Volume 24 Issue 1 - July 2020
THE CROSS and COMPASS
"Faith in Action!!!"
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Grand Knight's Report
Brother Knights
,
In March of 2020, a lot of our world stopped turning. Businesses closed, workers went home – some for good - and our Council went into a tailspin with Lenten dinners and Sunday breakfasts ended, events and council meetings cancelled and our church closed until just two weeks ago. The opportunities for camaraderie and social interaction disappeared, and we were quarantined to our homes with no place to go. A very bleak world, indeed.
But just as it is with every night, there is a new dawn and with the start of our new fraternal year, we have the opportunity to regroup and attack the challenges we face with renewed energy and purpose.
During the past three months, we’ve learned how to use technology to replace our face-to-face meetings with a product called “ZOOM”. We’ve become a world of “Zoomies”. Thanks to our PGK and current Treasurer, Tom Larkin, we’ve been able to gather on-line for our meetings, and I expect we’ll continue on-line for the foreseeable future. However, we lose the valuable benefit of having a place to bring new candidates to interact with our members. In addition, without a place to go, and things to do, we stand the chance of losing some of our existing members if we don’t step-up our efforts to retain them and recruit new ones.
So that is going to be our first and most important challenge as we start this new fraternal year. I want to make sure that we contact each of our 483 council members to make sure they know how much we care for them and how important they are to us, that we are having digital meetings and make sure that they know how to join-in with Zoom. Secondly, I want to see each member invite one new candidate to join our council this year. These two actions alone will strengthen our retention and grow our council during this time of pandemic bane. We had about 70 members who regularly attended our monthly business meetings, so I will start there and ask each of them to contact 5 other members. Let us know if you can make some calls. We can then do a second round to call the rest.
Fund raising will be another priority for our council this year. Brother Tom, our Treasurer, is exploring new ways we can generate funds for our charitable giving. We are looking at 50/50’s, online raffles, ticket sale raffles (Similar to our car raffles), and other schemes to encourage giving. More to come about this as we zero-in on the activities you choose to do.
At the start of the pandemic, we created outreach programs to help our neighbors. These programs, although not widely used, were very successful in accomplishing their objectives. Now there are enough social programs that we no longer have to have our own, but a new need may have emerged over the past four months that does need our attention, and that is any specific need of our fellow Knights. If any member of our council needs help due to either the virus, loss of their job, or other extraordinary needs, especially prayer, please let us know. I know that the collective prayers of our council can be the strongest support we can offer any of our brothers.
On that note, I ask you for your prayers for our council and its leadership team as we start this new fraternal year. With your support, we can be optimistic in our hopes for the coming year and a return to what will be the “New normal”.
Vivat Jesus!
Rory Wall
,
GK
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BROTHERS
,
Your response to Operation “Helping Hands”, to assist our older brothers and widows, has been overwhelming! Every day for the past two months have been filled, with many more brothers asking to help.
As we mentioned at the last business meeting, there has been little or no requests for our services, In talking to many or those who may have needed our help, we found their family and friends stepped up They are aware of Our Helping Hands program and will use it in the future if necessary.
Because of this, we have decided to eliminate the daily sign-ups and instead have those in need call Bill McKenna or myself. We will then contact those brothers who have volunteered to fill the need. So, if you know of any brothers or widows who do not have access to our emails, please give them a call to let them know about our Operation “Helping Hands.” Have them call Bill or Tom if they need help.
Bill McKenna - billmaurmck@gmail.com - 704-560-6997
Tom Larkin - twlarkiin39@gmail.com - 803-762-8989
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George Floyd
:
The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis calls on us to reexamine our personal commitment to love and to resist hate. He had a purpose. He was loved. He has value. Stand against all violent acts from the womb to the tomb. All lives matter, especially the most vulnerable - in the womb or the infirm.
Abortion Action:
- Do you believe that life begins at the moment of fertilization?
- Do you believe the killing of preborn children is wrong and one of the gravest issues facing our country?
- Do you believe that we must educate Americans on the humanity of the preborn?
- Do you believe that we must expose the abuse and corruption of the abortion industry?
- Do you believe that people’s hearts and minds can change on abortion?
If you answered yes to all of these, then would you consider taking an even greater stand and putting an end to this horrible reality.
Right now there is an urgent, and specific need to stop the abortion industry from making one of the biggest killers of innocent children, the abortion pill, accessible by mail and over-the-counter. Put your beliefs into action and join in the fight. Write your congressmen and senators. Urge everyone you meet to vote responsibly in November. Base your voting decision on the ONE ISSUE that is basic to all others. Vote for
LIFE.
