may 2007 newsletter

FROM THE GRAND KNIGHT
May, one of the most beautiful months of the year; the beginning of spring, and in the Catholic Church, the month of Mary. As members of the Knights of Columbus, this month takes on special meaning to us since all Knights have dedicated themselves to Mary recognizing her as the "Queen of the Knights".

Father Michael McGivney, our Founder, had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin and it was his intention that the Knights have a unique relationship with her. In her role as the Mother of the Living Christ, Mary serves in a loving relationship between us and God, the Father.

In each of our Degrees, we make mention of Mary, promising in our hearts our ever-loving devotion to her through her rosary and her maternal bond with her Son. During our lives, how often did we go to our earthly Mothers, asking for help, guidance, love and consolation? The same is true with our Heavenly Mother who accepts us with open arms, offering her love and guidance while giving us direct access to her Son in all of our needs and wants.

As we go through the month of May, I encourage each of my brother Knights to remember Mary and our special relationship with her. We should turn to her with confidence, asking for her intercession and help in all of our wants and needs

This is her month, we are her Knights, she is our protector and stands ready to intercede for us and all those we hold close to us. All we have to do is ask. "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."

Vivat Jesus

Ken

K OF C HISTORY
We refer to ourselves as "brothers" and all men who are, or have been Knights are also our brothers. During our 125 year history, some of our brothers include John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida, Marine Corps veteran Dan Daly, a two-time winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Vince Lombardi, coach of the Packers, Babe Ruth, heavyweight boxing champion Floyd Patterson, Cardinals William Joseph Levada, Sean O’Malley and Jaime Sin. In addition, many Knights have been declared saints of the church, including six canonized by John Paul II in 2000. A nice group of "brothers"!

FROM FATHER JOE
Our Chaplain, Father Joe Kappes, has made two requests of the Council.

First, he asked again that the Council put together an annual program plan to be submitted to the parish front office. As he has reminded us in the past, the demand for parish facilities continues to grow as the number of families join the St. Therese family. This is especially true of the Parish Life Center and its kitchen. In order to prevent scheduling conflicts, all parish organizations are being asked to submit their meeting plans to avoid scheduling conflicts.

In addition, Father Joe suggested that each Council member give strong consideration to volunteer for ministries at St. Therese. These ministries include lay distributors, lectors, ushers, choir members and any of the other ministries in the St. Therese parish life. Various ministers are especially needed to help at funerals. Interested? Contact the parish front office (704/664-3992)

FINANCIAL REPORT
Brother Greg Benjock reported that our Council currently has $9,997 in its checking account and our investments are currently at $52,800. A part of the checking account money will be used to finance a $1,000 contribution to a memorial to honor Sir David Koender’s granddaughter, Megan, who died on February 22.

The memorial will be constructed at Megan’s school.

SCHOLARSHIPS
In addition, the checking account will also be used to finance three $500 scholarships to be awarded to Catholic high school graduates as they begin their college studies. Information for applying for the scholarships can be obtained from Sir Matt (Skip) Reilly at 704/ 663-4011 or <mandmr610@aol.com>.

NEW CUB PACK
Deputy Grand Knight Gary Tadvick announced that a new Cub Scout pack was being formed at St. Therese. A meeting is scheduled for May 7 to begin planning for the pack. Anyone interested in helping with the organization and/or leadership positions can contact Gary at 704/663-6454 for information, including membership requirements.

PATRIOTS FESTIVAL
Chris Baker had a preliminary meeting with Mooresville’s mayor regarding this festival and according to Chris it went well. The first official meeting to begin planning the festival was on April 30. Brother Baker foresees the Knights in taking an active part in the festival demonstrating their love of the United States and its Constitution. Watch for more news of this in the months to come.

SQUIRES
Sir Stewart McLamb reports that seven Squires and two counselors attended the State Convention at Camp Thunderbird. State officers were elected and during the convention basketball tournament one of our Squires won a second place trophy. Meetings are held the first and third Sunday of each month at 4 pm in room 14 at the church.

INSURANCE
Our current KofC insurance agent, David Wellmon, attended the meeting and gave a talk on insurance and its importance in each member’s financial planning.

It was announced that Sir Ed Kane is relinquishing all of his KofC offices and has become an insurance field agent for the Knights. Ed has finished his training and has been appointed to cover four counties and 16 Councils, one of which is ours. Congratulations Ed and good luck in your new career.

RELAY FOR LIFE
St. Therese will be fielding a "team" for the Relay for Life to be held on June 1 at the Mooresville High School football stadium. Volunteers are still needed to "walk" the track as a way to raise money to fight cancer. Starting at 6 pm, it promises to be a fun-filled evening for the entire family. Items are needed for an auction and if you have something to donate, leave it with Carmen in the Faith Formation Office. More on this at www.mooresvillerelay.org.

BIRTHDAYS
MAY

	Patrick Naso, 2nd
	James Atkinson, 3rd
	Sylvio Beaulieu, 15th
	Michael Fusaro, 19th
	Joseph Kappes, S.J., 24th

JUNE

	Tom Nelson, 1st
	Michael Collins, 2d
	Walter Pawlowski, 4th
	Wes Weaver, 4th
	Chris Wanat, 9th
	Matt Reilly, 11th
	Leon LaFreniere, 15th
	Brian Kelly, 17th
	Steve Wise, 18th
	Tim Vogel, 25th
	Wilbert Campagna, 27th
	Wayne Saulnier, 29th

CONTACT LIST

» Ken Fusaro, Grand Knight 828/478-9735 kjfusaro@charter.net

» Gary Tadvick, Deputy GK
704/663-6454 garytadvick@piedmontair.com

» Tim Vogel, Chancellor, Webmaster
704/500-1834 tim@vogelproductions.com

» Rev. Joseph Kappes S. J., Chaplain
704/ 664-3992 jkappes@sainttherese.net

» Steve Wise, Financial Secretary
704/664-9473 pantherfan40@juno.com

» Jack Madey, Recorder
704/662-0220 jfmadey@ windstream.net

» Greg Benjock, Treasurer
704/896-2813 petjag@aol.com

» Dave Koenders, Lecturer
704/664-5902 davekoenders@msn.com

» Matt Reilley, Trustee
704/663-4011mandmr21@cs.com

» Tom Joy, Trustee, 704/662-9684

» Ed Kane, Trustee
704/799-9575 eakane@adelphia.net

» Richard T. Keyser, Field Agent

919/341-1918

kofcinsurance@earthlink.net