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March 2003
VOLUME XXVII ISSUE 9
Contents . . .
Grand Knight's Message
Me fellow Knights,
Faith and begora, may Jaysus, Mary and Joseph be looking doon upon ye. Sure ain't I the one tae be talking wit an aksent. March be the month of Spring, the Glorious Saint Patrick an when all and sundry wanna tae be a bit of the pride of Erin. Aye tis true, scratch and American and ye find a Irishmen.
Yes that's right, Its time for the 2nd Annual Irish Evening. We have the same glorious repast planned as last year, Nancy's Irish Stew and Brown bread. Youse guys bring a dessert, and good Irish cheer. We'll have soft drinks and beer. I have also lined up a 3or 4 piece Irish session/Ceilidh for our musical enjoyment. No river dance yet booked, but who knows. This event is March 22nd in the St. Peter's hall at 8:00 pm.
The Allison family looks fur ye tae be at the flah enjoying traditional Irish tunes, the whole nicht through.
March is also the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday is the 5th of March. During this Lenten period we should be thinking and trying to be more Christ like. Traditionally Catholics "give-up" something for lent. Let's be different, look at your lifestyle, do you see anything that isn't Christian? Are you focused on earning instead of giving? When was the last time you spent time as a family without the distractions of school, sports, business or other activities?
We are Knights, our mandate is to exemplify the knightly virtues of Prowess, Courage, Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Faith, Courtesy, and Franchise. We exemplify these virtues in our code of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.
Charity, this tenet recalls the virtues of Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Faith, Courtesy and Franchise. Unity, causes us to adhere to the virtues of Prowess, Courage, Honesty, and Loyalty. Fraternity, calls forth the virtues of Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Courtesy, and Franchise. Patriotism uses the virtues of Prowess, Courage, Loyalty, and Faith.
Let us each use this Lenten time to refocus ourselves to the tenets of the order and live them along with the knightly virtues to the best of our ability.
Vivat Jesus et Salve Regina
Rick Allison, Grand Knight
Insurance Article
by Rick Morin, FICF/LUTCF, Your K of C Insurance Agent (301) 384-7627
A WIDOW'S WORLD IS A TOUGH ONE
When a man dies, so does his income. His pension is usually cut in half. His widow gets her husband's social security...but loses hers. His group life insurance has been eliminated or greatly reduced.
Welcome to the world of our widows, gentlemen. Statistically your death will put her at or below the poverty level. Now she must survive for another 10-15 years or longer.
Perhaps now is the time, for your K of C agent to help you do the planning that's necessary to avoid this situation. If you don't crunch the numbers with a pro...you're guessing with the amateurs.
There is too much on the line not to nail this one down, my brother knights. Call me today.
District Deputy Article
by Joe Feakes, District Deputy #1
We live in troubled times. It is possible that by the time you read this message our whole world may have changed. There is uncertainty all around us. Often we may feel that there is no escape. THERE IS!
You have been given a special gift-a spiritual life raft. It is your Catholic Faith. There is no better time than now to put "your devotion into motion". One way to do this was given to you at your First Degree. At that ceremony you received the Rosary of Our Lady. Do you know where it is? There is no more powerful prayer in your arsenal of weapons. I encourage you to use it as often as you can.
As Knights of Columbus we define ourselves as a Catholic, Fraternal, Family, Service Organization. Now we have another opportunity to live up to those words. Many councils have activities in all our program areas that they do every year. In these unusual times are there special occasions where we can render assistance to our church, community, council, family, and youth? My guess is that there is. I bet that if you asked your Council Chaplain he could come up with a few.
Of course, the more often we are involved the more often others see us and learn about the Knights. The result is membership. This is not membership for the sake of numbers, rather it is offering to other men and their families the chance to better their faith and find that comfort for which they may be searching. Make some room in your life raft.
On a happier note, we are planning a district-wide art auction in May. It will be held at Fr. Rosensteel (Council 2169) on Friday, May 9, 2003 beginning at 7 o'clock p.m. The proceeds of this event will go to the Joseph P. Kennedy Institute. Please mark your calendars. You will be receiving more information shortly. The tickets are only $10 each for an entire evening of fun, food, and fellowship. Tickets will be available shortly from your Grand Knight.
