KofC and Special Olympics Arizona Successful Football Clinic

Brothers, 

Last night, the Knights of Columbus Arizona State Council and Supreme Council, in conjunction with the Special Olympics Arizona and Catholic Athletes for Christ, had a wonderful experience conducting a football clinic and two flag football games in Chandler Arizona. The Special Olympic athletes had a great time with several professional athletes in their clinic and game. 

Thank you State Youth Director Skip Hopler for doing such a fine job with this event! And thank you to the approximately 30 Arizona Brother Knights that came out and helped with the evening. Without you, we could not have pulled this off.

Please look at the front page of the Supreme website for an article and photos of the evening. www.kofc.org or https://www.kofc.org/un/en/news/releases/detail/knights-sponsor-football-clinic-special-olympics.html

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Vivat Jesus!

Larry Becker

Read More

Building the 4th Degree, Through the First Degree

Brothers and Sir Knights,

I am proud to introduce a new program for ALL 4^th Degree Sir Knights in Arizona called, “Building the 4^th Degree, Through the 1^st Degree.” Starting today, January 24, 2015, until June 30, 2015, all Sir Knights can qualify to participate in this new program if they truly believe in strengthening their assembly and the 4^th Degree in Arizona. Please read the attached document on the details. Please share this with your assembly as soon as possible. District Master SK Bob Holsinger and I hope to present you with your special 4th Degree recognition at the 2015 State Convention!

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Recruiter Flyer

Vivat Jesus!

SK Larry Becker

 January 24, 2015 

Sir Knights, 

To be called a “Sir Knight” is an honor and a privilege! It is perhaps the title I am most proud of in our great Order. I am very proud to be part of the visible arm of the Order. 

Are you aware that less than 1.5% of all 4th Degree Knights leave the Order on their own? Are you also aware that the average age of all Sir Knights in the Order is 64 years old? I truly value my interactions with our elder Sir Knights. They have a wealth of wisdom and knowledge available for us to learn. All we need to do is ask. However, today, there are more Sir Knights dying than are being brought into the 4th Degree. If we continue at this rate, in a matter of a few short years, the 4th Degree will be only a fraction of the size that it is today. 

We are in desperate times. We need to recruit more 4th Degree members to survive! We need to continue to ask current 3rd Degree members to join the 4th Degree. Perhaps the easiest way to get a new 4th Degree member, is to recruit new 1st Degree members into our councils. As an active proposer, we will be able to guide them quickly through the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree, and then into the 4th Degree. We need to invite more Catholic men into our Order so we continue to grow in strength to support our Bishops and Priests, our Church, and our community. 

As an added incentive to the current Arizona Star Recruiter program, and to help grow the 4th Degree in Arizona, we are introducing a new program, “Building the 4th Degree, Through the 1st Degree”, especially for 4th Degree members who recruit new members into their councils. Starting today, January 24, 2015 until June 30, 2015, any 4th Degree Knight who recruits a new member through their 1st Degree, will receive the 2014-2015 Arizona Star Recruiter pin plus an additional special 4th Degree commemorative gift. All you need to do is recruit a new member through his 1st Degree and complete the 2014-2015 Arizona Star Recruiter application form found under the Membership tab on the Arizona State website www.azknightsofcolumbus.org/p/membership.html , write the words “4th Degree” boldly written on the top of the form. Then, mail the form to Arizona State Council Knights of Columbus, 14175 West Indian School Rd Suite B4-626, Goodyear, Arizona 85395. This added 4th Degree award will be presented to those who earn it, at either the State Convention on Friday May 15, 2015 and at the State Organizational Meeting in July 2015. 

Please remember that your responsibility as a proposer is to stay with the new member through their Knights of Columbus career. Please continue to invite him to take his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degrees. You should be at the exemplifications with him, to support and celebrate his growth in the Order. You are helping him become a future leader in your council and assembly. 

