Knights of Columbus
Msgr. Borusky Council 10243 Green Bay, Wisconsin
NEWSLETTER
September 2000

Grand Knight's Column
Last July I attended the District Knights of Columbus meeting for our Council. This is where all the Councils in District 13 get together and formulate some plans for the new fraternal year. Many of the usual events in which we participate were reviewed, but the one that received the most attention was membership. Jim Destiche, who is Green Bay Diocesan Membership Director for our area spoke about membership and its importance. Now I think we would all agree that membership is an important part of most organizations, and ours is no exception. In fact, if you think about it, there are only two ways to have an organization grow. You can get the existing members of the organization to produce more by becoming more involved, and participate in more events. Or, you can grow your membership base so that there is a larger volunteer pool from which to draw.

In our case, some of our members are very dedicated to Council activities, and generally donate their time and talents whenever they can. Other members we see less frequently for a wide variety of reasons. If you find it hard to schedule your free time to include Council activities, perhaps you can help our Council grow by recruiting another new member. By recruiting one new member you will be helping insure the continued growth and success of our Council. It's really not hard to do--all you have to do is ask someone. We were assigned a membership goal of a net increase of eight new members for this year. Now, many of you are thinking that this is an achievable number and I would agree with you. Honestly, in fact, it is an embarrassingly low quota. For an organization that is starting off the year with130 active members, this is only a 6% increase. A better goal for us would be thirteen new members, or a net increase of 10%. This, too, is an attainable number. But, nothing happens until you ask someone.

And, while you are asking, how about asking yourself if there is some way you can manage to get more involved with your Council? Your presence, your opinions and your concerns are important to our growth and success as an active Council of the Knights of Columbus. Our next meeting is Monday, September 18th. We will start at approximately 7:30 PM, right after we conclude our next First Degree. I hope to see you there.

Rick Noe
Grand Knight

Next Meeting: First Degree
The next meeting of Council 10243 is scheduled for the usual third Monday of the month, September 19. The meeting will be preceded by an exemplification of the First Degree at 7:00 PM and the meeting will follow at about 7:35 PM. Out of respect to candidates and Degree Team, no one will be admitted during the exemplification. One candidate, Tom Caldie, was read in at the last meeting and awaits the First Degree. Tom was proposed by Rick Noe.

July is Such a Long Month…
The last two issues of this NEWSLETTER bore the date "July 2000." The actual July issue has a listing of the new Officers of Council 10243 on the first page. The 'other' July issue, which was actually the August publication, begins with the Grand Knight's column subtitled "Take God Along." While no one reported noticing the error, we regret the fact that even these small things can so easily be overlooked and complicate an accurate view of our history.

District Meeting
GK Rick Noe was the only one from our Council able to attend the District Meeting on July 25. The meeting, held at Ss. Peter & Paul in Green Bay, brought together representatives from our own District 13 and others to hear a sharing of information from DD Gene Rameker and others.

Chaplain's Column
Much to the consternation of our young people, that famous time, "Back to school," is upon us. Many of us are not too old to remember that this time of year is not necessarily welcome, because the relative freedom of the summer is now to be replaced by the more structured season of the school year. For many adults, there is certain joy as the back-to-school season rolls around, because we can fall into the usual routine of life once again. I have noticed that, even in parishes and communities that do not have a school, somehow the year follows an academic cycle. All of this gives us an opportunity to get back into a certain rhythm that we may have set aside for the summer months. Now is the time to again take upon ourselves some of the responsibilities that we may have been neglecting as we celebrate the summer. I would like to suggest that the Knights of Columbus should be a part of our consideration. For all of us, no matter how deeply or lightly we are involved in the organization, it is a good time to look at our involvement and consider if changes are in order. Maybe we've been away for the summer--some Councils don't even meet over the summer because attendance is often much lighter. Maybe it is time to buckle down once again and get back into the life of the Council. Maybe we've been away for quite a whiled. As we begin to establish the usual rhythm for our lives over the next eight or nine months, perhaps a renewed commitment to the Knights of Columbus is in order. And for those who are already involved in so many things that are a part of the life of the Council, it might be a good time to consider looking at a change in some of the things we are doing. After all, there are many opportunities for service in the things that the Council does over the course of the year, and we might just have to be careful of falling into a rut and missing out on some of the other opportunities to build fraternity. The Council has had a very positive impact on the life of the community and I am sure that those who have been involved in some of the activities would agree that there has been a positive impact in their lives as well. For many, the things we are about provide some desperately needed family time--the chance to do something together and to make a positive contribution to the Church and the community at the same time. As the pulse of life settles back into a certain routine, consider making that pulse beat just a bit stronger by making the Knights a part of your experience.

