Maryland State Council Knights of Columbus
Program Handbook 2008 – 2009
Richard V. Siejack State Deputy
Daniel J. Ward State Program Director
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SURGE WITH SERVICE PROGRAM OVERVIEW...... 1 Introduction...... 1 Maryland State Council Program Team ...... 3 District Deputy’s Role ...... 4 Grand Knight’s Role...... 4 Surge . . . With Service Awards Program...... 5 Overview...... 5 Awards And Judging Guidelines ...... 5 Supreme Council Service Program...... 6 Membership And Insurance...... 6 Council Activities ...... 6 Mentally Handicapped Program ...... 7 Ladies Auxiliary...... 7 Report Writing ...... 7 Surge … With Service Reporting Deadlines ...... 8 References...... 8 List Of Awards...... 8 Membership And Insurance...... 9 Ceremonials ...... 9 Council Activities ...... 9 Mentally Handicapped Program ...... 9 Ladies Auxiliary...... 9 Surge…With Service Program ...... 10 Supreme Council Service Program...... 10 CHURCH ACTIVITIES ...... 1 Introduction...... 2 Church Activities Team ...... 3 Calendar Of Church Activities...... 5 State Council Masses ...... 6 Rosary, Icon and Divine Mercy Programs...... 6 Rosary ...... 6 Icon ...... 7 Divine Mercy ...... 7 Parish Round Table Program...... 8 Shrine Ushers Program ...... 8 State Council Retreats Program...... 9 Vocations Support Program...... 9 Father Michael J. Mcgivney Guild Program...... 10 Holy Land Outreach...... 10 Suggested Church Activities...... 10 Other Suggested Church Activities...... 11 Church Activity Award Contest Form...... 2 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES...... 1
Introduction...... 2 Community Activities Team...... 3 Calendar of Community Activities ...... 5 Apostleship Of The Sea/Stella Maris (AOS)...... 7 Catholic Teacher/Citizen of the Year ...... 8 Police Officer, Firefighter and EMT of the Year...... 8 Flag/Patriotic Activities ...... 9 Leukemia And Lymphoma ...... 11 Mentally Handicapped Program (Tootsie Rolls) ...... 12 Pro-Life Activities ...... 13 Senior Citizen Activities...... 13 Special Olympics ...... 14 Wheelchair Program ...... 14 Suggested Community Activities ...... 16 Other Suggested Community Activities ...... 17 Community Activity Award Contest Form...... 18 Senior Citizen Award Entry Form ...... 19 Pro-Life Activities Annual Award Submittal ...... 20 COUNCIL ACTIVITIES ...... 1 Introduction...... 2 Council Activities Team ...... 3 Calendar of CounciL Activities ...... 5 Columbus Day Ball...... 6 Columbus Day Ball Program Book ...... 6 Columbus Day Parade...... 6 Christmas Cards...... 7 Incentive Program...... 8 Vehicle License Plate Program...... 9 Financial Secretary Advisor...... 9 Suggested Council Activities...... 11 Other Suggested Council Activities...... 12 Council Activity Award Contest Form...... 13 FAMILY ACTIVITIES...... 1 Introduction...... 2 Family Activities Team...... 3 Calendar of Family Activities...... 4 Employment Assistance Program...... 6 Orioles Baseball, Navy Football & Bowling ...... 6 Family Picnic ...... 7 Family of the Month ...... 7 Family of the Year ...... 7 Widows Program ...... 8 Ladies Auxiliary...... 8 MaryGold Program ...... 9 Suggested Family Activities ...... 10 Other Suggested Family Activities ...... 11 Family Activity Award Contest Form ...... 12 YOUTH ACTIVITIES ...... 1
Introduction...... 2 Youth Activities Team...... 3 Calendar of Youth Activities ...... 4 Columbian Squires...... 5 Free Throw Contest...... 5 Soccer Shoot-out...... 5 Essay and Poster Contests...... 6 Boy Scout Program...... 6 Courage Lion Program...... 6 Catholic Bee...... 8 Suggested Youth Activities ...... 9 Other Suggested Youth Activities ...... 10 Youth Activity Award Contest Form...... 12
SURGE WITH SERVICE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to your year as Grand Knight! We hope that this Program Handbook will help guide you as your conduct your Surge … with Service programs. As the Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, family, fraternal service organization, Surge … with Service is the central theme of the service program. Through our service we truly can change and improve the parish, neighborhood, community, city and state in which we live.
Service takes on many forms through the varied programs that our councils conduct. Programs should challenge members and their families to become active and involved in their church, community, and council and should strengthen our families and stimulate and educate our youth.
No two councils will have the same service program. One of the main roles of the Grand Knight is to develop and promote a service program that will appeal to the largest number of his council’s membership that is possible. By doing so, the program will attract other Catholic men to the Order and encourage them, in turn, to make similar contributions. Your program should be designed to suit the unique skills and interests of your members. Although the central theme is service to others, the specific council plan must be one that will work in your area with your people and resources. It is best if your council conducts at least one activity in each of the five program areas for each quarter of the fraternal year. The five program areas are church, community, council, family and youth. We ask that you then submit a report describing each activity to the State Council program director on the appropriate form in a timely fashion.
How does a Grand Knight accomplish his goals and objectives in the Surge ... with Service Program? The initial and probably most important step is for you to select a program director that can provide the leadership, guidance and direction needed in council programming. The man you select must share your vision for the council. He must command the respect of the membership and have the ability to organize and supervise the work of the various directors and committee chairmen. He must be enthusiastic and be able to communicate effectively with the council membership. Next, the Grand Knight and the program director should work together to appoint activity directors for each of the five program areas. Chairmen should then be appointed to assist the activity directors. Careful selection of the right men for these important service program positions will allow your council to create and perform programs that enable the largest number of members possible to contribute their time, efforts and abilities to the council's welfare and progress. Members will remain interested and involved when they work on projects and enjoy activities compatible with their own personal abilities and interests. Finally, outline your schedule early in your council year. Publicize your events frequently and well in advance of the activity’s date. At the conclusion of the program, congratulate and thank all involved.
After each activity, ask the chairman to write up a brief report of the activity. Each report should answer the Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How of the program. Example questions to consider are: who benefited from the activity (this also determines what category you place the report in); what was done during the activity, when did it occur, where did it take place, why did you conduct this activity and how many members participated. Make sure that pictures are taken
Overview - 1 of the activity so that they may be included in the report. Then have them submit all of this information to you for your use in writing up the quarterly report.
Encourage your membership to cooperate with the council program team. Through your council bulletin and personal contact, let it be known that cooperation with one another is the prime ingredient for success.
Just as you have your council team, the State Deputy has also appointed a State Council program team led by the State Program Director. Each program area consists of an activity director and activity chairmen. The activity directors are listed in this section and the activity chairmen are listed under the appropriate program area. They not only conduct programs at the State Council level in which your council's membership is encouraged to participate in but they also stand ready to support your council in developing your service program. Please do not hesitate to contact me, any of the five State Council activity directors or any of the State Council chairmen to lend assistance to you or to your council.
Vivat Jesus!
