Worthy Officers, Brothers, and Sir Knights,

In this season of Lent when we focus most clearly on Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving I want you to consider that Catholics have the full revelation of God’s plan of salvation through Christ.  This includes a very powerful prayer-the Holy Rosary. I recently heard a true story involving a runner named John Petrovich and a women being taken away by ambulance as he jogged along in her neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA. John said a Hail Mary for her without even knowing who she was. A week later a woman approached him as he ran past the same house. She said, “you saved my life”. John told her he did not know her. She said she was dying in an ambulance, and she saw Jesus and John’s face was on Jesus’ palm. She told John, “Jesus told me I was going to die”, but, pointing to your picture on His palm, He continued, “but this man saved you with a Hail Mary. You’re going to live.” She wanted to tell him thanks-and recognized him from his picture. Friends, if one Hail Mary can save a woman from certain imminent death, how much can be accomplished from the 53 Hail Mary’s in the Holy Rosary? The Holy Rosary is like a spiritual machine gun; each Hail Mary is a shot. Our “shots” must be well aimed for effect. https://wildgoose.tv/programs/the-power-of-one-hail-mary-d18383?autoplay=true

Like many people, I found it difficult to remain focused on a particular salvation mystery while saying the Holy Rosary. The mind wanders. While attending the Lenten Video Series: Mysteries of the Rosary at St Jude (Mondays 6:30-8 PM), I learned that if you add a word or phrase after “Jesus” in each Hail Mary, it greatly increases your ability to stay focused on the mystery. You can use the same phrase for all ten Hail Mary’s for that mystery, or you can say a different phrase for each Hail Mary. For example, while thinking about the Transfiguration of the Lord, you could add “His glory revealed” after Jesus in all ten Hail Mary’s. Or while thinking about the Crucifixion you could say something different after “Jesus” in each Hail Mary as follows; “His hands and feet nailed”, “the King of the Jews”, “His clothing divided”, “His breathing difficult”, “He gives us His mother”, “He forgives a criminal”, “He thirsts”, “He laments being abandoned” , “He forgives our sins”, “He gives up His spirit.”

Remember that when you joined our Order you were given a Rosary to carry with you always and pray often. This is the weapon of a Knight of Christ. Do not leave home without your primary weapon against evil. Like a good Soldier keep yourself strong for the fight by frequent receipt of the Sacraments, especially Confession and Eucharist. Then draw your weapon often to keep the devils head down so you can continue to maneuver into eternal life unmolested. Finally, maintain your focus with a phrase after each “Jesus” so you can keep your “shot group” tight and on-target.  

Vivat Jesus!

The fifth installment of my video series on the Holy Eucharist is available at this link.

Reflections on the Eucharist #5: The Mystery of Faith (Jesus)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0kmEdB7VkQ

In Christ with Mary,

Fr Timothy Naples

LAST MEETING

The last Council Business Meeting was held in person and remotely on ZOOM 9 February 2023 at 6:30 PM after Vespers and a meal of scalloped potatoes and ham, salad, rolls, and dessert prepared by Jay and Alice Benson, Dave Bean, and Dick Labrecque. 

Minutes were sent to all members for approval. Minor changes made are in red font. 

The last Officer Meeting was held in person and on ZOOM on 2 March at 6:30 after pizza and salad. The officers discussed upcoming projects like the return of Bingo at St John Vianney, the Super Bingo, and the 125th Convention.  

  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 9 March at 6:30 PM. in person and on Zoom. The Michaud's will provide pulled pork sandwiches, and Dick Labrecque will bring a nice dessert. 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 Value: $364,072.07 As_of: 03/02/2023 12:00 PM

Memo: loss of $6,613.98 or almost 2% since last month.

HOLY HOUR

Our nineteenth consecutive First-Friday Council Holy Hour took place on 3 March from 3 - 4 PM. There were six Brothers and two parishioners present. We conducted a Eucharist centric program of readings and scripture Holy Rosary Glorious Mysteries before the Blessed Sacrament. The program was written and printed by our Chaplain, Fr. Tim Naples. It was very moving.

