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FR. MAHER'S KNIGHTLY NEWS
'Come Grow With Us!'
November 2005
VOLUME XXX ISSUE 5
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Father Maher's Knightly News is published monthly by Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council 6793 of the Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 570, Olney, MD 20830. Please e-mail your articles in WORD format by the 20th of each month to: editor6793@yahoo.com |
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Contents . . .
GRAND KNIGHT'S MESSAGE
NOT FOR MEN ONLY
A couple of months ago, on a Blitz Sunday at St. Peter's, I was speaking to the wife of one of our brother Knights as we stood in the commons. She was telling me that her husband was a Knight, but not active. Well, that opened the door for me to go into my "Come grow with us" pitch; "if we are to be successful we all need to volunteer just a little time to make a difference."
Nothing new there, you have all read my past Grand Knight's messages in the newsletter. Anyway, to get to the point of this story, as we continued to talk she was surprised to hear about all the activities the Council was involved in. She then asked me where she could get additional information on some of the upcoming events she was interested in. I told her the Council's monthly newsletter, Fr. Maher's Knightly News, had all the details and a calendar of current and future events. She then replied without hesitation "Oh, I'm not allowed to read that...it's secret". At first I was startled by her statement then slightly confused and for a second wasn't sure if I heard her correctly. As I regained my composure I began to smile and assured her that although ceremonials of the order are secret, our newsletter is certainly not. In fact we encourage the entire family to read the newsletter to identify activities they can do together, as a family and help support our Council. As she departed I asked her to have her husband call me and gave her my card. I have not heard from him.
I hope this once and for all finally clears up the great Fr. Maher newsletter dilemma. So Brothers, please read the newsletter and be sure to share it with your family, especially your wife.
To all my Brothers and your families have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.... Jack Giacalone, Grand Knight
CHAPLAIN'S MESSAGE
Brother Knights,
November finds most of us asking 'where did the summer go?' And the leaves! Where did they all come from?
The season of fall is a time of new beginnings, and a time of transition. In the fall, school begins, and the Jewish new year. The Council, also, has chosen its leadership for the new fraternal year, and its activities have begun in earnest.
The long and easy days of summer are gone, and the more bracing and busier days of fall are upon us. In the midst of our activities, however, we must not miss the opportunity to reflect on our lives, and how quickly our time passes.
The more we appreciate the shortness of this life, the more we can treasure each person, each opportunity. Let us be resolved this fall, this new fraternal year, to make a new beginning in grace. For soon enough we will be called from this life to that promised by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and may we be ready for that transition.
Peace, Fr. Fred
DISTRICT DEPUTY'S MESSAGE
by Kevin Jeffords, DD
November is the month in which the Knights of Columbus remembers our departed members and their families. It always impresses me that this is the only organization that will pray for the repose of deceased members' souls at these special Masses. Please make it a point to attend your Council memorial Mass; it is your fraternal duty.
The State Memorial Mass will be on Sunday November 13th at 2:30 PM at Saint John the Evangelist Church (Old St. John's) located at 9700 Rosensteel Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland and the dinner will follow at Fr. Rosensteel Council #2169. The cost of the dinner is $17.00 per person. If anyone is interested, please contact Michael Sallese at 1-410-836-8953. There will be no tickets sold at the door.
I have received your Council's quarterly reports and have turned them over to the State for their review and grading. I read each and every report and I want to thank every Council member for the hard work you and your Council members put into these programs. The next quarterly reports are due January 7th. I would ask that the Chairman or an officer carry a camera with them and take pictures at each event your Council has.
This is the start of the Christmas season. Please remember the needy and the elderly, and also keep our troops in your prayers.
My wife Shirley and I and District Warden Ernest Harley and his wife Marye, want to wish each and everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
FRATERNAL BENEFITS
"...RENDERING PECUNIARY AID"
The month of November in the Knights of Columbus is traditionally the time during which we remember our deceased Brother Knights - those who have gone to their eternal reward.
Our thoughts also turn, naturally, to those who our Brother Knights have left behind - their widows and children. These are the same people, though a different generation, who occupied Father McGivney's thoughts in 1882 when he founded the order.
The first two reasons listed on our charter for the establishment of the Knights of Columbus are: "rendering pecuniary aid to its members, their families and beneficiaries of members" and "rendering mutual aid and assistance to its sick, disabled and needy members and their families".
