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FR. MAHER'S KNIGHTLY NEWS
'Come Grow With Us!'
May 2006
VOLUME XXX ISSUE 11
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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
CARDINAL MCCARRICK'S INSPIRATION
In the March 23, Catholic Standard, Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick wrote an article in his THINKING OF YOU column called "A Man Strong and Gentle." In part, the Cardinal spoke about how St. Joseph is an extraordinary model for fathers and husbands and all men in general. He stated that:
"Sometime ago, in many diocese around the country, there were special programs for the spirituality of our Catholic men. I think originally they were fostered because of very successful Protestant and Evangelical programs called 'Promise Keepers' and other similar efforts to involve fathers and sons more directly in the work of the churches and in fostering a deeper spiritual life among them. Over the years, for some reason or other, many of these programs seem to have diminished in their ministry to the men in parishes and church organizations. Perhaps it is because they were successful and no longer needed - but in my heart I doubt that. We always need to remind ourselves of the call to holiness and a specific call to men is not only useful, but probably vital for the life of the Church."
He went on to say:
"It is not that Catholic men are not religious. When I see the Knights of Columbus and their continuing growth in our country, especially now among younger men and in a particular way in college campuses, I know that men are interested in apostolic life. By Apostolic I mean a life that will reach out to others - as I guess every spiritual life ultimately must do since the love of neighbor is that second greatest Commandment of the Lord."
One simple definition of man is, "A male human being endowed with such qualities as courage, strength and fortitude", now is a great time to test those qualities. "Come Grow With Us" and help us reach out to others, as we must do.
Jack Giacalone
District Deputy's Message
by Kevin Jeffords, DD
As you all know, I had my Prostate cancer surgery on April 6th. Everything went well and I feel fine. I want to thank everyone for all the Prayers, Mass cards, and personal calls you gave me and my family during this time of stress and despair. I urge every man to be tested for prostate cancer. If your Council has a "Blood Drive", ask if the company that is doing the drive can check EVERY man's PSA. As a Pro-Life Group, we should save every life we can and early detection will "Save a Life".
The convention is this May 19th through the 21st at the Princess Royale in Ocean City. The hospitality room has been reserved and refreshments have been planned so see your Grand Knight for details. If you can get there before 3 pm, Friday, come to the pool area and watch your Grand Knight participate in the "Beach Olympics". It's a great time.
Council elections are fast approaching and please make yourself available to see to it that your Council has another successful year.
Please keep the Maryland State Charity fund in mind. Imagine what they could do if every Knight in Maryland donated just one hour's pay.
With the end of the year coming soon, membership is still on our minds. Until the end of the year, every name of every NEW member will be placed in a book in honor of our Worthy State Chaplin, Fr. Patrick Tonry. I urge all Councils not to give up and to continue the great work of our Order and bring a "Quality" Knight into our Order.
Please remember to pray your Rosary and may God Bless.
American Cell Phone Drive
Due to the success of the recent American Cell Phone Drive, it has been extended as long as there is an interest. Unwanted cell phones are collected, then mailed to the American Cell Phone drive and they will pay cash for them, it's that simple. The last drive earned the Council $67.50. All moneys collected will be donated to the Council Scholarship Fund. A collection box is located on the covered deck and inside the Cottage. Thank You for your support.
You Missed It!
by John E. Moore
For those of you who were unable to attend the March Spaghetti Dinner, you missed a fun time. Almost 200 fellow Knights, wives, children, neighbors, and friends had an enjoyable spaghetti dinner with all the trimmings while music played and fellowship was shared. And the best part was we were able to raise funds for our Seminarians. All is not lost, however, we are planning to have another spaghetti dinner in May, see the Knightly News for details. We hope to see not only those who came in March again but many more of you, so mark your calendars now.
I want to thank the following who made the dinner so successful: Pat Moore; Phyllis and Jack Giacalone; Joe Krempasky; Lynn and Joe Feakes; Barbara and Bob Mazonkey; Mary and Chuck Cozod; Steve Goldhammer; Bill Gulban; Tom McManus; Steve Rinaldi; Tim Boland; Donna and Innocent d'Almeida; Tim Harrell; Barbara and Don Hemke; Jim O'Brien; and Bob Mendoza.
Fraternal Benefits
Long Term Care
Since its addition to the Order's product portfolio in 2000, Long Term Care Insurance has provided us with an excellent opportunity to further serve Knights and their families. And for our Long Term Care clients in the United States, a K of C Care policy brings added value.
