Grand Knight's Column

Over the last 15 years I have noticed that many businesses and organizations have developed their own special "Mission Statement."  In most cases this is good thing as it gives the group a sense of direction.  Often a committee or a select group of management will gather and labor over just what their Mission Statement should say.  What words should be put down on paper to best describe what they stand for, what their purpose is, how others will view them and perhaps most importantly of all, how they will view themselves.  It is an awesome task.  If you ever had to take part in developing one, you know exactly what I mean.

 

If we had to come up with a Mission Statement for our Council, what would it say?  Would it have words like unity, fraternity, charity and patriotism in it?  Would we stress the fact that we are everyday helpers?  Or would we say something more eloquent that would describe us and our works with more grandeur?  And where does God fit into all of this?  Shouldn't we mention our unyielding faith to the Lord in there somewhere?  Yes, putting together a Mission Statement that has meaning, that challenges us to follow a particular course of action that is directed by the heart and makes sense in the head, is no easy task.

 

Putting together your own personal Mission Statement can be equally challenging.  However, once you work through that challenge, the sense of order and focus that you have in your life is truly remarkable.  It is as though you are setting the initial compass of your soul to true north.  You know where you are going and what things you need to do in order to get there.  By going through the laborious process of finding just the right words that describe what you are all about, you truly learn a lot about yourself and your beliefs.

 

I therefore have a challenge for all of us.  Over the course of the next 10 weeks, develop your own personal Mission Statement.  Make it something that states who you are and what you feel your mission is here on earth.  Work at this.  Give it some thought and prayer.  Ask for help or guidance from a family member, spouse or brother Knight.  Write it and re-

write it.  Then, when you come up with the finished product, share it with someone you love.  Then, on Christmas morning bring it along to Mass and read it in the quiet of your own soul to the Lord.  It will make one really nice birthday present and you will have that special feeling of Christmas in your heart that will stay with you in the months to come.  I'm sure you will find that this will be both challenging and rewarding.

 

Rick Noe

Grand Knight

 

Next Meeting

The next meeting of Council 10243 is scheduled for our usual third Monday of the month, October 16.  The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM at the St. Bernard Parish Center with rosary preceding at around 7:15.  As we enter the Fall season it might be a good time to recommit ourselves to the activities of the Council and be present at the meeting to help chart our future direction.  Please note: Because of the construction, the usual entrance (west side) may be 'impassable.'  Check to see if the east side entrance is open.

 

Deputy Grand Knight Resigns

In a letter to GK Rick Noe, DGK Ian Forbes submitted his resignation as Deputy Grand Knight of Council 10243.  Ian, who was just elected to office this past June, cited personal, family and job concerns as factors in his decision.  He remains a member of Council 10243.  We thank Ian for his willingness to serve in this important office and we offer him our gratitude and our fraternal support.  The search is on for a replacement who will likely be elected to office by the Council once a candidate or candidates are found.  The Deputy Grand Knight in Council 10243 usually serves as Program Director and move up to the position of Grand Knight when a vacancy exists.

 

Special Days

 

A = Marriage Anniversary      B = Birthday

O = Ordination Anniversary   + = Date of Death

 

October

 

16  A  Pat & Kay Ellis

16  B  Tom Gauthier

17  B  Don Barrett

19  A  Mike & Karen Barry

20  B  Mike Borlee

21  +  David Berger (1998)

22  A  Larry & Bonnie LaPlant

24  +  Mike Paoletti (1997)

25  A  Terry & Kathy Timmerman

26  B  Jackie (Dave) Doperalski

27  B  Father Doug LeCaptain

28  B  Dawn (John) Walczyk

30  B  Cami (Sean) Wright

31  B  Rick Noe

 

November

 

01  A  Peter & Ann Birdsall

02  A  Joseph & Debra Sule

02  B  Damien Massart

02  B  Richard Rosin

03  A  Rick & Nanci Tlachac

03  B  Bridget (Larry) Ziarnik

04  B  Bob Wozniak

05  B  Carla (Joseph) Raisleger

08  B  Debra (Jerry) Ahrens

11  A  Jerry & Katherine Collins

11  B  John Hale

11  B  Christine (+Mike) Paoletti

12  A  Stan & Bonnie Waslowski

13  B  Robert Massart

15  B  Clayton Langenberg

 