My position as a field agent for the Order has evolved from those principles. I am here to help you plan financial security - both for yourself and for those who you may leave behind. I am not here to sell you insurance because you might die and be a part of our remembrances next November. I am here to sell you insurance because someone else might live... and I think you love that someone and would like her to continue to live with dignity.
It's not a pretty thought, but picture the first November your loved ones will spend without you. How does it look?
Call me today for an appointment. I want to hear from you. Fraternally, Rick Morin 301.384.7627
ADVANCE NOTICE OF CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT MONTGOMERY GENERAL HOSPITAL
Please come and join us in our traditional hour of caroling at Montgomery General Hospital at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21st. We will sing carols on various floors until 8 pm. Park in the garage and meet us in the lobby.
As always, songbooks are provided. Bring your family and friends for an hour of sharing the joy of the holiday season with others.
If you have any questions, please call Steve Goldhammer at 301-570-9613.
SOCCER SHOOT OUT
On Saturday October 1st, Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council held a Soccer Shoot Out at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney. Boys and Girls up to 14 years old lined up by age group to test their talents in the throw, kick and shoot competition. Each player received a participation certificate and had a great time. The winners will receive a framed Council Champion certificate and a 1st place medal at an award ceremony at the Council's social meeting on October 26th. In addition, our winners qualify to enter the State competition to be held on November 12th at Anne Arundel Community College.
Congratulations to all our winners...
| Ages 13-14 | Matt Swink |
| Ages 11-12 | Daniel Homick |
| Ages 9-10 | Tyler Money and Katherine Dudley |
| Ages 7-8 | Christopher Homick and Kaleigh Homer |
| Ages under 6 | Michael Depman and Claire Guarini |
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BREAKFAST WITH SAINT NICK - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Each year a handful of Brothers and spouses from Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council prepare and cook plenty of pancakes and sausage to feed the hungry parishioners at St. Peter's Breakfast with St. Nick.
This year the event will be on Saturday, December 3rd at St. Peter's Parish Hall. There will be 2 seatings, one at 8 am and the other at 10 am. The first wave of Knights arrives promptly at 5 am to begin the preparation and we usually finish cleanup by 1 pm. Needless to say we do need some help. We need 6 to 8 volunteers for 2 four-hour shifts: 5 am to 9 am and 9 am to 1 pm. Spouses are welcome to participate.
Please contact me to volunteer, Jack Giacalone 301-774-6338 and Thanks.
IN THE MAIL FOR NOVEMBER
Christmas Raffle - This is a fund-raising opportunity to support our Seminarians and a 50/50 drawing to be held at our annual Christmas party on December 18th. Please support this important fund-raiser and return your entry as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please let me know. Thank you for your support. Jack Giacalone
NOVEMBER 6 SPAGHETTI DINNER CANCELLED
The Spaghetti dinner scheduled for Sunday, November 6th at St. Patrick's Parish Center has been cancelled. It appears that the Council did not have enough participants/volunteers to ensure a quality event. The good news is we have two more Spaghetti dinners planned for 2006, one in March and one in May. I look forward to seeing you then.
FATHER PETER PAUL MAHER COUNCIL MEMORIAL MASS
This year's Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, November 13th, at the Marian Assisted Living Chapel, 19109 Georgia Ave, Brookville, Md. Our deceased Brothers will be remembered during the 10:30 am Mass. The celebrant will be Father Mark Baron, MIC. All council members and their families are encouraged to attend to honor the memories of our departed Brothers.
Following the Memorial Mass, the widows and their family members, as well as any interested Brother Knights and their families are invited to Madison's Restaurant (at the corner of Georgia Ave. and Rte 108) for brunch. The cost of the brunch is $11.95 per person; the Council will accommodate the widows. If you are interested in attending, please call John E. Moore, at 301-774-9260, by Friday, November 11th with the number that will be attending.
"GIVE ME A HAND TO REBUILD MY HOME"
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For the last quarter century, the Chapel of the Madonna del Soccorso, the Famous "Congrega" so dearly loved by the people of San Potito for five hundred years, has been closed to the faithful. The Chapel was badly damaged in the devastating earthquake of 1980. However, the weather and the years have caused more damage to the chapel and the artwork. Many requests have been made to the provincial, regional and state governments to offer aid to the reconstruction process.