Fraternally,
Dan Ward
Daniel J. Ward State Program Director
Overview - 2 MARYLAND STATE COUNCIL PROGRAM TEAM
State Program Director Daniel J. Ward (2169) Beth 9713 Dixie Ridge Terrace 301-253-1798 (home) Gaithersburg, MD 20882 301-873-4014 (cell) [email protected]
Church Activities Director Steven R. Thomas (10966) Debbie 1241 Poplar Avenue 443-850-2675 Baltimore, MD 21227 [email protected]
Community Activities Director Samuel P. Orlando (2521) Jean 5910 Great Star Drive #307 301-602-0541 Clarksville, MD 21029 [email protected]
Council Activities Director Joseph M. Feakes (6793) Lynn 18128 Darnell Drive 301-774-0137 Olney, MD 20832-1767 [email protected]
Family Activities Director Vincent Grauso (11898) Mary Jane 14771 Betula Way 410-531-3463 Dayton, MD 21036 [email protected]
Youth Activities Director Gregory McClain (10966) Cathy 1839 Montreal Road 410-551-1450 Severn, MD 21144 [email protected]
Overview - 3 DISTRICT DEPUTY’S ROLE
In all likelihood, a District Deputy is appointed because he was a successful Grand Knight. This puts him in a unique position to help his councils with their service programs. He can assist his councils in implementing an effective service program by suggesting a variety of activities directed toward the church, community, council, family and youth. He should work with his councils to achieve programming requirements for the Star Council Award. Councils should be urged to submit the Columbian Award application to the Supreme Council by June 15. In addition, he should work with the State Council program director, activity directors and chairmen to make sure that the activity reports, and any other reports that are required throughout the year, are submitted by the required dates. The District Deputy should become thoroughly familiar with the service program and be prepared to give it active support.
GRAND KNIGHT’S ROLE
The following is a list of steps for the Grand Knight to follow to implement a successful service program.
• Appoint a council program director and, in consultation with him, appoint the church, community, council, family, and youth activity directors. Disseminate program materials to all directors.
• Hold a meeting with your directors to discuss and plan programs. Be creative and try new programs.
• Establish essential committees within the service program structure. Individual directors should appoint their chairmen.
• Complete the Service Personnel Report Form (#365) and forward it to the Supreme Council by August 1.
• Encourage your officers and program team to attend the program seminars that are held in your area throughout the summer months to learn firsthand how to conduct successful programs.
• Encourage your officers and program team to attend the Chapter of Grand Knights meetings in your area to learn firsthand about the various State Council-sponsored activities.
• Have the required quarterly activity reports prepared. Appoint someone familiar with report writing (you, the program or activity director, the chairman or a council member) to prepare the reports. Do not be afraid to delegate the report writing.
• Enter programs in the correct program area. To determine under which program area the project or activity should be entered, consult the organizational chart in the Surge...with Service program manual provided by the Supreme Council. Also, simply ask yourself the question: “Who benefited the most from this program?” Your answer will be your guide. Overview - 4 • Promptly review and sign these reports and deliver them to the District Deputy for his review and signature. Allow sufficient time so the completed reports can be delivered to the State Council program director by the required deadline. Remember that any report delivered after the deadline will be scored as a zero.
• Fill out the Columbian Award application (Form SP-7) and submit to Supreme before the June 30th deadline. Send a copy to the State Deputy and your District Deputy.
SURGE . . . WITH SERVICE AWARDS PROGRAM
Overview
The State Council sponsors an awards program annually to encourage the local councils to participate in the Surge . . . With Service program with new, unique and exciting programs for their membership. Awards presented at the annual State Council Convention include the best sustained program award in each of the five program areas, the general excellence award, the honor district award, and the Supreme Council service program award. At a minimum, each council will receive the Surge . . . With Service plaque if they conduct a program in each of the five activity areas each quarter and then submit the necessary reports. A detailed listing of the awards presented and their categories are at the end of this chapter.
Awards and Judging Guidelines
Councils that conduct activities in each of the five program areas for the three reporting periods and then submit the necessary reports will be recognized at the convention and awarded a Surge … with Service Participation Plaque. If the required reports are submitted by the established deadlines, they will be judged and then considered for the best-sustained program.
To allow for councils of different sizes, councils are divided into four divisions based on their membership as of July 1, 2008. This division structure is shown in the table below.
Division Membership A 226 or more B. 151 – 225 C. 76 – 150 D. 75 or less
After each reporting period, all five State Council activity directors will independently judge each report that the council submitted. Reports will receive a score of 10, 8, 5, 3 or 1 point (with 10 being the best) based on the quality of the activity and report. Any reports received after the reporting deadline will receive a score of zero. The reporting deadline is critical because there will be almost 750 reports to judge each quarter.
The reports will be judged on originality and impact of the program on the church, community, council, family, youth as well as membership participation and publicity the activity may have gained for the Order. The degree of council participation may be considered as a tiebreaker.
Overview - 5 After the last judging period, the program director will tabulate the scores for each council in each of the five program areas. The three councils (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) in each membership division receiving the highest point total for each of the five program areas will be honored at the annual State Council convention award ceremony for the best-sustained program. There are a total of 60 awards presented based upon this criteria.
The general excellence awards are given to the three councils (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) in each membership division accumulating the highest number of points across all five program areas. There are a total of 12 awards presented based upon this criteria.
The honor district award is based on 100% participation in the Surge … with Service program by all of the councils in a district and upon the highest average point total per council. There is only one honor district award presented.
Supreme Council Service Program
The Supreme Council service program awards are for the best single activity of the year, in each of the five program areas. The judging for these awards is a two-stage process. At the first stage, the State Council program director will select the five highest scored reports in each program area without regard to division. At the second stage, the five state officers will judge these reports and rank the top three in each program area. (Note: Councils no longer have to submit a separate report for their best activity of the year.) The first place submission in each of the five program areas will then be forwarded to the Supreme Council as the Maryland State Council’s entries in the international competition for hopefully national recognition and awards. There are a total of 5 Supreme Council service program awards presented based upon this criteria.
Membership and Insurance
These awards are based upon the number of members recruited by a council, the number of insurance policies enacted within a council, the number of re-admissions by a council, and the highest number of recruitments by an individual.
Council Activities
Councils that conduct activities in the areas of Pro-Life, prepare a council bulletin, maintain a council website, conduct a council lecture program, sell Keep Christ in Christmas Cards, conduct a council senior citizen activity, continue to conduct an ongoing senior citizen activity, and sponsor a senior citizen essay and report those activities to the appropriate state program chairmen are eligible for these awards. The judging for these awards will follow the guidelines for the Surge … with Service Program except that the awards presented will be based upon the number of entries. The awards for Pro-Life, Council Lecture Program, Senior Citizen One-time Activity, Ongoing Senior Citizen Activity and Senior Citizen Essay will be awarded based upon the best in the State Council.
Overview - 6 Mentally Handicapped Program
The State Council sponsors the Mentally Handicapped Program or what we commonly refer to as the Tootsie Roll program. This program is intended to allow councils to raise funds which are donated to organizations who help the citizens of Maryland with mental handicaps. The tootsie rolls are ordered through the State Council and used for collection donations from individuals. The awards for this program are based upon the total dollars collected per council in each division as well as the total dollars collected per council member. This affords councils that don’t collect a large amount of donations, the opportunity to achieve recognition for their work based upon the average amount collected per member of the council.
Ladies Auxiliary
The Maryland State Council supports and endorses Ladies Auxiliaries for each council. In recognition of the work that Ladies Auxiliaries do for their communities there are three awards given to the Auxiliaries based upon the reports submitted as proof of activities. The first award is for the work performed by the Auxiliaries over the entire year. This award is given for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd best programs in each State Council Division. The division is the same as the affiliated council’s division. The second award is for the best Ladies Auxiliary activity in the State Council and the third award is for the best Ladies Auxiliary Senior Citizen Activity in the State Council.
