Brothers,
I was inspired to see the letter our Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson sent to Joe Biden. I e-mailed this letter to all of you along with an explanation of the Church's stance on abortion since the beginning of the Church. We are called to defend the Church from attacks; Pelosi and Biden both have misrepresented the Church's stance on abortion. Rev. John Hagee, pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, recently attacked the Catholic Church calling it "the great whore", an "apostate church", the "anti-christ" and "a false cult system". This all came to light when he endorsed John McCain. William Donohue called on Mr. Hagee to get an apology and Hagee sent a letter to Donohue apologizing for any comments he made "that Catholics have found hurtful". It is this kind of ignorance that divides the body of Christ. If you look back on the history of the Catholic Church, you'll find that Catholics were not accepted in America. All of you know the story of why the Knights of Columbus was started.

I ask each of you to pray for your Brothers -- we need to step out boldly in our homes and community, to defend the Church and its teachings. This takes guts, pray for confidence. Here is a prayer that I frequently pray "Lord please give me articulation, conviction, discernment, knowledge, wisdom, courage and the confidence to do your will in all situations" This life is not easy and it is easy to get discouraged when we look around, rest in Christ.

God Bless you all,
Vivat Jesus Gary Tadvick, GK

Thanks to our new LAMB director, Pat D'Andrea, this year marked another successful year of our program that helps the mentally challenged of Mooresville and Iredell County. Brother Pat reported that the Knights, their ladies, members from LifeSpan and the Squires collected a total of $9,103. Thanks to all who participated and to Wal-Mart, Harris Teeter and Lowes Food Stores for allowing us to collect in front of their stores.

Brother Vince Greco has announced that the Cabaret program, scheduled for October 17 is a sell-out with10 persons on the waiting list. This promises to be a wonderful evening for all attendees with a full, served dinner and entertainment by the "Diva and the Italian Guy". This duo has played locations up and down the Atlantic coast and has a reputation of giving an outstanding performance.

Vince also noted that this is a fund-raiser for our Council and $5790 gross has been brought in so far. To be successful, though, there is a need for help from Council members. He is looking for a bartender, set-up, and clean-up help. Your help is needed so give Vince a call at (704) 662-3930 or e-mail him at vinfrannie@windstream.net.

Brother Jack Madey is heading up this Council fund-raiser and he reminds all of us that for each coupon book sold, the Council receives a $10 commission. You can contact Jack at (704) 662-0220 or e-mail him at madeyjack1@gmail.com.  Books are also available from Sir Skip Reilly (skma39@windstream.net) or phone him at (704) 663-4011.

The books, containing discounts at leading restaurants and retailers, usually pay for themselves in one or two uses. In addition, they make great gifts for Christmas, birthdays or any gift-giving occasion

Our thoughts and prayers are with Klaus Boldt and his family on the loss of his wife last month. Sir Steve Kiseski complimented the Council for its visible support of Klaus in attending his wife's memorial service at the funeral home and her funeral Mass. A total of 15 brother Knights attended the Mass plus seven Fourth Degree Knights in full regalia.

A belated Family of the Month award went to Brother Dave Conklin. Dave's family was named the July Family of the Month for its service to the Council and St. Therese parish. Dave is the Assistant Director of the parish's Faith Formation and his wife, Melissa, serves on the Pastoral Council and in various lay ministeries.

The September Family of the Month honor was given to Pat D'Andrea for its work on another successful LAMB. Both Pat and his wife, Allana, are active in parish activities. Allana supplies food for the Bereavement Committee, helps out in the LINUS program that works with abused children at the Dove House and also is active in Faith Formation. Dave is a Eucharistic Minister and is working in his fourth Faith Formation year. He and Allana spearheaded this year's LAMB program.

An in-depth discussion was held during the September business meeting about how the Council should contribute money to help those who are ill and those who have died. Brother Clayton Brown has been heading up a committee to determine how the Council should honor brothers and their family members who have died.

Clayton's committee presented a formula whereby the Council would have a Mass said for a deceased brother, his wife, child or grandchild. In the case of the KofC member or his wife, an additional $100 would be sent to a charity or organization as specified by the family. In the case of the loss of a child, a Mass would be said and $75 sent to a charity or organization. In the case of a grandchild's death, a Mass would be said.

Any specified organization to receive money from the Council would have to be in alliance with the moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church..

The discussion also covered the possibilities of financial support of families, including non-members, when medical and related expenses were incurred where the individuals concerned need help to meet those financial demands.

Since these practices are not covered in the Council's by-laws, it was decided by a voice vote that the on-going by-laws committee would take the question under advisement, writing a by-laws addendum to establish a policy, and report back to the Council.

In the meantime, it was also voted to accept the suggestions of Clayton Brown's committee relative to a deceased member and his family until July 1, 2009 when a new Council Year begins. The question of financial support to others would be handled on a per-case situation until July 2009 when such requests would be affected by the new by-laws.

On September 8, we initiated four new members. Those receiving their First Degree were Ed Baud, Thomas Farmer, Jim Grogan and David Yost.

In addition to new members, we also are pleased to announce five new transfers to 7406. They are James Robertson, Wayne Koontz, Paul Britton, Joseph Vallone and Tom Spurrier.

Welcome to all of our new members. We look forward to working with you and getting to know you.

The Squires recently held an investiture ceremony, welcoming two new Squires into the St. Therese Circle. PJ "Phillip" Bischoff went to the State meeting and is now the Bursar for the State. Seven Squires participated in operation LAMB.

The next First Degree will be held on November 10 in conjunction with our monthly social meeting. Next Third Degree is scheduled for October 11 and the next Fourth Degree will occur on October 25.

The pumpkins are coming!! We'll be selling pumpkins for three weekends in October, beginning on October 11. Help is needed the morning of the 11th to unload the best pumpkins to be sold in the area. Come on out and help Chris Baker. His e-mail is chrisgbaker@alltel.net

Clayton Brown notes that our next Blood Drive will be held on October 25. He needs someone to assist him. Give him a call at (704) 664-5693 or e-mail him at DABOHART@AOL.COM.