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December 2003
VOLUME XXVIII ISSUE 6
Contents . . .
Grand Knight's Message
Good Brothers,
Advent is here and our Lord's nativity is foremost in our minds. We who have so much must be thankful and appreciative of God's gifts to each of us. In this celebration of salvation let us remember that our heavenly Father gave his Son as our salvation. We are all brothers in this salvation and as Knights we are also Fathers to our children and the children of our brother Knights and fellow Catholics and Christians. Let us remember these other children and bring the salvation and celebration of Christ's sacrifice and God's love to them.
Instead of gifts and money, let's each of us help a child or young adult. Show them the kindness and love our heavenly Father gives us and that Joseph gave to the baby Jesus. Become a mentor, a youth minister, a scout leader, an advocate of the family and defender of the unborn.
Remember our Holy Father in your prayers, and continue to pray for our troops.
I hope to see each of you and yours at the upcoming holiday events:
Rick Allison, GK
Chaplain's Message
We will have troops in harm's way this Christmas. As we shop, decorate, and celebrate let us remember all our troops and their families in our prayers. We have to remember that the Prince of Peace also said that he came for division. In our President's prudential judgment he sent troops to Iraq as part of the war on terror. He and our troops deserve our support and prayers.
The Partial-Birth abortion bill has passed and been signed. Now it's up to the courts. Keep praying for this cause, also. As we welcome the Christ child this Christmas let us pray that our country becomes a place where all babies are welcome.
I wish all of you the happiest and holiest Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Fr. Thomas LaHood
Insurance News
by Rick Morin, FICF/LUTCF Your K of C Agent 301.384.7627
FRATERNAL BENEFITS
If you and your wife are in good health when you retire, you should look carefully at the insurance policy you buy the day you retire.
It is a very special policy. It is only available on the day you retire. It has a fixed premium, often several hundred dollars a month, has no cash value, and does not pay a lump sum, tax-free, to your wife when you die.
It pays only a monthly benefit, and only for those months between your death and your wife's death.
If your wife dies before you, then it pays nothing -- and in most cases your premium continues for the rest of your life.
If you both die about the same time, nothing goes to your heirs.
This may sound like a lousy insurance policy, but it is the biggest seller in the country. It is sold without any sales force, no advertising and no promotion. This is your survivorship option when you retire!
There is a better way, if you can qualify. It is better for you and your wife and your family. A modern permanent life policy can do the exact same thing as the survivorship benefit but with flexibility, cash values growing at a high yield, tax benefits and a heck of a lot cheaper than taking the survivorship option.
If you are closing in on retirement or would like to explore your options -- call me today.
District Deputy Report
by Joe Feakes
"Peace on earth, goodwill to men." Sometimes it seems that something got lost in the translation. These are difficult times. We don't live in a perfect world. However, as Knights of Columbus we have been given the means to handle (not understand) the situation. We have been blessed with the gift of our Catholic faith. To support that gift we have been taught the four principles of our order; Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. There is no better time than now to put them into practice.
The Advent/Christmas season offers us so many opportunities to serve. There are abundant projects in all five of our service areas that could use your help. Don't allow this chance to express your commitment to Columbianism to pass. I would especially encourage you to find those in your community that may be alone for the holidays. I ask that you make a special effort to reach out to them and bring the joy and happiness of the season into their lives.
As I reflect over the past year I can recall many events, some more successful than others, that gave our members and families a chance to make a difference, a chance to serve. What a wonderful thought to have as we enter the time of year when we remember and celebrate the birth of the person who set the standards for servitude.
As we embark on our yearly journey of gift-buying and party-going, I ask that you don't ignore the chances to offer a special gift to the men you see, membership in the Knights of Columbus. Nobody else can make this offer. And this would be a gift they would have the rest of their life, a gift that won't wear out or go out of style. In fact, it could get even better as time goes on.
Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones all the joy and blessings of the season. On behalf of our District Warden, Yen Le, and our wives Nu and Lynn, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Vivat Jesus
Council Hosts Second Degree - December 5th at 7:00 pm
Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council, using the parish center at St. Patrick's Parish, will host the exemplification of the Second Degree of the Order on Friday, December 5, 2003. The First District Second Degree Team will do the honors. Many members of the team are members of Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council # 6793.
This is the eve our "Breakfast with Santa" effort at St. Peter's, and it is not our normal meeting night, but members are encouraged to attend to support the Team and the new Second-Degree Candidates. Any First Degree member of the Council desiring to take the Second Degree should contact the Financial Secretary ASAP (Bro. Ed Ramos 301-924-1898). Only Second Degree or higher members will be permitted to attend the Degree.
If you have any questions contact PGK Bob Caron (301-774-6951).
Council Hosts Third Degree -- Thanks
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 14, 2003. The Maryland State Council Third Degree Team exemplified the Degree for 15 candidates.
A special note of Thanks to the Council members who helped make the evening a success. The kitchen crew was led by DGK Innocent d'Almeida assisted by Warden Harry Bushar, PGK and DD Joe Feakes, Sumi Arima and Chancellor Bill Gulban. Set up was done by Sumi Arima, PGK and DD Joe Feakes and PGK Bob Caron. Acting as guard was Treasure Steve Goldhammer. Clean up crew consisted of PGK and DD Joe Feakes, Warden Harry Bushar, DGK Innocent d'Almeida and PGK Bob Caron. Financial Secretary Ed Ramos was assisted by PGK Bill Ketter. Thanks to all for a job well done.
P.S. I apologize that work took me out of town. Thank-you to all who made this a great success
-- RA, GK
Congratulations & "Thank You"
Volunteers from Father Peter Paul Maher Council did it again! The Halloween Festival at Inwood House (home for the disabled) was a great success.
Our committee of 25 volunteers (Brother Knights and their wives) successfully served and entertained more than 110 guests. The looks on their happy faces was reward enough!
The evening activities included:
--Dinner for 110 plus guests (prepared and served by Brother Knights)
--Professional entertainment by"unicycle lady"
--Photo Booth (personal photo for each guest)
--Prizes (45 in number) awarded for costume competition and many door prizes. Many were donated by brother knights and others were purchased.
Thanks to Committee members: Bertha and Jim Padams; Chuck and Mary Cozad; Joan and Ben Santaiti; Barbara and Jim Roark; Joe and Lynn Feakes; Catherine Feakes; John and Pat Moore; Nancy Allison; Steve and Marilyn Goldhammer; Ellie D'Onofrio; Donna and Innocent D'Almedia; Jim Bonnano; Nick Padams; Pam and Mike Degnan; Betty Neesen; and J. Cummings.
Many thanks go to all who contributed to the prize collection that allowed us to have noteworthy awards. A donation of $200 allowed us to have gift certificates from Westfield Mall as first, second and third main prizes.
This year the administrative Board of Linwood House presented our council a Plague recognizing the service of Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council and their appreciation for the Halloween Festival for the past 5 years.
Church Activities Update
by E.J. Cummings
100 Enjoy Communion Breakfast
On Sunday, November 2, 100 people attended the Communion Breakfast at St. Patrick's Church. In addition to enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by Chesapeake Catering, we were treated to a moving story about the power of the rosary by fellow Knight Ted Daigle and his puppet, Teddy.
I would like to thank all the Knights and their family members who helped with this year's Communion Breakfast. I would especially like to recognize the efforts of Bill Gulban and Innocent d'Almeida who were both instrumental in coordinating this event. In addition, I would like to acknowledge everyone who helped sell tickets, register our guests, and serve breakfast: Harry Bushar, Bob Caron, Homer Chen, Chuck Cozad, Donna d'Almeida, Joe & Lynn Feakes, Gabe Francis, Paul McFarlane, Ben Santaiti, Olivia Sweeney, and members of the Boy Scouts.