Fr. Al Lis, O.F.M.
Chaplain

Spotlight On Spotlight
We have now published over 90 Spotlight Articles and this leaves about forty current members of the Council who have not yet been the subject. From time to time a question is asked about moving in a different direction. We are looking for input from Council members and others who may read this NEWSLETTER. Some options include:

1) Continue the current practice. Most of those who have not yet been featured are not a regular part of   Council activities and this would be a great way to 'meet' them.

We'd like to know what readers think. Anyone who has any thoughts to share about these or other options should contact Editor Father Al Lis (437-1979) or e-mail him: aeal@msn.com .

To date only two responses have been received--one suggesting that the current practice continue until everyone has been interviewed, and to put a photo of the subject in 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. Please consider what you'd like to see in the future and send along a response

Prayer

Prayer Before a Cross
On September 14 the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the holy Cross. September might be an opportune time to reflect on this great symbol and its importance in our lives.

Lord, gracious God,
when your people sinned against you
by stretching out their hands
to a forbidden tree,
you promised to save them from their sins.
In the fullness of time you sent your Son, Jesus,
nailed to the wood of the cross
for the salvation of the world.
You have made the cross the exalted symbol
of victory over sin and death.
Grant that we, like our patron Columbus,
may honor and carry the cross
as a sign of our own consecration
to your service.
Allow that this sign of glory
may lead all people to the fullness of life.
When you summon us to carry the cross
of humility and suffering,
grant that we may joyfully walk in the footsteps
of Christ your Son
and so come to share in the glory
promised by his cross.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Special Days
A = Marriage Anniversary 
B = Birthday
O = Ordination Anniversary 
+ = Date of Death

September
15 A Grant & Joan Turner
15 B Beverly (Jed) Schatt
16 A Roger & Sandra Heesacker
17 A Brian & Lynn Katers
18 B LaVerne (James) Barrett
18 B Tom Marquardt
19 B Katherine (Jerry) Collins
20 B Robert Agard
21 A Rick & Mary Noe
21 B Roger Shaha
22 A Ian & Maria Forbes
22 A Paul & Jill VandenPlas
22 B Father Mike Seis
22 B Grant Turner
22 + Stan Johnson (1994)
23 B Bill Bartelme
24 A Gary & Roxanne Nimmer
24 B Joe Mastalir
26 A Scott & LouAnn Rebman
26 B Fay (Jim) Janssen
26 B Rosalyn (+Al Cisler) Simonar
28 A Wencil & Luella Froelich
28 B Fred Grochmal
30 B Mike Boudreau
30 B Jed Schatt

October
02 A Howard & Pat Erickson
02 B Dan Barrington
03 A Don & LaVerne Barrett
03 A Terry & Mary Fameree
03 B Roy C. Johnson
03 B Lawrence Waskosky
06 B Luke Siudzinski
07 A Bill & Sandy Bartelme
07 B Kay (Pat) Ellis
08 A Jim & Fay Janssen
08 A Richard & Janet Rebman
09 B Robert DeGrave
09 O John Laurant
13 B Norma (+David) Berger
14 A Dave & Jackie Doperalski

Festival Foods
Coordinator Mike Worzala sends along heartfelt thanks to those who worked at the Festival Food Stand on August 19-20. He noted that usually there are 16-18 helpers per day but that this time around there were only 17 for the whole weekend and many worked extended or double shifts in order to keep the stand open. Their efforts helped us to clear over $440.00. Many thanks from Mike and the Council go to: Bob Agard, Dan Barrington, Bill Bartelme, Mike Barry, Harry Christensen, Al Collins, Mike Delvaux, Pat Ellis, Tom Gauthier, Bill Griesbach, Joe Hoffman, Leon Janowski, John Laurant, Roger Shaha, John Walczyk, Stan Waslowski and Dave Whitton. Thanks are also extended to Rick Noe for helping make calls and for coming in to help close on Saturday. Mike adds, "I appreciate the fellowship and the sacrifice."

Summer Blast
Roger Shaha and Larry Ziarnik coordinated our participation in the St. Bernard Parish Summer Blast July 29-30. Roger reported that things got really hectic and unfortunately, no accurate listing of volunteers was kept, but things went pretty smoothly and there was sufficient help the entire weekend, including from people not a part of the Council. Thanks to all who took part and helped St. Bernard make the weekend a great success.

