Saint Therese Council Newsletter
August 2004

During the past few months, many of our Brother Knights have suggested we re-start our monthly Council newsletter. It was felt that with a monthly newsletter, all of the members would be better informed of the Council’s activities and, hopefully, more would take part in those activities. Well, here is the first of our planned monthly efforts. Take this initial issue as my personal invitation to each of you to attend our twice-a-month meetings and take an active part in helping your Council to help our parish family and the Mooresville area in general. In addition, if you have any comments or suggestions concerning our monthly newsletter, send them to Mark Daly via his home e-mail at restondaly@yahoo.com.

By the time this Newsletter reaches you, we’ll have already started our Lenten Season. I would like to suggest that this year, instead of “giving up” something, practice charity in someway. Help your wife with the dishes, be kinder to those with whom you work, give some time to a charity — I’m sure you get the idea. And, while you’re at it, take a moment everyday to thank God for all that He’s given you on that day. A good time to do this is at your evening meal. Mention what special gift God gave you on that day, and then ask each member of your family to share their daily gift. Try it —you’ll find that you’ll never catch up with His goodness and gifts to you. And, by thanking Him during Lent, you might find yourself, and your family in the habit of thanking Him every day instead of just asking for that special favor or need.

Didja know that the St. Therese KofC banner that we display at all of our functions is some 20 years old? It was purchased through the efforts of the Council members’ wives who raised money by conducting bake sales.

On Friday and Saturday, February 17th and 18th, the Council repainted the walls of the PLC and the Religious Education Office. Participating in the fresh-up were headman Vince Greco, Ted Benell, Jim McGowan, Michael Willet, Chris Baker, Pat D’Andrea and his son, Justin, Ralph Graham, Steward McLamb, Greg Benjock, Jack Madey, Bob Sheehe, Dave Koenders, Wes Weaver and Amadee Norvez. Lunch was by Brooklyn Boys Pizza — we understand they ate about two pizzas to the gallon. Nice job, fellows.

During the February 27th Business Meeting, Council Treasurer Greg Benjock reported that the Council’s checkbook balance stood at $12,685 and our savings account was at $43,000 “and change”.

A dispute has arisen with Lowe’s Speedway over the non-payment of some $1,200 due the Council in payment for driver hours during the past racing season. According to Greg, Lowe’s is contending that we charged them for hours driven for which we never actually provided drivers. Greg, along with District Deputy Ed Kane, said that drivers had been provided as our records show. Both Greg and Ed feel that we will get the money due us.

Due to other problems that occurred during 2005’s last racing dates at Lowe’s, our Council will not be spearheading driver assignments this year. Several issues came up, and the full Council has decided not to pursue the Lowe’s relationship.

As a possible revenue replacement for the Lowe’s income, estimated to be about $6,000, is working with other Councils at the new Bobcats’ Arena in Charlotte.

Currently, several Charlotte Councils are working at food venues in the Arena during various events and staffing help is needed. Mark Daly will be contacting the Charlotte Councils for more information and will report back as soon as possible.

A new Knight project to help St. Therese was brought up by Fr. Joe and GK Ken Fusaro. New carpet is scheduled to be laid in the Sanctuary right after Easter and the Knights have been asked to help move pews and other furniture to assist in the carpet installation. By having the Knights devote the time to clear the sanctuary prior to the carpet being installed, it is estimated that the parish will save a minimum of $3,000 over what the installers would charge for the same work. High interest was shown by the Knights in attendance and several signed up to help with the work. More volunteers will be needed, so if you’re interested, contact any of the Council officers.

Fr. Joe made special notice of the PLC paint job done by the team of K of C painters on Saturday, February 18. Vince Greco, who oversaw the operation, thanked the 13 Knights who did the work. Included in the paint job was the Religious Education office.

Tabled during the meeting for further discussion was a motion to honor our fellow Brother Jim Atkinson, who will be ordained a Permanent Deacon in June. The first Mass where Jim will serve as Deacon will be the noon Mass on June 10th. Jim has been an active Knight since his First Degree Initiation was in October 1960. Also tabled was a request from Vince Greco, requesting that the Council sponsor a hole during the upcoming Mooresville HealthReach Golf Classic to be held on May 17 at River Run Country Club.

The Golf Classic is being held to benefit the Mooresville-South Iredell Health Assistance Clinic. Interested in playing, or having your employer being a sponsor? Call Vince (704/662-3930) or Mark Daly (704/987-4316. A lot of opportunities here for a very worthwhile cause.

Sterling McLamb and Dave Conklin asked for Council and individual support for a Relay for Life walk to be held in Mooresville. The walk is being sponsored by the American Cancer Society and will be held April 28 through the evening of the 29th. Full details from Dave at his St. Therese phone (704) 664-7762.

The Council’s Donut Sunday has been well-received by the Parish. Jack Madey, heading up the effort, reports that the Council members and their wives have responded well with offers to work the Sunday event. Donuts are from Wal-Mart (and our discount card), Responsibilities include making coffee and serving the donuts after the nine o’clock Mass. If you’re interested in helping out, give Jack a call (704/662-0220) – extra hands are always of help.
 
A First Degree Initiation has been scheduled for April 10. If you have anyone interested in joining the Knights, now’s the time to get a Form 100 signed and given to Matt Riley (704/663-4011) for processing. And, if you haven’t attended an initiation for awhile, schedule yourself to attend this one. The First Degree is the beginning of each Knight’s journey to full Knighthood. The rite reminds each of us what it means to be a Knight by the practice of the first principle of Knighthood which is ???? If you don’t know the answer, you need to be at the initiation on April 10. A social follows.

SAINT OF THE MONTH — what better example than St. Joseph could a Knight follow. The foster-father of Jesus, he was instrumental in raising Jesus to his manhood. How often do we see Our Lord conducting Himself in a human way that would make any father proud? As the patron of working men, St. Joseph is certainly a saint we should emulate in our everyday lives. Vivat Jesus!

Saint Patrick’s Day Dance on March 18. Join your fellow brothers, their wives and friends for an evening of good food, drinks and dancing. Tickets are available after all weekend Masses. Cost is $25 per ticket for a great evening’s fun. Beer and wine are included in the price of the ticket. The menu includes corn beef and all the trimmings!

Synonymous with Lent is the our Council’s Friday Fish Fries. Instead of just plopping down when you get home from work on Lenten Fridays, bundle up the kiddies and wife and come join in a great meal served by your brother Knights. Menu will include baked fish this year, in addition to the regular fried fish. Rounding out the menu will be hush puppies, cole slaw, French fried potatoes and drinks. Cost is $7 for adults, $3 for those over three years, under three is free. Carry-out is available.

LAMB REPORT FOR 2005 is a positive one. After Tootsie Roll expenses of $569.25, we deposited $8,775.49 with State. Our assigned goal was $8,238.64, so we wound up six and one-half per cent over our goal. After 15% was given to State LAMB, the $6,975 balance was shared with LifeSpan and the Special Education programs at Mooresville High and Parkview Elementary. The State program didn’t reach its $1,000,000 goal this year, but plans are being made for 2006. Dates and details will be announced soon.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER – remember in your prayers our fellow brother Tom Joy; Bob Daigler’s wife, Barbara; Tim Vogel’s wife, Catherine, and Ed Kane’s daughter, Lori Ann Tryan.

THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS: