Ship's Logs November through December 2011

Faithful Friar Report for November 2011

St. Wilford brought the Faith to the Benelux countries. St. Boniface of Germany failed on the first attempt; he returned with St. Wilford and 12 Benedictines. This time he was successful.

Pope Paul VI requested that priests from northern India and East Africa be sponsored in U.S. vocations. The Church benefited from these vocations.

Our example makes an important impression on others, especially on our children. The practice of our Faith frequently depends on examples set by the Fathers. What the children see (not what you say) is what they will follow. Your good example makes a tremendous difference.

Faithful Friar Report for December 2011

December 7 was the feast of St. Ambrose and Pearl Harbor Day. One of the most popular saints in the U.S. was St. Nicholas who lived in the 4th century and is the predecessor of Santa Claus. His gifts of three golden balls set the precedent for the custom of giving gifts at Christmas time. St. Nicholas attended the Council of Nicea where Church doctrine was formalized. In the 10th century, another St. Nicholas, of Bari, and a group of sailors went to Asia Minor to retrieve Church relics. The sacred relics are now on display in the St. Mark Basilica in Venice. St. Nicholas of Bari is the patron of sailors, while St. Nicholas who lived in the 4th century is the patron of children and the poor.

Faithful Navigator's Report for December

Our Christmas Wish is for all our brothers to be here for our Annual Christmas Party on December 16. Bring your family. Also invite any future Sir Knights who signed their Form 4; let them see what it is like to be part of this family. We currently have 10 new members pending and need to get 10 more to meet our goal of 20. Ask Council chair officers to come to the 4th Degree. Explain to them what we do, come to meetings when you can; we are asking just a little bit extra. As we celebrate the season do not forget to Keep Christ in Christmas (spell Christmass with two s's and make it a poin of going to Mass and taking someone with you. Get in to the habit of practicing your Faith throughout the course of the day. Find opportunities daily to profess your Faith, show your patriotism and express yourself as a 4th Degree Knight. Find ways to support people in times of trouble.

SK Gary Patishnock, PGK, FN

Captain's Report of Activities

Patriotic Support Activities for November 2011

A VA Hospital Meeting was held on November 10. The presentation of wheelchairs to the veterans took place in the lobby of the VA Hospital. There are many opportunities for the veterans to receive special honors on Veterans' Day. At the Military Retirement Home on November 11, volunteers greeted the veterans in their recreation hall and served ginger ale and cake.

December Patriotic Support

As our troops return from active duty, get the name of a local veteran just coming back and find a way to welcome him back, and express our appreciation. Think about what you can do for veterans at the VA Hospital. Recently met with the Director of the hospital; he extended his recognition of the value of volunteers to the hospital. Volunteers serve a very important role in support of the Vet. If you have time to volunteer, call Tom Lank and he will put you in touch with them. The only physical requirement to be a volunteer is a TB test. SK Joe O'Laughlin came to the VA retirement home on Veterans Day. Of 24 veterans present, two had been at Pearl Harbor during the attack.

SK Tom Lank, PGK, PFN, FDD

VAVS Representative

Pilot's Report For December

Review of Flag Decorum --- Always shine a light on the flag if it is displayed after dark. The U.S. flag never dips. It is positioned to the right of the speaker at the podium. In marching formation, the U.S. flag is held higher than any other flag in formation. When it is displayed, show as much of the blue as possible.

Pearl Harbor Day -- WWII Veteran Joe O'Laughlin

Was a member of the 5th Marine Division, 28th Regiment. His unit lost 1 out of every 3 men at Iwo Jima. In the battle for Okinawa, they lost half of the unit. Joe was a Communications Officer on the beach. He said his prayers in Latin in case God did not understand English. At various Veteran events, he frequently runs into vets who served with him in the Pacific.

Patriotic Education Activities For November 2011

Oratorical Contest - Brother Courier at St. Joseph's School distributed information at the Principal's Meeting. St. Joseph's was first on board this year. Requests for information were received from Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's in Landover Hills and provided. Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 may participate. The speech has to be at least four minutes, 30 seconds to a maximum of five minutes. If it is over seven minutes, 30 seconds, it is automatically disqualified. Each school will send the winner and one alternate to the Final competition which will be held on Sunday February 12 at the Council Home. Cash awards will be given for each grade level.

Patriotic Education Activities For December 2011

Holy Redeemer, College Park, and St. Mary's of Landover signed up for the Oratorical Contest.

"Rent A Rosary" Program has been instituted in 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).

Fraternal Activities

The Assembly Christmas Party will be held at the Council Home on December 16.

November Admiral Report

Two commercial ads were ready for the 4th Degree Exemplification Program Book;

Kilinski's Catering Service took out a half page; Stromberg Metal, Inc.

took a full page ad.

November Color Corps Report

November 10 - Wheel Chair distribution at the VA Hospital (with sword)

November 15 - Patuxent Memorial Mass at Palotti School Chapel

November 17 - Ukrainian National Shrine (with sword)

November 21 - Certification for those who missed the October date.

November 28 - PG Council Memorial Mass at the Council Home

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.

March For Life in Washington, D.C. on January 23.

Sick and Deceased Reports for November and December

Sick and Distressed:

Dubois; Clayton Whitaker (brother-in-law of Paul Simon); Lady Debbie Rausch (wife of SK Arnie Rausch), Stephen Murphy, Michelle and Tom Bloomer (daughter and son-in-law of SK Bill McMahon); SK Earl Thorne (Warden to the Master); 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).

Deceased:

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 sic person gets better. Prayer is one of the most important things we do. If that is all we accomplish, it is time well spent.