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HONORING THE PAST ~ EMBRACING THE FUTURE
February 2005
VOLUME XXIX ISSUE 8
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Contents . . .
GRAND KNIGHT'S MESSAGE
Dear Brothers,
Now that the Holiday season is over, it is time to start the "second semester" of our fraternal year. Many Grand Knights, Deputy Grand Knights and their wives attended the Knights of Columbus Mid-Term Seminars to meet and greet each other and to get new, refreshing ideas encouraging the growth and development of our Councils and our Order. Brothers, we have an idea and vision for our Council, please let us join together and put our ideas together to work for the betterment of our Council, our Order, our churches and our community.
I want to thank all of our new members of 2004-2005 for joining the Knights of Columbus. All new members remember you can earn a beautiful Shinning Armor Award by signing up a new member during the year. The exemplification to 4th Degree is March 5. Please call Joe Feakes or Bob Caron for details. Please consult your February and March Calendars for all Council activities.
The Blitz is coming up in April. This order-wide recruitment effort has proven again and again to be a successful method of recruiting new members into our order. Brothers let's start recruiting NOW!
Thanks to all Council members and their families for all you do to make our order and our Council a strong, Catholic fraternal organization.
Please join me in a salute to our December 2004 honorees. The Knight of the Month is John Moore for all the help he provided for our 2005 Christmas Party. The Family of the Month Award goes to the Charles and Mary Cozad family for their outstanding work in coordinating the Council's assistance with the move to the newly built St. Patrick's school. Chuck mobilized Brother Knights and spouses to assist with this project. He and his family participated in organizing, cleaning and moving furniture, educational materials, supplies, etc. into the new school. A heartfelt thank you to our honorees.
I ask that you continue praying for our troops all over the world. Blessings to each of you.
Yours in Christ,
Innocent P. d'Almeida
Grand Knight
DISTRICT DEPUTY'S MESSAGE
Membership is the life line to all councils. If we don't recruit new members into our order, our councils will fade away. Keep your council active. During the month of February Supreme has issued a 10,000 member challenge. It is well within our reach to accomplish this goal if every council brings in at least one new member.
This is also the time for every council to prepare for the April recruitment Blitz by ordering materials, contacting the Pastors of the parishes and publicizing their councils in the parish bulletins. We have a busy February for degrees. Father Maher Council #6793 will hold a 1st degree on February 23rd at Our Lady of Grace Church. Father Rosensteel Council #2169 will hold a 2nd degree February 15th and a 3rd degree March 4th . The Archdiocese of Washington District will exemplify the 4th Degree March 6th at the University of Maryland College Park so see a 4th Degree member in your Council for information. Congratulations to Our Lady of Viet Nam council # 11769. They held a 1st degree in Vietnamese on January 15th and added eight new members into our order.
The convention is coming up in May 20th through the 22nd at the Princes in Ocean City. The deadline for early registration is still April 15; see your Grand Knight for registration forms.
Please keep the Maryland State Charity fund in mind. Imagine what they could do if the 25,000 plus member families in Maryland who are not retired contributed just one hour's pay to the fund.
There is still time to sign up for the State trip to Cancun Mexico. May 1st through May 5th. Your Grand Knight has a flyer so see him for more information.
Please remember to pray for our troops and pray your Rosary,
Kevin L. Jeffords, District Deputy #11
FRATERNAL BENEFITS
GET ALL THE FACTS
If any agent or representative of another company suggests that you cash in or discontinue paying premiums on your Knights of Columbus insurance policy, please call me immediately.
Why? Because the replacement of one policy with another can cost you substantial amounts of money! You may have accumulated cash values and dividends in your present policy that would take years to build up in a new one.
Losing money may not be the only problem. Your existing policy probably has guaranteed options, which are more favorable to you and your beneficiaries than those in a new policy. And if your financial needs have changed, there's a good chance that the old policy can be adjusted to meet your current situation.