Chaplain's-Column
At certain times in the Church's year there seem to be more saints commemorated than at other times.  Prior to the Second Vatican Council there were often days which had numerous celebrations of saints, to the point that these servants seems to crowd out the master they served.  The Church revised its calendar after the Council and today, for the most part, celebrations are of people who have significant importance for the whole Church.  Still some times are more crowded than others and they give us an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who spent their time on earth trying to find a way to serve their Lord.  In September and October we are presented with men and women such as Vincent DePaul, Wenceslaus, Francis of Assisi, Theresa and others who give us some indication of what Christianity is supposed to be all about.  There are martyrs and pastors, mystics and preachers, reformers and prophets.  What they all seem to have in common is that none is considered great because they sat in a church all day long.  The common thread is not so much their model lives of prayer but their activity in the world.  They made an impact because they were active.  This is not to say that there is to be no time for prayer and contemplation, since that is the foundation from which they drew their strength.  Yet, after that prayerful nourishment they went forth and put into practice the principles they had reflected on in prayer.  They knew that God was calling them to make a difference--to proclaim the Good News to unbelievers, to serve the sick and dying, even to reform the Church.  Often they encountered opposition that demanded even their very lives.  After all, the Church like everyone in it tends to deny that it is in need of reform.  Those who are great in our faith often found hindrance from inside and outside the Church they loved.  Yet they persevered in doing what they believed God wanted them to do.  They never gave up.  For us as Knights of Columbus, and for all who support the mission of the Church, that same commitment looms as an invitation for our future.  We are not Knights so that we can look at ourselves in a mirror and admire the relationship we have developed with God through prayer.  We are also called to be about the business of Christ in the world, the action that underlies every principle of Christianity.  The Council provides many outlets for our Christian action--for fulfilling our commitment not only as those who listen to Christ but who also continue his work in the world.  Let's be sure we gratefully accept the invitation we are offered, the privilege of sharing in the work of the Saints.  It's continued by the Council in our efforts to create a better world.

 

Al Lis, O.F.M.

Chaplain

 

New Members

Welcome to the newest members of Council 10243 who took part in the First Degree exemplification prior to the meeting on September 18: Tom Caldie, who was proposed for membership by Rick Noe and read in at the last meeting, and Mike Vanden Busch, who was proposed for membership by Tom Gauthier.  Welcome to them both and thanks to their proposers for their membership efforts.

 

Diocesan Meeting

About a hundred Knights and guests attended the Green Bay Diocesan Meeting on Saturday, September 16 at St. Joseph Church in Green Bay.  Our Council was represented by State Secretary Richard & Janet Rebman, GK Rick Noe, FS Jim Barnett and Chaplain Father Al Lis.  The day included an address by State Deputy Carl Templin and several others ranging from membership to ceremonials.  Meetings were held for Grand Knights, Membership Directors, Financial Secretaries, Program Directors and District Deputies.  The District Deputies from our District were installed by the State Deputy, including our own DD Gene Rameker of District 13.  At the meeting we picked up charity checks from the Tootsie Roll Drive which amounted to $1212.96 each destined for BCARC Brown County Association for Retarded Citizens) and the Ministry to the Disabled program of the Diocese of Green Bay.  Also given to the Council was a check for $3266.00 representing our share of the Charity Raffle returns.  In his remarks the State Deputy noted that Wisconsin was one of only five jurisdictions which got its fraternal surveys in on time.  He also celebrated the fact that Wisconsin was included among Supreme's Circle of Honor, noting that we can achieve a goal of staying there by adhering to standard duties of District Deputies.

