Gr
and Knight's Report
Brothers,
Summer is often a time to relax, take some time off, and catch one's breath; not so much for Council 10852. Your officers have been hard at work attending meetings, holding discussions and planning for this fraternal year. Brothers Chuck Curtis and Jack Hickey have spent many hours rethinking the monthly Parish Pancake Breakfast, making it less labor intensive and more cost effective, yet still being true to its original purpose - a gathering place for food and Catholic fellowship for the people of Saint Matthew Parish. Our first breakfast will be on Sunday, September 15; the entire schedule will be published in next month's newsletter. Please consider volunteering a few hours, one or two Sundays this year, if you have never done so; your time will be well spent and much appreciated by your Brother Knights who are there for every breakfast.
I, along with other area grand knights, met with our new District Deputy #26, Mark Cordaro (a new member of Council 10852) on Sunday, July 28, to coordinate events and learn what plans NC KofC is developing and what programs will be expected of each council. Please introduce yourself to Mark at the next business meeting he attends or at the upcoming Installation of Officers.
Brother Norm Gemignani had a bit of a shock recently when he went to the parish office to request which weekends we would be allowed to pass out baby bottles for our annual Pro-Life Baby Bottle Campaign. Norm was informed that the Knights would not be doing that at church this year! To say that he was shocked would be an understatement. The reason for this (and the good news) is that St. Matthew Church wants to take a more direct approach in supporting Pro-Life issues and organizations and will donating more money than we have raised in past years. Norm is now trying to cancel the almost $600 worth of new baby bottles he recently ordered; wish him luck!
Brother Ron Schumacher and I recently met with Jim Keffer who once again generously agreed to sponsor our annual car raffle as he has in past years. Jim's dad, Dick Keffer who opened his first car dealership in 1974, was a long time member of Charlotte Council 770 and a 4th Degree Knight. We greatly appreciate Jim's continued support of both the car raffle and our annual golf outing. Now, we just need the parish office to tell us what weekends we will be allowed to sell raffle tickets - it's been over a month since our request went in!
Of course it's not just meetings. Your council has been active this summer in building ramps through Operation Exodus, feeding the homeless at the Men's Shelter, Supporting the Donated Goods Ministry, and most importantly - spending time with Jesus during Eucharistic Adoration from 11 pm to 12 am every Friday. No rest for the weary this summer, my Brother Knights, but we are happy soldiers of Christ bringing Jesus to others.
Virtus!
I once again ask
every Brother in Our Council, to take the Safe Environment Program training provided by Supreme. Below is the link and registration code
:
The Registration Code is:
kofcsafe
If you have any contact with minors in the Parish or Community, you should also take the Parish and Diocese
Protecting God's Children
workshop. This 2½ hour program is intended to educate volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. Preregistration is required. Sign up online at
www.virtus.org.
Please advise Bob Desch when you have completed either training. He is maintaining a database for the Council.
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LAMB
Perhaps you have noticed on various communications from PGK Tom Larkin his use of the acronym
SPIRIT. As a quick refresher, here are the details:
- SERVICE - to our parish and community
- PRIDE - in our Council
- INTEREST - in our Council's success
- RESPECT - for our Brother Knights
- INSPIRE - our new Brother Knights
- TRUST - in God
The question each of us needs to answer is: What am I doing to show my SPIRIT in our Council and its activities? One way is to support the fund raising activities of LAMB, the North Carolina Knights of Columbus charity that supports those with intellectual and development disabilities - those whom Jesus calls the Least Among My Brothers. The Knights of Columbus are, after all, a Catholic men's service organization - In Service to One In Service to All.
Are you showing your
SPIRIT in our Council's LAMB activities? Vivat Jesus.
May God Bless all Knights,
Bob Desch, PGK
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NC State LAMB Award!
Division IV Highest Average per Member
At the 2019 KofC NC Sate Convention held last weekend, I was honored to accept the LAMB award for Highest Average per Member in Division IV (Largest Councils).
This is the 15th year in a row we have collected more than $50,000 with a whopping $72,000 in 2018! Lifetime collections now surpass 1 million dollars! WOW!!!
