August's Monthly Social Meeting/Grand Knight Announces Programs/Rolls out Year of the Family

Year of the Family

Before the Council dined on personal Mexican casseroles prepared by Ginger Kendrick and Vicki Counts, Grand Knight, Lou Manz announced that the Council has some exciting new programs planned for this Fraternal Year as well as some old favorites.

A major focus for the Council this year will be "the Family as a Vocation." He said, "The study of civilization shows us that the rise of civilizations grows out of family life and that the collapse of civilizations, likewise comes from the collapse of family life. The family is, in a certain sense, more universal than anything else in America. Yet, it is coming under attack from many directions."

The Grand Knight compared the erosion of the family to what happened to the Grand Canyon. "We see it on game shows, prime time television, news and entertainment shows, advertising, clothing lines, in movies, and even on beer cans." he said. "Alternatives to family lifestyles are being presented with such regularity and in such a laissez-faire way, that we are perceptively being enticed into believing that they are righteous and their causes virtuous."

He believes that Marriage is any society’s most basic institution because it is the foundation of the family. "Others may substitute for a child’s biological parents, but being raised by a mother and father is clearly ideal. It is neither hatred nor bigotry, homophobia or transphobia, to point this out."

The Grand Knight quoted the words of Supreme Knight, Patrick Kelly from his address given at the Supreme Convention held in Orlando recently. "There is nothing hateful about the sanctity of marriage, the reality of biological sex, or the humanity of the unborn child." "And the Knights of Columbus will never apologize for defending the truth.” “We stand for the truth because it’s right — even when it leads to ridicule and scorn,” Kelly said.

So, during this Council’s Fraternal Year Grand Knight Manz is asking his brother Knights and their families to focus on the Family.

He announced that on September 6 at 7:00pm in the Adoration Chapel, we will host our first Family Prayer Night for Grandparents presided by Fr. Andy. These will be continued throughout the year as we approach Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Siblings Day. June, traditionally a month that engaged couples plan their wedding, will be our Month of the Family. Throughout the year and especially during June, we hope to spread positive family messaging.

Rosary Initiative

Manz announced that beginning the first Sunday in Advent, the Council will be inviting parishioners to pray the Rosary before the vigil Mass and the first Mass on Sunday. A volunteer member of the Council will lead the Rosary before the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturdays and again before the 8:00 am Mass on Sundays. He hopes these efforts foster a greater devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and an increased interest in the Rosary. He is looking for a few good men, who are, or would like to be devoted to the Rosary to come forward and be leaders at these Masses.

The Council will also be praying the Rosary at 6:30 pm before our regular Business Meeting each month in the Adoration Chapel.

Paternal Models for Our Youth

The Grand Knight stressed the importance that we, as men of our parish attend these Family Prayer Nights, our Rosary initiatives, and Life events and encourage other men, particularly fathers, to attend.

Polling Data

According to recent polling data,

• If a father does not practice his faith, even if his wife does, only 1 child in 50 will become a regular worshiper.

• If a father does practice his faith regularly, regardless of what the mother does, between 66% and 75% of their children will attend church as adults.

The Grand Knight emphasized what a huge impact could we have, if we are a good role-models when it comes to our faith. At the Supreme Convention, Patrick Kelly had a similar view. The Supreme Knight emphasized that when young men understand their faith, it has an “exponential” effect on their family. “That's the No. 1 thing you could do for the family is to get the man to really own his faith and really understand his role as a Catholic man, as a provider, as a father, and as a husband,” Kelly said.

Support for Life

The Grand Knight outlined the Council's plans to support life. "We will continue our support for life in all its stages through participation in local and national prayer programs and by providing financial support for pro-life causes, including the Knights of Columbus (ASAP) program Aid and Support After Pregnancy." With support from the Parish and other Councils in the area and the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council he hopes that an ultrasound monitor can be donated to a faith-based pregnancy support center. "These devices have been shown to change the minds of young women seeking abortions," he said.

Persons with Disabilities

The Council will redouble its efforts to support persons with disabilities by restarting its “tootsie roll” drive. He is looking for a couple to chair the event this year. The Council will host a Mass and luncheon for persons with disabilities; with local Special Olympic athletes as guest speakers. Brother Dan Costello and his wife Diana will be chairing the Challenge Enterprise dance hosted by the Council. And finally, he is encouraging Knights and their families to volunteer for Special Olympics in some way.

"Live" Combined Degree of Charity, Unity & Fraternity

Moving into the post-COVID-era, he plans to conduct “live” Degree Ceremonies in the church. He expects the first live exemplification to be in September. The date has not yet been chosen. He also invited all brothers who are not yet 3rd Degree to attend and advance their degree standing.

Upcoming Events

The Grand Knight invited everyone to visit the Council web site for a complete Schedule of Events for this Fraternal Year.

September

Sept 6 @ 7:00 pm in Adoration Chapel – Family Prayer Night for Grandparents

Sept 11 @ 6:30 pm in Marian Garden – Patriotic Rosary for Patriots Day/9-11

(Officer & Director Meeting will be delayed)

Sept 27 through November 5 – 40 Days for Life begins

October

Oct 1 in Lademia Hall – Quarterly Parish Breakfast

Oct 9 @ 6:30 pm in Marian Garden – Patriotic Rosary for Columbus Day