maxed out too on Saturday night. The Pennies for Heaven set a new record and the ladies raised thousands for Fr. Taaffe Homes on Sunday morning. Overall I think most people had fun too.

I need to once again, thank the “Convention Committee” (State Officers and Wives) who did an exceptional job from beginning to end. I can’t say enough about the Robert Kish Ladies involvement in all this too. Without them this would have been a very different State Deputy Convention, that’s for sure. Lisa T., Tay M., Ana B., Teresa S., Cindy R., Teresa G. and my lovely wife Sue. We would have been lost without you ladies. Thank You!!!

Yes, this was a lot of work for us but also very educational as well. We now have hands-on, firsthand experience of what it actually takes to put on a State Convection. This will come in handy the next few years when helping other host Councils.

I also need to thank every Brother who prepared and presented reports. It’s these men, working behind the scenes most times, that make us all look good. Our Committees, Directors, Chairman, District Deputies and State Officers helping to keep the state organized and moving forward. Thank You Brothers!!!

Rather than write some other news worthy article for this bimonthly addition, I thought it would be best to pull an excerpt from my “State of the State” given Saturday morning at the Convention. It’s well worth repeating again . “We need our Knights to be more active. A Brother Knight needs to be motivated to be active. We need to take our programs and make them fun, family events and something Knights want to do. This isn’t easy in the era of big screen TV’s with 5000 channels…and then to pull a guy away from his game on a Saturday…good luck with that.

(State Deputy’s Remarks continued On Page 3)

(State Deputy’s Report from Page 2 continued)

But this is what we need to do. Make our programs and the fraternity of being with Brother Knights attractive again. We have a ton of competition out there pulling us all away from what we know is the right thing and the Godly things that we should be doing.

Supreme offers many great programs and if a Council uses these tools…they will be successful. “AN ACTIVE COUNCIL IS A SUCCESSFUL COUNCIL”. This isn’t just a catch phrase…it’s a reality and a fact. We have all seen this time and time again.

Hands down…the Council that gets most of the awards at the State Convention is a pretty active bunch of Knights. Cause and affect!

Sadly, some Councils have lost the vision of Fr. McGivney. They really have! We have too many lukewarm Knights. It’s time we get them out of their comfort zones and get them motivated and involved. There is a fantastic way to do this too…the best way to motivate a lukewarm member is to have them attend the next 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree. Actually, every Knight should make it a point to witness these exemplifications again. They are so inspiring.

This time though, sitting in the back of the room, as a visitor…or better yet…a sponsor…really listen hard to all the lessons taught in each of these degrees. Let them sink into your brain but more importantly… into your heart. You might be very surprised by what you didn’t hear the first time. I would even wager…you might say…with your head hung low…“Yes…I really could be a better Knight”.

That’s how inspirational and motivating these degrees are…if you really listen.

And then…after you composed yourself…made a promise to yourself to be “that better Knight”…go back to your Council and put these lessons into practice.

You might be surprised at the results. The things that bugged you before…now don’t seem that big. Now, the bickering seems to be such a waste of time…and petty.

You now realize…these are my brothers in faith…we are all on the same journey. Let’s do this together…we are here for each other and here to “Be His Hands”…YES…we can do this.”

God Bless you all Brothers and Thank You for reelecting me to another term.

Fraternally, Bob Kish State Deputy

“One Member, Per Council, Per Month” “One Star Council, Per District”

Brothers, I hope the grace of the Convention has blessed your Councils. The Holy Spirit was guiding our hearts to be open to receive something new yet “from the beginning”. The newness of the Holy Spirit is an experience for us as God makes all things new. What the Lord gifted us with at the Convention is for all of our Councils. It truly was a work that only God could do. It was as if the Holy Spirit said to each of us, “We are just getting started and yet we already have been blessed with so much. Love me and love one another”. This may seem a bit off-scale. However, what the Lord blessed me with was a greater love for Him, for you, my brother Knights and for the mission we have been entrusted with. I think this experience or something similar was the experience of many of us who were at the Convention. Fr. Theo Lange State Chaplain Charity, Fraternity, Unity, Patriotism, the special presence of Our Lady; yes, our spiritual heritage was gracefully given by God to the Knights and renewed as we gathered to glorify the Lord through the experience of the State Convention. The theme the Holy Spirit led our State Deputy to choose was “We Are His Hands”. Yes, Brothers! What a gift! God loves us so much! He showers his mercy so graciously upon us that we have the gift and privilege to be united to God as we fulfill our mission. The task at hand: To Be His Hands in the anointing of the Holy Spirit and be witnesses of the Love and Mercy of God the Father. A sincere “Thank you” to each of you as we look forward to faithfully, creatively and lovingly, to pray, work, laugh, suffer, forgive and serve together as Brother Knights, giving all for Jesus, the Church, our families and the good of humanity.

It is my prayer that the video series on the Oregon Knights of Columbus website helps us become more united, focused and energized so that we are more deeply drawn into the Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We are so rich, my brothers. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us in patient, wise and joyful love so that we may help each other love with the freedom of the Sons of God and serve with hearts open to the great sacrifices and graces needed for the completion of our mission.

Your servant, Fr. Theo

EXEMPLIFICATION SCHEDULE 2015-2016

Note: Locations and dates shown below are scheduled with the State Degree Team and it is expected that all of the nearby Districts and Councils also attend the Exemplification when it is in their area.

