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May 2002
VOLUME XXVI ISSUE 11
Contents . . .
Grand Knight's Message
Please note: Our second meeting in May will be held on Tuesday, May 28th due to Monday the 27th being a Holiday. Please mark your calendar.
Dear Brother Knights & Ladies: It's May! Probably the most beautiful month of the year in terms of natures floral displays. Certainly this particular May brings with it lots of opportunity for prayer; it begins with the Maryland State sponsored Retreat at Loyola-on-the-Potomac; then, the second Thursday of this month is the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation; Mother's Day is May 12th, don't forget Our Mother Mary, that Sunday would be a perfect day to offer a rosary for her intentions; Saturday, May 12th is Armed Forces Day, we cannot forget to continue our prayers for those far from home working to protect our freedom; then Monday May 27th we observe Memorial Day and pray for all those who have gone before us to be with the Lord.
As I indicated in last month's newsletter, Spring brings with it many State and Council activities. We try hard to give everyone adequate prior notice about upcoming events in our Council. But, because we are human, and because we are volunteers sometimes not all of our activities get published in a timely manner in our Council bulletin; which is why, if at all possible, everyone should try to make as many Council meetings as they can. If you need a reminder we normally meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, all members are invited and urged to attend our general membership meetings.
Our Knight and Family of the Month Awards are as follows; the Knight of the Month for April is our very conscientious and dedicated Treasurer Steve Golhammer. Although Steve's work is barely noticeable to the rank and file member he conducts an amazing amount of banking transactions and handles lots of financial papers. Our Family of the Month for April is the Chuck and Mary Cozad family. Here is another family whose activities are not given the credit they deserve. Chuck is involved in many of the Council's "behind the scenes" work, and spends a lot of time outside of Council meetings with matters related to his position as Council Recorder. The Council sincerely appreciates all of the work and efforts of our award winners this past month.
Fraternally,
Gerry Becker
Grand Knight
Chaplain's Message
by Father Thomas LaHood
Like Mary, the Church has passed through the experience of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. Now in May, we celebrate Our Blessed Mother. Having passed through the suffering of Good Friday and the joy of Easter, Our Blessed Mother was taken up into Heaven. May comes right on the heals of Easter. It is, therefore, appropriate to celebrate her during this month.
Mary is now experiencing the full joy of Heaven with her Risen Son. She is the image of the Church victorious. What she now is we all hope to be. Having passed from death to life we all hope to live the month of May in heaven, that time after all of our sufferings and deaths and resurrections, when we experience the fullness of God. May is a good time to reflect on Heaven. The weather is the most heavenly we have around here. Everything has come back to life. The days are nearly the longest. But yet, the most beautiful day in May is only a shadow of Heaven.
As you pray to Our Lady this month, reflect on Heaven and pray our Blessed Mother sees each of us safely there.
District Deputy Report
by Tin T. Cao, DD#2
Do you know that May is the month of "Mary"? I start my report with that question because I want to bring your attention to the fundamental promise that you made when joining the K of C is to say the rosary every day. May is a great opportunity to fulfill that promise to our Holy Mother. With Her and her Divine Son on our side ... victory is in sight.
There are several very important events that will take place during May requiring your participation to make them successful. The Maryland State Annual Convention will be held in Ocean City on May 17-19. The highlight of the Convention is the Holy Eucharist celebration for Knights and families on Saturday, May 18 starting with a parade from the Princess Royale hotel to St. Luke's Church along Coastal Hwy. This is an event that you do not want to miss. This year, we will elect a new State Warden. Please join us at the Convention. Your council will hold its election in May. The future of our Order and of your council depends on you and your willingness to serve as a council officer and/or program chairman.
Please consider and step forward to take on the challenge. Late in May, the district will sponsor the annual Memorial Mass at Gate of Heaven cemetery. The Knights of Columbus will pay tribute to the victims of abortion right after mass. The service will start at 10:00 AM. We need help to make this event successful. Please contact your GK, or just come to the cemetery at 8:00 AM on May 27 to help us. May 27 is a Federal, State and local holiday in case you need a day off for this event. We are winding down yet another successful Fraternal Year, thanks to your efforts and dedication to our Order. On behalf of our State Deputy, I would like to ask for your help with membership again. Please ask an eligible Catholic man to join our Order from now through June 30. We need you! Would you help? Reading through all reports submitted by your GK, I would like to thank every one of you for your contribution to the successes that our Order has enjoyed. Our Mother Church, council, family, community, and youth benefit greatly as a result. Every single thing you have been doing makes a great difference in people's lives. Congratulations and thank you to all.
May God bless you and your family always!
Insurance News
"...Rendering pecuniary aid."
Every now and then, our thoughts turn to our deceased Brother Knights and to those they left behind- their widows and children. These are the same people, though of a different generation, who occupied Father Michael McGivney's thoughts in 1882, when he founded the Knights Of Columbus.
The first two reasons listed on our charter, for the establishment, of the Knights Of Columbus are:
+ Rendering pecuniary aid to its members, their families, and beneficiaries of members.
+ Rendering mutual aid and assistance to its sick, disabled, and needy members and their families.
My position as a field agent for the Order has evolved from those principles. I am here to help you plan financial security ... both for yourself and for those whom you may leave behind. I am not here to sell you insurance because someone else might die and be a part of our remembrances. I am here to sell you insurance because someone else might live ... and I think you love that someone, and would like her to continue to live with dignity.
It's not a pretty thought. But, picture the first year your loved ones will spend without you. How does it look?
Call me today for an appointment.
Fraternally,
Rick Morin, FICF, LUTCF
Your K of C Agent 301-384-7627
Health for K of C Membership Longevity
by Bill Gulban
As your Council Lecturer, I opened up a series of articles in the last April newsletter to improve member's lives by writing on the subject of longevity. As I initiated the first article, my endeavor is to inform and educate through a program fulfilling the responsibility of a Lecturer position. If our membership does not maintain healthy habits of mind and body we shorten our time on this earth to do our work in activities of a great Catholic organization.
In this article #2 I will discuss the importance of avoiding grapefruit juice when taking certain drugs. If you are a juice fanatic like I am, I have learned not to take grapefruit juice while taking any statin drugs used for controlling cholesterol. Grapefruit juice contains a compound that may block an enzyme that metabolizes certain drugs in the intestine. This action increases the amount of medication that is absorbed into the blood. Ingestion of grapefruit also slows the breakdown of certain drugs by the liver. The increased blood levels that result may lead to side effects.
Drugs that may be affected include the cholesterol-lowering statins such as atorvastatin; the antihistamine astemizole; some calcium-channel blockers, especially felodipine, nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), and verapamil. It is best to avoid drinking a glass of grapefruit juice within several hours of taking these medications. Although there may not be enough juice in a single fruit to cause a problem, it is also probably wise to avoid eating the fruit.
In future articles, look forward to discussions on herb and drugs reactions, large doses of vitamins can be toxic, antioxidants, hypertension dangers, tomato products and prostate cancer, meditation and lowering blood pressure, bladder control, and gaining control of eating habits.
First Annual Father Maher Council Member Reunion
by Gerry Becker
If you can only make one meeting a year, this is the one you will want to make. Hopefully, just about every Fr. Maher Council member will be there! The date has been set for Monday, June 10th, 8:00 pm, St. Peter's Parish Hall. We tried to schedule it as close as possible to the longest "daylight" day of the year, the weather should be mild and it doesn't get dark until close to 9:00 pm. There will be ample seating for everyone. Please mark your calendar now so that this date doesn't get taken up by another activity. It promises to be a great opportunity to renew old friendships and meet some of our newer members. We will conduct a short meeting with refreshments and fellowship to follow. Don't forget, with a large attendance chances are very good that someone will win the $200.00 attendance prize drawing.
I hope to see you there!
Recruitment Update
by Gerry Becker
Update for Fraternal Year July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2002
Original New Member Goal ...........22 Members withdrawn or suspended ..... 8 Revised New Member Goal ............30 New Members Initiated to Date ..... 18 Signed Form 100's In-Hand ...........2 Additional new candidates needed ...10
In order to attain Star Council Status for 2001-2002 we need to bring in 10 new members between now and June 30, 2002. There is one First Degree scheduled between now and the end of the fraternal year, it will be held on June 17th. We have managed to win this prestigious award for every year of our Council's 25 (full) years of existence. If we are to continue this unparalleled accomplishment it will take the effort of every member. It has been proven time and time again, the most effective way to get a man to join the Knights of Columbus is to ASK him.
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Would you like to help the Council in its quest for the coveted "Star Council" award and benefit yourself at the same time? Are you an associate member? If you already have adequate life insurance have you considered a Knights of Columbus Tax Deferred Annuity? The current rate is 5%.
For details, contact our Council's Financial Advisor, Rick Morin at 301-384-7627. |
Comedy Corner
by Gerry Becker
Forty Years of Marriage -
A 60 year old couple were celebrating their 40 years of marriage. During the celebration an Angel appeared. "Because you have been such a loving couple all these years, I would like to give each of you one wish." The wife quickly chimed in, "I want to travel around the world." The Angel waved her hand and, POOF! She had tickets in her hand. Next it was the husband's turn. He paused for a moment, then said shyly, "Well, I'd like to have a wife 30 years younger than me." The Angel waved her hand and POOF! He was ninety.
"I'm Getting Out of Here" -
A man was wheeling himself frantically down the hall of the hospital in a wheelchair, just before his operation. A nurse stopped him, and asked, "what's the matter?" He said, "I heard the nurse say, it's a very simple operation. Don't worry, I'm sure it will be all right." "She was just trying to comfort you, what's so frightening about that?" "She wasn't talking to me. She was talking to the doctor!"
Help's on the Way? -
The housewife answered the phone and listened with relief to the voice in her ear. "How are you, dear? What kind of day are you having?" "Oh, Mom, the baby won't eat, the washing machine is broke, I've not been able to get out of the house to shop, I twisted my ankle and have been hobbling around. On top of that, the house is a mess, and we're supposed to have two couples over for dinner tonight!" "Now dear, just stay calm. Sit down, relax, close your eyes, and I'll be over in half an hour. I'll do the shopping, clean up the house, and cook your dinner for you. I'll take care of the baby when I get there, and call a repairman I know who'll get the washing machine fixed. In fact, I'll call George at the office, and tell him he ought to come home and help out for once." "George? Who's George?" "Why, that's your husband, dear!" "Mom, my husband's name is Mike." "Is this 555-1234?" "Uh, no, it's not. I think you have a wrong number." The housewife paused. "Uhhh, does this mean you're not coming over?"
Run! -
Two gas company servicemen, a senior training supervisor and a young trainee, were out checking meters in a suburban neighborhood. They parked their truck at the end of the alley and worked their way to the other end. At the last house a woman looking out her kitchen window watched the two men as they checked her gas meter. Finishing the meter check, the senior supervisor challenged his younger coworker to a foot race down the alley back to the truck to prove that an older guy could outrun a younger one. As they came running up to the truck, they realized the lady from that last house was huffing and puffing right behind them. They stopped and asked her what was wrong. Gasping for breath, she replied, "When I see two gas men running as hard as you two were, I figure I'd better run too!"