REPORT WRITING
Reports should give complete, accurate details of the project to allow proper consideration and judging. They should answer the questions of who, what, where, when, why and how the activity was conducted. The report should be written in such a way as to make the reader feel he was part of the activity. Be sure that the reports are both clear and concise and submitted in the correct service program area. The report is not limited to the space provided on the form and you are encouraged to include pictures and news articles for added support. Neither audio nor videotapes will be accepted.
Councils that write detailed reports as described above will typically receive the better scores whereas councils that write a less detailed report about an activity will receive the lower scores. The judges need to know the details about an activity in order to give it a fair score. Nonetheless, councils who wish to write a one or two line report are still encouraged to do so as they will still get credit for participating in the Surge … with Service program and receive a plaque at the State Council convention.
Each report must be signed and dated by the Grand Knight and the District Deputy and must include the council's name and number. Use the report forms provided by the State Council. Do not use the report form in the Book of Reports that comes from the Supreme Council. Copies of the report forms are at the end of each activity section of this handbook and can be downloaded from the State Council’s website. All reports must be on paper. No e-mail or computer disk submissions will be accepted!
Overview - 7 SURGE … WITH SERVICE REPORTING DEADLINES
First Quarter
¾ Reports are due to the State Council Program Director no later then October 15. ¾ Reports will cover the six-month period from April 1 to September 30. ¾ Select the best activity in each program area for the period and submit a report for each program area for a total of five reports.
Second Quarter
¾ Reports are due to the State Council Program Director no later then January 15. ¾ Reports cover the three-month period from October 1 to December 31. ¾ Select the best activity in each program area for the quarter and submit a report for a total of five reports.
Third Quarter
¾ Reports are due to the State Council Program Director no later then April 1. ¾ Reports cover the three-month period from January 1 to March 31. ¾ Select the best activity in each program area for the quarter and submit a report for each program area for a total of five reports.
Please note that in years past, councils submitted a “Best Activity of the Year Report” for each program area. In order to minimize the number of reports you have to write, the State Council dropped this requirement several years ago.
REFERENCES
In addition to this handbook, the following publications provided by the Supreme Council contain a wealth of information concerning programs.
¾ Surge …with Service booklet (Item number 962 from Supreme Council Supply Dept.) ¾ Grand Knight’s Handbook (Item number 915 from Supreme Council Supply Dept.) ¾ Program Supplement to Knightline Publication (published 18 times a year and mailed to council program personnel) ¾ Columbia Magazine ¾ The Supreme Council website
LIST OF AWARDS
The Maryland State Council gives out approximately 300 awards at the annual State Council Convention on Saturday morning prior to the Saturday business session of the Convention. The first award given out is the Surge…with Service Participation Plaque for those councils that perform one activity in each of the five service program areas in each of Quarters 1 through 3 and report those activities to the State Council.
Overview - 8 Awards are then presented for various programs and activities. A plaque is given for 1st place and a certificate of merit is given for 2nd and 3rd places. The award categories are:
Membership and Insurance
Membership Recruitment – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Insurance Membership – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Re-admissions (the Dr. John H. Griffin Award) – best in the State Council Recruiter – best in the State Council
Ceremonials
First Degree Ceremonials Team – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council First Degree Team – Warden – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council First Degree Team – Financial Secretary – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council First Degree Team – Chancellor – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council First Degree Team – Deputy Grand Knight – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council First Degree Team – Grand Knight – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Second Degree Ceremonials Team – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Second Degree Team – Warden – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Second Degree Team – Financial Secretary – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Second Degree Team – Chancellor – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Second Degree Team – Grand Knight – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Second Degree Team – District Deputy – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council
Council Activities
Pro-Life Activities – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Council Bulletin – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Council Website – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Council Lecture Program – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Keep Christ in Christmas Cards – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Council One Time Senior Citizen Activity – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Council Ongoing Senior Citizen Activity – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Senior Citizen Essay – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council
Mentally Handicapped Program
Total Dollars Received – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Total Dollars Received per Member – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division
Ladies Auxiliary
Ladies Auxiliary – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Best Ladies Activity – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Best Ladies Senior Citizen Activity – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council
Overview - 9 Surge…with Service Program
Church Activities – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Community Activities – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Council Activities – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Family Activities – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Youth Activities – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Continuing Excellence – 1st best in the State Council General Excellence – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in each State Council Division Honor District – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council
Supreme Council Service Program
Church Activity – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Community Activity – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Council Activity – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Family Activity – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council Youth Activity – 1st, 2nd and 3rd best in the State Council
Overview - 10
CHURCH ACTIVITIES
R. Steven Thomas Director
Church - 1 INTRODUCTION
In 1882, Fr. Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus. From that day, we have stood firmly in solidarity with the Catholic Church and her teachings, with the Holy Father, with the Bishops and Priests and all the religious. As Knights, we have pledged ourselves to the service and defense of the Church through loyalty and devotion. We have promised ourselves to follow Her and the Holy Father. We have pledged ourselves freely to Mary, and have promised to always have Her Rosary with us and to pray it as often as possible.
The purpose of the State Church Activities Program is to help and support our members and their facilities to grow in our faith, to serve our church, and to support those in the priesthood and religious life.
Throughout this fraternal year, you will be kept advised of State Council events that are designed to help you achieve these purposes. Keep a close eye on the State Bulletin for upcoming events and dates. Attendance at your Grand Knights’ Chapters will also keep you and your chairmen well informed. I strongly urge you to have your Council Church Activities Director visit with the Team at the upcoming State Membership and Program Seminars. Information on all of our programs will be discussed and available to your director at these meetings. I look forward to personally meeting each of you. God Bless!
Vivat Jesus!
