Saint Therese Council Newsletter
August 2004

August, 2004 will certainly be remembered as both a memorable and significant one in the history of our council. It will be memorable because of the passing of Marian Reilly. We will never forget the good times, and probably few of us will be able to forget the pain and suffering she went through. We went to the wake and Funeral Mass to celebrate her life. As Fr. Bill so eloquently put it at the Mass, Marian is now in Heaven with Our Lord. All her pain and suffering is over, and she is there waiting for us to join her. She is up there preparing a great and wonderful Irish party for us.

The outpouring of love was visible throughout the week, but it was most evident during the Mass. So many friends and acquaintances were there. The presence of our State Deputy and his wife, along with the State Warden, his wife and State Advocate was very much appreciated. The attendance of fifteen members of the Fourth Degree in full regalia lent itself to the solemnity of the Mass. Four Priests and a Deacon concelebrating the Mass was certainly a tribute for Marian and her love of the Blessed Mother.

There were so many people who participated time and talents prior to, during, and after the Mass. The music ministry and the piper did a wonderful job. The members of SWAT performed their magic once again. The preparation of the food and presentation was without equal.

I would like to express our deepest condolences to Matt, his children and family on the loss of Marian. You will all remain in our prayers.

BINGO

As with anything else, life must go on, and so it will. August was a significant month in several ways. Bingo became a reality. August 5 was the first evening we started Bingo for real. It was a tremendous success. The ensuing Thursday evenings have brought members of the council and our volunteer parishioners together in a joint effort to make the games both enjoyable and successful. As we evaluate each evening’s activity, the committee is making adjustments to the program so that the attendees and workers are comfortable and enjoy themselves. If you have not volunteered to help, please try to spend some time in this activity.

It has been a lot of work to get this program off the ground. The names of the committee members and workers are impressive. Your efforts are starting to reap rewards. Thank you for your involvement.

FIRST DEGREE

At our business meeting which was held on August 23, our council hosted a First Degree Exemplification. Five new members were inducted into the Order. In addition to two members being inducted into our council, there were two from Statesville and one from Mocksville. Gentlemen, welcome to the Knights of Columbus.

FESTIVAL OF THE AMERICAS

On Saturday, August 21 the First Festival of the Americas was held in the Parish Life Center. This event was the brainchild of a few Knights and with the assistance of several members of the Spanish community the event grew from a few ideas to one of great proportions. People dressed in local costumes, food was prepared and traditional music abounded. More than two hundred and eighty people from both the Spanish and Anglo communities came together in fellowship. This was a tremendous effort to bring two communities within the parish together as one.

DONATIONS

At the social meeting that was held on Monday, August 9 the council gave Fr. Jerry a check for one thousand dollars for the PLC building fund. In addition, two five hundred dollar scholarships were awarded. At the business meeting of August 23, a donation of two hundred and fifty dollars was given to Charlotte Hospice in memory of Marian Reilly, and a donation of two hundred and fifty dollars was authorized to pay for the bag piper at the Mass for Marian. In addition, the membership authorized a one hundred and fifty dollar donation to the Mooresville Graded School District to be utilized for the hearing impaired program.

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Can you believe it is that time of the year again? Time is approaching when we will be selling tickets for the dinner. If last years event is any indication of what will occur this year, we better double the recipe and bread order. Chefs Bill Muccio and Ted Benell are already discussing the menu, and Tom Joy will be in charge of ticket sales. As an added attraction, we have hired a DJ as entertainment. Great food, music, and dancing will be provided to make this a successful evening. Don’t forget Saturday, October 2, after the 5:30 p.m. Mass in PLC.

ALTAR SERVERS

Brother Gary Tadvick is serving on a parish committee that works with our altar servers. The thought of recognizing the servers for their efforts has been discussed on several occasions. The committee would like the Knights to assist them with this recognition by hosting a spaghetti dinner on Saturday evening October 6. This should not be a big expense for us, because we could make enough sauce at our dinner and serve it to them on the sixth. In addition, the committee would like us to purchase crosses for the servers in acknowledgment of their service. We have money in our current budget to cover any expenses for this event.

RACE

Brother Tom Joy has had preliminary discussion with Lowe’s Motor Speedway concerning the October race. Everything appears to be in order. Tom will be reducing his involvement so we will all have to step it up. Several of our older, or should I say more experienced Knights, are going to take less active rolls. We really need younger members to get involved. This race will only be a four-day event, so it will be a great time to learn. Sign up, get to know your brother Knights, and enjoy the experience.

DEGREES

he Financial Secretary will be contacting all First and Second Degree members regarding the exemplifications that will be held at St. Therese on Saturday November 6. If you are not a member of the Third degree, mark your calendar and plan on attending. We will be needing help by assisting the degree teams as needed and also in the preparation of a lunch following the third degree exemplification.

For those members of the Third Degree who may be considering advancement to the Fourth Degree, time is getting short. Contact FS Steve Wise or GK Ed Kane for details. The exemplification will be held on Saturday, October 9 in Durham. Remember the degree is only held once a year.

LADIES AUXILIARY

Several wives of Knights have expressed interest in starting an auxiliary. I think that an exploratory meeting should be held at our regularly scheduled social meeting in September. As we conduct our social meeting, the wives can meet and discuss their options. At the conclusion of the meetings we will gather for fellowship with each other.

STEWARDSHIP “BLITZ” WEEKEND

The weekend of September 25, 26 has been designated as Stewardship weekend. We need Knights at all the Masses to hand out literature and answer questions. The Fourth Degree will be at all Masses in Regalia.

IN OUR PRAYERS

As I close this newsletter, let us remember Marian Reilly, Matt and his children, George Bailey, Bill Pfeufer, Sherry Hill, Ken Fusaro, Catherine Vogel and anyone else who might be in need of our prayers.