Knights of Columbus Council 6793

Father Maher's Knightly News is
published monthly by:

Knights of Columbus
Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council 6793
P.O. Box 570
Olney, Maryland 20830

Please e-mail your articles in WORD
format by the 20th of each month to:
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Our new fraternal year begins on July 1, 2008, bringing nominations of Council Officers along with other Council service opportunities. We strongly encourage our Brother Knights to take on important roles in assisting the Council’s outstanding, creative service programs in our five service areas: Church, Community, Council, Family, and Youth. It is vital that our Council fill these positions with Brother Knights, whose new ideas, enthusiasm, and energy will help our Council to grow and continue to benefit the many Church, Community, Council, Family, and Youth support and charitable programs of the Father Peter Paul Maher Council.

I know that you are eager to participate, but may not know how to get started. Simply pick any Council activity announced in this newsletter that may be of some interest to you. Then, simply contact the person responsible and offer to help make the activity work. If you only have a limited amount of time, just say so. We are willing to accept whatever time you may have to Help Us Help Others! If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please call me at (301) 929-1425 or email me at harry.bushar@verizon.net.

Because the solemnity of the Annunciation has been transferred to April 1st this year we have the occasion to have this great feast serve as our point of focus in this April newsletter.

For hundreds of years the children of Israel had been looking forward to the day of their redemption. That day arrived when the angel Gabriel appeared to a young maiden of the village of Nazareth named Mary. Gabriel told Mary that she was "full of grace" and that she was "blessed among women." She was also told she would be the Mother of the Redeemer. What was Mary to say?

Mary simply responded by saying "Be it done to me according to your word." In other words she said "Amen," which means "so be it." This is the same word we say when we receive Jesus at the Mass. We acknowledge His real presence and we express our faith in that real presence at the same time when we say "Amen" upon receiving Jesus at Communion. What a gift to be able to say with Mary every time we receive Jesus: "So be it."

Several years ago, in one of my homilies, I quoted Mayor Edward Koch of New York. The Mayor would daily encounter citizens on the street and would always ask them: "How am I doing?" For him, the citizens’ responses served to gauge how well he was doing as their mayor.

During this Holy Season of Lent, we should ask ourselves the same question: "How am I doing as a Catholic?"

These are just some of the challenges I look to in my own life. They are for me, not just challenges, but exercises toward self evaluation in my own faith journey, which allow me to pull back to gauge how I am doing.

Kneeling before the cross at St. Peter’s, I am always reminded how much God loves all of us, with a love so great that He took on our humanity in Jesus Christ and bore upon His shoulders all of our brokenness. In taking our sinfulness to the cross, he gives us His unconditional forgiveness and the possibility for salvation.

My dear brothers, it is never too late to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. He waits for us. Seize the moment and experience His presence and His comforting peace. Amen

Pope Benedict on Saturday set the founder of the Knights of Columbus, one of the world’s largest Lay Catholic groups, on the path to possible Beatification and Sainthood, the Vatican said. The Pope recognized the " Heroic Virtues" of Reverend Michael McGivney, who in 1882 created a Fraternal Society for Catholic men who suffered discrimination because of their religion, and immigrant origins.

The effort to canonize him was opened in 1997. The process received important support Last year, when the Vatican’s No. 2 official, Cardinal Bertone, celebrated Mass at the Knights of Columbus annual Convention in Tennessee, saying that he would work to have the Priest declared a Saint.

As Knights of Columbus, we, have a lot to celebrate, this Holy season. We have just recently completed our Annual Survey of Fraternal Activities, in which we have shown the world our charitable contributions, and our great commitment, to the sick, the bereaved, the Church, and Youth, all for a better world for all people.

As our State Chaplain, Msgr. Jeremiah Kenney, KCHS, wrote in his latest message, "we are men for all Seasons, happy and proud to call ourselves Knights of Columbus."

Remember your teacher’s good advice? "Always start each project with on outline. It will give you the right direction." Experience tells us that the same idea works when it comes to getting ahead on the lob – or in planning for individual or family security. But, in the latter kind of planning, your outline cannot be completed alone.

Rely on the trained advice of your Knights of Columbus Insurance Agent and the Order’s long and practical experience in the life insurance business to help you prepare your plans for the years ahead. I will be happy to help you chart and build a sound economic future. Better yet, I’ll do it with an individual insurance plan keyed to your own needs and goals.

This sort of professional counsel is available at absolutely no obligation…just through a telephone call to me for an appointment. Today, when programming is essential to effective use of the do-everything computer, it is equally so to the fulfillment of our own dreams and hopes for our families. Life insurance programming is a service you should have…and one that I provide.