Steve Thomas
Steve Thomas Church Activities Director
Church - 2 CHURCH ACTIVITIES TEAM
Church Activities Director Steven R. Thomas (10966) Debbie 1241 Poplar Avenue 443-850-2675 Baltimore, MD 21227 [email protected]
Memorial Mass & Peter O’Sullivan (7612) Jeanne Founders’ Day Mass 1909 Brightwood Court 410-795-4379 Eldersburg, MD 21784 [email protected]
Rosary, Icon Program & Lawrence P. Grayson (2797) Mary Susan Divine Mercy Program 9714 Carriage Road 301-933-8731 Kensington, MD 20895 [email protected]
Liturgy Team – Coordinator Rev. Mr. John C. Gramling (4011) Peg 615 Allegheny Avenue 410-823-0694 Towson, MD 21204-4236 [email protected]
Liturgy Team – Coordinator Rev. Hugh H. Mills, Jr. (5370) Nancy 2510 Washington Blvd. 410-646-5664 Baltimore, MD 21230 [email protected]
Liturgy Team – Music Doug Byerly (8736) Christine Director 1214 Overbrook Road 443-677-4575 Baltimore, MD 21239 [email protected]
Liturgy Team – Organist Regina McCurdy Floyd (1393) 1301 Pinch Valley Road 410-876-3850 Westminster, MD 21158-2900 [email protected]
Liturgy Team – Cantors Michael & Kim Dvorak (1393) 215 Linganore Court 410-876-0440 Westminster, MD 21158 [email protected]
Parish Round Table Program Eugene A. Stallings (4449) Ann 816 Turtle Creek Court 410-638-0246 Bel Air, MD 21014 [email protected]
Shrine Usher Program Guy V. Bellia (11106) Dottie 13207 Kara Lane 301-384-1518 Silver Spring, MD 20904 [email protected]
Church - 3 State Council Retreats Rev. Hugh H. Mills, Jr. (5370) Nancy 2510 Washington Blvd. 410-646-5664 Baltimore, MD 21230 [email protected]
State Council Retreats Arnie L. Calhoun (4076) 4413 Ridgecrest Drive 301-568-3698 Suitland, MD 20746 [email protected]
Vocation Support Program James Chachulski (2942) JoAnn (Baltimore/Wilmington) 2336 Searles Road 410-288-2363 Baltimore, MD 21222 [email protected]
Vocation Support Program Patrick J. Cantwell Maria (Washington) 14603 Colonel’s Choice Road 301-952-8290 Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 [email protected]
Holy Land Outreach Program Rateb Y. Rabie, KCHS (2797) Rocio – Chairman 2425 East Gate Drive 301-871-9222 Silver Spring, MD 20906 [email protected]
Father Michael J. Mcgivney Rev. Mr. John C. Gramling (4011) Peg Guild 615 Allegheny Avenue 410-823-0694 Towson, MD 21204-4236 [email protected]
Church - 4 CALENDAR OF CHURCH ACTIVITIES
June 2008 Schedule Council Memorial Mass Appoint Council Church Activities Director Conduct 5th Sunday Council Mass Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting July 2008 Attend the GK Seminar Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting August 2008 Conduct a Church Activity Program (1st quarter) Request a Seminarian to Support (RSVP Program) Conduct 5th Sunday Council Mass Attend State Council Membership & Program Seminar Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting September 2008 Celebrate the Blessed Mother’s birthday by holding a Living Rosary program Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting October 2008 Church Activities report for 1st Quarter due by the 15th Conduct a Rosary program Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting November 2007 Attend State Council Memorial Mass Hold Council Memorial Mass Conduct 5th Sunday Council Mass Conduct a Church Activity Program (2nd quarter) Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting December 2008 Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting January 2009 Pro-Life March in Washington Conduct a Council Pro-Life Mass Church Activities report for 2nd Quarter due by the 15th Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting February 2009 Conduct a Church Activity Program (3rd quarter) Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting March 2009 Pro-Life Rally in Annapolis Founder’s Day Mass, Reception & Awards Presentation Conduct 5th Sunday Council Mass Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting April 2009 Church Activities report for 3rd Quarter due by the 1st Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting May 2009 Attend the State Council Convention Conduct a May Devotion program Conduct 5th Sunday Council Mass Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting\ June 2009 Help the incoming Grand Knight with a list of Church activities held in this past fraternal year. Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting
Church - 5 STATE COUNCIL MASSES
The Maryland State Council celebrates Mass together several times each fraternal year. As the Grand Knight of your council, you will be invited to each of these Masses. I urge you to make every effort to participate with us in celebrating these special events. They are:
Grand Knight’s Seminar State Officer’s Installation Memorial Mass Mid Term Pro-Life Mass Founder’s Day Mass State Convention Mass
The State Memorial Mass is an opportunity to remember our Brothers and their wives who have been called home to the Lord during the past year. You will be asked to submit a list of those who have died in the past year for inclusion in the program. This is also a great time to remember and bring the widows of you council along.
The Founder’s Day Mass celebrates our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney. Come join us in remembering the man who had the vision to start what is now the largest Catholic, family, fraternal organization in the world, more than 1.7 million members strong, and growing. A reception follows this Mass to honor the Family, Teacher, Citizen, EMT, Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year.
ROSARY, ICON AND DIVINE MERCY PROGRAMS
Rosary
As Knights, we are devoted to Mary and her Rosary. This Devotion led to the erection of the Bell Tower at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The State Council Rosary Program is aimed at promoting the use of the Rosary throughout our councils in devotion to Mary and to win the favors of her Son. As Catholic men, as Knights, we should rededicate ourselves to the recitation of the Rosary.
There are many ways to have a successful council Rosary Program. Pray a Rosary before your council meeting begins, or after the meeting has adjourned. Pray a decade of the Rosary during the meeting for the souls of those members and their families who have been called home. Each council should pray the Rosary together at a special program during the months of May and October, Mary’s months.
The Living Rosary is a great way to involve our parishes and schools, especially those parishes with a school. A Living Rosary includes the help of 60 people. Councils that have a Living Rosary are:
Church - 6 Notre Dame Council #2901 Archbishop Keough Council #5263 Holy Family Council #5547 Calvert Council #7870
Rosary Prayer cards and the recitations of the Rosary on tape or CD are available from the Supreme Council. Use these tools and your own ideas to help promote an active Rosary Program in your council. The family that prays together stays together. Have your council family pray the Rosary together, and often.
Icon
The Icon Program is conducted every other year and begins on September 8th, the Birthday of Our Blessed Mother. The Supreme Council selects an Icon with which to celebrate a prayer theme. The Icon calls each Knight to pray the Rosary and to remember that everything is possible when we call on Mary, through her Rosary, for help from Jesus. We have just completed the Icon of Our Lady of Charity. This year, because of our Worthy State Deputy’s devotion, we will use the Divine Mercy Icon.
Divine Mercy
The Divine Mercy holds a special place in the heart of our Worthy State Deputy. This is so important to him that it has a place in this year’s motto, “Jesus, I trust in you!” Given to St. Faustina, by our Lord Jesus, this Chaplet is prayed using a Rosary, reciting the following prayers:
Begin with the Sign of the Cross Recite one Our Father Recite one Hail Mary Recite the Apostle’s Creed On the Our Father beads recite: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. On the Hail Mary beads recite: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Conclude by reciting three times: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Keep your eyes on the State Bulletin; we will have further information on the Divine Mercy, and its importance, and the life of St. Faustina.
Church - 7 PARISH ROUND TABLE PROGRAM
Father McGivney intended the Knights of Columbus to have a strong working relationship with the pastors of the parishes we serve. In his writings, he projected the council as a social and charitable arm of the parish
The development of the Order during its first century demonstrates that close ties between councils and parishes are mutually beneficial. Members further developed their lives of faith, worship and service, while priests played a vital role in the development of Columbianism. The priests’ contributions as members and as chaplains continue to give the Order strength and direction.
The Parish Round Table Program is an offer of service from the local council to every parish in the area to develop Columbianism The Supreme Council provides a booklet “A Knights of Columbus Presence in Every Parish - The Parish Round Table” (#2632) that gives you the information for a successful program.
The Grand Knight, along with his Program Director and Church Activities Director should select and appoint a Parish Round Table Coordinator. The Grand Knight and coordinator should then schedule a meeting with the pastor of each parish the council serves, to find out how the council can help meet the needs of the parish. The Grand Knight should then complete form 2629 and file it accordingly.
The Parish Round Table initiative - an offer to serve - augments the pastor’s existing or contemplated parish programs or organization, since the pastor himself sets the programs. It is simply a matter of going to the pastor on a regular basis and asking him, “Father, what can the Knights of this parish do to help?”
SHRINE USHERS PROGRAM
Members of the Knights of Columbus serve in the Usher Ministry at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, at Michigan Avenue and Fourth Street, NW. The ministry was established in 1982 through a mutual agreement between the Supreme Knight and the Director of the National Shrine. The support program was developed in coordination with representatives of the Knights of Columbus State Council jurisdictions of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. In 1984, a continuing resolution was passed by each jurisdiction to support the Usher Ministry and to provide that the State Deputy appoint a representative of the jurisdiction to be a member of the Usher Ministry Committee.
