Knights of Columbus
Msgr. Borusky Council 10243
Green Bay, WI
NEWSLETTER

Grand Knight's Column

How were you recruited to become a Knight of Columbus? Was it a big complicated process? Probably not. My guess is that a friend or family member simply asked you to join. They probably told you in very simple terms that the Knights are a bunch of good guys, doing good deeds, and that you would enjoy being part of the organization. For most of us it really was that simple. And do you know what? It still is that simple. But, we do need to ask.

Recruiting isn't a one-man job, but rather a shared responsibility of the entire membership. We all know one or two people who would make good members, but we are hesitant to ask them to join. Why is that? Did you dislike being asked to join? Probably not. It is always a great feeling to be wanted. By asking someone to join our Council you are saying that you believe this person is a good practical Catholic and that they would be an asset to our group. In a very real sense you are paying them a compliment.

Currently we have 130 members in our Council. What would happen if each one of us were to seriously ask another man to join our organization? Well, I'm sure that we would not have 130 new members, as not all of them would say yes. But I would be willing to bet that the majority of them would say yes, or would sincerely consider the possibility of joining. Remember most of us were ready and eager to join; we just needed someone to ask us.

It is also important to note that this isn't just a "one way" proposition. It is not just the Council that benefits from adding a new member. The new member benefits as well; we have a lot to offer as an organization. The Knights of Columbus are certainly a good fit for the kind of life style that a Catholic man wishes to live. By being an active member of our organization we reinforce the Christian teachings through our actions and find a practical way to put our faith into action on a daily basis. By doing this, we become good role models for our family and our community. And perhaps, what is even more important is the fact that we associate with other men, and other families, who share our goals and beliefs, and reinforce them as well.

So, think about a candidate you know who would make a good Knight, and then go and ask him to join. Remember it is not a complicated procedure, and I think that you will find some real personal gratification in bringing a new member into our organization. Call me with your success stories.

Rick Noe

Grand Knight

February Meeting

The next monthly meeting of Council 10243 is scheduled for Monday, February 19 at 7:30 PM with the rosary preceding at about 7:15. Please consider taking part and experiencing what being a part of the fraternity of the knights of Columbus is all about.

Deputy Grand Knight:

Election to be Held

During our February meeting we will be holding elections to fill our current vacancy at the Deputy Grand Knight position. So far one man has volunteered his name to be submitted for the approval of the general membership. Other nominations can still be accepted. If you would like to volunteer to be nominated as a candidate for this position please contact Grand Knight Rick Noe (468-3194) or come to the February meeting.

New Member

Welcome to Randall Schmitz, who recently transferred to Council 10243. Randy, who is single, was formerly a member of Council #1964 at West Bend. He is a First Degree member and we look forward to getting to know him. He has been contacted about completing the journey to Knighthood through the upcoming Second and Third Degree.

Special Days

February15–March15
A = Marriage Anniversary B = Birthday

O = Ordination Anniversary + = Date of Death

February
15 A Wayne & Alice Wassenberg

17 A Bob & Cathy Wozniak

17 B Jason Vandermause

18 B Richard Bligiske

19 B Gary Durocher

19 B Mary (Tom) Marquardt

19 B Andrew Schumacher

20 B Luella (Wencil) Froelich

21 B Ed Rovinski

22 B George Raymaker

23 B Pat (Robert) Thut

23 B Bonnie (Stan) Waslowski

24 B JoAnne (Bill) Griesbach

25 A Curt & Blossom Gilson

25 B Marilyn (William) Kaczmarek

26 B Mary (Mike) Delvaux

26 B Donna (Leonard) Schaub

28 A Mike & Connie Worzala

March
01 B Peter Birdsall

01 B Pat Ellis

02 B Becky (Randy) Barrett

02 B Nanci (Rick) Tlachac

03 B Denise (Dave) Doering

04 B Terry Famaree

04 B Pat (Robert) Massart

05 B Cliff Gigot

08 B Robert Ledvina

09 B Mary (Roy C.) Johnson

15 A Kelly & Virginia Gigot

Silver Lake College Program
The Council has been approached by Silver Lake College regarding the funding of a scholarship through May of 2004. Specifically, the request is for funding in the amount of $250 per semester for the next seven semesters for students enrolled in Silver Lake's new Theology Program offering professional training and a baccalaureate degree for lay people exercising ministries and leadership positions in the Church. The program, fully endorsed by Bishop Banks and Bishop Morneau, was developed in partial response to a continuing shortage of priests. It is one of only two programs like it in the country and is comprised of a new Theology Major with a Minor in Spirituality and Ministry. Lorraine Clarke, Vice President of Development at Silver Lake, and Dr. Robert Berchmans, Chair of the Religious Studies Department and a Knight of Columbus, were present at the January meeting to speak about the program. A recommendation from the Charity Committee is expected at the next meeting. Several other Knights of Columbus Councils have been approached. The proposal to the Council was submitted courtesy Tom Caldie, one of our newer members and a faculty member at Silver Lake.

