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Showing posts with label deputy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deputy. Show all posts

Thursday, May 24, 2018

State Deputy Message - May 23, 2018

May 23, 2018

Brothers,

Our State Convention has concluded, and I believe it was a great success!

Our State Officers for the 2018-2019 Fraternal Year will be.

State Deputy – Tom Kalisz
State Secretary – Mario Vassallo
State Treasurer – Luigi Baratta
State Advocate – Tom Kato
State Warden – Kevin McCarthy
Immediate Past State Deputy – Sean Halpain

Congratulations and good luck to each. I trust our membership statewide will support these men as they undertake the challenges of a new position while transitioning their current responsibilities to their successor. The time after Convention is very busy for both the State Secretary and the State Treasurer.

At the State Convention we conducted a Council Roll call to get some information about how many new members are expected to join our order between the Convention and June 30, 2018.  We also asked if a Council expected to earn Star Council status.  I want to thank all the Councils that responded.  State Officers will be calling those Councils that were not able to attend the Convention to get this information from them. 

I ask each of you to continue your efforts to grow your Councils and our Order so that we can continue to be able to respond to our Bishops, Pastors, and Parishes when they call on the Knights.

Looking forward, I let you know in an earlier message that the Surge of Service Program that had been used for years was being retired.  In its place will be the Faith in Action program.  Key changes are ending Council and Youth categories and combining them in with the categories of Faith, Family, Community, and Life.

The following is a link to the revised Form 365 Service Program Personnel Report.  Our State Deputy Elect will learn more at his June State Deputy Orientation meetings.  If you have more questions, bring them to your District Deputy after they return from the State Organizational meeting being held beginning on June 30th in Phoenix.

Our State Assistance Membership Director Ken White has been working for several weeks on a concept for “2 Man Teams”.  The concept, first brought to us by Supreme in August, is to create some dedicated teams to assist Councils with their Membership Recruiting efforts.   We put this on hold when Arizona was selected to be one of the 7 pilot states for E-Membership.  Continuation of this program, or a variation, will be decided by our State Deputy Elect and his Membership Director.  Regardless, the information Ken has assembled in preparing for this will only help our State going forward. Thanks to any that assisted Ken in this ground work.

Check your brief cases and notebooks.  Make sure all Form 100s for men that have completed their Admissions Degrees are completed accurately and submitted to Supreme as soon as possible.  We owe this to these men, so they can realize the benefits they are now entitled to receive.

Finally, now is the time to look at your programs to see if you have any that need to be completed. I realize not every Council will achieve Star Council Status, but with the Supreme Columbian, Founders, and McGivney Awards I believe that every Council has the potential to earn one of these.  Regardless of the Award, it is very gratifying to be presented one of these by your District Deputy, a State Officer, or our State Deputy.



Vivat Jesus,
Sean Halpain
State Deputy

Sunday, April 01, 2018

State Deputy Message - April 2018

April 2018


Arizona State Council
Knights of Columbus
Office of State Deputy




Worthy Grand Knights and Brothers,

How did your March Church / Membership Drives go?  Do you have Admissions Degrees scheduled to bring in those men that expressed interest in joining you in the most significant Catholic Lay organization in the World?

If you were not able to conduct a Church Drive have you updated your bulletin announcements to include an invitation to join?  Many Church Bulletins have a message from the Knights close to this. Call GK. xxxx at (phone number) if you want to join the Knights of Columbus”

Not very inspiring is it?  How about changing the announcement and list one or two reasons for them to join?  Be creative. Example “Wanted.  Men, especially young men and married men just starting their families. We have programs to help you be a better Catholic, husband, father.  Let us tell you more. My name is --- , my phone number is xxx., and I am a Knight of Columbus “

April numbers are slightly lower than expected after our March drives. Check with your Financial Secretary to be sure those Form 100s are sent in as soon as the member completes his Degree.

Have guys that are interested but not ready to fully commit? Point them to
E-Membership (www.kofc.org/joinus). They can become Knights of Columbus members and learn as they go.  Just ask them to include your Council number or Parish so we can get you their information to follow up.

Now is the time to finish up those programs and begin to submit your paperwork for Supreme and State Awards. We still have incentive programs going that could earn you or your Council gifts and awards.

