Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Ship's Logs January thru June 2012


Message From The Supreme Knight
I write to you regarding a matter of utmost importance to the Catholic Church in the United States.

On January 20th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), made a final decision that would force Catholic institutions to provide health insurance that includes all FDA-approved contraceptive methods and sterilization procedures, including several drugs that cause an early abortion by interfering with the implantation of a newly-conceived human being. This mandate poses a very serious threat to the religious freedom of Catholics and Catholic institutions.

You will recall that the delegates at our 129th Supreme Convention in Denver last year unanimously passed a resolution pledging our support for freedom of conscience in health care. Now is the time to make that pledge of support a reality.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is urging Catholics and all citizens to contact their elected leaders to let them know they want religious liberty and rights of conscience restored and the administration's contraceptive mandate rescinded.

Please encourage all Knights and their families in your jurisdiction to send an email to their elected representatives in Congress by visiting www.kofc.org/rights. Sample language has been provided urging elected leaders to co-sponsor the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179 / S.1467). This bi-partisan legislation will ensure that federal mandates do not penalize or discriminate against religious believers.

The Knights of Columbus will never waver in our opposition to any governmental action or policy that forces our citizens to violate their deeply-held moral and religious convictions.

Fraternally,

Carl A. Anderson
Supreme Knight



Master's Logs

Master’s Message
Memorial Day May 2012

Worthy Officers and Sir Knights:

This weekend we are celebrating Memorial Day – a day when we have to take the time to thank, honor and remember all of the veterans, -- those still serving, that have and are giving so much for our freedom.  Memorial Day is a day unlike any other. Since 1868 we have come together in our communities, towns and villages, to place flowers and flags on the graves of those who have given their last full measure of devotion to our country.  I ask you to remember on this Memorial Day…to honor the memory of our fallen warriors who have given everything for their country. 

We are also reminded on this day that in each generation, brave men and women will always step forward to take the oath of allegiance as members of America’s armed forces, willing to fight and if necessary die, for the sake of freedom.  Why do they do this?  They do it to provide a strong national defense --- to keep America safe and secure against those enemies who would destroy our American way of lifeThey do it for their fellow comrades…for those fighting by their side against all odds and for those who eventually separate from the military but proudly claim their status as veterans.  They do it for American core values of God and country --- family, patriotism and our religious liberties and heritage.  They do it for their children…so that they can grow up in an America that is strong and free.  It is through this last pillar - children…that we can continue the spirit of Memorial Day each and every day.
Remembering our fallen veterans once a year is not enough. The widows, widowers, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children remember EVERYDAY.  The empty seat at the dinner table, the smaller gathering on Thanksgiving, and the voice of a loved one heard only as a distant memory are constant reminders that they are gone.  But there are also people who can enjoy time with their families because of the sacrifices that others have made.   Scripture tells us that “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
We are here to remember and honor those who have done their duty, as God allowed them to see that duty.
            How is it possible to honor such men and women, both the dead and living?  There are many tangible things we can do to honor the service of our fallen heroes. First and foremost, is to take care of their families. In some cases, this means providing financial assistance to help their children obtain higher education.
Perhaps we cannot do any better than to call you the Greatest Generation of the greatest country in the world.  Perhaps we should make certain that your stories are told to the young.  Perhaps we should try to imitate both your purposes and lives, in both peace and war.  Perhaps we should just sincerely thank you for making sure that this island of liberty would continue.  Perhaps we should just say this, along with Abraham Lincoln: "Gold is good in its place; but living, brave, patriotic men, are better than gold."
Memorial Day is not about picnics and parades – although, there is nothing wrong with enjoying and celebrating our American way of life. But Memorial Day is really about remembering those who made our way of life possible.  To all of those veterans, gone on before us and still serving, we are in your debt and we thank you.
May God always bestow His blessings upon them, their families, those still serving today and you who are the patriotic members of the Knights of  Columbus. 
If we remember to keep them forever with us, do this; we will always be One Nation Under God, but it does come at a price.  God Bless America and God Bless you and your families! 
Thank you.
Charles H. Smallwood, Master
Archdiocese of Washington District


Faithful Friar's Message

June Report     St. Michael, patron of Germany, is the Archangel often depicted with slaying the devil with a sword.  His Feast Day, also traditionally known as Michaelmas, is September 29.  Other Archangels include Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.  Michael is also the patron of the Chosen People, our Church, and of the dying as he wrestles with devil for your soul.  In Revelation he is shown as the champion of the Church, who vanquishes the devil at the end of time.  The Feast of St. Boniface is the next day.

May Report.  Mother's Day was celebrated in Mexico last week, and this coming Sunday in the U.S.  We all owe a great debt to our mothers.  It is they who taught us to pray, instilled our Faith in us, and set the example for judgment of right from wrong.  Today is also the Feast of St. John of Beverly, Bishop of York, who died in 705 A.D., and was an important figure in the history of the Church in England.

April Report   Easter - "Let us rejoice and be glad".  Next Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday.  The days from Easter Vigil to Divine Mercy Sunday are one continuous celebration focusing on the Resurrection of our Lord.  The promis is that our forefathers and descendants will rise again as we will also.  God hears us and sent His Divine Son to help us.  We can join our suffering, whatever it may be, to those of Christ, and choose to accept Him as our Savior.  In Communion, we recognize that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.  Some people are against the importance (Sanctity) of marriage, or depth of our beliefs.  We need to stand firm by our convictions.  Cardinal Wuerl spoke against same sex marriage - family is central to our beliefs.

February Report.  St. Bridget, whose Feast Day is Feb. 1, is the female patron saint of Ireland (St. Patrick is the male patron saint).  She founded the first convent in Ireland and was a writer and lover of art.  She died at Kildare in 525 A.D.