That added value is in the form of a service called "Provider Pathway," a program offering access to a network of Long Term Care providers at discounted rates. The network covers: adult day care, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, durable equipment can receive discounted rates.
Eligibility for participation in this program is open to Knights of Columbus Long Term Care Insurance policyholders, their spouses, dependent children, parents, and parents in-law. All providers are fully credentialed and meet state licensing requirements.
If you are not currently a Long Term Care policyholder and you would like more information on how you can avail yourself of this benefit, give me a call.
Fraternally, Rick Morin, FICF, CSA 301.384.7627
Council Conducts Annual Charitable Fund Raising Raffle
In order to meet the budget and continue our community service and charitable programs, we need everyone's help to raise approximately $1,000. A raffle is one way for EVERY member to support the council. The raffle will be held at the final meeting of this fraternal year on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, which will be a Pot Luck Dinner beginning at 7 pm at St. Patrick's Parish Center.
The Council will conduct a raffle for the Following Prizes: First Prize - $500; Second Prize - $100; Third Prize - $50.
Thanks to the support of just over 45% of the membership of the Council, last year's raffle was a success. To ALL who helped in any way, THANKS!
A letter with the raffle tickets was sent to all Council Members in early April. Included in the mailing were three, $5 tickets and a return addressed envelope. The support of every member is needed to make the raffle a success. Thanks in advance.
Bill Kollins, Chairman. (301-774-2942)
REMEMBER: THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF OUR ORDER IS CHARITY
THANK YOU
Council Positions
Below is a complete listing of council positions, not including Council Officers (for a list of council officers see Nomination Report in this newsletter). If you are interested in any of these positions please give me a call and we can discuss what the position entails. Some of these positions may already be filled, but I'm sure additional help is always welcome. Please remember that along with each position comes years of experience from brother Knights who have held these positions in the past. I can assure you that they are willing and able to guide you successfully through any project, event or program.
So please call me at 301 774 6338, thank you. Jack Giacalone, Grand Knight
| Admissions Chairman | New Member Development Director |
| Basketball Free throw Chairman | Newsletter/ Communications Coordinator |
| Car Raffle Chairman | Newsletter Editor |
| Cardinal's Charity Ball Chairman | Newsletter Publisher |
| (Kennedy Inst) | Pancake & Sausage Breakfast Chairman |
| Charity Corp President | Program Activities Director |
| Christmas Card Chairman | Pro-Life Chairman |
| Church Activities Director | Public Relations |
| Columbus Day Ball Chairman | Recruitment Chairman |
| Community Activities Director | Retention Chairman |
| Convention Chairman | Round Table Chairman - St Patrick's |
| Council Activities Director | Round Table Chairman - St Peter's |
| Entertainment Books Chairman | Scholarship Chairman |
| Fall Raffle Chairman | Special Advisor to the Grand Knight |
| Family Activities Director | Spring Raffle Chairman |
| Financial Advisor (Insurance) | Tootsie Roll Chairman |
| First Degree Captain | Tootsie Roll Co-Chairman |
| Fourth Degree Liaison | Webmaster |
| Fund Raising Chairman | Youth Activities Director |
| Membership Director |
Did you say GOLF Tournament??
There was "0" response to the notice below that appeared in last
month's newsletter. I know we have plenty of Golfers out there.
WHERE ARE YOU!!!
The council would like to hold a Charity Golf Tournament at a local golf course to support our Scholarship Fund. The tournament would be held on a weekday, most likely Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. The format would be a four-man scramble and the cost would be approximately $75 per person. Prizes will be awarded to winning teams and individuals who record the longest drive and closest to the pin. Door prizes will also be given, which means we need help in obtaining donations from local businesses. The donations can be in the form of sponsoring a hole or providing advertising items, i.e. logo clothing, golf apparel, golf balls, etc. In order for this to get off the ground, we need to know that we can count on a certain number of players, so please call Marc Long and let me know if you would be willing to play or bring a team of 4 or just support us in any way, i.e., to obtain or provide donations.
You can contact me at 301-208-7134 or ramair320_129@msn.com and Thanks.
Fr. Canice Treacy Memorial Scholarship Fund
Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council is pleased to announce that we will once again offer scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have been accepted as full time students to an accredited college or university following their senior year. Under the "Fr. Canice Treacy Memorial Scholarship Fund" any graduating high school senior (Catholic or non-Catholic) is eligible to apply for a grant under this fund, provided they live within the geographic limits of St. Peter's and St. Patrick's Churches. 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.