118th Supreme Convention, Boston
Joining with several thousand people who descended on Boston for the 118th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus were about fifty representing the State of Wisconsin. While the time at Boston was enjoyable for most, the trip there was disastrous for nineteen who decided to fly to the gathering. The group left on Saturday morning for Detroit and waited for a flight to Boston that ended up being canceled due to the weather. That left us with no luggage and no place to stay. After making arrangements for the night at a hotel right at the airport, we scrounged up enough things to gather for Mass in Father Al's room. All nineteen came together for worship in what one participant described as "about the only thing that went right that day." We all eventually got to Boston the next day.

Once we arrived there were the usual details of registration to take care of as well as the opportunity to make and renew friendships with Knights and families from other jurisdictions of the Order. Families received a replica of a Paul Revere silver bowl as a souvenir from the Massachusetts State Council. Several took advantage of the opportunity to take a trolley tour of Boston, stopping at various locations including the USS Constitution, as well as other historic locations throughout the city. There was also the chance to take part in a Boston Harbor Dinner Cruise and a New England Clam Bake. Hospitality rooms took up most of the afternoon and evening on Monday, and the reputation they have is certainly well deserved. Moving from one room to another to sample the treats which were provided also gave pin-traders the chance to practice their art.

The Convention formally opened with Mass on the morning of Tuesday, August 1. Bernard Cardinal Law, Archbishop of Boston, presided at the Mass which was held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. It was a most appropriate location, given the theme of this year's gathering was Lift High the Cross. Nearly a hundred Bishops were present including eight cardinals at some time in the Convention. Most of the business session on the first day of the Convention was taken up by the lengthy report by Supreme Knight Virgil Dechant. The evening brought thousands together for the States Dinner at the Hynes Convention Center, a short walk from the hotel. The Supreme Knight, who is expected to retire before the next Convention, was the speaker for the evening. He has been Supreme Knight for twenty-three years.

Knights and families also gathered for Mass on Wednesday and Thursday. Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua of Philadelphia presided on Wednesday and Adam Cardinal Maida of Detroit preached the homily. The annual Memorial Mass on Thursday had Supreme Chaplain Thomas Daily, Bishop of Brooklyn presiding and the homily was given by Orlando Quevedo, Archbishop of Cotabato and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. Greetings to the Convention from the Holy Father were delivered by Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) to the United States. Greetings from President Clinton were also published. Attending from the Council 10243 family were State Secretary Richard & Janet Rebman and Father Al Lis. Also a part of the memorable Detroit Airport experience were Immediate Past State Deputy Wenzel & Jo Felber, Dick & Barb Taddey, Mark & Sue Wagner, State Advocate Wayne & Gina Wood and their daughter and granddaughter, Steve & Terri Maryarski, Joe & Millie Schmitz and Peter & Alice Schulties. Among those we joined with in Boston were State Deputy Carl Templin and his son Jon, State Treasurer Richard & Lucy Ammon and State Warden Mike & Carol McCormick.

NEXT MEETING:
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
FIRST DEGREE: 7:00 PM
MEETING: 7:40 PM

State Officer Installation
Several hundred Knights and friends gathered at St. Bernard Church in Middleton for the Installation of State Deputy Carl Templin and the other Officers of the Wisconsin State Council on Sunday, August 13. The Installation Ceremony began with a Mass at 2:00 PM with the Most Reverend William Bullock, Bishop of Madison, presiding along with about ten concelebrants led by Father John Simon, State Chaplain from Reeseville. Council 10243 Chaplain Father Al Lis was also present. Carl's son, Jon, served as song leader. After the homily by Bishop Bullock, Carl came forward and took the oath of obedience to the Church and to the Order and was invested with the State Deputy's Jewel of Office. Following, the other Officers including our own Richard Rebman, State Secretary, took the oath and were invested with their respective Jewels of Office by the Bishop. Near the end of the Mass State Officers lit candles and, with their wives, prayed that the light of Christ would come upon the work of the State Council in a light service of which Father Al had written a portion. The afternoon continued with a reception with refreshments and snacks hosted by the State Deputy's home Council Msgr. Lederer Council #4549 of Middleton. A fine dinner was served later in the afternoon and the program included an address by State Deputy Templin in which he stressed his commitment to increased membership and his intent that State Officers would be more accessible in the future, announcing goals of having all Officers on e-mail by October 1 and having a State web site in operation by December 31. In addition to State Deputy Carl Templin of Middleton, Officers installed were State Secretary Richard & Janet Rebman of Green Bay, State Treasurer Richard & Lucy Ammon of Monroe, State Advocate Wayne & Gina Wood of Pulaski and State Warden Mike & Carol McCormick of Beaver Dam and State Chaplain Father John Simon of Milwaukee. State Deputy Wenzel & Jo Felber was relieved of his Office and continues in service as Immediate Past State Deputy. Attnding the cereminoes from Counciol 10243 were State Secretary Richard & Janet Rebman, Chaplain Father Al Lis, GK Rick Noe and FS Jim Barnett. The latter two took copious notes with an eye to our own Richard Rebman's Installation as State Deputy.

