February 1, 2015
Brothers,
Now, we are in the thick of things! We have five more months to this fraternal year. Now is the time to focus our energies on strengthening our force to support our Bishops and Priests, our Parishes, our communities, and our council. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson says, “Together we could be an enormous force for good in a world that so obviously needs the love of God and love of neighbor, which are reflected in our work.” In Arizona, we have several opportunities in February to help you and your council to meet this expectation.
Knights of Columbus stand in solidarity with our Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. At his ordination, a Deacon receives the power of worthily assisting the Priest and the Bishop and of preaching the Gospel. A Priest, like the apostles, gives up the things of the world and dedicates his life entirely to God and His service, wishing only the Lord for his portion. At his ordination, a Priest receives the power of forgiving sin and of offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He is made another Christ; a living representative of the Redeemer, Whose work he continues. Bishops are ordained to receive the power of confirming and ordaining. He is given the plentitude of the Priesthood and is made a Successor of the Apostles. Our great Order was founded by a Priest, Father Michael McGivney. In February, we have several opportunities to show our appreciation to our Clergy. On February 6, the Knights of Columbus are hosting the Diocese of Phoenix Priest Appreciation Dinner, at Ss. Simon & Jude Cathedral, in the Our Lady of Loreto Center. On February 17, the Knights of Columbus are hosting the Diocese of Tucson Priest Appreciation Dinner, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church. And, on February 23, the Knights of Columbus are hosting the Yuma La Paz Vicariate Religious Appreciation Dinner, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, in the Fr. John Friel Centre. I invite all Knights in Arizona to attend one of these dinners and bring your Parish Deacons and Priests with you.
A goal for every council should include being a fully active council by earning the Star Council Award in the 2014-2015 fraternal year. 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. From February 9 to 12, the Arizona State Council will be hosting “Reach for the Stars” Workshops, with three in the Phoenix metro area, and one in the Tucson metro area. Please plan to attend one of these workshops to help you achieve Star Council, Star District, and Circle of Honor.
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 an enormous force for good in your council, Church, family, and community.
Vivat Jesus!
Larry Becker
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