Brothers, it was good to see so many of you at June's business meeting. As we prepare to start a new fraternal year, I want to challenge each of you to decide what you're going to do to make a difference in this world. This can be as simple as spending time with your children and listening to what they have to say or leading prayer with your family in the evening -- that will blow their minds, especially if you have never done this. I guarantee it will be appreciated over time and your wife will appreciate it, also. Other ways to make a difference in this world is by helping a neighbor, or supporting our parish community in a lay ministry or by just offering to help when a job needs to be done. Something that is simple to do is to join organizations that allows you to write companies that push mainstream agendas that do not meet our Christian values. Here is one -- AFA, the American Family Association - . https://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/subscribers/signup.aspx  -- it will send you e-mails when a corporation is airing nudity, promoting an agenda that is immoral, etc. All you have to do is lend your voice to their efforts to help make the world a better place. I encourage you to subscribe to this organization and get involved; this is something every one of us can do.

I realize that as Knights we do a lot. I also realize we can all refocus and do so much more. Age is not a determining factor in our involvement. For example, consider our Golden Knight of the year, Ted Bennell. Ted, I hope you don't mind me using you as an example, but you are a man who loves and gives unconditionally. You do so much for the Knights and our parish family by being so generous with your time and talent. Like Ted, and so many of our other Knights, we all have talents and abilities. If you are not sure where you can be effective, pray for guidance, Realize that God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called. Moses did not want to go back to Egypt at 80 years of age, so God sent Aaron with him to help, and in the same way, He'll give you the strength and help you need.

Closing Thought, Dr. Martin Luther King said, "Everyone has the power for greatness. Not for fame but greatness. Because greatness is determined by service."

I am so fortunate to be able to serve with all of you men -- God bless you all.

Brother in Christ,
Gary Tadvick, GK

Elections for the Fraternal Year of 2008-2009 were held during the June business meeting. Elected to lead our Council for the coming year were:

On July 14th we will be installing our new officers for the 2008-2009 fraternal year. The installation ceremony will be held in the church at 7 pm.

Please join us and bring your families. A meal will be served following the installation.

Good news, bad news here as far as our Council's participation in the Troutman parade on June 28. According to Chris Baker, we had six knights and several family members help out with the parade. That's the good news - the bad news is that the families were the same ones who always show up to help. Looks like we need some new blood to help out in these community activities and make Chris' job easier.

Plans are currently underway to have a dinner to honor the priests of the parish. The idea was put forth and, according to DGK Stewart McLamb, the dinner will probably be held in the early Fall. The Fourth Degree Knights of 7406 will form the honor guard for the priests and all Knights and their ladies will be invited. Planning details will be discussed in upcoming meetings and reported in Knightline.

GK Gary Tadvick and Chancellor Jim Kiger will attend the State Organizational Meeting July 11-13.

Mark your calendar for the fourth Eucharistic Congress of the Diocese of Charlotte. Once again Catholics from all over western North Carolina and the Southeast will gather in praise and worship at the Charlotte Convention Center. The event will take place October 3 & 4, 2008. Bishop Peter J. Jugis has selected "It Is Christ Whom We Proclaim" as the theme of the Congress. All Knights are urged to attend this annual celebration of our faith. Over 9,000 people attended the 2007 Congress and it is hoped that the Diocese will exceed that number this October. Our Council will be taking an active part in the event.

Grand Knight Gary Tadvick handed out several awards during the June business meeting. Individual awards went to Ted Bennell as the Golden Knight of the year, while Bob Daigler was honored as the Knight of the Year. Family of the Year honors went to Vince Greco and his wife, Frances. Rookie of the Year honor went to Joe Sala

Family of the Month was awarded to Steve Liseski's family and Knight of the month for June went to Clayton Brown. Tony Altiere picked up his Knight of the Month Award for May.

In the Duane Russell competition for newsletters and communications, KNIGHTLINE, the Council's monthly newsletter, was awarded third place among all the entered North Carolina.newsletters.

In addition, the Council received an award for its charitable work within the parish and the community.

Ed Kane is in the preliminary stages of putting together a plan where those Knights who regularly attend meetings can serve as drivers for those Knights who want to attend but can't due to nighttime driving restrictions. Brother Kane is asking all Knights who need a ride to the meetings to contact him (704) 799-9575 or through his e-mail njsp2248@rr.com). He'll need your address and general location. He's also asking Knights who drive to the meetings to contact him with their locations. With this information, Ed hopes to be able to be able to put a program together where driving Knights can help those who'd like to come to meetings, but can't for one reason or another.

According to Bob Collins, Council 7406 will host a cabaret-type show on October 17 to which the entire parish will be invited. All Knights are urged to attend this fund-raiser which promises to be a full night's entertainment by professional actors and actresses. Included in the evening's festivities will be a dinner consisting of prime rib, baked potato, salad, Green beans and a dessert. The cost will be $30.00 per person. Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm with the entertainment to last one and one half hour. Bob plans to have sign-up sheets at the next meeting.