It is also expected that the District Deputy of the area shown below select the actual location and promote the Degree around the state…well in advance of the actual Degree date.

Any additional Exemplifications must be approved by the State Deputy and the Ceremonial Chairman.

It is highly recommended that each District have its own 2nd Degree Team but if one is not approved by the scheduled date shown below, then the State will have to perform the 2nd Degree Exemplification for the District.

2nd and 3rd Degree Exemplifications

2015 2016 May 15, District- 9 (Ashland) January 16, District- 12 (Florence) June 20, District- 18 (Hillsboro) February 20, District- 21 July (no degrees scheduled due to vacations, etc.) March 12, District- 13/15 August 22, District- 17/20 April 9, District- 8 September 26, District- 16 May 14, District- 10 October 17, District- 6 (Mt. Angel Seminary) June 4, District- 9 November 14, District- 7 June 25, District- 18 December 12, District- 5 5

Oregon State Council Website Information Member area access instructions

Dan Ramirez Web Master

In order to access the private members’ area of the website, you will need to log in first. I need to create your user account if you don't have one. Just send an email to [email protected] with your name, email, home Council and any office held. I'll create your account and send you a reply with your login instructions. That gets you access to the "members only" section of the website where the digital (XLS) copy of the state directory is kept.

Councils that have UKnight websites have a private member area that allows their Council members to access their membership roster and meeting minutes. The UKnight system uses a different system that uses the Supreme database. Members log in using their membership number as their user ID and their birthday (MMDDYYYY) as their password. The UKnight Council websites have a link to the UKnight state website, which is separate from the primary website. The UKnight state website is an intergral part of their system and is kept in sync with this website as much as possible. It is available directly at: http://kofcknights.org/StateCouncilSite/?CN=US&ST=OR

There are links between the two sites. Please refer to the site at www.kofc-or.org as the primary site. It will be the official place for the latest news and information from the state Council officers and chairmen.

District Deputies have their own special portal which is at http://kofcknights.org/DistrictDeputy/ There is also a link to the DD portal on the UKnight state website located in the "District Deputies" section. This gives you access to the UKnight degree calendar and a "backdoor" admin login to all of the UKnight websites for the Councils in your district, even the ones that don't yet have an active website. There is a very good help tutorial on the DD portal that explains all your available tools and how to use them.

Dan Ramirez [email protected]

Remember to keep your internet passwords hidden. A secret is not secret if shared with others.

Silver Rose Coming to Oregon

Brother Knights,

The cover of Columbian Magazine for February featured a photograph of Pope Francis receiving a silver rose honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas and of human life in all its stages. The gift of the rose mirrored the annual event in which silver roses pass from Canada through the United States en route to the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. It is also a particularly valuable means for building bridges with the Hispanic community in our parishes.

In Oregon, the Supreme Office has announced that the 2015 Silver Rose Pilgrimage in Oregon will take place between July 19th and August 9th.

Each year a different portion of the State is chosen to receive the rose. In 2015 the rose will follow a path down the I-5 corridor, on a schedule, to maximize the use of weekends, so that as many parishioners as possible can take part in this Marian devotion. Should another Council in any of these districts wish to avail itself of the Silver Rose for a weekday service, please contact me or your District Deputy.

Dates and locations of parishes currently scheduled to receive the rose are:

Sunday July 19 District 13: Transfer Ceremony at Boise, Idaho to Oregon Thursday July 23 District 18; St. Cecilia Parish, Beaverton Saturday July 25 District 3: St. Anthony Parish, Tigard Sunday July 26 District 5: St. Patrick Parish, Independence Wednesday July 29 District 5: St. James Parish, McMinnville Saturday August 1 District 4: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Salem Sunday August 2 District 7: St. Mary’s Parish, Albany Saturday August 8 District 8: St. Alice Parish, Springfield Sunday August 9 District 9: Shepherd of the Valley Parish, Central Point Transfer Ceremony from Oregon to California

Larry Mullaly Silver Rose Chairman [email protected] (541-531-1436) Pope Francis honoring the Silver Rose

Go Against the Current—Pope Francis 2014

Past State Chaplain Bishop Thomas J. Connolly Goes To His Eternal Reward

Bishop Thomas J. Connolly, who was a longtime spiritual leader of the Diocese of Baker, Ore., died Friday April 24th at age 92. He had been living at Maryville Nursing Home since 2011.

A funeral Mass was held for him at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1st at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Baker.

Bishop Connolly was born and raised in Tonopah, Nevada and attended public grade school. His family went to St. Patrick’s Church in Tonopah, where he was baptized, received his first Communion and was confirmed. Eventually he was ordained a priest after attending St. Patrick Seminary in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and ordained by Bishop Thomas Gorman of Reno, Nev., in April 1947.

He served as an assistant pastor, a teacher and chaplain for the Serra Club, which is a group that promotes vocations for men to the priesthood and religious life. Thomas J. Connolly, Bishop Emeritus of Baker

In 1949, he studied at The Catholic University of America in Washington, where he obtained first a license in Canon Law and then attended the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome from 1951 to 1952 where he earned a Doctorate in Canon Law. In 1952, he returned to the Reno diocese where he served as assistant pastor and pastor at parishes in Reno and Elko. In 1968, he was named pastor of St. Theresa Parish in the state capital, Carson City.

In addition to being the spiritual leader in the parishes he served in Oregon, Bishop Connolly was not afraid to turn to manual labor. Sometimes he took up a hammer or a saw to assist others with their repairs. He also oversaw the building of a new church and rectory in Elko, Nev., as well as a mission church. In Reno, his efforts resulted in the construction of a church, school, rectory and convent for St. Albert the Great Parish and the student center at the University of Nevada.

During his years living in Nevada, Bishop Connolly chaired the Reno Diocese Building Commission, moderated a Catholic women's group and the Italian Catholic Federation, directed the Cursillo movement and served as State Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus.

By the age of 49, Bishop Connolly was appointed as Bishop of Baker, Oregon. He was the first native of the Reno diocese actively serving in the diocese to be appointed a bishop. One of his proudest accomplishments in the Baker Diocese was the formation of the DeSales Education Program designed to help promote the faith formation for adults. It was used in more than 7,000 parishes in the United States, as well as overseas.

He also regularly testified on behalf of poor and low-income people at the Oregon Legislature and started a program that helped Hispanic men prepare for the permanent diaconate.

The worst part about being a bishop, he once said, was the act of learning to balance justice and charity when handling personnel.

After retirement, Bishop Connolly spent his time leading retreats around the region. 8

State Youth Director Report

With our State Convention behind us, it is time to continue with the youth activities for the remainder of calendar year 2015. With many activities happening through out our state, please remember to go online and report the results on our state service activities report form. George Murphy Youth Director A special thank you to Executive Secretary Tim Grady for his help with Marist High for the State Basketball Free Throw Championship. Thanks to State Secretary Sid Thiel and wife Lisa for handing out the trophies for the winners. A thank you to members of the Eugene Council 1430 for their help. There is a good possibility we will have two Supreme winners.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your participation through out this past year. I would especially like to thank you for your votes in selecting me as an Oregon Delegate to the Supreme Convention 2015.

A special shout out to Valedia Clark, Clare Fugate and Sisilia Marian Husing of Newport, for their help and participation in our 'Keep Christ in Christmas' Poster Contest.

State Winners - Essay Contest: 8th Grade: Grace Marie Mathews—Council 12656 9th Grade: Ally Baker—Council 15485

State Winners - Keep Christ in Christmas Poster: Age: 11-14 Girls - Emma Jackson—Council 3636 Age: 11-14 Boys - Adam Thompson—Council 5003 Age: 8 -10 Girls - Emily Lopez Palacios—Council 1577 Age: 5 - 7 Boys - Diego Lopez Palacios—Council 1577

Vivat Jesus, George Murphy State Youth Director

Supreme’s Family of the Month for

March 2015

Alan & Liz Walsh Council 1872 Bend

This family received one of the 100 Holy Family gifts given by the Supreme office in a random drawing each month. Any Council, who use the Family of the Month booklet ( 1993), which is provided to each Council in the “Surge with Service” DVD, are automatically placed in the random drawing each month at Supreme. Oregon Councils participating in March were: Astoria 1307, Mt Angel 1767, Albany 1577, Bend 1872* and Gresham 3179

My Brothers all,

I hope the new program reporting system is working out for the Councils and things are getting easier.

I want to thank you for your patience, as when this system was first rolled out it was a big change from the old system; but the State Officers wanted to make it easier and get more Steve Steele Councils reporting programs. General Program Director The Program Directors and I continue to fine tune the forms for easier reporting. If any Council has a different idea for making the reporting program easier, please let me or the one of the Program Directors know. The Councils use the forms every month and know what works and what may need to be changed.

Please continue promoting programs in your Council and we can take Oregon to new levels in the Order.

Vivat Jesus!

Steve Steele General Program Director

When Can Other Than Delegates Expect Reimbursement For Convention Expenses?

You will be given mileage and per diem from the State for attending the Convention. There is no need to send in an expense report. You will be reimbursed per the bylaws. If you came, registered and sat as a delegate for your Council, your reimbursement will be through the Council and you will not receive compensation for your position. If you have not received it by May 18 let me know.

Sid Thiel KC State Secretary Ph: 503-625-5128 Cell: 503-860-5968 [email protected]

Michael Chau - Special Olympics Star, Extraordinary Minister and Local Council Knight of the Year 2013 Article by Ted Seeber Pope Francis has urged us to open the doors and welcome a wider dimension of people into the Catholic Church. The Knights of Columbus are expanding membership by welcoming a wider variety of Catholic men into the Knights. Among those needing a welcome would include some with mental and physical challenges. This story is about one such member, who is both a proud member of the Ted Seeber Knights of Columbus and an enthusiastic athlete in the Special Olympics - Michael Chau. Michael Chau was born in 1987 to parents in a poor section of Saigon. His mother died when Michael was 3 years old. His dad and two brothers continue to live in Vietnam while Michael was moved to the United States with his aunt and another brother in 2000. They are now living in Beaverton, Oregon.

In 2008, Michael converted from Buddhism to Catholicism, influenced by his friend “Uncle Tom” Owens who was a member of the Tigard, Oregon Council 3591. In 2009, he was recruited into the Knights and took his degrees at St Anthony’s in Tigard and at St. Francis in Sherwood, Oregon. He was later recruited by Ted Seeber, the Grand Knight, to join the St. Clare’s Roundtable. In 2012, he became a charter member of the John Clare Council 15485, formed by joining together two parish Roundtables in Portland and was elected Warden of the new Council.