January Report.  Today is the Feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton who was canonized in 1975.  She came from a prominent family, and was not a Catholic.  Her husband died when she was in her late 20's.  She lived in Italy where she learned about the Catholic Faith and decided to become a Catholic when she returned to the US with her children.  She came to Baltimore and started a school on Paca Street.  Archbishop Carroll asked her to go to Emmitsburg to start the first parochial school there with other women.  Rich Catholics stayed in Southern MD, others went to Emmitsburg (not far from Gettysburg, PA) and there was a strong Catholic presence there.  She died in her late 40's, leaving no descendants.  Elizabeth Ann Seaton was the first American to be canonized a saint.  A parish in Gaithersburg is named after her (an abortion clinic was built near the parish).  Her feast day is the anniversary of her death.  The first church named after her was in the Italian village where she was born.

Faithful Navigator's Report

June Meeting ---  This is my last meeting as your Faithful Navigator and I would like to thank you all for your  excellent support.  At the start of this Fraternal Year I had decided to take this Assembly in a different direction.  I hope that our new theme of "Let us keep our swords bright" will pave the way to help set the course for future Navigators.  Throughout this past year, the Worthy Master said the entire District of Washington was looking at this Assembly as a model of assemblies in MD, and led in all areas but recruitment, where we came in 2nd.  We have much to be proud of.

At today's meeting I would like to acknowledge some of the Sir Knights who particularly exemplify the values of this order. Official and Unofficial Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Formal Part of today's meeting. 

Presentation of Awards
  • Fitzsimmons Award to Color Corp member who supported the most Assembly turnout events  -- SK Arnie Rausch
  • Sir Knight of the Year   St. Michael Statue   -- SK Arnie Rausch
  • Family of the Year        SK Rick and Mary Rekus

  • Color Corp Members - All given flags in recognition of their service
    • Commander - SK David Knitowski
    • Vice Commander - SK Tom Lank
    • Navigator - SK Gary Patishnock
    • SK Arnie Rausch
    • SK Don Kutzera
    • SK Rick Rekus
    • SK Dick Bissell
    • SK Jim Gordon
    • SK Paul Simon
    • SK Hugh O'Donnell
    • SK Lloyd Krieger
    • SK Bill McMahon
    • SK Rick Askins
    • SK John Winfrey
    • SK Jim Brown


  • Michael McGivney Exemplars
    • SK Rick Askins
    • SK Jim Brown
    • SK David Knitowski
    • SK Don Kutzera
    • SK Tom Lank
    • SK Mark Manak
    • SK Rick Rekus
    • SK Bill Knox
    • SK Bill McMahon

  • Special Virtue Awards
    • Knight of Virtue - SK Dick Bissell
    • Knight of Temperance - SK John Landicho
    • Knight of Courage - SK Fidelis Chendi
    • Knight of Justice - SK Paul Simon
    • Knight of Faith - SK David Knitowski
    • Knight of Hope - SK Tom Lank
    • Knight of Charity - SK Monsignor Joaquin Bazan

  • Recruiter of the Year - St. Christopher Statue - SK Marc Alvarez
 
Faithful Navigator’s Memorial Day Message
Every Memorial Day we pause and remember those who had the faith to make sacrifices for our nation in the pursuit of peace – our veterans.  Veterans living and dead share a common faith to serve their country, their comrades and their God.  I commend every Sir Knight, indeed every American, to read and heed the lessons from Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.  It can be found both at http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres32.html as well as inscribed at the Lincoln Memorial.  It’s ending could well serve as a charge for all Sir Knights to follow:
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

May Meeting - We are using this occasion for welcoming the new Sir Knights who had just been initiated into the Fourth Degree and are new members of the Assembly on April 14.  A pot-luck dinner featuring a Spanish theme to commemorate the contributions of Spanish people Catholicism and this week's "Cinquo de Mayo" celebration.
May is a very special month dedicated to Mary and full of opportunities to pray and give thanks.  Mother's  Day in the U.S. has its roots after the Civil War to honor mothers who lost or were at risk of losing their sons to the war.  It became an official holiday in the U.S. in 1908 and has since then spread throughout the world.  Please remember to keep our mothers in our prayers this month.

Memorial Day is coming up shortly, when we can remember those who gave their lives so that we may enjoy our freedom and liberty. 

June 2 begins a two-week period of prayer for the unborn.  Pray the rosary every day.

April Meeting ---
  • Renewal of Vows went very well, with everyone on track and all proceedings according to regulations.  Received kudos for how well the meeting was conducted.  We welcome all who enter.
  • We have received a request for the Color Corps to participate in Divine Mercy Sunday celebration at Resurrection of Our Lord.
  • Petition drives are asking for us to lead petition drives for Sanctity of Marriage.  The Supreme Chaplain will come to Baltimore to continue the fight.
  • Exemplification is this coming Saturday.  Thank you to all who will participate, and welcome to all new Sir Knights.
  • June 6 will be our Annual Awards Night, and several awards are planned:
    • The Fitzsimmons Award for the Knight with the most turnouts.
    • The Faithful Admiral will name the Recruiter of the Year and present a rosary from Bill McMahon.  Would like to see this as an annual tradition.
    • Father McGivney Award to exemplars who do most for "good of the order" at local Assembly meetings.
    • Recognition of Knights who exemplify the 7 Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity, etc.
    • Family of the Year
    • Sir Knight of the Year
  • Biennial Meeting - kudos from Master to host the meeting. Our Assembly kept everything right.
  • Knight(s) of the Month for April -- Shared by SK Dick Bissell, SK Tom Lank, SK Dave Knitowski, SK Rick Rekus, SK John Winfrey, and SK Arnie Rausch for participation as delegates and alternates at Biennial Meeting


February Meeting -  Sir Knight of The Month  is Monsignor Joaquin Bazan in recognition of all the wonderful things he has done.  New Officers Nominating Committee appointed: John Landicho (Chair), Don Kutzera, Rick Askins. 
Upcoming meetings: Saturday Feb. 18, District Meeting; Monday Feb. 20 Executive Board Meeting will likely move to a Shrove Tuesday location at a local parish.  Wednesday Feb. 22 Ash Wednesday (no meetings).  March 5, Renewal of Obligations, at a different location due to carpet cleaning scheduled that week.  The Master and other 'dignitaries' will be present, so dress accordingly. 
"Fun"d Raising:  Red, White and Blue Raffle tickets; Mother's Day Basket(s) Raffle; Fathers' Day -- propose Casino (K)night open to all - would help drive bar revenue for the Council as well.
         

