Msgr. Borusky Council 10243 Green Bay, WisconsinKnights of Columbus
NEWSLETTER
The old adage says that the numbers don't lie. This time I have to agree, because the numbers reaffirm all of the good that we do as an organization. Just what am I talking about? FS Jim Barnett recently gave me the summary of the Council's fraternal surveys and an overview of our charitable spending for the last year. I am very proud of these numbers and I hope that all of you share my sentiments.
We had 58% of our membership respond with their fraternal surveys. Of those who responded, we logged the following: 1,819 visits to the sick, 524 Bereaved visits, 65 blood donations, 17,763 volunteer hours and 2,262 hours of fraternal service. (I would love to see what those numbers would be if we had a 100% return on the surveys.)
Our charitable disbursements hit an all-time high for our Council. Here are the numbers for the last five years:
1995 $1,717
1996 $2,280
1997 $3,153
1998 $4,664
1999 $6,543
(Please note that these numbers do not include the funds raised by the Tootsie Roll campaign, which can add over two thousand dollars to the total.) These are funds that help a variety of areas throughout the community including education, vocations, the physically and mentally disabled, the elderly, disaster victims, youth programs, Scouting, Pro-Life and much more.We share these numbers for several reasons. First, we should be proud of our efforts. The organization that was put together ten years ago is going strong, growing and is making a difference. We also need to know this information so that when others ask 'Just what is it that the Knights do?' we can not only tell them about the activities but also about the results. And finally, as an organization that needs to continue to grow, we should use this information to help recruit new members.
To all who helped make these numbers possible, Congratulations and Thank You!
Randy Barrett
Grand KnightNext Meeting
The next meeting of Council 10243 is our usual Third Monday of the Month, February 21, 2000. All brothers of the Council are urged to take part in the meeting. The rosary will be recited around 7:15 and the meeting will follow at about 7:30 PM. As we will soon be approaching elections and a change in leadership in the Council it is especially appropriate to be a part of the shaping of our future. New Members
Welcome to the newest members of Council 10243: Howard Erickson, who made the First Degree at the meeting on January 17, and John Murphy, a Third Degree Knight who transferred from Council 6568 after the January meeting. Howard, now retired, was the former Chief of the Green Bay Police and was proposed by Roy C. Johnson. John recently graduated UW-Madison and came to the Council through the efforts of Jason Vandermause. Welcome!Also, candidate Robert Agard was read in at the last meeting and approved. He was proposed for membership by Jim Barnett and is awaiting First Degree.
Withdrawals
We regret the recent withdrawal of the following members: Terry Fameree (I Degree), Fred Grochmal (III), Gene Gunderson (III), Damien Massart (I) and James Odau (III). Several will become inactive, which means they retain KC Insurance but are no longer dues-paying members of the Council. We thank these men for their time in the Council and for all they gave to the community in our name. Chaplain's Column
January seems to be such a long month! I think it has something to do with the fact that we have recently completed the celebrations of the Christmas season, and February usually heralds the beginning of Lent. For those of us in the ministry of the Church, both of those seasons suggest an enormous amount of work. I suppose for people in general who are living in the Northern Hemisphere, this is the time of year where hints of Spring help us to develop a certain impatience and a desire to be somehow magically transported about sixty days to the future. By the time of our February meeting, that impatience has probably started to take root in many of us and at least in some parts of our minds we are looking ahead to spring projects and summer plans. I would like to suggest, especially to those who generally do not include the Knights of Columbus in their plans, that they consider allowing the Council to play a larger role in their lives and in the lives of their families. A few months ago we were talking about dues, and as a part of that the NEWSLETTER (December 1999) ran a piece noting that each brother is asked to pay $30 per year, but essentially it costs the Council nearly $35 to "keep" each of us for a year. That extra five bucks a head does not fall from the sky. It is earned by those who devote even a little of their time each year to the activities that the Council pursues. It would seem almost an obligation and a matter of justice to take some part in the things that the Knights are about, because at the very least, we 'owe' that much. Of course, it is much more than that. What price can be put on fraternity? Can growth in Christian faith and service really be measured? These are the things that the Council is about. Another thought: Looking at the 'per member' expenses of the Council, one of the largest (over a third of the cost per member) is this NEWSLETTER. I believe I speak for all editors when I say that those of us who have been entrusted with this special task of communication have taken it seriously and have put more than a little effort into it. For that reason, we'd like to think that the brothers of the Council get something from it. It is more than an historical record or a memo of current events. It is really the lifeblood of the Council, flowing out to the membership in the hope that it may energize and invigorate those who are a part of our family. Consider this publication to be an invitation to seize a greater share of the benefits of being a part of Council 10243. It is worth any effort required.
Fr. Al Lis, O.F.M.
