Volume 23 Issue 11 - May 2020

THE CROSS and COMPASS

"Faith in Action!!!"

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

 Grand Knight's Report

Brothers,

I hope that this newsletter finds you and your loved ones healthy, trusting in God’s mercy, and praying to the Holy Spirit for patience and perseverance during these trying times. As Knights, we know that prayer is our best weapon against evil and strengthens us to face all challenges. This may well be the best opportunity that we have had in years, to improve our prayer lives and enrich our faith unencumbered by the normal distractions of life − don’t waste it!

While most of us are stuck at home, rest assured that Council 10852 is still reaching out to those in need. Once again, this month, your council has donated $500 to the Charlotte Men’s Homeless Shelter as they are not allowing volunteers to cook or serve food in their facility as is our normal practice. 

On Monday, May 4 th , I had the pleasure of representing the council (along with our Worthy Chaplain Fr. Ascik) and presented checks for $500 to Seminarians Deacon Jake Mlakar and Miguel Sanchez in support of the KofC Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP). Both young men are attending the Pontifical North American College in Rome and are temporarily assigned to St. Matthew Catholic Church due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Deacon Jake has been a member of our council since 2015 and hopefully will be ordained this summer. Please pray for both these young men that they remain healthy, stay safe, and can quickly return to their studies and continue their journey towards the priesthood.

I want to challenge each of you to pray the Rosary during the Month of May 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. Also, please pray for all the first responders and medical professionals who bravely do their jobs fighting this pandemic; may God keep them safe!

I have been very pleased with the overwhelming response for volunteers in support of our new program, Operation Helping Hands, in support of 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. 

These volunteers are willing to pick-up and deliver groceries, prescription medications, and takeout meals, etc. This is done with minimal risk to volunteers or to those who need our help; all communication can be achieved online or over the phone. 

Those interested in this program should look for the SignUp Genius sent via council email or call PGK Tom Larkin at: 803-762-8989.   Surprisingly, we haven’t received many calls for assistance as many of our brother knights and their spouses moved to Charlotte to be near family and have a support system in place. However, if someone’s situation changes and you, or someone you know, needs help please share our program with them.

Thank you and stay safe.

Bill McKenn, GK



GK Bill McKenna presents a check to Seminarian Miguel Sanchez

Operation HELPING HANDS!
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
Culture of Life Corner
The Month of May – 10,000 Rosaries for LIFE
 
Join our St. Matthew family for our 12 th annual Rosaries for LIFE campaign, a prayerful way of promoting the sanctity of every human life from conception to natural death. During this challenging time of COVID-19 we can pray the rosary and ask Mary to heal those affected by the virus and those caring for them. We can pray that the people of our great nation will show hope, gratitude, patience, love, kindness, and forgiveness toward each other. Pray the rosary with your family at home, in your car, at work or at play. Our goal is for St. Matthew is 10,000 rosaries prayed in the 31 days of May. Let us pray together that we become witnesses to the culture of life. Go to rosary.count@gmail.com and record the number of rosaries prayed. Let’s do it. (St. Matthew Life Letter, Spring 2020)

Sidewalk Advocates and Social Distancing at the Hebron Abortion Facility
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. The Hebron Abortion facility performs abortions from 9 AM to 1 PM on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  To assure Social Distancing, please sign up before you go at: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2694495/false#/invitation . The defenseless unborn babies need us there. Email me at ngemignani@gmail.com if you need directions or have questions. There is some good news: there were three saves at the Hebron facility on Saturday, April 25 th .

Please pray to stop abortions.  Mothers with unexpected or challenging pregnancies can relate to the experience of our Blessed Mother, as they, too, often face difficulties in answering God’s call to welcome new life. We pray that Our Lady will draw pregnant mothers close to her heart and, through her intercession, bring comfort, encouragement, and joyful hope. With the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life as our guide, may we work to support all mothers, especially those who are most in need. (USCCB Pray for Life, May 2020)

For additional information on Pro-Life activities or how to receive the St. Matthew Life Letter please contact the Respect Life Ministry, view the church bulletin online, or contact Brother Norman Gemignani, 205-547-7919, ngemigani@gmail.com.

Yes, the state raffle drawing supposedly occurred on May 3; however, the state council has not published the winners yet. Hopefully I will be able to announce the results during our virtual online business meeting this Wednesday x
Least Among My Brethren
 
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.
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.



