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:
editor6793@yahoo.com

The fraternal year is already starting off with a bang. Since the issuing of the last newsletter we have had the Fr. Treacy Scholarship dinner; we have begun meeting at Good Council High School, including a tour of their facilities; we supported the Seminarian Barbecue at St. Patrick’s; we installed our new officers at St. Peters; and we had our annual Council picnic. I want to thank all my Brother Knights and their wives and families for all their support and work in successfully carrying all the foregoing.

As part of the activities of the Scholarship dinner was the drawing of the Council Spring Raffle. The winners were:

As I write this report the month of July is nearly a memory and one-twelfth of our new fraternal year is history. I know the time was used for planning and organizing what is to come in the months ahead. Keep in mind how quickly this first month has passed and you will have some idea of how little time we have to expand our membership, implement our programs and grow in our faith. Make the time count!

Membership as always is the first thing we need to consider. Our councils need to grow or we will not survive and we can not hold onto those who no longer wish to be part of our number for whatever reason. For the most part we lose the brothers who take their first degree and do not progress to the higher degrees. This probably happens because when they attend a meeting or activity, they are not made to feel like part of the group. None of us would attend any activities if we were ignored. We must make a greater effort to retain these brothers. Why not call someone you have not seen at a meeting or function and just ask how they are doing. Do not ask for anything, just show that you care about them.

Recruiting: Most of us find breaking the ice with a stranger difficult, I know that I do. What I have found to work is to identify those prospects that I intend to recruit ahead of time. I find out their name and call them by name when they leave mass and establish a familiar, friendly, casual contact before I invite them to join us, some will and some will not but in the process, I have started what may be a friendship.

Supreme Convention in Quebec August 5,6,7, 2008
August 23, 2008 Testimonial for IPSD Edgar Haynes @ Cardinal Gibbons
August 31, 2008 State Picnic @ Patapsco State Park

"Lord, by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world." (Liturgy of the Eucharist) Jesus said: If anyone wants to come with me...he must forget himself, carry his cross, and follow me.

Through the Christian history, there have been many interpretations of what the cross means for those who follow Jesus. Some have claimed that the perfect imitation of Jesus' cross would be to give one's life for Jesus by shedding one's blood-to be a martyr. There are others who say that to carry the cross means that we must take on self-denial, fasting, and rigorous penances. They say that spiritual perfection lies in seeking out suffering. Still others say that to take up the cross in life is to accept and offer up the tragedies and sufferings of life as the will of God.

As a Worthy Knight of Columbus, what do you say about the mystery of the Holy Cross of our Redeemer?

When was the last time your wife went shopping for the day and left you to mind the children? How would you handle this responsibility day after day, plus having to work?

When I ask this question, I find that most of our members have closed their minds to this possibility. Unfortunately, it does happen, you know. No man likes to place a monetary value on his spouse. But money is the only thing that will give you a fighting chance to keep a semblance of a home for your kids should anything happen to your wife.

Many insurance men call it "wife insurance". I like to call it "way of life" insurance.

Good news! We have reached our quota of 18 new members for the fraternal year ending June 30, 2008. The new brother knights who joined our Council between January and June are: Joseph I. Okoye, Rev. John T. Nguyen, Gregory F. Intoccia, Richard A. Schaefer, Rev. John T. Nguyen, Anthony Mosunmade, George E. Washington, Michael J. Balzer, Orlando J. Diestro, Michael L. Denouter, Joseph Parisi, David D. Gersten and Dr. Joseph Frascella

We are in the beginning of a new fraternal year and we will have to recruit new members again. We have a good start in July. Let’s welcome Daniel F. Raley and Willard J. Adams who joined us by reapplication. A council first degree has been scheduled for September 24. Let’s talk to our friends, co-workers, family members and fellow parishioners and invite them to become Brother Knights. For membership information, please call Jack Giacalone at (301) 774-6175 or Homer Chen at (301) 460-0580.

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.