ChaplainThoughts From the Holy Father
The Third Millennium prompts the Christian community to lift its eyes of faith to embrace new horizons in proclaiming the Kingdom of God. It is imperative therefore at this special time to return more faithfully than ever to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, which shed new light upon the missionary task of the Church in view of the demands of evangelization today. At the Council, the Church became more deeply conscious both of the mystery which she herself is and of the apostolic mission entrusted to her by the Lord. This awareness commits the community of believers to live in the world knowing that they must be "the leaven and, as it were, the soul of human society, destined to be renewed in Christ and transformed into the family of God" (Gaudium et Spes, 40). In order to meet this commitment effectively, the Church must persevere in unity and grow in the life of communion.
John Paul II
Incarnationis Mysterium, 2Prayer
Prayer for the Morning
God of unfailing light,
Source of all light and glory, we give you praise for the light of this new day and for the opportunity to renew our commitment to you.
May every moment of this day bring you greater glory and praise and may your blessings and your grace flow in abundance upon all who seek to do your will.
May all those who recognize you as God consecrate themselves to your service today and may we all be beacons of your light to all who seek your presence.
May we delight in knowing that we are your chosen servants, always eager to do your will.
Holy Trinity,
One God, be with us this day and through our words and our actions unite us to the work of Christ and the Church.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AmenSpecial Days
February 15 - March 15
A = Marriage Anniversary
B = Birthday
O = Ordination Anniversary
+ = Date of DeathFebruary
15 A Wayne & Alice Wassenberg
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 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 WorzalaMarch
01 B Peter Birdsall
01 B Pat Ellis
02 B Becky (Randy) Barrett
02 B Nanci (Rick) Tlachac
03 B Sharon (Jim) Majeski
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 GigotAppreciation Dinner
Please note the advertisement on the Appreciation Dinner scheduled for Sunday, February 27. 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 Father Al Lis Knight of the Year Award, the Richard & Janet Rebman Family of the Year Award and the Dan McLaughlin Distinguished Service Awards. First Degree
An exemplification of the First Degree was held prior to the January meeting on Monday, January 17. Four candidates participated including one, Howard Erickson, for Council 10243. Welcome aboard, Howard!Members of our First Degree Team also presented an exemplification for three candidates at the monthly meeting of Vincent Lombardi Council 11834 on Thursday, January 13. Members of the Team taking part were Randy Barrett, Rick Noe, Terry Misfeldt & Leon Janowski as well as Bernie Watzka member of Council 10552 and Council 10243 Knight of the Month for January 2000. Richard Rebman and Father Al Lis also were present as observers.
Second and Third Degree
We anticipate receiving information soon about the exemplification of the Second and Third Degree in DePere on Palm Sunday, April 16. All First Degree men are reminded to plan to participate. Further information should be included in the March NEWSLETTER.
Fourth Degree
An exemplification of the Fourth Degree will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2000 at Oconomowoc. There was a time when Council 10243 led the way in men coming forth for this Degree. All Third Degree men in good standing can and should consider advancement to the Fourth Degree, especially as we celebrate the centennial year of this patriotic Degree. Anyone interested in advancing to this highest Degree in the Order should contact one of the three members of Council 10243 who serve as Officers of the Fourth Degree Assembly: Faithful Admiral Roger Shaha (469-1608), Faithful Captain Larry Ziarnik (468-1979) or Faithful Friar Fr. Al Lis (437-1979).
Festival Foods
We have the opportunity to staff a food stand at Festival Food (East) on three weekends this summer: June 3-4, July 22-23 and August 19-20. The Council will need to decide whether to accept all or some of these dates based on the interest of the membership. Those who have been a part of these stands in the past know what a great source of income they can be. Thanks to Richard Rebman for making the arrangements.
Convention Countdown
In just about two months delegates will gather at Oshkosh to conduct the business of the State Council. Our own brother Richard Rebman is running for the Office of State Secretary at this Convention. A resolution in support of his candidacy was approved unanimously and enthusiastically by the Council in January. While we are unaware of whether there will be any others seeking that Office, please remember to be supportive of Richard in dealings with other Knights. You may be talking to the voting delegates of another Council.
Past State Deputy Eugene ("Doc") Sonnleitner is chairman of the Convention Planning Committee and promises quite an experience. In recognition of one hundred years of Knights in Wisconsin and of the centennial of the Fourth Degree, the State Council will conduct a special First Degree at the Convention. Each Council is asked to provide at least one candidate. Each candidate and his Council will be recognized by State Deputy Wenzel Felber.
The Convention will take place in Oshkosh on April 29-30. Delegates are usually the Grand Knight and Immediate Past Grand Knight, though alternates frequently serve as delegates. Contact GK Randy Barrett (465-9717) or Father Al Lis (437-1979) for more information.