Also please think about how we all can fight the war on abortion. Then send me any and all of your ideas so I can share them in my next culture of life article.
Sidewalk Advocates and prayer partners needed at the Hebron Abortion Facility
The Hebron Abortion facility performs abortions from 9 AM to 1 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
The defenseless unborn babies need us there. Email me at
ngemignani@gmail.com
if you need directions. Through Sept. 1
st
, The Sidewalk Advocates training course for Sidewalk Advocates will be available on-line. To get started, fill out an application at
www.sidewalkadvocates.org/trainingapp
. For questions contact our Charlotte chapter at: Prolifesignup@gmail.com
Pray
Let us pray for COVID-19 victims and their families who suffer, let us also remember the littlest victims who died in the last three months:
the unborn
. Are we doing enough to end abortion?
Respectfully,
Norman Gemignani
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Many of us are growing weary of the new order of our world, as we try to remain in compliance with the guidelines from the State of NC, the CDC, and any other official governing source.
Well, here are a few opportunities to do a couple of different things that meet the current regulations and at the same time to help the LAMB Foundation serve those who have intellectual disabilities.
The first is fundraiser at
Burger 21 on July 21st
. This restaurant will donate a percentage of the day’s revenue to the LAMB Foundation. You have the choice to either eat in or take out. It all counts toward the total to be donated to LAMB. Enjoy their great food and help LAMB at the same time.
Another opportunity is to list LAMB as your preferred charity with AmazonSmile. LAMB has been a registered charity with
AmazonSmile
for a number of years now. If you are buying on Amazon anyway, it costs nothing to go to
smile.amazon.com
,
indicate the LAMB Foundation of NC as your preferred charity and help raise money for LAMB.
The third opportunity involves the
Carolina Panthers. We have partnered with the Panthers to sell tickets to a few select games this season with the LAMB Foundation receiving a donation for every ticket sold. Here’s your chance to attend an NFL game supporting your local team at a discounted ticket rate and at the same generating financial support for LAMB. Look for a separate announcement soon.
May God bless all Knights and their families.
Respectfully,
Bob Desch
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Council News!
July 1st is the start of the 2020/2021 Fraternal Year and the changing of the guard. The new council officers ask for your support and help in making the year
"The Best Yet"!
Council Officers for Fraternal Year 2020-2021
Grand Knight –
Rory Wall
Deputy Grand Knight –
Ray Misiunas
Chancellor –
Chuck Curtis
Recorder –
Norm Smith
Financial Secretary –
John Coudriet
Treasurer –
PGK Tom Larkin
Advocate –
PGK Don Gacevich
Warden –
Hank Kempton
Inside Guard –
Dave Donovan
Outside Guard –
Bob Mrkus
3 Year Trustee –
PGK Bill McKenna
2 Year Trustee –
PGK
Richard White
1 Year Trustee –
PGK
Bob Desch
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Parish Breakfast -
It's
Future
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The Covid-19 pandemic has put a stop to our monthly breakfasts and when they'll start up and what they'll look like are unknown. Most likely the buffet style food line is a thing of the past; instead we'll have cafeteria type lines with servers. We are hoping we can start up our monthly breakfasts in September, but who knows?
Our parish breakfast goals are to provide a place for parishioners to meet socially while enjoying a delicious meal; show off the Knights of Columbus and out council to encourage new recruits; and to make some money for our charities. Until the pandemic is contained and meeting in groups okay, we won't be able to provide the opportunity to socialize. But we are hoping there is an opportunity to show off our council and make some money while following all the proper guidelines.
One idea that has come up is offering ToGo breakfasts after each Mass. The idea is to offer 2 or 3 choices - eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, home fries and biscuit ToGo box. The other choices are a pancake and meat box or a french toast and meat box. Each ToGo breakfast would be $5 and parishioners would order beforehand.
We are working out the logistics for presentation to Fr. John and Fr. Peter. All proper precautions will be followed to ensure everyone's safety.
So, we'd love to hear your ideas and get your input. Just drop one of us a message!
God Bless,
PGK Tom Larkin - 803-762-8989 -
twlarkin39@gmail.com
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Columbus Club of South Charlotte
Updates to the SCBC
Thanks to all that helped at the South Charlotte Banquet Center!
We got the new double wide door into the bar, new dance floor and new carpet in the Banquet Room. We painted the bar and rearranged the pictures on the Knights wall. Painted the walls in both hallways and kitchen. Painted 23 of the 30 doors. Touched up the walls and trim on all of the bathrooms, bridal room and main Banquet room. Fixed and painted the front sign. Added the final LED lights in the Bridal Room. Pressure washed and lots of trimming around the property. Fixed the hotdog machine, cleaned the freezer fixed back Exit side, etc., etc. All looks great. Hopefully we will be able to rent shortly.