The Council hopes to award up to $1000 to several students. Applications and eligibility requirements may be obtained by calling Kevin Kennedy at 301 774 5014. Deadline for application submission is Friday, May 12, 2006. The scholarships will be awarded in June 2006.
Living Rosary
Please join us on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at the Grotto of the Blessed Mother, next to the Cottage on the grounds of the Marian Assisted Living Center, to recite the rosary during this Month of our Blessed Mother.
You do not have to be a member of the Knights of Columbus to participate and please remember to bring your Rosaries.
Soup, bread, and soft drinks will be served at the cottage following the Rosary. We will meet at the cottage at 7:30 and walk over to the grotto.
Please plan to attend.....
May - June Calendar of Events
| May 3 | Council Executive Meeting – Cottage |
| May 7 | *Spaghetti Dinner – St Patrick’s |
| May 10 | Council Business Meeting – Cottage |
| May 17 | *Living Rosary & Soup – At the Cottage Grotto at the Marians |
| May 18 | Sullivan Brothers Assembly Meeting Montgomery Council |
| May 19-21 | 108th MD State Convention – Ocean City |
| May 21 | |
| May 24 | Council Social Meeting – 1st Degree – St. Patrick’s |
| May 29 | Memorial Day Observance – Gate of Heaven Cemetery |
| June 7 | Council Executive Meeting – Cottage |
| June 14 | Council Business Meeting – Election of New Officers - Cottage |
| June 28 | Spring Raffle & Scholarship Award Pot Luck Dinner Social – St Pat’s |
* See Newsletter for additional information
If you would like any information or would like to participate in any of the above activities please contact us at 301 774 6338.
Nomination Report
The Nominating Committee submits the nominations of new Council officers for the fraternal year beginning July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007. The nominees are as follows:
| Grand Knight | Jack Giacalone |
| Chaplain | Appointed by Grand Knight |
| Deputy Grand Knight | Harry F. Bushar |
| Chancellor | John E, Moore |
| Warden | Joseph F. Krempasky |
| Financial Secretary | Appointed by Supreme |
| Treasurer | Joseph M. Feakes |
| Recorder | Charles W. Cozad |
| Advocate | Eugene I. Kane, Jr. |
| Lecturer | Appointed by Grand Knight |
| Inside Guard | James N. Padams |
| Inside Guard | Nick J. Padams |
| Outside Guard | Edward J. Cummings |
| Trustee (1 year) | Stephen E. Goldhammer |
| Trustee (2 year) | Richard L. Sherbert, Jr. |
| Trustee (3 year) | Innocent P. d’Almeida |
| Convention Delegate | Harry F. Bushar |
| First Alternate | Robert R. Caron |
| Second Alternate | Robert O. Mendoza |
The election is scheduled to be held during the June 14, 2006 meeting. The nomination will still be opened until the time before the election.
Nursing Home Visits
The Council is interested is becoming more aware of Brother Knights who are confined to any care facility, i.e. Nursing Home. The Council would like, with permission of the family, to schedule visits to these Brother Knights. In addition we are also interested in determining if any Brother Knights are extraordinary ministers and are already making visits.
Please advise John E. Moore on (301) 774-9260.
Olney Days Parade
Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council WILL NOT be participating in the Olney Days parade this year. Only (1) family responded positively to the notice in last months newsletter, which read...
The Twenty Third Annual Olney Days Parade will take place on Sunday May 21st beginning at 2 pm. Fr. Peter Paul Maher would like to participate in this event provided we have enough interest from our Council members. This is an enjoyable family activity that the kids will love. Join other participants in celebrating our town's special day. If you are interested please contact Jack Giacalone, 301 774 6338 no later than Friday April 20. Updated information will be in the May Newsletter.
Council Pot Luck Social For Scholarship Presentations and Spring Raffle Drawing
Our Annual Scholarship Awards & Spring Raffle will be held at our final social meeting of this fraternal year on Wednesday, June 28, 2006. The Pot Luck Dinner will be held at St. Patrick's Parish Center at 7 pm. Pot-Luck assignments are as follows:
A-G: Salad; H-R: Entrée: and S-Z: Dessert (Please bring sufficient food to feed 10 people.)
To facilitate planning and ensure we have plenty of food for all, please confirm your participation with Harry Bushar at 301 929 1425 by Monday, June 26.