By living our state theme “I will choose Christ, I will choose love, I choose to serve”, you will exemplify our four principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. With this, our current members and our new members can be a strong force in your council, assembly, Catholic Church, family and community. 

Vivat Jesus! 

Larry Becker State Deputy Arizona State Council Knights of Columbus 

Read More

Please support the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Brothers,

Supreme published the memorandum below.  I recommend you read it carefully and act on it accordingly.

H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This important measure will ban abortions on unborn children aged 20 weeks post-fertilization or older, based upon substantial medical evidence finding that these unborn children can experience pain. With H.R. 36, Congress will exercise its authority to protect these unborn children from abortion, and the horrible pain that it causes.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Vivat Jesus!

Larry Becker

Dear Brother Knight,

The U.S. House of Representatives will soon vote on H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This important measure will ban abortions on unborn children aged 20 weeks post-fertilization or older, based upon substantial medical evidence finding that these unborn children can experience pain. With H.R. 36, Congress will exercise its authority to protect these unborn children from abortion, and the horrible pain that it causes.

However, while a vote has been scheduled, successful passage of H.R. 36 is not assured. H.R. 36 needs your personal support. Please click here to contact your elected congressional representatives today. Ask them to support H.R. 36 with their vote. Be sure to also contact your Senators and ask them to introduce and cosponsor the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act in the U.S. Senate. If you will be in Washington for the upcoming March for Life, be sure to also personally visit your representatives in Congress and urge them to support this bill. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.

At the 131st Supreme Convention in San Antonio, we resolved to "speak out to our elected representatives about the need to enact legislation…to protect human life." With the upcoming vote on H.R. 36, it is more important than ever that Congress hears your voice.

Thank you for all you do to promote a Culture of Life.

Knights of Columbus

Read More

January Message from Church Director

Dear brothers,

As a Deacon of the Church, I am present at births, marriages, and deaths. It is very humbling when all three occasions occur for the same person. We must all give thanks to our God for the gift of life and always be prepared for the inevitable death that we will all succumb to. Be prayerful. Pray the rosary as we promised in our first degree.

Lent is fast approaching. This is a wonderful time to consider the gifts we have and how we share our time, talent, and treasure with those less fortunate than ourselves. This lenten season, I encourage my brother knight's to attend the Stations of the Cross at your parish or one nearby. This is a wonderful way for us to meditate on the life of Jesus and the message of charity that he shared in both word and deed. Consider making this a council function and move one step closer to Star Council.

Do you have a Deacon in your council? Ask them to do a Lenten retreat for the council. 

Please know that you are in my prayers, especially as I serve at the altar.

God bless you and those you love.

Dcn. Bruce Bennett, EdD

Read More

Three Top Reasons to March

Please watch this video on the Three Reasons to March for the March for Life
http://40daysforlife.com/2015/01/09/see-january-events

Read More

KofC "Reach for the Stars" Workshop in Arizona During February 2015

Brothers,

 

In an effort to help every Knight of Columbus council in the Arizona jurisdiction earn the coveted Star Council Award in the 2014-2015 fraternal year, we will be hosting a special workshop in February called “Reach for the Stars”, at four locations in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. (See the dates, time, and addresses below.)

 

Earning the Star Council Award is the very best way for a council to have a well-rounded, healthy, and productive environment for their membership. By having relevant programs, a council can attract new members and retain current members.  

 

You may already heard of our state’s focus on councils earning the Star Council Award. We have been encouraging every District Deputy in Arizona to have at least one council in their district earn this award this year. Some District Deputies have several councils working to reach this goal. We have challenged every District Deputy to earn the coveted Star District Award this year, as well. There is also a state level award similar to the Star Council and Star District, called ”Circle of Honor”. Arizona last earned this coveted award 5 years ago. It is time for Arizona to show the rest of the Order just how great this jurisdiction really is! You all deserve to earn this prestigious award. It is our state’s goal to earn this award through our continued stellar performance in the 2014-2015 fraternal year. You all deserve it!

