It is entirely fitting in the month of July, when we celebrate the birth of our own nation in man’s quest for freedom from tyranny, that we meditate on the contributions of those who “gave and continue to give their lives and fortunes to the cause of freedom.” Anyone who appreciates the freedom and prosperity we now enjoy can readily see the wisdom and love that motivated their efforts. They sacrificed for us, in most cases complete strangers. As has been said, “what they did in this life echoes throughout eternity.” We are the beneficiaries of their devotion, whether deserving or not.

As we remember them, let us be confident in our belief that they now experience everlasting joy in the kingdom of heaven. This confidence is nurtured by the scriptures. In the scriptures we can obtain knowledge and insight from the interactions between Christ and these military men. To be a disciple of Christ, one must be capable of discipline, of self-denial and self-control. The character of military service is a life of discipline.

There are at least three examples in scripture where those subject to discipline become true disciples. All three encounters involve a centurion. A centurion was a Roman Army Officer in command of 100 men, analogous to a Company Commander today, usually in the rank of Captain.  

5 As he entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him 6 and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion answered him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; be it done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.   - Matthew 8:5-13

In many denominations of Christianity, the centurion’s response is immortalized and repeated by every penitent before receiving the Eucharist. “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant soul will be healed.”

Our next testimony comes from the centurion in charge of the soldiers that crucified Jesus and with him two criminals.

54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”                                                     - Matthew 27:54

Please note that this profession of faith was not made by a Jewish leader, but by members of the gentile army of Rome.

In Acts 10 we read about a named centurion.

1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms liberally to the people, and prayed constantly to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror, and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.”                      – Acts 10: 1-2

Led by an angel of the Lord, Cornelius summons Simon Peter. Cornelius and his entire family receive the Holy Spirit and are the first gentiles to receive Baptism.

Not only does a centurion make a big impression on Jesus and His apostles, but they helped to open the kingdom of heaven to all of us gentiles.  

Vivat Jesus!

The Last Business Meeting took place in person and on Zoom from St John Vianney on June 13 at 6:30 PM. We had sandwiches and chips for dinner at 5:30 PM. We discussed upcoming events and conducted an election of Officer for the next term (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025) Thanks to all who were willing to serve. Many thanks to the outgoing Treasurer, Rick Gravelin, for his pioneering work to modernize, digitize and streamline our banking  and accounting practices.

The Last Officer Meeting took place in person and on Zoom on July 2, a Tuesday due to the Holiday. We discussed upcoming events, and agreed to get checks out to cover Church expenses, RSVP and ASAP Programs. We learned that Bill Bissonnette of Al’s French Fries was going to donate a very expensive fryolator to our council and St John Vianney for our fish fry. The chapel at Camp Ta Kum Ta needs a fresh coat of stain. Be prepared to volunteer to help with that project. We will warn the placement of an Ad in the Vermont Catholic November Commemorative Issue (in honor of Bishop McDermott), in partnership with the Assembly.

The Next Business Meeting is Thursday, July 11 at 6:30 PM. There will be a BBQ beginning at 5:30 PM. At that time we will have a check presentation to Cam Ta Kum Ta of the Super Bingo proceeds. After dinner there will be an Exemplification of Charity Unity and Fraternity. The business meeting will follow the Exemplification. There will be one Warning.  

The Super Bingo check presentation will be on July 11 at 5:30 PM during our Council BBQ just prior to the Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity and Business Meeting. 

Cor (Heart) Formation for men is held every third SAT at Saint John Vianney Parish beginning at 10 AM. Our tenth gathering will take place on July 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 thirty-sixth consecutive First-Friday Council Holy Hour took place on July 5 at 3 PM at Saint John Vianney. 

Next Holy Hour will be on AUG 2, 2024.  The Silver Rose will be present on August 2. St Joseph Icon is here in July. Please join us in worship of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the scripture Holy Rosary.

Bingo is back at Saint John Vianney Hall. Planned for every third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 9 PM, unexpected events can dictate an alternate date. The next Bingo is July 25 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. 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 5:30 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 scheduled in Starksboro on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 PM and St Jude on Fridays from 1-3 PM. Contact Ted Barrett 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.  MON July 15 10 AM Internment of SK Bill Ladd at Resurrection Park Cemetery.

2.   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. 

JULY 2024 

THU JUL 11 at 7 PM Council Business Meeting (after check presentation to CTKT, BBQ and Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity) at SJV or on Zoom

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

MON JUL 15 at 10 AM Internment of SK Bill Ladd at Resurrection Park Cemetery

MON JUL 15 1 PM Ordination and Installation of Bishop-elect MSGR John McDermott at the ST Joseph Cathedral 

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

THU JUL 25 at 6:30 PM SJV Bingo! Doors open at 5:30 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 JUL 26 7-10 PM Jimmy Fund Baseball at Schifilliti Field, Burlington, VT 

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. Silver Rose will be here! 

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 (GK will be excused)

(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 details about the life and virtue of St Camillus De Lellis (Feast Day July 18) and sing the song One Little Candle.

Mike Audette, Toni Hill, 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 Beatrice Ruth Gervia (mother of Mike Gervia), and Virginia Giroux (a friend of the late PSD, PGK, PFN Don Sutton). 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