 

Second & Third Degree

An exemplification of the Second and Third Degree is scheduled for Green Bay (Ss. Peter & Paul Church) on Sunday, November 5.  All First Degree men in good standing are eligible and should try to hold the date open for the exemplification.  First Degree men will be contacted with the necessary information.  Current Third Degree men are reminded of one of the charges of the Degree: That we participate at future exemplifications to enrich our own understanding of the lessons presented.  Second Degree usually begins around 11:00 with lunch following at noon.  Third Degree commences at around 1:30 and wraps up at around 4:00 PM.  Tickets are needed for those wishing to stay for lunch.  Contact Father Al Lis (437-1979) for lunch tickets or for more information.  Proposers of current First Degree men should encourage the latter to attend and should try to be present in support of the candidates.

 

Distinguished Service Award

At the Appreciation Dinner in February the Council customarily gives out its major awards--the Knight of the Year, Family of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards.  This past year Bob & Vione Jacqmin were awarded the Distinguished Service Award for the last fraternal year but were not able to be present for the dinner.  Bob came to the September Council meeting and accepted the Award from PGK Randy Barrett.  In his acceptance Bob noted that he and Vione were moving to DePere but still wished to be contacted about Council activities.  Bob and Vione join Richard & Janet Rebman and Roy & Mary Johnson as recipients of the Distinguished Service Award this past year.

 

Fourth Degree

Nearly 400 people came together in Wausau on the weekend of September 30-October 1 for the exemplification of the Fourth Degree for the Western District of Wisconsin.  Richard & Janet Rebman were the only participants from our Council.  About fifty candidates completed the exemplification and were Knighted at a Mass at which William Bullock, Bishop of Madison, presided.  The Honoree for the exemplification was John Kornfeind who was Administrative Assistant at the State Office 1985-1990.  In addition to Vice Supreme Master Joseph Kaltwasser, the former and new District Masters were present.  Outgoing Masters Harold Stohlmeyer of the Western District and John Hanlon of the Eastern District were joined by their respective successors, Tony Felber and Erv Jankowiak.  The next exemplification for our Eastern District is scheduled for April 21 in Appleton.  The Western District is planning an exemplification on June 9 at Tomah and another on October 20 at Eau Claire.  Congratulations to the new Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree.  They join about a quarter of our Council who have made that Degree.

 

Chaplain Jailed

Chaplain Father Al Lis fell victim to the March of Dimes' Jail & Bail fund-raising program on Wednesday, September 20.  Aware of the impending arrest, he asked the Council for some bail money at the meeting on September 18.  The Council contributed $50.00.  (It is not known how much might have been raised if it were used to keep him in jail.)  Father Al raised well over his bail, coming up with $465.00, mostly from contacts in the Knights of Columbus (who, he points out, can't be 'hit-up' for charity raffle tickets.)  He extends his appreciation to the Council and to all who helped him in this charitable endeavor.

 

Landing Day Banquet

Consider attending the Landing Day banquet, to be held on Sunday, October 22 at Humbolt Haus restaurant, 4921 Humboldt Road in Green Bay.  The evening will begin with cocktails at 6:30 PM and dinner to follow at 7:30.  Cost is $11.00 per person which includes gratuities.  DD Gene Rameker is not certain of any program for the evening, but encourages brother Knights and guests from throughout the District to make an effort to be present.  It would be great to have a good representation from Council 10243.  For more information or reservations contact GK Rick Noe (468-3194) ASAP.

 

Charity Grants

Thanks especially to the supplemental funds received from the State Charity Raffle, the Council was able to be generous with charity matters at the September meeting.  Contributions approved by the Council were as follows:  $250.00 to the Crossroads Homeless Shelter Fire Fund; $1000.00 to Luis and Carmen Sanchez (Luis was recently ordained as the first Hispanic deacon of the Diocese.  His wife Carmen recently suffered a stroke and is on the long road to recovery); $500.00 to the St. Bernard Food pantry, request of Sr. Caroline; $50.00 to the March of Dimes for Father Al Lis' Jail & Bail request; and $100.00 to the Ecumenical Center toward the purchase of new speakers.  The last request was made by Father Doug LeCaptain and is contingent upon his ability to raise the anticipated additional expense of $300.00 elsewhere.  The charitable contributions total $1900.00. 