Archbishop Michael J. Curley Assembly #383
Faithful Navigator’s Report To The Master for January 2012

Events conducted/planned by our assembly included:
·         Meeting at 8:00 PM on January 4 and Executive Committee meeting at 7:30 PM on January 18.
·         Pro-life activities include…
·         “Honoring our brothers night”…
·         Assembly reminded that renewal of obligations will occur on March 5th prior to simple supper in honor of Father McGivney.

Councils visits where FN or other officers made a report of the 4th degree
·         FN made/scheduled to make 4th Degree report at Patuxent Council; other SKs made suitable remarks at their home council meetings.

Recruitment status report highlighting recruiting efforts in assisting our councils recruit new first degree members as well as our 4th degree recruiting efforts.
·        SKs are scheduled to appear at Mass and afterwards at St Hugh’s Sunday January 22nd
·        SKs assisting fundraiser efforts at Resurrection of Our Lord Church January 21st

Color Corp Report
·         FN requested that all equipment be inspected and if new/replacement/additional items are required to report to the membership; new glove order anticipated
·         Reminder to have uniform items dry cleaned in preparation for March renewal of obligations

January Meeting Report
We are now in the middle of our Fraternal year.  Accomplishments:
  • Let's keep our swords bright. 
  • Chamber is set up in good order.
  • Color Corps, new gloves. 
  • Keep others involved by inviting them to join in parades behind the Color Guard.
  • Outreach to St. Hughes, Biennial Meeting coming up.
  • $300 from the budget spent on various charities.  Anticipated expenses in advance. 
  • Fundraising -- last gathering was the Christmas Party;  50/50 and Chinese Auction over $200 raised from our own internal goodwill.  Great food, and a good time had by all.
  • Patriotic Education oratorical contest and other activities at funeral and within our councils meetings.
  • Two fraternal parties -  Columbus day and German-style Christmas.
Upcoming --
  • Renewal of vows in March -- Irish theme in honor of Father McGivney, Monday March 5.  Officers in tuxedos.  Worthy Master will be here.  Irish dinner afterwards.
  • Saint of the Day - Monsignor Bazan - great review and lesson.
  • Follow and think about 4th Degree rituals.
  • Martin Luther King letter from Birmingham jail noted how early church opposed infanticide.  Right to Life from the very beginning.  Take part in marches for Life, Prayers for Life, and other pro-life activities.
  • Support for Scouts -- last weekend of April - Retreat weekend for scouts in Upper Marlboro.  Take on additional projects with Scouts.
  • Unexpected -- X-factor - last minute turnout requests and supporting various activities.Doing very well in support of our goals.  Lots of activities coming up.
  • Share responsibilities with various officers and members.  Give them a chance to talk about their activities and projects.

Knight for Month of January:  SK Rick Rekus.
Vivat Jesus!
SK Gary M. Patishnock, PGK, FN


FN Musings . . . . .


Certain populations are indeed getting "dumber" because of what they (or their parents) put into their bodies.

The child born to a mother who smoked, drank alcohol, did drugs or contracted a disease while pregnant is not likely to join Mensa.

The child growing up with poor nutrition, living in a home with lead paint chips, drinking contaminated water, suffering from multiple childhood diseases is probably not going to grow up to be President.

The teenager who lacks parental figures in their lives, growing up with no moral code, in a violent society will probably not reach retirement age.

The adults who feed their minds and stomachs with garbage, who speak of their "rights" and not their "responsibilities", who lack for nothing except moral responsibility - they are the dumbest of all. Theirs is the stupidity of choice, or lack thereof.

So much for “for the sake of the health of the woman”…

Another sign of the Apocalypse?

"Start the protests early. . . "
From the USCCB website, excerpts from homilies the (Jan. 23rd) National Prayer Vigil for Life and the need to speak out for the protection of conscience rights and religious liberty.  To quote Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan (Archbishop of New York and president of the USCCB):  "From a human point of view, we may be tempted to surrender, when our government places conception, pregnancy and birth under the 'Center for Disease Control' (CDC), when chemically blocking conception or aborting the baby in the womb is considered a 'right' to be subsidized by others who abhor it".  "When the ability of feeding, housing, and healing the struggling of the world is curtailed and impeded if one does not also help women abort their babies, one can hardly be faulted for being tempted to the 'sin against the Holy Spirit' and just consider all as lost".  … the pro-life cause is acknowledged as today's premiere civil rights movement still, in spite of editorial pages and chic tsk-tsk (as) the most pivotal, burning issue on the campaign trail.
Yes, like David… the pro-life movement has been dismissed by the Goliath of the well-oiled, well-inked, glitterati-crowded pro-abortion one….But, Goliath the Giant didn't win, did he?  Trusting, shrewd, faithful, confident, energetic little David did!  

