Volume 23 Issue 10 - April 2020
THE CROSS and COMPASS
"Faith in Action!!!"
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Grand Knight's Report
Brothers,
“These are the times that try men’s souls.”
Although Thomas Paine did not have the COVID-19 pandemic in mind when he wrote those famous words, from where I am sitting (staying at home) they seem to fit the times we are currently living through. I can hardly believe that just over two weeks ago I was debating cancelling the Parish Pancake Breakfast and St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. So much has changed since then that it seems like those decisions were a long time ago.
This is a new and unsettling time for all of us. As Knights and men of faith who are used to putting their faith into action it is difficult for us to sit at home and follow those protocols established by federal and state agencies. Yet, we know that it is in the best interests of our loved ones and the larger community at whole to do so.
While it may feel like we are stuck in neutral, rest assured that Council 10852 is still reaching out and those in need. We recently donated $500 to the Charlotte Men’s Homeless Shelter as they are not allowing volunteers to cook or serve food in their facility until further notice. The council also donated $500 to the North Carolina LAMB Foundation to help make-up for missed fund-raising opportunities this month. Hopefully we can soon return to our normal tempo of good works and charity.
What better time than during Lent to put our lives on hold for a few weeks and spend some extra time in prayer, especially in praying the Rosary in solidarity with our Mother Mary, Queen of Knights. Please pray for your brother knights, their families and friends, our widows and all those most at risk due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
With this in mind we are especially concerned for our older brother knights and widows, those who are home-bound due to physical limitations, those without family close by, or those with serious underlying medical conditions which place them at serious risk if contacting COVID-19.
Considering all this, the Grand Knight and Council Officers are pleased to announce a new council program –
Operation “Helping Hands”.
The concept, first proposed by PGK Tom Larkin, is to have a cadre of volunteers of mostly healthy, younger brother knights (who now find themselves working from home with more flexible hours) giving an hour or so per week to pick-up and deliver groceries, prescription medications, and takeout meals.
This can all be achieved with minimal risk to volunteers or to those older knights and widows who need our help. There is no need for face-to-face contact as all communication can be achieved online or over the phone. Those interested in this program will be able to volunteer or seek through SignUp Genius.
See Below.
Thank you and stay safe. May God bless you and yours during these difficult days.
Vivat Jesus!
Bill McKenn, 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 next five weeks has been filled, with many more brothers asking to help.
So now that we have the volunteers, those who need their help only need to reach out and ask for it. Just
contact a volunteer whose availability and Zip Code is closest to your residence and coordinate with that volunteer what needs to be picked-up, the name of the store and where it is located. These deliveries can be dropped off at the front door and end with a phone call from the volunteer (in his car) notifying the person being helped that their items have arrived.
One question we have: "Is there a need for help in the evening or on the weekends?". If there is, please let Bill or Tom know so we can make arrangements. Several brothers have offered to help at those times.
Also, 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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40 Days of Lent (Feb. 26 to April 11) and 40 Days for Life
Instead of or in addition to giving up something for Lent, please consider pledging to spend a couple of hours each week in prayer at one of the Abortion Facilities.
Abortion clinics are not closing during the COVID-19 crisis so our presence is vital. Prayer partners are needed to team with sidewalk counselors whenever a sidewalk counselor is present at the Hebron abortion facility. The objective is to have at least two teams cover the hours from 9 AM to 12 PM on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the days the Hebron abortion facility is performing abortions.
Pro Life Calendar (subject to change)
:
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April 5
th
, Palm Sunday and the end date of 40 Days for Life.
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Month of May, 10,000 Rosaries for Life sponsored by St. Matthew Respect Life Committee
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Help Pregnancy Center Golf Tournament, May 4 at the Firethorne Country Club.
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Help Pregnancy Center Banquet for Life, October 1 at the Agricultural Center in Monroe.
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Mira Via Golf Tournament for Life, May 13 at Old Sycamore Golf Plantation.
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Mira Via Annual Banquet, October 22 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
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Look for announcement of our next showing of the movie Unplanned at St. Matthew Church. I am researching the possibility of a drive-in evening showing in the Church parking lot.
Stand for Life. Nothing takes more Lives. No victim is more defenseless. No right is more fundamental.
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Yes, the North Carolina State Convention in Concord, NC has been cancelled. However, a virtual convention will occur on May 2, 2020. Council delegates GK Bill McKenna and DGK Rory Wall are required to be in attendance online and be present for the permanent roll call. State officers are working on the details now.
The “virtual order of business” will include:
• Resolutions
• Election of State Officers
• 2020-2021 Budget Approval
• Election of Delegates to the Supreme Convention
• State Raffle
Yes, the state raffle drawing will occur as scheduled May 2.
Many knights still have outstanding raffle tickets that need to be turned in no later than April 10th. Please mail all money, sold and unsold raffle tickets to: KofC Council 10852, 9009 Bryant Farms Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277 (Attn: Grand Knight).
Thank you.
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On March 11 and 12, Council Knights Tony D’Angelo and Bill McKenna visited Saint Matthew Catholic School for our annual Basketball Free-Throw Contest. Over 35 students, both boys and girls, in 4th and 5th grades competed at the district level.
By their participation students helped raise $200 for a charity supported by the school. High shooters were Nathan D’Onofrio who made 14 out of 15 baskets, and Jared Ward who made 13 of 15; both boys are 10 years old. The high shooters for girls were Ella Smith (11) and Lisie Lupinski (10) who both scored 8 out of 15 baskets.
All the students were very supportive of each other and were a joy to work with; it was a fun event for all concerned. Each student will receive a KofC Certificate signed by the Grand Knight. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 the state championships were cancelled for 2020
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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
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May God bless all Knights and their families.
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March Parish Pancake Breakfast
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The March Parish Pancake Breakfast was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost all food purchased has been saved for the next breakfast, hopefully soon. Some items, like the eggs, will expire in May, so we are exploring ways we can donate these items to the Men's Shelter and/or Missionaries of the Poor.
KofC Parish Pancake Breakfast looking for new leadership!
Brothers Chuck Curtis and Jack Hickey have run our Sunday Pancake Breakfast Program for a number of years and need help from younger Knights –
one Sunday per month!
They especially would like to train and turnover the program to 2 or 4 Knights who would be willing to learn the process. Both Jack and Chuck will stay on to advise and assist as needed.
Please Step-up and Help!
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A Message from our KofC Field Agent Matthew J. McKinley PGK/SK
As your new Knights of Columbus Field Agent I wanted to send you a quick note that reflects the posture of the Knights of Columbus and my own commitment to serve you and your family in these unprecedented times. As a framework, I want to employ the five pillars that Supreme Knight Carl Anderson has pointed to as characteristics found in men who, in time of crisis, not only survive but lead.
First, we remain rooted in the truth of the faith. We pray for one another, for the sick and the dying, and for the Church and world. In this we remain true to Fr. McGivney’s vision of protecting families within the sure tracks of the Catholic faith. Second, the Knights can be counted on to step into the breach. When disasters strike, the Knights are there with prayer and work, supporting first responders, providing shelter and assistance to those affected. This time is no different. Working together, we remain united and strong. Third, a Knight stays at his post. I understand that you have concerns about health, finances, job security, savings, retirement, and these have only increased in these days. I am here to help allay those concerns and to answer any questions you may have.
Finally, a Knight maintains humble confidence. My commitment to you, our members and families, remains steady and is built not primarily on my qualifications but on the strength of our Order, which has grown and strengthened over more than 135 years. Our Order is strong and our guarantees remain in place. 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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Patriotism in Sports!
Council Lector Brother Tony D’Angelo asked to share a wonderful video concerning how it came to be that our National Anthem is sung before ball games. Please hover over and click on the link below:
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Nomination and Election of Officers for Fraternal Year 2020-2021
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Now is the time to consider lending your talents and leadership skills in order for St. Matthew Council to continue to grow and function at a high level. During the months of April, May, and June, members are asked to volunteer or nominate brother knights for the various elected positions within the council.
Nominations should be made directly to the Nominating Committee consisting of our current council trustees: Brothers Bob Desch, Ron Schumacher, and Tom Larkin. Please speak to any brother knight prior to nominating him for a council position to ensure that he is willing to serve and that he understands the duties and responsibilities that come with that particular office.
Any 3rd Degree Knight, in good standing, is eligible to run for an elected position within the council and is encouraged to do so.
The Grand Knight is overall responsible for the operation and good order of the council. He presides over all council meetings, appoints program and membership directors, and committees as needed. The Grand Knight countersigns orders for payment and checks, and ensures the timely submission of all paperwork required by the Supreme and State Councils. He needs to maintain good working relationships with the council’s chaplain, district deputy, KofC insurance field agent. The Grand Knight is responsible for the council’s Admission Degree Team, and needs to have a working knowledge of the Knights of Columbus website, Officers Online and Member Management.
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Unfortunately, due to the COVIDS-19 pandemic, our Golf Outing has been canceled. As soon it is safe for a Tournament, we will let you know!
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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 a Tournament, 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!
April Calendar Events cancelled due to COVID-19 health concerns:
April 22 – Council Officer’s Virtual Meeting at 6:30 pm
May 6 – Council Business Virtual Meeting at 7 pm *
May 27 – Council Officer’s Virtual Meeting at 6:30 pm *
(* Only if regular meetings cannot be held)
We will be using
Zoom for our meetings. Instructions will be sent on how to connect to the meetings.
May Calendar Events:
TBD
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Happy Birthday!
The Grand Knight and Council Officers wish all Brother Knights with April 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 Harry Fear (1925)
Brother Ed Merchak (1930)
Brother Don Kreppen (1936)
Brother Joseph Tedeschi (1936)
Brother Marcelo Bueno (1937)
Brother Robert Waller (1941)
Brother John Clare (1941)
and the baby of the group…
Brother Tony Di Ieso (1942)
Council Awards and Recognition:
The Grand Knight and Council Officers are pleased to announce that
Ron Marchetti was selected as Knight of the Month for March 2020
. Since joining the council this past fraternal year, Brother Ron has quickly established himself as active participant willing to volunteer in a number of council programs and activities such as: monthly business meetings, Valentine’s Day Dance, the Parish Pancake Breakfast and Operation Exodus. We are fortunate to have Ron as a member of St. Matthew Council 10852 and look forward to him assuming an even greater role in the future. Congratulations Brother Ron!
Our Family of the Month for March was Tony D’Angelo and Myrtle Palmisano
. They are a wonderful example of a strong, faith-filled, Catholic couple who are involved in a number of parish ministries including STARS and Pro-Life as well as supporting Council 10852 events such as the Valentine’s Day Dance. Tony and Myrtle can often be seen helping at the Parish Pancake Breakfasts, Lenten Fish Dinners and Operation LAMB. We greatly appreciate their time and dedication to Council 10852. Congratulations to Tony and Myrtle!
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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, Pat Briney, Wanda Damanski, William J. White, and Brother Ed Craig’s sister, Sharon Fondrevay-Sefert
+ who recently passed away . We ask that in His mercy God may bless them, watch over them, and fill them with the presence and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Mary, Queen of Knights Pray for us
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