The Council has collected email addresses from approximately 30% of the membership. We intend to improve our ability to communicate with the membership for a variety of month-to-month items. If you one have not yet submitted your email address, please send it to the Council Financial Secretary (Don Hemke) at the following email address: gumpermd@verizon.net

Do it now while this is fresh in your mind. You won’t be sorry you did. If you have difficulty for any reason, please contact Don at his home phone 301-774-7511 to help resolve.

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.

Would you consider receiving only our electronic newsletter at www.kofc6793.org and, thereby allow us to save the expense of mailing a hard copy to you each month? This can also be used to issue prayer requests or changes /notices to events in a timely manner.

Please reply to Grand Knight John E. Moore (jem1234@verizon.net) (301-77-9260) or Don Hemke, Financial Secretary (gumpermd@verizon.net) (301-774-7511). Thank you.

Resistance Training Offers Multiple Benefits for the Heart. Weight-bearing exercises can make you stronger, improve balance, reduce disability, and make everyday tasks easier and safer. People with heart disease may soon get an unexpected prescription from their doctor: lift weights. It has become increasingly clear that the indirect benefits of resistance training may be as valuable as the direct benefits provided by aerobic exercise. If you are somewhat frail, you will gain significantly by lifting weights. The activity will make you stronger, which will minimize your risk of falling and make it easier to perform the basic activities of daily living.

Why resistance training? Until recently, it was thought that the heart patients only needed aerobic exercise to strengthen their heart muscles, improve the flexibility of their arteries, and be able to do more physical activities without tiring. But the heart is only one muscle of many in our bodies. The large muscles throughout our bodies also play key roles in our overall health and well-being. Many women and men start losing muscle mass and strength in their late teens and early 20s, respectively. By the time we reach our 70s and 80s, our muscles have deteriorated significantly. Strengthening our core muscles and the large muscles in our upper and lower extremities can improve balance and make it easier and safer to perform physical tasks, such as carrying groceries.

Heart rate and blood pressure response are relative to the percentage of strength required for the task, not to absolute weight. As we lose strength, we have to use a greater percentage of effort to push, pull or carry objects. This type of effort can make our blood pressure and heart rate rise to potentially dangerous levels.

The right way to lift weights. Resistance training performed within American Heart Association guidelines is considered safe foe the majority of patients with stable heart disease, and enhances muscular strength and endurance, independence, and quality of life, while reducing disability. Patients with heart failure, older people, and women can achieve these benefits. It is important to get our physician’s approval before you start.

The idea is to lift weights heavy enough that your muscles become fatigued when the exercise is performed 10-15 times (repetitions, or "reps"). When fatigued, you will be unable to lift the weight again, must strain to lift it, or must throw the weight up or drop it down instead of controlling it. Focus on the large muscle groups of your arms, legs and trunk. A series of six to eight different exercises is adequate, and only one set of 10-15 reps of each exercise is required.

Anything can be used as weights. At first, the weight of your own limbs may be sufficient. Move on to cans or water bottles. Later, you may want to buy weights or join a gym. If you challenge your muscles appropriately, you will make progress quickly. Added strength not only enhances cardiovascular health, but can also aid with weight management and the prevention of disability and falls. Resistance training should be done 2 or 3 times weekly on non-sequential days. When you can do 15 reps easily, increase the weight. If you must stop before completing 10 reps, decrease the weight.

On August 26, 1814 the quiet little town of Brookeville, Maryland became the Capital of the United States of America. (That’s right- Brookeville, Maryland). It was on that day as the British forces were attacking Washington, DC, that President James Madison relocated his offices up Georgia Avenue to escape the invasion. The rest is history. However, it is a bit of history few people know. Come join The Knights of Columbus Sullivan Brothers Assembly on August 24th to relive this moment in time.

The whole family is welcome as we help the citizens of Brookeville celebrate their unique place in American history and the birthday of their town. Final details are still being developed, so watch your local paper for the exact time and schedule of events. We invite all to come and join the fun. Call Joe Feakes @ (301) 774-0137 for addition information.

It’s hot now but in no time it will be coming on to Fall. At that time you will be thinking about preparing your yards for the colder weather. You'll need mulch for your gardens and plants. We won't be beat. Great prices! Great mulch! For larger quantities we’ll deliver.