CONGRATULATIONS to Bob Desch and Richard White and all the Knights who helped make 2018 a banner year! And from what we've done so far this year, we're off to a great start in 2019! For those who haven't worked a LAMB shift, what are you waiting for? Get on the band wagon to help the Least Among My
Brethren!
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CONGRATULATIONS to Council 10852 for winning another award under the direction and leadership of Brother Norm Gemignani. We are proud to lead the way for the State of North Carolina in protecting and supporting those who are the most innocence and defenseless among us. Please pray for the Unborn Children whose lives are at risk!
2019 Baby Bottle Campaign is cancelled
The 2019 Baby Bottle Campaign is cancelled for the best reason. As you know we were able to contribute $18,000 for Life last year. In June, St. Matthew Church made a donation totaling $65,000 to the same Pro-Life organizations that we supported with the 2018 Baby Bottle Campaign. Mira Via received $40,000, HELP Pregnancy Center in Monroe received $10,000, the Charlotte Diocese Respect Life Ministry received $10,000 and Be Not Afraid received $5,000. St. Matthew's donations were prompted in part by the soon to be opened Planned Parenthood abortion facility in uptown Charlotte, not far from Atrium Health Medical Center. Our parish community has been especially dedicated to praying for the end of abortion. In addition to prayer at home, in Church, at the abortion clinics, we must also offer services to women and men who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. The beauty of these donations is that every parishioners' contributions made it possible. The July 28th Church Bulletin goes into more detail about the donations and St. Matthews Pro-Life efforts.
So what can we do with the 700 baby bottles left from last year? The St. Matthew Respect Life Committee is looking into offering them to St. Matthew's elementary school to start their own campaign.
Join Fr. Peter Ascik in prayer and sidewalk counseling at Hebron Abortion Clinic.
The picture below is some of the participants from the Crossroads group that visited Charlotte this weekend and our own parishioners. This was the best turnout so far. There were more than 25 people. Because of the limited parking, please go to
https://signup.com/go/HHrenDB to sign up and for more details. You are encouraged to car pool from behind the Day Chapel on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays after the 9 AM Mass.
Fr. Peter held a sidewalk counseling interest meeting on July 25th. Turnout was very encouraging as was the number of people who signed up for sidewalk counseling training, the pregnancy care subcommittee, and the after birth family care resources subcommittee. We can't sit back and let someone else do our duty. Email Fr. Peter today at
PAscik@stmatthewcatholic.org to ask how you can get involved.
Unplanned, the movie is here now on DVD
For those of you who missed seeing this powerful Pro-Life movie in the theater, it is being released on DVD August 13, 2019. You can order directly from Ignatius Press for $22.46 plus shipping fee at
https://www.ignatius.com/Unplanned-P3397.aspx. Also St. Matthew Respect Life Committee is attempting to arrange a special group showing at St. Matthew Church, date to be announced. The movie Unplanned is a balanced depiction of what occurs in the abortion industry and an effective evangelization tool. I urge you to invite your friends and relatives to see the DVD in your home or to come to St. Matthew for the special on campus showing.
If you are currently serving the Lord with your gifts and talents, pray that the Lord blesses you with confirmation that you are exactly where He wants you to be. As you serve, remember that you are the clay to be molded and worked by His potter hands.
If you are not currently serving the Lord with your gifts and talents, pray that the Lord impresses on your heart exactly where He wants you to be serving. Pray that He will clearly show you in what way He wants you to give. Now get ready, because you are a branch getting ready to bear fruit!
St. Matthew Respect Life Ministry
All are invited to the annual planning meeting on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 2 to 3:30 pm in the NLC 132/125. We look forward to meeting you as we strive to protect all life from conception to natural death. No RSVP is required. For more information, call Liliana Salas at 704-293-5001.
