november 2008 newsletter

Brothers, it is amazing how fast this year is going -- soon it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas. As we approach the holidays, we had another event, elections, so I take this opportunity to thank those of you who voted, exercising one of the great freedoms that we, here in this country, have.

I received a letter from a homily that Father Gary Selin shared with his congregation last week, October 19th, 2008. In his homily he made several statements that really hit home with me. First, Fr. Selin states, "What keeps many Catholics from thinking clearly about important matters is their addiction to media. This numbs the soul. Henry Ford once said: "2% of people think; 3% of people think they think; and 95% of people would rather die than think." Secondly, Father mentions, "We swim in our increasingly anti-Christian, pagan culture, and the temptation is for us to go with the flow. Go with the flow? In this respect Fr. Selin mentions "I am reminded of what G.K. Chesterton said;" A dead body floats downstream; only a living body can swim against the current."

Father Selin made one last point that I believe is worth mentioning: "It is sad that so many Catholics are practically brainwashed by the media, which helps them justify supporting same-sex marriage and abortion, for example. These are not natural attitudes (like atheism), but are learned from others. Want a proof? Go into a second grade classroom and ask the children: "If a woman is pregnant with a child, should she give birth to her baby or get rid of it?" They will say something like: "Of course she should give birth, for it is a wonderful thing to have a new baby!" Father continues; "Even though children need to be educated and disciplined, they also preserve a pure vision of moral life. They know intuitively what is good and evil. Children are never pro-abortion. This idea (attitude) is acquired later on in life, when adults lose this child-like innocence and convince themselves that abortion is permissible and it is OK to vote for those who support the killing of the children. "I will leave you with this last thought; it comes from the Gospel of Matthew 25:40, you may recognize it; it is our slogan for Operation LAMB: "Whatsoever you do to the least Among My Brethren, that you also do to me"

Vivat Jesus,

Brother in Christ, Gary Tadvick

MEMORIAL MASS

On Sunday, November 2, Council 7406 held its annual Memorial Mass for deceased Council brothers and their wives. Eleven fourth degree Knights, including the son of Mike Sebella, the first Grand Knight of 7406, were in full regalia and acted as honor guard during the Mass.

Celebrated by our Chaplain, Father Joseph Kappas, assisted by Deacon John Sims, the Mass included the reading of the Council's necrology plus the names of St. Therese parishioners who passed away during the past year. All lay minister participants, including lectors, ushers and lay distributors were from Council 7406.

A reception in the Parish Center followed the Mass.

CABARET SHOW

Our Cabaret Show last month was a spectacular success. With the exception of some meals being a little less than hot, everything went off as planned and everyone seemed to have a great time.

The meal of succulent beef, pasta, vegetable and salad was well-done and well-served. Prepared by chef Tory Gagliardo, the meal, topped off by a canoli dessert, was appreciated by all of the 200 guests. Included in those guests was our pastor, Fr. Vince Curtin, our new parochial vicar, Fr. Don Ward and our Chaplain, Fr. Joe Kappes..

"The Diva and the Italian Guy", the evening's entertainment, proved itself to be a true outstanding singing and laugh-out-loud comedy act. In addition to their entertaining the crowd, the diva and her Italian husband also gave the crowd its money's worth by performing over an hour.

A certificate of appreciation from the Council was presented to Chef Gagliardo during the October 27 business meeting in recognition of his culinary skills that made the evening such a success.

In addition to Gagliardo, GK Gary Tadvick also recognized Larry Paffrath, Vince Greco and Bobby Collins for their efforts and time in helping to make the evening all that it was. Thanks were also extended to Ed Kane and the many brothers and their wives who helped set-up, clean-up, worked in the kitchen and, in general, offered helping hands where needed. Father Curtin, was overheard to say that it was so much fun we should do it every month!

DOUBLE STAR COUNCIL

During the Cabaret evening, the Double Star Council award was presented to GK Gary Tadvick. Our Council is one of only six North Carolina councils to receive this award in 2007. The award is based on membership attainment and new insurance members.

FIRST DEGREE

The Council's regular bi-monthly First Degree initiation will be held on November 10. Any brothers who have potential members ready for their Exemplification are urged to get their form 100s to Matt Reilly (skma39@windstream.net)  or call him at (704)663-4011. The initiation will start at 7:30 with a social afterward.

COUPON BOOKS

The coupon books for 2009 are going well, but Jack Madey still has enough left to satisfy your needs. The coupons are good until December 2009 at many Mooresville and Mecklenburg County restaurants and retailers. They make great Christmas presents for your paper-carrier, mailman, teachers and others you want to remember in a special way. At $20 per book hey're a good value for your personal use, too,. A meal at some of the restaurants can return the major part of your investment. Call Brother Madey at (704) 662-0220 or e-mail him at madeyjack1@gmail.com .  Jack will be at the November 10 meeting with the books and they'll be available until November 15.

KNIGHTS & FAMILY OF THE MONTH

Roger Johnson was honored as the Knight of the Month for his contributions to the Council and to the Parish. Roger is a private home builder and has donated time and materials to various fix-ups around the parish.

Chris Baker and his family took home Family of the Month for their untiring efforts on behalf of the Council and Parish. Chris headed up the Pumpkin Patch again this year and, it seems wherever Chris is, so is his family. All of the family members took part in the successful pumpkin sales. The family was also honored for its many other contributions to St. Therese.

LAMB

After leading the Council's LAMB drive in 2008, Pat D'Andrea has had to resign the position. Taking over for Pat will be Chris Baker.

KITCHEN "DUDS"

The Council voted to purchase ten KofC aprons for use by those Knights and their wives who work in the kitchen during KofC sponsored events. Aprons were on display during the October business meeting. Don Mayer is handling the sales of the aprons and shirts for the Council. If you need either, contact Don at (704) 663-7593 of dmayer@juno.com.

SANTA CLAUS

Yep, he's coming on November 22 to help start the official St. Therese Christmas Season. The Knights will be hosting the event with waffles and ice cream. Check the bulletin for times.

BIRTHDAYS

NOVEMBER