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FR. MAHER'S KNIGHTLY NEWS
'Help Us Help Others'
February 2008
VOLUME XXXII ISSUE 8
Please Patronize Our Advertisers
Newsletter Contents:
Grand Knight's Message
by Harry F. Bushar, Grand Knight
A few Knights and many parishioners completed a very successful "Letter Writing Campaign" at St. Patrick's last month with 279 letters signed and mailed to appropriate state delegates. Certainly, this effort will help the Maryland Catholic Conference's goal to persuade the State of Maryland to provide counseling, pre-natal care, job training, and housing for pregnant women in need. However, we still need more Knights to volunteer and make sure that the St. Peter's "Letter Writing Campaign" on February 9-10 is at least equally successful!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please call me at (301) 929-1425 or email me at harry.bushar@fda.hhs.gov.
Thank you for your continuing participation to Help Us Help Others!
Chaplain's Message
by Father David Wathen
Return to Me with All Your Heart
During this month we begin the season of Lent. One of the things we notice about this season is a return to simplicity in our liturgies. Lent provides us with the opportunity to clear away from our lives all the distractions which keep us at a distance from God.
We do this to make it possible to "Return to me with all your heart." It is painful work to strip away our ego's defenses and projections and to open ourselves to the transforming grace of God. But this is precisely what we need to do.
When we receive ashes on Ash Wednesday they are meant to serve as a reminder of our humble origins: As children of Adam we were created from the earth. And it is to the earth that we will one day return. We remember these things not to make us depressed but to serve as a reminder of the truth of who we really are. We wear our ashes with gratitude to our God who raises us up from the earth in order to be given a share in his eternal life.
Father David Wathen's New Year 2008 Reflection on the Holy Name of Jesus
"No other name under heaven has been given by which we can be saved." Acts 4, 12
One of the things which is very personal to each one of us is our name. We see our name as an identifying feature of who we are. Our name sets us apart from others. At the same time our name can also unite us to others. Your name, for example, can distinguish you from all the other students in your class. Your name can also unite you with others, as when we use our family name to identify ourselves with members of the same family.
During the month of January it is traditional to remember the Holy Name of Jesus. His name was given to Mary before she conceived Him in her womb and she was told that His name means "God saves." Jesus is set apart from all humanity because He is both God and man. He came into this world without sin. He came to free us from our sin. At the same time, His name, as the Christ, unites Him with each one of us. We are "Christians," followers of Christ.
Throughout our lives may we live up to that name "Christian" by giving Jesus Christ all praise, honor and glory with every thought, word and action of our lives.
Deacon Tom Cioffi's New Year 2008 Reflection
Two weeks after Christmas, from the Gospel of St. Mark, we heard that the three magi, or wise men, studied the stars and traveled in search of the newborn King of the Jews.
For the magi and for us, the birth of Christ represents the light of hope. The promise of the Messiah has been revealed in the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the beacon of light and hope for our salvation.
To live in the light of Christ challenges each of us to always seek Him in our lives. Just as the magi traveled by the light of the star to find Christ, how will we be able to search for and to recognize Christ today?
Will we see the light of Christ in the faces of the poor? Will we experience His light burning in us as we minister to the poor in our communities?
In Bethlehem, the Christ-child was paid homage with gifts from the magi. However, instead of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, may we pay homage to our Lord by:
District Deputy Message
by Ernest E. Harley, District Deputy, # 11
The strength of the Councils and indeed the strength of the Order "Knights Of Columbus" is in its membership. That is all of the incentive that is needed to prod each Council to make a strong effort in recruitment during the up-coming days of the Membership/Recruitment Blitz Spring 2008.
Grand Knights, gather with your Membership Chairmen and the Membership Committees and plan for the recruitment that will not only fill the quota that has been given you by Supreme, but to surpass that number by at least fifty percent. Continuing your membership drive with the same fervor will enable your Council to attain the prestigious honor of Double Star Council.
Keep in mind that membership recruitment is not only the specific job of the Membership/Recruitment Committee, but also the job of every Knight in the Council.
Each Knight should have in his possession at all times a Form 100, so as every opportunity arises he is able to ask that question to a prospective candidate about joining the greatest Fraternal Organization, the Knights Of Columbus.
Bits and Pieces
Fraternal Benefits
If you are between the age of 60 and 75 -- why would you need insurance protection? Let me suggest a few reasons why many Brother Knights in this age bracket utilize our protection:
P.S. Ask me about the Knights of Columbus newest Fraternal Benefit... Accelerated Benefit Option.
Call me today - don't delay.