Also in 2009, Michael started in Special Olympics with power lifting. Quite the natural athlete, he also ran track in the hundred yard dash. Later he branched out, doing soccer, then swimming, volleyball and skiing. Competing in the latter three sports was a new experience for him but he became a fast learner. He has received 4 gold medals in competition as well as having been selected as the athlete showing the most progress in several sports in Washington County, Oregon. In 2011 he participated in a summer hiking program at St. Clare’s Church in Portland and successfully completed a 22 mile hike in one day around the Timberline trail of Mt. Hood, and raised over $1000 to increase disabled access into the parish office.

Michael expresses a deep faith in Jesus and is excited by activities the Knights do. Tom Owens says, "Michael is one of the funniest people I know and demonstrates a positive attitude. Participating in the Knights has given him a new purpose in life, friendships and an avenue for his talents". As Warden, he quickly became one of the most popular and hardest working Knights in the Council, which helped him earn the Council’s Knight of the Year in 2013. He also started serving as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, has helped serve food to the homeless in Portland and has been visiting and assisting a homebound elderly Knight in Tigard. As a young man in his 20’s of Chinese and Vietnamese ancestry, Michael represents an example of the diversity in membership the Knights need in the 21st century.

Michael’s athletic ability was often called upon by the Knights, such as in setting up the gym for parish dinners. He has been certified by the Archdiocese in the Called to Protect Program as well as passing the Knights of Columbus Child Michael Chau and his ski coach Protection Training and assisted the Knights with programs involving children.

In 2012, Charter Grand Knight Ted Seeber, who is also the father of a special needs child, was getting involved in the Archdiocese of Portland Office of People with Disabilities and invited Michael to go to the monthly Adaptive Mass for People with Disabilities at the nearby St. Rose of Lima Parish in Portland. There, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in 2015, the regular Pastor, Fr. Matt Libra, was on a retreat and State Chaplain Fr. Theo Lange was filling in. Michael volunteered to be an altar server for the Mass, as GK Ted Seeber took care of his son Christopher. The Gospel, to make it more understandable, is acted out in an adaptive Mass, with the celebrant playing the role of Jesus Christ. Fr. Theo was extremely impressed with one of the other intellectually disabled men playing the role of John the Baptist and went out of his way to thank the two Knights who attended and helped out as well. When he found out that Michael was a Special Olympian, he asked GK Ted Seeber to write this article on the wonderful Special Olympian Knight.

Michael has expressed an interest in working with children in the future especially in sports and recreational activities. For example, he has already helped organize the St. Clare egg hunt and supervised some children's games at the parish summer campout. Michael Chan, Council Knight Michael was elected to be one of the Delegates at the 2015 State Convention in Newport. He of the Year 2013 says he learned a lot there and that it was a very good meeting. He especially enjoyed hearing from Knight of the Year Chaplain Fr. Theo Lange, Archbishop Sample and Field Agent Million Dollar Roundtable winner Young Tran.

While the Knights of Columbus has established an outstanding national reputation in supporting the Special Olympics with help and funding, it would be great to see our organization take the next steps and invite Special Olympics athletes, coaches and parents to become active Knights and contribute their talents. Both the individuals and the Knights have much to gain from this partnership. 11

Awards Presented at Oregon State Convention April 24-26, 2015 Newport Oregon

Knight of the Year Award Fr. Theo Lange State Chaplain

District Deputy of the Year Council of the Year Tom Radel DD07 Council 1577 Albany

Family of the Year Award Edgar “Bud” Steinbacher Award Thomas “Tom” Hays No Photo Available The Dan & Lisa Freeman Family was unable to attend the Convention due to prior commitments.

Church Church Church Church Supreme Council Award Large Council Large Council Small Council 1577 Albany 6602 Newberg Honorable Mention 15605 Holy Rosary 1377 Albany Portland

Church Supreme Council Culture of Life Culture of Life Small Council Culture of Life Award Large Council Large Council Honorable Mention 2233 Klamath Falls 2233 Klamath Falls Honorable Mention 8129 Dallas 1634 Hillsboro

Culture of Life Culture of Life Community Community Small Council Small Council Supreme Council Award Large Council 8120 Dallas Honorable Mention 14802 Beaverton 1673 Pendleton 3484 Canby

Community Community Community Council Large Council Small Council Small Council Supreme Council Award Honorable Mention 3509 Mollala Honorable Mention 1307 Astoria 1307 Astoria 8129 Dallas

Council Council Council Council Large Council Large Council Small Council Small Council Albany 1577 Honorable Mention 3509 Mollala Honorable Mention 1594 Medford 3484 Canby

Youth Youth Youth Youth Supreme Council Award Large Council Large Council Small Council 1634 Hillsboro 2255 Klamath Falls Honorable Mention 8129 Dallas 1577 Albany

Youth Family Family

Small Council Supreme Council Award Large Council Honorable Mention 9257 Milwaukie 2233 Klamath Falls

9257 Milwaukie

Family Family Family Large Council Small Council Small Council Honorable Mention 3484 Canby Honorable Mention 1577 Albany 3154 Cottage Grove

Icon presented to Archbishop Sample after dinner at the Convention.

