Knights of Columbus
Msgr. Borusky Council 10243 Green Bay, Wisconsin
NEWSLETTER
August 2000Grand Knight's Column
Take God Along
Someone asked me, "How's your summer going?" and without giving it much thought I answered, "Fast." Summer is normally a time for the hectic pace to slow down, a time to "stop and smell the roses," so to speak. But as I checked my calendar and looked at what I have for "free time" between now and Labor Day, I felt my eyes open wide and my mouth fall open. It seems that the lazy days of summer are more hectic than ever. I feel that this is partly due to the fact that we Wisconsinites always feel that summer is our shortest season, and so we are trying to pack as much into it as possible. Well, despite the fact that many of us are guilty of over extending ourselves and squeezing too much into a normal, workday, I feel that it is sometimes even worse when it comes to free time. The old saying that "you work very hard all year, so when it is vacation time you should play just as hard" seems very true for many of us.Recognizing this to be the case, the message this month is twofold. Do play hard on your vacation, but do take the time to enjoy it. Interrupt the busy schedule, or stop the hectic pace now and then to view the beautiful sunset, or sunrise if you are an early riser. Watch and listen to the birds as they sing and soar. Take a moment to enjoy the view and notice all the beauty that God has created. If you do this, you will find that these moments are both relaxing and rewarding.
Secondly, remember to take God along with you wherever you go. Take time to pray. Don't limit prayer time to only one hour on Sundays. Fortunately praying doesn't take a lot of time; all we have to do is remember to do it. So the challenge is to train ourselves to find the time. For example, if you drive your vehicle with the radio on, take a moment to say a prayer before you turn it on. Or if you find yourself waiting for some reason, instead of becoming frustrated and impatient, take a moment to steady your feelings and say a prayer. When we put God in the picture, it changes our attitude and our behavior. So remember to take God along with you wherever you go. He's good company. I sincerely hope that each of you enjoy the rest of the summer, and that you find God and your faith to be an active part of your life.
Rick Noe
Grand KnightAugust Meeting:
Due to a critical conflict (Packer game) the August meeting of Council 10243 has been moved ahead one week from the usual third Monday (August 21) to the second Monday, August 14. Mark your calendars and plan on attending the August meeting one week early.
One Week Early
Membership Hits 40,000
In a letter dated just days after he left the Office of State Deputy, Immediate Past State Deputy Wenzel Felber proudly announced that the total number of Knights in Wisconsin as of June 30 was 40,009. It has been some years since membership was that high, and Wenzel is justly proud of the efforts that were expended by so many. His motto, Pride in Membership, appears to have borne fruit. In Wenzel's term sixteen new Councils were chartered in the State. Much has been done, and much still can be accomplished. Let's rejoice with our high numbers, but let's also continue the great work which so many have done in membership. Thanks for their efforts are also owed to John Mueller of DePere who served as State Membership Director in Wenzel's term and Jim Destiche of Green Bay who was Diocesan Membership Director for the Diocese of Green Bay. State Deputy Carl Templin appointed Steve Maryarski of Milwaukee as State Membership Director. Jim Destiche remains Director for the Diocese of Green Bay.
Special Days
A = Marriage Anniversary
B = Birthday
O = Ordination Anniversary
+ = Date of DeathAugust
15 B Bev (Charles) Rademacher
16 B Sandy (Bill) Bartelme
16 B Wayne Wassenberg
17 A Gerry & Janet Piontek
17 A Joseph & Carla Raisleger
17 A Arnie & Mary Wolff
17 B Kathryn (Robert) Hieronimczak
17 B Mark Janus
18 B Suzi (Mike) Borlee
19 B Eugene Schmitz
20 A Kevin & Denise Beck
23 A Jim & Marilyn Barnett
23 A William & Marilyn Kaczmarek
23 B Virginia (Kelly) Gigot
24 B Gerry Piontek
24 B Richard Rebman
24 B Betsy (Dave) Whitton
25 B Al Collins
26 A Richard & Judy Bligiske
26 A Robert & Lucille Warpinski
27 A Sean & Cami Wright
28 B Bonnie (Larry) LaPlant
29 A Tom & Marilyn Janowski
29 A Robert & Carol Ledvia
30 B Roy D. JohnsonSeptember
02 A Gene & Rana Gunderson
03 A Harold & Ruth Watermolen
04 A Paul & Kathleen Tilo
05 B Randy Barrett
05 B Mike Delvaux
06 A Stephen & Lori Froelich
06 B Father Jerome Pastors
08 A Dave & Betsy Whitton
08 B John Walczyk
12 B Blossom (Curt) Gilson
13 B Laura (Mark) Keuler
13 B Marie (Wayve) Weber
15 A Grant & Joan Turner
15 B Beverly (Jed) SchatPrayer
Prayer for the Supreme Convention
State Officer Installation
God of glory and might,
by the words of your Son
and the power of your Spirit
you have formed us as a holy people
and you have chosen us to share with Christ
in the work of sanctifying the world.
