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January 2003
VOLUME XXVII ISSUE 7
The Council Wishes You and Your Family a Happy and Joyful New Year!
Good Brother Knights: The Fr. Maher Council 6793 of the Knights of Columbus HAS MOVED!
ALL Executive, Normal Business, Social, and other working commitee meetings will now be held at the Marians Facility on Georgia Avenue north of Olney.
ALL meeting dates and times remain as scheduled. Degrees will be held either at St. Peter's or St. Patrick's Parish halls as we can get scheduled.
Rick Allison, Grand Knight
Contents . . .
Grand Knight's Message
by Rick Allison
I have had much trouble assembling a message for this month. I wanted to exhort you to defend and support the church in her hours of need by speaking out as the supporters of our Pontiff to keep the American Catholic church one and wholly apostolic. Thank-you to all those who speak out and take actions to actively support our Priests and religious, especially thank-you to all those Brothers who helped to support our Seminarian program, building true and faithful leaders of our most holy Catholic church.
I also wanted to encourage you to install a license plate frame to "choose life", assisting all who hold life sacred in all its forms through this positive action. Silently, yet loudly proclaiming our belief and defense of life every time someone drives their car behind yours. Thank-you to Brother Ben Santaiti, who is ready willing and able to assist in installing the frames. I also wished to strongly remind each of us to look to our families and the future of our children in this time of religious and national crisis. The threat of terror is turned doubly upon our way of life and culture. Not just the extreme non-Christian and pagans without our land but also within. We need to be the leaders to protect our families and our way of life through prayer and action. The terrorist wins when the culture and the society they seek to destroy changes. It is our duty as Knights to stand and be counted, to act as the defenders of freedom, liberty and Christianity. Thank-you to all the brother Knights who wear the uniforms to protect and serve our country, community and society.
Finally, I wanted to tell everyone how proud and pleased I am to serve as the Grand Knight of this council. It is a rare and honorable privilege. We have many talented and very faithful men and families that serve in a much greater capacity than I. Too all of these I must say thank-you. Although I am now halfway through the year, I know in my heart that all we have done has been through the energy and support of all. There are not enough words, certificates or awards I can use to express my gratitude for all you work.
So I guess I did have a bit of a message after all. THANK-YOU and always endeavor to be a true Knight and Catholic Gentlemen.
In service to our Church, our order and our Council, Pax Christos et Salve Regina!
Chaplain's Message
by Fr. Thomas LaHood
For those of you wondering what happened to 2002, welcome to 2003. Actually, some of us are not too upset at the passing of 2002. It has come to be called the "horrible year" for the Church in the United States. I do not need to tell you why. On behalf of all the priests here at St. Peter's and at St. Patrick's, let me thank the Knights of Columbus for your support during this past year. Your unwavering dedication to the Church and to Her priests has been a source of consolation and encouragement to us all. I have been asked frequently how we priests can get through these times. The only answer is to keep going; keep trusting in the Lord and in His people. We hope that this New Year will bring a new beginning of greater fidelity and peace to our beloved Church here in the United States. Please keep praying for the Church and for Her priests. Pray especially to Our Mother for her priests.
A new year is also a time to look at ourselves and see what we can do to better serve our brothers and sisters in the coming year. The Knights provide wonderful opportunities for charitable works. We have a great team of officers who have set up many worthwhile programs for the rest of the fraternal year. Pick a program, call the program director, and volunteer to help. Many programs to be as big and as successful as there are volunteers to help. Please also keep praying for the Council and its officers. We are a fraternity of charity, my brothers. Charity begins with how we relate to each other. If we pray and work together, our Order will be a sign of the Kingdom and a conduit of God's love in the world.
All my prayers and best wishes for the New Year to you and your families.
Your brother, Fr. Thomas LaHood
Insurance Article
by Rick Morin, FICF/LUTCF, Your K of C Insurance Agent (301) 384-7627
Why Don't You Belong?
