Worthy Officers, Brothers, and Sir Knights,

I wonder if you appreciate the great blessing bestowed by the Holy Spirit through our Holy Church in the Communion of Saints. Everyone needs a role model of behavioral rectitude; or at least a model for how one overcomes weakness and obtains reconciliation after moral lapses. Marion Wright Edelman, the Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, bemoaned the lack of suitable role models for women when she stated, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” (Regrettably she was blind in some areas) Some of our Protestant friends think our devotion to the saints, our prayers for their help and intercession, is misplaced. One of my own sisters, a convert to the Baptist Church, often chides me that they “go right to Jesus and cut out the ‘middleman’.”

I think the Church is wise to offer us these ordinary people who demonstrated extraordinary faith and holiness, as examples. Jesus is perfect in His obedience to the Will of God. He loves perfectly with knowledge of God, beyond faith and hope. St. Mary obeyed God perfectly with great Faith, Hope and Love. Can perfect exemplars be perfect role models? Jesus and Mary both lack concupiscence (a desire for sin) because of immaculate conceptions (free from Original Sin). Can it be difficult for us to see ourselves in those who have been so blessed? While Adam and Eve were also created without sin, their example may not be the best inspiration for a life of Holiness.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that one of the ways the Church reveals the Holy Spirit is “in the witness of saints through whom He manifests his holiness and continues the work of salvation.” (688) “Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan. We can and should ask them to intercede for us and for the whole world.” (2683)

By tradition, most of us have taken the name of a Saint at Confirmation. This is usually a Saint whose life or virtue we admire, or we are in pursuit of an occupation or vocation that the saint is a patron of. The saint chosen can serve as a special mentor, inspiration, or guide to us in our lives.   

I am grateful for the example of the saints and for our Worthy Lecturer, Bernie Prendergast, who introduces us to another Saint every month. A common thread in the lives of the saints has been summarized by St. Therese of Lisieux, Mother Teresa and others as follows: “We may not be able to do great things, but we can do many small things with great love.” Saints are like us in their imperfections, but by their love, example, actions, words, and pursuit of holiness, they introduce us to our perfect Triune God.

Vivat Jesus!

Our Chaplain has taped another video on the Eucharist. 

Reflections on the Eucharist #8: Hostia Missa Est or “The Victim has been sent” from Fr. Naples’ article “Why do we call the Mass, 'The Mass'.” See Spring 2022 Vermont Catholic or go to this link: 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbqfiu65AuU

There is a Padre Pio Relic Devotion touring Vermont this summer. These authentic relics of the much venerated saint will be at Christ the King Parish, 136 Locust Street in Burlington, VT on Jul 15 from 10 AM to 6 PM. 

There are no warnings this month. The officers decided, wisely, to defer a vote on the Annual Budget for 2023-2024 until the Trustees can make the changes recommended during the officer meeting. If you have any ideas for an expenditure, please let your trustees know. Once we have a solid recommendation we will vote on it as a council. In the meanwhile we have a balance that can keep us going for the time being. 

LAST MEETINGS

The last Council Business Meeting was held in person and remotely on ZOOM at St Mark's Church in Burlington, VT on 8 June 2023 at 6:30 PM after pizza, salad, and a dessert provided by Tom Gravelin. Knights voted on the full slate of officers for the next term (no change from last year) and then enjoyed bowling or pool with wives at the facility there. Charles and Karen Brown were excellent hosts. Minutes were sent to all members for approval.  

The last Officer Meeting was held in person and on ZOOM on 6 July at SJV beginning 6:30 PM after pizza and salad. The officers discussed upcoming projects like the return of Bingo at St John Vianney, BBQs at St Catherine and ST Jude, Tootsie Roll Drive, etc. The Budget was kicked down the road again, and will be presented and voted on when we have a solid recommendation. 

                                     COUNCIL WEBSITE

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

NEXT BUSINESS MEETING

Our next business meeting is 13 July at 6:30 PM in person and on Zoom from SJV. We will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and enjoying beans from Jay Benson and potato salad from Steve Shover. Dessert to be provided by Dave Martin. Opening prayer will be Vespers.  

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

Meeting ID: 846 4758 2239, Passcode: 297697

INTO THE BREACH

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

Morgan-Stanley balance $384,337.83 as of July 6, 2023.

This is a significant increase from last month. 

Our twenty-fourth consecutive First-Friday Council Holy Hour will take place on 4 August at 1500. The Silver Rose will be present at Saint John Vianney.  

Please join us in worship of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the scripture Holy Rosary.

If you are interested in playing pickleball, please check in with Ted Barrett to see when and where the game will be available at (802) 458-1351. 