In your graciousness you have allowed
the Knights of Columbus
to serve you and your people
through their activities in the world.
Look with special favor upon all those
who gather for the Supreme Convention.
May your blessing come in abundance upon
the Supreme Officers, delegates,
brother Knights and friends
who gather to discern your will.
Through the activity
and the fellowship they share,
assure them of your divine blessing
and grant that all they do
may bring you greater glory
and bring us all closer to your presence.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
The Installation of State Officers will be celebrated at Middleton on Sunday, August 13. The afternoon includes a concelebrated Mass by the Most Reverend William Bullock, Bishop of Madison and State Chaplain Father John Simon. The Mass will be at 2:00 PM at State Deputy Carl Templin's parish, St. Bernard Catholic Church in Middleton. Richard Rebman of Council 10243 will be installed at State Secretary. A social follows the Mass and a dinner will be served at the Parish Center at 5:00 PM. Dinner tickets are required for those wishing to stay for dinner and are available at a cost of $12.50 per ticket. The whole event is hosted by Carl's home Council, Msgr. Lederer Council 4549 in Middleton. The RSVP deadline is fast approaching. Anyone interested in attending should contact Rick Noe (468-3194) immediately. Middleton is just outside Madison, about a three-hour drive from Green Bay.Chaplain's Column
Every time I try to put on the Chaplain's jewel of Office I am reminded of a column I put in this NEWSLETTER a couple of years ago. In it I noted that the ribbons seemed rather short and that Officers usually had all to do to get the jewel over their heads. The suggestions that one cannot have a 'big head' in serving the Council was the point of the article but I think that we can easily carry that image to the relationship each of us has to one another in the Council. It can also speak to us in our lives as Christians. Whenever we assume any position of authority there is a temptation to take advantage of the glory that it might bring with it. We may even find ourselves weighing in our minds the benefits and the costs of any move in our lives. Too many times we make decisions, not based on how well this particular move fits in with the Christian's call to holiness, but rather based on "what's in it for me." To a certain point that is appropriate; after all we do need to look after ourselves and insure our own security and that of our families. Yet, in our quest for power and glory we sometimes are blinded to the fact that there is work to do in Christianity. Recall the story of the rich man who died and ended up in a place of torment and the beggar Lazarus who lay at his gate and ended up in a place of bliss after he died. The rich man did nothing wrong, according to the parable, except fail to notice that there was a responsibility to be a faithful steward of what he had been given by sharing with those who have less. Many join organizations such as the Knights of Columbus in order to 'give something back' or to somehow be more involved in the life of the Church and of the community. Truly these are admirable reasons, and the prayer we all must have is that the desire to contribute to the work of the Church remains strong in the Council as a whole and in the hearts of every member. We have many men who for one reason or another don't take a regular part in activities or meetings of the Council, and we all must assume some responsibility for bringing them back. For some because of age, illness or other responsibility it is just not possible, but for many others it is simply the fact that they have not experienced the joy that can be found in working together as brothers and as families to accomplish something noble for God and the Church. We all probably know someone who might either make a great Knight or who might be able to be a little more active. Let's take it upon ourselves to bring these men closer to the heartbeat of the Council. At the very least it will lessen the load of those who feel obliged to carry a heavier burden in the Council, at best it will enable another person to come closer to fulfilling the responsibility of a gospel lifestyle.
Fr. Al Lis, O.F.M.
ChaplainCouncil Officer Installation
Nearly thirty brother Knights and spouses came together for the Installation of Council Officers on Monday, July 10. PGK Randy and Becky Barrett graciously allowed their home to be the site for the gathering. DD Gene Rameker assisted by State Secretary Richard Rebman conducted the installation. Chaplain Father Al Lis led a prayer service and a blessing of the jewels and of the Officers. Thanks to all who took part in the pleasant evening: Advocate Al & Rosella Collins, Warden Aaron Naze, Past Grand Knight Randy & Becky Barrett, District Deputy Gene & Marian Rameker, Inside Guard Gerry & Janet Piontek, Grand Knight Rick & Mary Noe, Financial Secretary Jim & Marilyn Barnett, Recorder Dave & Betsy Whitton, State Secretary Richard & Janet Rebman, Trustee II Scott & Lu Ann Rebman, Chaplain Father Al Lis, Past Advocate Wayne & Alice Wassenberg, Trustee III Tom & Ann Gauthier, Outside Guard Bob & Sue Agard and special guests Kevin & Gina Barnett from Council 9830 in Eagle River, Alaska. Deputy Grand Knight Ian Forbes, Chancellor Mike Worzala, Treasurer Sean Wright and Trustee I Bill Bartelme, who were not able to attend, round out the list of Officers.