Insurance
Knights of Columbus Insurance General Agent Dave Tlachac recently contacted Councils with news from Supreme: effective immediately, members who purchase Long Term Care policies will be granted insured member status. This change might make it easier for some Councils to achieve Star Council status. Further information on this program or on other Knights of Columbus Insurance programs can be obtained by filling out information request cards, which are available from the Grand Knight. After the General Agent receives the cards he will assign an agent to contact the member or send further information. Contact GK Rick Noe (468-3194) for one of the information request cards.

100^thAnnual Convention

Official notice has been received concerning the 100th annual Convention of the Wisconsin State Council. Delegates will gather in LaCrosse April 28-29. Among the events taking place are the usual business sessions, the State Deputy's Banquet, presentation of major awards and the charity raffle drawing. Bishop Raymond Burke of LaCrosse will preside at the main Convention Mass. While no State elections are anticipated, there is always plenty of business conducted through reports and resolutions. Official delegates to the Convention must be the Grand Knight and a Past Grand Knight, but alternates who may be any Third Degree member of the Council may replace them. LaCrosse is a long way, but Conventions can be great experiences, especially for those who like to meet and enjoy the company of Knights and friends from throughout the State. One needs not be a delegate or an alternate in order to take part. Anyone interested in the Convention experience should contact GK Rick Noe for more information.

Chaplain's Column

To be someone's Valentine--what a wonderful feeling. To be loved by another and to be given some small sign of appreciation--these are the things that seem to make life worth living. The adults among us have probably gotten away from sending Valentines around as we might have done in grade school. Yet, each year when this holiday rolls around, we might somehow feel a little inadequate unless we have sent a card or two out, and we may feel unloved if we don’t receive any. We’ve seen the tears of those children who don’t get any Valentines as well as the exuberance of those who get armloads of them. While at first it may seem just something we relegated to our childhood, I would suggest that Valentines are alive and well in our world today--even among us “mature” people. Even if we have gone beyond the stage when it was customary to send out small, inexpensive reminders that we care about the people around us. However, if we really thought about it, the presence of the Knights of Columbus is something of a Valentine addressed to the whole world. The activities of so many local and larger Councils has done an enormous amount to help alleviate suffering and pain and to make the presence of Christ just a little more clear in our world. We have supported youth, Church, family, and so many of the values we hold dear, and in so doing we have shown the world that Christ loves them through the work we have done. In this rather dead time of winter, standing near the threshold of another Lenten season of repentance and sacrifice, gratitude to God for what he has done for us and allowed us to accomplish may not be at the top of our minds. We also might have a hard time seeing what God has done for us through the lives of others. But, now is probably a good time for Valentines--for expressing our gratitude to some other people for the things they have done to make our lives just a bit better. Valentines of this fashion should not be below any of us; it should not be seen as weird or inappropriate for Christians to thank their brothers and sisters for their contributions toward making our Christian lives a little fuller. This is a time of friendship and appreciation, even a time of love, a word that should not be outside the vocabulary of a Christian. After all, we soon will again enter a time when we are asked to consider a Valentine given to us by God some two thousand years ago--an expression of love so deep and so complete that through the death of his Son God was willing to ransom us while we were yet sinners. God’s expression of love to us was enormous, and in a real sense, a Valentine. It was sort of like a little card telling us how much he really loved us. In our relations with one another, let us model that love by sharing affirmation and friendship with those around us.

Father Al Lis, O.F.M.

Chaplain

Booyah
Our next Council booyah project is scheduled for the weekend of February 24-25--preparation of the chicken and vegetables of Saturday and the actual sale on Sunday. The booyah projects have been very important fundraisers for the Council, and certainly the funds are always badly needed. Consider being a part of this one, especially if you've never done it before. The camaraderie is always exceptional. To volunteer, contact coordinator Bill Bartelme at 465-6900 or just sign up at the next meeting. Another booyah is scheduled for the same dates in March.

Second and Third Degree
An exemplification of the Second and Third Degrees is planned for Sunday, February 25 at DePere. (The 'Spring' exemplification has usually taken place on Palm Sunday--this one took us by surprise.) As this is one of only two local exemplifications each year, it is important to encourage members to take part in order to complete their journey to full Knighthood. It is also recommended at each Third Degree exemplification that those who already took part do so again in order to capture the full meaning of the Degrees.

Our newest member, Randy Schmitz, joins us as a First Degree Knight and has is hoping to take part. Other eligible men (and the year in which they took the First Degree) are Robert Agard (2000), Mike Boudreau (1997), Al Greene (1996), Father Dave Pleier (1999) and Robert Warpinski (1989).

Current Third and Fourth Degree men will need a lunch ticket if they intend to take part. Please contact Father Al Lis (437-1979) by February 15 to arrange a ticket or for other information. The exemplification is sponsored by Abbot Pennings Council 3955 in DePere, George Garrity, GK.