For Additional Information call Joe Krempasky at 301-570-4891. Come to our 1st Annual Fall Mulch Sale. Your yards will love you for it.

Where? - The old Montgomery General Hospital (MGH) grounds in front of the MGH Thrift Stop on Route 108 at Prince Phillip Drive
When? - Saturday, September 27, 2008 (Rain Day, Sunday, September 28, 2008)
Time? - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost? - $4 for a 3 cu. ft. bag

The purpose of our CHARITY FUND is "TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS IN TEMPORARY URGENT NEED" in the name of the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS OF MARYLAND. The Fund is intended to be a "Bridge" to financial recovery and does not take on long-term cases. It is not designed to take place of the Council charity fund, but to supplement it.

Your contributions have allowed the CHARITY FUND Board of Directors to award over $857,602 for needy causes since July 6, 1984.

Brothers, this CHARITY FUND has worked because of your generosity over those years. We have paid for medical, hospital, taxes, utilities, mortgages, rents, insurances, car payments, equipment for the handicapped, and have furnished respectable burials for Brother Knights.

All donations received are available for distribution to those in urgent financial need. Minor administrative expenses are borne by earnings on investments. REMEMBER, our FUND grows only by donations that are TAX DEDUCTIBLE from Individuals, Councils, Districts, Memorial Funds, etc. The FUND must have a sufficient financial base to allow us to continue helping those in distress.

Every Brother Knight in the State of Maryland should receive a pre-addressed donation envelope and letter attached to his Council Newsletter or by mail requesting their individual contributions.

Our Council will have a table and be supporting the activities of the evening. Stop by and say hi and bring a neighbor or friend who might be interested in joining the Knights. This will be an evening focusing on police awareness and crime prevention to be held in the Olney Town Shopping Center from 5:00 - 8:30 pm. The event will feature exhibits from local police and fire departments and local businesses. There will be activities for children, including a photo ID booth, and great food and entertainment.

On Thursday, October 16, 2008, at 6:30 PM the Sullivan Brothers Assembly will conduct a Flag Retirement ceremony at Montgomery Council in Derwood. The Assembly will be collecting all torn or worn flags to be retired. These flags may be brought to our Council on our meeting nights until that date.

The Flag Retirement Ceremony is an emotional and moving experience that you will never forget. You do not have to be a 4th degree Knight to attend the ceremony, or the Pot Luck dinner that will follow.

If your last name begins with A – M please bring and entrée and for N – Z please bring a salad or dessert. If you have any questions please contact John Moore, Faithful Pilot at (301) 774-9260.

August 2	Rain Date for Council Picnic (See July Knightly News for details)
August 5	National Night Out 2008, Olney Town Shopping Center (See Knightly News for details
August 6	Council Executive Meeting - Cottage 7:30 PM - Wednesday
August 13	Council Business Meeting - 7:30 PM, OLGC*
August 15	Montgomery Council #2323, Assumption Day Mass & Pot Luck Dinner: All Fourth Degree Knights and families are invited; A-M Salad/Dessert; N-Z Entree
August 21	Sullivan Brothers Assembly Social Meeting, Pot Luck Dinner, 7:00PM Montgomery Council #2323
August 24	Brookville Anniversary Day, (See elsewhere in this Knightly News for details)
August 27	Council Social Meeting, Rosary and Ice Cream 7:30 PM, OLGC*
August 31	State Picnic @ Patapsco State Park (Pickall Area) 1-6

September 3	Council Executive Meeting - Cottage 7:30 PM - Wednesday
September 10	Council Business Meeting - 7:30 PM, OLGC*
September 14	German Dinner, St. Patrick's Parish Center, 5:00 to 7:00PM
September 18	Sullivan Brothers Assembly Business Meeting 8:00PM, Montgomery Council #2323
September 24	Council Social Meeting, First Degree, 7:30Pm, OLGC*
September 27	Council's 1st Annual Fall Mulch Sale, (See this Knightly News for details)

Note: The dates for August have been corrected from those shown in the July Newsletter.
* Our Lady of Good Counsel High School

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