Each Grand Knight should encourage his council membership to consider being a part of this ministry. The requirements are:
• Third Degree member in good standing • Good health and stamina • Not past 70th birthday
Church - 8 Applications are available throughout the year and interviews are conducted in March. The committee is available to any council to make a presentation with a 15 minute film on the Basilica. Special group tours of the Basilica and the Knights Bell Tower can be arranged by contacting the chairman.
STATE COUNCIL RETREATS PROGRAM
Many Brother Knights have made a Spiritual retreat at some point in their lives. The time is spent with insightful talks by the Retreat Master, Mass, Reconciliation, the Rosary, and prayerful contemplation. By taking time away from our normal, hectic schedules, we can spend time focused on our Lord and achieve a sense of renewal and deeper understanding.
Each year, the State Council organizes retreats for participation by members of local councils. Both weekend and single day retreats can be available, as well as couples retreats. Councils are also encouraged to plan their own retreat days or weekends. The State Retreat Chairmen are available to assist you in these efforts.
Retreats provide an excellent opportunity to escape from the pressures of everyday life and to reflect on our spiritual life. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past fraternal years as well as the coming one. It is an opportunity to thank God for His help and guidance, and to pray for His continued guidance, protection and loving care.
VOCATIONS SUPPORT PROGRAM
As Knights, we have pledged our support to the Holy Father, our Bishops and Priests. As we are all well aware, we have fewer priests now than ever before. There is a great and growing need for the call to vocations. It is our duty to support those answering the Call of God.
Through this program, we financially support seminarians; and yes, there is a reward. For every $500.00 your council gifts in support, the Supreme Council will refund $100.00. This is done through the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP).
However, those answering the call to God’s work need more than just your financial assistance. They need your prayers, encouragement and friendship. This can be as simple as sending them a Christmas and birthday card, or inviting them to a council event. Ask them to join your council if they are not already a member.
The “Surge…with Service” manual describes in great detail programs to develop better understanding of Vocations Support, not only for your council, but also those directed to families and parishes.
Grand Knights will receive a letter from the State Council Vocations Support Chairmen providing the details of the program and a form to complete and return to the chairmen. You have an opportunity to select your own seminarian(s), or you can ask the State Council to assign one to you.
Church - 9 Through your vocations support program, whether or not you financially adopt a seminarian or postulant, your council provides great assistance, prayers and moral support toward filling a great need.
In SOLIDARITY with our PRIESTS!
FATHER MICHAEL J. MCGIVNEY GUILD PROGRAM
This is, perhaps, the simplest program to participate in. Simply fill out a registration form that can be found in the Columbia magazine and send it in. Even easier, do it on-line at KofC.org and follow the links. There is no cost. You will receive regular updates and newsletters from the Guild with information on Father McGivney’s cause for sainthood. Filled with devotional ideas and items, and letters from other members of the guild reporting favors from Father McGivney, the newsletter is a welcome addition to your mailbox. Appoint a chairman for your council and sign up your entire membership. Join today. Father McGivney needs you!
HOLY LAND OUTREACH
The Knights of Columbus is committed to assisting the Christians in the Holy Land through the Holy Land Outreach Program. The program's purpose is to raise awareness of the dire situation in the Holy Land, to assist the Christians living there through spiritual and financial support, and thus to help assure that the places of our Lord's life are maintained as active, viable shrines. In addition to encouraging each council and assembly in Maryland to support the Catholic education of one child in the Holy Land, the program encourages councils to pray for the Christians in the Holy Land, develop school-to-school, church-to-church and family-to-family partnerships with Holy Land entities, promote the sale of olive wood crafts that support some 800 families in the Bethlehem area, sponsor speakers at your council or church on the situation in the Holy Land (the program is establishing a roster of speakers), promote pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and publish educational information in council newsletters and on council websites.
SUGGESTED CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Below are examples of some successful Church activities and the councils where the activities were conducted. Grand Knights should contact the councils directly for more information on these activities. Many more worthwhile activities are listed in the annual Book of Reports.
Fr. Joseph G. McManus Council #7941 This council holds an annual Christmas Pageant. The families of the children involved in the pageant, Brother Knights, and Ladies from the Auxiliary all contribute so that this special evening will be a success. Approximately 300 people attend.
Bishop Sebastian Council #5058 This council holds an annual Clergy Night. Following Holy Mass, over 40 priests, deacons and nuns are served a tasty dinner prepared by a Church Youth Group. Certificates of Appreciation are presented to each religious present. A picture is taken as a souvenir of the occasion.
Church - 10 Patuxent Council #2203 This council hosted its Annual Vocations Roundtable at Saint Mary’s Church. There were 31 youth that participated, including the Saint Mary’s Youth Group. Speakers included an Associate Council Chaplain and a Deacon talking about their experiences, and a council officer speaking about the strong support for vocations in the Knights of Columbus.
Sacred Heart Council #2577 Twelve First Friday Masses were held followed a mini-supper prepared by council members and the Ladies Auxiliary.
Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council # 6793 This council constructed 2’ x 4’ wooden crosses which were then painted baby blue and pink by the day school children and the evening school of religion students. The crosses were used as an outdoor display for the annual March for Life.
Bishop Carl A. Fisher Council #11617 This council participated in the installation of a new parish priest/pastor and showed him a tremendous welcome as nine members volunteered nearly three hundred hours to build a side chapel in the church at his request.
Fr. Horace B. McKenna S.J. Council #11024 This council believes in supporting its seminarians. A fall barbecue was held for all 150 plus seminarians at Mt. Saint Mary’s College. Before the evening barbecue, the council members attended evening vespers with a seminarian being assigned to each brother knight. In the spring a return trip is made to the seminary, this time to cook dinner for the seminarians at the Mount who were sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington.
Our Lady of Fatima Council #6901 This council celebrated a combined District/Council Memorial Mass, where they involved the Color Corps as well as the children of the Brother Knights. A social gathering with refreshments followed the event.
Fr. Charles O. Rosensteel Council # 2169 This council held its 30th Annual Nun’s Appreciation Night. The activity was a great success as nearly 100 nuns were in attendance. The success of this event is directly attributable to advanced planning among the parishes, community and the council.
Other Suggested Church Activities Conduct a Blue Mass to honor policemen and Coordinate a Living Rosary firemen Select a Catechist of the Month Convene a 5th Sunday of the Month council Hold an Appreciation Party or outing for Altar Mass and breakfast Servers Hold a Marian Hour of Prayer Pray the Rosary at Funeral Homes Contact Ted Daigle for a Ted and Teddy Conduct a Council Retreat Rosary Presentation Participate in a Clergy Appreciation Night
Church - 11 CHURCH ACTIVITY AWARD CONTEST FORM
SEND TO STATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Dan Ward 9713 Dixie Ridge Terrace Gaithersburg, MD 20882
Date received by State Program Director ______
From GRAND KNIGHT ______
TELEPHONE NO. ______
COUNCIL NAME ______NUMBER ______DISTRICT ______
LOCATION ______(CITY) (ZIP CODE)
THE INFORMATION THAT FOLLOWS DESCRIBES OUR COUNCIL'S PROJECT AND SERVES AS OUR ENTRY IN THE STATE COUNCIL’S SERVICE PROGRAM AWARDS CONTEST.
DATE PROJECT CONDUCTED ______
TITLE OR NATURE OF PROJECT______
WHO BENEFITED MOST FROM THIS PROJECT? ______
CHAIRMAN ______(NAME-ADDRESS-TELEPHONE NO.)