District I Meeting
Chaplain Father Al Lis and State Secretary Richard Rebman joined Jim Destiche at the District Meeting for District 1 in Laona recently. Councils represented were from Niagra, Crandon and Waubeno. Larry Neuens serves as District Deputy. About a dozen were present for dinner and the meeting which followed. Our own District 13 met on July 25.
Spotlight On Spotlight
The current Spotlight Article is the 90th and 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.
2) Interview Knights from other Councils who have had some impact on our Council. There is precedent for this--we have interviewed Ron Frosch and Dave Tlachac who founded our Council as well as State Deputy Carl Templin.
3) Interview family members of Council members--wives or others who have had some impact or influence on the Council.
4) 'Re-visit' some of the earlier interviews. The earliest Spotlight articles were written in 1992 and much has changed in the lives of some of the men who were featured.
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.
State Deputy Visits
State Deputy Carl Templin paid a brief visit to Green Bay on July 21-22. Carl came up to visit with his State Secretary, Richard Rebman, and to talk with him about plans for the future. On Friday evening Carl, Richard and Father Al Lis went out to a fish fry and on Saturday, despite a fractured foot, Carl helped out a bit at the Festival Food Stand where he also had the chance to interact with several Council members who were present.Festival Food Stand
State Secretary Richard Rebman coordinated the food stand at Festival Foods on July 22-23 and reports that we took in about $550.00. Richard would like to express special appreciation to all those who worked, especially those who took on more hours or double shifts. We also had assistance from State Deputy Carl Templin, a member of Council #4549 in Middleton who was in town. Not too many food stands get two State Officers helping out. The following took part in the sale:
Dan Barrington
Mike Barry
Bill Bartelme
Pete Birdsall
Al Collins
Dave Doering
Gary Durocher
Tom Gauthier
Leon Janowski
Father Al Lis
Terry Misfeldt
John Murphy
Aaron Naze
Gerry Piontek
Arnold Rank
George Raymaker
Rachelle Rebman
Rene Rebman
Richard Rebman
Gene Schmitz
Roger Shaha
Carl Templin
Jason Vandermause
Stan Waslowski
Mike Worzala
Larry Ziarnik
Spotlight On…
Roy D. JohnsonMore than one member of the Council has a little trouble distinguishing between the two Roy Johnson's who are members. Though they look nothing alike, trying to decide which one is which from just the roster sheet is a challenge. When the Council was first formed Roy C. Johnson was a part of it and it was just a couple of years ago that Roy D. Johnson joined us and very quickly advanced through the Third Degree.
Roy D. (for Daniel) Johnson came to the Council at the invitation of Eugene Schmitz. As with many other men of the Council, his experience of the Knights prior to that point had been memories of the Fourth Degree at some function at St. Bernard. But, it seemed an appropriate move for Roy who at the time was interested in becoming a part of some Catholic organization that was doing good things for people. Since he's been in the Council he has taken part in some of the standard activities such as helping with booyah sales as well as the Tootsie Roll drive. He would like to get involved in more activities and meetings, but he finds a good deal of his time filled with caring for his wife. Emerine has been struggling with disease and Roy has spent a lot of time taking care of grocery shopping, laundry, housekeeping and cooking in addition to tending to as many of his wife's needs as he can. Certainly caring for a loved one can be more of a full time job than many people imagine
Before retiring about ten years ago, Roy worked as an electrician at Proctor & Gamble for thirty-six years. He recalls spending a lot of time in electrical maintenance and control system. He does well at his trade and is still called upon by family and friends for electrical work that needs to be done or to help solve a problem they encounter. Since retirement he has managed to get involved in a few other pursuits. He volunteers at a shelter associated with Curative Workshop that helps handicapped persons become rehabilitated. He also spends an occasional Saturday morning with men of the Council and others who are associated with St. Vincent de Paul store.
Roy is originally from Duvall and his wife is from Dyckesville, and they have been married fifty-one years. His children range in age from 37 - 50 and while some live in the area others are in Minneapolis, Madison and Milwaukee. That always leaves open the possibility of some travel. His advice to anyone who might be thinking about the Knights is to get involved. He especially appreciates the connections he has made with other man and families of the Council and wishes that he had more time to devote to activities of the Council. Our prayers for God's healing graces go to Roy and Emerine and we look forward to their continued involvement in the life of Council 10243.
August 2000