Barbara Mazonkey is now on the road to recovery, but still weak and tired. She appreciates everything received from our Council during her recent prolonged illness.

This is a "Thank You Note" for all of the (calls & good wishes), (mass cards, prayers, & novenas), and (soup & bread) graciously provided by many in our Council, in particular by Homer & Helen Chen, John & Pat Moore, Bill & Roberta Homick, and the widows of the Council.

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.

A volunteer is needed to drive a parishioner weekly to Sunday mass at St. Patrick's. The time of mass would be your choice.

Please call Steve Goldhammer at 301--570-9613 to volunteer for this Corporal Work of Mercy.

On April 26th Father Peter Paul Maher Council will celebrate 32 years as a chartered Council of the Knights of Columbus with a Dinner at the Golden Bull Restaurant in Gaithersburg. Reception will begin at 6 followed by Dinner at 6:30. Dinner entrée selections will be Salmon, Prime Rib and Crab Cakes. Please click here to view entrée selections and cost.

So mark your calendars, get a babysitter and come join in the celebration and please contact Jack Giacalone at (301) 774-6338 no later than Tuesday April 22 with the number of attendees and your entrée selections.

Knights of Columbus, Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council # 6793 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. The deadline for application submissions is Friday, May 9, 2008. Scholarships will be awarded on June 25, 2008.

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. Each member of the Council is asked to provide an email address to the Financial Secretary with the payment of 2008 dues and/or issuing 2008 membership cards. PLEASE DO IT NOW!

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. The Council will keep everyone informed on email implementation plans. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Don Hemke (301-774-7511) the Council Financial Secretary.

This year, our Youth Activity Director, Jim O’Brien, held our Council Basketball Free-Throw Competition on January 27 at the Longwood Recreation Center. Out of 16 competitors, we awarded plaques to our 8 Council Champions.

Out of our 8 Council Champions, 5 competed again at our District Competition on February 26 at the Sargent Shriver Elementary School. Out of these 5, we awarded the District Medal to 2, Adam Goodman, age 11, and Casey Lake, age 12.

Both competed at the State Competition on March 16 at the School of the Incarnation and our state competitors shot 15 out of 25 baskets, with Casey Lake earning a trophy for third place.

WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 pm, Olney Inn Room, Sandy Spring Bank, Olney

Identity Theft is still the fastest growing crime in America, affecting half a million new victims each year. It is also the fastest growing crime in Montgomery County. Identity theft or identity fraud is the taking of a victim’s identity to obtain credit, credit cards from banks and retailers, steal money from a victim’s existing accounts, apply for loans, establish accounts with utility companies, rent an apartment, and many more frauds. Thousands of dollars can be stolen without the victims knowing about it for months or even years.

Mr. David Baker will discuss the ever-growing threat of "Identity Theft". Family members and guests are invited to come and get information by attending our County’s police officer’s talk and learn how to prevent this theft from happening to you.

Our social evening will include refreshments. For further information contact Bill Gulban, (301) 774-0424.

May is the month to honor our Blessed Mother. Please join us at 4 PM on Sunday, May 4th at the Grotto of our Blessed Mother, next to our Cottage on the grounds of the Marian Assisted Living Center, where we recite the rosary. We will meet at the Cottage and then walk over to the Grotto. Please remember to bring your rosaries.... Please join us for Ice cream at the cottage after the rosary.

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 upcoming Spaghetti Dinner and Mulch Sale in April. 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.

Several brothers have not yet paid their 2008 council dues! 180 of 285 billable members have paid their dues. Surprised? We are about to issue Second Notices. The Council will make every effort to accommodate special circumstances. We will not suspend a member who has difficulty paying dues because of financial hardship, but we must be made aware of the circumstances before we can help. If you have misplaced your dues bill, contact the Financial Secretary for a replacement. Any member having questions on his bill status or status of his current membership card should contact the Financial Secretary (301-774-7511). PLEASE PUT THAT CHECK FOR $45.00 (yearly dues) in the mail NOW to prevent additional follow up by phone. Thanks in advance.

Members are requested to pay their dues as soon as possible to save the Council the expense of a second mailing. New Membership Cards will be mailed as soon as payment is received. Any member experiencing financial difficulties should contact the Financial Secretary or the Grand Knight. The Council will make every effort to accommodate special circumstances. We will not suspend a member who has difficulty paying his dues because of financial hardship, but we must be made aware of the circumstances before we can help.

Also included with the annual bill statement was a request for Patron Ad support for the Council Ads in various State Activities. The response so far has only been fair. Please consider taking the Patron Ads when sending in your annual dues. The Council needs your support. If you have misplaced your Ad notice contact the Financial Secretary for a replacement.