Arresting Developments
Richard Rebman and Father Al Lis were pictured on the front of Arresting Developments, the internal NEWSLETTER of the Green Bay Police. The photo showed them presenting the Council's $300 contribution to Youth Programs in memory of Mike Paoletti to Officer David Byrnes, Director of Crime Prevention. The contribution was delivered on November 23.Dues
Thanks to all who so promptly handled the payment of dues. The Council appreciates your timeliness in this matter. Financial Secretary Jim Barnett reports that that there are still about fifteen members who have not paid dues for the current year. "Knight Alert" mailings should have been received by now by those who have not gotten the dues paid yet. If you are one of them, please remember the $10 'late fee' which will be charged after February 28.Fraternal Hours
Thanks to all who turned in their fraternal service report. Financial Secretary Jim Barnett noted at the last meeting that while the response was better this year than last, the number of hours went down slightly. 58% of the brothers of the Council responded, compared with 53% last year, for a total of 2262 hours of fraternal service as compared with 2555 last year. Thanks to all who contributed, reported or not, to the work of the Council. Remember that the reporting of fraternal service hours and charitable contributions helps retain the tax-exempt status of the Order. Raffle Tickets
Thanks to all those who have continued our Council's tradition of great sales in the State Charity Raffle. Coordinator Leon Janowski reports that there are over 200 tickets sold at the moment; still a long way to go, but we are on track. For additional tickets or further information contact Leon at 468-7544.Membership Drive at St. Mary
A Membership Drive for the Knights of Columbus was conducted at weekend Masses at St. Mary of the Angels Parish in Green Bay on February 5-6. Father Al Lis serves as Pastor. Bulletin inserts the previous weekend advertised the drive, which was done on behalf of local Msgr. Basche Council 4505. Diocesan Membership Coordinator Jim Destiche spoke at weekend Masses and Council 4505 Grand Knight Tom Treml and Membership Chairman Chris Timmers were present as were Council members Jim Laluzerne, Bill Noel, Dennis Borley, John Gunville and Jerry Delforge. Several prospective Knights were identified.Congratulations…
…to Grand Knight Mike & Barb Witte on the birth of their daughter Rebekah Michele on February 4, 2000. Mike serves as Grand Knight of Vincent T. Lombardi Council 11834 in Green Bay.If you have news, joyful or sad, which you would like to share with the fraternity, please contact Father Al so that more of the real history of our members may be recorded in the NEWSLETTER. Let the fraternity prayerfully join with you in celebrating the blessings you have received and allow them also to join together in seeking God's blessings in times of sadness.
Spotlight is on Ron Rentmeester
As with many other men of Council 10243 who are retired, Ron finds that his days are pretty full and he is quite active and involved. Ron considers himself "semi-retired" since around 1991 when the family business was sold. Until that time he had been the third generation involved in Rentmeester Oil and also Rentmeester Sports Center, businesses operated by a father and five sons. After "retiring" Ron tried sitting around for about six months and found out that it didn't work. So, he and a couple of other guys in his situation founded another business--selling and installing seasonal rooms and round circular skylights. All of that keeps him pretty busy from around April 1 through October 1.
When he's not occupied with business, he takes full advantage of his status as semi-retired. He's an avid downhill skier and snowmobiler. He also enjoys carpentry work and recently completed a project at the former convent building at St. Bernard. He also has a cottage at Shawano Lake and takes advantage of it especially in the summer. Ron is also deeply involved in the life of the parish and serves as a Minister of Hospitality as well as a Eucharistic Minister. He has held offices in the Athletic Club and served for four years on the Parish Council and Finance Committee. His dad was a charter member of the Parish and was involved in the building of the original church and school. He also helped form the Athletic Club, and Ron feels that his own involvement sort of carries on the family tradition.
Ron comes from a family of nine and most are still local. He attended Catholic Central (currently Notre Dame) High School and as a Junior and Senior was a member of the State Catholic Championship Baseball Team. He was also in the Navy where he served on an aircraft carrier and is very proud of the fact that he was at a general audience with Pope Pius XII back in the 'fifties (He's been looking for the picture of that event.) Ron and his wife, Helen, have been married for almost thirty-nine years and have been members of St. Bernard Parish for that time. They have two daughters, one in California and another in Alabama and they enjoy visiting them. Their son is a pilot based in Chicago and that helps in making the trips. Ron is very proud that all their children are college graduates and 'deep in their faith.'
It was about three years ago that Ron became a part of Council 10243; as with some other men he had a relative in the Knights. In Ron's case it was his dad, who was quite active at St. Philip. He's not entirely sure, but he thinks it was neighbor Richard Rebman who finally got him to become a part of the Council. Since that time he has been involved in some of the usual activities such as the booyahs and the Tootsie Roll Drive in the Spring. One of the things he finds that he really likes to do is work the food stands when they come up. What he appreciates especially about the Knights is that they are "a nice group of guys that get along well, and they're all good workers." He likes the camaraderie that exists in the Council and he hopes that in the future he can get even more involved in activities.
February 2000