Faithful Captain's Report 
Prayers For Sick and Deceased:   
June Meeting -- Sick --- Chris Manak (SK Mark Manak's brother has cancer), Sarah Collins (breast cancer),  Felix Charles (Thanksgiving for Paul Simon's new grandson)

Deceased -- Philip Poe (co-worker of SK Bill Knox)

May Meeting  Sick -- Joshua Lendusie, Paula, Phyllis Janus
Deceased --- Connie Marks, David Norris - nephew of Terrance Holmes, Navigator of Naples Assembly 73245
All intentions dear to our hearts

April Meeting:  Sick -- Phllis Janus, wife of SK Conrad (2203), Mrs. Linda Lambert, wife of Roger Lambert, PGK (2203), Gary Patishnock, LeeAnn Sanford (Lymphoma), dear friend of Denise Young,  John Winfrey out of hospital recovering at home, Adam Rekus, son of SK Rick Rekus.  All soldiers in harm's way; all Catholics who have fallen away from the Church.

Deceased --- Earl Thorne; brother of SK Dick Bissell's neighbor; Barnaby Hughes., Most Reverend Joseph Esterbrook.

February Meeting:  Sick--- Sister Tomasina (Pallottine Sister), Ray Polazo, Mary Shahin, Tom Lapreste

Deceased --- Brian Bridger, Patricia Davis (daughter of Carl Oliver), Father Coyne (Bishop of Philadelphia)

January Meeting: 
Sick:  Patty Wheeler (cousin of Bill Knox), Brian Bridger (fellow Boy Scout of Rick Rekus), John Brian, Tom Lapreste (2809 brother Knight)

Deceased:  Dagney Chipelak (oldest parishioner at Resurrection of Our Lord parish); Francis Hurdle; Mrs. Bernadette Symczyk;

Fraternal Activities
April -- Fourth Degree Exemplification is this weekend.

(January & February) Turn in your Survey Report tonite.

Patriotic Support    
April Meeting -- Presentation on VA program; SK Tom Lank will do a brief presentation, about 15 minutes and a short video about VA activities; proposes we hold the meeting upstairs where we can have access to TV; SK Rick Askins to provide a projector for a July Powerpoint presentation.  Welcome new Sir Knights in May.

February Meeting -- VA Wish List -- Laundry detergent, money for coffee, social work fund, bottled water

January Meeting    Thank those Sir Knights who attended the Veterans Event in December.  Two Pearl Harbor survivors were present at the meeting.

Patriotic Education
June Meeting --- Presentation at the St. Joseph's School went very well; the students appreciated the awards.

April Meeting --- On April 4, 4 Sir Knights went to St. Joseph's School and presented awards to 8 winners.

February Meeting -- St. Mary's in Landover will not be participating this year.  No volunteers.  St. Joseph's - 82 enthusiastic students, 6 contestants; winner and alternate two from each grade level.  Others also available - request 3 from each grade - can send as many as 12 students.  Need more volunteers as judges, timers, etc.  February 12, Sunday 1:30 - 3:30 in this room.

January Meeting -- Email to three Catholic Elementary schools being sent to inquire how many participants there will  be.  Want to make sure the budget is sufficient for 3($100) First Prizes, 3 ($50) Second Prizes, and 3($25) Third Prizes for a total of $525 in prizes for grades 6, 7, and 8.  Contest will be held on February 12 from 1:30-4:30 PM at 2809 Council Home.

Near-Term Church & Pro-Life Activities
February meeting -- Visit website of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for info on how to contact your Congressman to oppose legislation regarding HHS forcing insurance plans to cover contraception, sterilization and drugs that induce abortion.  40 Days For Life starting Feb 21 at St. Mary of Mills church.  Praying every day.  See Paul Simon for info.

The Assembly members participated in the March For Life in Washington, D.C. on January 23 and the Maryland March For Life on March 12 in Annapolis.
Members of the Assembly conducted the Marriage Petition Drive (Referendum on the Ballot in November Elections) during the months of May and June in their respective parishes.


Faithful Pilot's Report --
February Meeting --- The U.S. flag - The initial flag design of alternating red and white stripes with the Union Jack in the corner was proposed in 1776.  However, very shortly thereafter, variations on the flag were proposed to eliminate ties to the Union Jack and Britain.  The story of Betsy Ross was as told in 1870 by her grandson (100 years later) by her great grandson about a flag having 13 stripes with 13 stars in a circle.  In 1795, the House and senate voted to specify the flag should have 15 stripes and 15 stars in a blue field for the 15 states at the time.  Capt. Sam Marie 1817 proposed to return to original 13 stripes.  Added stars as new states were added.  The Flag Act of 1818 under President Monroe passed by 4 votes, and the 13 stripes with increasing number of stars continued until 1912 with 66 different flags until 48 stars were added up to 1940.  The current design added the 49th and 50th stars for Alaska and Hawaii on July 4, 1960.

Musicians Corner
The Assembly "Choir Boys" provided their musical support to the District Kemp Cook Choir for the following Archdiocese of Washington Fourth Degree District musical engagements:  
February 4 concert at Charlotte Hall
March Exemplification For Priests
April   Exemplification at Colony South
May    Maryland State Council Convention Mass
           Veterans Administration Hospital Memorial Service
           Pro-Life Mass at St. Andrew Parish in Silver Spring 

 Faithful Admiral's Report
June Meeting ---  Two Form 4 applications received.

April Meeting --- Membership Applications --
three new transfers: Joseph Gliote from 1584 (Forestville)
Stephen Matera from 2304 Assembly
Rev. John Dylan from 382 Assembly

New Candidates ---
Arthur Blenkle
Marvin Chichas
Christopher Coker
Lino Deras
Louis Guevara
Jorge Gavidia
Fr. Jacob George
Sean Goerling
Keith Hurst
Abigail Miguel Alarcon
Okwudiri Onyenemezu
Jose Reyes
Jose Velasquez
Edwin Veliz-Martinez
Richard Zometa  
All candidates approved for membership to the Assembly.

