Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar is an extraordinary opportunity to double down on your spiritual journey. Prayer, scripture reading, contemplation, almsgiving and fasting (especially from sin) are all worthy pursuits in the quest to become a saint. Sometimes we get caught-up in special seasons like Advent and Lent, then because of the extra effort we mustered, we feel ordinary time a fitting respite from religious devotions. Remember, our adversary, the devil, is always pressing forward in the great spiritual war. Our collective and individual obligation is the same as our Lord’s and the same as His Church, what Pope Benedict XVI called the three essential tasks:  Worship (prayer), Service to the Poor (body, mind, spirit) and Evangelization. These obligations are 24/7. By taking one knee, instead of two, we become vulnerable to attack. The enemy is always probing our defenses. None of us can afford to be the weakest point in the line. If there is a penetration of the line, evil can roll up our flanks. St Catherine of Siena observed that “the path to Heaven is Heaven.” The process of preparation to do battle lies in asking God to help us empty our hearts from earthly attachments and fill up that space with Faith, Hope, and Love.

Our esteemed Chaplain, Fr Timothy Naples continues his exposition of the Eucharist in the Acts of the Apostles. This month the focus is on St. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles chosen by Jesus Himself. While we may all be familiar with the conversion story of St. Paul, we probably do not appreciate that it represents what should be the “normative” conversion story of every Christian. From the darkness of disbelieve we are Baptized into the light of the Mystical Body of Christ. The sacraments of initiation make us most able to realize all the benefits of the Eucharistic Banquet. Be prepared to come away from this video with a new appreciation for the closeness that each Christian Believer has with Christ Himself and the love of the Trinity.    

The Eucharist and the conversion of St Paul

LAST MEETINGS

The last business meeting was on January 11, 2024, in person and on Zoom. See the meeting minutes. Members enjoyed a home cooked meal before the meeting prepared by Jay Benson, Pete Gadue and Dave Martin. The Warning was approved authorizing up to $1500 to be spent to buy food and supplies for the FEB 16 Lenten Fish Fry. Help will be needed to set up, cook and clean up. Tom Gravelin gave an overview of Super Bingo planning which is well underway. Mark your calendar for April 21^st. 

The last officer meeting took place on Thursday, February 1^st at 6:30 PM after pizza and salad. Seven attended in person and two were on Zoom. We discussed the pending FEB 16 Fish Fry and the need for help to set up on that Friday at 3:30 in the Church Hall, help cook and serve from 5 to 7 PM and then clean-up. We also discussed dues amnesty as an incentive for members to return to active status who no longer participate. The Officers decided we would put it to a vote at the business meeting. The Assembly has a warning of $250 for support to Jake’s House, a charity that serves the military and veterans.

COUNCIL WEBSITE

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

NEXT BUSINESS MEETING

The next business meeting will be in person and on Zoom Thursday February 8 at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be preceded by a home cooked meal consisting of chili by Dave Martin, Corn bread from Steve Shover and salad by Charlie Brown. There is one warning for the Assembly regarding support for the charity “Josh’s Place”. This charity provides coffee, meals, entertainment, exercise equipment and other help for current and former military. The council will vote on whether to forgive past dues to get members back in an active status.

 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 fifth gathering will take place on February 17, 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 thirty-first consecutive First-Friday Council Holy Hour took place on February 2 at 3 PM at Saint John Vianney. 

Next Holy Hour will be on March 1, 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 February 15 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. Bring can goods for free game sheets. Make it a family affair. Every worker bee bring along a player!

Pickleball is retuning to Starksboro on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 PM and ST Jude on Fridays from 1-3 PM. 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.

1.   SK Bill Ladd Funeral MON FEB 19 at 11 AM at St John Vianney. Meet at 10:30 AM

2.   Chrism Mass MON MAR 25 at 11 AM at St Joseph Cathedral. Meet at 10:30 AM

3.   Exemplification of the 4^th Degree, SAT April 13 in           Rutland, VT

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. 

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. This position does receive some remuneration. 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

Knights of Columbus Scholarships Available for 2024-2025. The father/grandfather of the applicant must be a member of the K of C. Applications for scholarships are available now. See details at this link: KofCScholarships

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. Be careful as they do not clear the walks. George Stevens (Assembly 2106) is still at the Burlington Health and Rehab, 300 Pearl St., Room 511. Morning visits are best.

Dick Stevens is back home getting stronger. 

Dick Labrecque is feeling better, but has a long way to go.  

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. 

FEBRUARY 2024 

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) 

February 15 Semi-Annual Council Audit is due. 

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 

MON FEB 19 at 11 AM SK Bill Ladd Funeral at St John Vianney Parish 

MARCH 2024 

FRI MAR 01 at 3 PM Holy Hour at SJV. Come early and lead a decade of the scripture Holy Rosary. 

THU MAR 07 at 6:30 PM Council Officer Meeting (After pizza) at SJV or on Zoomhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84053360051?pwd=VUoveHR3WktLVGplbk1MRkU1QVJqQT09 (Meeting ID: 840 5336 0051. Passcode: 179347) 

THU MAR 14 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)

SAT MAR 16 at 10 AM COR Formation for Men at St John Vianney Parish 

THU MAR 21 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) 

MON MAR 25 at 11 AM. Chrism Mass at St Joseph Cathedral 

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

SUN APR 21 Super Bingo for Kids with Cancer in Burlington, VT

Our Worthy Lecturer, Bernie Prendergast will share with us highlights of the life and virtue of St. Valentine (FEB 14) and sing the song One Day at a Time.

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

Mason and Elizabeth Bullock, Richard Labrecque, Donna McSoley, president and founder of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Radio, and her work, 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), 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 Joseph Poirier, father of the Worthy State Secretary Chris Poirier, PFN Bill Ladd, and James J Bullock. 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