 

All Brother Knights are invited to attend a workshop. They are designed to help you to earn the Star Council Award, plus answer your questions on the requirements to earn the award. The same agenda and material will be discussed at each of the workshops. You only need to attend one workshop. We look forward to seeing many Brother Knights at these important workshops.

 

“Reach for the Stars” Workshops

 

East Valley

Monday, February 9, 2015 7:00 to 9:00PM

Patterson Council #3121 Hall

644 E. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ

 

West Valley

Tuesday, February 10, 2015 7:00 to 9:00PM

Frey Francisco Garces Council #3855 Hall

8066 N. 49th Ave., Glendale, AZ

 

Tucson

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 7:00 to 9:00PM

Tucson Council #1200 Hall

601 S Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ

 

North Valley

Thursday, February 12, 2015 7:00to 9:00PM

St. Patrick’s Council #12449

St. Patrick Catholic Community, Fenlon Hospitality Center

10815 N. 84th St., Scottsdale, AZ (1Ž4 mi. north of Shea Blvd.)

 

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Vivat Jesus!

 

Larry Becker

 

 

Read More

Chalice Presentation

Attached is a photo of Fr. Godwin Ogamdhogwa, member of council 11738, receiving a 4th degree Chalice and Paten commemorating PFN Frank Dougherty of Assembly 1294 at the 2nd & 3rd degree ceremonial which was held in Glendale on January 18, 2015.

Fr. Ogamdhogwa will be returning to Uganda at the end of the month to teach at the seminary there.  The chalice will be donated to a parish where it will be gratefully accepted and used to celebrate mass.

Read More

Tucson March For Life Photo

Ten Sir Knights from five different southern Arizona Assemblies led the Tucson area "March for Life" January 17.  Numerous State officers and local Knights also participated in the Mass and walk.

Read More

Knights of Columbus Safe Environment

Brothers,

This afternoon, I spoke on the phone with Supreme about many of the issues presented to me by Brother Knights throughout Arizona on the Knights of Columbus Safe Environment program, which was instituted on January 5, 2015. Next week, Supreme will be mailing a message and materials to update all of the State Deputies in the Order on this program. I will share this with you when I receive them. Here are some of the key points that I learned today that you should know about this important program which was designed to keep the children in our community safe and help you negotiate what to do if a child reports an incident to you:

·         This is Phase 1 of the program. All of the positions listed below must be compliant by February 19, 2015, by watching Praesidiumin’s 3 on-line video programs.

o   State Deputy

o   State Advocate

o   State Youth Director

o   State Squire Chairman

o   ALL Grand Knights

o   All Faithful Navigators who’s Assembly has a Squire Circle

o   All adult Squire leaders

·         The only position required to be do a back ground check are adult Squire leaders, as they have direct interaction with children. All of the other positions do NOT have to do the back ground check.

·         Only the adult Squires leaders will be removed from their Squires position if they do not comply with this program and back ground check. They will not be removed from the Order. No other position listed above will be removed for not being compliant. As leaders in our Councils, we hope that all will be compliant without issue. This sets a good example for our members and community, showing that we believe our children’s safety is on top of our priority list.

·         In the few weeks, Supreme will have printed books available for those Brother Knights who do not have on-line access to a computer. With this, they can be compliant with the program.

·         As of now, the Knights of Columbus Safe Environment program needs to be taken in addition to your Diocesan Safe Environment program. Some day we hope to be in position to do one or the other.

·         The emails you are receiving on this program are from a secure vendor Praesidiumin. The Supreme office contracted with them to conduct the safe environment Armatus Online Training. These are legitimate emails. They are NOT a scam or fraud.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Vivat Jesus!

Larry Becker

Read More

Dedication Eagle Scout Project

Dedication Seamus Thomas' Eagle Scout Project at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School. The Flag Pole & Memorial are dedicated to the Four Chaplains of the USAT Dorchester which was sunk by a German U-Boat on February 3, 1943. After passing out all of the available life jackets, they gave up their own jackets so others might live. They all drown that day.