NUMBER OF COUNCIL MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN PROJECT ______
DESCRIBE PROJECT IN DETAIL. (PHOTOGRAPHS, NEWS CLIPPINGS, ETC. MAY BE INCLUDED WITH THIS REPORTING FORM. USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NECESSARY)
SIGNED ______ATTEST ______(GRAND KNIGHT) (DISTRICT DEPUTY) (DATE)
THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN. COMPLETED ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE STATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR AS FOLLOWS: ( ) BEST FIRST REPORT PERIOD ACTIVITY (APR THRU SEPT) DUE BY OCTOBER 15TH ( ) BEST SECOND REPORT PERIOD ACTIVITY (OCT, NOV, DEC) DUE BY JANUARY 15TH ( ) BEST THIRD REPORT PERIOD ACTIVITY (JAN, FEB, MAR) DUE BY APRIL 1ST
PLEASE INDICATE REPORT BEING SUBMITTED
Church - 2
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Samuel P. Orlando Director Community - 1
INTRODUCTION
What is a community? One definition suggests it is a group of individuals organized into a unit, or manifesting some unifying trait or common interest; or loosely defined, the locality or area population for which a service is provided. Thus, when the Grand Knight thinks of his community, he cannot only think about his council, church, and surrounding geographical area but he must include humanitarian and charitable concerns as well.
Community Activity Programs should strive to focus attention and awareness on local issues and events that affect the lives of individuals living in our neighborhoods, communities and cities.
Just as each council is unique, so is each community. As such, we need to be aware that our communities continue to change and their needs and circumstances are always increasing. Understandably, councils cannot address every concern of every community or be actively involved in all programs endorsed by the Maryland State Council. However, it is important that we identify needs, establish priorities, and attempt to implement measures that make our communities a better place to live.
Each council should concentrate on developing a plan that will work in your community, with your members, and with your resources. Determine what needs to be done to meet existing needs while exploring new initiatives recognizing the necessity for growth and improvement.
In today’s world, Government agencies, community organizations, and service groups can be valuable sources of information and assistance in fulfilling your objectives. Share your ideas with other volunteer groups and work together for a common goal. Your pastor and other area churches are also excellent sources for identifying needs within your community.
It is strongly recommended that the Grand Knight appoint a Communities Activities Chairman. The fraternal year begins almost immediately with two major activities: the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society pledge and the Tootsie Roll campaign. The goal of the Communities Activities Team, working in conjunction with your Activities Chairman, is for each council to successfully become an influential force within your community.
We encourage you to actively participate in the programs recommended by the Maryland State Council. However, we also urge you to explore other endeavors that are both easy to facilitate within your council and that favorably impact those in need. The members of the Community Activities Team are eager to see each council sponsor innovative programs during this fraternal year. We are here to assist you. Please feel free to call upon us at any time.
I firmly believe that successful community service programs are the direct result of the dedication demonstrated by energetic, caring, Catholic men known as the Knights of Columbus. These men recognize a moral or social injustice and through teamwork and love, find unique and innovative ways to correct problems and offer a better quality of life to all they touch.
Best wishes for a most successful fraternal year.
Fraternally,
Sam Orlando
Samuel P. Orlando Community Activities Director
Community - 2 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TEAM
Director Samuel P. Orlando (2521) Jean 5910 Great Star Drive #307 301-602-0541 Clarksville, MD 21029 [email protected]
Apostleship of the Sea Joseph P. Buccheri (12048) Lucy 2901 Gray Manor Terrace 443-322-4670 Dundalk, MD 21222 [email protected]
Catholic Teacher/Citizen John Fox (2169) Judy of the Year Chairman 3826 Spruell Drive 301-946-2113 Policeman, Fireman/EMT Kensington, MD 20895 [email protected] of the Year Chairman
Flag Activities Chairman David P. Bellistri (2521) Donna 3 High Button Court 410-529-5197 Baltimore, MD 21236 [email protected]
Leukemia Chairman Richard (Dick) F. Gordes (3964) Judy 614 Gibson Road 410-644-7452 Baltimore, MD 21229-4405
Mentally Handicapped John Strawbridge (7025) Mary Ann Co-Chairman 391 Boxelder Court 410-987-1390 Millersville, MD 21108 [email protected]
Mentally Handicapped Walter F. Wankowski (11615) Marlene Co-Chairman 5211 McFaul Road 410-866-6546 Baltimore, MD 21206 [email protected]
Pro-Life Chairman John Eure (2797) 10225 Frederick Road, #208 301-946-2952 Kensington, MD 20895 [email protected]
Pro-Life Co-Chaircouple Joseph Brewer (2521) Trudy 4309 Piney Park Road 410-529-2676 Perry Hall, MD 21128 [email protected]
Pro-Life Co-Chaircouple Jim McFillin (9968) Maureen 45483 Brawny Street 240-577-2258 Great Mills, MD 20634 [email protected]
Senior Citizens Chairman Bernard Classon, Jr. (4714) Georgia & Wheelchair Chairman 1304H Scottsdale Drive 410-638-8074 Bel Air, MD 21015 [email protected]
Community – 3 Special Olympics Chairman Walter F. Wankowski (11615) Marlene 5211 McFaul Road 410-866-6546 Baltimore, MD 21206 [email protected]
Community – 4 CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
June 2008 Attend the GK Seminar Place Tootsie Roll Order Make Leukemia Pledge Appoint a Mentally Handicapped Chairman (Tootsie Rolls) Appoint an Apostleship of the Sea Chairman Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting July 2008 Independence Day – Flag Promotion Leukemia Pledges Due Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting August 2008 Leukemia Pledges Due Conduct a Community Activity Program (1st quarter) Conduct an event for Senior Citizen Day Conduct an Apostleship of the Sea activity Attend State Council Program Seminar Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting September 2008 Labor Day – Flag promotion Patriotic Day/Anniversary of 9/11 – Flag Promotion “Light the Night” Leukemia Walk-A-Thon Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting Verify your Leukemia Pledges have been sent to State Council October 2008 RESPECT LIFE MONTH Columbus Day – Flag Promotion Mentally Handicapped Program (Tootsie Rolls) Kick-off Community Activity report for 1st Quarter due by the 15th Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting November 2008 Veteran’s Day – Flag Promotion Conduct a Community Activity Program (2nd quarter) Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting Conduct an Apostleship of the Sea activity Promote Senior Citizens Essay Contest December 2008 Tootsie Roll Money Due Promote Pro-Life March Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting January 2009 Council attendance at Pro-Life March in Washington Community Activity report for 2nd Quarter due by the 15th Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting February 2009 Nominations Due for Catholic Teacher, Citizen, Policeman, Fireman & EMT of the Year Senior Citizen Essay Contest Due Lobby Night in Annapolis President’s Day – Flag Promotion Conduct a Community Activity Program (3rd quarter) Promote the Founder’s Day Mass, Reception & Awards Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting Promote Pro-Life Rally next month
Community – 5
March 2009 Pro-Life Rally in Annapolis Founder’s Day Mass, Reception & Awards Presentation Conduct an Apostleship of the Sea activity Attend Chapter of Grand Knights Meeting April 2009 Pro-Life Report due by the 1st Senior Citizen Report due by the 1st Community Activity report for 3rd Quarter due by 1st Attend Chapter of Grand Knights meeting May 2009 Living American Flag at Fort McHenry Memorial Day – Flag Promotion Attend Chapter of Grand Knights meeting June 2009 Flag Day – Pause for the Pledge Flag Promotion Report Due Attend Chapter of Grand Knights meeting
Community – 6 APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA/STELLA MARIS (AOS)
The great Pope John Paul II called the world’s seafarers, “the invisible strangers among us.” This is where we, as Knights of Columbus, can make a visible effort to assist the Catholic seafarers who visit the Port of Baltimore every day. Every year, over 2,500 ships enter the Port of the Baltimore and thousands of Catholic men and women who comprise the crews of these ships need a unified and fraternal effort to keep them connected to their Catholic faith. Many of the crews would have no way to attend Mass or receive communion were it not for this ministry.
