Grand Knight
Brothers,
With Easter quickly approaching, we find ourselves entering the Lenten season. For as long as I can remember, I have given something up for Lent like sweets, red meat, soda, coffee or TV. When Lent rolls around, we try to think of something to take out of our lives. Usually it is something we are dependent on or something that would be a challenge to go without, but is Lent really just about giving something up?
I have struggled with this for the past few Lenten seasons. The original purpose of Lent was for Catholics to prepare for Holy Week through prayer, offering and self-denial. Traditionally, they would abstain from food and celebrations, just like many people do today. That, however, is only the first half. Committing to giving something up for Lent is admirable, but Lent is about more than just fasting.
The early believers, in addition to fasting, would commit whatever time they would normally spend on the fasted activities to helping the poor (almsgiving) or through prayer. This is what I believe the second half of what the Lenten season is about.
In light of this, is Lent truly about giving things up? The answer is no. This practice can represent commitment and self-control, but what we do with our time is important. Through these new commitments, we can all begin to embrace the true meaning of Lent.
Almsgiving (Charity) is also about putting something positive in its place. The best way to remove a vice is to cultivate a virtue. Lent has been a traditional time of helping the poor and doing acts of charity and mercy. While as Catholics this is a year round calling, Lent is a good time to examine ways to get involved and to make resolutions to actually do them. Giving alms can be done in many ways; our Council has numerous ways to embrace this. How about coming out on Wednesdays from 4:00-7:00pm in the All Saints gym and help with the soup kitchen. Or coming out to the one of our weekly bingos at the nursing homes and helping with bingo. Or come out to the Hall and work an extra bingo.
Prayer, when facing temptation in the desert, Jesus relied on Scripture to counter the wiles of the devil. It is a formidable weapon for us as well. Our Council has a weekly rosary in the chapel at 7:00pm every Tuesday. How about a commitment to come out every Tuesday during Lent? Or better yet make it a family activity?
Brothers, whatever you and your family chose to do for Lent, please remember to keep the focus on the repenting of sin, to renewing your faith and to prepare to celebrate joyfully the mysteries of our salvation.
Vivat Jesus
John Rickard, Jr.
Grand Knight
Deputy Grand Knight
Brothers,
I hope everyone enjoyed our special evening dinner/dance event to honor our Ladies on January 30th. A big Thank You to all who helped make this a special night.
If you missed this event, we have another great night planned on February 20th “Ricky Rickard-O Big Band Dance.” Make your reservations early – no walk-ins. This event will sell out before the deadline of February 13th.
Playoffs are over – time for the Annual Super Bowl party. Come out and watch on our new flat screen TV in Club Room – February 7th. WE ALWAYS NEED NEW MEMBERS to support all of our activities both charitable and social. Come out and support the Membership Blitz on February 27th and 28th – includes an Open House on Saturday after 5:30pm Mass and another on Sunday after the 9:00am Mass. Food will be provided.
Please support our Council Pledge to pray for our Priests and Vocations during our weekly Rosary in the All Saints Chapel on each Tuesday night at 7:00pm during this Year of the Priest. We strongly encourage all Brother Knights and their families to join us or to find a private time to do the same. Wear your Council badges (or K of C colors) during this Rosary to openly show our solidarity with our Priests – 4th Degree Color Guard encouraged as well. How great a witness of our support for our Priests - if enough attended, it would force using the main Church. With our Council Membership we should be able to overflow that Chapel every week!
Continue to support the General Program and Membership Directors and help out whenever you can with our various Programs -- especially Bingo!
Vivat Jesus
Joe Arseneault
Deputy Grand Knight
KOM
This Knight is a very important and dedicated Knight. This past year he recently assumed the overwhelming duties of Financial Secretary. Observing the responsibilities of this position, I have to commend him on being able to perform these duties so well. He has been an asset to me as Grand Knight and certainly made my job easier. In addition, this Knight also chaired our Annual Christmas Party for the Council. Once again it was a huge success and a great time was had by all. As a Past Grand Knight of this Council, his insight and input and been invaluable for me this year. PGK Scott Drummond you are the January Knight of the Month.
FOM
This Knight and his wife are very dedicated to our Council and our Order. This Knight is very involved with the ceremonials teams. H e is a vital member of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree teams.
In addition, he has been a valuable asset to me as Grand Knight and can be counted on for his support and loyalty. In addition to his duties as Deputy Grand Knight, he is a caller for Team 1 bingo and is usually found assisting at most events. His wife is a loyal and dedicated supporter of the Ladies Auxiliary. She is a regular in the bingo kitchen and is always available to assist the set up of most events. Joe and Jane Arseneault, you are the January Family of the Month.