First Friday Devotions
by Chuck Bieberich
Just a reminder that the first Friday of every month is First Friday Devotions night. Come spend a half an hour before our Lord, asking him to bless our families and our Order. Each First Friday, following the 7:15 pm Mass at St. Peter's Church, adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place until 10:00 pm. Father Kalita has extended an invitation to the men of the parish to utilize the last 30 minutes as a "Men's Time of Prayer". The August issue of Columbia magazine announced that the first International Knights of Columbus Eucharistic Congress is scheduled to be held June 22-23, 2002, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D. C. Recognizing the call from Supreme for each council to add some regular program of Eucharistic worship in preparation for this event, it would seem that first Friday adoration is an appropriate response. So join us for 30 minutes of prayer each First Friday, you won't be disappointed.
A note from the Grand Knight - For your information here is the entire schedule for First Friday evenings: Mass begins at 7:15 pm. At the end of Mass the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the Altar, and the priests, Father Kalita, Father LaHood, and Father Giovanoni are available for the sacrament of penance.
At 10:00 pm the evening is ended with Benediction. I agree with and support Chuck in his appeal, "come join us". If your parish does not offer First Friday Adoration in the evening, I'm sure you are welcome at St. Peter's, too.
Maryland State Council K of C Charity Golf Tournament
by Gerry Becker
OK guys, let's get ready for this one; it's going to be held almost in our back yard. This year's State Charity Golf Tournament is going to be held on Friday, June 14, 2002 at Willow Springs Golf Course starting at 8:00 am. It will be conducted in a shotgun start, 4-man scramble format. The cost is $65.00 per person and includes greens fees, cart, beer, soda and lunch. There will be door prizes as well as a prize for closest to the pin. Mulligans will be available for purchase. I will need checks in-hand no later than May 25th. Two Father Maher Council members and two friends are already signed up. This is the LAST opportunity to advertise this event in our newsletter so don't delay your decision. Send your check to: Gerry Becker, 17534 Gatsby Terrace, Olney, Maryland 20832. This is so close, you gotta go!
From The Council "Mail Bag"
From Patsy Norman, Chairlady, Ladies Activity Committee - (3-26-02) Thank you to Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council for the generous donation. Your support enables our Ladies Activity Committee in providing an entertaining evening for those ladies attending the convention. Thank you again & God Bless! (signed)
From Birthright - (4-5-02) To our "Knights in Shining Armor". Recently I became aware that the area Knights were celebrating the Annunciation by designating the day of March 25 as the International K of C Day of the Unborn Child. Mr. Mike Perez, Grand Knight of the Mater Dei Council, adopted our office as a place to do renovations, painting, etc. We are doubly blessed to have heard from the Father Peter Paul Maher Council. We are most appreciative of any gifts of cash, grocery store certificates, or gift cards, because the need is great. There are many moms who struggle to make ends meet, and some of them might possibly have aborted if we were not here to assist them. Most obviously, we could not provide for them without wonderful partners like the Knights. It goes without saying that we shall keep you in our prayers, as we know we are in yours. Thank you very much for your gifts. Many moms and babies will benefit, and we are grateful. God Bless You, Katherine J. Winkler, Director, BR of Wheaton.
Help Wanted Section
A council member is needed to fill the vacancy of Recruitment Chairman for St. Peter's Parish. The applicant should be a parishioner at St. Peter's. He must be a member in good standing and be willing to share his faith and fraternity with Catholic men who have not been exposed to the benefits of being a member of our Order. Anyone interested please contact the Grand Knight at 301-774-3677.
The First Degree Team is in need of new team members. Father Maher Council is noted throughout the state as having one of the best First Degree Teams around. We are currently in need of someone to take the parts of the Grand Knight and the Chancellor. Contact our Degree Team Captain, PGK Bob Caron at 301-774-6951.
Our Community Activities Director has moved away and is looking to be replaced. Many of the activities which fall under Community Activities are run by the same dedicated chairmen year after year. The Community Activities Director simply ensures that each activity is being planned and is "on schedule". Anyone interested please contact the Grand Knight at 301-774-3677.
Memorial Day Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery
by Gerry Becker
I know that you haven't heard much about this event up to now, but I'm sure it's going to happen because it's an annual event. On Monday, May 27th a Memorial Day Mass will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Aspen Hill. The Fourth Degree Color Corp. will provide a contingent to escort the many clergy that participate in the celebration of the Mass. Afterwards a tribute to the Unborn is planned at a special memorial within the cemetery. For many years Father Maher Council has played a major support role by;
Providing traffic control assistance
Providing ushers to assist in seating Mass attendees
Serving lunch to the clergy, cemetery workers, and volunteers.
We need your help and we ask that you call to volunteer your services. Traffic Directors need not wear special clothing for that task. Ushers are asked to wear tuxedos with white jackets. (We won't ask you to do anything that might get you dirty). Providing lunch involves a little bit of shopping at a nearby grocery store to pick-up sandwich making items and soft drinks, then setting up a buffet after the Mass. Whether you can help with the organizing or not, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend and participate in the Mass which begins at 10:00 am. If you want to help with any of the activities please call me at 301-774-3677.
K of C Supreme Council Eucharistic Congress
by Gerry Becker
Just to keep this event fresh in your mind and on your calendar, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson announced last Spring that the Order will host the first-ever Knights of Columbus International Eucharistic Congress at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on June 22nd & 23rd. Details are still being formulated, but events will include Mass, benediction and adoration of the Eucharist, discussions by renowned speakers on the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation.
What is a Eucharistic Congress? - It is a gathering of the universal Church in particular areas for the purpose of deepening one's understanding of the Holy Eucharist; fostering greater devotion to the Holy Eucharist; and providing an opportunity to proclaim the good News of the Eucharist to the families throughout the Order and the world.
The Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child
by Gerry Becker
This is a new activity for us this year and things happened so fast I didn't get to tell you about it before now. In early March I received a brochure from Supreme announcing that at the Supreme Council Meeting last August, delegates unanimously approved a resolution that would further enhance the Order's Crusade for Life. It was decided that on March 25 we will henceforth celebrate an International Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child. This will coincide with The Feast of the Annunciation and reminds us once again that what we have learned through science can never contradict what has been revealed to us through revelation: That the life of each human being, unique and unrepeatable, begins at the moment of his or her conception. Thus, "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" at the Annunciation.
Each Council across the country was urged to conduct a rosary prayer service in addition to any other pro-life activities already being planned. Our March newsletter was already at the printer when I received this information, so I put out an e-mail message to the 100 or so members on electronic mail.
Three activities were conducted by members of Father Maher Council. First, two members and Past Grand Knights, Bob Caron and Francis Robacker visited the Rockville Pregnancy Center on March 25th and performed several sorely need maintenance jobs on their behalf. They patched and painted damaged wall board, reinserted stray ceiling tiles, helped carry furniture into the facility, but most importantly they installed a TV/Monitor bracket high up on a wall and then connected it with a coaxial cable to a sonogram machine. The purpose of this arrangement is so that the Pregnancy Center personnel can use the sonogram and TV/Monitor to show their pregnant clients live "pictures" of the babies inside their bodies. The Center believes that this capability will serve as a powerful deterrent to those women who may consider seeking an abortion.
Secondly, members were asked to bring to our membership meeting on March 25th items that could be donated to our areas three pregnancy aid centers; diapers, baby clothes and groceries store certificates. Members responded admirably. All of the afore mentioned items were subsequently delivered to the Birthright Center in Wheaton.
Finally, during the meeting of March 25th the members present joined together in the recitation of the rosary and offered up those prayers for an end to abortion, artificial contraception, human cloning, in-vitro fertilization, euthanasia, unjust executions, and all sins against the dignity of human life. Our work to assist the pregnancy centers in our area will continue throughout the year.
Father Maher Council Celebrates 26 Years of Service
by Gerry Becker
On Saturday, April 20 our Council held a Dinner to celebrate the completion of 26 years of service to Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth. 80 members, family, Council widows and guests were on hand to enjoy a relaxed evening of good food and great camaraderie. As an added bonus, our State Deputy Romeo Gauthier and his wife Pat as well as several other state dignitaries were in attendance. The official business of the evening included the following;
A presentation by our Financial Advisor, Rick Morin of the "Golden Knight" award to our Membership Director, Homer Chen, PGK, FDD. (Homer has recruited over 50 new members into the Order)
A presentation by Past Grand Knight Bob Caron of a Resolution for Rev. Fr. Canice Treacy on the occasion of his 50th Ordination Anniversary (Fr. Treacy is a Charter Member and founding Chaplain of our Council and he was selected as the "Honoree" for the evenings events)
A presentation by the Maryland State Deputy Romeo Gauthier to the Council of its 25th (consecutive) Star Council Award. (To the best of anyone's knowledge this culminates a string of Star Council Awards that is unparalleled in the entire Order of the Knights of Columbus.) This is a significant achievement and is a testimony to the dedicated and capable leadership of the 22 Past Grand Knights, their officers and members who have expressed pride in our organization by working selflessly to support and promote the programs undertaken by our Council.
Of course numerous pictures were taken of the events of the evening. These photographs as well as an article concerning the Star Council presentation will be forwarded to Columbia Magazine in hopes that they will publish our story in an upcoming issue. Keep your eyes open for future issues of Columbia Magazine.
It takes a lot of help to conduct a successful affair like the Charter Dinner. I would like to thank everyone who had any role in this project; Chuck Cozad, Bob and Janine Caron, Bob and Barbara Mazonkey, Joe and Lynn Feakes, and Jim Bonanno. There are two people to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude; one is the gentleman who agreed to act as "toastmaster" and did a great job, Past Grand Knight Francis Robacker. The other person who provided the greatest amount of support and assistance is my wife, Judy. Thank you! If I missed anyone please forgive me.
E-mail and the Internet
by Gerry Becker
I am currently maintaining a list of 123 e-mail addresses of council members and ladies. This method of communication makes it extremely easy to quickly notify those with e-mail capability of activities or events that occur between monthly newsletter mailings. It comes in especially handy whenever a member, or relative of a member suddenly becomes ill or dies. This quick notification makes it possible for anyone wanting to make a personal visit to pay respects, or to send a card, to do so in timely manner.
Below are some Internet sites that you might want to visit while you are on the web:
Supreme Council
Maryland State Council
Maryland Right to Life
National Right to Life
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Maryland Catholic Conference
Catholic Information Center
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
St. Patrick's Church, Rockville, Md.
Knights of Columbus Annual Scholarship Program
by Paul McFarlane
Each year, Father Peter Paul Maher Council 6793, Knights of Columbus offers scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors who have enrolled as full time students in an accredited college or university following their senior high school year. This year, we hope to make awards up to $1,000 to a number of students.
Copies of applications and eligibility requirements may be obtained by calling Paul D. McFarlane, Scholarship Chairman at (301) 570-5508. The deadline for Scholarship submissions is Tuesday, April 30, 2002. Our 2002 Scholarships will be awarded in June of this year.
E-mail Virus Hoaxes, Chain Letters, and Urban Legends
by Gerry Becker
There are several virus hoaxes currently making the rounds in e-mail. I point these out only because they waste time and resources. I was the recipient of three this past month:
Here are the websites where you can investigate virus hoaxes:
I was also the recipient of three REAL viruses this month. Again my computer was saved from any damage by Norton Anti-Virus software.
Whether you have anti-virus software or not, I strongly urge everyone to be very suspicious of any e-mail messages received from anyone unknown to you. I believe that it is better to delete messages from unknown persons than it is to risk the ravages of a computer virus.
Right to Life News
Knights of Columbus Chief Executive Hails Passage of Child Custody Protection Act
New Haven, CT - Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson hailed passage April 17 in the U.S House of Representatives of the Child Custody Protection Act. The legislation passed the House by an overwhelming vote of 260-161. The legislation would make it a federal crime to transport a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion, without the knowledge of a parent or guardian, with the effect of evading parental guidance laws in the minor's home state.