February meeting --- Membership application Arthur Blenkle of  Council 2203, sponsor Gary Patishnock, approved.

The 42nd Fourth Degree Exemplification was held at the Colony South Hotel located in Clinton, MD (NEW Location) on April 13-15, 2012.
Honorees:       BishopLeonard J. Olivier, S.V.D. (Retired)
                     Monsignor Karl Chimiak

Location:     COLONY SOUTH HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
                     7401 Surratt's Road 
Clinton, Maryland 20735
 
 
ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP
To be eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree, candidates must be:
(1) Over 18 years of age; (2) A Third Degree member in good standing in his Council, and who was initiated into the First Degree prior to October 13, 2012; and (3) A practical Catholic in union with the Holy See, and (4) a US Citizen, or willing to Pledge Allegiance to USA.

Fees:            The basic fee for candidates is $70.00.  A special fee for priests and members of religious orders is $35.00.  Full payment should accompany each candidate’s application and reservation form.  Each candidate receives one (1) banquet ticket to the Fourth Degree Banquet.  Additional banquet tickets are available at a cost of $45.00 per person.  The fee for the Ladies' Activities is $25.00. All checks must be made payable to: Master, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. All applications, banquet reservations, outstanding fees, and Ladies' Activity reservations must be received by the District Secretary on or before March 24, 2012. There will be no refunds or changes after this date. Please forward all applications and reservations to the Assembly Faithful Comptroller. To ensure that all applications are accurately completed, the candidate’s application must be received, voted on, and approved by the Assembly before it is submitted to the Secretary to the Master.

(NOTE: The $70.00 Fee does NOT constitute payment of Assembly Fee's 
Dues, or any moneys owed to the Assembly.  This fee is to cover costs for
Candidates to take Exemplification, including Dinner.  Costs for Priests are
usually absorbed by the Assemblies to honor these Men and Brother
Knights for their unselfish service to our Order, Church, and Parishes.)


 Patriotic Support Activities

New Law Change Increases Insurance Coverage for Veterans
WASHINGTON – Some Veterans covered under the Veterans Group Life Insurance program (VGLI) now have the opportunity to increase their coverage to the current maximum coverage under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. 
“Currently, 70 percent of the Veterans covered under VGLI are under age 60, have less than $400,000 of coverage, and will greatly benefit from this law change,” said Allison A. Hickey, Department of Veterans Affairs under secretary for benefits.  
Under the Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010, enacted on Oct. 13, 2010, Veterans can increase their coverage by $25,000 at each five-year anniversary date of their policy to the current legislated maximum SGLI coverage, presently, $400,000. 
To date, approximately 21 percent of eligible Veterans have taken advantage of this opportunity, resulting in nearly $113 million of new coverage being issued.
The VGLI program allows newly discharged Veterans to convert their SGLI coverage they had while in the service to a civilian program.  Before enactment of this law, Veterans could not have more VGLI than the amount of SGLI they had at the time of separation from service. 
For example, those who got out of the service prior to Sept. 1, 2005, when the maximum SGLI coverage was $250,000, were limited to $250,000 in VGLI coverage. 
Now on their first five-year anniversary, these Veterans can elect to increase their coverage to $275,000.  On their next five-year anniversary, they can increase the coverage to $300,000, and so forth. 
The additional coverage can be issued regardless of the Veteran’s health.  To be eligible to purchase this additional coverage, the Veteran must:
•           Have active VGLI coverage,
•           Have less than the current legislated maximum coverage of $400,000,
•           Request the additional coverage during the 120-day period prior to each five-year anniversary date, and
•           Be less than 60 years of age on the five-year anniversary date of his or her coverage.
Eligible Veterans are notified of this opportunity a week before the start of the 120-day period prior to their anniversary date, and twice more before the actual anniversary date.
For more information about VA’s Insurance Program or other VA benefits, go to www.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.   Veterans are also encouraged to visit VA’s web portal eBenefits - Insurance. 

SK Tom Lank, PGK, PFN, FDD
VAVS Representative

Lest We Forget
A Thank You Note from Mary and Cathy O'Brien to the Assembly:
"My daughter and I wanted to thank you and everyone at the Knights Of Columbus for the help and support you provided to us this week [funeral of SK Bob O'Brien].  The honor guard and prayers Tuesday evening were a lovely tribute to my husband and truly appreciated by his entire family.  God Bless you,  Mary and Cathy O'Brien

 "Rent A Rosary" Program has been instituted in the Curley Assembly.  The Faithful Captain will administer this program.  Rosaries are available for $1 "rent" to Sir Knights during the Decade of the Rosary portion of the meeting.  Proceeds will be collected for a charitable activity (to be determined).


Color Corps Report

23 June 2012 – 14th Annual National Filipino Pilgrimage
Report Time: 1:15pm
Mass: 2:00pm
Devotions start at 10:00 AM. There will be a Procession, Rosary and
Devotion to Our Lady of Antipolo at 12:15 PM
PLACE:Basilica of the National Shrine to the Immaculate Conception
DRESS: White Jackets - NO SWORDS

Saturday, June 23, 2012 - Ordination of the Episcopal Diaconate to the Priesthood
PLACE: St. Matthew's Cathedral, Washington, DC
REPORT TIME: 9:30am
MASS TIME: 10:00am
UNIFORM: WHITE JACKETS, Full Color Corps Regalia, No Swords

Saturday, June 16, 2012 - Ordination to the Priesthood
PLACE: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
REPORT TIME: 9:30am
MASS TIME: 10:00am
UNIFORM: WHITE JACKETS, Full Color Corps Regalia, No Swords
Notes: Lead Marshal TBD. We need 8 men for this turnout. 