It is recommended that each Grand Knight appoint a chairman of this new and important community activity. The Grand Knight/Chairman of each council should promote charitable activities that can lift up the lives of the seafarer. The individual councils can do this in a number of ways. One way would be to collect gently used clothing to include shirts, pants, baseball caps, winter gloves, winter sweaters, jackets, etc. Also needed are games and puzzles, family-based DVD movies and books or DVD’s in other languages. Secular books and magazines, religious articles, bibles, rosaries and other religious articles can also be collected for distribution to the seafarer. During the Christmas Holiday, the ladies auxiliary of each council can assist by creating shoeboxes wrapped in holiday paper and filled with Bic razors, shaving gear, toothpaste, and other hygiene needs.
Today, councils participate once a month at Our Daily Bread, Franciscan Center, St. Martins Food Pantry, S.O.M.E, and other such support centers for the needy and homeless. Likewise, councils should also urge their membership to participate a few hours a month as Maritime Ministers (Ship’s Visitors) with AOS. Brother Knights will be trained to actively interact with the seafarer on board the vessel, offer them transportation using any one of the four AOS vans so the crews can shop, attend church services, etc. Here, too, is where a Knight can be a friend, brother and extended family to the seafarer while they are visiting the Port of Baltimore. As a ship’s visitor, council members will also receive homeland security training and clearance. Language is not a barrier.
Brother Knights can also invest a few hours a month as an AOS Host by being on hand at the AOS center to greet the seafarers that visit there to relax, use the computers to email their families, or to call home.
The AOS program for our International Catholic seafarers offers each council an opportunity to extend God’s love, mercy and Jesus’ message of hope to the seafarer.
All donations can be delivered to the Apostleship of the Sea/Stella Maris at 6 Dunmanway, Dundalk, Maryland 21222. The contact number to call is 443-845-7227. Monetary donations in any amount should be mailed to the Maryland State Council with a remark entering Apostleship of the Sea/Stella Maris. So that we can measure our participation in this needy endeavor, please notify the Chairman, Joseph P. Buccheri, of monetary contributions or any donations.
Community – 7 CATHOLIC TEACHER/CITIZEN OF THE YEAR POLICE OFFICER, FIREFIGHTER AND EMT OF THE YEAR
These five separate programs allow the State Council to honor individuals that have made significant contributions to Catholic education and to the community at large. Nearly every local council will have one or more members or close associates who serve in one of these professions. They all are deserving of our support and recognition, but each year some stand out above the rest.
The Grand Knight should appoint one or more chairmen for these programs. Appoint a nomination committee and a panel of independent judges; then select a council honoree in each category. Make the presentation at an awards ceremony at a council meeting or social gathering or at any other appropriate venue such as the honoree’s school or work location. Invite the recipient’s family and friends to the presentation. In addition to a certificate, present a plaque or another appropriate award. Be sure to inform your local news media. Finally, submit the resumes of the council honorees to the State Council chairman on a timely basis.
The State Council Awards in each category will be presented at the annual Founder’s Day Mass and Reception to individuals selected from entries received from local councils. These individuals will be invited to the dinner by the State Council.
The Citizen of the Year Award is based on outstanding religious or civic contributions at the local, state or national level. You can find candidates by using many sources within your local community. Look for someone providing exemplary service to youth, to the homeless, to their church, or to pro-life causes. There are no restrictions of the type of service; the key is simply service. To qualify for the Citizen of the Year Award, the nominee must be a resident of the State of Maryland.
The Catholic Teacher of the Year Award is given to a Catholic teacher who has demonstrated exceptional ability and service to the education of our youth. Contact your local school principal or the head of your parish CCD for possible candidates.
The Police Officer, Firefighter and EMT of the Year Awards go to outstanding individuals in each of these professions. Knights of Columbus councils throughout the jurisdiction have been recognizing public safety personnel for their outstanding service and dedication for many years. It makes no difference whether these individuals are paid employees or volunteers; in many instances, these men and women risk their own lives to protect the citizens and the property of those they serve. Isn’t it time to give something back to these brave and courageous public servants? Invite your local police and fire hierarchy to nominate members of their organization who have demonstrated exceptional service to the community. Establish a working relationship with local public safety departments and make them aware of your support and your gratitude for the services they render. Present a certificate of merit/appreciation at a council meeting, a council social event or at the honoree’s work location. Invite his/her family, friends and co- workers to the presentation.
Community – 8 FLAG/PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES
The programs under this category of Community Activities have been few over the past several years. They have been based on the Living Flag and Flag Day events only. We would like to think that with the events of September 11th, the fight for freedom of our armed forces, and the acts of terrorism towards our country it is important to realize what the fourth principle of our Order, that of patriotism, means to every Knight of Columbus. Patriotism, by definition, means the love of our country and the love of our flag.
Therefore, the Community Activities Director and the State Flag Chairman ask every Grand Knight of every council to promote activities that honor our country and our flag. This would be accomplished by the following:
• The Grand Knight should appoint a flag chairman and conduct patriotic activities in conjunction with the Nation's national holidays (see below). The State Flag Chairman will provide assistance to guide you in the right direction as far as contacts, proper flag procedures, application forms, etc. in order for you to have a successful activity
• It is proposed that every council should plan some type of patriotic ceremony for one or more of our country's national holidays (President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, September 11th-Patriotic Day, Veteran's Day, etc. ). They should report their choice(s) to the State Flag Chairman so he can provide any follow-up as deemed necessary.
• Councils will be asked to report the results of these activities to the State Council Flag Chairman. The council during the year who has conducted the best patriotic program during the year will receive an award and will be awarded a flag of the United States for presentation to an organization of their choice.
By way of illustration, the following is offered as activities that each council should consider to be used throughout the year to promote our country and our flag:
The Living Flag Program: This program is for children who gather at Fort McHenry to form a flag to honor the Star Spangled Banner. Volunteers are needed to properly organize the participants. There are approximately 1,000 school children who participate. This will require one day of your time to distribute the different color boards and to serve as traffic control. This event usually occurs around the 20th of May.
Flag Folding Program: This program represents the same religious principles on which our great country was founded. It can be used as a conclusion to any patriotic program. It consists of reciting the thirteen symbols for the folds of the flag while it is being folded. These thirteen symbols remind us of all the tributes to our country. Once the flag is folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our Nation’s motto, “In God We Trust." A Flag Day celebration would be a good time to use this activity. This could also be used at the conclusion of a council meeting during the month of June or to open a meeting. Invite your Fourth Degree color guard and any veterans group to join you in this program.
Community – 9 Flag Day Celebration: This is a great opportunity for you council to organize a community celebration. Be sure to include the “Pause for the Pledge" in this activity. If your council has a permanent flag pole, a flag raising ceremony with the singing of the National anthem could be used at the beginning of your celebration. A picnic could be planned with other activities specified by the council. The flag folding program can be used as a conclusion to your day.
Holiday Flag Program: This program will spread the meaning of the flag throughout the community by getting businesses and other groups in the community involved. For a small initial fee, the council provides a flag of the United States at a particular location on the six major patriotic holidays. If the location is in need of mounting brackets or additional hardware for the display, this will also be provided on an as-needed basis. On each of the holidays, a member of the Knights of Columbus will put up and take down the flag. The flag will be stored at the council home and will be the property of the Knights of Columbus council. If any particular group wishes to continue with this program, a small annual fee will be accessed. These fees will be used for the purchase of the flags and any brackets, etc. needed for the display of the flag. This program is intended to raise the community’s awareness of the importance of the flag in our lives and to support the activities of the Knights of Columbus.
Flag Essay Contest: The purpose of this contest is to develop an appreciation of the United States Flag and what it means in our lives. This contest is for elementary school aged students at any school designated by the council. The essay will consist of no more than 500 words and must be an original interpretation of what the American flag means to that person. The council will make the deadline for the contest and will devise an entry for each of the participants. At the conclusion of the contest, the council will choose three winners; 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The winners will receive a certificate and a monetary prize designated by the council. If there are several councils that wish to participate in a particular district, the winner of each council in that district will be judged and a district winner will be announced. This winner will be presented an award by the State Council and the winning essay will be read at our Annual Founders Day Mass.
Flag Drawing Contest: The purpose of this contest is to depict the American flag in a setting that promotes honor, freedom, love and respect of our National symbol. This contest will be open to school aged children. The age and grades of the children will be at the discretion of the council. This can be done at several grade levels not to exclude the youngest to high school levels. The drawings must be free-hand with the use of any media that they wish. The size of the entry must be 11x14. The council will provide an entry form for each participant. If there are several different grade levels that apply, they will be separated into group levels. There will be three winners in each group and certificates and monetary prizes will be awarded by the council. If there are several councils that wish to participate, then this contest will be based on the same format as the Essay Contest. It has been proposed that if there is significant participation and this becomes a successful contest the winning drawings will be displayed at the Annual State Convention.
Community – 10
Flag Bridge Program: The purpose of this program is to have an American flag displayed on every bridge. This program will be in conjunction with the Adopt-A-Road program. The program authorizes groups to pick up litter and improve the appearance of our community’s roadways. The council must contact the Adopt-A-Road program before starting this program. If you wish to be part of this program, contact the State Flag Chairman for additional information. A contact person and Web site will be given to you.
Dignified Disposal of the American Flag: This program, adopted by the Calvert Province of the Fourth Degree, can be done at your council level. This program was first devised by the American Legion and the Boy Scouts of America. In 2000, Archbishop Keough Assembly was granted permission to hold a disposal ceremony. The ceremony consists of the collection of unusable flags with inspection of the flags, prayer and dignified disposal by burning in a solemn ceremony. If your council is interested in this program, it is a good idea to get you Fourth Degree assembly involved with you. A copy of the entire ceremony will be provided to you at your request.
There are additional ways to keep your council involved in patriotic activities. Fort McHenry National Monument and Shrine has many of its own programs that you can witness and be a part of. Throughout the year there are many programs that give you a great background on the flag and a celebration of our freedom. Two of the activities that have great significance are the Twilight Tattoo ceremonies given by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. These ceremonies are a blend of historical tradition, pageantry and music. The drill teams of both services are inspiring which make them memorable ceremonies for all that see them. Promote these ceremonies with you councils. Do your part to become more aware of the meaning of patriotism in your lives. It is our country, let’s always love it and ever defend it.
LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA
Leukemia is a type of cancer. Cancer is a group of many related diseases. All cancers begin in cells which make up blood and other tissues. Normally cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die and new cells take their place. Sometimes this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. Leukemia is cancer that begins in blood cells. The Maryland State Council Knights of Columbus is pleased to continue a long and successful relationship with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Maryland. This is the nineteenth consecutive year the Knights of Columbus has supported this most deserving organization.
The Grand Knight, as CEO of your council, can make a difference by making a pledge from your council to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Ask council members to make individual contributions. Honor the council’s pledge on a timely basis or within 90 days of the new fraternal year. Solicit volunteers for the “Light the Night” annual Walk-a-Thon.
Make the Council’s pledge of a forthcoming donation known to the State Council at the Grand Knights’ College in June or no later than early July. Councils are requested to bring their pledges to the Leukemia Society each year to Grand Knight’s College.
Community – 11 Leukemia and other blood-related diseases are the primary killers of children from ages 1 to 14. An estimated 4,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Your council’s contribution is very instrumental in funding research and patient services. Due to tremendous advances in research, the survival rate is now above 80% for some forms of leukemia and the Society is on the verge of additional advances that provide relief to many.
The Society sponsors “Light the Night” walks in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Howard, Harford, Frederick and Calvert Counties. The Knights of Columbus assist at these walks and has become one of the major contributors to the Society. Our volunteers fill balloons with helium, distribute tee shirts, assist with registration, supply refreshments to the participants and act as guides along the routes.
With your help and the help of your council, the Knight of Columbus in Maryland can achieve an increase over the last fraternal year. All donations made in the name of the Knights of Columbus for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society should be made payable to the Maryland State Council (noted as Leukemia Pledge) and forwarded to the Maryland State Leukemia and Lymphoma Chairman.
MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PROGRAM (TOOTSIE ROLLS)
The Mentally Handicapped Program has become one of the most prestigious and important programs conducted by the Knights of Columbus in the State of Maryland. During the past fraternal year, councils in the Maryland jurisdiction collected in excess of $300,000. All of the profits from this program were donated to organizations who help the citizens of Maryland with mental retardation.
The Grand Knight is responsible for ordering Tootsie Rolls, aprons, and posters while at the Grand Knight’s Seminar. Appoint a capable and enthusiastic council chairman. Obtain maximum council participation and coverage of the council’s working area. At a minimum, utilize the entire month of October for collections. Recognize the efforts of your volunteers by offering congratulations and presenting certificates of appreciation to all participants, including businesses where collections took place. Forward a check for the TOTAL AMOUNT COLLECTED to the MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PROGRAM CHAIRMAN NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 31. Make presentations to the recipients as soon as possible and request they contact the Maryland State Council Office within 90 days. Maintain detailed records and results of the program for the next chairman.
Every council should participate in this most worthwhile project. Always attempt to exceed last year’s collections. However, you should recognize and honor your council’s working area. Before attempting to collect in another council’s area, discuss your plans with the Grand Knight involved and/or your District Deputy. Schedule your program early to assure maximum participation and to avoid problems obtaining collection sites. Advertise in local community publications that the Knights of Columbus will be conducting a drive to raise money for the mentally handicapped. Inviting recipients to get involved provides additional manpower, publicity, awareness and support.
God’s Special Children Thank You!
Community – 12 PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES
The Knights of Columbus is a pro-life organization. As such, we strongly oppose abortion, and will defend the right to life in cases of euthanasia, assisted suicide, and other related issues. Our ultimate goal is for the passage of laws that protect human life. The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) has always made the passage of pro-life laws their top priority. The MCC also leads the fight for the defeat of laws that are in opposition to life. The MCC is comprised of the Archbishops and Bishops of Maryland, and the staff they appoint. When we coordinate our pro-life efforts with the MCC, we are truly "In Solidarity with Our Bishops". All Knights are encouraged to