THANK YOU
Health For K of C Membership Longevity
by Bill Gulban
Seven Strategies for Sinus Relief
Research has found that people with chronic sinusitis scored worse on quality-of-life surveys and reported more pain than those with heart disease, lung problems, and back pain. Clearly, people feel miserable when there's inflammation in the sinuses, the four pairs of bony cavities found behind the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Anything that blocks the flow in these moist air spaces causes mucus to back up in the nose. This creates a perfect breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
When the nasal membranes swell and sinus pressure builds, infections occur. While it's unlikely that chronic sinus problems have a single cause, one recent study suggests some infections may be linked with an exaggerated immune response to common airborne fungi. Allergists describe the following best natural strategies for sinus relief.
Clean your nose. If you're prone to sinus infections, nasal irrigation is a must-do practice to prevent them: Flush your nasal passages with a stream of saltwater once or twice a day to wash away mucus and irritants. The simplest ways are to use a neti pot (a spouted device with a handle), bulb syringe, or a specially designed squeeze bottle. Mix a quarter-teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Lean over a sink, tilt your head, and let the solution stream into one nostril with enough force so that it flows out the other. Repeat on the opposite side, then gently blow your nose. Nasal rinsing might sting or feel weird at first, but it is the top recommendation for sinus health, and studies show that people who do this technique regularly have fewer symptoms and use less medication. Get steamed. Bring a pot of water to boil on the stove, lower the heat to simmer, and add a drop of eucalyptus or thyme oil, both of which have antibacterial properties. Then stand over the pot with a towel draped over your head (keep the towel away from any flame) and breathe in the steam for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this 2-4 times a day to soothe inflamed sinuses and ease congestion. Seek warmth. At the first sign of a sinus infection, place a hot washcloth over your nose, cheekbones, and eyes for 10 minutes or more. (Reheat it as necessary.) This home remedy breaks up congestion and improves mucus drainage, while taking the edge off sinus pain. Bring your own humidifier. Since dryness irritates sinuses, using a saline nasal spray is suggested. A squirt or two in each nostril works like a portable humidifier, misting and healing nasal passageways so that you'll breathe easier. Change your diet. Milk and wheat are the two most common foods that cause allergic reactions and boost mucus production. Read labels carefully and cut out one of these foods at a time for 4 to 8 week to see how your symptoms respond. Eat fewer animal foods and less saturated and trans fat, all of which promote inflammation. Instead, include more plant and plant protein, omega-3-rich fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and the anti-inflammatory herbs ginger and turmeric; and drink lots of water to thin mucus. Control your allergies. A sinus infection can be triggered by a close encounter with common allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold or fungi. Reduce your exposure to these irritants by installing a HEPA filter to clean the air in the bedroom. A humidifier can moisten indoor air to ease congestion, but clean it regularly. Otherwise, it may do more harm than good. Avoid strong chemical odors, smoke from tobacco and fireplaces, and other pollutants. These can all swell sinus membranes, as can drinking alcohol. Boost immunity. For year-round prevention, the Chinese herb astragalus is safe to take every day as an immune-boosting tonic. The same goes for extracts of medicinal mushrooms.
The above article is supported by Dr. Andrew Weil's "Self Healing" health newsletter.
Bits and Pieces
Knights of Columbus Supreme Resolution on U.S. Immigration Policy
Resolution on U.S. immigration policy adopted by the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors in Charleston, S.C., on April 9, 2006.
WHEREAS, U.S. immigration policy has become an intensely debated and divisive issue on both sides of the border between the U.S. and Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Catholic bishops at the Synod for America in 1997 stressed the solidarity and the common destiny of all of the peoples of the Western Hemisphere; and
WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic lay organization that has proudly included brother Knights in Mexico for more than a hundred years, and has thousands of members throughout the countries of Central America and the Caribbean; and
WHEREAS, we believe that legitimate concerns regarding sovereignty and the lawful and orderly control of cross-border travel must not be the only concerns addressed by a new immigration law; and
WHEREAS, in his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), Pope Benedict XVI stresses the centrality of charity in the pursuit of justice; and charity - the product of Christian love - is the first principle of the Order; and
WHEREAS, the vast majority of undocumented Mexicans and other Latin Americans in the United States have come simply to try and build better lives for themselves and their families, but must struggle to do so from the shadows of American society; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus calls upon the President and the U.S. Congress to agree upon immigration legislation that not only gains control over the process of immigration, but also rejects any effort to criminalize those who provide humanitarian assistance to undocumented immigrants, and provides these immigrants an avenue by which they can emerge from the shadows of society and seek legal residency and citizenship in the U.S.