Praising the House action, Anderson said: "The Child Custody Protection Act recognizes the fundamental relationship between parents and children. In the abortion context, this relationship is often violated by individuals who think they know what is best for someone else's pregnant teenage daughter. But no one - not friends, not relatives, not the counselor at a school clinic - has the right to take your child from you for a secret abortion, all in clear violation of parental involvement laws. Indeed, these types of secret abortions have even been carried out in order to conceal evidence of crime, such as statutory rape.
"The Child Custody Protection Act is about protecting young girls in a very vulnerable position, and in protecting their health and safety. It is also about protecting the rights of parents to be involved in critical decisions affecting their children. We strongly urge the Senate to follow the House and also pass the Child Custody Protection Act."
News Tidbits
by Gerry Becker (and You)
(Your input to this column is solicited - any news that the general membership would like to know)
I was remiss in reporting to you last month that the Council received a visit on March 11th by its founding Grand Knight, Robert L. Horrell. The purpose of his visit was to say "so long" to the Council. A few days later Bob and Mary Jane would be moving their home to Homosassa, Florida. Bob, I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the members who know you and who have worked with you in the Council's early years, "Godspeed and good luck to both you and Mary Jane." Please stay in touch.
Did you know, that one of our members had a son on the front lines in Afghanistan? Jack Hangen's son, Mark is a Lieutenant in the 10th Mountain Division. Mark's unit was in Afghanistan from mid-December and has just returned in April. Jack and Emma received the following e-mail from Mark while he was there: "Being over here it really makes you appreciate what you have. This country is so poor; people work all day to gather firewood so that they have enough to keep warm for the night. The children run up to my truck as I drive through the city, waving and begging for food, money, whatever. The country is littered with the remnants of war-torn buildings, mines, and unexploded bombs. So when you pray for me and the rest of us Americans doing our best over here, pray for these people who really don't know anything but war. It's the kids that really sadden me. They are so happy just to have a little food. It's a shame that these children really have no hope. Well, I gotto go, but I love you all. Keep the kids, my men, and me in your prayers. Mark." Mark and his dad Jack were spotted at one of St. Peter's Masses this past Sunday. Mark, we are proud of you and glad to have you safely home. Mark is scheduled to head back to his unit at Fort Drum, in upstate N.Y. on May 1st.
Guess who came to Mass at St. Peter's one Sunday recently? Rosalie Garrity! We haven't seen her in years. She was here with her daughter, Kathleen and son-in-law Gene. She's 88 years old and still getting around though not without some difficulty. Rosalie's husband was a Knight in our Council who died in 1986. She's now living in Catonsville and really enjoys her new retirement community there. It was great to see her and reminisce about the Council's excursions to the Harlequin Dinner Theatre and the Columbus Day Balls back in the 80's.
Membership News
by Homer Chen
Let's extend our sincere congratulations and warm welcome to the following new brother Knights who joined our Council during the months of March and April:
To meet our quota for achieving the Star Council Award, we should continue our effort and try harder to invite our friends, family members, fellow parishioners and co-workers to join us. For membership information and application forms, please call Bill Ketter at 301-570-8959 or Homer Chen at 301-460-0580.
Supreme Council News
Knights of Columbus Leader Calls for Unity, Solidarity with Priests
New Haven, CT - Carl A. Anderson calls Knights and Catholics to defend the dignity of the priesthood in tough times and increase efforts to promote vocations to priesthood.
In remarks delivered in Boston April 15, the leader of the Knights of Columbus said the only adequate response to the current situation facing the Catholic Church in the United States must be "through the eyes of faith and from within the tradition of the faith."