 

Prayer

 

Prayer for a Civil Election

 

As we approach general elections it would be desirable to pray for those seeking office and for those who will cast ballots.

 

Lord, loving God and Father,

all authority comes from your hand

and they are happy

who know and follow your holy will.

Send your Spirit upon all those

who seek to serve in public office.

Enable them to see clearly

the issues that affect your people

and help them to address these questions

in accord with gospel values

and the best interest of all your people.

Guide the minds and hearts of voters

so that they may exercise their rights

based not on frivolous whims

but on a prayerful and informed decision.

May all those who are elected

be pleasing to you.

May they do your will with delight

and so continue the work of Christ:

re-creating the world in accord with your plan.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

 

Spotlight Articles

Just two responses to the questions regarding the future direction of Spotlight articles have been received.  One suggested that the current practice of interviewing a different member of the Council each month continue until everyone has been interviewed, and to possibly include a photo of the subject of the article.  Another response suggested that State Officers or other Knights outside the Council be interviewed to get their input as to how and why they got involved in the Knights and some of their thoughts regarding the future direction of the Order.  As there obviously was neither an overwhelming response nor a clear direction suggested, the articles will incorporate both these ideas, which happens to be the direction things are going now.  The majority of our articles are about different members of the Council who have not yet been interviewed, with an occasional excursus onto another Knight of some note from outside the Council.  Thanks to Roy C. Johnson and Kelly Gigot for their responses and their interest in the NEWSLETTER.

 

 

NEXT MEETING:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16

LANDING DAY:

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

See articles in this NEWSLETTER  for more information.

 

Spotlight On...   Jim Janssen

 

Jim knew a little more about the Knights of Columbus than most men when he joined.  For many, the images of swords and plumes at some official function are what some to mind.  But, Jim's uncle Andy, who happens to be the oldest living alumnus of St. Norbert College at age 98, was a Fourth Degree Knight and served as Grand Knight of a local Council.   He encouraged Jim to join several times and when he felt he could devote the time necessary to Council activities, Jim asked about the Knights at church and was put in touch with Randy Barrett.

 

Always one who liked to get involved in things, Jim got involved in the life of the Council pretty quickly.  He worked at the Festival Food stand and the pancake/porky breakfast and sold 33 tickets for the State Charity Raffle, ending up the seventh highest seller of the Council.  All in all he was quite involved for the first six months until his health took a turn.  Jim underwent quadruple bypass surgery on August 24 and is still in the lengthy process of recovery.  Not even aware of any heart problem, Jim was planning to have back surgery for pinched nerves that made walking difficult.  As a part of the pre-surgical evaluations as well as an MRI and a catherization it was discovered that the heart was a more serious problem than the back.  Once his heart is healed he will still need to deal with the back problems and at this point is thinking of further surgery around January.

 

Jim worked for over thirty years for American State Equipment Company in Milwaukee where he dealt in heavy construction equipment.  A part of his job was to try and sell equipment by 'wining and dining' prospective clients.  Cranes could sell for over a million dollars and it may take as long as six months to close a deal.  In time he found he had diabetes and that the stress and the lifestyle was having an adverse effect on his health.  So, he left the company and he most currently worked as an independent rep for Midstates Blade & Chain Inc. where he sells snowplow blades to the city and the county.  He enjoyed being his own boss but he has been off work for some time now because of the recent health problems and is thinking that at this point he may not be returning.

 

Always something of a joiner, Jim has been involved with the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce prior to becoming a part of the Knights.  He and his wife, Fay, have been married for six years now and they each brought four children to the marriage who live anywhere from North Carolina to California, though several are in the area.  Fay worked for Head Start, a child learning program, and Jim credits her with keeping him on the 'straight and narrow.'  We are thankful for the blessing that they have been to the Council and we offer our prayers and best wishes to Jim as he walks the road back to health.

 

October 2000