Fourth Degree Exemplification
An exemplification of the Fourth Degree will be held in Wausau on Saturday, September 30. While this exemplification is sponsored by the Western District, any candidates from our Eastern District are most welcome to participate. For further information contact Faithful Navigator Larry Ziarnik (468-1979) or Faithful Friar Father Al Lis (437-1979.) Everyone should be home in plenty of time for the Packer/Bear game on Sunday afternoon, October 1. The next exemplification for our Eastern District will be next April, probably in Appleton. About a quarter of the men of Council 10243 are members of the Fourth Degree. Once our Council was a large supplier of candidates for the Degree, but we have not had a candidate for a while now. All Third Degree brother Knights in good standing should give some consideration to taking this step, and current Fourth Degree men might consider attending as observers.

Fourth Degree Masters
New Masters have been appointed for the two Fourth Degree Districts in the State of Wisconsin. Master for the Eastern District is Erv Jankowiak of Milwaukee. Erv served as State Deputy from 1994-96 and succeeds John Hanlon of Tigerton (PSD, 1979-81). The Eastern District of Wisconsin is roughly comprised of the Diocese of Green Bay and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. PSD Anthony Felber has been appointed Master of the Western District; Tony, from Tomah, served as State Deputy from 1985-87. He succeeds Harold Stohlmeyer from Lancaster who was State Deputy 1992-94. The appointments were announced by Vice Supreme Master Joseph Kaltwasser, Past State Deputy of Illinois on September 2. Soon after being appointed Master for the Eastern District, Erv contacted Council 10243 Chaplain Father Al Lis and asked him to serve as Friar (Chaplain) for the District. Congratulations to the Masters, and to Father Al on the appointment.

Spotlight On… Al Greene

It was way back in his college days that Al first answered the call to become a part of the Knights of Columbus. He recalls being a student living in the dorms at Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana when someone came around to talk about the Knights and to do some recruiting. Al and several others became a part of the organization, though after college he let his membership fall to the wayside. It was through the efforts of Aaron Naze that he became a part of the organization once again. Because he is out of town a lot, taking part in activities of the Council has not always been a possibility for him. He has, however managed to take part in a couple of activities when the call for help went out for activities such as food stands, Tootsie Roll campaigns and the like.

Al, now retired, worked at WG&R Furniture for thirty-eight years. The company was formed by his family and though he still goes in on occasion, he has been officially retired since 1996. As with so many others who are retired, Al finds himself quite busy and he and his wife also take advantage of a home they have in Florida for several months of the year. Currently a First Degree Knight, he is usually in Florida when the opportunities for Degree advancement in the Green Bay area come around. His retirement routine also includes golfing, fishing and yard work as well as travel. He also keeps in shape by walking three miles a day and he helps out around the house. Besides the trips to Florida, Al and Lois have one child living in the Green Bay area and four others scattered around the country, so there's always the opportunity to do some traveling.

Originally from Marquette, Al came to the Green Bay area in 1955 and has been a member of St. Bernard parish since around 1959--not quite a Charter member, but pretty close. He and Lois have been married for forty-one years and have five children. In his time with St. Bernard he coached 6th grade basketball for twenty-three years. In addition to the Knights of Columbus he belongs to the Lions Club; though it is a small chapter in town they do great work with 'the eyeglass thing.' Besides all of the activities he is involved in since his retirement he also enjoys fishing trips to Canada twice a year; one recent trip was the first time in about ten years that he managed to get all the family together. He appreciates his involvement in the Knights of Columbus and encourages anyone who might be thinking about the organization to give it a shot. Though his schedule keeps him brim being as active as he would sometimes like, he definitely finds it a worthwhile involvement and we appreciate all he has contributed to the fraternity.

September 2000

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