Busy on Tuesday April 24th?  If you are not attending our MPC Training session in Green Valley then you are free to attend the Supreme Training Webinar, Fishing is like Recruiting. Supreme has made it easy to sign up. Visit www.kofc.org/webinar  or use the shortened link https://conta.cc/2J07cHr. There will be something in this meeting that will help you finish the year strong.  Don’t wait until next year.  Get


those members in now so they are comfortable once your fall programs begin.  Check the State Website for other training dates and locations.

Speaking of programs, after nearly 50 years our famous Surge with Service Program model is being retired. Beginning July 1, 2018 our new program model will be Faith in Action. The exciting news is that instead of needing 4 programs in each of 6 areas, for a total of 24, you will now need only 4 programs in the 4 new areas to earn the Columbian Award.

More information will follow but next years Grand Knights will need to fill the following positions: Faith Director, Family Director, Community Director, and Life Director.  You will no longer need a Council or Youth Director.  These programs will be brought in under one of the new groups.

I would like to close by congratulating the winners of our March Membership drive. These men were drawn from among all that recruited a member in March to participate on the Arizona State Council golf team at the Golf for Vocations event April 12th.
Chris Moore, Council 10799 led the way with 4 members recruited. Also selected were Len Rheaume (11738). Raul Chavez (3855) and Thomas Pickard (9485), and Jack Swartz (15001).

We still have almost 2 ½ months left this year to complete our programs and achieve our goals. Make plans now to have a Supreme Award presented to your Council at a Mass in your Parish and work toward that goal.  It is a fantastic feeling to have your fellow parishioners come up to you after Mass and congratulate you and admit they never realized how much the Knights do in their church.

Vivat Jesus,


Sean Halpain State Deputy

Monday, March 05, 2018

State Deputy Message - March 2018

March 5, 2018

Ready, Set, Recruit!

March is the second of our dedicated Membership Drive months.  We all know that recruiting is 365 days of the year but each October and March we make special efforts to schedule with our Councils and Parishes to conduct Church and Membership Drives.

Last November we realized a very large increase in membership.  I believe that much of this gain came about because of our efforts during our October Membership Drives.  If you have not already planned your drive, it is not too late.  Contact you Parish as soon as possible to make plans to conduct a Membership Drive.  For those that might say “We tried Church Drives and they don’t work” I have only one response.  The Church Drive just didn’t work the way you tried.  Do it differently.  If you need ideas contact your District Deputy, your State Membership Team or your State Officers.  If necessary, use E-Membership to get men to Join and then transfer them to your Council when the complete their Admissions Degree. You still get credit for a new member.

Why recruit.  Is it just about the numbers?  Yes, it is about the numbers.  It is about having more Catholic men join us in support of our Bishops and Priests.  It is about having more Catholic men becoming the Leaders of their Domestic Churches.  It is about proving opportunities for Catholic men to bring their families the protection of our benefit programs.  It is about standing beside Catholic men as we step Into the Breach for our faith and church.

The frosting on the cake are the several incentive programs we have going on for those that recruit a new member.  We have incentive programs for Councils, Individuals, and District Deputies.  The Star Recruiter program is still going and for any that recruit a new member Supreme still has the drawing for 10 members to go the World Meeting of the Families in Ireland.

How are your programs going?  Will you have 4 activities in each of the areas of Church, Council, Community, Youth, Culture of Life and Family?  Need ideas, check State Program Director Larry Power’s monthly messages about programs.  Contact Larry or any of the Directors listed in your State Directory for ideas and assistance. 

Councils, and the State, are down to our last 4 months to make that push for Star Council and Circle of Honor awards.  Nate Raso and the Field Agents from the Raso Agency are working very hard to protect your families.  As leaders and members, you cannot rely on the Field Agents alone to get you your Insurance members.  Each Grand Knight has the responsibility to promote our Fraternal Benefits to the members of their Councils. Other Council, District, and State Officers have this same responsibility.

As you all must know by now, Supreme has become very serious about the Knights of Columbus supporting our Bishops in providing a Safe Environment in our Churches and at our activities.  Grand Knights and Youth Directors are required to not only meet their Diocesan Safe Environment standards but also complete the Supreme program.  State Advocate Luigi Baratta has been reminding many that compliance is a two-part course.  Many have completed one part and thought they were finished only to find out they were only half done.  Don’t be that guy that prevents your Council from their Star Council Award because you did not fulfill these requirements.  Contact Luigi if you have any questions.

State Convention will be here before you know it.  May is only 2 months away. State Secretary Tom Kalisz has been contacting Councils about their unpaid State Per Capita.  Supreme has been also contacting Councils if they are not current on their Supreme Per Capita.  We want every Council to be represented at the State Convention, so I ask you to review your accounts and become current.

But, four months is enough time to turn around your year.  Has this been a slow recruiting year?  Not many programs?  Too many negative comments at meetings? Are you part of the problem or will you become part of the solution?  Set aside your personal agendas and grow our Order so we can regain, in every Parish, the honor of being the strong right arm of the Church.

I had the privilege to be at the closing event for a Women’s Cursillo in Phoenix last month.  When asked about her experience one of the ladies said what she learned from the Holy Spirit is to “Serve without Reserve”.  Shouldn’t this be our mindset? 

For members that want to move up in our Order, remember that Council elections are coming in May.  Let others know you want to serve in this manner. If you are an Officer that has held office for many years, it might be a good time to step aside and become a mentor to a new generation of leaders.  Share with them you experience, both good and bad, and enjoy the joy of watching them as they develop as the next Leaders.  Yes, they will make mistakes.  I made mistakes on my path to State Deputy and still make some just as many of you have.  Don’t let that prevent you from supporting them as they grow as our new leaders.

Finally, Brenda and I wish each of you a wonderful Lent as we anticipate the celebration of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Vivat Jesus,
Sean Halpain
Arizona State Deputy

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

State Deputy Message - October

October 8, 2017
Brothers,
Those Knights in Tucson should already be aware but for the rest of our Members, we now have a new Bishop in Tucson. Bishop Gerald Kicanas submitted his notice of retirement to the Pontiff when he turned 75 last year, as required by Cannon Law. On Tuesday October 3, 2017 Bishop Edward Weisenburger was introduced as the next Bishop of Tucson. Bishop Weisenburger was Bishop of Salinas, Kansas prior to this announcement. He is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and the Kansas State Deputy Vince Melvin has let me know the Bishop is a strong supporter of the Knights.

We will miss Bishop Kicanas, who has been a friend and champion of the Knights of Columbus since his arrival in Tucson. District Master Bryant Sayers and I were honored and privileged to be invited by Bishop Kicanas to be present at the announcement.

We have now completed the first quarter of this Fraternal Year. How is your Council doing? Are you conducting programs that support your Pastor and our goal of Building the Domestic Church in support of our Parishes? Are you using these programs to attract or create interest among men in your Parish to join our Order as we support our Parishes and fulfill the vision of our Founder Father Michael J. McGivney? Have you recruited a new member and held an Admission Degree this quarter? It is not too early to work toward your Star Council, Star District and other Supreme Awards.

For the first three months of this year we have added 166 new members as Arizona Knights. This does not count those men that transferred to Arizona from other states. This is great! We are a little short of the goals we set but with October beginning I am confident we will get back on track.

October is traditionally a big month for the Knights of Columbus. We hold our Fall Church and Membership Drives in October. We are also the major sponsor of the annual Arizona Rosary Celebration as well as conducting our PWID drives. This is a great month to show prospective members how we are active in both support of those in our communities and that we are fully engaged in the spiritual side as we publicly proclaim our devotion to Jesus through Mary with recitation of the Rosary.

Your District Deputies should by now have made you aware of some information we will be gathering for our October membership drives. If they have not yet talked with you about this, give them a call so you will be ready when they ask you at the end of the month how things went.

In the next few days our State Program Director Larry Powers will be sending out information from our various State Chairman related to the different programs that Supreme, the State, and Councils can plan for over the next few months. Going forward we will have the various State Chairman work through Larry Arizona State Council Knights of Columbus Office of State Deputy to present broadcast messages to the Councils and state membership. I also encourage you to visit both our state website: www.azknightsofcolumbus.org and the Supreme website www.kofc.org on a regular basis. Almost all the messages we send out are also listed on our State Website.

I trust by now the Councils have received their supply of the Fraternal Leader Success Planner. I apologize on behalf of the Order for the delay in getting these to the Councils. Supreme tried a new process this year of sending them directly to the Councils rather than to the State Deputy. As with many initial undertakings this endeavor did bring to light some logistic difficulties.

Even though these were delayed in getting to you, I encourage you to begin using them right away. History has shown that setting goals, tracking progress and planning produce better results. You will see that the October highlighted program is the Holy Family Prayer Program. We have two images of the Holy Family in Arizona along with the prayer programs to be used to host a Parish or group prayer event. District Master Bryant Sayers or State Family Director David Fischer can provide you additional information and arrange for one of the images to come to your Council.