One of the truly distinct privileges available to any Knight of Columbus is to take the Fourth Degree, the Patriotic Degree. How appropriate that would be. I highly recommend that you search out your council's Fourth Degree representative and get all the necessary information. I believe you might still have enough time to take this degree at the Fourth Degree Exemplification on April 6 in the Washington District.
There are many activities coming up soon at the state level. Don't forget about the Baltimore Basilica Restoration Project. Check your council newsletter. As we enter the season of Lent, please pray that Almighty God watch over the wonderful world He created; that Jesus saved; that the Holy Spirit guides.
Yen and I, Lynn and Nu will keep you and your loved ones in our prayers.
Vivat Jesus
Communion Breakfast
by Bill Gulban, Church Activities 301-774-0424
The Communion Breakfast that was scheduled on April 27th at St. Peter's Hall has been changed to a Communion Brunch on the same date, starting at 1 pm and ending at 3 pm. We are advertising in the Bulletin at St. Peter's for this event the two Sundays before. We need 8 Brother Knights to help staff this event, setting up, serving and cleaning up. Please call Rick Allison to help or reserve space at this event.
License Plate Frame Project
by Ben Santaiti, Pro-Life Committee, 301-774-6636
As I age, a thought that frequently passes through my mind is my pending Big ONE on ONE meeting with Jesus. I feel sure He is going to ask me (and all people) "What have you done for Me?" (in the Gospels, Jesus says, "What you have done for the least of My children, you have done for Me").
Many of my brother Knights in Council 6793 and in Councils throughout the United States now have an opportunity to answer His question with: "I helped save some of Your babies; I helped reverse the 'Culture of Death' to a culture of LIFE in the United States."
So far our CHOOSE LIFE! tag frame project has been published in two monthly Council newsletters and to date I have NOT received one phone call asking for "CHOOSE LIFE" tag frames. All it takes is a few minutes and you will then proudly show you are both Pro-Life and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Do something now! Be ready to answer His question!
Financial Secretary's Comments
by William E. Ketter, PGK
On February 21, 2003, from the 438 dues statements mailed to members, 241 have responded by paying either a full year's dues or a partial payment. Also, there are 33 members that are honorary life members, who are excused from paying dues and there are 12 members that were not charge any dues by the Council because they are permanent deacons or seminarians. As of this date the Council has 149 members that have not paid any of their 2003 dues. These members have until March 15th to make a dues payment before the second quarter dues statements are mailed. Again, most members of Father Maher Council have done an excellent job of taking care of their 2003 dues obligations.
Council members received a letter several years ago from the Maryland State Council announcing the issuance of new K. of C. auto tags. Approximately 20 members have ordered these tags. If any of the new members are interested in ordering the tags, please call me at (301) 570-8959 and I will send you the form. The tags cost a "one time" additional $25.00 of which approximately $15.00 goes to the Motor Vehicle Administration and the remaining $10.00 remains with the Maryland State Council for their Scholarship Fund.
Health for K of C Membership Longetivity
by Bill Gulban
In continuance to my article in the last February newsletter, I want to extend a bit more on techniques that possibly slows aging. As indicated previously that ongoing research on oxidation and hormones may eventually yield practical therapies that extend life, there is nothing panning out yet.
Antioxidants. Numerous nutrients-including vitamins C and E, the carotenoid beta-carotene, the mineral selenium, and a host of other obscure chemicals in plant foods-can fight oxidation, at least in the lab. But studies testing antioxidant supplements in humans haven't had the hoped-for results, possibly because the nutrients must work in concert with other substances in food to be safe and effective. For now, the best way to get antioxidants is to eat lots of plant foods, which clearly help ward off disease.
Hormones. Certain hormone supplements-notably estrogen, testosterone, human growth hormone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, a precursor of estrogen and testosterone)-do have some benefits in some people. Estrogen builds bone and may fight colon cancer in postmenopausal women; testosterone may restore sex drive to some men and women; and testosterone, along with human growth hormone and DHEA, may increase muscle mass and reduce fat in older people.
But all those supplements either definitely or probably pose serious risks. For example, a recent clinical trial showed that the risks of estrogen supplements-notably breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke-outweighed its benefits. The little research done on the other supplements suggest that human growth hormone increases the risk of diabetes, and that testosterone and DHEA may promote prostrate-cancer growth and clogged arteries. For now, no one should take hormones except to correct clearly abnormal and dangerous deficiencies, or possibly to treat specific health problems for a limited time, such as estrogen to prevent menopause-related hot flashes. This article is supported by Consumer Reports on Health.
SAFER SNOW SHOVELING. After one of the worst snowstorms in our region's history I thought it is timely to add a short article by focusing on how to deal with snow removal for winter safety. While many of you have already experienced aching back, and muscles, through removal of our recent 2 feet of snow, it is possible that more snow weather is due before the first day of spring, March 21. That beautiful fresh snow on the ground can be treacherous. But since sidewalks and driveways must be cleared, here's how to protect your heart, bones, joints, and muscles while you work.
Guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggest warming up with 10 minutes of light exercise such as marching in place, rolling your shoulders, swinging your arms, and flexing your knees. Drink a glass of water before you start and more if you feel thirsty while shoveling.
Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles, and watch for icy patches. One recommendation is to use a shovel with an S-shaped handle. Before the snow gets too deep and packed down, then shovel again later if necessary. Or clear off the top two inches, take a break, then tackle the next two inches. As you work, hold the shovel close to your body. If possible, push the snow out of the way. If you must lift, don't bend at the waist; instead, squat with your legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Scoop up small amounts of snow, using your legs to lift. Avoid tossing the snow; the twisting motion can hurt your back. Instead, carry shovelfuls to the snow pile.
If you have back problems, consider getting a snow blower. If you don't exercise regularly or if you worry that a health condition makes shoveling unwise, talk to your doctor. If you feel chest pain or discomfort in your jaw, back, or while shoveling, stop, call your doctor immediately, and take an aspirin. These could be symptoms of a heart attack.
This article is written due to a result of some of my own experience and some is supported by Consumer Reports on Health.
Father Canice Treacy Memorial College Scholarship Fund
Each year, Father Peter Paul Maher Council 6793, Knights of Columbus offers scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors who has been accepted as full time students to an accredited college or university following their senior high school year. We are pleased to announce that the Council's fund is being renamed the Father Canice Treacy Memorial College Scholarship Fund.
Any graduating high school senior (Catholic or Non-Catholic) is eligible to apply for a grant under this fund, provided that they reside within the geographic limits of the Parishes of Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Norbeck, Maryland and Saint Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Olney, Maryland. Students shall also be eligible if they are the child or grandchild of a member in good standing of Council #6793 or the child or grandchild of a deceased member of the Council who was in good standing at the time of his death, regardless of residence.
This year, the Council hopes to make awards up to $1,000 to several 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 applications is Friday, May 2, 2003. Scholarships will be awarded in June of this year.
Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss
Irish Evening -- March 22 -- 8pm till 10pm
The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring an Irish evening to celebrate St. Patrick's day. We'll have an Irish session band playing traditional Irish tunes, while we share stew and pot luck desserts. There will be an Irish Themed coloring contest for the kids. All who wish to attend please call Rick Allison at 301 260-7950. If you and your family wish to attend please bring a dessert to share. The Knights are providing an taste of Irish Stew (Nancy Allison's recipe), as well as Irish brown bread and drinks. Hope to see many of you at this gathering.
St. Peter's Lenten Soup Kitchen - April 10th -- 8pm till 10pm
The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a Pot luck Lenten Soup with a Living rosary and Children's pretzel making. All who wish to attend please call Rick Allison at 301 260-7950. If you and your family wish to attend please bring a pre-boiled or pre-cooked portion of vegetables for each person, a soup bowl and a spoon. The Knights are providing a Vegetable stock broth for your vegetables, as well as flat bread and drinks. Hope to see many of you at this faith based Lenten gathering.
Communion Brunch -- April 27th -- 1pm till 3pm
The Knights of Columbus invite the parishioners of St. Peter's Church together to join us for a communion brunch in the Parish hall after the 1215 Mass. The catered brunch menu is juice, milk, coffee, tea, hot scrambled eggs, sausage links, hash brown potatoes, and an assortment of cold cuts and rolls. Followed by an enjoyable program for the family. RESERVATIONS 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. Reservations and are available from Bill Gulban 301-774-0424, Innocent d'Almeida 301-871-6156, or Rick Allison 301 260 7950. 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.