The requests for aid have proven to be unsuccessful as of now. One citizen, residing in the United States, Mr. Carmine Amatucci, has started a campaign to find funds to repair the Chapel. The city hall Administration of San Potito Ultra has included a substantial amount for construction cost in their budget. The Superintendent of the Historical Architecture has also promised a financial contribution, as well as guidance, to the Fraternity of Madonna del Soccorso, toward the repairs. With all of this, much aid is still necessary to begin the reconstruction.
WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO GIVE A HELPING HAND?
On September 6, 2005, Brother Carmine Amatucci, PGK, was honored for his efforts to raise money to restore the Chapel. He was named Honorary Chairman for the project and received "Man of the Millennium" honors by town officials and dignitaries in San Potito. Father Peter Paul Maher Council will assist with this fund raising campaign and collect donations from our membership and any outside persons or organizations wanting to make a donation. This is a Noble and worthwhile opportunity to help restore a precious landmark. To date over $48,000 has been raised with $125.000 more to go.
Please make your check payable to Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council 6793 and mail it to PO Box 570, Olney MD 20832. Please add, "Chapel Fund" in the note portion of the check so we can identify the funds.
Thank You for your support.....
COLUMBUS DAY BALL
The Columbus Day Ball at La Fountaine Bleu in Glen Burnie on October 8 was another great success. It was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and enjoy an evening of dancing and good food. The highlight of the evening was the Car Raffle drawing which, I'm sorry to say was not won by anyone in our council. The council sold 1,875 tickets at $1.00 each. The State council takes their portion, which paid for the car and helps to support the State Scholarship Fund. Adding in donations to the tickets sold the Council netted $1,312, which was slightly better than last year's total.
Thanks to all who purchased tickets and those that added a little more as a donation to the Council. A special thanks to Walt McKee for helping to keep track of all the activity.
A MAJOR DISSAPOINTMENT
On a very beautiful Autumn evening with a gentle breeze and a very full moon your Council had high hopes of honoring the Blessed Mother Mary during her month with a living rosary. This annual activity had been advertised in the Knightly Newsletter, published in the St. Patrick's and St. Peter's bulletins and discussed during our council meetings. A contingent from St. Camillus Parish brought the rosary; a string of lighted beads, to St. Peter's Grotto and set it up. A grand total of three brother Knights and two wives were in attendance out of our Council of some 400 Knights and families.
This was an opportunity for our brother Knights to bring their families, and their friends and neighbors, to honor the Blessed Mother by reciting the rosary in a truly unique and inspiring way. Our Council was embarrassed by the lack of turnout.
FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2005, 3-6 PM
St. Patrick's Parish Center
Norbeck Road and Muncaster Mill Road in Rockville
| Music | Gifts for the Kids | Good Eats |
A visit from SANTA and much more
Have your Picture taken with Santa
Christmas Raffle Drawing
Doll House Raffle Drawing
Introduction of Seminarians
Each Family - Please bring ONE MAIN DISH large enough to feed 10 people
The Council will provide
Salad, Dessert, Snacks, Sodas
Please call to let us know if you will be attending, the number of people in your group, and the gender and ages of the children.
Please call Harry Bushar at 301-929-1425 no later than December 15th.
Please Volunteer to help with the preparation and setup for this event, WE NEED HELP
Call Jack Giacalone at 301-774-6338
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NEWS FROM SUPREME
"REJOICE IN THIS LAND" CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 14th
Join us in marking the 40th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council's landmark Declaration on Interfaith Relations, with a musical tribute.
Sir Gilbert Levine, hailed as "the Pope's Maestro," will conduct the world-class Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and renowned Morgan State University Choir in an evening of majestic music at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Concert Details
Monday, Nov. 14th at 8 pm
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC
Free admission - Seating is first come, first served
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Performers Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Program Washington Speaks by Richard Danielpour Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 -- "Ode to Joy" |
AMERICAN CELL PHONE DRIVE
Brother Bill Homick has begun a project to collect inactive, unwanted cell phones as a fund raiser for the Council. Cell phones collected will be turned over to the American Cell Phone drive and they will pay cash for them.
All moneys collected will be donated to the Gabriel project (www.gpscl.org). A collection box is located on the covered deck at the Cottage. Please help support this project and the Gabriel project.