Saturday, June 9, 2012 - Ordination of the Transitional Diaconate
PLACE: St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, DC
REPORT TIME: 9:15am
MASS TIME: 10:00am
UNIFORM: WHITE JACKETS, Full Color Corps Regalia, No Swords
Notes: We'll likely be in the St. Francis Chapel. I need 5 more guys for this. I'll be the Lead Marshal

TO#51
Sunday June 10th
Corpus Christi procession at St Mary of the Mills Church immediately following the 5 pm Mass….
Report time 5:30 pm in the Breen Room of the church, start time approx  6 pm
Need 4 Color Corp to carry the canopy for Msgr Mike around the block….
White jacket no sword

TO#50
Sunday June 24th
1st Mass of Fr Richard Kramer who will be ordained on 23 June , a member of Council 10885 at St Hugh church on Crescent Rd in Greenbelt, MD
report time 1030 for 11 am mass
White jacket (No Sword)

TO#49
Requested by Sir Knight & Pastor of Holy Redeemer church, Father George, who retires after this Mass!
Sunday June 17th
Mass of celebration for the 100th Anniversary of the Holy Redeemer Catholic church at 4902 Berwyn Rd, College Park MD
Report time 9:15 am for a 10 am Mass ( earlier report time due to expected standing room only crowd)
Need 3 Color Corp members + (Me CC Cmdr), need to have 3 confirmed attendees NLT than 15 June! So step right up & put your name in the chapeaux!
Cardinal Wuerl will be the celebrant!!!
White jacket (No sword)
We are welcome to attend social & light refreshments after Mass!

TO#48
Saturday June 16th
Golden Jubilee Mass for our Friar, Msgr. Bazan (50 years as priest & 40 years as Chaplain of Council 2809)
At the Holy Cross church 4900 Strathmore Avenue, Garrett Park, MD (near Kensington)
Report time 6:30 pm for 7 pm Mass!
White jacket (No sword)
light refreshments after Mass!

Worthy Sir Knights of the Curley Assembly….
The Master of the AWD has now changed the dates for white jackets to correspond to what is in the navigator hand book….
White jackets are to be worn from the MD State Convention May 4th  through Labor Day weekend except when Provincial or Supreme events are scheduled, which is black jacket at all times i.e. Bishop Lori’s mass….

TO#47
Sunday May 20th
Archdiocese of Military Services Memorial Mass at the SHRINE on Michigan Ave Washington DC (Provincial turnout)
Report time 3:00 pm for 4:30 Mass (TV Coverage & security for early report time)
Black jacket No sword

TO#46
Wednesday May 16th
Installation of new Archbishop of Baltimore, Supreme Chaplain Lori (Provincial turnout)
at Cathedral of Mary our Queen, 5200 N. Charles St Baltimore MD 21210
Report time is 11:30 am for 1:30 pm Mass (long report time for staggered procession) in the lower level of the church
Black jacket no sword
I need a head count for this ASAP, because this is a ticketed event!

TO#45
Monday,  May 28th Memorial Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery starts at 10 am
Report time 0915
White Jacket no swords

TO#44
Sunday May 27th Memorial Day Mass at PG Council 2808 starts 9 am
Report time 0830 am
White Jacket no swords for Mass
Flag retirement ceremony after conclusion of the Mass, will need swords!

TO#43
Saturday May 12th
Officer Installation of the St. Hugh Ladies Auxiliary at St. Hugh Church on Crescent rd in Greenbelt, MD
4:30 pm report time for 5 pm Mass
Black jacket (swords for Officer Installation only)

TO #42
Saturday May 12th Laurel Main street Festival Parade 9 am start
Report time 8:30 am at the Parade staging area,  6th & Montgomery Streets
White Jacket with swords unless carrying flag, need 5 CC for this event!

TO#41
Saturday May 5th Maryland State Convention Mass at St Luke’s Church in Ocean City, MD
Report time is 3:00 pm in front of the Princess Royale Hotel for a 3:45 pm Mass start
Black Jacket with Sword (due to being  in the Delaware diocese)

TO#40
Tuesday April 24th
Wake for Phyllis Janus, wife of Sir Knight Conrad Janus at Donaldson’s funeral home in Laurel, MD
Color corp will stand casket guard from 7-9 pm, report time 6:30 pm
Black Jacket No Sword
For those that can attend, Color Corp has also been requested for her Mass on Wednesday 25 April at 10 am at St Nicholas’s church on Contee Rd in Laurel, MD
To include internment at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD
Mass Report time 9:30 am
Black jacket No Sword

TO#39
15 April 2012 – Divine Mercy Sunday – 
TIME:             Report at 1:15 PM to the Usher’s Room
                        Line up at the Sacristy by 1:45 to escort Clergy
                        Program starts at 2:00 PM
PLACE:             Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC
                        Upper Church
DRESS:          Full Regalia – NO SWORDS

TO#38
Saturday April 21st
Officer Installation of the St. Hugh Ladies Auxiliary at St. Hugh Church on Crescent Rd in Greenbelt, MD
4:30 pm report time for 5pm Mass
Black jacket (swords for Officer Installation only)

TO#37
Sunday April 15th
Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at Resurrection church on Brock Bridge Rd Laurel MD 20724
Report time 0930 am  start time 10 am
Black Jacket No sword

TO#36
Saturday April 14th
AWD 4th degree Exemplification at Colony South Hotel ; Conference Center 7401 Surratts Rd Clinton, MD 20735 starts at high noon!
Black jacket with swords
Report time 0930 am for 10 am walk thru with DM Mike Lynch

TO#35
Wednesday April 4th   8:15 am report time 8 am
Flag team for St Joseph’s school oratorical awards
Black jacket with swords except for flags

TO#33
March 28, 2012, relics of St. John Neumann will be exposed for veneration
Place: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception - Crypt Church
Report Time: 12:30 pm
Guard Time: 1 pm-5 pm
Dress: Black Jackets, full color corps regalia. No swords.