Should a replacement attempt be made, be sure that you have all the facts. Call me and give me the opportunity to review the replacement proposal with you so you will have both sides of the story. Then you can make a financially sound decision.
Fraternally,
Rick Morin, FICF/LUTCF
Your K of C Agent
301.384.7627
FR. CANICE TREACY MEMORIAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
For several years, Father Maher Council has offered scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors who have been accepted as full time students to an accredited college or university following their senior year.
We are pleased to announce that our Council, under its "Father Canice Treacy Memorial College Scholarship Fund" will do the same for calendar year 2005.
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 St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church in Norbeck and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Olney. 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 the applicant's place of residence.
This year the Council hopes to make awards up to $1,000 each to several students. Applications and eligibility requirements may be obtained by calling Bill Krumenacker at 301-774-2717 deadline for scholarship applications is Friday, May 7, 2005. Scholarships will be awarded in June of this year.
PANCAKE & SAUSAGE DAY 2005
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: On Saturday, February 19th, 2005, Father Peter Paul Maher Council along with the LIONS CLUB of Olney, will again sponsor the 29th Annual Pancake and Sausage Day. The usual "ALL YOU CAN EAT" breakfast at St. John's Episcopal Church Hall in Olney 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. Jack Giacalone (301-774-6338) or email jgiacal@verizon.net to volunteer. SECOND: A very important source for the success of the event is the Advertisements in the Program Booklet. Contact Bob Caron (301-774-6951) or Jack Giacalone (301-774-6338) with your ad. Remember, two complimentary tickets are given with each Ad.
HEALTH FOR K OF C MEMBERSHIP LONGEVITY
by Bill Gulban
Don't Panic Over Vitamin E Study. Should you throw those bottles of vitamin E supplements in the trash? That's what the headlines out of a recent American Heart Association meeting left people wondering. "Large doses of Vitamin E May Be Harmful," reported The New York Times. The Washington Post was more blunt: "High Doses of Vitamin E Found to Raise Risk of Dying."
The study sounding this alarm, published in January in the Annals of Internal Medicine, pooled data from 19 previous clinical trials totaling 135,967 participants. It concluded that among those taking more than 400 international units (IUs) of vitamin E daily, there were 39 additional deaths per 10,000 people. Increased mortality was found beginning at amount over 150 IU daily, and "significant risk" was found starting at 400 IU-the amount in some "antioxidant" multivitamins. Another review, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that vitamin E supplements did not prevent cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, there's the lurking possibility of harm. Researchers from John Hopkins found that vitamin E supplements in dosages of 200 IU or greater raise the risk of death. Studies found that the risk of death was especially great in people taking more than 400 IU of vitamin E daily. It is important to note that it is impossible to consume this much vitamin E from food alone. The typical American diet supplies just 6 10 IU daily; the recommended daily allowance for vitamin E is about 22 IU daily.
Other scientists, however, aren't as alarmed. One professor at Tuft's School of Nutrition Science and Policy says the study in the Annals of Internal Medicine is not a reason for healthy people to stop taking vitamin E supplements. The result cannot be generalized to healthy people. The conclusions of the paper are based on analysis, using studies of different quality, population and length. In addition, several of the studies included in the analysis used vitamin E in combination with other nutrients. As authors indicate, the studies with larger than 400 IU of vitamin E were small in size and in people with chronic diseases. Thus, the professor argues, healthy people and those taking supplements of E at lower than 400 IU should not overact to this analysis. Although the professor concludes that being a proponent of supplementation with excessive dose of any nutrient, it is recommended that the elderly increase their vitamin E intake with 200 IU daily, to reduce their risk of acquiring respiratory infections.
This article is supported by Health & Nutrition Letter from Tufts University, and John Hopkins Medical Letter.
COUNCIL CORNER
Taking the mystery out of the monthly Executive Committee meeting
On the first Wednesday of each month the Council's Executive Committee meets at 8:00 p.m. at the cottage and is attended by Council officers. The purpose of these meetings is to review upcoming events to ensure they are on target, properly staffed and funded and to consider new activities. State and Supreme notices are reviewed and assessed for appropriate action and notification to the Council. Budget items are reviewed along with other general business items.
