I am writing this on the Twelfth Day of Christmas; tomorrow is the Epiphany of the Lord. This marks the occasion of the visit of the Magi to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. (Mathew 2:11) The significance for us is that it is the first revelation of Christ to the gentiles. The doors of salvation opened wide for us.

I want to share other epiphanies from scripture as well. One is the appearance in the desert of the “burning bush.” If you recall it was the sight that drew Moses into God’s plan to save His people. The fascinating aspect is that the bush did not change-it remained a bush and was not burned by the fire of God’s Love. (Exodos 3:2)   

A second epiphany is the Transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus appeared in the glory of the Son of God, but He also remained the Son of Man. He was not burned or changed except in His revelation of Devine Light. (Matthew 17:2)

A third epiphany is the Institution of the Eucharist. Although the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus, they appear to be unchanged. (Luke 22:19)

Again, I am reminded of the Tongues of Fire which appeared in the locked room and descended onto the apostles and Blessed Virgin Mary. They were not consumed or changed except by receipt of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:3)

I mention these events because I know we are all reluctant to give ourselves completely to the Lord; to surrender our wills to His Holy Will. Our fear is that we will lose ourselves and no longer be able to call the shots. (The point is we should not be calling the shots) Let us remember that the Spirit of God does not compete with our being, doesn’t make us unrecognizable to ourselves, but orders us for our benefit and the benefit of each other.

May we adopt a willingness in this new year to bravely trust in the Lord and offer ourselves without reservation, just like the bush, the Magi, bread and wine, the Apostles, and Saints, The Church. Let us allow the light of God’s Grace to shine from us knowing that we will be preserved to become our best selves; all that a God of Love desires for us, His Beloved.

Vivat Jesus!  

Reflections on the Eucharist: Acts of the Apostles: St Stephen (the first martyr) One of 7 Deacons ordained to serve the Church. “Deacon” means “Servant”. Apostles feared persecution from hostile Jews. The charges against St Stephan are false; mirroring the accusations leveled against Jesus. Blasphemy first and foremost. Similarities between St. Stephen’s and Jesus’s persecution bring us back to the Eucharist. Make a small sacrifice of time to listen to this enlightening exposition. Find it at this link.

Eucharistic Reflections: St. Steven - YouTube

Council 7525 made this years ago.  While I cringe at my own delivery this is a really cool video...

 

https://youtu.be/1sRQu_kv5FQ

 

--

Patrick J. Leduc
South Burlington, VT

LAST MEETINGS

The last Business Meeting was conducted in person and on Zoom on December 14, 2023. Members are referred to the minutes previously distributed on email. Dinner was provided once again by Joanne Hornsby. We decided not to hold Bingo so close to Christmas. The Council conducted the Exemplification of Charity Unity and Fraternity after the opening prayer. Welcome to the new members, Joe Pranys and Rev. Jeremias Tigga. We need 5 more for Star Council.  There were no warnings.

The last officer meeting was in person and on Zoom January 4 at 6:30 PM (after Pizza). We discussed the requirement to turn in your Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity Form 1728A Individual Worksheet by the end of this month. We need to Warn $1500 to pay for the food for the February 16 Fish Fry. This will be paid back from proceeds from the dinner. The next home cook meal will be provided by Jay Benson (Beef Stroganoff), Pete Gadue (dessert) and Dave Martin (rolls). We need helpers for Bingo on January 18, and cooking breakfast at St Jude on January 28.     

COUNCIL WEBSITE

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

NEXT BUSINESS MEETING

Next meeting is in person and on Zoom January 11, 2024, at 6:30 PM after dinner. We will have one warning for the Fish Fry upfront costs. Opening prayer will be Vespers. Dinner will be Beef Stroganoff, Dessert, and Rolls.  

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

A second series of 5 videos has been created called The Mission of the Family. 

Cor (Heart) Formation for men will be held every third SAT at Saint John Vianney Parish beginning at 10 AM. Our fourth gathering will take place on January 20, 2024. COR Formation is open to all men. I hope to see you there for prayer, formation, and fraternity. Vivat Jesus! For more information check out www.kofc.org/Cor

Our thirtieth consecutive First-Friday Council Holy Hour took place on January 5, 2024 at 3 PM at Saint John Vianney. 

Next Holy Hour will be on February 2, 2024. Please join us in worship of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the scripture Holy Rosary.

Bingo is back at Saint John Vianney Hall every third Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 9 PM. The next Bingo is January 18 at 6:30 PM. The goal will be to share profits with the parish and council to support charitable works. This can only succeed with a dedicated staff of volunteers. Dick Labrecque, our cashier, has taken ill so we need to cross-train on the electronic cash register. Having a deep bench will ensure our success. We need help in sales, set-up, kitchen and clean-up. Doors open at 4:30 PM with first game at 6:30 PM. Volunteers should arrive at 3 PM. Make it a family affair. For every worker bee bring along a player!