Fraternally, Rick Morin, FICF/LUTCF, Your K of C Agent, 301.384.7627
Divine Mercy Sunday
Once again the Father Peter Paul Maher Council of the Knights of Columbus is sponsoring an Hour of Prayer to be held on Divine Mercy Sunday. This will occur on Sunday, March 30 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at St. Patrick's Church. The significance of this particular feast was so important to our late Holy Father John Paul II, that he has attached the opportunity for a Plenary Indulgence for all those who participate in its observance.
All Brother Knights and their families are encouraged to attend. Additional details will be forthcoming in our parish bulletins.
For additional information please contact Tom McManus at tjmcmanus@verizon.net or via telephone, at 301-990-4105.
Seminarian Fund-Matching Donor Comes Forward
A very generous Brother Knight in our Council, who wishes to remain anonymous, would like to challenge our fellow Brothers to donate to the Seminarian Fund. He will match all donations up to $1000. Please be generous in your donations and know that your gifts will have double the impact.
Lenten Rosary
Please join us, on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the Grotto of our Blessed Mother, next to the Cottage on the grounds of the Marian Assisted Living Center, to recite the rosary. 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!
Easter Egg Hunt
On Saturday, March 15, from noon until 1 PM, our Council will host its 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 and under. The event will take place on the grounds of the Marian Assisted Living Facility, off of Georgia Avenue in Brookville. Just follow the signs once you turn onto the grounds. Prizes will be awarded to children for finding specially marked eggs. All children will receive a bag of Easter candy and there will be cookies and punch for everyone. So come join the fun. I know the kids will love it.
So that we may better estimate the number of participants, please contact Harry Bushar at 301-929-1425 or harrybushar@verizon.net to let me know how many children you will be bringing. In the event of inclement weather please go to our web site, www.kofc6793.org, for updated information. Thank You.
Pancake and Sausage Day 2008
It's not too early to MARK YOUR CALENDARS. On Saturday, February 23, 2008, Father Peter Paul Maher Council along with the LIONS CLUB of Olney, will again sponsor the 32nd 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.
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 Financial Secretary Don Hemke (301-774-7511) or email gumpermd@verizon.net to volunteer. SECOND: A very important source of revenue for the Pancake & Sausage Day is the program booklet. We need as many council members as possible to take out an ad.
| Program Booklet Ads | |
| If you own a business, please consider this opportunity to support the Council. Individual members are encouraged to take out business card size ads to support the Scholarship Program. | |
1/8 PAGE (BUSINESS CARD SIZE) ....$25.00 1/4 PAGE .......................$50.00 1/2 PAGE .........................$85.00 Full page (8.5 by 7 in.).......$160.00 |
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| Two complimentary tickets with each paid ad | |
| Ad deadline: 17 February 2008. | |
| For Ads or to volunteer to help, contact Don Hemke 301-774-7511. |
100,000 Letters for Life Campaign
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC), which is the public policy organization of the Catholic Bishops of Maryland that promotes legislation to protect the poor and vulnerable, respect human life and dignity and protect religious freedom, has asked all Catholic parishes to join their campaign to send "100,000 Letters of Life" to the Maryland State House before March 2008. St. Peter's parish has agreed to participate and will hold a letter writing campaign after all Masses during the weekend of February 9-10, 2008. The efforts of St. Patrick's parishioners in the letter writing campaign held January 12-13 resulted in 279 letters signed and mailed to appropriate state delegates.
Thanks to the efforts of the MCC, the Maryland General Assembly will consider legislation to establish "The Women's Pregnancy Support Services Program" to help pregnant women in need to receive counseling, pre-natal care, job training, and housing.
The State of Maryland spends nearly $20 million dollars a year on abortions and family planning services, but does not devote funds to help women in crisis pregnancies to choose childbirth. The over 30 crisis pregnancy centers in Maryland that support pregnant women in need receive no state financial support, even though they provide highly specialized crisis intervention counseling not otherwise available.
Here's your chance to make a difference. Please stop by your parish center after Mass. Your participation will be easy, because letters are pre-written. Volunteers will assist you to locate your District, so that an addressed, signed, and dated letter will be sent to your Maryland State Representative. Thank you in advance for supporting our campaign.
Council Shirts Now Available
Council shirts are now available for $20. They are Maroon in color, Gildan Ultra Blend, 6.5 ounce, 50/50 cotton, poly pique knit sport shirts for men and women. The K of C insignia is just above the left pocket. We currently have all sizes available, medium, large, extra large and 2 extra large. To order your shirts please call Jack Giacalone at 301-774-6338. Thank you.
