KJZT Family Life Journal Serving Texans Since 1894 #310 • PUB NO (USPS 585060) Dallas, TX 75247 July/August • 2021 August 15th - Feast of the Assumption The Treasure of Our This society was placed under the protection and patronage Grandparents & the Elderly of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The statue .................................. page 3 of Our Lady in her Glorious Assumption, the Patroness of KJZT since 1894, in the entrance hall of the State Office, Conven�on Informa�on reminds us of the spiritual ideals of our organization. .................................. page 4 - A Brief History of the KJZT Another Covid Spike Dearest Mother, when you died God raised your holy body .................................. page 5 and soul into heaven. Intercede for us that we may preserve in doing His will in our lives, as you have done while you Sales News were here on earth. Heal our tired body, wearied mind and ................................. page 6 restless spirit that we may always rest in your motherly care. Mary, holy advocate, hear our prayers (mention your intention) and cover us with your healing love. In honor Camp Guardian Angel ................................. page 8 of your glorious Assumption, I pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys and one Glory be. Amen. Fraternal 100 Project ................................ page 12 Father in heaven, all creation rightly gives you praise, for all life and all holiness come from you. In the plan of your Observing Flag Day wisdom, she who bore the Christ in her womb, was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven. May we ................................ page 14 follow her example in reflecting your holiness and join in her hymn of endless love and praise. We ask this through District News Christ our Lord. Amen. ................................ page 16 The Feast of the Assumption celebrates both the happy In Memoriam departure of Mary from this life by her natural death, ................................ page 23 and her assumption bodily into heaven. Page 2 KJZT Family Life Journal July/August 2021 Award of Appreciation Presented KJZT FAMILY LIFE JOURNAL (USPS 585-060) Retired State Director Emma Jean Ribar was re- PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY cently presented a plaque of appreciation thank- BY KJZT FAMILY LIFE ing her for 32 years of dedicated service to the 4604 EAST BEN WHITE BLVD. Fraternal as a State Director from 1994 - 2020. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78741 KJZT Family Life wishes her all the best in her (512) 444-9586 • www.kjzt.org • [email protected] retirement. PUBLICATION STAFF Editor Editorial Assistant Arlene Cloyd Elizabeth Hernandez 4604 East Ben White Blvd. [email protected] Austin, Texas 78741 Pictured (L to R) are State Director Joyce Kurtz, PRINTER retired State Director Emma Jean Ribar, MIDWAY PRESS, LTD. Entered as Periodicals Postage Paid and Interim President/CEO Arlene Cloyd. at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing office. Entered under the Act of August 14, 1912. STATE OFFICERS Interim President/CEO Arlene Cloyd Introducing Financial Controller Amber Ward VP/Insurance Services Catherine Sylvester KJZT Family Life would like to introduce the new Financial Control- ler, Amber Ward. Amber was born and raised in Yoakum, Texas, has STATE DIRECTORS a Master’s degree in Taxation Accounting, and 10 years of experience Joyce Kurtz Betty Vacek as a CFO. She has one 19-year-old daughter who attends college at 769 Private Road 3077 5532 FM 893 Texas State University. Both Amber and her daughter are members of Hallettsville, TX 77964 Taft, TX 78390 KJZT Family Life. (361) 798-6734 (361) 222-1025 Donna Janda Kathy Wishert 2916 O’Quinn Branch Rd. P.O. Box 621 Congratulations, Amber! We wish you all the best in your endeavors La Grange, TX 78945 Brazoria, TX 77422 with KJZT Family Life. (979) 702-9114 (979) 236-0835 Sally Long Cynthia Morris 1105 S. Mulberry St. 3305 Oakdale Dr. Ennis, TX 75119 Temple, TX 76502 Now Hiring (972) 875-9503 (254) 721-3785 President/CEO POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: KJZT Family Life Journal KJZT Family Life is looking to engage a chief executive officer (CEO)/President to grow their historic Attn: Editor fraternal society into the next chapter of organizational success. This individual’s primary responsibili- P.O. Box 18896 ties include providing strategic financial and operational leadership for KJZT, managing the overall op- Austin, Texas 78760-8896 erations and resources of the fraternal society, and acting as the main point of communication between the board of directors and the administrative office. KJZT Family Life Office Hours This position will operate as the public face of the society and should have like-minded values as the Monday thru Thursday members of KJZT, including a strong sense of faith, community, and financial security. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To request an application and send your resumé, please email [email protected]. Any questions, please call Friday the State Office at 1-888-253-2338. 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. July/August 2021 KJZT Family Life Journal Page 3 The Treasure of Our Grandparents and the Elderly By Most Reverend Gary W. Janak, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of San Antonio, State Chaplain Last month, we celebrated World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, instituted by Pope Francis, which will be held each year, on the Fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus What a wonderful gift the Holy Father has extended to the Church: a special day that offers us the opportunity to publicly and prayerfully acknowledge our grandparents and all who possesses wisdom and experience through the beauty of the aging process. Acknowledging the importance of this recognition, Pope Francis has attached a plenary indulgence to this special day for those who meet the necessary conditions. Pope Francis reminds us of the esteemed role of our grandparents and of all the elderly: “The Holy Spirit even today stirs up thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly. The voice of the elderly is precious because it sings the praises of God and preserves the roots of the peoples. They remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between the different generations, to pass on to the young the experience of life”. I remain grateful to God for the gift of my grandparents. I was even blessed to know my great-grandmother, who spoke only Czech, but communicated with her great-grandchildren through her vibrant smile and acts of love. My grandparents, and many wise members of my family and parish community, taught me the importance of prayer and worship and how to trust God in all circumstances of life. Of course, my grandparents also spoiled us, with special treats and beautiful family celebrations. Like many of you, I miss my grandparents. I often think of them and I pray they are enjoying eternal peace with God. For those whose grandparents and great-grandparents are still alive, take time to call or text them, as well as other venerable adults you hold in high esteem, and express your love for them. When possible, attend Mass with them or offer them a blessing. Take time to share a meal with them and visit with them. Let them share with you their insight and plethora of stories. If a visit in person is not possible, use technology to chat with them. Offer a daily prayer to God in thanksgiv- ing for the love and commitment they have shared with you over the years, praying God’s grace and protection upon them. The document from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, on the occasion of the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, states: “‘I am with you always’ is also a promise of closeness and hope that young and old can mutually share. Not only are grandchildren and young people called upon to be present in the lives of older people, but older people and grandparents also have a mission of evangelization, proclamation and prayer, and of encouraging young people in their faith’”. Our Holy Father reminds us that too often grandparents are forgotten or we fail to acknowledge the important place they hold in our families and in our society. To all of you who are grandparents, and all who possess wisdom in age and grace, we are most grateful to you. May you continue to ponder the beauty of God’s gift of life and never doubt the profound impact you make on your families and on the world. We need you to share with us your stories and the assurance of your prayers. As Saint John Paul II has said, you are keepers of the faith and “guardians of our collective memory which support and guide life in society”. Loving Jesus, bless our grandparents and all of the elderly. Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for them. In Christ, Bishop Gary Most Reverend Gary W. Janak Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio Archdiocese of San Antonio KJZT Family Life State Chaplain Page 4 KJZT Family Life Journal July/August 2021 XXXVI Regular General Convention November 6, 2021 Hallettsville, Texas KJZT FAMILY LIFE BYLAWS ARTICLE VIII CONVENTIONS AND REFERENDUMS Section 1. The Fraternal shall hold a Regular General Convention of the Council every four (4) years at a time and place arranged by the Board of Directors. Section 2. Members of the Council: The qualified Members of a Regular General Convention shall be the Directors, Officers, and Delegates elected by the Societies of the Fraternal who present proper credentials. Delegates elected by Societies must constitute a majority of the Council in number and must be entitled to cast the greater of 2/3 of votes in the General Convention or the number of votes required to amend the laws of the Fraternal.