Volume 23 Issue 12 - June 2020
THE CROSS and COMPASS
"Faith in Action!!!"
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Grand Knight's Report
Brothers
,
I hope that this newsletter finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. As this will be my last newsletter as your Grand Knight let me first say what a pleasure and a privilege it has been to serve as the Grand Knight of Saint Matthew Council 10852.
We should all look back with pride at all the council has accomplished this fraternal year despite the challenges we have faced these past 3 months. With the cooperation and support of the Columbus Club and BINGO operations, St. Matthew Council has raised and donated tens of thousands of dollars to the church, the community, and our many worthwhile charities and programs. We have helped bring hope and Christ’s message of love to many people in need. Fellow Knights, I salute you for your many accomplishes and thank you for your many volunteer hours and hard work in doing good for others.
Little progress would have been made this fraternal year without the support and hard work of the council officers. I especially want to thank DGK Rory Wall and Chancellor Jack Hickey who always were willing to share their ideas and help find solutions to whatever predicament I found myself in. Likewise, immediate PGK Tom Larkin was an invaluable source of information and assistance throughout the fraternal year; he was especially helpful concerning his role as Communications Director for the council by helping to edit and publish the monthly newsletter keeping programs “front and center” through Constant Contact and SignUp Genius, and most importantly in utilizing ZOOM for our monthly business meetings for May and June, allowing the council to continue functioning on a somewhat normal basis. Thank you Brother Tom!
I would be remiss if I did not thank Brother Don Gacevich for the outstanding job in which he served as both the council’s Membership Director and Ceremonial Chairman. His knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail helped both areas run like a well-made clock. I must also thank Brothers Norm Smith (Recorder), Hank Kempton (Warden), Chuck Elgin (Advocate), and Tony D’Angelo (Lector) for their excellent performance of duties and dedicated service to the council in their respective roles which added that something extra to our monthly business meetings. I also want to thank our three Trustees for their continued service to the council, as well as Inside Guard Dave Donovan and Outside Guard Gil Borrero for maintaining order and control of the council chamber during meetings.
Finally, and most importantly, I wish to thank our Worthy Chaplain Fr. Peter Ascik for his strong participation in council affairs, his spiritual guidance, and many prayers on behalf of our membership, their spouses, friends, and family.
My hope is that you, my brother knights (and your families), remain healthy and stay safe during these challenging times; and that soon we can once again enjoy each other’s company in the fraternal brotherhood that we all cherish. May God bless you all.
Vivat Jesus!
Bill McKenna
,
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 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.
Does the woman deciding to terminate her pregnancy decide just for herself
:
I came across this Facebook post by someone who will remain anonymous.
“I also happen to personally know people who refuse to wear masks because of their belief it impinges on their civil rights, even though their decision could impact and even be lethal to others. However, they also believe a woman doesn't have the right to decide to terminate her pregnancy”.
This was the reply that followed the post above:
“Just as not wearing a mask can be lethal to others, the woman deciding to terminate her pregnancy isn't deciding for just herself, but also for the life of her innocent and precious unborn child who unfortunately will never get to demonstrate how loving, funny or talented, etc. it can become. Because of our advanced medical science, it is held by the most respected experts in the medical profession that it is never necessary to directly take the life of the baby to save the mother. Then why would a mother decide to take the life of her baby??? And furthermore why do abortion advocates rush to group pro-life advocates in "categories" of behavior that they like to hate? Are pro-lifers all hypocritical as they like to think or is it possible to view these people as individuals who hold every life precious, no matter at what stage of development and eventually at what stage of infirmity. Can you justify killing and unborn baby because it is determined that it has an extra chromosome and will be too much of a burden. How dependent do I need to become before you or the government decides I am no longer useful to society. A woman can timidly believe she is too weak or she can boldly believe that God has created her so strong that she can do what a man cannot do, that is love, protect, nurture and raise her child to be whatever the child wants to be, even the president of the United States. Of course it is too convenient to devalue all life and the human spirit instead of committing to work for the common good and the good of every human life”.
Three Dinner Conversations to Have With Your Children About Abundant Life:
Thanks to shelter-in-place orders, family dinnertime has returned for many Americans. Parents have a tremendous opportunity to disciple their children around the table each evening.
1.