Noise Ordinance Passed
The Charlotte Noise Ordinance was passed by City Council in July. This ordinance, when it goes into effect, will significantly change how Pro-Life protestors and sidewalk counselors approach women entering abortion clinics in Charlotte. It creates a buffer zone around the clinic and prohibits any loud sounds, especially amplified sounds that could be heard from inside the clinic. The passing of this ordinance has the appearance of being a deliberate attempt to silence free speech catering to Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry.
HELP Pregnancy Center - Banquet for Life
HELP Pregnancy Center is holding their annual Banquet for Life on September 24th at the Agricultural Center in Monroe. The Guest Speaker is Henry Jernigan, a highly regarded Pro-Life speaker. Contact Norm Gemignani, 205-547-7919 if you and your spouse are interested in attending. I am attempting to put together a K of C table (8) for the banquet. This is a great opportunity to learn more about their mission and to support a great Pro-Life program and staff.
Norm Gemignani
Culture of Life Director
ngemignani@gmail.com
205-547-7919
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Donated Goods
A big thank you to all volunteers that help the St. Matthew Donated Goods Ministry!
Next monthly collection of donated goods is Saturday August 10th from 8am until noon.
Volunteers needed
for all activities including sorting and packing but especially those that can help load and unload furniture and those that have trucks that can pick up from households that are donating furniture.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers.
WELCOME to the new Leaders of the Donated Goods Ministry, who will start in May!
Catherine and Kevin Sforza
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Brothers All: It is with an aching heart that I pass along the news that fellow Sir Knight Terrence Orr passed away this week.
The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 10th at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The Orr Family has requested an Honor Guard for the Funeral Mass.
Please join us if you have acquired the new Uniform. You can still participate in the Honor Guard without the new uniform. Sir Knights in Tuxedo and Social Baldric will follow Sir Knights in the new 4th Degree uniform in the Honor Guard alignment.
The Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Plan to arrive by 10:30 AM if you are planning to join the Honor Guard for Sir Knight Terrence Orr.
Please join us to honor this Brother Sir Knight.
VIVAT JESUS!
Chuck Elgin, Faithful Commander
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Installation of Officers and Awards Dinner
Saturday, August 17th
(Installation right after the 5:30 pm Mass; dinner in the New Life Banquet Room)
Please come in support of your newly elected council officers.
We promise a wonderful catered meal by
The Southern Gourmet
The menu will consist of: Vidalia Chicken with Caramelized Onions, Carved Ham with Cranberry Couli, Roasted Vegetable Lasagna, String Beans & Tomatoes, Sautéed Super Sweet Corn with Basil Butter, Salad, Rolls & Butter, Dessert, Coffee, Tea, and Water. Beer and Wine will be available for a small donation.
This promises to be a special evening that you and your spouse or guest will enjoy - don't miss it!
Price is $17.50 per person if paid by check prior to August 9th,$20 per person if paid at the door. Please make checks payable to:
St. Matthew Council 10852. Mail to: KofC Council 10852, 9009 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 (Attn: Grand Knight)
Regardless of how you pay, please RSVP through SignUpGenius no later than August 7thso we can give the caterer a firm count.
Thank you and hope to see you there!
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Pictured below is part of the Operation Exodus Team who helped install Luther Richardson's Handicap Access Ramps
.
Operation Exodus Team Members pictured left to right are: John Trojan, a parishioner from St. Gabriel's Catholic Church; Past Grand Knight and Operations Exodus President Chuck Elgin; Brother Knight Leo Tosto; Past Grand Knight Ron Schumacher (background); Brother Knight Jim Gilsdorf (foreground), Brother Knight Ed Craig; Joe Corso, Columbus Club of South Charlotte President; Grand Knight Bill McKenna; and Alphonso Gonzaga, a friend of Chuck Elgin and a member of the Operation Exodus team. Brother Knights who helped build/install Luther's decks who are not pictured are Ray Misiunas, John Feathers and Tom Libhardt.
