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December 2002
VOLUME XXVII ISSUE 6
Contents . . .
Grand Knight's Message
by Rick Allison
December is a wondrous time for all of us. This is a magical month, it seems no matter what the world throws at us everyone can garner good cheer and well wishes. I really have no message this month other than that may each of you have happy, safe and blessed holidays.
I know I will see quite a few of you at the St. Peters Christmas Bazaar. Hope to see each of you at the Council Christmas Party on the 22nd.
Keep Christ in Christmas. Don't forget to get your greeting cards from Bill Zurick.
Chaplain's Message
by Father LaHood
The Roman Martyrology, a daily listing of those who gave their lives for the faith on each such day, begins this way on December 25th:
In the 5,199th year of the creation of the world, from the time when God in the beginning created the heaven and earth; the 2,957th year after the flood; the 2,015th year from the birth of Abraham; the 1,510th year from Moses, and the going forth of the people of Israel from Egypt; the 1,032nd year from the anointing of David King; in the 65th week according to the prophecy of Daniel; in the 194th Olympiad; the 752nd year from the foundation of the City of Rome; the 42nd year of the rule of Octavian Augustus, all the earth being at peace, Jesus Christ, the Eternal God, and the Son of the Eternal Father, desirous to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, nine months after his conception was born in Bethlehem of Juda, made Man of the Virgin Mary.
Why is the birth of Jesus included in the Martyrology? The Martyrology gives the dates, names, places, and manners of death of every martyr who died on that particular day. The birth of Christ is a kind of martyrdom. The Son of God set aside His life in heaven to dwell among men. Every moment of His life on earth was a pouring out of His life for us, with the final consummation of that outpouring occurring on the Cross.
The Martyrology adds a twist, though. It makes the birth of Christ the reference point of the entire history of the world. In other words, it gives all the information concerning the death of the world, the world of sin and death. The martyrs themselves are simply a continuation of the account of the death of the world of sin and death. Every time we dedicate our lives to God and give of ourselves in serving Him, we continue the martyrology, the account of the death of this world. Have a Holy Advent and a Blessed Christmas.
Insurance Article
by Rick Morin, FICF/LUTCF - Your K of C Insurance Agent (301) 384-7627
"Enough Is Enough!"
History books don't record the exact moment that Father Michael McGivney uttered those fore mentioned words. How many devastated families did our Order's founder see torn apart because of a sudden death? How many starving widows and children did he find begging on his rectory doorstep? How many husbands had to die in accidents only to leave nothing for their families to survive on?
This visionary man had seen too much needless misery and uttered these words -- "Enough is enough!"
This is how the Knights of Columbus began, as an effort to protect Catholic families from life's uncertainties.
In these modern times, we Knights of Columbus should never see a member's family unprotected, if a tragedy strikes. To participate in the Order's life insurance program is not just a bonus of membership. It is the heart and soul of this organization. It is an honor that may be taken for granted. It is the genius of our founder that has enabled the Knights to donate more than $125 million a year to charity and provide service to the Church, community, family and youth. An insured member allows the legacy of Father Michael J. McGivney to carry on. Your Knights of Columbus Insurance protects your family, secures your future and supports the Order.
Enough is enough . . . make sure your family is protected. Talk to Rick Morin- your council's fraternal life insurance representative today.
From my family to yours, we wish you a Blessed and Holy Christmas!
District Deputy Article
by Joe Feakes, District Deputy #1
Lately I have heard a lot of discussion about "stewardship". How do we manage our gifts of time, talent, and treasure? Each person's circumstances are different, but I believe that as Knights of Columbus we are given a unique opportunity, along with our families, to truly reach out and share our gifts with others. Stop and consider for a few moments how many people your council's programs touch. Whatever number you come up with will probably be too low. It is almost impossible to measure the cumulative effect of your council's activities.
My point is this. I absolutely believe that membership recruitment and our insurance program are very important to the success of our councils and the order. These areas are primarily for our internal benefit. It is through well-planned and well-executed programs that we can share our gifts with others. I again ask each council member to make an effort to participate in at least one council activity each quarter. You will feel better for the experience, your council will be stronger, and someone else will know that you cared.
The first half of our fraternal year is rapidly coming to a close. I have learned a great deal these past few months. Thanks to all who shared their gifts with me. Much work remains to be done. Recent circumstances have caused the curtailment of several of our activities. Let's focus now with new energy on the services we can provide to our families, friends, communities, and our Church.
Two thousand years ago we each received the greatest gift of all in the form of a little baby boy. Let us give thanks for that gift, a gift that never goes out of style, never breaks, and I hope we never loose.
On behalf of our District Warden, Yen Le, and our wives, Nu and Lynn, I wish you and your loved ones all the joy and happiness of the season. May God bless you and your families, bless the Knights of Columbus, and our country. Vivat Jesus!
Council Hosts Third Degree
by Chairman PGK Bob Caron
Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council, using the parish center at St. Patrick's Parish, hosted the exemplification of the Third Degree of the Order on Friday, November 15, 2002. The Maryland State Council Third Degree Team exemplified the Degree for 37 candidates. A special note of Thanks to the Council members who helped make the evening a success. The kitchen crew was led by Master Chef Jim Padams, assisted by Nick Padams, Bill Zurek and Vince Pistolessi. Set up was done by Nick Padams, Bill Wanatosky, Sumi Arima, PGK and DD Joe Feakes and PGK Bob Caron. Acting as guards were Doug Ketter and Bill Gulban with assistance from Nick Padams. Clean up crew consisted of PGK and DD Joe Feakes, PGK Gerry Becker, GK Rick Allison, DGK Innocent d'Almeida and PGK Bob Caron. Thanks to all for a job well done.
Council 6793 Charity Corporation Nomination and Election of Officers
by Rick Allison, GK
The Charity Corporation is holding special elections at the council meeting on February 10, 2003 as part of the business meeting. The elections are for the full slate of corporate officers, President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. These positions meet quarterly to review the status of the funds management and to disburse charitable donations per the council bylaws.
The officers of the corporation do not have to be officers in the council. The positions are open to any member in the third section. The corporation president overseas the meetings and acts as the officer of record, calling and holding meetings for the business of the corporation. The Vice President acts as the back-up for the President. The secretary takes any notes during the meetings. The Treasurer maintains the accounts through quarterly statements, makes deposits as required, and writes any necessary checks to disburse funds to charities.
The purpose of the Charity Corporation is to manage charitable funds for the council and provide a lawful tax-deductible entity to accept donations on behalf of the council.
Currently the Charity Corporation manages the Car donation program. This entails accepting the donation funds from the auto program manager, making the deposits and then disbursing funds for advertising and to the council charity funds.
As you can see this is an important but not very demanding set of operations. Please think about serving or recommend someone to either Joe Feakes or myself. Nominations will be accepted up till the last day of January 2003. Please do consider and volunteer for these important positions.
A Matter of Life and Death
by Rick Allison, GK
I am happy to report that we shall soon receive 500 K of C License plate frames. These frames are to be mounted around the rear license plate of your cars. They will provide a very powerful visual tool to combat the "Culture of Death". Each frame will have been blessed to strengthen the message that life in all its forms and stages is sacred. At the top of each frame are the words Knights of Columbus, at the bottom boldly emblazoned in raised red letters is the phrase "Choose Life!"
These frames are a gift to every brother knight within the council. The frames are also available to any other Knight or friends for a donation of any amount to help expand the numbers of frames displayed.
I would like to thank Brother Knight Ben Santiati, for his zealous efforts to bring this pivotal pro-life action to fruition. His tireless efforts and his idea for this creative delivery of the pro-life message is an inspiration.
To reserve your frames and for assistance to install them, call Ben Santiati at 301-774-6636. When the frames arrive we will schedule a press event with the Cardinal, Bishops, and our Parish Priests to bless the frames and install them.
Pro-Life Report
by Ben Santaiti, Pro-Life Chairman
Cardinal McCarrick's Dinner Meeting for Grand Knights and Pro-Life Chairman
The first meeting of this type was held on November 14, 2002 at the K of C Fr. Rosensteel Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to learn of the Archdiocese Pro-Life Programs. The thought was expressed that maybe future meetings would be more casual and also allow for the exchange of Pro-Life project ideas among the various councils.
The meeting was chaired by Tom Grenchik, Director, Pro-Life Office, Archdiocese of Washington. Tom identified the following projects or area of interest:
Upcoming events:
Annual Memorial Mass
by Bill Gulban
Annual Memorial Mass Concludes with Prayers for the Souls of the Faithful Departed
On Thursday, November 21, the council Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick's Church at 7 pm. Some 49 council brothers, 14 brother's wives, and other council brothers whose widows participate in our council activities were remembered. St. Patrick's parishioners and guests were also included in the worship. Fr. Donald Worch, Sr. Associate of St. Patrick's Church, was the Mass celebrant. Participants in the Mass such as altar servers, readers and widows were all associated with our council. The council is grateful for the cantor and organist, Mrs. Marion Spahn, Director of Music and Dr. Nicolas Catravas, organist, both of St. Patrick's Church for offering their time to make the Liturgical program complete.
My thanks and appreciation goes to the following brother Knights who made our Memorial Mass a successful memory event. Henry "Bud" Aaron and John Devine for altar serving, Chuck Cozad and Rick Allison for being great readers, Deacon Jim Nalls for his role, and Joe Feakes for distributing the programs. A special thanks and appreciation go to Barbara Mazonkey who arranged for the 5 pm dinner at the Madison Restaurant for the council widows and members prior the Mass, the arrangement of widows for the spiritual Mass offering, and the flowers gifted to honor the Virgin Mary.
A significant tribute to the deceased council brothers is the plaque bearing their engraved names was first displayed prominently at the altar. During the prayers of The Faithful at Mass Rick Allison, our Grand Knight, read each of the names followed by a bell sounded at the organ.
Making our Memorial Mass event complete was another community action that followed the Mass was the serving of refreshments at the St. Patrick's Parish Center to all who attended. For this, thanks go to Innocent d'Almeida.
Join Us for Christmas Caroling
Every December for the past dozen years a group of Knights and families from our Council have been spent an hour singing Christmas Carols at Montgomery General Hospital. Come and join us as we roam the halls singing familiar favorites to patients and medical staff. No talent required, just a holiday spirit and an hour of your time.
We will meet in the main lobby a few minutes before 7 pm on Thursday, December 12th. Just plan on showing up--songbooks are provided. If you have any questions, please call Steve Goldhammer at 301-570-9613.
December Ordination Anniversary
December 28--Rev. Mark T. Garrow, M.I.C.
A VERY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO FR. MARK!!!!!!!
Health for K of C Membership Longevity
by Bill Gulban
Forgetfulness: It's not always what you think. I know that I can count over 10 council brothers who are bothered about forgetfulness. Many older people worry about becoming more forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. In the past, memory and confusion were considered a normal part of aging. Memory disorders threaten to affect personhood at an essential level. This prospect is frightening to most people. However, scientists now know that most people remain alert and able as they age, although it may take them longer to remember things.
Memory loss ranges from age-associated memory impairment, which indicates a normal degree of forgetfulness, to dementias such Alzheimer's Disease (AD), which can have a profound effect on a person's ability to function. AD, the most common form of dementia, affects 4 million Americans. According to the American Academy of Neurology, 10% of people older than 65 and 50% of people age 85 and older suffer from AD. The National Institutes of Health estimate that there will be 8.5 million Americans with AD by the year 2030.
Although AD is irreversible, memory impairment resulting from other causes, such as depression or thyroid problems, can often be improved with treatment. As for AD, a better understanding of this disease should lead to improved treatments and, someday, a cure.
Age-associated memory Impairment: A certain amount of forgetfulness is to be expected with age. In the vast majority of cases, having difficulty recalling a name or a word is normal and by no means symptomatic of dementia. An adage can serve to assure those who are occasionally forgetful: " You need not worry if you forget where you put your car keys; you only need to worry if you forget what they're used for." The difference between normal forgetfulness that increases with age-known clinically as age-associated memory impairment-and serious dementia is that the former is not disabling.
The memory lapses associated with age-associated memory impairment are most likely to occur when a person is tired, sick, distracted, or under stress. Under better, less stressful circumstances, the same person is usually able to remember the necessary information with ease. Indeed, studies repeatedly show that older people who do poorly on timed tests actually do as well as or better than their college-age counterparts when they are permitted to work at their own pace.
Methods to assist memory: Although age- associated memory impairment is common and is not a sign of a serious neurological disorder, it can be frustrating and socially embarrassing. While there is no way to eliminate completely the minor memory lapses that occur with age-associated memory impairment, a number of strategies can improve overall memory ability at any age. In my next article I plan to discuss tips for maintaining and improving your memory.
"I can't remember where else I read more information" ?? See you in continuance of this article next month. This article is supported by the brochure from National Institutes of Health and by John Hopkins White Papers.
Please Join Our Christmas Raffle to Assist the Seminarian Support Fund
by Bill Ketter
The Christmas raffle has about three weeks remaining. Approximately 121 tickets have been purchased by November 20, 2002. This would provide approximately $605.00 to the Fund, which would support slightly more than one seminarian.
What the Council needs if we are going to give Stipends to more than five or six seminarians are for more Council members to step forward and also make a donation in addition to buying the raffle chance. These donations could be in the neighborhood of $5., $10, $15, $25 or even higher. The Council realizes that it is a lot to ask of its members but we feel this program is justified. We ask that you consider participating in the raffle, or if you dislike raffles, consider making a donation to the Seminarian Support Fund. If you feel that you cannot participate please return your ticket so that it can be sold to someone else.
It would be encouraging if the Council could present stipends to seven, eight, or even nine seminarians or postulates again this year.
Entertainment 2003
ATTENTION-LAST DAY FOR SALES IS JANUARY 2nd!!!
Again this year, Fr. Maher Council is selling the Entertainment books. The 2003 Book can be used as soon as it is purchased!! The price is still only$35.00 and the number of places that accept the coupons has been increased from past years. Remember the Entertainment Book 2003 would make a fine gift for anyone on your holiday gift list.
We will be selling the books during the St. Peter's Christmas Bazaar and Breakfast with St Nick on December 7th. Look us Up!!!!
To order your book(s) please send us your Name, full address along with your telephone number and a check for $35.00 for each book you wish to purchase. We will deliver the book(s) that you have ordered. Send your order to the following address: Knights of Columbus P.O. Box 570 Olney, Maryland 20830
If you have any questions, Please call William E. Ketter, PGK at 301-570-8959.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: _________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________ Home telephone No.: ___________________________________ Number of Books: ______________________________________ Type of book desired: ___Washington D.C./Maryland Ultimate ___Washington D.C./Northern Virginia Ultimate ___Greater Baltimore Area Ultimate
(Write in the number of books desired!)
Community Service Event-Report on Halloween Festival
by Chairman Jim Padams
Our Council's third annual Halloween Party was a repeat success thanks to the Committee of Brother Knights and their wives (33 in number). Volunteers donated 225 "man hours" of their time and talent and our Council paid for the major expenses. Generous donations of gifts by brother Knights and gifts from various area Business establishments gave us enough prizes to award every guest present a door prize and a candy "goody" bag.
A complete dinner and dessert was prepared and served to 110 guests. There was a special Photo Booth for everyone to have a souvenir photo taken. A professional entertainer, "Unicycle Lady", was hired for a show of magic and acrobatics. This was the hit of the evening.
Food was purchased, prepared and transported to the facility as well as all the decorations and prizes. Some members carved Jack-O-Lanterns which were used a decorations and prizes. The Council donated several Teddy Bears, Tootsie Rolls and pencils for the goody bags. All in all this was a very gratifying experience both for the Brogther Knights as well as for the cvery thankful gues from Inwood House.
Thanks to Committee Members:
| Bertha & Jim Padams | Paul MacFarland | Bill Gulban | Mary & Chuck Cozad |
| Catherine Feakes | Jim Bonanno | Innocent & Donna d'Almeida | Tim Boland |
| Bill Zurick | Lisa & Gene Kane | Jim & Barbara Roark | Gerry & Judy Becker |
| Bill & Nadine Ketter | Lynn & Joe Feakes | Rick & Nancy Allison | Betty & John Neesen |
| Pam & Mike Degnan | Nick Padams | Steve & Marilyn Goldhammer | Bob & Barbara Mazonkey |
| Ben Santaiti |
Letter from Francis Robacker to Grand Knight
Hi Rick:
Welcome from Florida. As you know, we have moved to Florida, effective, Oct. 15, 2002. Our new address is 8635 SE 177th Grassmere St., The Villages, FL 32162.
This is to inform you that because of this permanent move, I am resigning as a member of the Board of Directors of the Fr. Maher Charity Corporation. It was a pleasure serving the Fr. Maher Council as the Chairman of the committee responsible for founding this Corporation. I wish you, as Grand Knight, and the council well in the coming year. Thanks for all you do for the members and the community at large.
God Bless you,
Francis J. Robacker, PGK
Letter From Bill Ketter To Grand Knight
Dear Rick:
On July 1, 2003, I will have been the council's Financial Secretary for 23 years. That is nearly a quarter of a century. It is a long time and maybe it is too long because as we get older we become set in our ways and just are not as flexible as before. It has now become time that I hereby submit my resignation as Financial Secretary of Father Peter Paul Maher Council effective June 30, 2003 because of my Parkinson's Disease. Financial Secretaries accept an appointment of three years and if our work is acceptable we can be reappointed for three more years, and on and on! My last appointment will end on June 30, 2003.
If I were not resigning, then some time prior to July 1st you as the Grand Knight would receive some papers to evaluate me on how I carried out my F.S. duties during the past three years. Now, it will be your duty along with the trustees to come up with more than one candidate for the Supreme Council to select the next financial secretary for Father Maher Council.
I will certainly miss this job and will have to come up with new things to fill my time. As most of you know I have Parkinson Disease and have had it for 12-15 years. I have not driven a car for probably 5-6 years now. As some of you also know I loved to do degree work and was on the Council's First Degree Team since its inception and I also had a part on the District's Second-degree team since the institution of Fr. Maher Council. I had to give those Parts up when my extra movements became too bad and when I started to freeze up. It is hard to sit through those degrees; in fact many times I sit and try to determine if the new degree team members leave anything out because I still remember the parts.
Rick, you will probably have some trouble sorting out what the new financial secretary's duties are. I have accepted many jobs that were not necessarily the duty of the Fin. Sec. Good luck in trying to sort this out and still get all the work done. I will be around and I will offer my service if I can be of use to you in any way.
Thank you and all the past Grand Knights for accepting me as their Financial Secretary. I tried to serve the Council in the best possible way at all times. I hope that recently as my Parkinson's disease continued to progress, that I did not disgrace you or the Council in any way!
Thank you for everything!
Bill Ketter 11-21-2002