Most of us are familiar with Superman, a fictional character from another world who appears human in all respects, except that he has superpowers that allow him to stand in for us to face evil doers. He specialized in eliminating external threats to our “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness”. He kept his super identity a secret. His weakness was Kryptonite, the mineral that was a part of his home world. This would render him mortal, vulnerable-merely human. Unable to help us. In any case, completely fictional; a fantasy.

But we do have a real Superhero in this life. A being from another world-the Kingdom of Heaven. The Son of God became like us-human in appearance and vulnerable. He too, is ready to stand in for us and face evil on our behalf. But He does not accomplish this through violence. Instead, He gives willingly of Himself completely even to being killed for us that we might live always in the Kingdom of Heaven with Him. He did not keep His Holy identity a secret. 

The benefits and services of Superman could only neutralize the external threats we could see. The powers and love of God save us from all threats-internal and external; seen and unseen. Unlike Superman, Jesus has the power to forgive sin, restore fellowship with Himself, overcome death and give us a room in the Kingdom of Heaven for all eternity. He shares His power with us, feeds us with His own body and blood and invites us into the Mystical Trinity.   

Indifference to God and salvation and the Sacrifices of His Christ are like kryptonite, except it cannot weaken God. It cannot make Jesus merely human. Indifference has no effect on the power or love of God. Indifference acts like a shield around us blocking the grace of God. God continues to call you, but you turned off your phone, or blocked His number. Indifference is the ultimate unbelief. It is an attitude of ingratitude.

What is the antidote for the kryptonite of indifference? Unconditional love in imitation of Christ. He told us to “love one another as I have loved you.” Sacrificial willingness to do what is necessary for the other as other without regard to self. Our newest Deacon, Luan Van Tran illustrated for us unconditional love in his first homily as a deacon. He began with the true story of the survival of a three-year-old child buried in the Armenian Earthquake of 1988. The quake killed over 55 thousand people. The 30-year-old mother fed the baby her own blood over an eight-day period by cutting her own fingers so the child could drink her blood. When asked why the mother said she loved her child unconditionally. https://www.deseret.com/1988/12/18/18788071/armenian-mom-s-blood-helps-child-survive-8-days-buried-alive/

Dcn Tran than described our Lord’s sacrifice of His own body and blood for us that He feeds us in the Eucharist. What is the appropriate response to this kind of love? To become a Eucharistic People. A thanksgiving people. A people who worship God in gratitude and accept His offer of Grace and Holy Nourishment. To be child-like in our acceptance of God’s unconditional love manifested in the passion, resurrection and Eucharist of our Savior. To be truly grateful and “pay it forward.”

Vivat Jesus!

The last Business Meeting took place in person and on Zoom May 9 after the Ascension Thursday Mass and dinner prepared by Ray Bouchard, Dave Martin, Dave Bean and Mike Bullock. There were no warnings. We approved the minutes of the April 11 meeting and discussed the future budget, officer elections, SJV Bingo and other upcoming events.

The last Officer Meeting took place at 6:30 PM in person and on Zoom on June 6 after pizza and salad. There were 9 of us in person and 3 on Zoom for a tola of 12. We discussed the upcoming election of officers for the next term. We talked about the next budget and upcoming events; Holy Hour, SJV Bingo, Cor Formation and the Bishop’s Ordination and so forth. We addressed budget items not yet paid, like support to our parishes. We talked about BBQs at St. Catherine and St Jude this summer. Note: the next Officer Meeting will be on 2 July due to the Holiday.

The next Business Meeting will be in person and on Zoom at 6:30 PM after sandwiches. Opening prayer will be Vespers. There is one Warning: a slate of officers for your election to the next term 2024-2025. We will also discuss the next budget and upcoming events. Please consider running for council office.   

The Super Bingo check presentation will be on July 11 at 5:30 PM during our Council BBQ just prior to the Business Meeting. 

Cor (Heart) Formation for men is held every third SAT at Saint John Vianney Parish beginning at 10 AM. Our ninth gathering will take place on June 15, 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-fifth consecutive First-Friday Council Holy Hour took place on June 7 at 3 PM at Saint John Vianney. 

