This is the text and videos as presented at our Annual CWL & KofC Appreciation Dinner by myself.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Once again here we are here together the Friday before the First Sunday of Advent. This year however, the First Sunday of Advent will also see the introduction of the New English Translation of the Roman Missal. This will be a challenge for us individually and as a community of faith. As with everything else in our lives, we will make it through, together.
I would like to share with you some words of the Supreme Knights at the recent State Deputy’s mid-year meeting.
In light of the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization that will take place in October 2012, and the Year of Faith announced by Pope Benedict XVI, the supreme knight said, “If we are going to be the strong right arm of the Church, we need to be the center of the year of faith and the new evangelization.”
Anderson noted that the Knights of Columbus has always proudly stood “in solidarity with our priests,” and stated that councils must be “fully integrated” into the life of their parishes and Catholic communities. Although the Order, in many places, is known for social events, he said, councils must also be the center of charitable and spiritual activities as well.
“We must be the strong right arm of our parish priest, of the Catholic Church at the parish level,” he said. “Where the Catholic community is active, the Knights of Columbus must be active.”
In conclusion, the supreme knight identified three pillars at the center of the Order’s mission. Calling the Knights a “Eucharistic brotherhood,” he said, “We have to make the Order an example for our parishes of the power of the Eucharist to transform our communities.” Lastly, he cited the Knights’ dedication to promoting a culture of life, saying it is important that members participate in pro-life activities and encourage faithful Catholics to vote for candidates and policies that support pro-life principles.
To take his words into the practical world I would suggest, Brothers and Sisters, that this Sunday is an excellent opportunity for Men and Women of our organizations, to be the example to the rest of our community of faith. Let us embrace the new language of the mass and encourage those around us with words of love and kindness, in promoting the changes. When we stand united behind our priests and bishops, we are noticed by the congregation, and they will find it easier to accept these changes when they see that we support them.
Over the last 5 or so months, the Supreme Council has released 5 short advertisements, aimed at promoting the good works of the Order and recruiting new families to our ranks. However, I feel that they also serve as a reminder why we do what we do every single day. The first is titled Healing Haiti’s Children. I would like to share it with you now.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
The second, titled Hero’s has a simple and powerful message. Here it is.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
The third: Be the Difference, show cases a number of the Order’s Charitable Programs.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
The fourth is simply titled Legacy and reviews some of the Order’s greatest works and accomplishments.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
Many of you may have already seen those four short videos. They have been shown at a number of training events for the executive, and I have been playing them during the last two Pancake Breakfasts as parishioners wait in line. They have also been available on the Supreme website since late August.
The fifth video, however, was just released earlier this week. I would like to show it to you now and reflect on it in a moment.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
So that the world may know new hope. That was the theme at this past summers Supreme Convention in Colorado and it is most apt to our mission both as Knights and as Catholics. That is our goal as we continue to carry out the task that was given to us by Jesus Christ. In everything we do we must be focused on providing hope to those around us. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. It is also a time of Hope. Hope that our Christ will come. Hope for a better life. Hope for ourselves. Hope for others. Hope for those who have gone before us and live now with Christ in the Eternal Life.
This past year saw three of our Brothers take that path. While we mourn for their passing we are also filled with hope that we may one day be reunited with them. So we take a moment to remember our fallen brethren.
Brother Bill Stuart
Brother Bill Gorges
Brother Frank Shalagan
It has long been a tradition of the Order to purchase memorial chalices in memory of past Knights. Brother Frank’s Family was most generous to our council after his passing, and in September it was agreed to use the funds that they provided to purchase just such a chalice in memory of all of our fallen brothers, but especially Frank. The chalice was blest by Father Pat last Wednesday at our District Necrology Mass, and was used in the celebration of the same. However, tonight, I would like to personally present the Chalice to Effie Shalagan, before it goes into general use this weekend.
Father Pat: We welcome you to our parish and our council, and would like to offer you this small token of our appreciation.
Now I have taken up too much of your time. Please enjoy the rest of your evening. We all deserve it.
