Worthy Officers, Brothers, and Sir Knights,

On Monday May 1^st, having exhausted every treatment option, my beloved son David, just 35, was “crucified to a bed” at McClure-Miller Respite House in Colchester, VT. So began our good Friday as we all gathered in vigil as loving witnesses around his cross. On the third day, May 3^rd, David stopped breathing. Our Easter of hope in the resurrection began.

Before his cavalry, David packed his spiritual “bags”, so that when the train to heaven came, he could board without fear. For that reason, this is what I believe happened after he died.

David’s soul ascended and was met at the Pearly Gates by all those relatives and friends who had gone before him. They embraced and welcomed him. Then our Lord Jesus, the King of Kings, washed his feet. Then the Good Shepard led him through the gate into the Kingdom of Heaven. Once inside he was embraced by his Heavenly Father. He was given the finest robe, and a ring was placed on his finger. He was shown the room prepared for him in advance.  

There was no more sorrow, pain, or suffering. Finally, the Bridegroom guided him to the great banquet hall where a wedding feast was ongoing in celebration of the marriage of God and Man. And David started dancing.

When our turn comes, David will be one of those who greet us. From his new perspective, we may already be there.

The month of May is when we celebrate our earthly mother and the mother that Jesus gave each of us from the Cross, Holy Mary. Mothers are very special. Your mother was the first person to become aware of your arrival. Her own body and blood sustained you until you were born. Your birth was a traumatic event in her life. For a time, she may have continued to sustain you with her milk. For those reasons, I think a mother enjoys a physical and emotional connection to us all our lives. This is a connection exclusive to motherhood; the connection of fathers we will discuss next month. Our mothers suffer through many separations; birth, weaning, first day of school, leaving home, and sometimes unexpected death. All these events leave an empty place in her heart and trigger a longing for reunion.

Our Holy Mother St Mary felt even more acutely her separations from Jesus because He was her Lord and Savior. Before He could become the bread that came down from heaven, she nurtured and protected Him with her own body and blood in the womb for nine months. St Mary has appeared to Saints with child-reflecting her desire to re-experience the joy of her intimacy with the Son of God. He went missing when He was 12-how gut-wrenching do you imagine that was? At the age of 33 she watched Him die an ignoble death on a cross, an event that “pierced her heart like a sword”. At the last supper, Jesus gave us His Body and Blood. On the cross He shed his blood and gave up His body for us. In another act of love, He gave us His own mother. This month let us reflect on those special gifts that only mothers can provide, and the extraordinary gifts we receive from St Mary, and show them our deepest appreciation and love.  

Vivat Jesus!

Father Naples latest video on the Eucharist is available online. Reflections on the Eucharist #6: the New Covenant.

Fr. Naples explains the hidden plan in the Old Testament revealed by Christ who is also hidden in the Old Testament and from their recognition as they walk to Emmaus. He distinguishes Testament vs. Covenant.  

https://youtu.be/BzZyUTEJ454 

There are no warnings this month!

The annual Super Bingo for Kids with Cancer took place on 16 April at the Doubletree Conference Center. It was a huge success, owing to the efforts of the planning committee chaired by Trustee PGK Tom Gravelin, the many volunteers,

and the many councils and individuals who covered game prizes. It is anticipated that the total donation to Camp Ta Kum Ta will be $30,000. Our own PSD, PGK, PFN, Don Sutton attended and enjoyed the event very much.

Many thanks to Worthy Warden Jay Benson and his wife Alice who represented the council at the funeral Mass for our brother Andrew Bolognani, who's suffering has ended. RIP

LAST MEETINGS

The last Council Business Meeting was held in person and remotely on ZOOM 13April 2023 at 6:30 PM after Vespers and a delicious meal of Shepherd's Pie, by Dave Bean, rolls by Jay Benson and dessert by Charles Brown. There was one Warning that the Council sponsor a $500 game for the Super Bingo. A modified motion was passed and approved for two $500 games; a total of $1,000. Minutes were sent to all members for approval.  

The last Officer Meeting was held in person and on ZOOM on 4 May at 6:30 after pizza and salad. This meeting was chaired by the Worthy Deputy Grand Knight. The Chancellor hosted the Zoom meeting. 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 11 May at 6:30 PM in person and on Zoom. Brad Chenette will provide the meal, and Dave Martin 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

HOLY HOUR

Our twenty-first consecutive First-Friday Council Holy Hour took place on 5 May at 1500. Three members were in attendance. The twenty-second Holy Hour will take place on 2 June at 1500. 

Please join us in worship of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the scripture Holy Rosary.

Ted and Kathy Barrett are back! Join them for pickleball at Robinson Elementary School in Starksboro every Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 PM. 

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

The Assembly had a brief meeting on 13 April and voted to cover a $500 game for the Super Bingo.

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:

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.  

Honor Guard for Holy Funeral Mass for David Bullock, Friday, May 26th at 1100 at Saint John Vianney Parish followed by a luncheon in the parish hall.

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

The 125th State Convention took place 28-30 April at the Stoweflake Resort. By all accounts it was a successful event, well attended. The final report is not yet published.

You can watch the "video welcome" of Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly at this link.

https://vimeo.com/813408874/19552f0ac2 

You can view convention photos as this link.

https://app.kululu.me/album/2kt7uv

Father Feltz, Chaplain of Milton Council 10417, was the first State Blessed Michael McGivney Chaplain of the Year Award. 

Here are the other winners.

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. 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!

St Jude and St Catherine plan to run a parish BBQ this summer. Details TBD. 

We will need help at the 19 August 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

No mail this month but Irene Russell is working on thank-you notes for the Super Bingo Sponsors. 

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)

14 MAY 23 SUN Mother’s Day

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)

26 May 1100 FRI Holy Funeral Mass for David Bullock at St John Vianney

01 JUN 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)

08 1830 JUN 23 THU Council Business Meeting (after home-cooked meal) at St Marks Bowling Alley or on Zoom

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

19 AUG 2023 SAT Special Needs Beach Boys Summer Party

19 AUG 2023 SAT Exemplification of the 4^th Degree. Rutland, VT

Our Worthy Lecturer, Bernie will enlighten us about the life and virtue of St. Rita. (Feast Day May 22), and sing the song Our Lady of Fatima.

Please keep the following people and intentions in your prayers.

Arlene, sister of a council member, Zak Bigelow, Pope Francis, Chris Barrett (recently lost wife), Mrs. Jackie Crosby, Michelle Poquette, 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,  PSD/PGK Don Sutton, PGK Ray Miller, Stuart Fath, 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.