I received a nice note from Janet Peeples on Saturday, July 20th. Janet's kind words are as follows: "The job was beyond anything I imagined! Luther cried when he saw it. On behalf of Luther and myself, we'd like to send a huge THANK YOU to the men of Operation Exodus who came out in the heat to build the most amazing ramp for us. Thanks too to their wives, and families, who sacrificed their own time with them so they could serve a Vietnam Veteran direly in need of a wheelchair ramp. It has been most difficult to come and go for doctor appointments, now, because of all of you giving of your time and talent, we can
go with ease. Being the hands and feet of Christ is something we are all asked to be. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for hearing that call, and answering it. Sending love, hugs and prayers to all for the gift of sharing oneself by helping another. Peace, Janet Peeples.
Brothers, here is a good example of why we are called to serve our Church and our Community!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Operation Exodus is always looking for helpers. We could really use some younger Brother Knights and/or Father and Son teams to help out. You do not need construction experience, just a willingness to help. Operation Exodus provides all the tools and expertise needed to complete the Design and Construction of the Handicap Access ramps. If interested in joining the Operation Exodus team, please contact Past Grand Knight Chuck Elgin at 704-614-0504 or celgin01@earthlink.net.
Operation Exodus is a 501©3 Charity and accepts Tax Deductible, Charitable Contributions. Make Check can payable to "Operation Exodus" and mail to: Chuck Elgin, President, Operation Exodus, Inc., 1204 Churchill Downs Drive, Waxhaw. NC 28173. Your support would be greatly appreciated!
VIVAT JESUS!
Chuck Elgin, Past Grand Knight & President of Operation Exodus, Inc.
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Field Agent Report
Each August we look forward to the Supreme Convention and all the news about the prior Fraternal Year. This year is no different. Although this message has been prepared prior to the convention, here are some predictions:
The Order will set a new record in the amount of money we donated to charities.
The Order will set a new record in the number of hours volunteered.
We already know that our insurance program had another record year ending in December 2018; 18 consecutive years of growth! Congratulations to the many of you who protected your families last year and helped set that record!
We will have given a substantial amount of money to Pope Francis from the Vicarius Christi fund.
Our Asset Advisors will have more dollars under management; managed, of course using the investment guidelines from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
We will add to our surplus, which means our strength to pay claims and weather poor economic times will improve.
I predict that the Supreme Knight will report that the Order will have provided more money to rebuild homes for persecuted Christians in the Middle East. Donated more money to disaster relief in the wake of hurricanes, flooding and typhoons. Placed more ultrasound machines in service to save lives. Given more support for religious freedom.
This organization, started by a simple, humble parish priest with men at St. Mary's Parish in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882, has grown to spectacular heights. All of these efforts and worthwhile projects are a source of pride for us members!
But here's the reality: For the Catholic folks in this council and in these parishes here-you, my brother knights...you, are the Knights of Columbus. When locals think about the Knights, they may have some general notion about all these good works we do and the Order's amazing impact around the world. But to the local parish and the community, you represent all that is good in this Order. When you are volunteering at a LAMB event, when you are visiting the sick, helping our priests, handing out coats for kids, selling Tootsie Rolls, raising money for a charitable cause right here in our own backyard-this is what people see, they see you; to them you are what it means to be a Knight of Columbus. When you lead with faith, protect your family, serve others and defend your values, you are a witness inspired by our founding principles.
Congratulations on another record-breaking fraternal year! I look forward to helping protect your families and reaching Star Council this next fraternal year!
Vivat Jesus!
Vivat Jesus!
Larry Lantz
KC
Field Agent #18547
(704) 305-0699
larry.lantz@kofc.org
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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.
Sir Knight Chuck Elgin, Faithful Navigator of Assembly 780, 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 Faithful Navigator Chuck Elgin at Email:
celgin01@earthlink.net; Call or Text: 704-614-0504.
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Where: South Charlotte Banquet Center
9009 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Every Monday with doors opening at 5:30 pm.
Who: Open to the general public.
Games: We play a total of 17 games. The "Early Bird" game starts at 6:45 pm with 100% of the
money collected going to the winner(s). 16 more games follow starting at 7:00 pm.
Prizes: Prizes vary based on the number of people playing and the number of cards
purchased. The typical nightly game prizes have been around: Early Bird game - over $300 ... 8 Regular games - $75 per game ... 7 Special games - $130 per game ... Coverall game - $500.