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson made his remarks after receiving the 2002 Lantern Award from the Massachusetts Knights of Columbus. The Lantern Award is given each Patriot's Day to a citizen who reflects the religious and patriotic ideals of the Founding Fathers. Previous honorees include Robert F. Kennedy, Henry Cabot Lodge, Carl Yastrzemski and Cardinal John O'Connor of New York. The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic lay organization with more than 1.6 million members in 12,000 local units throughout North America, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
The Knights of Columbus, Anderson said, must be a "living witness to the unity of the Catholic Church." It is the bishop, he said, who is the visible source and foundation of unity in his diocese. "Our response must begin with the principle of unity with our bishops and, through them, with our priests." At the same time, Anderson said, the Knights stands with every Catholic family that has been victimized, and supports the "zero tolerance policy" for child abuse announced by U.S. bishops. "We support its implementation swiftly, strictly and without exception. That too is a measure of solidarity with our faithful priests and with every Catholic family."
The Church's response to the current situation must "follow the path of renewal set by the Second Vatican Council for the new evangelization," Anderson said. This means greater recognition of the authentic role of the laity in the Church and greater pastoral concern for families and youth, not less. Anderson said Pope John Paul II is leading the renewal of the Church through his writings on the priesthood, the family and the laity. This path of renewal "is just as vital to the Church as is the consistent application of a zero tolerance policy," Anderson said.
For the Church to be renewed, he said, "there must be greater closeness between families and their priests, not less." Our priests must not become isolated from the people they serve, he said.
New challenges in the Church require new responses, Anderson said. "Throughout the history of the Knights of Columbus we have taken pride in being called the strong right arm of the Church. Now we must be its steel spine," he said. This means that the Knights of Columbus will "stand shoulder to shoulder with our priests" throughout the crisis and also increase efforts to promote vocations to the priesthood. Annually the Knights of Columbus at all levels of the organization donate millions of dollars in scholarships and other financial aid to seminarians. The Knights also provided a $100,000 grant to the U.S. and Canadian bishops' conferences for the Third Continental Congress on Vocations which will be held in Montreal later this month. Additionally, the Knights print and distribute materials promoting priestly vocations.
Founded in New Haven, Conn., in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church and community. The organization has more than $42 billion of life insurance in force on its members. In 2000, the Knights of Columbus at all levels of the organization reported raising and distributing $110 million to charity and volunteering 55 million hours of service.
Maryland State Council Message
Message of the Worthy State Deputy Romeo Gauthier
Pat and I, along with 160 others from around the state, had a very enjoyable trip to the Supreme Headquarters in New Haven, CT. The highlights included visiting the Supreme Headquarters, the Knights of Columbus Museum, attending mass at St. Mary's Church where our Order was founded, and a very enjoyable Saturday evening dinner and dance at Council #2 in Meridan Ct. Thanks to Pat Ruckle for chairing this outstanding event. The next State Council trip will be in conjunction with the Supreme Convention this August. As you know, the purpose of our trips is to have fun while raising money to support the State Council Scholarship Program. As a result of the trip to Supreme Council, we were able to put over $10,000 into the State Council Scholarship Fund.
Thanks to all who attended and planned our annual Founders Day Mass and Awards Dinner. At the dinner we recognized the State Council Catholic Teachers of the Year, Policeman, Fireman and EMT of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. Our recipients this year were truly individuals who "Make a Difference in Peoples Lives."
Membership growth must always be a priority. I ask all of you to make a serious effort to recruit new members. Our order is responsible for many good works in our community and our in church. In order to continue these good works we need to grow our membership. There are many eligible Catholic men and their families who are not yet a part of our Order. Ask them to join us. When they do, both our Order and the new members will benefit.
As all of you are aware, our priests continue to come under attack. These attacks are a result of mistakes made by a few of our priests. We can read about the negative in our newspapers everyday, but never do we see a story about the tremendous good done by our priests everyday. We as knights must always "Stand Shoulder to Shoulder - In Solidarity With Our Priests."
Let the priests in your life know how much you appreciate their vocation and how much they mean to you.
God Bless America.