Newest Baby Council OSU Council 16145 Take Charge of Convention Baby Buggy

Grand Knight Kenneth Anderson with Deputy Grand Knight David Neill took possession of the State’s Baby Buggy which is presented to the newest Council formed in the state. Their charge is to take care and ensure the well-being of the baby and its equipment while it is in their possession.

State Convention Photos From Newport, Oregon April 24-26, 2015

Ladies Convention Events

Some ladies enjoyed a trip to the Aquarium on Saturday

Ladies’ Lunch on Friday

Ladies’ trip to Yaquina Head

Ladies’ Trip to the Bay Front—Newport

Miscellaneous Photos taken from:

Country store

Silent Auction

Friday Night Entertainment

Sunset Beach Party Friday Night

Saturday Necrology Mass

Saturday Evening Convention Dinner

State Warden’s Report

My Brothers all,

Well another Convention is in the books and I hope that all who attended had a great time catching up with old friends from other parts of the state and meeting new friends as well.

A special big thank you goes out to Michael Woody, Grand Knight from Albany, who was a Steve Steele tremendous help to me throughout the weekend manning the scanner and helping out State Warden wherever needed.

Corvallis Council also helped out at the registration table. Thank you, as well, to my fellow State Officers who were patient with me as I got my feet wet as a State Warden for my first Convention as a State Officer.

Next year’s Convention, which will be held in Salem, is already in the planning stages and I hope it will be just as good as Newport.

Thank you all, Vivat Jesus!

Steve Steele State Warden

A Big Thank You From The Ladies

There were several messages received about the wonderful job that Sue Kish and the other State Officers’ wives did for preparing for the Convention. I am including just

Sue Kish one message that really sums it up for everyone:

“I'm sure I speak for all the wives in attendance when I say that all the hard work done for the State K of C Convention was a smashing success. It was my first time to attend and it was such a pleasure to be with like-minded and faith-filled people. The hotel was awesome and even the weather (mostly) cooperated. And Fr. Theo's talk....such a privilege to have him speak just for us ladies. God bless you all for a job well done.”

Oregon District Master Report STATE CONVENTION

It was so great to see so many familiar faces at the State Convention in Newport. Thank you to all who participated in our Saturday Mass; we had pews enough for 24 Knights and the remaining 20 of us had no problem standing for the entire Mass. Excitement and

Michael Rooke enthusiasm were high. Other than during the installation of Archbishop Alexander Deputy Master Oregon Sample (86 Knights in the Honor Guard), the Convention Mass had one of our largest Honor Guards in recent memory. And Father Theo – oh boy, was he caught off-guard during his presentation as Knight of the Year, in being presenting with an engraved Fourth Degree sword, or what?!

FOURTH DEGREE EXEMPLIFICATIONS

Our most recent Fourth Degree Exemplification was held at the Retreat Center for the Diocese of Baker. What a treat and what a beautiful location to bring in nine new Fourth Degree Knights! And among those nine new Fourth Degree Knights was Bishop Liam Cary. What a humbling privilege to knight Bishop Cary as a Fourth Degree Knight!

Our next Fourth Degree Exemplification will be in Grants Pass on June 13 and we have August 29th in Eugene and September 19 in Beaverton. Be sure to let your Third Degree Knights know about these dates!

CIVIC AND TO BE A PATRIOT AWARD

Civic Award submissions are due to Supreme by June 30 and To Be A Patriot Award submissions have to be to the Master by May 15. I know all of you have activities that qualify for both of these awards, so get your submissions in ASAP!

Vivat Jesus!

Your Faithful Servant,

Michael D. Rooke Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree District Master, Oregon

Food for Families

Welcome back to active Knighthood by becoming a Missionary to the Hungry!

At the Knights of Columbus Oregon Annual State Convention in Newport, I met a Brother Knight who was celebrating his 60th year as a Knight.

Dick Akins He expressed to me that in his advanced years he is experiencing many physical restrictions that prevent him from being as active a Knight as he was in prior years. He is no longer able to climb ladders or do other physical activities. He longs to be of service but is not able to do so.

Until now!!!

By becoming a Missionary to the Hungry, all Knights, no matter their physical condition, can make a major contribution to feed the hungry.

The power of prayer and the donation of $1.00 per day will make a substantial difference in the lives of the hungry.

To become a Missionary to the Hungry you need do only three things.

1. Make a one year commitment to perform your duties as a Missionary to the Hungry. 2. Each evening at the dinner table, after saying grace, pray for the needs of the hungry. 3. Place a $1.00 bill in an envelope and at the end of the month send a check to your local Knights’ Council or Knights’ Assembly for the amount collected. In the memo section of the check write “Food for Families”.

The funds so collected will be distributed to organizations of your choice or the choice of either your Council or Assembly. There is great need for both your prayers and financial support. Those in great financial need include St. Vincent de Paul, local food banks, local soup kitchens and many state wide organizations serving the needs of the hungry.

Oregon state goal is to encourage 1000 people to participate as Missionaries to the Hungry. Some of your fellow Missionaries could be Brother or Sir Knight, members of our parishes (male or female, old or young) or members of our general communities. Ask your friends and family to become fellow Missionaries to the Hungry.

Vivat Jesus!