As your Council conducts and reports your PWID activity I ask that you help our State Council and State Treasurer. Councils submit a list of the groups they wish their portion of the PWID proceeds to be directed to. In the past we have prepared the checks made out to these groups but sent them to the Councils for you to present to your charities. Unfortunately, there are still many checks that have not been deposited. We are looking at sending these directly to your designated recipients. This should cut down on the number of checks lost or misplaced. There comes a point in time that funds not used are considered abandoned and the State Council will donate the money elsewhere and not reissue the checks.

This week we will have our Supreme Membership & Program Consultant Pat Maloney traveling in Arizona to present some training for Council Officers and members. We have not had high turnout in the past. We have sent several reminders about these sessions. We are looking to do at least two more rounds this year. Let your District Deputies know what type of additional training you are interested in receiving so we can plan further in advance. We need to build stronger Programs and recruit more Members to work with us as we do the work that Knights do. Remember to sign up and participate in the Supreme Training Webinars. The next one is October 18th and Supreme will be presenting this one beginning at two different times to accommodate Knights nationwide.

Finally, I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at one of this month’s Arizona Rosary Celebrations. Because the money sent for sponsorship ads in the Program book were down this year I ask that you, and those you invite to attend with you, be generous in donating at the events when we take up a collection to support this event.

Vivat Jesus,

Sean Halpain
State Deputy

Saturday, September 30, 2017

State Deputy Message - September


September 2017 

Brother Knights, 


I hope you each had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. As you know, many of our Brothers in Texas and Louisiana spent their time serving in their communities with the relief and recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey struck. 

Your State Council in conjunction with the Arizona Knights of Columbus Charity Inc. donated directly to the Texas State Council Disaster Fund. I encourage all Councils and members to support the Supreme Council’s Disaster efforts with a donation to the Supreme Disaster Fund. You can find the information on the Supreme Website at www.kofc.org. 

Labor Day too many still represents a day to honor the workers; those who perform the labor of our Nation. We honor the factory workers, the farm workers, those in construction trades and in service to others. Many of us are or have been a laborer at some point in our life. 

Like our Brothers in Texas, Louisiana, and soon to be in Puerto Rico and the Southeast, Knights have a long history of service in the form of manual labor to our Parishes, communities, and families. This is our proud heritage. 

Labor Day now also means the end of Summer, although in Arizona it is hard to equate this as we are still hot and schools started weeks ago. But, now that Summer and Labor Day are over it is time to return to work. 
We need to refocus on two major activities. We need to select and implement programs that will serve the Domestic Church and build our Parishes, and we need to recruit more new members to help us in these programs. At the same time, let’s ignite the feelings of those that are thinking about leaving the Knights of Columbus. Our retention efforts are as important as recruiting. Men joined us for a reason, often to be involved with projects. Let’s find out how to bring them back and get them involved as well. 

Our Fast Start recruiting program did not start fast in July as we hoped but August was great. We surpassed the August goal set by our Supreme Knight for Arizona of recruiting one more member than any August in the last 5 years. Soon 6 Councils will each receive a check for $100 for their efforts. Fast Start runs through September. Watch for a message from our State Membership Chairman Kevin McCarthy and get involved. 

District Deputies need to make sure the Form 450 is submitted for every degree in his district, even if he cannot attend them. Prizes are also awarded based on First Degree Exemplifications but we pull the information from Supreme, so get those turned in and copy us. 

Another exciting activity for us will soon be in full swing. As I mentioned before, State Program Director Larry Powers and his Program Chairman will begin proving messages on a regular basis about Domestic Church and state-wide programs to assist the Councils in planning their efforts. These are designed to supplement and compliment but not replace your traditional Council service projects. 

To this end, if your Council has not received a supply of the 2017-2018 Fraternal Leader Success Planner let your DD know. He will make a list and push it up to his ASO. We promoted this at the Organizational meeting and asked you to use this tool in planning and tracking your activities. We need to know if you have them yet. Septembers’ featured program is Coats for Kids. Some Councils in Arizona do participate in this program. Many find another needed Youth Program to use in place of Coats for Kids. The point is, do something. 