Pickleball is retuning to Starksboro on Wednesdays. Please check in with Ted Barrett to see when 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.

The Assembly is looking to grow the Color Corps. On Tuesday, January 9, there were only three Sir Knights in Regalia to honor the passing of SK Bob Wilkens. I could not help feeling that his years of faithful service justified many more. 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. 

The next 4th Degree Exemplification is planed for April 13, 2024 in the Rutland area. More to follow.

Our esteemed and worthy Financial Secretary, Charles Brown has decided not to seek an additional term as Financial Secretary of the Council. Charles has done an exemplary service to our council over the last 12 years in this role, and many others. His present three year term ends this year and we need to find an able replacement in that time. Do you have what it takes? You will be investigated and bonded in order to ensure trust and fidelity. Interested persons should communicate with the GK. 

Age Well is looking for volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels.  For information about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Age Well Volunteer Team. 802-662-5249, https://www.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

Birthright is always looking for donations of money or items needed by parents. They have a brunch on 6 OCT where we will be cooking! Email: burlingtonvt@birthright.org

There are many opportunities to serve!

Your council conducts monthly Bingo at St. John Vianney Parrish Hall on the third Thursday. 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. Leonard and Mary Robear would love a visit at their home. They live at 4196 St George Road in Williston, VT. George Stevens (Assembly 2106) is still at the Burlington Health and Rehab, 300 Pearl St., now in Room 511. Morning visits are best.

Dick Stevens is at the hospital Miller 5307 being treated for an unknown virus: not RSV, Covid, or Flu. Currently receiving oxygen therapy. 

Dick Labrecque and Bill Ladd are both in need of prayer. 

Bev Newman, Ray's widow, is at Harbor Village, Room 306.

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

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. 

JANUARY 2024 

THU JAN 11 at 6 :30 PM 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) 

THU JAN 18 at 6:30 PM SJV Bingo! Doors open at 4:30 PM. Light snacks and beverages available. Chance to win $1,000. (Volunteers should arrive at 1500 for set-up, food court, or pop-open ticket sales) 

SAT JAN 20 at 10 AM COR Formation for Men at St John Vianney Parish 

SUN JAN 28 0830-1100 Breakfast at St Jude in Hinesburg, VT 

WED JAN 31 Form 1728 Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity Due to Supreme. 

FEBRUARY 2024 

THU FEB 01 at 6:30 PM 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) 

FRI FEB 02 at 3 PM Holy Hour at SJV. Come early and lead a decade of the scripture Holy Rosary. 

THU FEB 08 at 6 :30 PM 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) 

THU FEB 15 at 6:30 PM SJV Bingo! Doors open at 4:30 PM. Light snacks and beverages available. Chance to win $1,000. (Volunteers should arrive at 1500 for set-up, food court, or pop-open ticket sales) 

FRI FEB 16 Council Lenten Fish Dry at SJV (More to follow) 

SAT FEB 17 at 10 AM COR Formation for Men at St John Vianney Parish

SAT APR 13 Exemplification of the 4^th Degree in Rutland, VTDECEMBER 2023 

Our Worthy Lecturer, Bernie Prendergast will share with us highlights of the life and virtue of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and (JAN 4) and sing the song Prayer of St Francis.

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

Richard Labrecque, Donna McSoley, president and founder of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Radio, and her work. James J Bullock, Leonard and Mary Robear, Chris Johnson, Arlene Michaud (Ray’s sister), Gail Couillard, Mary Griswold, Charles Brown’s mother-in-law, Marilyn LaCount, Friend of David Gravelin, Anthony Naples, Andre Ricard (Assembly 1157 Newport), Zak Bigelow, Pope Francis, Mrs. Jackie Crosby, An Anonymous Member in distress, Niko Limnos and Family, Mother-in-law of Ronnie Sweet, Bill Curtin, William Cannon and Family, Michael Gravelin, Mark and Paulette Noyes and Family (esp. Levi age 6), John O’ Brien, Cheryl Allain, Andy Corologos, Claire Myers, Kelly Jackson (daughter of late PGK Jeff Jackson), PFN Bill Ladd, PGK Bernie Hemond, Cher Racine, Dick and Sandy Stevens, Beth-Ann Prendergast, Mariette Nadeau, Jeff and Kay Jarvis, Tom Gravelin, Rick Gravelin, Chuck Schifilliti, Gerry Seney, Robert Gravelin, Keith Marston, Sue Cottrell, (23 year old woman fighting cancer), Kevin and Chad Limoge, Vickie Linton, George Stevens (Assembly 2106), James Read, Gene Tofferi, Mike and Pam Audette, Jeffrey Claude Danis and family,  PGK Ray Miller, Stuart Fath, Wally Rooney, 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 the Middle East, that pregnant women will choose life, and for new members to join the Order.

For all who have died, especially SK Robert “Bob” Wilkens. 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.

Saint John Vianney Council 7525

160A Hinesburg Road, South Burlington, VT 05403

www.kofcvt.org

Copyright 2024