St John Vianney pickleball is also available by appointment by calling Ray Michaud at 233-0145.

I had the distinct honor to present a posthumous Certificate of the 4th Degree to the son of the late Cullen Bullard at St Catherine of Siena Parish on 25 June 2023.

Cullen was a devoted parishioner for over 50 years and very involved in his community. Here is the script of my comments. 

"Bullard tribute

First, I must acknowledge the zeal with which your fellow parishioner Jay Benson pursued this honor for Cullen. Jay cannot be here today, but he was very devoted to this cause. Steve Shover, our former State Deputy, provided timely help by pressing his contacts at Supreme HQs to make this happen. 

The K of C is a fraternal benefit organization founded in 1882 by a simple parish priest, Blessed Fr Michael McGivney, to strengthen the spiritual lives of breadwinners and care for their bereaved families who suffered destitution when they died young from industrial accidents and diseases without the benefit of social support networks at a time of anti-Catholic sentiment. Our founding principles are Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

Cullen was a late convert to the Knights of Columbus, and one of our oldest members, but his energy and engagement far exceeded the virtues found in most of our youngest members. 

From his first Exemplification Cullen was an ideal Brother; reverent, present, active, enthusiastic, and dependable. He came to all the meetings, volunteered for all the events, participated in the acts of charity, pursued advancement in the order, and became an officer in our council. He earned the Knight in Shining Armor Award by also recruiting a new member in his first year as a Knight.

Cullen demonstrated every day a great love for God and neighbor. He also loved his country and looked for additional ways to serve her. Today is the fulfillment of his desire to attain the 4th Degree, our highest and Patriotic Degree. His time on earth ran out before that desire could be satisfied.

Today is the culmination of his journey, a testament of his faith and character, an inspiration for us to imitate his example.

I think the last three stanzas of a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow fit this occasion. 

A Psalm of Life. 

Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints in the sands of time. 

Footprints, that perhaps another,

Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,

Seeing, shall take heart again. 

Let us, then be up and doing

With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor and to wait. 

It is my honor as GK of the St John Vianney Council to present to Cullen's son and namesake this posthumous Certificate in the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus. 

Live Jesus in our hearts forever!"

The Assembly is looking to grow the Color Corps. If you are interested in becoming a 4th Degree Knight, or if you are already a 4th Degree Knight and wish to join the Color Corp, please contact CCC Mike Bullock at (802) 598-8179 or mtn6@gmavt.net. The Assembly is willing to help defray the cost of the Regalia. 

Upcoming events for the Color Corp: Honor Guard for the 10 AM Padre Pio Relic Mass on 15 July at Christ the King. Plan to arrive by 0930.  

The August 19 Exemplification was canceled due to too few candidates and too few Exemplification Team Members. 

There are many opportunities to serve!

Your council will soon bring back monthly Bingo at St. John Vianney Parrish Hall. We are going to need you all to commit to supporting this every month. The more volunteers, the lighter the load.  

In addition to prayer we have Knights in need of visitation. Don Sutton is still at Villa Rehab on 7 Forest Hill Drive in ST. Albans, VT. He is in Room 9. You can call (802) 524-3498, hit 0 and they can ring his room. His direct number is (802) 527-2714. His former roommate, Bill Curtin, is now on the third floor. Don loves to play cribbage. George Stevens is still at the Burlington Health and Rehab, 300 Pearl St., now in Room 518. I'm told George is wide awake in the early morning. Bob Wilkens is back at Harbor Village, Allen Road, Room 301. At Harbor View you can also visit Bev Newman, Ray's widow in Room 306.

Note: if you would like a visitation, please call us!

St Jude wants us to run a parish BBQ on 29 July followed by wiffle ball? 

We will need help at the 19 August Special Needs Persons Summer Party-New this year!

Check the Save the Date section for other events. 

If none of these interest you, ask us how you can help-we have more ideas. We want to hear your ideas too on how to pay forward our many blessings. 

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

AspireNow is also looking for help. Call them at(802) 658-8046 or visit their home page at https://aspire1.org.

Unbound is looking for sponsors for children in South America. For as little as $40/month you can make the life of a poor boy or girl and their families more prosperous. UNBOUND.org

13 1830 JUL 23, THU Council Business Meeting (after BBQ and Home-made Beans and Potato Salad)  at SJV or on Zoom

(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84647582239?pwd=bHF1Y3lsM0I5eFVIbHhONmR4eTMzUT09) (Meeting ID: 846 4758 2239. Passcode: 297697) 

15 1000 – 1800 JUL 23, SAT Padre Pio Relic Devotion at Christ the King Parish (Color Corps Honor Guard requested for the Mass) 

19 1800 JUL, 23, WED “Breakfast for Dinner” at St John Vianney for Youth. We cook and clean.