Click here to view a color photo of the shirt.
Silver Knight Award
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The Silver Knight Award is available to a 3rd Degree Knight who recruits 2 new members, participates in 3 council programs, and attends 3 Business Council meetings. |
Future Council E-business Implementation
By the time you read this article, the 2008 Dues letters will have been mailed to you. If you have not yet returned your 2008 dues payment, PLEASE DO IT NOW! Be sure to also include your desire to receive council electronic communications using your email address. Of course, the council will honor all requests to keep current mail service communications where needed and/or desired. The Council will keep everyone informed on actual E-Business implementation plans.
Fr. Peter Paul Maher
Council #6793
Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, March 8, 2008
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Spaghetti, Sauce, Meatballs
Italian Bread, Mixed Salad, Dessert
Iced Tea, Orangeade
at
St. Peter's Parish Center
2900 Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832
Donations at the Door
For more information or to volunteer to help,
please call Harry at 301-929-1425
Where Are You?
You have seen the revised 2008 Council budget in the January newsletter. Council trustees had to restructure the council budget for the remainder of the 2007-2008 Fraternal Year to offset a shortfall in our revenue producing events including the Spring raffle, State Car Raffle, Entertainment Books, Tootsie Roll Drive, Art Auction, and Spaghetti Dinners. As the Financial Secretary of the Council, I routinely am involved in the financial well being of the Council. However, that is not my primary purpose here.
Even more important than revenue $$ to the Council, is the lack of Council membership participation in our many Council events. We aren't asking for a major commitment like the Council Officers. Rather, we would like you to make an effort to support 2-3 Council activities during the entire Fraternal Year (1 July 07 - 30 June 08). Is this asking too much to help us keep our promised support of the Catholic Church and charities in the Community? How may of you have ever supported the Halloween Party at the Inwood House? I know many of the long-time Council members have supported the Tootsie Roll Drive in the past, but where have you been lately? Where has your family been lately?
When is the last time you attended a "Communion Breakfast or Brunch"? The role of committed Catholics today is more important than ever before. We need all of our Brother Knights to help us "Live the Faith" in our everyday lives. We could use your help with our Spaghetti Dinners, and the upcoming Pancake and Sausage Day with the Lions Club in February. While we all feel better, personally, doing good works, we will also be helping the Council continue its vital support of Seminarians for the Church! The more funds available, the more support to the Seminarians is possible.
Will we see your smiling faces again at our future Council events? You won't be disappointed.
Fraternally yours, Don Hemke, Council Financial Secretary
Electronic Mail
In keeping with changes at the MD State Council Level, our Council continues to evolve to electronic mail for the monthly newsletter. The newsletter is already available on the Council Website (www.kofc6793.org). Each member of the Council will be asked to provide an email address to the Financial Secretary with the payment of 2008 dues and/or issuing 2008 membership cards. There will be some brothers who do not or cannot use electronic mail. These members will continue to receive the monthly newsletter by US Post Office Mail.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Don Hemke (301-774-7511) the Council Financial Secretary.
February and March 2008 Calendar
| February 9-10 | *MCC Letter Writing Campaign - St. Peter's - All Masses |
| February 19 | Council Executive Meeting - Cottage - 7:30 PM |
| February 21 | Sullivan Brothers Assembly Pot Luck - 7 PM |
| February 23 | *Sausage and Pancake Day - St. John's Episcopal Church - 8 AM - 2 PM |
| February 23-24 | Membership Drive - St. Patrick's - All Masses |
| February 27 | Council Business Meeting - 7:30 PM - Olney Inn Room |
| March 2 | 4th Degree Exemplification - University of Maryland |
| March 5 | Council Executive Meeting - Cottage - 7:30 PM |
| March 8 | *Spaghetti Dinner - St. Peter's - 6-7:30 PM |
| March 9-10 | Membership Drive - St. Peter's - All Masses |
| March 12 | Council Business Meeting - 7:30 PM - Olney Inn Room |
| March 15 | *3rdAnnual Easter Egg Hunt - Marian Assisted Living Center 12 - 1 PM |
| March 18 | *Lenten Living Rosary and Soup Kitchen - Cottage - Grotto 7:00 PM |
| March 20 | Sullivan Brothers Assembly Regular Meeting - 8 PM |
| March 28 | Council Social Meeting - 1st Degree - 7:30 PM - Olney Inn Room |
| March 30 | *Divine Mercy Icon Prayer Hour - St. Patrick's - 3:00 - 4:00 PM |
| * additional information in this newsletter | |
If you would like any information or would like to participate in any of the above activities please contact us at 301-929-1425.