A Note of Thanks
by E.J. Cummings
This year's Memorial Mass was held on November 19. Despite the heavy rain, 18 people gathered before mass for dinner at Madison's. Following dinner, mass was celebrated by Fr. LaHood at The Marian Center Chapel.
I would like to recognize the Knights and their family members who helped make this a special occasion: Fr. LaHood for celebrating the mass, Paul Schmitt for singing and arranging the music, Ed Ramos and Chuck Cozad for reading at mass, Bob Maloney and his wife Barbara for bringing flowers and organizing the reception after mass, Bill Ketter for printing the programs, and Innocent d'Almeida for providing transportation, and Bill Gulban for his guidance.
Breakfast with St. Nick - December 6th
Hey we're doin' this again. Your Grand Knight will be the head cook and bottle washer for the 0500 to 12:00 noon shift, along with the State Deputy, District Deputy and members of the council. We could always use some extra hands..
The Lunch shift from about 11ish to 3:00 pm is being organized by your deputy Grand Knight, Innocent D'Almeida. Contact Rick Allison at 301-260-7950 to work the morning and Innocent for the afternoon.
Are You Pro-Life . . . . Everyday?
Divine Mercy Devotion
by John L. Durbin, Grand Knight, Montgomery Council 2323
In order to carry out the DIVINE MERCY HOUR OF PRAYER in honor of our Pope and Priests established at the Supreme Convention and reported in Columbia magazine the following program will begin immediately to pray for our Pope and all Priests. Beginning on the first Friday of November and continuing on all first Friday's during the year, Montgomery Council 2323 through the efforts of St. Mary's Roundtable and St. Mary's Sodality, will be holding Divine Mercy Devotion in Our Lady's Chapel at St. Mary's Parish in Rockville. PGK Carl Fahrner and his wife Helen are St. Mary's Roundtable co-ordinators for all services.
Located within Our Lady's Chapel you will find the Divine Mercy Chapel which contains the portrait of Jesus of Divine Mercy and a portrait of St. Maria Faustina. A first class relic of St. Faustina will be available for veneration. Devotions will include the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Stations of the Cross from 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. The only exception at this time will be on Friday December 5th. On this date the Mother of Mercy Messengers, who travel throughout the United States, will be presenting a uniquely inspiring program on St. Faustina and Jesus of Divine Mercy. Be prepared for an incredible experience that will touch your heart and soul. The program will be in the main church from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
I encourage all brother Knights from all councils in our area and their families, along with all families of St. Mary's Sodality and all parishioners to attend this beautiful and fulfilling devotion on first Fridays.
Christmas Raffle 2003
The proceeds from the Christmas raffle this year will be used for helping our seminarians. In previous years the proceed were used to start the William J. Polli Memorial, to provide funds for the Kennedy Institute as well as to finance the Seminarian Fund.
The Christmas raffle tickets will be sent out by October 25th and the drawing will be at the Council Christmas party as in years past. The Raffle ticket will each cost $10.00. The raffle will be a true 50/50 raffle in that one half of the proceeds will go to the Seminarian Support Fund and one half will go toward the raffle prizes. Probably no more than 400 tickets will be sold.
Watch for the letter which will be sent with one raffle ticket as it will contain much more information. We hope the members will participate and be generous as in years past.
When you receive this letter please read it carefully because the raffle this year is being run by the Fr. Peter Paul Maher Knights of Columbus Charity Corporation. By running the raffle under the auspices of the Charity Corporation it allows us to make one half of the ticket price deductible on your income taxes. Also any donations which are made by the members are also deductible. The Charity Corporation hopes that the members will be generous!
Membership News
by Homer Chen
Let's extend our sincere congratulations and warm welcome to the following new Brother Knights Kevin Petitt who joined our council in October and Brett C. Beehler, Mark W. Lentz, Emanuel J. Kokotakis and James E. Riedford who joined our Council in November.