 22 0715-1400 JUL 23, SAT GK/DGK Workshop at SJV 

29 1630 JUL 23, SAT St Jude Parish Round Table BBQ (We buy, cook, and clean)

 03 1830 AUG 23, THU Council Officer Meeting (After pizza) at SJV or on Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84053360051?pwd=VUoveHR3WktLVGplbk1MRkU1QVJqQT09 (Meeting ID: 840 5336 0051. Passcode: 179347) 

04 1500 AUG 23, FRI Holy Hour with Silver Rose at SJV

05 1700 AUG 23, SAT SJV Parish BBQ (We help set up FRI and clean up SAT)

10 1830 AUG 23, THU Council Business Meeting (after home-cooked meal) at SJV or on Zoom

(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84647582239?pwd=bHF1Y3lsM0I5eFVIbHhONmR4eTMzUT09) (Meeting ID: 846 4758 2239. Passcode: 297697)

12-13 PM-AM AUG 23, SAT-SUN Collection at SJV for Special Needs (Tootsie Roll Drive)

15 AUG 2023 Council Audit Due to Supreme

19 1300-1500 AUG 23, SAT Special Needs Beach Boys Summer Party

07 1830 SEP 23, THU Council Officer Meeting (After pizza) at SJV or on Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84053360051?pwd=VUoveHR3WktLVGplbk1MRkU1QVJqQT09 (Meeting ID: 840 5336 0051. Passcode: 179347)

08 1500 SEP 23, FRI Holy Hour with St Joseph Icon at SJV10 1830 AUG 

14 1830 SEP 23, THU Council Business Meeting (after home-cooked meal) at SJV or on Zoom

(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84647582239?pwd=bHF1Y3lsM0I5eFVIbHhONmR4eTMzUT09) (Meeting ID: 846 4758 2239. Passcode: 297697) 

23 1800 SEP 23, SAT Right -To-Life Dinner at SJV (buy, cook, serve, and clean-up)

Our Worthy Lecturer will talk to us about Saint Maria Goretti (feast day July 6) and sing the song Our Lady of Knock.

Please keep the following persons/families/intentions in your prayers.

David Bean, Anthony Naples, Andre Ricard (Assembly 1157 Newport), Zak Bigelow, PSD Mike Patnode, Pope Francis, Chris Barrett (recently lost wife), Mrs. Jackie Crosby, An Anonymous Member in distress, Niko Limnos and Family, Most Reverend Christopher Coyne, Mother-in-law of Ronnie Sweet, Bill Curtin, Rev. Msgr. Peter Routhier, William Cannon and Family, Michael Gravelin, Mark and Paulette Noyes and Family (esp. Levi age 5), John O’ Brien, Cheryl Allain, Andy Corologos, Claire Myers and Carol Alfred (cancer), Russell Waite, Kelly Jackson (daughter of late PGK Jeff Jackson), PFN Bill Ladd, PGK Bernie Hemond, Marilyn LeCount, Cher Racine, Dick and Sandy Stevens, Joe Donegan, Beth-Ann Prendergast, Mariette Nadeau, Jeff and Kay Jarvis, Tom Gravelin, Rick Gravelin, Chuck Schifilliti, Gerry Seney, Robert Gravelin, Keith Marston, Sue Cottrell, Gary Howe and Family, Parker Yvonne Lyon (Granddaughter of Tom Gravelin) and mom and dad Ellen and Garrett, sister Clara Lynn, Amy and her mother, (22 year old woman fighting cancer at Dana-Farber), Kevin and Chad Limoge, Vickie Linton, George Stevens, James Read, Richard Waite, Gene Tofferi, Mike and Pam Audette, Joe Myers and Family, Jeffrey Claude Danis and family,  PSD/PGK Don Sutton, PGK Ray Miller, Stuart Fath, Harold Ponto, Wally Rooney, Bob Wilkens, Ed and Theresa Curtiss, one anonymous brother knight, the people of Ukraine and an end to the war, the Families of all of our faithfully departed brothers, friends and relatives, all clergy and religious, victims and families of COVID-19, First Responders, peace in Eastern Europe, that pregnant women will choose life, and for new Members to join the Order

For all who have died, especially Christopher Henry. We pray also for all the victims who have died in the Ukraine War. May they rest in peace. May all the faithfully departed rest in peace and may their families be comforted by the promise of everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven.