Grand
Knight's Column
W.W.J.D. I'm sure
that we've all seen those initials, challenging us to consider "What Would
Jesus Do?" As a Christian person we should be constantly asking ourselves
such questions, taking the time to reflect on our faith lives.
As members of the
Knights of Columbus we should ask ourselves another question. What would our
founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, think? Every member of the Order has
received the lesson of the First Degree and almost all of us have attained full
Knighthood by completing the lessons of the Second and Third Degree as well.
These exemplifications have a very specific purpose--to challenge us as Catholic
gentlemen and to educate us as to how we should live our lives. Father McGivney
built the Order around the basic principles of the Church so that everything we
do as a Brother Knight should make us stronger in our faith and a more vibrant
part of our Church. So, let's challenge ourselves as we make decisions about our
involvement and actions. Just what would Father McGivney think?
Randy
Barrett
Grand
Knight
Next
Meeting
The next meeting of
Council 10243 is scheduled for Monday, March 20. An exemplification of
the First Degree is planned for 7:00 PM with the meeting to follow at
approximately 7:40 PM. Please come in support of our candidates and in support
of the continued good work of the Council. As this meeting falls during the
season of Lent, we will again forgo a social after the meeting and contribute
the savings to those who regularly know hunger.
Thoughts
From the Holy Father
Dear Brothers and
Sisters,
This year, the
celebration of Lent, a time of conversion and reconciliation, takes on a
particular character, occurring as it does during the Great Jubilee of the Year
2000. The time of Lent is in fact the culminating point of the journey of
conversion and reconciliation which the Jubilee, the year of the Lord's favour,
offers to all the faithful, so that they can renew their fidelity to Christ and
proclaim his mystery of salvation with renewed ardour in the new millennium.
Lent helps Christians to enter more deeply into this "mystery hidden for
ages" (Eph 3:9): it leads them to come face to face with the word of the
living God and urges them to give up their own selfishness in order to receive
the saving mystery of the Holy Spirit.
The Jubilee is a
time of grace in which we are invited to open ourselves in a particular way to
the mercy of the Father, who in the Son has stooped down to man, and to
reconciliation, the great gift of Christ. This year therefore should become, not
only for Christians, but for all people of good will, a precious moment for
experiencing the renewing power of God's forgiving and reconciling love. God
offers his mercy to whoever is willing to accept it, even the distant and
doubtful. The people of our time, tired of mediocrity and false hopes, are thus
given an opportunity to set out on the path that leads to fullness of life. In
this context, Lent of the Holy Year 2000 is par excellence "the acceptable
time…the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2), the particularly favourable
opportunity "to be reconciled to God" (2 Cor 5:20).
John
Paul II
Message
for Lent 2000; 1, 4a)
Pancake/Porkie
The Council joined
with members of the Holy Name Society to produce a fine Pancake/Porkie breakfast
on Sunday, February 13. Coordinator Randy Barrett reports that the amount
of help was amazing--he had solicited assistance from about twenty Council
members. Not only did they show up, but so did several others who wanted to help
out. The number of people served was about the same as had been served last
year, but a slightly higher price this year resulted in a profit of $275.45
which was contributed to the tuition assistance fund.
Second
and Third Degree
An exemplification
of the Second and Third Degree is scheduled for Palm Sunday, April 16 at DePere.
Information will be sent to all First Degree men as soon as it is received.
Please take the time to encourage the following men of Council 10243 to respond
to the summons to full Knighthood in the Third Degree:
Mike
Boudreau
Dennis
Duckett
Howard
Erickson
Al
Greene
William
Griesbach
Jim
Janssen
Mark
Keuler
Father
Dave Pleier
Robert
Warpinski
Chaplain's
Column
In this particular
issue of our NEWSLETTER we are trying to focus some attention on Father Michael
J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. There has been some
renewed interest in this exemplary priest, especially since the cause for his
canonization was opened some months back, and also due to the fact that Father Gabriel
O'Donnell, postulator of the cause of Canonization, was the Supreme
Representative to our State Convention last year in Appleton. I would like, in
this column, to try and shed a little bit of light of the lengthy and confusing
process that is being undertaken and why it sometimes takes centuries to
complete. Recall just a few years ago--the death of Mother Theresa of Calcutta.