Fourth Degree

Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree celebrated their Christmas party on Friday, January 19. Among about seventy who gathered from our Marquette Assembly 1197 and St. Jude Assembly 1724 in Oneida were two State Officers--State Secretary Richard & Janet Rebman and State Advocate Wayne & Gina Wood. District Marshall Don Bettine and District Friar Father Al Lis were also present. The vast majority of the crowd was affiliated with Assembly 1197. The Notre Dame Academy Swing Choir provided entertainment and a DJ played music for dancing. The Assembly will again gather in February for a short business meeting and a presentation by attorney Bob Geimer. Bob will be speaking on Wills and Trust Agreements, Power of Attorney and Nursing Home Arrangements. Faithful Navigator Larry Ziarnik plans to set up a sort of Steering Committee for the Assembly to discuss future plans and activities.

There will be an exemplification of the Fourth Degree in Appleton on April 21, 2001. More information will be included in the March NEWSLETTER. About a quarter of our Council is Fourth Degree. All members should give serious consideration to becoming a part of this highest Degree in our Order.

Prayer

Prayer for Married Couples

Valentine's Day would be a good opportunity to pray for all those who share the sacrament of Marriage.

Lord, God of grace,

you so love your people

that you have carved us

into the palm of your hand

and through Christ and the Church

you enrich us and strengthen us

as your holy people.

Look with favor on all

who have committed themselves to one another in the sacrament of marriage.

May they know your presence

in good times and in bad,

and willingly share with one another and with you

the joys and struggles of their lives.

May they never allow the sun

to set on their anger

but make them a clearer sign

of the love of Christ for all people.

Look with special favor

on all those who are recently married

and those who are preparing for marriage.

Strengthen them, that all may see

your love flowing from them.

Bless those who struggle to maintain

the bonds of love between them.

May all married couples be

for their families and friends,

and for all the world,

the sacrament of Christ's love

for his bride, the Church.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Appreciation Dinner, February 18

Please remember the Appreciation Dinner scheduled for Sunday, February 18. Those who have attended in the past have enjoyed the evening. Please plan on taking part and showing your appreciation to that special lady . We will also show appreciation to those who have given of themselves to the Council by recognizing winners of the Knight of the Month and the Family of the Month award for the last year as well as the Council's major annual presentations, the Knight of the Year Award, Family of the Year Award and the Distinguished Service Award.

Past winners of the Knight of the Year Award were Father Al Lis (1992-3), Wayne Wassenberg (93-94), Dave Whitton (94-95), Eugene Schmitz (95-96), Jim Barnett (96-97 & 98-99) and Leon Janowski (97-98). Honored as Family of the Year were Robert Jacqmin (1992-92), Larry Ziarnik (93-94), Roger Shaha (94-95), Scott Rebman (95-96), Leon Janowski (96-97), Harry Christensen (97-98) and Randy Barrett (98-99). Selected for the Distinguished Service Award were Dan McLaughlin (1995-96), Jim Barnett (95-96), Dave Whitton (95-96, 96-97 & 97-98), Roy C. Johnson (97-98, 98-99), Father Al Lis (97-98), Robert Jacqmin (98-99) and Richard Rebman (98-99). In 1995 the Council decided that the Family of the Year award would be known as the Richard and Janet Rebman Family of the Year Award and that the Knight of the Year would be known as the Father Al Lis Knight of the Year Award. The Distinguished Service Award was later named the Dan McLaughlin Distinguished Service Award.

Holy Father's Greetings to President Bush

The following greeting and blessing was sent by the Holy Father to President George W. Bush on the day of his inauguration:

On the occasion of your inauguration as the 43rd President of the United States of America I send warm greetings and good wishes, together with the assurance of my prayers that almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength of purpose in the exercise of your high office. As the world faces the challenges of the new millennium, I pray that under your leadership the American people will discover in their rich religious and political heritage the spiritual values which will provide clear direction and a sound ethical foundation for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom, with unfailing respect for the dignity and rights of each individual, especially the poor, the defenceless and those who have no voice. I likewise ask God, the Father of the nations, to guide your efforts to foster understanding, cooperation and peace among the peoples of the world. Upon you and your family, and upon the beloved American people I cordially invoke the Lord's abundant blessings.

IOANNES PAULUS PP. II

January 20, 2001

Charity Raffle

Leon Janowski has the following report as of the end of January, 2001: To this point, 31 brothers (almost a quarter of the Council) have responded, leaving 95 'no-responses.' A total of 384 tickets have been sold so far, which is 28.6% of our goal. Tickets sold so far represent an average of nearly twelve per person for those who have responded. The top seller at this point is Richard Rebman (78); Mike Vanden Busch and Dave Whitton are next in line. Eight men of the Council have sold ten or more tickets. We are ahead of last year--at this time a year ago we had sold 272 tickets.

By Law Committee

The By-Law Review Committee, set up by the State to determine of resolutions passed at recent State Conventions have been reflected in the by-laws, has completed its work. State Advocate Wayne Wood served as chair of the committee which also included Council 10243 members State Secretary Richard Rebman and Father Al Lis. Former District Deputies Ron Frosch and Don Bettine also served on the committee. Their report has been set to the State Officers for review.

March 01 B Peter Birdsall

Prayer for Married Couples

March
01 B Peter Birdsall