The next Holy Hour will be at 1500 on 14 April (Due to Good Friday). Please join us in worship of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the scripture Holy Rosary.

You can now play pickleball at Robinson Elementary School in Starksboro every Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 PM thanks to Ted and Kathy Barrett. I have experienced the humiliation of being a novice, but this game is easy to learn and to play. Please let Ted and Kathy know you are planning to play at tedbarrett79@gmail.com.

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. 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:

Chrism Mass Tuesday, April 4 at 1100 St Joseph Cathedral

Honor Guard for Confirmation Tuesday, May 23rd at 7 PM at St Jude Round Table Parish. The Middle schoolers will be from all of our parishes, plus IHM and Holy Rosary.  

The next Exemplification of the 4th Degree will take place on August 19 at Christ the King in Rutland. Stay tuned.  

We recently received a wonderful gift of $300 from the family of the late Sir Knight Leonard Giles. The accompanying letter is included below.

There are many opportunities to serve! 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 roommate is Bill Curtin. He asks for prayers. Don loves to play cribbage. George Stevens is at the Burlington Health and Rehab, 300 Pearl St. Room 520. Andrew Bolognani is at Elderwood Rehab in Burlington North End, Room 14B. Bob Wilkins likes to see folks, he is at Harbor View, Allen Road, South Burlington, Room 301. If you go see Bob, walk down to Room 306 and visit Bev Newman, Ray's widow, too. 

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

We will need regular volunteers at monthly Bingo, and at the SuperBingo on 23 APRIL.

By a ticket to win the K of C Cribbage Board and support Camp Ta Kum Ta. 

St Jude wants us to run a parish BBQ in July. 

We will need help at a Special Needs Persons Summer Party-New this year!

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

09 1830 MAR 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) 

15 0930-1500 MAR 23 WED Lenten Retreat, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Williston, VT (Pre-registration required) 

17 MAR 1700-2130 MAR Calcutta, ST Thomas Parish, Underhill Center, VT(Register at STHomasVTCalcutta@gmail.com or call (802) 899-4632)

25 0900-1400 MAR 23 SAT Catholic Men's Conference Our Lady of the Angels, Randolph, VT (pre-registration required) 

29 0930-1500 MAR 23 WED Lenten Retreat, St Anthony’s, White River Junction, VT (Pre-registration required)

 30 1830 MAR 23, THU April 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 1100 April, TUE Chrism Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral (Honor Guard) 

04 1900 April 23 TUE Men’s Night at St Jude the Apostle Round Table Parish 

06 April 2023 Holy Thursday 

07 April 2023 Good Friday 

09 April 23 SUN Easter Sunday 

13 1830 APR 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) 

14 1500 April 2023 Friday “1^st Friday” Holy Hour at SJV. 

23 APR 23 SUN Super Bingo for Kids with Cancer South Burlington, VT

28-30 APR 23 FRI-SUN Vermont State Convention at Stoweflake Mountain Resort in Stowe, VT 

02 1900 MAY 23 TUE Men’s Night at St Jude the Apostle Round Table Parish 

04 1830 MAY 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) 

05 1500 MAY 2023 1^st Friday Holy Hour @ SJV 

11 1830 MAY 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) 

20 MAY 23 SAT Jesus Open Golf Tournament (Rev MSGR Thomas Ball) West Bolton Country Club 

23 1900 MAY Tue Regional Confirmation at ST Jude Parish (Honor Guard)

Our Worthy Lecturer, Bernie will enlighten us about the life and virtue of St. Patrick. (Feast Day MAR 17), and sing the song One Little Candle.

Please keep the following people and intentions in your prayers.

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, Andrew Bolognani, PSD/PGK Don Sutton, PGK Ray Miller, Stuart Fath, David Bullock, 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.

Pray for all the victims who have died in the Ukraine War and for our dear departed. 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.