Next Holy Hour will be on July 5, 2024.  St Joseph Icon will be here in July. Please join us in worship of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the scripture Holy Rosary.

Mark your calendars, the Silver Rose will be here for our AUG 2 Holy Hour. 

Bingo is back at Saint John Vianney Hall every third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 9 PM. The next Bingo is June 20 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. Ray Michaud will be out-of-town this month. Your help is vital. Having a deep bench will ensure our success. We need help in sales, set-up, kitchen and clean-up. Doors open at 5 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 scheduled in Starksboro on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 PM and St Jude on Fridays from 1-3 PM. Ted and Kathy Barrett are back from North Carolina. Contact Ted or Tammi Walker. You can email Ted at tedbarrett79@gmail.com or Tammi at tjwalker5@gmail.com. 

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

1.  SUN July 7 Family Mass at Isle La Motte.

2.   MON July 15 10 AM Internment of SK Bill Ladd at Resurrection Park Cemetery.

3.   MON July 15 1 PM Ordination and Installation of Msgr John McDermott as the 11^th Bishop of Burlington, VT.

    We are 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.

If you always wanted to be a council officer, this is your chance. Let the Trustees know of your interest or seek office on Thursday prior to the election.

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 Thursdays. 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.  

Bev Newman, Ray's widow, is at Harbor Village, Room 306.George Stevens is still at the Burlington Health and Rehab, 300 Pearl St., Room 511. Morning visits are best.

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. 

JUNE 2024 

THU JUN 13 at 6 :30 PM Council Business Meeting (after Sandwiches) at SJV or on Zoom

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

SAT JUN 15 at 10 AM COR Formation for Men at St John Vianney Parish 

TUE JUN 18 at 8 PM FBE Webinar Faith Based Financial Solutions 

THU JUN 20 at 6:30 PM SJV Bingo! Doors open at 5 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) 

JULY 2024 

THU JUL 02 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 JUL 05 at 3 PM Holy Hour at SJV. Come early and lead a decade of the scripture Holy Rosary. 

THU JUL 11 at 6 :30 PM Council Business Meeting (after BBQ) at SJV or on Zoom. Check presentation to CTKT at 5:30 PM. Exemplification of 1-3 Degrees.  

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

THU JUL 18 at 6:30 PM SJV Bingo! Doors open at 5 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 JUL 20 at 10 AM COR Formation for Men at St John Vianney Parish 

SUN JUL 21 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM Parish BBQ at St Catherine of Siena Round Table Parish 

AUGUST 

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

SAT AUG 03 St John Vianney Parish Picnic BBQ 

THU AUG 08 at 6 :30 PM Council Business Meeting (after Dinner) at SJV or on Zoom

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

THU AUG 15 at 6:30 PM SJV Bingo! Doors open at 5 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 AUG 17 at 10 AM COR Formation for Men at St John Vianney Parish 

SAT AUG 24 at 3 PM Parish BBQ at St Jude Round Table Parish

Our Worthy Lecturer, Bernie Prendergast will share with us highlights of the life and virtue of St. Aloysius Gonzaga (June 21) and sing the song "Sacrament Most Holy."

Bishop-elect Msgr John McDermott, Timothy O'Neill, Fr. Jeremias Tigga, Ben Fine (son-in-law of Ray Michaud), PGK Ray Miller, Jean Groleau, General success of Catholic Radio, Mason and Elizabeth Bullock, Richard Labrecque, Leonard and Mary Robear, Chris Johnson, Arlene Michaud (Ray’s sister), Gail Couillard, Marilyn LaCount, Friend of David Gravelin, Anthony Naples, Andre Ricard (Assembly 1157 Newport), Zak Bigelow and family, 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 7), John O’ Brien, Cheryl Allain, Andy Corologos, Claire Myers, Kelly Jackson (daughter of late PGK Jeff Jackson), PGK Bernie Hemond, Dick and Sandy Stevens, Beth-Ann Prendergast, Mariette Nadeau, Jeff and Kay Jarvis, Tom 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, 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 the faithfully departed, especially Sue Duncan (an avid Bingo Player) and John Cross (a friend of Ted Barrett), may they rest in peace and may all the families of the deceased 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