100- Honor Guard escorts Eagle Scout Seamus Thomas to the memorial

101- State Chaplain Fr Crino delivers the invocation as Eagle Scout Seamus & his Father, Navy Commander Christopher stand ready to raise the flag

102- Eagle Scout Seamus & his Father, Navy Commander Christopher raise the flag

103- Flag is raised

104- GK Robert Roll leads the all-school Assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance

105- Honor Guard with GK Robert Roll, Fr Crino, Eagle Scout Seamus’ family, & school Principal Mrs. Roll

Thanks,

Bill

Read More

Priest Appreciation Dinners

The Phoenix Priest Appreciation Dinner is Friday February 6 In Phoenix. All councils are invited to invite their priests to come to this annual event.

This will take place at SS Simon and Jude, Our Lady of Loreto Center starting at 6:00 PM.
Please consider sponsoring a priest also!

The cost is $35 per person. Please RSVP by January 16. 

More information is available on the flyer.

Read More

KofC Supreme and Arizona State Council Super Bowl Activities

Brothers,

 

The Arizona State Council has been offered an exciting opportunity to work alongside the Supreme Council and Catholic Athletes for Christ, in conjunction with the NFL Super Bowl being held in Phoenix. I’d like to offer you an invitation to participate in these activities. Please note only a limited number of Brother Knights will be able to participate due to the size and scope of these activities. Basically, it will be first come first served. 

 

1.       Flag Football Game with  Arizona Special Olympics, with Professional Athletes coaching in the game on Tuesday January 27, 2015:

·         Where: Nozomi Park, 250 S. Kyrene Rd., Chandler, AZ 85226

·         When: Time 5:00PM set up until about 9:00PM clean up

·         Who: 

§  About 40 Special Olympics Arizona athletes

§  6 to 10 professional athletes affiliated with the Catholic Athletes for Christ (CAC) 

§  Several Supreme Council members will be present 

§  25 Arizona Knights of Columbus to help with the activity

·         What:

§  Football Clinic hosted by the professional athletes for the Special Olympics Arizona athletes

§  Flag Football Game with the Special Olympics Arizona athletes that the professional athletes will coach and referee

§  Supreme is supply a photographer and videographer, as well

§  Please RSVP State Youth Director Skip Hopler by Sunday January 25 at  ehopler@cox.net

 

2.       Knights of Columbus and Catholic Professional Athletes for Christ Luncheon Friday January 30, 2015:

·         Where: Diocese of Phoenix Diocesan Pastoral Center (DPC), 400 West Monroe, Phoenix AZ

·         When:  

§ Mass starts at 12:05PM in the DPC Chapel. Bishop Nevares will be the celebrant

§ Lunch served immediately follow Mass, served in the DPC. End at about 3:00PM

·         Who:

§ About 25 professional athletes affiliated with the Catholic Athletes for Christ (CAC) 

§ About 15 Priests and dignitaries from the DPC are invited to attend

§ Several Supreme Council members will be present 

§ 35 Arizona Knights of Columbus members are invited to attend

·         What:

§ Mass in the Chapel

§ 10 to 15 minute movie to be shown about CAC

§ Athletes to give testimony of their sports and faith lives

§ Supreme is supply a photographer and videographer, as well

§ Please RSVP State Deputy Larry Becker by Tuesday January 27 at  azlarry@cox.net

§ After the Mass and Lunch, you may want to walk across the street and go to the NFL Experience. See the attached map.

·         Meal:

§ Served lunch for $20.00 per person

§ Please pay at the door

§ This is limited to the first 35 Brother Knights who RSVP. Once you RSVP, there will be no refund for the cost of your lunch

 

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Vivat Jesus!

 

Larry Becker

 

Read More

FW: Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics Basketball & Cheerleading Competition

Good Morning Brothers,

         Attached is the sign up spreadsheet for the Special Olympics Coronado Area Basketball & Cheerleading Competition.
This event will be held on Saturday, February 7th, at the Sporting Chance Center (2100 W. Curtis Road, Tucson, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (two shifts).

