Worthy Officers, Brothers, and Sir Knights,

I had the privilege to participate with 77 other Catholic Men in the Annual Catholic Men’s Conference at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Randolph, VT on 19 March.  The theme was “Band of Brothers”. Fittingly, there were many Knights in attendance including our own Brother Joe Meyers and DD3 Bill LaCroix. (Brother Joe is thankful for all our prayers) This was a very inspirational day for getting closer to our Lord Jesus and gaining an appreciation for our calling as Catholic Men. We are all called to provide example and to evangelize by talking to family, friends, and strangers about our Faith. The Holy Spirit, with our Blessed Mother, can grant us the courage to witness in our daily lives. The day including Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass celebrated by Bishop Coyne, and a Rosary. Fittingly, it was the Feast Day for St Joseph, a perfect example of Catholic Manhood; a quiet mentor, protector, and advocate for the Body of Christ whose works inspire, strengthen and guide.  

 The keynote speaker was Reverend and National Guard Captain, Scott Gratton. Father Gratton recently returned from a deployment where he ministered to Soldiers of the 86 Infantry Brigade (Mountain) in places like Saudi Arabia and Djibouti. Naturally, Fr. Scott described our mission in military terms.  He described the fight we are in as one of good vs evil. Infantryman and women, who call themselves “Grunts” seem to have a unique desire and tolerance for suffering. They have a term for those who are not one of them- “POGs”, (Persons other than grunts). Their embrace of suffering and willingness to suffer recalls the lives of the saints who suffered to become holy. The saints are warriors, grunts, for Christ.

Satan is constantly battling us in two ways; first by temptation to sin, then after we give in to that temptation, he is the accuser. As the accuser he makes us think ourselves failures, that we are not good enough to become saints. (Instead, think yourself blessed to have weaknesses that impel you to seek The Healer) We have the sacrament of reconciliation, aka confession, to restore our relationship with Jesus. We have the Eucharist; His body, blood, soul, and divinity, to nourish us and guide us to Himself.

As Catholic Men we need to step up our game, and stop being spiritual POGs. Statistically, in Catholic homes lacking a strong male role model, there is a less than 40% chance that the children will grow to be practicing Catholics. In fact, in homes where the father is the single parent and practicing Catholic, the odds of the kids remaining Catholic is greater than if they come from a two-parent home where the father is a tag-a-long Catholic, rather than the leader.    

Father Scotts advise is to read about the lives of the saints, pray constantly, especially the Rosary, go frequently to confession, and receive the Eucharist often; daily if possible. Confession provides the battle plan; The Eucharist is the ammunition the warrior needs to achieve victory. Fr Scott recommended the following scripture passages for inspiration.

       Isaiah 6:8 Acts 1:8        

       Mark 16:15             

       Matthew 5:16             

       Romans 13:11       

       Ephesians 6:10-17 

Fr. Scott recommended we read the book A Song for Nagasaki, by Servant of God Takashi Nagai. Fr Scott also shared with us applicable quotes from the saints. One example is from St John Henry Newman “Life is short, eternity is long.” From St Therese of Lisieux “The earth is thy ship, not thy home.” Our own St John Vianney stated “It is by battles against Hell and by resistance to temptations that we give God proofs of our love.”

As I contemplated the day’s activities and Fr. Scott’s presentation, I was reminded that Soldiers have provided critical example of faith in the scriptures; look at Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5:1-15), look at the three centurions mentioned in the New Testament. (A centurion is a commander of 100 men-much like a modern Company Commander in the army). One centurion demonstrated such great faith that we quote him in every Mass when we say upon looking with longing at the Blessed Sacrament raised high, “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, only say the word and my soul [servant] will be healed.” (Matthew 8: 5-13) See also Matthew 57: 54 and Acts: 10: 1-48.

Four of us also attended the 2022 Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington Lenten Retreat at Saint Catherine of Siena on March 23. (WDGK Dave Martin, Worthy Warden Jay Benson, Diaconate Candidate Josh Mc Donald, and I) The guest speaker was Fr. Rijo Johnson. Fr. Johnson used the power of scripture to make salient points to assist us on our Lenten journey. First and foremost, we are admonished to stop dropping “holy” from our lexicon. The Church is Holy, the Word is Holy, the Bible is Holy, the Rosary is Holy, and the Blessed Sacrament is Holy. We must strive for personal Holiness and one way to do it is to read scripture daily for at least 30 minutes and reflect on the message that God is conveying to you personally in the Holy Text. Remember the Gospel of John begins with the truth that God is the Word. Therefore, the Word is Holy, living, and effective. Like the rains that water the earth the Word does not return to Heaven until it has accomplished a Holy Purpose. As Jesus said in healing “Ephphatha, be opened”, so the Word can penetrate your body, soul, and spirit. The day also provided opportunities for Adoration, Confession and Mass.