We now have 5 new members since July; a good start of our membership recruitment drive. We still have long way to reach the target number of 22. We must continue our effort and try harder to invite our family members, friends, fellow parishioners and co-workers to join us. Many of them are waiting to be asked.
For membership information and application forms, please call Bill Ketter at 301-570-8959 or Homer Chen at 301-460-0580.
Christmas Raffle Progress
by Bill Ketter
As of November 22, 2003 141 members have purchased 168 raffle tickets and have donated $605.00 to the Seminarian Fund of the Fr. Peter Paul Maher K. of C. Charity Corp. I would certainly like to congratulate all who have participated. They have done themselves proud.
I would say that a lot of members are sitting back and waiting for Joe to do it! Fr. Maher members let us get in there and participate in this raffle to assist seminarians. In 2002 the raffle ended with 148 members participating, they purchased 181 tickets and donated over $890.00 to the Seminarian Fund.
Fr. Maher members, let us purchase those raffle tickets and/or make sizable donations to the Seminarian Fund. The way it looks now the Council may be able to present $500.00 stipends to possibly 5 seminarians while in 2002 we present these stipends to eight seminarians. Let us every one get on the band wagon and purchase these raffle tickets and/or make donations!
Health for K of C Membership Longetivity
by Bill Gulban
New miracle drug: Your Morning Coffee. We all know that caffeine makes us more alert. But did know that it can be a powerful drug with remarkable healing powers? For decades, asthma sufferers have gotten relief from caffeine. Recent findings have shown that it also helps prevent Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease...limits stroke damage...and reduces the incidence of skin, colon, and breast cancers. Mopping up damaging free radicals, it is a stronger antioxidant than vitamin C.
In addition to preventing illness, caffeine can help us in our day-to-day lives by doing everything from boosting mood to maximizing weight loss.
Is there a downside? Scientific studies looking at tens of thousands of people have shown that caffeine is not the villain it has been made out to be. For example, despite what many people think, it does not cause or exacerbate hypertension or heart problems.
Some people experience insomnia or "jitters" after having a lot of caffeine. These and other side effects usually disappear when it is consumed regularly or in a smaller amount. Pregnant women should limit caffeine. More than 300 milligrams (mg) a day raises risk of miscarriage. Check with your doctor.
How it works. Many of the day-to-day benefits we receive from caffeine stem from its effects on neurotransmitters, the chemicals that regulate communication between nerve cells. Caffeine boosts the effects of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which improve mood. It also boosts levels of acetylcholine, neurotransmitter that improve short-term memory. Scientists at the National Addiction Centre in London studied more than 9,000 people and found that those who ingested caffeine scored higher on tests of reaction times, reasoning and memory. Other studies have shown that caffeine improves IQ test scores.
As little as 100 mg of caffeine--the amount in four ounces of drip-brewed coffee--boosts mood and memory. Larger amounts--200 mg or more--are needed for optimal mental or physical performance. You won't develop a tolerance to the beneficial effects of caffeine. If 300 mg helps you run faster the first time you take it, the same dose will the deliver the same benefit even after taking caffeine for years. It takes about 15 minutes for caffeine to kick in. The effects usually last three to four hours, but varies from person to person. Women who take oral contraceptives metabolize caffeine more slowly and may feel the effects twice as long. Smokers metabolize caffeine more quickly and experience a shorter "buzz". The amount of caffeine that is "right" for you also varies by the individual. A small number of people can barely tolerate a 50-mg dose of caffeine, while others can have 500 mg or more every day with no problems. Start with about 100 mg in the morning, and gradually increase your dose until you experience the benefits without side effects. Also, determine your personal "caffeine cutoff point," the time after which consuming caffeine interferes with your sleep. This is different for each person. Some people find they can't have caffeine after noon, while can consume it right before bed and sleep soundly. The cutoff point for many people is five to six hours before bed.
This article is supported by the research and authorities of The Bottom Line and coauthors of The Caffeine Advantage.
In Memory
Joseph P. Nigon
William J. Zurek
Rev. Mr. Donald McAskill
The members of Fr. Maher Council #6793 and friends send our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of Joe Nigon, Bill Zurek, and Rev. Mr. Donald McAskill all of whom passed away recently. Joe passed on October 23, Bill passed on November 12, and Don passed on November 13.
Joe Nigon participated in many Council events, as he was the member in the Council with the most years of active service; 35 years since having taken his First Degree in Minnesota in 1939. Many members marveled that he and his wife, Janet, when attending social events would dance graciously all evening.
Bill Zurek practiced his Catholic faith seriously, was a member of several prayer groups and an usher at St. Peter's Church. He worked on several Council activities, including selling advertising for the program of our pancake and sausage breakfasts for the last 4 to 5 years, and selling advertising for the program of the last art sale conducted by the Council. He also sold the "Keep Christ in Christmas" Christmas cards for the last 2 to 3 years.
Don McAskill was a charter member of the Council and was a Permanent Deacon at St. Peter's Church for a number of years when the Council was first instituted. Ordained to the Permanent Deaconate in 1971, Don was in the first class of Permanent Deacons ordained in the Archdiocese of Washington. His responsibility as deacon was to work with the youth of St. Peter's Parish.
It should be known that Fr. Maher Council used Don's situation as the model for a resolution the Council sponsored at the Maryland State Convention for two or three years. This resolution recommended that the Supreme Council change their bylaws so Permanent Deacons would not be charged dues. This was because of all the work they did for the church. The Maryland State Convention passed the resolution each of two or three years but could not get it passed at the Supreme Convention.
The reason for his being a model for the resolution was because the Council nearly lost his membership on several occasions for he did not have the income to carry on his work with the youth and also raise a family of six children. At the time the Council was supporting this resolution the Council passed a resolution that it would not charge dues to Permanent Deacons and it remains the same today.
Prepared by Chancellor Bill Gulban and Trustee Bill Ketter.
Announcements from the Chancellor
by Bill Gulban
Name tags from the first order have been received and are being distributed to the members. The second order is being developed and all new members are asked to call me and arrange for their preferred name. Prepayment charge is $5.00. Members can order a nametag for their wife to wear at KC functions or social events. The cost is $3.00. Please order your nametags by calling me at (301) 774-0424.
Prayer remembrance. I have been getting calls from members for the published prayer list in this newsletter. Any person may call me requesting prayers for family members, relatives or friends who are ill or deceased and their name will be offered in prayers.
Pancake and Sausage Day 2004
Mark your Calendars!! On Saturday, February 21, 2004 Father Peter Paul Maher Council along with the Lions Club of Olney, will again sponsor the 28th 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 all the details.
Two important reminders:
FIRST: Council Members will be needed to work the dining room from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This will be done in two shifts of 7 am until 11 am, which includes set up and then the 11 am until 3 pm shift which includes take down and clean up. Many hands will make for light work. Contact Grand Knight Rick Allison at 301-260-7950 to volunteer.
SECOND: A very important source for the success of the event is the Advertisements in the Program "Booklet. Information is on the flyer. Contact Brothers Vince Pistolessi at 301-871-3334 or Bob Caron at 301-774-6951 with your ad. Remember that two complimentary tickets are given with each Ad.
Christmas Caroling at Montgomery General Hospital
Please come and join us in our traditional hour of caroling at Montgomery General Hospital on Wednesday, December 17th. We will meet in the hospital lobby just before 7 pm and will sing carols on various floors until 8 pm.
As always, songbooks are provided and no special singing ability is needed. This is a small way for us to brighten the season for those confined to the hospital.
If you have any questions, please call Steve Goldhammer at 301-570-9613. Otherwise, bring your family and friends for an hour of sharing the joy of the holiday season with others.