Around the time of her death there was some call for her to be canonized.
Notice, too, that the discussion seems to have died down for the most part. This
is not to say that someday there may very well be a "Saint Theresa of
Calcutta," but the time does not yet seem ripe. She must first stand the
test of time. After all, what we are doing in the process of canonization is not
simply stating that a person lived a nice life. The Church is presuming to make
a declaration as we stand before God that we believe this person is not only in
the presence of God, but also worthy of the veneration of the faithful. The Holy
See reserves canonization to itself, and they will be very, very sure before
they take that step. There is no room for error in raising someone "to the
full honors of the altar." At current, the paperwork for the 'cause' is
prepared for the Holy See. If the Holy Father accepts the report, McGivney is
termed "Venerable" and an exhaustive investigation begins which takes
years. Miracles are sought, indicating that the person in question has
intercession with God. The promoter must also play the role of 'Devil's
Advocate,' raising and seeking objections to the progress of the case. If all
goes exceptionally well and especially if evidence of miracles is present, he
may be Beatified--declared "Blessed" by the Church and recommended to
a portion of the Church for veneration. The process continues. The best
completion would be for the individual to be canonized--declared by the Church
to be a Saint and recommended for veneration to the whole Church. Obviously this
usually takes an enormous amount of time because of the seriousness of what we
are doing. For example, the first native-born American to be canonized was St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton. She died in 1821. Her cause was begun in 1882, and she was
declared venerable in 1959. She was beatified in 1963 and finally canonized in
1975. In all likelihood, the canonization of Father Michael McGivney could be
celebrated after all of us are joined to the Communion of Saints in heaven. In
the meantime, pray for the enormous amount of work that needs yet to be done.
Pray especially that God will look with kindness on all this and see it through
to a successful end.
Fr.
Al Lis, O.F.M.
Chaplain
Prayer
Prayer for the
Canonization of Father McGivney
Loving God,
source of holiness
and grace,
you renew and
sanctify your Church in every age
by raising up men
and women
outstanding in
holiness.
You gave your people
your servant and
priest
Father Michael
McGivney
and you called him
to the priestly ministry
and to the
sanctification of your people.
You filled him with
zeal for your service
and with love for
the poor and rejected,
and you inspired him
to bring to birth
the Knights of
Columbus.
Grant that we who
strive to follow
his example of
service
may likewise enjoy
his advocacy
in your presence.
Raise your servant
Michael
to the full honors
of the altar
and grant that his
intercession
may bring forth
blessings for all your people.
We ask this through
Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special
Days
March 15 - April
15
A = Marriage Anniversary
B = Birthday
O = Ordination Anniversary
+ = Date of Death
March
15 A Kelly & Virginia Gigot
16 B Roger Heesacker
17 B Dan Mullen
19 B Mary Ann (Jim) VanAllen
25 B Helen (Robert) DeGrave
26 B Delores (Jeff) Shutter
26 B Larry Ziarnik
27 B Dave Doperalski
27 B Kelly Gigot
29 B Lucille (Lee) Maccoux
30 A Robert & Vione Jacqmin
31 B Judy (Richard) Bligiske
April
01 B Al Greene
03 B Vione (Robert) Jacqmin
05 B Jim Barnett
08 B Harold Christensen
08 B Denise (Stephen) Kotlar
10 B Connie (Mike) Worzala
11 A Al & Lois Greene
12 A Thomas & Barbara George
15 B Gary Nimmer
Convention
Countdown
In just a couple of
weeks delegates and friends will be gathering in Oshkosh for the 99th Convention
of the Wisconsin State Council. This is an election year and we expect changes
among the Officers of the State Council. Our own brother Richard Rebman
will be running for the number two spot in the State--State Secretary. We are
not aware of any other candidates for that Office at this time, but Offices can
be contested at any time. Customarily the delegates to the Convention are the
Grand Knight and the Immediate Past Grand Knight, though Councils usually choose
two alternates as well. One does not need to be a delegate or an alternate to
take part in the Convention, and certainly the Mass and the State Deputy's
Banquet are open to anyone. It is important for the Council to show support for
Richard before he runs for State Deputy, presumably in two years. Oshkosh isn't
that far, and we could certainly use a larger representation at the Convention
than we usually have, even when the Convention is right here in Green Bay. Think
about reserving April 29-30 for an important weekend of fraternity.