Again thanks to all that helped and a special thanks to Joe Corso.
We still have items on our to do list. If interested in helping, contact Ron Schumacher at
reschu8@gmail.com or 704-618-2442.
Ron Schumacher
Treasurer & Maintenance Chairman
South Charlotte Banquet Center
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Freshly painted bar and rearranged pictures on the Knights wall.
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New double wide door into the bar, new dance floor and new carpet in the Banquet Room.
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The Columbus Club of South Charlotte owns the South Charlotte Banquet Center (SCBC), a for-profit business whose aim is to raise funds for local charities.
To minimize expenses (in order to maximize charitable contributions), the SCBC relies on volunteer support of Brother Knights (e.g. members of the CCSC Corporation). We are looking for Brother Knights who are willing to help with maintaining the South Charlotte Banquet Center. Further, now that the SCBC is able to reopen, we will need assistance with event setups at the SCBC.
If you would like to VOLUNTEER or learn more about the CCSC/SCBC, please contact CCSC President Chuck Elgin at
celgin01@earthlink.net
or 704-614-0504.
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A Message from our KofC Field Agent
Matthew J. McKinley PGK/SK
Dear Brothers,
First and foremost, I hope and pray that you and your families are safe and well! As we face these unprecedented times, the Knights of Columbus is in the forefront making sure that our members and their families are cared for. I want to continue to provide you with the service and the products available to you and the challenge is to do that in a way mindful of our duty to preserve the health and well-being of our members and their families.
The Supreme Office has developed a way for us to meet virtually over the internet to be able to continue to take care of all your insurance needs. I am now able to meet with you virtually using the Skype meeting application. This platform is familiar to many consumers and it is easy to connect to, even for those who have not used it before. It can be used with a variety of devices. In addition to being able to see each other, Skype allows me to share my screen with you so you can see forms and other graphics as needed.
While this way for us to meet may be new, my commitment to you and your family remains the same. My goal is to see Fr. McGivney's vision of protecting all Catholic families become a reality.
As always, I stand ready to help. If you or anyone you know are in need of assistance of any kind during these trying times, please feel free to contact me at: 818-731-6387.
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AMERICAN FLAGS FOR SALE
The George L. Gettier Assembly 780 is selling 3 ft x 5 ft. American Flags for $25. These flags are made in the good old United States of America. When flags are purchased by a St. Matthew Knights of Columbus Council 10852 member, $5 of the proceeds is returned to Council 10852.
Past Faithful Navigator Chuck Elgin, will have the flags available for sale at Council 10852 and Assembly 780 Business Meetings. Cash, Checks and Credit Cards are accepted. If you cannot attend an Assembly 780 or Council 10852 Business meeting but are interested in a flag, please contact
Chuck at Email: celgin01@earthlink.net; Call/Text: 704-614-0504
.
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO:
Unfortunately, due to the COVIDS-19 pandemic, BINGO has been canceled. As soon it is safe for Bingo, we will let you know!
CALLING KNIGHTS TO HELP:
We group our volunteers into 5 teams. Each team is scheduled to work once every 5 weeks. Holidays nights are covered by a volunteer team, so a team may work once every 6 weeks on occasion. We can use more callers (we can train). We record all items on a computer and if interested, we can train you for that process also.
There are a few husbands and wives working on a team. In addition, we have wives that play while their husband works on a team. If you have a high school or older child that would like to help, we can use them also. If you work, all items from the Bingo kitchen are free. This can be a great family team event.
If you have questions or want to help please contact:
Ron Schumacher 704-618-2442 or reschu8@gmail.com
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Mark your calendars!
KofC Council 10852 - Faith in Action!
July Calendar Events:
July1 – Council Business Meeting at 7 pm *
July 7 – Serving at Charlotte Men’s Shelter –
cancelled!
July 8 – Columbus Club/SCBC Board Meeting at 7 pm*
July – BINGO –
TBD?
(* Virtual meeting may be required due to COVID-19 health concerns)
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Happy Birthday!
The Grand Knight and Council Officers wish all Brother Knights with July birthdays a Very Happy Birthday! May God bless you with good health and much happiness for many more years.
We especially want to recognize a few of our Senior Knights:
Felix Cuneo (1931)
Bob Morin (1932)
Howard Cole (1935)
Jim MacCallum (1936)
James Conlin (1936)
Vic Procaccini (1938)
And the baby of the group is...