In 1882, our Order's founder, Fr. Michael J. McGiveny, had the awesome responsibility of finding a way of providing financial security to the many husbands, widows and orphans of the Catholic immigrants coming into the United States. What Fr. McGivney did was to ask each parishioner to contribute whatever they could toward a special fund that would be used for the benefit of a fellow parishioner who became ill, disabled or died. When the fund was depleted, the "hat" was passed around again. This idea of providing financial security, at a time when it is most needed, was the primary reason for the founding of the Knights of Columbus.
Our Order has never lost sight of this original goal. Today, Fr. McGiveny's dream is realized through the insurance arm of our fraternity. Our Life Insurance program is the envy of the industry. We have consistently been awarded the highest accolades. Our programs are available to all Brother Knights, their spouses and their children; under the age of 18. Furthermore, a portion of every dollar that is spent on life insurance premiums with the Order is funneled right back into the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus itself.
You joined the Knights of Columbus because you believed in the good works and morality of the Order. Our insurance program is run "by Brother Knights, for Brother Knights and their families." Since everyone has a need for life insurance, why not let the Order you trust -- be your life insurance provider. There is nothing better you could do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Your participation safeguards your family, supports the Order and the ideals you believe in and benefits Holy Mother Church! What a wonderful fraternal benefit!
Give me a call. I'll arrange a convenient time to talk about our life insurance, long-term care, annuities and retirement programs.
District Deputy Article
by Joe Feakes, District Deputy #1
Happy New Year to all! I hope you and your family enjoyed the happiest and holiest of holidays. Now it is time to get back to work. We have much to do as we begin the second half of this fraternal year. The most important task awaiting us is Membership. There are still councils that have yet to bring a single new member. This has to change. Can you recall the simple recruitment formula? All you have to do is ASK. We all should be eager to share this wonderful experience called the Knights of Columbus with our family and friends. The Knights is a unique opportunity for men and their families to express their Catholic faith.
Another project we are facing is the support for the restoration of the Baltimore Basilica. As you may know, the Maryland State Council has pledged $50,000 towards this renovation by promoting the special "Vacation $$$ Raffle". The tickets are $1.00 each and your council keeps $.40 of each ticket sale. If you have not received your tickets check with your Grand Knight.
Don't forget about your programs. The weather outside may be frightful, but there are plenty of opportunities for inside activities such as communion breakfasts, superbowl parties, dances, movie nights, and more. Be creative. We want to have as many people involved in the planning of events as possible, as well as participating in the activity.
It's not too early to think the upcoming fraternal year. If you are interested in running for a council office, or would like to be a committee chairman or serve as a committee member, tell your Grand Knight. Talk to the men who are currently in these positions and get their feedback. Every man has a unique talent that can benefit the council. The Knights of Columbus needs you.
My sincere thanks to all members and their families for a very successful first six months. On behalf of your District Warden, Yen Le, I offer our continued support and service. Please do not hesitate to call on us for any assistance that we may provide.
Vivat Jesus!
Breakfast with Santa is a Resounding Success!!
by Rick Morin
Many thanks to all our brother knights for helping to make St. Peter's Parish "Breakfast with Santa" on Saturday December 7 a success.
5:30 am might be a little early for many of us, but the fellowship, hot coffee and Christmas music was not in short supply. The kitchen crew and serving staff was once again up to the challenge of delivering the "goods" to some 1000 hungry patrons.
Thank you to Brs. James Murray, Innocent d'Almeida, Bob Caron, Jim Padams, John Moore, Jim Bonanno, Greg McCallister, Paul McFarlane, Eugen McMahon, Chris Long, Dana Perry, Bill Gulban, Jim Schwartz, Joe Feakes and GK Rick Allison. I appreciate their "can do" attitude. Ya all done good!!
January Family Communion Breakfast
by Bill Gulban, Church Activities Director
Our Council is inviting the parishioners of St. Patrick's Church together with our Council members to attend our Sunday, January 19th, Communion breakfast to be held at St. Patrick's Parish Center. The last breakfast, in September 2002, we gathered to share fellowship and socialize with some 125 guests at St. Patrick's Parish Center. The plan is for everyone to attend the 9:30 a.m. mass Sunday at St. Patrick's Church and then attend the breakfast at 10:45 a.m.
As is customary, we urge Brother Knights to wear your nametags, get to Church early, and to sit as close to the front as possible. Pews will not be reserved.
The catered breakfast will follow afterwards at the Parish Center. The starting menu is juice, milk, coffee, tea and rugala, with the main menu being hot scrambled eggs, sausage links, has brown potatoes, and an assortment of bagels with butter cream cheeses and jellies. Breakfast seating is limited to the RSVP of January 14. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
RESERVATIONS AND TICKETS ARE NECESSARY. The cost is $7.00 per person for ages 12 and up; $3.00 per person for ages 3 thru 11; and free for children less than 3 years of age.
A "Family ticket" can be purchased for $25.00. Payment is due in advance. Tickets for sale are available from Bill Gulban, Innocent d'Almeida, or Rick Allison.
For reservations call Bill Gulban at 301-774-0424 or Innocent d'Almeida at 301-871-6156. If you get a recording when you call, please leave a message with your name, telephone number, and the number of adult and children's reservations.
Pancake & Sausage Day 2003
MARK YOUR CALENDARS. On Saturday, February 15th, 2003, Father Peter Paul Maher Council along with the LIONS CLUB of Olney will again sponsor the 27th Annual Pancake and Sausage Day. The usual "ALL YOU CAN EAT" breakfast will provide the Council with the major source of funding for our annual College Scholarship Program. The full-page flyer elsewhere in the Newsletter gives the details.
Two important reminders. FIRST: Council Members will be needed to work the dining room from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. This will be done in the usual two shifts of 7:00 am to 11:00 am, which includes set up, and the 11:00 am to 3:00 pm shift which includes take down and clean up. Many hands will make for light work. Contact Bro. Rick Allison (301-260-7950). SECOND: A very important source for the success of the event is the Advertisements in the Program Booklet. Information is on the flyer. Contact Bros. Vince Pistolessi (301-871-3334) or Bill Zurek (301-774-4744) with your ad. Remember, two complimentary tickets are given with each Ad.
Procedural Announcement - Change of Regular Meeting Days
At the Monday, December 9, 2002 General Meeting, Paul McFarlane, Chancellor, made the following motion:
"I make a motion to move our Council's two monthly Business Meetings (normally held the second and fourth Mondays of each month) to the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month beginning Wednesday, January 15, 2003*. Also move that these Business Meetings be held at the Council's new Marian Center location. In addition, I move that the Council's monthly Executive Meetings be moved from the first Monday of each month to the first Wednesday of each month, beginning Wednesday, January 8, 2003. Also move that these Executive Meetings be held at the Council's new Marian Center location."
*Note that the January 8 and 15th dates above are actually the 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays of January. This is necessary because of the January 1, 2003 holiday. In February, the Executive Meeting would be held on the first Wednesday, February 5, 2003, and the first Business Meeting would be held on the second Wednesday, February 12, 2003.
The motion was seconded and there was discussion on the motion. It was agreed that this change required approval by the State Knights of Columbus Council and that it must be published to the entire Council #6793 in the January 2003 newsletter before a final vote and approval could be made.
Meeting Hall Oversight Committee
by Rick Allison
Good Brothers,
I am soliciting members for an oversight team for our new meeting Hall. The team will be headed by our Warden, Brother Knight John Devine. I am seeking four (4) other members. I would like the team to have members from our early inception through to our newest 3rd degree members. It would be extremely helpful if one of the members has been involved with a building committee and/or funding team in the past.
The tasks for this team are as follows:
If you're interested let me know ASAP. Thank you for the prompt responses.
Health for K of C Membership Longetivity
by Bill Gulban
Last month's article on memory I discussed the confusion among some people thinking that forgetfulness was a first sign of Alzheimer's disease whereas it is considered a normal part of aging. There is a number a strategies and tips for maintaining and improving overall memory ability. As people age, they often feel their memory is not what it once was. While age-associated memory impairment is common, many people believe that memory problems are an unavoidable consequence of aging; memory loss is by no means inevitable. Described below are ways to help keep your memory intact and even improve your memory at any age.