Appreciation
Dinner
Nearly sixty people
came together on the evening of February 27 to celebrate the Council's
Appreciation Dinner. Woodside's usual fine meal was served as the Council
gathered to celebrate those who distinguished themselves in the last fraternal
year. Certificates were awarded to all those present who were named Knight of
the Month or Family of the Month, and the major annual awards of the
Council were named as well (see separate article). Entertainment was by Celtic
Consort who played traditional Irish music. Thanks to Rick & Mary Noe
for handling all the arrangements. The following took part in the evening: Jim
& Marilyn Barnett, Randy & Becky Barrett, Mike & Karen Barry, Bill
& Sandy Bartelme, Kevin & Denise Beck, Al & Rose Collins, Tim
Conroy, Ray Demerath, Ian & Marie Forbes, Steve & Lori Froelich, Ron
& Marilyn Frosch, Tom & Ann Gauthier, Curt & Blossom Gilson, Bob
& Kathy Hieronimczak, Leon & Sheila Janowski, Jim & Fay Janssen, Roy
& Mary Johnson, Clayton & Rosemary Langenberg, Terry & Kris
Misfeldt, John Murphy, Aaron & Carol Naze, Rick Noe, Christine Paoletti,
Jerry & Janet Piontek, Richard & Janet Rebman, Scott & LouAnn
Rebman, Gene & Mae Schmitz, John Schmitz and Dave & Suzanne
Tlachac. Also attending as guests of the Council were Sister Yvonne
Arnoldi, Deacon John & LeeAnn Laurant and Father Al Lis.
Raffle
Tickets
Raffle Chairman Leon
Janowski reports that we are at about the same point as we were last year at
this time--about 47 men of the Council have responded and about five hundred
tickets have been sold. Our goal is 1260, so a renewed effort is needed,
especially by the men of the Council who have not yet responded. At this point,
we are proud to say that Tom Gauthier is our top seller at 100
tickets--one fifth of the total presented. Remember not just the profits for the
Council but the great charitable work done throughout the State as a result of
this raffle. Please help the work of Christ along by working hard to sell off
tickets. Additional tickets and more information is available from Leon
(468-7544.)
A
Short Life of Father McGivney
Michael Joseph
McGivney was born at Waterbury,
Connecticut on August 12, 1852 to Patrick and Mary (Lynch) McGivney.
The eldest of 13 children, he studied at Hyacinth College, Canada, Niagara
University, Niagara Falls, New York and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore where
he was ordained by Cardinal James Gibbons on December 22, 1877. He began
his ministry at St. Mary's Church in New Haven on Christmas Day, 1877.
Energetically involved with young people of the parish, he began thinking in
1881 about a way of enabling Catholics to join together in a benefit society.
After studying the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Catholic Benevolent
Legion, he brought together 24 men in the first Council meeting in 1882 and was
unanimously acclaimed founder of the organization which he suggested calling Sons
of Columbus. On March 29 of that year (Founder's Day) the Connecticut State
Legislature granted a charter to the organization now known as the Knights of
Columbus. He served as the first Supreme Chaplain. In 1884 he was
transferred to St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, just as the Order was beginning
to spread its wings. Never a picture of health, McGivney contracted a serious
case of pneumonia in early 1890. It hung on and he finally succumbed on August
14 at the age of 38, in the thirteenth year of his priesthood. His resting
place, St. Mary's Church in New Haven, is a sarcophagus that has become a
pilgrimage point for Knights and others. McGivney's younger brothers, Msgrs.