Nomination and Election of Officers for Fraternal Year 2020-2021

Nomination and Election of Officers for Fraternal Year 2020-2021

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 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 the 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 3 rd Degree Knight, in good standing, is eligible to run for an elected position within the council and is encouraged to do so. During our May Virtual Business Meeting nominations for elected council positions will be called for and accepted during New Business.

The Grand Knight is overall responsible the operation and good order of the council.  

  The Deputy Grand Knight is the second in command in the local council. He is elected annually, assists the grand knight in the operation of council affairs and is responsible for any duties assigned to him by the grand knight. He presides at council meetings in the absence of the grand knight. Serves on committees and performs other such duties as the grand knight may direct.

The Chancellor is elected annually and assists the grand knight and deputy grand knight in the performance of their duties. He takes charge of the council during the incapacity or extended absence of both. The chancellor may serve on committees and perform other such duties as directed by the grand knight.

The Recorder is elected annually and is responsible for keeping and maintaining a true and permanent record of all actions of the council, he reads the bills entered into the minutes for discussion and maintains all correspondence of the council.

The Financial Secretary is appointed by the supreme knight for a three-year term upon the grand knight and trustee’s recommendation. He collects and receives all moneys that come into the council and turns it over to the treasurer. Among his many duties is the collection of dues from members and ensuring that the council membership records are kept up-to-date. He also files various reports and membership/insurance transactions with the Supreme Council.

The Treasurer is elected annually and handles all council funds. He receives money from the financial secretary and deposits it in the proper council accounts. He maintains all of the council’s checking and savings accounts, and is responsible for paying all council expenses, including assessments from the Supreme Council.

The Advocate acts as the parliamentarian for the council, has a working knowledge of how to conduct council meetings, and knows the council’s bylaws and the Order’s Charter, Constitution and Laws . He seeks legal assistance from the state advocate as needed.

The Warden is elected annually; he supervises and maintains all council property and arranges the council chambers for meetings and degree exemplifications. He oversees the inside and outside guards to ensure that they fulfill they assigned duties. In Council 10852, the warden also arranges for a light meal prior to council business meetings.

The Inside/Outside Guards are elected annually and attend the doors of the council chamber, checking for current membership cards and allowing entrance. They perform other such duties as directed by the grand knight.

The Board of Trustees consists of the grand knight and three other members, who are elected by the council’s membership for terms of three years, two years, and one year. They are responsible for supervising all financial procedures of the council and conducting the semiannual audits.
Golf Outing

CANCELLED!
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!
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.
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
Mark your calendars! 

KofC Council 10852 - Faith in Action!

 May Calendar Events due to COVID-19 health concerns:
May 6 – Council Business Virtual Meeting at 7 pm *
May 27 – Council Officer’s Virtual Meeting at 6:30 pm *
May 13 – Columbus Club/SCBC Virtual Board Meeting at 7 pm*
May 24 – Parish Pancake Breakfast – cancelled!
May 25 – BINGO – TBD?
          
  (* Only if regular meetings cannot be held)



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 Ramiro Dominguez (1941)
Brother Michael Krysak (1942)
Brother Deacon Jeff Evers (1943)
Brother Brian Dunleavy (1944)
Brother David Gatton (1945)
Brother Norm Smith (1946)

and the baby of the group…
Brother Rev. Binoy Davis (1981)

Council Awards and Recognition:

The Grand Knight and Council Officers are pleased to announce that Chuck Curtis was selected as Knight of the Month for April 2020.  Brother Chuck serves as the program director of the monthly Parish Pancake Breakfasts and has help raise thousands of dollars in support of council charitable giving. He is an active participant willing to volunteer in a number of other council and parish programs such as Donated Goods, Lamb, and Helping Hands to name just a few. Congratulations Brother Chuck!

Our Family of the Month for April was PGK Ron and Robin Schumacher. They are a wonderful example of a strong, faith-filled, Catholic couple who are both involved in many parish ministries. Besides serving as a current Trustee for the council, Ron serves on the Board of Directors for the Columbus Club and SCBC; a week hardly goes by when Ron is not over at the banquet center working on some maintenance project. Ron is also the BINGO Chairman for the council. We greatly appreciate their time and dedication to Council 10852. Congratulations to Ron and Robin!
  • 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, Brother Ed Craig’s sister, Sharon Fondrevay-Sefert+ and Brother Bill Bauer+ who recently passed away from COVID-19 .  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