Dick Akins, Brother Knight of Knights of the Resurrection Council 13851 Sir Knight of Archbishop Fulton J Sheen Assembly 3248 Oregon State Chairman – Food for Families 6420 Sorrel Way West Linn, OR 97068-2214 503-358-0816 [email protected]

STATE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORS REPORT

From the State Convention and Beyond.

I hope all of you delegates had a good time at the 2015 State Convention and those who did not have a chance to attend will think about attending future Conventions.

Ron Boyce State membership This year membership numbers have been phenomenal and for the record books. I would Director like to thank all of the Councils for their hard work and contributions to help achieve the success in getting new members. We are close to the end of the fraternal year and there are Councils that are very close to achieving their membership goal.

The following are the Councils close to their membership goals: Council 7828 - one more member Council 3818 - four more members Council 8270 - two more members Council 11109 - three more members Council 5416 - one more member Council 15595 - one more member Council 7223 - two more members Council 2325 - four more members Council 3378 - one more member Council 8355 - one more member Council 15525 - one more member Council 7292 - one more member Council 3735 - two more members Council 6602 - four more members Council 10594 - three more members

If you need the dates of any first degrees to be held in your area either look at the State website calendar or ask your District Deputy for information. On May 16th the Ashland Council 13407 will be holding a first, second and third degree at Our Lady of the Mountain Parish. Please call Joe Schaecher, District Deputy 9, for more details. On June 20th the Hillsboro Council 1634 will be holding a first, second and third degree at St. Mathews Catholic Church. Please call Steve Purves, District Deputy 18,for more details.

We are a strong team and we can finish the last two months of the fraternal year with a positive note!

Vivat Jesus, Ron Boyce Oregon State Membership Director

STATE ADVOCATE REPORT

From the Oregon State Convention

On Saturday April 26, 2015 at the Oregon Knights of Columbus State Convention the State Council presented one resolution to the delegates in Newport, Oregon and on Sunday April 27, 2015 the delegates presented five motions from the floor of the Convention to be voted on by their fellow delegates. Ron Boyce State Adevocate Resolution 2015- 6; Expense Reimbursement for District Wardens was given a unanimous vote of approval from the delegates and will be forwarded to the Supreme Council for approval to be voted on at the Supreme Convention in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on August 4th to 6th, 2015.

A motion was presented by 1st Delegate Dan Hartney from Council 4087 on raising the per capita to $1.00. The delegates gave a 1st and 2nd to the motion and a discussion brought up by 1st Delegate Reed Gould from Council 8129 on raising the dues to $2.00 because the delegates from District 5 do not believe that $1.00 will be enough. The motion to raise per capita $1.00 was passed by the delegates.

A motion was presented by 1st Delegate David Jackson from Council 1623 to raise per capita by $2.00. The motion was 1st, 2nd and the motion did not pass by the delegates.

A motion was presented by 1st Delegate George O’Keef from Council 5060 to relinquish his position as 1st Delegate to Nick Guenther for the purpose to make a motion. The motion was 1st, 2nd and the motion passed by the delegates.

A motion was presented by 1st Delegate Nick Guenther to host the 2016 State Convention in Salem, Oregon on April 29th, 30th and May 1st, 2016. The motion was 1st, 2nd and the motion passed by the delegates.

A motion was presented by 1st Delegate Glenn Zmuda from Council 3179 and amended motion by 1st Delegate Dan Cortez from Council 9257 for the State Council to form a Chairman for the purpose to hold the funds donated by other Oregon Knights of Columbus Councils in the State Council’s charity account. The purpose for the motion is to build the Lady of Guadalupe Statue at the Grotto with the pre-approval of Father Jack Topper. The motion and amended motion was 1st, 2nd and the motion passed by the delegates.

A motion was presented by 1st Delegate Dave McKee from Council 9529, Lincoln City, with an amended motion from 1st Delegate Dan Cortez from Council 9257 to change the Oregon State Council bylaw Article V (Miscellaneous) Section 1 to read: “The official publication of the Oregon State Council shall be known as the Columbian Newsletter and will be issued as a web based publication with the members’ ability to print off a PDF version from the State Council Website or be made a special section of the Catholic Sentinel as decided by the State Council. Individual costs for publication of the Oregon Columbian will not be assessed but will be incorporated in the total State per capita assessment.” The motion and amended motion was 1st, 2nd, with discussion from 1st Delegate Dave Miller from Council 6602 and 1st Delegate Jeff Nielson from Council 1785 that the older members who do not have the access to a computer or print copies of the newsletter. The motion and amended motion passed by the delegates.

Vivat Jesus,

Ron Boyce Oregon State Advocate

INSURANCE CORNER

Life Insurance As a Gift? The initial reaction for many people when you mention life insurance as a gift is a quick step back and a questioning stare. “How morbid,” they think. While it may seem that way when you first mention it, life insurance is really a thoughtful gift that can be a real financial life Jim Walton preserver in tough times.

The problem with life insurance is the general perception. Many think of death instead of the great benefits it provides and the security that it offers – even while you’re alive.. Life insurance should be thought of as a precautionary protective measure for a family unit. The purchase of this product can mean saving your home, sending your children to college and preserving your spouse’s quality of life in the event of your death.

One of the times you may want to purchase life insurance for someone is when a family has a new baby. It’s a great, low-cost way to set money aside for the future (i.e. college tuition, housing, business start-up, etc.). Of greater importance, it ensures these children will have insurance as adults, in case an illness later in life makes him or her uninsurable.