Patrick and John McGivney also served the Order as Supreme
Chaplains in the period 1901-1939.
Fourth
Degree
An exemplification
of the Fourth Degree will take place in Oconomowoc on Saturday, April 8. While
at this point we are unaware of any candidates from our Council, it is important
to remember all the candidates in prayer. For further information contact Father
Al (437-1979).
Prayers…
…are requested for
Council member Paul Tilot who has been hospitalized.
Major
Awards Presented
The annual
Appreciation Dinner on February 27 was the setting for the presentation of the
Council's Annual Awards: the Father Al Lis Knight of the Year Award, the Richard
& Janet Rebman Family of the Year Award and the Dan
McLaughlin Distinguished Service Award. The Council voted on the Knight and
Family of the Year at the January meeting. Heartfelt congratulations to the
winners of the Council's 1998-99 Major Annual Awards:
The
1998-99 Knight of the Year Award
Jim
Barnett
The
1998-99 Family of the Year Award
Randy
& Becky Barrett
The
1998-99 Distinguished Service Award
Deacon
Robert & Vione Jacqmin
Roy
& Mary Johnson
Richard
& Janet Rebman
The
Spotlight is on Gary Nimmer
Gary has been a
part of Council 10243 almost since the Council began a decade ago, but his
involvement in numerous activities has made it seem as if he's always been
there. He can't remember if it was Richard Rebman or neighbor Leon Janowski or
someone else who finally got him involved. He does remember that, as he grew
older, he was looking for some means of giving something back. He doesn't
consider himself to be much of a joiner of groups and organizations except those
that seemed appropriate for business, but the Knights seemed to offer many
different activities and involvements and the opportunity to give something to
others rather than just promoting oneself. Also, the strong pro-life values of
the Knights as a whole and of the local Council were attractive to him and his
family.
In his time with
the Knights Gary and his family have been involved in various activities ranging
from Salvation Army Bell ringing, Brat stands, booyah sales and he's "never
missed a Tootsie Roll drive." Among the things he finds especially
beneficial about the activities is that families are welcome and he has brought
his family to most if not all the activities in which he has been involved. He
appreciates seeing some other members of the Council getting their families
involved and wishes others would consider doing so.
With his two
brothers Gary owns Forest Construction Company in Luxemburg. They used to deal
in supplies as well but in recent years they have been 'super-busy' and have had
to concentrate on construction. He appreciates being busy because he can
remember the 'bleak years' when the economy as not favorable to new
construction. Gary has been in the business for 23 years now and has served as
president of the State Construction Board. Despite how busy the business can be,
he has found some time to relax and especially enjoys fly-fishing. He recently
returned from a fly fishing trip to Florida and look forward to returning soon
to try out the other coast of the State. He enjoys the chance to travel with his
family and hopes to give his children exposure to some enjoyable leisure
activities. Gary also occasionally golfs and hunts birds. He used to do more
hunting but has been falling away for a variety of reasons.
Gary and his wife,
Roxanne, have been married for nearly thirty years now and have five children:
Reena, Rhett, Reuben, Reid and Raine. All are local except Reena who has been
living in Georgia but she will be moving back to the area soon. A native of Two
Rivers, Gary and his family are members of St. Bernard Parish. We appreciate the
emphasis he helps the Council place on family involvement.
March
2000
Upcoming
Events:
1st Degree
March
20, 2000
2nd Degree
March
27, 2000
Traveling Cross at St Bernard’s
April 5, 2000
2nd and 3rd Degree De Pere April 16, 2000
State Convention
April 29-30, 2000
Tootsie Roll / MR
May
5th through May 7th
K of C Picnic Preble Park
May 21, 2000
St Bernard’s Parish Picnic
July