It is not too early to start working toward Star Council and Star District. Just as in recruiting, you won’t make your goal in the first three months of the Fraternal Year, but if you don’t get a good start, you may certainly miss your chances by the end of the year. Avoid the June rush and complete your programs and membership growth before State Convention. 
For many years Supreme has required State Deputies, State Advocates, Grand Knights, and Youth Directors to complete the required Safe Environment program. This year completion of these is now a requirement for Star Council and for Circle of Honor. If Grand Knights are not aware of this program contact State Advocate Luigi Baratta for details. This is in addition to your Diocese requirements. 

By time most of you read this the deadline for supporting the Arizona Rosary Celebration by purchasing ads in the Program Book will have passed. Current reports show a very disappointing response. Program Ad sales are the single largest financial contributor to the costs of the events. To avoid being in the red for this event we need you to attend and encourage as many as possible to attend as well. Most importantly, when we make the plea for donations during these events I ask each to give very generously. Future Rosary Celebrations may depend on this year. It would be sad to see a setback in the 42-year history of this glorious public display of community prayer. We want to grow the event to reach more people with the Rosary of our Lady and the promises, not make is smaller. 

Are you ready for training? Supreme has monthly Webinars on a wide variety of topics to assist Officers as well as members gain additional training and information to allow them to better perform their duties. Our State Training Coordinator Bob Julien is working with our Supreme MPC to schedule in person training sessions the week of October 9-14th. Once the locations are announced, plan to attend a session near you. With a state as large as Arizona we won’t be able to have close locations every time. We are actively working to schedule additional sessions several times this year. 

Finally, I want to thank each of you for living the lessons we learned in our Ceremonials. Those that are only First Degree or Second Degree Knights, make a commitment to yourself to complete the stages to become a full Knight. 

Yes, we are known by our badges, by our shirts, by our Logo, but we are mostly known in our Parishes and communities by the charitable and service work we perform and by the example of our actions as Catholic Gentlemen. Many around us know we are Knights even if we are not wearing the Emblem of the Order. They either respect us for how we act, or condemn us because of actions by a small few. Let’s all continue to earn and maintain that respect. You, your families, and Fr. Michael McGivney deserve nothing less. 

Vivat Jesus, 

Sean Halpain 

Arizona State Deputy 

Thursday, August 31, 2017

State Deputy Message - August

August 1, 2017
Brothers,
Greetings from the Supreme Convention in St. Louis, Missouri! Your delegates, including all of the State Officers, are here to meet with Knights from around the world, as we honor last year's successes and learn more about the programs we will promote this fraternal year.

I want to thank you all for your efforts to grown our membership during the last fraternal year. Regrettably we were 28 new members short so we did not return to the Circle of Honor we achieved last year under IPSD Larry Becker. We made a valiant effort but, quite frankly, we delayed too long to start asking men to join us in support of our Bishops, Priests and Parishes. We believe we achieved our goal of 30 Star Councils.

In order to get going earlier this year our State Membership Director Kevin McCarthy has some Fast Start incentive programs for July, August, and September. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson challenged each State to recruit one member more in each of these months than they had in their best effort over the last 5 years. For Arizona that means 61 in July, 70 in August and 95 in September. There are cash prizes for Councils if we make these goals. As of last Saturday we only had 35 for July. Contact your District Deputies for more information about these incentives.

Some have asked why recruit in the summer? Many of our council’s take the summer off or have few events or programs. What a perfect time to recruit. Kids are going back to school, vacations are ending, and if you recruit now you will have new members to help with those fall programs you have planned. Bring those eligible men in now so you can get them involved right away and retain them for life.

You have already seen messages from our new State Programs Director Larry Powers. Just as Kevin has provided Membership updates during the year, Larry will be highlighting Programs as well. If you look at your Fraternal Leadership Planner you will see that August highlights the Family. August 7-13 is Family Week. Do you have any events planned for that week or any time this month? It is not too late; work with your brothers and Parish community to hold an event. Show the community the range of activities we have that include the family.

If your Grand Knights have not received any emails to relay to the Councils, ask if they have turned in their State Directory form? The form the State requests is different than the Form 185 that is sent to Supreme. Both are needed and now past due.

Are you a member that wants to get more involved in State programs and Chairmanships? We are so in need of brother knights who are willing to develop and lead various activities. Also look at the Supreme website and review the Domestic Church section; as this is the basis for many of our events this year. If you are interested in learning more or have ideas to share contact Kevin McCarthy, Larry Powers or me.

