june 2006 newsletter

FROM THE GRAND KNIGHT

In the April 28 edition of the Catholic News and Herald, there was a news story wherein Pope Benedict XVI expressed his affection for and trust in the Society of Jesus. His comments followed a Mass honoring the three founders of the Jesuits, St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Peter Faber, The Mass was offered in celebration of the ongoing Jesuit Jubilee Year, the 500th anniversary of the births of Francis Xavier and Peter Faber. During his homily, the Holy Father asked the Jesuits to continue their ongoing Christian education of future generations.

Although this may seem a distant happening to those of us here in Mooresville, we must remember that St. Therese is a parish staffed by the Jesuits.

Consequently, we pause to add our Council’s voice to that of the Pope in thanking them for their service, their kindness and prayers.

It’s amazing to me when I realize the Jesuits have a history of 466 years, being founded by St. Ignatius in 1540. It’s an order of priests, scholastics and novices that have been active in promoting the name of Jesus, Catholicism and Christianity longer than most churches have been in existence. Today, its 19,500 members continue the Society’s service in 112 countries by teaching, and demonstrating, how God’s love has a place in modern culture.

During these years, the Jesuits have honored the Blessed Virgin by conferring on her the title of “Mother of the Society”. In this devotion to Mary, we, as Knights of Columbus, are kindred souls with the Jesuits as we, too, honor Mary in a special way by proclaiming her “Queen of the Knights”.

The Jesuits’ Jubilee Year continues until December 3, 2006. During this year, there will be world-wide liturgical celebrations, retreats and seminars. Locally, a Jubilee prayer is inserted in our weekly Sunday Bulletin. I ask my brother Knights to read and meditate on this prayer. In addition, pause periodically in our daily lives for the balance of this year and offer a special prayer for “our” Jesuits, and all Jesuits, during their ongoing Jubilee. Take a moment to tell our Pastor, Father Vince Curtin, Council Chaplain Father Joe Kappes and our resident priests, Father Bill Lynch and Father Jim Keough thanks for all they do, and for all that they are.

FATHER BILL LYNCH

As you are probably aware, Father Lynch recently fell and is currently in the hospital. He’ll be in rehab for a few months and he’ll be missed. Your prayers are asked for him, and a card would be appreciated. Send the cards to him, care of St. Therese and the cards will be delivered to him.

JIM ATKINSON

Jim, a member of our Council, will be ordained as a permanent deacon in the near future. On June 12, he’ll don his Deacon’s robes for his first Mass at 12 noon. A reception will follow in the Parish Life Center. As his brothers, we should all be in attendance, if possible. The Council will be helping sponsor the event along with other parish groups.

PANCAKE BREAKFASTS

Pancake breakfasts will be discontinued during the summer months of June, July and August. We’ll be back on the first Sunday in September.

BIRTHDAYS

AWARDS DINNER AND MEETING

As noted in last month’s Knightline, we’ll be honoring several people during our June 12 meeting. Three scholarships will be awarded and several Knights will be honored for their service to the Parish, community and the Council. Wives are invited to attend. We don’t know what the kitchen people will be cooking, but you can be assured there will be plenty for all. And, as usual, we can always use some hands to set-up and clean up.

JUNE CALENDAR

NEW MEMBERS

During the past two months, our First Degree Team has initiated five new members. We congratulate each of our new Brothers and we look forward to seeing them grow in service. Those initiated were: Jim Kiger, Pat d’Andrea, Jim Johnson, Ken Sauser, and Ken Paradisio. We welcome these new members of the Council wishing them God’s speed on their individual path toward complete Knighthood.

Our grand total of new Knights for the current Council year amounts to 18. We have until the end of June to bring in new members for the Council year. If you know of anyone who is desirous of joining the Knights, contact Matt Riley. If we can get at least two candidates, a First Degree can be held before the end of June. Matt can be contacted at 704/663-4011 or mandmr61@aol.com.

DONUTS WITH THE KNIGHTS

We will not be hosting our Sunday morning “Donuts with the Knights” in June. On the third Sunday of other months though, we supply donuts and coffee to parishioners after the 9 and 10:30 Masses. The get-togethers give the donut dunkers a chance to socialize and for us to attract new members. Brother Jack Madey honchos this event, and if you’d like to volunteer for a couple of Sunday hours, contact him at 704/662-0220 or jfmadey@alltel.net.  You can attend Mass before or after, making the couple of hours fit in with your regular Sunday schedule.

LOWE’S SPEEDWAY

Our ongoing disagreement with Lowe’s Speedway continues. The Council contends that Lowe’s owes us almost $1,200 for hours worked during the last racing week. They say that we’re doing some double-dipping on the number of hours worked. Greg Benjock who scheduled the workers says his records show no such thing. We’ll continue and with legal counsel guiding our efforts, we may have to go to small claims court to settle the case.

ADVANCED DEGREES INITIATION

Brother Matt Riley has announced that a second and third degree will be held at St. Therese on September 23. For those of you who are looking forward to continuing your journey to full Knighthood, set aside the day. The second degree will be administered first, followed by the third.

LAMB

Mark Daly, LAMB Director for our Council, has announced that LAMB collections will be held on September 22, 23, 24, 29 and 30. There is a possibility that some of our retail stores that we have used in the past may not participate this year. In each case, the store managers have to get corporate approval before allowing any kind of collections in front of the stores. Wal-Mart and Harris Teeter are firm with Lowe’s Food Stores and Bloom awaiting approval.