TO#32
Thursday March 15th
Passing of Earl Thorn (District staff)
Latest information on Earl's arrangements from DM Mike Lynch
This will be a Thursday afternoon/Friday morning (this week) event. There will be split wakes (one at a funeral home, one at St. John Vianney Church) on Thursday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, and Mass of Christian Burial (and possibly a short viewing) on Friday morning, report time 9:30 am.
Black jacket with sword for viewing only
More updates to follow

TO #31
Saturday March 17th
Special Priest Exemplification at ST Mary of the Assumption school in Upper Marlboro, MD (Route 202 east)
Report time 7am to help with set up, Exemplification starts approx 945am
Black Jacket with sword

TO#30
Sunday March 4th
Assist GK Fidelis Chendi of Queen of the Americas council with Membership Blitz approx 20 min before  after the 10:30 am Mass
At Our Lady of Sorrows Church 1006 Larch Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Report time 10 am (to my knowledge, we are not to be a participant during the Mass) serve only as part of congregation)
Black Jacket with sword (swords off for mass)

TO # 29
Saturday Feb 18th
A going away Mass for Associate pastor Fr. Hurd who is leaving for a new assignment will be held at St. Hugh Church on Crescent rd in Greenbelt, MD
Report time 4:30 pm for the 5pm Mass
Black Jacket No Sword

Black Jacket (No sword)

TO#28 ( from DM Mike Lynch)
Saturday Jan 21st
Mass for Life with Supreme Chaplain Bishop Lori in the Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart @ Georgetown University 3700 O St NW Wash DC 20057
Report time: 5 pm at vesting location in Healy Hall (across the courtyard from Dahlgren Chapel) in rm 105
Mass time 5 pm
Black Jacket (No sword)

 TO#27
Sunday Jan 22nd
Vigil Mass for the Right to Life March at St. John the Baptist de la Salle 5706 Sargent Rd in downtown Chillum, Md 20782
Report time 4:30 pm for 5 pm start
Black Jacket (No Sword)
Fr. Mariano Vicchi, IVE Novitiate House @ St James wants to see as many of color corp as possible!

TO#26
Sunday Jan 22nd ?(date is not yet confirmed by the “Guy in the Green Tights”, our own Provincial Marshal J)
Mass ; Council #10885 membership blitz @ St Hugh Church in Greenbelt, Md
Report time 9 am for 9:30am  Mass
Black jacket (swords after Mass)

TO#25 (District turn out)
Saturday Jan 14th
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Concert; Mass @ St. Jerome’s church in Hyattsville
Concert begins at 6pm however report time for Mass is 6:45 pm for Mass @ 7:30 pm

 SK David Knitowski, PGK, PFN
Color Corps Commander


Church/Pro-Life Activities For December and January
Mini Rally was held in front of the White House in early December.
January March For Life on D.C. Mall
March Maryland March For Life In Annapolis
Pro-Life Masses scheduled throughout Maryland
Marriage Petition Drive for Referendum on November Ballot

STAND UP FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
On May 21, Catholic institutions, including the Archdiocese of Washington, filed a legal action in the
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge the Department of Health and Human
Services’ (HHS) unprecedented mandate dramatically redefining religious ministry and requiring
religious organizations to provide coverage for drugs and procedures in direct conflict with their
religious beliefs. Archbishop Carroll High School, Inc.; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of
Washington, Inc.; the Consortium of Catholic Academies of the Archdiocese of Washington, Inc.; and
The Catholic University of America are also plaintiffs in the same action. This local lawsuit is one of
12 actions filed nationwide on May 21 on behalf of 43 separate Catholic institutions.
Here’s why:
The lawsuits are about the First Amendment, religious freedom and our ability to serve the
public. The lawsuits challenge HHS’s new definition of what is, and is not, a religious institution. The
HHS mandate, which changes decades of practice and precedent, now defines religious ministry so
narrowly that religious schools, hospitals, and social service ministries don’t qualify as religious, and
must therefore provide abortion-inducing drugs, contraceptives, and sterilization, that violate their
beliefs, or incur crippling fines.
The government’s new definition of religious institutions denies that organizations that exist
as a reflection of a commitment to practice our faith – schools, hospitals, social service
organizations, and charitable endeavors – are “religious enough.” It says that an organization is
not religious if it does not primarily serve and hire people of its own faith. Under this change in
definition, the work of Mother Teresa does not qualify as the work of a religious organization.
Catholic organizations and dioceses do not keep running tallies of the number of Catholics and non-
Catholics they serve—they never even ask. The only way a diocese can know for sure if it is exempt
is by undergoing an intrusive governmental examination into the religious beliefs of our employees
and the people we serve.
Many politicians, and some in the media, want people to think this controversy is about
access to contraception. It is not. The government claims it only wants to ensure access to
abortion-inducing drugs, contraceptives, and sterilization, but these services are already widely
available (even to teenage girls) at little or no cost. In fact, with a prescription, birth control pills cost
just nine dollars a month, or can be obtained at no cost to the individual at certain health care clinics.
No part of the lawsuit challenges women’s established legal right to purchase contraception. It
challenges the government’s ability to force the Church to provide drugs and procedures that violate
our religious beliefs.
To learn more, visit PreserveReligiousFreedom.org

“Religious freedom is not a partisan issue”
According to the Catholic News Service, Archbishop Lori in a June 6 conference call with members of the Catholic press said, “It’s important to say, the struggle we are engaging in here is not a partisan issue. We didn’t choose the time. We didn’t choose the place.”
Then the archbishop went on to say, “We’re not trying to throw an election. We’re simply trying to defend fundamental freedoms. It’s not a Republican or Democratic issue. It’s not a Catholic issue. It’s a freedom issue.”
Defending religious freedom is what the challenge to the HHS mandate is all about, and the Fortnight for Freedom, two weeks of prayer, education and action between June 21 and July 4, is dedicated to prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom.

For more information, go to the URL http://www.preservereligiousfreedom.org/

Texting FREEDOM To 377377
As part of a national effort to educate, the USCCB announced on June 21, 2012 a text campaign to create a network so that people of goodwill can stay informed on the latest news and projects concerning efforts to promote and defend our religious freedom.
Here’s how it works: Send a text to 377377 with either the word “freedom” or “libertad,” depending on whether you want your updates in English or Spanish. You’ll get an automatic response asking for your email and zip code. Then you’ll be connected to a network in solidarity with the bishops that will notify you to pray, learn and act on specific items.
  •        Life should make sense.  There’s an order to everything.  When we experience angst it’s usually because we know, at least on some level, that things are off kilter, that things are not as they should be.  Every one of us — even those of us who claim to be the live-and-let-live type — has a sense within us of what should or should not be done.  That’s evidence of the natural law written in our hearts, the law that allows us to participate with God.  Like God, we are able to evaluate and judge things.  Unlike God, we don’t always get it right.  But it’s the very fact of being created in his image that makes it possible to take in nature and to see the order that should exist in it.  That’s why varied cultures share similar values even when they don’t share religious beliefs.  We share a participation in the natural law/order.
  •          In order to seek the truth, people should be free to do it.  If they are coerced to believe something, then they don’t really believe it.  They accept it because they have to, but it’s not part of their core belief.  The Catholic Church has not always been the best example of honoring this fundamental right as John Paul II acknowledged in his apologies for the failings of the Church in the past.  Yet, it’s the Catholic Church that has been a voice for the freedom of religion of those of other beliefs, particularly in the past hundred years.
  •         To know the truth, it must be taught and experienced.  It’s a somewhat receptive process.  We don’t determine truth for ourselves.  We witness it in others, in study, in religious beliefs.  We take that into ourselves and, in essence, decide that we want to be part of it because it resonates with our very being.  It’s a personal process but that doesn’t mean that we come to it on our own or that we shouldn’t be involved in providing education so that we, with others, can come to know greater truth. It’s a personal work, not done alone.


Sick and Deceased Reports
And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”  (Job 1:21)

Sick and Distressed:
Dubois; Clayton Whitaker (brother-in-law of Paul Simon); Stephen Murphy, Michelle and Tom Bloomer (daughter and son-in-law of SK Bill McMahon); Lady Nancy Smallwood (wife of the Master); Bruce Knox; John Clem II (Council 2809 member).
Tom Bressen; Dick Anderson; Elaine Hilbord, Susan Woodruff (wife of Mike Woodruff, Council 11619); SK John Winfrey and wife Gloria.

Sick -- Joshua Lendusie, Paula,
Deceased --- Phyllis Janus, Connie Marks, David Norris - nephew of Terrance Holmes, Navigator of Naples Assembly 73245

Deceased:
Helen O'Loughlin (wife of SK Joe O'Loughlin); SK Earl Thorne (former Warden to the Master); Mary Pello, Sally Millican,  and  Marcia Santiago (SK Deacon Perfecto Santiago's mother); Henrietta Manak ( mother of Mark Manak); Joe Frandorfer.

Also all intentions already recorded in our book, and other intentions in our hearts.  Please update the Book if a sick person gets better.  Prayer is one of the most important things we do.  If that is all we accomplish, it is time well spent.

Sick and deceased updates (alphabetical order)
Phyllis Janus, wife of SK Conrad (2203) has been in Holy Cross since last Thursday.  She remains in  ICU on a respirator, feeding tube and IV's plus suspected sepsis. She's had problems with diabetes and her heart. Conrad is totally beside himself and his daughter-in-law is staying with him. Please pray for Phyllis AND Conrad.
Mrs. Linda Lambert wife of Roger Lambert, PGK of Patuxent Council #2203, would like to thank all the brother knights who have prayed for him. Our Loving Lord has answered and blessed him with a new kidney on Wednesday, so far all is well. He is in John Hopkins ICU in Baltimore.  Please pray for thanksgiving and continued recovery.  (Thanks to multiple sources)
Gary Patishnock recovering from virus but still has rashes from spider bites.  Thanks for your prayers.  (Thanks, Lady Roberta)
LeaAnn Sanford, a dear friend of Denise Young, has been diagnosed with lymphoma.  She is undergoing chemo, and having a rough time of it.  Battling this since November, she has lost her job, and her daughter, Marsha – a Tastefully Simple sales representative, is having a fundraiser to help her mom Take a look at Marsha’s website (www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mshaffer ) and place direct orders.  If you have never tried Tastefully Simple, they are absolutely scrumptious box mixes and dips that require only 1 or 2 additional ingredients. (Thanks to Denise Young at  young.denise@verizon.net  )
Earl Thorne has passed away after rallying last week.  Continue to pray for his family and for the repose of his soul.  (Thanks, Worthy Master and others)
John Winfrey is out of the hospital “after his brief stint” – pray for continued recovery. (Thanks to multiple sources)
Master XY and Mistress XX, two unborn children among far too many  – pray for the repose of their souls…
Update on SK John Flowers (May 17) --- 
He had Open Heart surgery, aorta bypass and neck surgery; in the hospital for the past  2 months at the VA Medical Center. He didn't expect us all to visit, but to see the prayer listing with his name on it. God Bless you all.
Sir Knight Tom Lank saw him, when he came over to serve coffee in the Emergency Room.  John was going to appointments. A great job he does and the Veterans appreciate it.