Blessings!

Mike

Fellow Knights of Council 7525,

I wish to express my great gratitude to the Council for the sponsorship and in-person support for the recent series of talks held at St. John Vianney Parish, "Madness in the Constitution": a closer look at Article 22, Vermont’s proposed constitutional amendment on reproductive liberty. 

The event went very smoothly, and we are now sharing the audio recordings of the fine talks given for the day. Additionally, I invite the council to share materials from the organizations represented at the event on their parish bulletin board space. Please pray that this effort, and all our efforts in support of the dignity and sanctity of life, bear fruit and change hearts and minds in our state. Thank you and God bless. 

In Christ with Mary,  

Fr. Timothy Naples, Chaplain 

Super Bingo

Brothers, we need workers for the harvest at our prime annual event, the Super Bingo for Kids with Cancer (Camp Ta Kum Ta) Doubletree in Burlington, VT 24 APRIL 2022

Here are the categories:

Set-up on SAT 23 APRIL from 5:30 until complete

Bingo sales, pop-open tickets, runners, callers, etc. SUN 24 APRIL from 8 AM to 6 PM Attire: Dark slacks, white shirt and black bowtie. 

After Bingo clean-up: 6 PM until complete

Please contact Sir Knight Brad Chenette with those actions you can help with. He number is (802) 238-1257. E-mail is Brad@bradchenette.com or bradchenette@gmail.com.

VIVAT JESUS Prayer Books

We have a supply of Vivat Jesus Prayer Books for sale at our bulk-purchase discount. Our cost is $5/Book plus VT Sales tax. We are asking you to pay $5.35 each. This book will be printed annually. If you want us to mail you a copy please remit the postage, too. 

Raffle Tickets

4 tickets available for purchase to support Cradles to Crayons, The Jimmy Fund and David Ortiz Children’s Fund ($10 each) Drawing Easter Sunday.

Holy Rosaries for 1st Communion

We have distributed Holy Rosaries to St John Vianney, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St Jude, ST Catherine of Siena, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parishes for the 1st Communion Boys and Girls. The Holy Rosaries came with a color-appropriate case.

ST John Vianney Council 7525 Stone

Our stone may soon be installed in front of St. John Vianney by the same contractor repairing the sidewalk. We have been told this may be done at little to no cost to us. 

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Our Worthy Advocate has received two applications for scholarships from children or grandchildren of Knights. More to follow as we evaluate these applicants. 

LAST MEETING

The last Council Business Meeting was held in person and remotely on ZOOM 10 March at 7 PM. Meeting was called to order by Grand Knight Mike Bullock. Minutes were sent to all members for approval. The last Officer Meeting was held in person and on ZOOM on 31 MAR at 6:30 PM. This was a change due to Holy Week.  Voluntary donations reduced the cost of pizza prior to both Meetings. 

TREASURER'S REPORT

Our Treasurer, Rick Gravelin, reported the checking account balance of $21,738.92 (includes SuperBingo deposits). Rick developed the online voucher system we are now using.   

FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT

The WFS reported the Morgan Stanley investment account balance at $444, 200.38. We have collected $1,260 in dues so far and should surpass the goal of $1,300. 

  COUNCIL WEBSITE

The Website Development Team continues to work to make our website more user friendly. kofcvt.org.  

NEXT BUSINESS MEETING

Our next business meeting is 7 MAR 2022 at 7 PM in person and on ZOOM.  This is a change to accommodate Holy Week. We plan on voting on a prospective member and conducting an Exemplification prior to the meeting. The Exemplification will be online. If you are not yet a Third Degree please make an effort to attend. Our pizza and salad will be at 6 PM. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84647582239?pwd=bHF1Y3lsM0I5eFVIbHhONmR4eTMzUT09

EXEMPLIFICATION

There is an Exemplification of the Fourth Degree scheduled for April 30, 2022. Additional details will be forthcoming. This would be a good time to advance from the 3rd Degree.  

 Membership Drive

Our Round Table parish, St Catherine of Siena, is hoping to conduct a Membership drive in May. This may coincide with a breakfast prepared and served by our Council. 

Round Table

Congratulations to St Jude, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and St Catherine of Siena for forming Round Tables in our Council. Please note that Fr. Zucarro is now officially the Pastor at St Jude and OLMC. 

HOLY HOUR

Our eighth consecutive First-Friday Council Holy Hour took place on 1 April 2022 from 3 - 4 PM. There were six Brothers present, one spouse and two parishioners. During the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, members of the Council led parishioners through the Holy Scripture Rosary. Next Holy Hour will be 6 May at 3 PM at SJV.   