Any member having questions on his bill status or status of his current membership card should contact the Financial Secretary. Bob can be reached at: 17601 Country View Way, Ashton, MD 20861, at Tel 301-774-6951 or email at rrcaron61@comcast.net.

It's Springtime! It won't be long before yards and gardens beckon. You'll need mulch. We won't be beat. Great prices! Great mulch!

It is time once again for nominations of council officers for the coming fraternal year beginning July 1, 2008. Any third degree brother knight of our Council is eligible for nomination to any of the following Council positions:

Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Chancellor, Warden, Treasurer, Recorder, Advocate, Lecturer, Inside Guard, or Outside Guard

You may also nominate yourself, if you wish. For information or to make a nomination, please contact any member of the

Nominating Committee: Chairman Homer Chen at (301) 460-0580, Bob Mazonkey at (301) 253-6274, or Innocent d’Almeida at (301) 871-6156. Our election is scheduled to occur at our June 11, 2008 Council Business Meeting.

If you are not interested in serving as a Council Officer, there are still many other opportunities available for you. Please consider getting involved.

Spaghetti, Sauce, Meatballs
Italian Bread, Mixed Salad, Dessert
Iced Tea, Orangeade

SUPREME KNIGHT CARL ANDERSON HOSTS PANEL OF PAPAL EXPERTS ON PROGRAM AIRING APRIL 13

The Knights of Columbus has announced that it will sponsor a nationallybroadcast television discussion program previewing Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the United States in April.

The broadcast on Sunday, April 13 will feature a lively discussion of Benedict's three eventful years as Pope, his long career as a renowned theologian, and a look at the themes he is likely to stress during his trip to America, which begins on April 15. The show – entitled A Journey of Hope – airs two days before Benedict arrives in Washington.

The half hour show will air on Sunday, April 13 on CBS stations in the four largest U.S. markets: on New York's WCBS-TV at 1 p.m. EDT; in Washington, D.C., on WUSA-TV at noon EDT; in Chicago on WBBM-TV at noon CDT; and in Los Angeles on KCBS-TV at 9 a.m. PDT. It will also air nationally on the Fox Business Channel at 5:30 p.m. EDT/2:30 p.m. PDT.

In addition, the program will air on a variety of Catholic television outlets, including EWTN, the Catholic cable network, and local and regional Catholic cable channels and over-the-air Catholic programs. A complete listing is available at www.papaltrip.com, the Knights of Columbus interactive site dedicated to coverage of the Pope’s trip to the United States.

Founded by the Venerable Servant of God Father Michael McGivney, the Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization with more than 1.7 million members throughout North America, in Europe and in Asia.

2008 Cardinal's Charity Ball
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Of the Archdiocese of Washington

~
Saturday, April 19, 2008
from 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM
The Grand Ballroom of the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel
480 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC
~
6:00 PM - Cocktails
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Silent Auction
7:30 PM - Dinner
8:30 PM - Program
9:00 PM - Dancing
~
Tickets are $50 per person

April 2	Council Executive Meeting - Cottage - 7:30 PM
April 6	*Spaghetti Dinner - St. Patrick's - 5 -7 PM
April 9	Council Business Meeting - 7:30 PM - Olney Inn Room
April 12	*Mulch Sale - Olney Thrift Store - 8 AM - 5 PM
April 17	Sullivan Brothers Assembly - Pot Luck Meeting - 7 PM
April 19	*Cardinal's Charity Ball - L'Enfant Plaza Hotel 6 - 11 PM
April 23	*Council Social Meeting - ID Theft - 7:30 PM - Olney Inn Room
April 26	*32nd Charter Dinner - Golden Bull - Gaithersburg - 6-10 PM

May 2	Rosary & Ice Cream Social - Cottage - 4 PM
May 7	Council Executive Meeting - Cottage - 7:30 PM
May 12	Sullivan Brothers Assembly - Regular Meeting - 8 PM
May 14	Council Business Meeting - 7:30 PM - Olney Inn Room
May 16-18	110th Maryland State Convention - Ocean City - Princess Royale
May 26	Memorial Day Mass - Gate of Heaven Cemetery - 10 AM
May 28	Council Social Meeting - 1st Degree - 7:30 PM - Olney Inn Room

* additional information in this newsletter

Chairman:	John A. Fox, 301-946-2113, john.a.fox@verizon.net
Vice-Chairmen for DC:	Peter Gervais, 202-494-7347, peter.gervais@bcbsa.com
	Mauro Farinelli, 202-321-1492, maurofarinelli@yahoo.com
Vice-Chairmen for MD:	Stephen J. Adamczyk, 301-428-3379, acheck@comcast.net
	Joseph Feakes, 301-774-0137, josephfeakes@aol.com

	Knights of Columbus
	Father Maher Council 6793

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