Cost: The minimum cost is $10. That lets you play 9 of the 17 games. If a person wants to play
all 17 games the minimum is $18. The average player spends around $25. Young children can pay $2 to play the 9 games minimum or $10 to play all 17 games.
How Long: Bingo is normally done by 9:45 pm.
Supports The profits from Bingo goes to the Charities of the Knights of Columbus. We have donated primarily to St. Matthew Catholic Church in the past but have also made contributions to LAMB.
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 p
lease contact:
Ron Schumacher 704-618-2442 or reschu8@gmail.com
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Lumberton Needs YOU - Now More Than Ever after Florence & Michael!
The Lumberton ministry name is changing to "Christian Responders". While we are still doing work at the Lumberton, NC area, we are also gearing up to be able to respond to out disasters or needs.
We are a truly diversified group of people with several things in common:
* We enjoy helping people in need... in fact it nourishes our souls to get out and actually assist people in need.
* We like experiencing spiritual growth, attending church together, sharing our faith, learning from each other, learning from the people we serve, and being the hands and feet of Jesus.
* We enjoy socialization, making new relationships, and celebrating life together.Together we work, rest, pray, talk, laugh, eat meals, and help God's people who desperately need assistance.
* We enjoy having people of all ages and skills, especially families with teens, and we're committed to building a team of diversified people who enjoy traveling together for a weekend or other time frame to help disaster survivors in their time of need.
WE ARE NOW HELPING HURRICANE FLOOD VICTIMS in LUMBERTON, NC:
- Aug 9
- Sep 13
- Oct 11
- Nov 15
Activity: Helping restore houses so flood victims can return to their homes.
Lodging: We will be staying at the United Methodist Church in Lumberton.
Requirements: A desire to help God help those in need. No experience needed.
Please join "Christian Responders" in helping our neighbors by going to Lumberton, NC for a weekend and working with us and the United Methodist Church in restoring the homes of flood victims.
Contact: For information, please contact Joe George at
jmecgeorge@aol.com or 704-906-0784, Ron Schumacher at
reschu8@gmail.com or 704-618-2442, or Ray Misiunas at 980-226-4100/
Our team is busy recruiting volunteers for our upcoming weekends in March, April and May. We are also seeking trainers to assist with teaching our volunteers basic home repair skills.
Please forward this link to all those who may be interested!
In Gratitude,
Joe George
704-906-0784
Stephanie Chadwick
704-650-1016
Christian Responders Ministry
St. Matthew Catholic Church
Charlotte, NC
Email:
christianresponders@gmail.com
Web:
https://stmatthewcatholic.org/responders
CLICK TO VOLUNTEER
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Mark your calendars!
There is a 3rd Degree scheduled for October 5th in Concord, NC. Plan now to attend this degree and move up to full Knighthood. Information about carpooling will be forthcoming!
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August 2019
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1
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3
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4
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5
BINGO
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6
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7 pm - Knight's Business Meeting
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8
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9
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10
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11
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12
BINGO
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13
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15
Holy Day of Obligation
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16
Eucharistic
Adoration
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6:30PM
Installation of officers
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18
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BINGO
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20
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21
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22
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Eucharistic
Adoration
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25
Car Raffle Ticket Sales begin
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BINGO
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Assembly 780 Meeting
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6:30 PM Officers Meeting
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30
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31
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September 2019
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1
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2
Bingo
Mens Shelter
Cooking
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Mens Shelter Serving
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5
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8
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BINGO
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10
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7 pm - Knight's Business Meeting
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13
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14
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Parish Breakfast
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BINGO
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17
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7:30 PM:
Knights Mass
7 PM
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19
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Eucharistic
Adoration
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BINGO
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24
Assembly 780 Meeting
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6:30 PM Officers Meeting
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27
Eucharistic
Adoration
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29
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30
BINGO
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2019/2020 Council Officers
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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.
Brother Stanley W. Spiecha, Jr. (1932)
Brother Edmond S. Mesko (1935)
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