Newlyweds are also ideal recipients for life insurance. As they join their lives and financial responsibilities, young couples need to make sure that their early investments are fully protected. If something were to happen to one of them, the other may be faced with serious financial hardship. A life insurance policy is an ideal way to ensure their future and protect their assets.

As nontraditional as it may be, life insurance is a wise and caring gift to purchase for many people.

Jim Walton 541-961-1649 [email protected]

In the good old days, home schooling was a little different

1. My mother taught me 4. My father taught me LOGIC. TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE . " Because I said so, that's why." "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning." 5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .. "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, 2. My mother taught me RELIGION. you're not going to the store with me." "You better pray that will come out of the carpet." 6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT. 3. My father taught me about TIME TRAVEL. "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you're in an accident." you into the middle of next week!"

THOUGHTS OF VOCATIONS

REFUND SUPPORT VOCATIONS PROGRAM (RSVP)

We are tied with last year: TIGARD 3591 8 Seminarians Salem 1748 5 Seminarians Aumsville 8270 2 Seminarians Dallas 8129 2 Seminarians Klamath Falls 2255 2 Seminarians Portland 12656 2 Seminarians Ashland 13407 1 Seminarian Prineville 3294 1 Seminarian Dr. George Vennes Last year we supported 23. This year, so far we have 23 and still have 6 weeks to go. If your Council or Assembly is not listed above and you have submitted your report to Supreme, it is because I haven't received a copy of your front sheet from you.

If you haven't done so this year, PLEASE. 1. Contact Tamara Swanson, 503-845-3549, ([email protected].) for the name of a Seminarian who can use your support. 2. Make your check payable to the Seminarian. If your Seminarian is attending Mt. Angel, send your checks to Reverend Monsignor Joseph V. Betschart. He is working with Tamara maintaining record of participation and will distribute the checks to your Seminarian. This is also a help with getting the checks to those Seminarians studying away from Mt. Angel. 2. Go on line to http://www.kofc.org/un/en/officers/forms/Council.html and download the RSVP Form 2863. 3. The only paper requirement is the reporting page and a copy of the front and back of the donated check, payable specifically to a Seminarian or Novice. 4. The paperwork and the copies are mailed to Supreme Council, Fraternal Department Services, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510.

If you have mailed your copy to Supreme, then please send or email me a copy of your front sheet.

We still lack Vocation Chairmen and Church Activities Directors. There are a lot of missing reports in the tally on line. Let's keep our State Church Director, Buck Fitzgerald busy updating reports.

Remember, “NO ONE IS BORN A PRIEST"

Vivat Jesus

Dr. George Vennes State Chairman for Vocation and Decency 3756 NW Kaiser Rd Portland, OR 97229 [email protected]

A Seminarian Takes A Longer and Different Route

the following article was submitted by Bob Sheveland F.N. Assembly 1606:

Seminarian Kevin Clark Future priest and seminarian Kevin Clark enrolled at Mt. Angel Seminary during August of 2014 alongside many other first year seminarians. This story is about the path Kevin took that is of special interest. You see, Kevin had just retired from a long career in the U.S. Navy in 2014 so he could become a seminarian. In Kevin’s words—God didn’t yell at him to become a priest—but he did give him many nudges.

Kevin was born in Buffalo, NY, the son of parents who were in the military. So, military service was definitely a strong possibility in his future. He graduated from Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach where his family had relocated and retired. At the age of 19 he obtained his Associates degree in Electronics Engineering. Finding it hard to maintain work he started his own business. At age 24, he joined the Navy as an Electronic Technician. He was assigned initially to the USS Cheyenne – a newly commissioned nuclear submarine stationed in Hawaii.

First nudge: he was appointed as the Catholic Lay Leader on board and had to organize Sunday Mass Schedule and Catholic prayer groups. This began a series of nudges that would ultimately lead him to a religious life.

Next nudge: After being in Hawaii for three years Kevin was stationed on shore duty in Groton, Ct. A new friend that he met, named Andy, talked him into joining the choir while stationed there. Then he was invited to join the Knights of Columbus in Ledyard, Ct.. He has held most Council positions including Grand Knight. He also joined the 4th Degree receiving his Knighthood in St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, CT. As a 4th Degree Knight, he has held most positions including Faithful Navigator and Faithful Admiral. Being a Knight has filled an important spot in his life and allowed Kevin to continue his faith journey.

Next nudge: Kevin was assigned back in Hawaii onboard the USS Los Angeles. Again he was asked to be the Catholic Lay Leader by the Catholic community on board the ship. While the ship was in port he was a regular member of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Chapel and joined the choir. Then the choir director, Edwina Siu, asked him at his first choir practice: “Are you going to become a priest?” That certainly got him thinking. People continued to recognize his strong Catholic faith and placed him in leadership roles where he could both practice his faith and encourage others to do the same.

A Seminarian Takes A Longer and Different Route (continued)

Next nudge: Kevin was now fully engaged in his Catholic faith. Aboard the USS Los Angeles, he was given the honor of being the only person in the U.S. Submarine Navy to be allowed to carry and distribute the Eucharist while on deployment. This was a rare and one-time gift given specifically to him.

Next nudge: He was transferred to the USS La Jolla where he was again authorized to distribute communion as the Catholic Lay Leader.

Next nudge: After his time on the USS LA Jolla he was transferred to shore duty in Hawaii at Communications Station Pacific (COMSUBPAC). Due to his new schedule he could attend daily mass and started doing so at St. Rita’s Church in Nanakuli on the Waianae coast of Oahu in Hawaii. Here he met Fr. Alapaki who continues to be one of his great friends.

Finally with his twenty-year tour of the US Navy coming to a close he applied with the Diocese of Honolulu to start his new path in life. Bishop Larry Silva accepted him and in August 2014 he started at the seminary at Mount Angel in Oregon.

Kevin was voted to the position of Deputy Grand Knight of the Saint Benedict Council 15595 and attended this year’s annual KofC conference in Newport, OR. He is an active 4th Degree Honor Guard member and is very enthusiastic about being both a Knight and a Seminarian. Kevin has recently completed his first year of college studies.

A New Fraternal Year is about to begin

Brothers, a new fraternal year means new officers or officers continuing for another term of office.

This is a great opportunity to begin working towards the Star Council Awards. It is very important for the Financial Secretary, Grand Knight and Treasurer to study or review their Handbooks. I am aware that many of you are proficient in your understanding of the duties of Dave Saunders your job. The most difficult job of the three is the Financial Secretary. Why? Because he must understand all the workings of his Council, understand the time line of required forms to be submitted to State and Supreme in order to qualify for certain awards. Without them your Council may not be bonded for the above officers. With a good Financial Secretary, your Council will succeed.

Please, when you receive your Handbook or already have one, ensure that you read it. You don’t really need to memorize it, but you should be aware of where to find the information that is needed. Also, be sure to attend the summer workshop this July. I would like to see all Financial Secretaries attend. There is always something new or things that may have changed.

David Saunders, DD03

Columbian Newsletter Now Web Only

By now, you will have learned that one of the changes made by a motion at the Convention resulted in the Columbian Newsletter being published every two months in web format.

Tom Karl You may wonder why we are doing this. Simply, to make it easier, in the future, to provide more Newsletter news from our Councils and State Officers, Directors and Chairmen as well as District Deputies Editor who wish to keep all our members in the loop. The old limitation of 8 pages was insufficient and costly. Printing is not inexpensive and the mailing costs as well resulted in a greater cost.

Now, with a web only edition of the Columbian Newsletter, there is virtually no cost to the state. The only thing now being used is time. Time is valuable, but your Editor does not have to put together both an 8 page edition and then a 24 or more page web edition of the newsletter.

We are still in the infancy of our new way of doing business with our information - web only. It will take a little getting used to, but I’m sure that everyone will soon realize that more information can be put into the state newsletter and in a more timely manner. Waiting for printing and then mailing could take up to two additional weeks to get a printed copy to our members. Depending upon when each Council received their copies, it may have been more than a month or even 6 weeks after the newsletter was first written. This was never effective.

Now the news will be as fresh as possible. All articles need to be submitted to your Newsletter Editor by the 10th of the odd months of Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, and Nov.

Pray for the Sick and Distressed John Howe Roger Roberts Hilda Paredes Council 2439 Sublimity Wife of Brother Jose Romero Astoria Council 1307 Donna Gay Wife of SK James P. Gay, PSD VSM Susan Marshall Council 10838 Eugene Mother of Brother John Howe Astoria Council 1307 Chris Johnsen Oregon State Council Director GK & Sir Knight Bob Bennett Council 1634 Hillsboro Council 5279 North Portland Paul Stangarone PGK Erwin Winter Council 3818 Lake Oswego Dee Mast wife of Brother Don Mast Council 9529 Lincoln City

Please direct your prayer requests to:

Andrew “Andy” Robinson Jr. State Health/Welfare/Prayer Chairman

Email: [email protected] Phone:503-543-2338 May our prayers help to speed the recovery and help to alleviate the suffering of those sick or in distress. This we ask in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 34

Complete Name List From Necrology Mass in Newport on April 25, 2015 during Annual State Convention

IN MEMORIAM Let us keep in mind and prayers all those Brother Knights and/or members of Knights’ families who have gone before us. Cardinal Francis E. George Cliff Colvin, PGK, PDD (Archbishop Emeritus of Chicago) Donald Curtiss And Past Archbishop of Portland Oregon Council 849 Baker

Bishop Thomas J. Connolly George Bernards Bishop Emeritus and longtime Council 2221 St. Paul Spiritual Leader of the Diocese of Baker Audene Nored Doris Webster Wife of Stan Nored, PGK Mother of SK Andy Robinson State Special Olympics Chairman Council 3302 Scappoose & Assembly 1292 Hillsboro Council 1785 Corvallis

Chuck Babin SK Robert Naber Council 3591 Tigard Council 5511 Brookings

Bill Kessel Dan Andreas, PGK Council 3818 Lake Oswego & Assembly 3248 Sherwood Council 6602 Newberg

PSD & Sir Knight Paul Henry Bousquet Jim Duman Council 1785 Corvallis Council 11258 Central Point

SK Leslie Ryder George Edens, PGK Council 1307 Astoria & Assembly 2860 Mother of Brian Maag Council 3818 Lake Oswego

Please direct your prayer requests to:

Andrew “Andy” Robinson Jr. State Health/Welfare/Prayer Chairman

Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord And Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them