Volume 23 Issue 5 - November 2019

THE CROSS and COMPASS

"Faith in Action!!!"

Service Spotlight ---> For SignUp Genius: CLICK HERE

Grand Knight's Report

Brothers,

As we head into the month of November Council 10852 can be very proud of all we have accomplished so far and refocus our efforts to finish off this year with a number of challenging but beneficial programs to be of service to others. 
2019 Car Raffle
Thanks to you our 2019 Car Raffle was a great success. I want to thank the many Knights who purchased raffle tickets, especially those Brothers that went ahead and purchased or sold the 5 tickets that were sent to you in the mail – this was a big help in meeting our sales goal. 

Special thanks go to Norm and Rosie Smith who organized and sent out the direct mailing of raffle tickets; Norm could be found in the Narthex after every Mass coordinating the many Knights who volunteered to sell raffle tickets at the doors of the church. 

Grand Knight Bill McKenna presents
Bob LaMay with a check for $15,000

I also want to recognize and thank Brothers: Tom Larkin, Richard White, Ron Schumacher, Earl Hartenstine, Bob Desch, Rory Wall, and others whom I know I am forgetting to mention that were instrumental in our successful campaign. At Saint Matthew South in Waxhaw Brothers Don Gacevich, Norm Gemignani, and Tim Gibson were instrumental in leading that operation. 

Also, I would be remiss in failing to recognize and thank Fr. Pat for the strong support and encouragement he gave to the council in helping make this year’s car raffle a success.

2019 KofC Car Raffle Winners:
  • 1st Place – Bob LaMay - $15,000
  •  2nd Place – Karen Miller
  •  3rd Place – Michael Marlier
  •  4th Place – Gerard Eckhardt
  •  5th Place – Barbara Catalfumo 
October Parish Pancake Breakfast
Despite a rainy start to the October Parish Pancake Breakfast we ended up having a good day thanks to Brothers Chuck Curtis and Janck Hickey and their team. Many thanks to those Brother Knights who volunteered to help in the kitchen or the banquet room ensuring that the day ran smooth; Brothers Jack and Chuck greatly appreciate it. I saw a lot of smiles and received many positive comments from those parishioners who enjoyed fellowship and good food at a great price. Please look for the next SignUp Genius concerning breakfast. Our next Parish Pancake Breakfast will be on Sunday, November 17. If your schedule does not allow you to work it, please join us after Mass. Remember to show your membership card and receive a Two Dollar Knight’s Discount!
Least Among My Brethren
Although there were a few open slots for Operation Lamb on October 26-27, Brother Bob Desch considered it a success as $2,382 was collected at participating Harris Teeter stores over that weekend. It appears that Brother Bob was correct in believing that greater foot traffic on Sunday afternoons would lead to an increase of contributions per hour. Great job to all who helped
Turkey Drive
Thank you to the many Knights who have sent in $35 in order to help purchase complete turkey dinners for some 200 families in support of Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity. This is a wonderful opportunity for those Knights who, because of age or illness, can’t fully participate in council activities yet wish to contribute in a meaningful way—this is the program for you! Please bring your donation to the November business meeting or mail a check made out to KofC Council 10852 to: Knights of Columbus, 9009 Bryant Farm Road, Charlotte, NC 28277. In the memo line please write: Turkey Drive. 
The Council plans on picking up and delivering the food to the Sisters of Charity on the morning of Friday, November 22. If you can help please contact Brother Earl Hartenstine at: (704)962-0898.
Council 10852 Welcomes New 3rd Degree Knights
Eight Brother Knights reached full Knighthood on October 5th in Concord, NC. They were: Marcello Bueno, Sean Fenerty, Steve Koronczok, Cyril Onoja, Josh Peeples, Tony Simone, John Walker, and Joe Zullo.

Congratulations for taking this important step in your journey in the Knights of Columbus.

Pictured with the new 3rd Degree Knights are Deputy Grand Knight Rory Wall, Membership Director Don Gacevich and Grand Knight Bill McKenna.
Mass Greeters at Saint Matthew Catholic Church
The Council has been asked by the Saint Matthew Hospitality Ministry to provide Mass Greeters at church at all weekend Masses. It only requires 15-20 minutes of your time before Mass and is a great opportunity for Knights to be more visible to parishioners while welcoming them to church. Wear your KofC shirts or name badges to demonstrate your pride in being members of the Knights of Columbus. This is a great way to support and serve St. Matthew Catholic Church. If interested, please contact DGK Rory Wall at: (704)281-6737 or rwall@tivasoftware.com
Please pray for your Brother Knights and their families, especially those who are sick or in distress. Together we can do great things!

Vivat Jesus!

Bill McKenna

Grand Knight
St. Matthew Council 10852
CULTURE OF LIFE

October and November are busy months for Pro-Life activities, Read all about what happened and will happen by clicking the link below!

  • Sidewalk Advocates for Life Counseling Training
  • Hebron Save: Late Breaking News from Fr. Peter 
  • New Plannned Parenthood Facility
  • Pro-Life Fundraiser 
  • Report: The movie “Unplanned” screening  Saturday, Oct 19
  • Report: The Mira Via 25th Annual Fundraising Banquet on Oct 24
  • Report: Donation of handmade Baby Booties to HELP Pregnancy Center of Monroe 
  • Ursis Institute Annual Silent Auction and Dinner to Benefit Local Anti-Human Trafficking 
  • Fr. Pat leads Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Procession for Life, Saturday, Nov. 16
  • Evolution and the Culture of Death Presentation Nov 16 at St. Mark Catholic Church

Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem. As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life.

Submitted by: Norman Gemignani,
Pro-Life Director,  ngemignani@gmail.com
I welcome your comments and contributions for future articles.
Thanks to Fr. Peter, Tony D’Angelo and St. Matthew’s Bulletin for their help
DONATED GOODS:

St. Matthew Donated Goods Ministry -
Saturday November 9th, 2019

Mission : To help others that are in need through monthly collections of gently used clothing and household items which are distributed to parishioners and agencies in Charlotte, Union County and western NC.

Description of agencies served:  Your donations are distributed to a number of agencies that serve the homeless, the working poor, and families affected by violence and abuse. Through the parish we support parishioners, and local ministries including Catholic Charities, Crisis Assistance and Refugee Ministries.  Click here  for more information on the Western North Carolina agencies we serve.
FIELD AGENT

As Thanksgiving approaches at the end of the month, I like to take stock of all the things I’m thankful for.
It‘s easy to say family and friends, those are blessings; and we sometimes take them for granted…but how about the little things in life. It might be that smile you get from person who hands you your cup of coffee in the morning, it may be relishing the crisp air on an autumn day. It may be a simple stroll in the park marveling at God’s nature abounding. Maybe the joy of helping an older neighbor with a chore. All little things to be thankful for.
When I think about helping older neighbors, I often wonder just how many members have taken advantage of help that they might need as they age. Some won’t be able to do the simple activities of daily living. They’ll need assistance, and with our mobile society may not have a relative nearby to help. That’s where our Knights of Columbus Long Term Care Insurance plan might help.
Many people don’t know how a long-term care insurance policy helps cover the costs of care when the policy holder has a chronic medical condition, a disability or a disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease. You can receive care in your home, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or an adult day care center.
LTC insurance helps protect all those assets you’ve worked so hard for over the years: your house, IRAs, savings, investments. They could all be wiped out with even a short stay in a nursing home. The website: https://longtermcare.acl.gov/costs-how-to-pay/costs-of-care.html says that Home Health Care costs about $22/hour, Assisted Living Facilities about $4,245 per month and Nursing Home $85,000 per year. More expensive areas of the country are more than that. Without LTC insurance many families would face a serious financial crisis. 
Most people aren’t eager to talk about long term care; but it’s important to have a plan. Many people want to wait until they are in their 60s or 70s before they start to consider long term care. But at younger ages it’s more likely you can qualify…and the price is less expensive when you’re younger. 
I can help design a plan to fit your needs…and your budget. With that you can have peace of mind that you will get the care you need, when you need and where you want it.
Let’s talk and see how you can protect your assets.
Vivat Jesus!
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 or Text: 704-614-0504.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MEMORIAL SERVICE

On November 20th, 2019 at 7:30 PM, St Matthew Knights of Columbus Council 10852 will be celebrating the Annual Memorial Mass for deceased Brother Knights, Columbiettes and Family Members. We particularly wish to recognize any of the families of our deceased Brother Knights and Columbiettes at this celebration of life and recognize any other family members of Brother Knights and Columbiettes who have passed. 

Mass will be celebrated by Father Peter Ascik, Chaplain of Council 10852 at 7:30 PM in the Day Chapel. Following Mass there will be a Memorial Service followed by snacks and refreshments in the New Life Center Banquet Room.

If you have a Family member or know of A Knight or Columbiette who has passed that you would like to have included in this celebration of life, please contact Past Faithful Navigator Chuck Elgin at celgin01@earthlink.net or Past Grand Knight Richard White at rmpwhite@gmail.com.

This Mass and Service are being presented in honor of the following Knights, Columbiettes and their Family Members who have passed away since the inception of our Council:

Brother Knights
Francis Achando   Earl C. Baer Jr.   James Bailey
Paul Barker   Boyd Blackney   Nicholas Bonamo   Charles Bowling, PGK  James Brennan   Richard Brooks   Gerard Brown   Michael Buckley   Robert Burns   William Cameron   Michael Carney   Andrew Chinigo   James Coogan   Thomas Corrigan   Christopher Cotter  Mark Creasser   Frank DeRolla   Richard Edgeworth  Leo Ells    Albert Finnochio   Eugene Fitzpatrick  Robert Flood     Richard Forbes   Bruce Forness Sr.   Edward Gannon   Robert Garner     Nelson Gennari   Lawrence Geppert  Kirk Glunk    Simon Gutierrez   Lawrence Henkel          Ralph Herrick   Timothy Heyer   Richard Hollowell  Mark Houle   Joseph Hughes, PGK  Louis Kern    Dennis Kuharski   William Laird   Robert Lane   Ernest Leskody   Albert Liszka   Edward Luisa   Dec. Matthew Lyberg  Raymond Lynch   Brian Maher   Bill Mayer    Edward Meyer   Joseph Moore   Harold Moran   Richard Neff   John Norton, PGK  Dennis O’Neil   Kenneth Ostendarp  Raymond Palatta   Joseph Papura   Allan Peccatiello   Alfonse Peccatiello  Foster Renwick   Pete Santos    Rev. Eugene Schellberg  Gerard Senatore   William Smith   Thomas Smolen   Stanley Stasiulewicz  Edward Switzer,PGK  Philip Tierney   Declan Turner   Milton Young   Robert Wilcocks

Columbiettes
Gene Marie Alfaro  Dottie Burns   Rosemarie Lemon  Louise Plati    Kathleen Tetu   
Pat Thompson Rose Titolo
    
Spouses of Brother Knights
Genny Bailey, Wife of James Bailey  Nedra Clare, Wife of John Clare  Sharyn Desch, Wife of Bob Desch  Marge Glunk, Wife of Kirk Glunk  Rosemary Geyer, Wife of Bob Geyer Lynn Hines, Wife of Dan Hines    Sally Ann Schmidt, Wife of Richard Schmidt

Spouses of Columbiettes
Vic Plati, Husband of Louise Plati

Parents of Brother Knights
Doris Holt Larkin, Mother of Tom Larkin 
Dorothy Lowell Wakker, Mother-In-Law of Tom Larkin
Walter Daniel Wakker, Father-In-Law of Tom Larkin
Sharon "Cheri" Ehele, Mother of Stephen Ehele

Parents of Columbiettes
William Schumacher, Father of Kathy Miller

Children of Brother Knights
Lisa Gail Cimmento, Daughter of Nick & Joyce Cimmento
Timothy Kelly Cimmento, Son of Nick & Joyce Cimmento
Peter Clare, Son of Past Grand Knight Tim Clare

Seminarian
Michael G. Kitson, Son of Michael J. Kitson
 
May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed,
Rest in Peace, Amen
May God have mercy on their souls. Amen
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 to 9:45 pm
Who:    Open to the general public

Supports: The profits from Bingo go 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, UMAR and others.

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
Mark your calendars! 

KofC Council 10852 - Faith in Action! 

November Calendar Events:
  • November 1 – All Saints Day
  • November 5 – Men’s Shelter Serving at 4 pm
  • November 6 – Council Business Meeting at 7 pm
  • November 13 – SCBC Board Meeting at 7 pm
  • November 15 – Mass for Sharyn Desch+ at 12:10 pm
  • November 16 – 4th Degree Exemplification at St. Vincent de Paul
  • November 17 – Parish Pancake Breakfast
  • November 20 – Council Officer’s Meeting at 6:30 pm
  • November 20 – Knight’s Mass at 7:30 pm
  • November 22 – Turkey Drive pick-up at 8:30 am
  • November 28 – Thanksgiving Day
.
December Calendar Events:
  • December 3 – Men’s Shelter Serving at 4 pm
  • December 4 – Council Business Meeting at 7 pm
  • December 8 – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • December 11 – SCBC Board Meeting at 7 pm
  • December 15 – Parish Pancake Breakfast
  • December 18 – Council Officer’s Meeting at 6:30 pm
  • December 18 – Knight’s Mass at 7:30 pm
  • December 25 – The Nativity of the Lord – Christmas!

 The Grand Knight and Council Officers wish all Brother Knights with November 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 Bill Kenney (1930)
Brother John Greco (1934)
Brother Frank Mifsud (1936)
Brother Chester Miller (1937)
and the baby of the group…
Brother Bob Young (1939)

Council Awards and Recognition:

The Grand Knight and Council Officers are pleased to announce that Brother Bill LoPresti, PGK was selected as October’s Knight of the Month. Bill serves St. Matthew Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister and is a very active member of the council supporting a number of our programs especially Monday night BINGO and the South Charlotte Banquet Center.

Our Family of the Month for October was Norm and Rosie Smith. Norm serves as our current Recorder, helps run the kitchen for our parish pancake breakfast each month, and serves the parish as the Head Usher. Rosie was instrumental in the success of our annual car raffle and is also involved in many parish ministries. They are a great example of a faith-filled and deeply committed Catholic couple and much appreciated by KofC Council 10852.

For The Good of the Order: Please keep Brother Bill LoPresti who is battling cancer in your thoughts and prayers. We ask that the Holy Spirit fill Bill with His presence and strength during this difficult time.
 
Mary, Queen of Knights – Pray for us!