Stay Mentally Active. When some people retire, they no longer regularly engage in activities that challenge and stimulate the mind. But staying mentally active is a key part of maintaining your memory, as well as other cognitive skills. Experts recommend doing crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble, studying a foreign language, learning to play a musical instrument, starting a new career or hobby, reading, volunteering at a hospital, or maintaining regular social interactions. Even playing Bingo, chess, or bridge can serve the same purpose. In fact anything stimulates the mind will do.
Stay Physically Active. An adequate blood supply to the brain is necessary for all mental functions, including memory. Regular physical exercise helps to get more to the brain and therefore facilitates better mental functioning. Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes most days of the week is normally enough to do the trick. Activities such swimming, riding a stationary bicycle, or even just walking briskly are good aerobic exercises for people at any age. Strength training, such as weightlifting, and stretching are important, too. If you do not already have an exercise program, talk to your doctor about what type and amount of exercise are best for you
Rule out Other Causes Of Memory Loss. If you suspect you have memory difficulties, consult your doctor. Many medical conditions and other factors can cause reversible memory problems; these include depression, hearing or vision loss, thyroid dysfunction, certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, and stress. Treating these conditions may improve memory. Also, checking for problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood glucose (sugar) is important for maintaining good health and preventing conditions, such as a stroke, that may contribute to poor mental functioning.
Do Not Smoke. Smokers are at greater risk for mental decline that nonsmokers. Smoking may impair mental function by damaging the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain.
Limit Alcohol Consumption. Chronic heavy alcohol consumption can interfere with proper memory function. Experts recommend no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. (One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 4 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80 proof liquor.).
Place Commonly Lost Items In the Same Spot. If you are prone to losing items, such as keys or eyeglasses, choose a place to leave them, and always put them in that spot when not using them. For example, each time you come in the house, put your keys on a specific hook (rather than the kitchen table or coffee table) and keep them here until they are needed again.
Write It Down. If you have trouble remembering phone numbers or appointments, write them down and place the list in a conspicuous spot. Making a daily "to do" list can serve as a reminder of important tasks and obligations. In fact, the mere act of writing notes and making lists reinforces memory.
Say it Out Loud. Saying, "I've turned off the stove," after shutting of the stove will you an extra verbal reminder when you later try to recall whether it is still on. Incorporating someone's name into the conversation just after you have met the person will serve the same purpose. For example, saying, "Very nice to meet you, Jennifer," will help consolidate the memory of this name.
Use Memory Aids. Use a pocket notepad, personal digital assistant, wristwatch alarm, voice recorder, or other aids to help remember what you have to do or to keep track of information.
Using Visual Images. When learning new information, such as someone's name, create a visual image in your mind to make the information more vivid and, therefore, more memorable.
Group Items Using Memory Games. When memorizing lists, names, addresses, etc., try alphabetizing them, grouping them using an acronym (a word made from the first letters of a series of words), or creating a story that connects each element.
Concentrate and Relax. Many environmental stimuli compete for your attention at any given time. To remember something, you need to concentrate on the items to be remembered. Pay close attention to new information that you need to remember and try to avoid or block out distractions. Anxiety and stress can inhibit recall, so slow down and relax when trying to remember information. Learning a relaxation technique, such as deep breathing or muscle-relaxing exercises, may help.
This article is supported by John Hopkins White Papers.
Membership Dues
Membership dues statements were mailed out to the members starting on December 6, 2002. The second notice for the first quarter's dues will be mailed out on February 1, 2003. Members should make every effort to pay their 2003 dues before the February 1st date so the Council will not have to use additional postage, which is also getting more expensive at 37 cents a member. We realize that some members may not be able to pay a full year's dues by that date but we would encourage them to pay one quarter's dues ($10.00) or a half-year's dues ($20.00) at this time. Each time the Council can save 37 cents by not having to mail a second notice, it will mean that the Council can use those funds for our charitable endeavors. The membership of Father Maher Council has done well in the past in paying their dues; let us try to do even better in 2003. As of December 20, 2002, 39 members have paid their dues in full for 2003.