Please fill out the attached spreadsheet and return it to me as soon as you can.
I will not be able to attend this event as I will be out of the area in Washington State.

Vivat Jesus!!!

Kevin Donnelly
State Special Olympics Chairman
Arizona State Council
Knights of Columbus

 
 
2015 Coronado Area Basketball & Cheerleading Competition
Saturday, February 7^th 
Sporting Chance Center (2100 W. Curtis Road)

 
 
 

Shift 1:  8:00am – 11:15am
Events:  Middle/High School Team Basketball, Cheerleading, Basketball Individual Skills (all ages)
Volunteer Assignments:  (Age 16 & over, unless specied)
·         Basketball  Individual Skills  :  25 slots  
·         Basketball Score/Time Keepers:  9 slots
·         Basketball Referees (Officials):  8 slots  (Basketball Officiating Experience or Knowledge Required; age 18 & over)  
·         Front Door Security/Greeters:  6 slots
 

 

Shift 2:  11:15am – 4:30pm
Events:   Adult Team Basketball
Volunteer Assignments: (Age 16 & over, unless specified)
·         Basketball Score/Time Keepers:  12 slots
·         Basketball Referees (Officials) – 12 slots  (Basketball Officiating Experience or Knowledge Required; age 18 & over)  
·         Front Door Security/Greeters:  4 slots

 
Other:

·         Cheerleading Judges:  9:30am – 11:15am   5 slots  (Cheerleading experience required)
·         Photographers:  Flexible Shifts (Must have own camera and ability to put photos on a CD/DVD)

 

Volunteer slots will be filled on a first-come basis.

 

Contact:  Holly Thompson at hollythompson@soaztucson.org (no phone calls please).
 
Please include the following information in your email reply:
Name:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Preferred Shift:
Preferred Assignment:

 

Volunteer groups are asked to designate one contact person to email on their behalf.  Please contact me prior to recruiting volunteers to make sure we can accommodate a group of your size.
 

 

Thank you for your support of Special Olympics Arizona!

 
 
 
Holly Thompson
Coronado Area Director
Special Olympics Arizona
 
www.SpecialOlympicsArizona.org
 
HollyThompson@soaztucson.org 
 
Direct: 520.207.1382      Fax: 520.207.0789
 
3340 N. Country Club Road - Suite 102, Tucson, Arizona 85716
 

Read More

Free Throw Championship Information

Brother Knight’s,

It’s hard to believe that 2015 is upon us.  With the start of the New Year we need to be thinking about the State Free Throw Championship.  We are Joe Danko and Howard Birnbaum and are co-chairing this event.  We would  like to begin by thanking past Chairman Stoney Wims for his leadership over the past few years.

The Free Throw Championship is a Supreme sponsored activity and has grown each and every year thanks to your active and early involvement in getting the word out.  Now is the time to get started and plan this year’s Championship at the Council and District levels. Below are some key dates and general information for you to review at your upcoming Officer’s and Council Meeting’s.

·         Council Level Championships should be completed by the end of January

·         District Level Championships must be completed before the State Championship

·         State Free Throw Championship will be February 28, 2015 at Notre Dame Catholic High School in Scottsdale.  Sign-in starts at 9 AM with Free Throw competition beginning around 10:15 AM; awards will be presented at noon and a light lunch served around 12:30 PM.

Please select your Free Throw Chairman now, order the Free Throw Championship kit from Supreme, and start planning today!  Working with other Councils in your District may also be helpful.  Some areas may not have access to basketball courts so pooling resources to complete this great program would be beneficial.  If you need any assistance getting the word out or working with another Council let us know and we will be happy to help.

This is also a great way to build our membership by showcasing this great program to your Parish and Community.

Let’s make this the best and most attended year yet!  Please contact one of us if you have any questions. 

Vivat Jesus,

Joe Danko                                                                 Howard Birnbaum

PKG, PFN, District Deputy, District 15                 GK, Council 7465

State Basketball FT Co-chairman                         State Basketball FT Co-chairman

joedanko@cox.net; cell: 602-710-0418                   buckbirn@aol.com  cell: 602-809-5442

Read More

Eagle Scout Project - Knights in Action

Seamus Thomas' Eagle Scout Project at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School was the installation of a 25' Flag Pole, seating wall, and paver patio dedicated to the Four Chaplains of the USAT Dorchester which was sunk by a German U-Boat on February 3, 1943. After passing out all of the available life jackets, they gave up their own jackets so others might live. They all drown that day. 

The project took place over the Christmas Holiday.

1) Brother Knight Donald Vath of Council 11855, provides technical suggestions to Eagle Scout Candidate Seamus Thomas

2) Future Knight Billy Barrett helps to dig the 36" wide and 48" deep hole for the flag pole. 

3) The trench for the footer of the seating is being dug under a canopy. What luck that it would rain in Tucson for the first time weeks on the first day of the project

4) SK Bill Buhs of Council 13272 & Assembly 2308 gives technical advice to Eagle Scout Candidate Seamus Thomas on how to install the flag pole base

5) Finally, a sunny day when the seating wall is installed

6) The completed memorial garden.

7) The seating wall has three levels and a paver patio with engraved pavers.

8) One of the pavers dedicated to Fred Welch who served our nation in Vietnam.

Read More

State Deputy Message - January 2015

January 1, 2015

Brothers,

Happy New Year! This is the time we set new resolutions for ourselves to try to improve our lives during the New Year. Some want to go on a diet. Some want to stop smoking. And, some want to improve a skill. A council can make resolutions, too. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson says, “Our principles are just words if we do not live them out.” Each of us and our council can choose to live by our principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Here are two New Year resolutions that a council should promise to do to live out our principles; one, embrace and support the culture of live from conception to natural death; and two, be a fully active council by earning the Star Council Award in the 2014-2015 fraternal year.

On January 22, 1973, the United Sates Supreme Court voted 7 to 2 majority vote in favor of the Roe vs. Wade decision to legally allow abortion. The Court deemed abortion a fundamental right under the United States Constitution. Every year, on the anniversary of the decision, opponents of abortion march up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., in the March for Life. The 2013 March for Life drew an estimated 650,000 people. There will be similar marches held throughout Arizona in January 2015. Please organize your council, families, and parishioners to participate in these marches. Wear your council shirts and name badges. Bring your council flag. Let Arizona know that the Knights of Columbus are standing up for the rights of the unborn. There is a huge need for a 4-D Ultrasound machine in Tucson at the “Fatima Women’s Center” in Tucson. This center is affirming the dignity and value of each and every woman and baby they are privileged to care for. These “state of the art” machines cost about $80,000. There is a need to organize 8 to 10 councils’ coordinated fund raising efforts to raise $40,000 before May 1, 2015. Supreme will contribute the other $40,000. Your State Deputy will be happy to help coordinate this effort. Over the last few years, Arizona has already provided four ultrasound machines across the state. Please consider this as a New Year resolution.

The Star Council Award is the pinnacle achievement which shows that your council is working to support its members’ families, and bring relevant programs to its membership, parish, and community. The Star Council Award recognizes outstanding achievement in membership, insurance and service program activities. Councils must conduct and report at least four major programs in each of the Service Program categories: Church, community, council, family, culture of life, and youth. It is our moral obligation to grow and strengthen our councils with new members. New members help to secure your council’s future by developing new leaders to continue the good work you are doing today. Every Brother Knight in Arizona needs to recruit a new member now. This will strengthen charity the Order in Arizona to better support our freedoms and the Catholic Church. Please consider this as a New Year resolution.

Remember that by living our State theme, “I will choose Christ, I will choose love, I choose to serve”, you and your council will exemplify our four principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. With this, your current members and your new members can be a strong force in your council, Church, family, and community.

Vivat Jesus!

Larry Becker

Read More