Vivat Jesus!
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Once again here we are here together the Friday before the First Sunday of Advent. This year however, the First Sunday of Advent will also see the introduction of the New English Translation of the Roman Missal. This will be a challenge for us individually and as a community of faith. As with everything else in our lives, we will make it through, together.
I would like to share with you some words of the Supreme Knights at the recent State Deputy’s mid-year meeting.
In light of the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization that will take place in October 2012, and the Year of Faith announced by Pope Benedict XVI, the supreme knight said, “If we are going to be the strong right arm of the Church, we need to be the center of the year of faith and the new evangelization.”
Anderson noted that the Knights of Columbus has always proudly stood “in solidarity with our priests,” and stated that councils must be “fully integrated” into the life of their parishes and Catholic communities. Although the Order, in many places, is known for social events, he said, councils must also be the center of charitable and spiritual activities as well.
“We must be the strong right arm of our parish priest, of the Catholic Church at the parish level,” he said. “Where the Catholic community is active, the Knights of Columbus must be active.”
In conclusion, the supreme knight identified three pillars at the center of the Order’s mission. Calling the Knights a “Eucharistic brotherhood,” he said, “We have to make the Order an example for our parishes of the power of the Eucharist to transform our communities.” Lastly, he cited the Knights’ dedication to promoting a culture of life, saying it is important that members participate in pro-life activities and encourage faithful Catholics to vote for candidates and policies that support pro-life principles.
To take his words into the practical world I would suggest, Brothers and Sisters, that this Sunday is an excellent opportunity for Men and Women of our organizations, to be the example to the rest of our community of faith. Let us embrace the new language of the mass and encourage those around us with words of love and kindness, in promoting the changes. When we stand united behind our priests and bishops, we are noticed by the congregation, and they will find it easier to accept these changes when they see that we support them.
Over the last 5 or so months, the Supreme Council has released 5 short advertisements, aimed at promoting the good works of the Order and recruiting new families to our ranks. However, I feel that they also serve as a reminder why we do what we do every single day. The first is titled Healing Haiti’s Children. I would like to share it with you now.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
The second, titled Hero’s has a simple and powerful message. Here it is.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
The third: Be the Difference, show cases a number of the Order’s Charitable Programs.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
The fourth is simply titled Legacy and reviews some of the Order’s greatest works and accomplishments.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
Many of you may have already seen those four short videos. They have been shown at a number of training events for the executive, and I have been playing them during the last two Pancake Breakfasts as parishioners wait in line. They have also been available on the Supreme website since late August.
The fifth video, however, was just released earlier this week. I would like to show it to you now and reflect on it in a moment.
SEE VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG POST
So that the world may know new hope. That was the theme at this past summers Supreme Convention in Colorado and it is most apt to our mission both as Knights and as Catholics. That is our goal as we continue to carry out the task that was given to us by Jesus Christ. In everything we do we must be focused on providing hope to those around us. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. It is also a time of Hope. Hope that our Christ will come. Hope for a better life. Hope for ourselves. Hope for others. Hope for those who have gone before us and live now with Christ in the Eternal Life.
This past year saw three of our Brothers take that path. While we mourn for their passing we are also filled with hope that we may one day be reunited with them. So we take a moment to remember our fallen brethren.
Brother Bill Stuart
Brother Bill Gorges
Brother Frank Shalagan
It has long been a tradition of the Order to purchase memorial chalices in memory of past Knights. Brother Frank’s Family was most generous to our council after his passing, and in September it was agreed to use the funds that they provided to purchase just such a chalice in memory of all of our fallen brothers, but especially Frank. The chalice was blest by Father Pat last Wednesday at our District Necrology Mass, and was used in the celebration of the same. However, tonight, I would like to personally present the Chalice to Effie Shalagan, before it goes into general use this weekend.
Father Pat: We welcome you to our parish and our council, and would like to offer you this small token of our appreciation.
Now I have taken up too much of your time. Please enjoy the rest of your evening. We all deserve it.
Vivat Jesus!
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