Any Council member can attend the Executive Committee meetings. All you need to do is contact the Grand Knight, Innocent d'Almeida at 301-871-6156, and let him know what you want to talk about. You may want the Council to consider an idea to benefit Church, Family, Community, Youth or Council activities. Whether it is an idea for a new activity or an improvement to an existing event, all ideas are welcomed.
We look forward to hearing from you.
NAMETAGS
Please order your nametag and one for your wife, to wear at all K of C functions and social events, by calling me, Harry Bushar, at (301) 929-1425 or by completing the following form and sending it to me at 15004 Columbine Way, Rockville, MD 20853, along with a check ($5 for members, $3 for wives, and no charge for widows of the Council): Harry F. Bushar (301) 827-4361.
COUNCIL 6793 INFORMATION EXCHANGE
On Sunday, April 10, 2005, Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council Knights and their spouses are invited to attend our Council's first Information Exchange.
The event will be at Fr Tracey Center from 1:30 - 3 pm. Lunch will be served at 1:30 followed by a 50 minute Information session. Tracey Center East will be available and staffed to entertain your children during the meeting.
The purpose of this event is to re establish direct
contact with our members and to give us the opportunity to inform them about what we have accomplished and, more importantly, what we would like to accomplish as an organization in the future. We are looking for pro-active discussion that will help us make improvements to our organization and develop new thoughts and ideas that will help us establish future goals and objectives.
We also want to encourage all members to become more active and provide a little time to help us with various committees and activity groups the council supports Please contact Jack Giacalone 301 774 6338 to let us know if you can attend, or if you have any questions.
Don't miss this important event - Hope to see you there...
MESSAGE OF THANKS AND LOVE
Brothers, Ladies and Widows, I would like to thank the Council as a whole, and each one of you individually for your kindness to me and my family. As most of you know, on Sunday, January 9, Donna's mother passed away. She was 85 years old and had devoted her life to raising her three children (Donna's father passed away when he was 32 years old). Grandma Simms was kind and loving. Her last 4 years were spent in a nursing home because she had Alzheimer's disease. As was our usual Sunday routine, after Mass Donna and I were preparing to go and visit her (we always washed her clothes and brought them back on Sunday) when we got a call saying she was being rushed to the hospital. We were not expecting Grandma Simms to die, we were not prepared... she was. She was a Christian who had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior many, many years ago.
Donna and I also were not prepared for the outpouring of love and support from our Knights of Columbus family. The prayers, the flowers, the cards, calls, attendance at the homegoing service - everything was so much appreciated. We can only say Thank You.
Through this time of sorrow, we learned an important lesson on the meaning of "family" in the Knight of Columbus. Thank you again.
We love you,
Innocent and Donna
NEWS FROM SUPREME
Resolutions to Keep in 2005 -- by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Having welcomed in 2005, we must now put our strength and our will behind our efforts to keep our Knights of Columbus New Year's resolutions. As an Order, in your council and as Knights of Columbus leaders, we have made resolutions to make this calendar year and the remaining six months of the 2004-05 fraternal year the best it can be.
Foremost among these resolutions is to invite more Catholic men to the experience of a lifetime and a lifetime of new experiences in the Knights. There is no better time than now to plan your upcoming membership blitz church drive. We are on track to welcome the 1.7 millionth Knight into the Order by Founder's Day, March 29.
Will he be a member of your council? Shortly we will be announcing special incentives related to this milestone. Becoming Knights of the Eucharist during this Year of the Eucharist should be a priority for us all. What does that mean? Pope John Paul II has stated two goals for this special year: Increased Mass attendance on Sundays and more programs of eucharistic adoration, such as holy hours or perpetual adoration. We Knights can help make the Holy Father's goals for the Year of the Eucharist become reality by promoting these initiatives locally.
Perhaps you know a brother Knight who has not been active in council activities lately. Resolve today to call him up and personally invite him to the next council meeting or volunteer project. In order for us to exceed last year's record totals of $130 million raised and donated and 61 million hours of service, we need more Knights to get involved, to live out their commitments to be Knights of Charity.
There are certainly other resolutions I might suggest, but one I cannot overlook: Caring for the financial security of our families. Resolve today to call your local Knights of Columbus Insurance agent for a free financial needs analysis. Visit the insurance section of this Web site for more information about our top-rated products and services, and use our 'Find An Agent' feature contact the agent serving your council.
Last year was an outstanding year for the Knights; counting on you, I know 2005 will be even better. Vivat Jesus!
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PROVIDES ASIA DISASTER RELIEF
The Executive Committee of the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors has voted to contribute $250,000 to disaster relief efforts in Asia in the wake of the recent tsunami. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson has called upon individual Knights and councils around the United States and Canada to make donations that raise the total amount to $1 million, by sending checks marked "Asian Disaster Relief" to Knights of Columbus Charities or Knights of Columbus Canada Charities.
ONE BILLION INCREASE IN NEW LIFE INSURANCE IN 2004
The Knights of Columbus insurance program, which has enjoyed extraordinary growth in recent years, passed a major milestone in 2004, issuing $6.224 billion in new life insurance, representing an annual increase of more than $1 billion. It's the first time the increase in year-over-year sales of Knights of Columbus life insurance has exceeded the $1 billion mark. It represents a 19.2 percent increase over 2003 sales.
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal benefits society founded in 1882, with nearly 1.7 million members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Philippines. The life insurance sales figures announced today pertain to policies sold to members in the United States and Canada. This year, for the first time, insurance will also be made available to members in Mexico.
2003 was also a year of strong growth in sales of Knights of Columbus insurance, and the first year in which the Order had sales in excess of $5 billion. The Knights of Columbus now has 1.57 million life insurance policies in force, providing a total of $53.4 billion of life insurance protection for its members and their families. During 2004, 82,288 new life insurance policies were issued, an increase of 5,095 over the previous year. The average size of a new policy issued was $75,646. Nearly 81 percent of the new policies issued were for permanent life insurance, which continues to be the Order's primary focus.
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said that he was "very pleased with the strong growth figures for 2004, and especially proud of the fact that we now have nearly $54 billion securing the financial future of Catholic families throughout the United States. and Canada. We look forward to extending that protection to our brother Knights and their families in Mexico as well."
In addition to its life insurance policies, the Knights of Columbus has 140,000 annuity contracts in force, and during 2004 reported $238 million in annuity sales and $4.2 million of long-term care insurance sales.
The Knights of Columbus has received the highest ratings from both Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best, and is a member of IMSA, the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association. The Order has $11.8 billion in assets.
THE COUNCIL'S FIRST DEGREE TEAM
Each member of the Knight's of Columbus begins his membership by taking his initiation with the exemplification of the First Degree of the Order. This Degree exemplification is to be done by the Council into which the member is elected, if at all possible.
Father Peter Paul Maher Council has had a First Degree Team to accomplish this exemplification since the Institution of the Council in 1976. For over 25 years the Council's First Degree Team has performed the Degree for our new members.
Again we are in danger of loosing our First Degree Team and with it the ability to initiate our new members in our own Council. Long standing members of the team are passing on, moving or are reaching the point where health conditions limit their ability to participate. For the past year we have been in need of a Grand Knight and a Chancellor. We have also suffered losses in the depth we once had at the Financial Secretary and Warden positions.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!. Not the guy next to you, not the guy in the next row, BUT YOU! Several members have expressed interest in trying out for parts, but to date no one has completed the effort. Please contact the Degree Team Captain (Bob Caron, PGK 301-774-6951), if you are willing to be a part of this rewarding council function. With over 400 members in the Council, somewhere there are a few members who can step forward to participate. If no one steps forward, we will probably have to abandon the Team by year's end.