All Life Matters
You’ve likely had lots of conversations about the virus and the difficult choices our leaders have had to make because of its contagious nature. Maybe you talked about George Floyd. But, have you talked about life? Guide your children in a conversation about the sanctity of life. Talk to them about how life begins at conception. Talk to them about how all lives—from young to old, from able-bodied to those with disabilities—matter. And encourage them to see the beauty in all people, including those that don’t match our culture’s definition of beauty. Also, don’t be afraid to have age-appropriate conversations about abortion. It’s better that they hear this word from you. Ask your children what they know and think about it. Engage teens and pre-teens in conversations about how they can become beacons of light to friends who face unplanned pregnancies.
2.
Abundant Life Matters Most
Yes, life matters in our culture. But, many are alive yet not fully living. It’s only Jesus who gives us abundant life—the kind of life that leads to joy, peace, and rest. Teach your children aboutthe value of God’s design for the family. Talk to your children about marriage and what the Bible says about this institution. Now is a great opportunity to disciple your children. Ask them what they believe about Jesus and spiritual matters. Engage them with questions. Read the Bible together. Teach them what you believe. This is one way that faith has been passed down through generations.
3.
You Can Make A Difference
Finally, it’s important to teach our children that they can make a difference. Tell them it’s okay to stand up for what they believe. Teach your children that standing up for life is always the right thing to do. Model for them what it means to support the pro-life movement by praying for local pregnancy centers, sending a donation to Pregnancy Centers and Pro-Life charities or personally helping a couple in your church or community who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. (From a Care-Net article)
Sidewalk Advocates and Prayer Partners needed at Hebron Abortion Facility
The Month of May – 10,000 Rosaries for LIFE
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 two months:
the unborn
. Are we doing enough to end abortion?
Respectfully,
Norman Gemignani
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State Raffle Winners:
1st Place - Doug Davis - $5,000 (sold by Council 12455)
2nd Place - Pat Wekvor - $4,000 (sold by Council 9560)
3rd Place - Reynaldo Aguilar - $500 (sold by Council 11265)
4th Place - L. Arias - $500 (sold by Council 12017)
5th Place - Salvatore P. Ferrotti - $400 (sold by Council 12281)
6th Place - Danielle Stultz - $400 (sold by Council 15250)
7th Place - Sheryl Cordray - $200 (sold by Council 12281)
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In 2019 our Council raised a total $54,700 for LAMB, the sixteenth consecutive year that your Council has raised more than $50,000. Thank you for what you do to support those who Jesus calls the Least Among My Brothers.
The recipients of our Councils LAMB 2019 funds are:
- Holy Angels
- St. Matthew’s SPRED Program
- UMAR
- Gigi’s Playhouse
- Special Olympics Mecklenburg County
- Mephibosoheth Angelic Riders
Our LAMB fund raising events for the first quarter of 2020 have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
.
May God bless all Knights and their families.
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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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Election of Officers for Fraternal Year 2020-2021
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Council News!
The election for council officers was conducted during our virtual business meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, June 3, at 7 pm, in accordance with Council Bylaws.
We thank all those brothers knights who accepted nominations to run for office, the Trustees who acted as the Nomination Committee, and especially the many members of Council 10852 who participated online and voted.
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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Columbus Club of South Charlotte
Update: Current Activities
The Columbus Club of South Charlotte (CCSC) membership consists of Council 10852 Brother Knights in good standing (e.g. current dues paying members). 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 that end, we are reopening the South Charlotte Banquet Center for business! All State guidelines will be followed such as Social Distancing, Sanitizing, and appropriate signage to protect our Clients and Employees.
During the shutdown due to the COVID19 virus, Brother Knights stepped up to fix up the Banquet Center. Many Thanks to Brother Knights Joe Corso and Ron Schumacher who led this effort, working 2 days a week over the past few months. Thanks also to the Brother Knight Volunteers who helped including Mike Harper, Bob Wilbur, Bill LoPresti, Jim Gilsdorf, Vic Procaccini and Chuck Elgin.
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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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!
June - July Calendar Events:
June 14 – Parish Pancake Breakfast –
cancelled!
June 24 – Council Officer’s Meeting at 6:30 pm *
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 27 – BINGO –
TBD?
(* Virtual meeting may be required due to COVID-19 health concerns)
(* Only if regular meetings cannot be held)
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Happy Birthday!
The Grand Knight and Council Officers wish all Brother Knights with May 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:
Brother John Wigger (1941)
Brother John Irvine (1942)
Brother Bob Desch (1945)
Brother Deacon Jim Hamrlik (1946)
Brother Tom Larkin (1948)
and the baby of the group…
Brother John Coudriet (1959)
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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