Pope Benedict XVI at the Shrine

First Degree at Fletcher Council

These are the men who recently attended a First Degree at Fletcher Council.

Congratulations men!

The second picture shows the Grand Knight addressing the council.

Holy Family Shelter Meal Ministry

Dear Brother Knights;

As I indicated during our last meeting, the Holy Family Shelter Meal Ministry group will be volunteering at S.O.M.E. (So Other Might Eat) in Washington, DC on Saturday April 26th. SOME is an interfaith, community-based organization that exists to help the poor and homeless of our nation’s capital. Four times a year (January, April, July, and October), this ministry group signs up to bring specific food items (oatmeal, eggs, OJ, milk, oranges, and donuts) to serve breakfast to approximately 400 people. All of these food items are donated primarily by parishioners. Sign up sheets for milk and oranges have been placed in the back of the church. If you’d like to contribute towards milk or oranges you may sign up the sheets at church or e-mail me back. However, I’d like to ask our council members to donate the 20 dozen donuts that are needed. If you can contribute with one or two dozen donuts, please let me know. I’ll be at the church hall collecting all items on Thursday April 24th and Friday April 25th between 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Also, consider making the trip to S.O.M.E to help with the service on Saturday April 26th. The group meets at the church hall around 5:15AM to load all the food in our vehicles and leave for SOME at 5:30AM. At SOME, we will help cook and serve breakfast. The service hours will be approximately from 6:00AM to 9:30AM. I’ll provide more information at our next council meeting. If you like to know more about S.O.M.E, visit their website: http://www.some.org/

I think this is a great way for our council members to practice the 1st principle of our Order, Charity, by sharing a little of our time and treasure to help those most in need. Please pass this message to other brothers whom may not have an e-mail address. Thanks.

Yours in Christ,

Andres Padilla
Community Activities Director

Chaplain’s Message for April 2008

Dear Brother Knights,

On Saturday, March 15, Pope Benedict XVI declared our founder, Father Michael McGivney as “Venerable Servant of God”. This is an important stepping stone in his advancement toward canonization. If he should be canonized, he will be the first American-born priest to be elevated to the honors of the altar as a saint. Knights and others are encouraged to seek his intercession. If there should be a miraculous response, we must insure that it is documented and reported to the appropriate authorities. He needs at least two verified miracles for canonization. Concerned about the religious faith and economic status of immigrants, he founded the Knights of Columbus back in 1882. He was the friend of the working man, the widow and the orphan.

This month (April) a number of council members will participate in the papal Mass.  Pope Benedict XVI is a wonderful scholar and a gentle man. The Knights of Columbus have a singular devotion to the Pope and the universal Church. Our order annually assists the Holy Father in preventing a shortfall in funding for his efforts to respond to needs of Catholics and faith communities around the world. Members who recruit a new member during the 2007-2008 fraternal year will receive a limited-edition certificate commemorating the Pope’s visit to the United States. Each new Knight has his name listed in a special book that Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson will present to Pope Benedict XVI. In addition to the certificates, Knights who recruit a new or lapsed member will also receive a specially minted medallion commemorating the papal visit.

Let us get busy now about the work of the council! Get the word out with a bulletin board in the back of the church (or at least a poster), agree upon an annual calendar and publish a monthly newsletter. You can make a difference to this church and community. Indeed, being a good and faithful Knight will make a difference in you and in your family!

Your servant in Christ,

Father Joseph Jenkins