Norm Gemignani (1941)
Council Awards and Recognition:
The Grand Knight and Council Officers are pleased to announce that
Hank Kempton
was selected as
Knight of the Month
for June
.
Brother Hank served the council as Warden this fraternal year and recently ran for and won a second term. His ability to plan for and provide a tasty meal prior to each business meeting has added much to our monthly gatherings. He is an active participant willing to volunteer in a number of other council and parish programs such as the Charlotte Men’s Shelter, Lamb, and Lenten Fish Dinners to name just a few. Congratulations Brother Hank!
Our
Family of the Month
for June is
PGK Chuck and Sharon Elgin.
They are a wonderful example of a strong, faith-filled, Catholic couple who are both involved in many parish ministries. Besides serving as the current Advocate for the council, Chuck serves as the President of the Columbus Club and South Charlotte Banquet Center. Chuck is also the Program Director for Project Exodus and has overseen the design and construction of many access ramps to assist the handicapped and infirmed. If that’s not enough, Chuck and Sharon have run our Lenten Fish Dinners for many years. We greatly appreciate their time and dedication to Council 10852. Congratulations to Chuck and Sharon!
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- For The Good of the Order:
Please pray for your Brother Knights, their families, and friends, those who have died, are sick, or in distress.
Especially remember: Brother Jack Hickey, Brother Bill LoPresti, Robby Kempton, Brother Joe and Carol Beato; Marina Rief, Brother Steve and Margaret Nogy; Tom Gove, Lydia Buonaguro+, Carol Fields+, Sir Knight Paul Sepsey+, Myrtle Palmisano’s brother, Gerald Barrilleaux+; Brother Jim McIntyre’s son-in-law, Ryan Busky who is undergoing chemotherapy for non-lymphoma cancer, and Brother Wayne Macedo+ who recently passed away after a 14 year battle with cancer
.
We ask that in His mercy God may bless them
, watch over them, and fill them and their families with the presence and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Amen!
Mary, Queen of Knights Pray for us
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Officers -- 2020/2021
Grand Knight - Rory P Wall
10523 Hadleigh Pl Charlotte, NC 28210-8343
704-542-9255 (R)
704-525-0005 (B)
704-281-6737 (C)
Deputy Grand Knight & Program Chair - Raymond P Misiunas
9904 Leaf Arbor Ln Charlotte, NC 28277-0011
704-541-1971 (R)
704-231-2469 (C)
Financial Secretary - John F Coudriet
315 Arlington Ave Unit 1404 Charlotte, NC 28203-4281
704-965-0048 (R)
704-348-2878 (B)
704-965-0048 (C)
Chancellor & Breakfast Chair - Chuck Curtis
7068 Shenandoah Dr Indian Land, SC 29707-3535
803-548-0091 (R)
803-984-1462 (B)
803-984-2462 (C)
Recorder & Car Raffle Chair - Norm Smith
11412 Vista Haven Dr Charlotte, NC 28226-3647
704-542-3107 (R)
704-614-3700 (C)
Treasurer & Communications Chair - Tom Larkin
10432 Tintinhull Dr Fort Mill, SC 29707-1575
803-762-8989 (C)
Advocate & Membership Chair - Don Gacevich
20342 Dovekie Ln Fort Mill, SC 29707-0082
626-393-1876 (R)
626-393-1876 (C)
Warden & Men's Shelter Chair - Hank Kempton
11605 Hardwood Watch Ct Charlotte, NC 28277-1211
980-819-9482 (R)
770-508-8208 (C)
Inside Guard - David M Donovan
10810 Oak Pond Cir Charlotte, NC 28277-9518
704-846-2130 (R)
704-904-7492 (C)
Outside Guard - Bob Mrkus
9014 Ladys Secret Dr Indian Trail, NC 28079-5712
607-742-9354 (C)
One-Year Trustee & LAMB Coordinator - Bob Desch
8929 Challis Hill Ln Charlotte, NC 28226-2687
704-543-8212 (R)
704-618-0428 (C)
Two-Year Trustee & State LAMB Chair - Richard M White
5908 Marsailles Ct Charlotte, NC 28277-2595
704-543-6351 (R)
704-975-2953 (C)
Three-Year Trustee - William L McKenna
8735 Houston Ridge Rd Charlotte, NC 28277-1633
704-560-9059 (R)
704-560-6997 (C)
Chaplain - Fr. Peter N Ascik
5725 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy Charlotte, NC 28277-0573
828-713-3328 (C)
Lecturer - Mr Anthony J D'Angelo
5507 Verrazano Dr Waxhaw, NC 28173-9867
704-256-1051 (R)
704-256-1051 (C)
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