Finally it is not too early to make plans to join in the Arizona Rosary Celebration events the weekend if October 20-22, 2017. Most of the activities are planned for Tucson and Phoenix but several areas outside these metro areas will hold concurrent Rosary Celebrations. We need your support, especially financially. Sell ads to local businesses and purchase an ad for your Council or Parish. Look at the Arizona Rosary celebration website, www.AzRosary.com for more information.

Have a great August and a fulfilling year as we live the Gospel and the call to live our faith by how we conduct our lives.

Vivat Jesus!
Sean Halpain, State Deputy

Tuesday, July 04, 2017

State Deputy Message - July 2017

July 4, 2017

Brothers,

Thank you for all your efforts during the 2016-17 Fraternal year.  I trust that you completed the year with a feeling of fulfillment that you have served you Pastor, Parish, Community and membership in a manner that will make you proud.

As a State, we made a great effort in May and June to return Arizona to the Ranks of Circle of Honor. At this time, it looks like we came up 28 new members short of the Goal set by Supreme for Arizona of 950. Although coming so close was a big disappointment we can hold our heads up with the knowledge that we did a turn around and got back on track. Early in the year and at mid-year, finishing this well was a far-off dream. One of the pearls of Wisdom that members of the Supreme Membership staff reminds us is that States don’t make Circle of Honor the first 4 months of the year, but they can miss it if those months are not productive.

With that wisdom in mind we want to begin our 2017-2018 Fraternal Year with renewed energy, as we all work to grow our order to better serve our Bishops, Priests and Parish Communities. As we grow and move forward we need to also look at getting younger. If you look around you will notice that the brothers who you have been with for many years are no longer young like they once were. Not only did we age, but so did our friends.

Last year our State Theme was “Be the Leader of Your Domestic Church”. I asked each of you to fill the void that has been created over the years in our families and be the one that leads the faith and formation of your families.

This year our State Theme is “Supporting Life at Every Stage”. 

We need to remember that not only do we stand for the teachings of our Catholic Church and provide the voice for the unborn that are not able to speak for themselves; we also need to support those that are already alive. We need to continue to participate in 40 Days for Life campaigns, pray outside abortion facilities, and support our Church and Order as we fight for the rights of the unborn and new born.

As we support the family as the foundation of our society we will continue to promote and participate in the Building the Domestic Church programs begun by Supreme a few years ago. We need to work harder to offer programs and activities aimed at families and supporting the parents as they form our youth in the faith.
Finally, we cannot turn our backs on or not be there as our family, friends and neighbors move toward the end of our lives in this world. We will be introducing activities and provide information for
Councils to become involved in learning about and assisting those that begin to have physical and mental limitations.

We will be conducting our State Organizational meeting July 14-16 in Tucson. At this meeting, your District Deputies will get more detailed information about our Membership Incentive plans and goals, our Supreme and State Programs, and training to allow the DD’s to better assist you and your Council with meeting your Program and Membership Goals.

This year Supreme plans to send the Fraternal Leader Success Planner directly to the Councils. You can begin using this as soon as you receive your supply. You will not need to wait for your District Organization meeting or for a DD visit to get your copies. Use this as your planning tool as soon as it arrives to begin now to outline your Council Programs, Membership recruitment, and social events.

For those that have not received this yet, the July message from our Supreme Knight Carl Anderson is “Let us all as Knights redouble our efforts as men of faith – and men of action based on that faith”. The program spotlight is Bishop Olmsted’s Into the Breach. This apostolic exhortation was originally written as a message to the men of the Phoenix Diocese but Supreme has adopted this and it is now being sent Order wide and has been translated into most if not all the languages where we have Knights.

If your Council needs copies, do not order them from Supreme. As part of the agreement to use his work, Bishop Olmsted and the Phoenix Diocese received a shipment of many thousand copies. We have been asked to assist in getting these distributed to our Councils. They cannot ship for us but we can make appointments to pick these up ourselves in Phoenix.

Soon your District Deputies will be contacting you about your Admission Degree schedules for this year, or at least for the first 3 or 4 months. They are required to bring this information to the Organizational Meeting in a couple of weeks. Go ahead and schedule your degrees now, to the extent possible.

As we go forward with this new year I pray that you will experience the joy of service and be humbly grateful of the thanks we receive from our Pastors and Parish community for taking the lead as the Catholic, Family, Fraternal, Service organization that we are.

Vivat Jesus,


Sean E. Halpain

Arizona State Deputy