Pickle Ball is here!

The Council now has a Pickleball Set at St John Vianney and at St Jude. If you want to get a game together, let us know.      

LOUIS J TRONO ASSEMBLY 2106

Here is the schedule of events that require a Color Guard. Note that the burial of Ray Newman has moved to 29 July at the request of the family. Let us know if you can make any of these opportunities.  

1. Chrism Mass: April 12, 1100, St Joseph's Cathedral

2. 4^th Degree Exemplification 30 APR TBD

3. K of C Convention: May 13-15 at Jay Peak

       5:15 PM Friday May 13 Memorial Holy             Mass

       4:30 PM SAT May 14 Vigil Holy Mass

4. Ordination: May 21, Time TBD, St Joseph Cathedral

5. Memorial Day: May 30, Time TBD, Resurrection Park Cemetery (Next to Saint John Vianney Church)

6. Brother Ray Newman burial: July 29 at 1030 St George Cemetery

Age Well is looking for volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels.  For information about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Age Well Volunteer Team by calling 802-662-5249 or via  email: volunteer@agewellvt.org

07 APR 22 Council Business Meeting 7 PM, after pizzahttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84647582239?pwd=bHF1Y3lsM0I5eFVIbHhONmR4e     TMzUT09)

12 APR 22 Chrism Mass 1100 at St Joseph Cathedral

17 APR 22 Easter Sunday!

24 APR 22 Super Bingo for Kids with Cancer (Camp Ta Kum Ta)

30 APR Exemplification of the 4^th Degree TBD

03 MAY 22 Men’s Night at St Jude Hinesburg, and on Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84363879054?pwd=bVVOaFlwVXgvdXVsUGh6YmdnK3FNUT09

05 MAY 22 Officer Meeting 6:30 PM, at SJV after pizza

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84053360051?pwd=VUoveHR3WktLVGplbk1MRkU1QVJqQT09

12 MAY 22 Council Business Meeting 7 PM, after pizza (GK Conflict with Confirmation)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84647582239?pwd=bHF1Y3lsM0I5eFVIbHhONmR4e     TMzUT09)

13-15 MAY 22 State Convention at Jay Peak

14 MAY Monsignor Thomas Ball Memorial Golf Tournament (West Bolton Country Club)

21 MAY 22 Ordination, time TBD at St Joseph Cathedral

30 MAY 22 Memorial Day Mass, time TBD at Resurrection Park Cemetery

29 JUL 22, 1030, Ray Newman committal at St George Cemetery

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Please pray for the following people who are ill or in distress and their families;

Tom Gravlin, Chuck Schifilliti, Gerry Seney, the people of Ukraine and an end to the war, Sue Cottrell, Family of the late Frank Cross, Family of the late DCN Chris Keough, Family of the late Ray Newman, Family of the late Lennie Roberge, Robert (Bob) Gravelin, Keith Marston, Gary Howe and Family, Family of the late Paul Pouliot, Christopher Haley (homeless veteran), Parker Yvonne Lyon (Granddaughter of Tom Gravelin) and mom and dad Ellen and Garrett, sister Clara Lynn, Patricia Brown, Patricia Stevens, Amy and her mother (22 year old woman fighting cancer at Dana-Farber), Kevin and Chad Limoge, Vickie Linton (relative of DD3), George Stevens, James Read, Richard Waite, Robert Morris, Gene Tofferi, Mike and Pam Audette, Joe Myers and Family, Jeffrey Claude Danis and family, Tom Westropp, Andrew Bolognani, PSD/PGK Don Sutton, Ray Miller, Stuart Fath, David Bullock (chemo), Yvonne Gravelin, Harold Ponto, Wally Rooney, PGK Bob Audette, Bob Wilkens, Gerry Malavenda, Ed and Theresa Curtiss, all clergy and religious, victims and families of COVID-19, First Responders, peace in Eastern Europe, the defeat of Article 22, the "Personal Reproductive Autonomy Amendment" in Vermont, and for new Members to join the Order.

WORTHY LECTURER

Our Worthy Lecturer, Bernie will enlighten us about the life and virtue of ST Catherine of Siena and sing the song May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You

INTO THE BREACH

This wonderful series can be found at this link: https://www.kofc.org/en/campaigns/into-the-breach.html

APRIL 2022 BIRTHDAY WISHES

3 Dick Labrecque, 9 Douglas Bouvier, 12 Michael Donaghue and Patrick Leduc, 13 Dan Smith, 17 Renald Lussier, 18 Robert Gaulin, 20 Duan Vu, 23 Jeff Danis.

LAST RITES

Pray for the repose of the souls of Thelmo “Joe” Bettini (Chenette Family) and Beth Doyon (Gravelin Family)