During Lent we all consider giving up some pleasure or desire to focus on what we often take for granted, our dependence on God and gratitude for His love and kindness. Our focus turns from self to Jesus. Some of us also try to give up our favorite sins during Lent.

With all this focus on resisting temptation to sin, when we put ourselves, someone else or something else ahead of our Lord, we mistakenly resist the temptation to do good.

The most egregious example of resisting good was Jonah’s resistance to obey God’s command to warn the people of Nineveh. Instead, Jonah hastens in the opposite direction by sea to Tarshish. What happens, as Bishop Robert Barren says, “God sent a rescue mission.” A storm gets Jonah tossed overboard, and a great fish swallows him up. While in the fish for three days and three nights, Jonah is completely helpless. The fish sets him back on course, but once he acquiesced to the will of God, Jonah’s few words were empowered to save the Ninevites. What happened on the Road to Emmaus? God sent another rescue mission, this time His Son, to renew the faith of His disciples in the aftermath of the Cross. In both cases helplessness is replaced by empowerment.

My friends, we too often resist the temptation to do good out of fear of failure, or the belief it would be too difficult for us. We fear losing our freedom, our ego. In popular culture the Star Trek Franchise introduced an enemy called the Borg. This society would assimilate those it conquered, taking away all their individual freedom. They warned those who resisted that “resistance is futile”. If we value our freedom, resistance to the will of God is also futile, because assimilation into the Mystical Body of Christ is true freedom.   

“Why is it that any time we speak of temptation we always speak of temptation as something that inclines us to do wrong. We have more temptations to become good than we do to become bad.”                                                        Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen

We must strive to remember that the call to Holiness always involves a mission. The call to Love God above all else and our neighbors as ourselves requires service to both. Love is an action word. To want the good of the other as other is not a mere sentiment, but a call to action.

This Lent strive to hear, like Elijah, the “gentle whisper” of God calling you to some activity that, like prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, aligns with God’s will and provides aid and comfort to our neighbor.   

Brothers,

Here we are in the season of Lent. Let us do something a little difficult, such as fast or form of almsgiving. We challenge ourselves with Lenten practices not for the pride of accomplishing anything personally, but for the final goal of love of God… and love of neighbor. Before we know it, Easter will be here. 

In the Easter season the Church reads joyfully from the Acts of the Apostles. Such is our liturgical tradition.

I’m very happy to say that my video series for Eucharistic Reflections on the Acts of the Apostles had been completed! The YouTube playlist contains all the videos, and now also I have posted the list on my blog: https://ubipetrusvt.com/

May Jesus and Mary shower us with graces. 

In Christ with Mary,

Fr. Timothy Naples

To enjoy the last video “Council of Jerusalem and the Breaking of the Bread” go to this link.

Council of Jerusalem and the Breaking of The Bread (youtube.com)

This is the Council where the Apostles and Elders of the Church provide interpretation of Divine Revelation in instructing that gentile converts needn’t be circumcised or adopt all the laws and rules of Judaism. However, since being Christian requires that a believer participate in the covenant meal of the Eucharist, gentiles must avoid food sacrificed to idols, food killed by strangulation, and blood. In addition, they must be chaste and avoid sexual immorality. 

LAST MEETINGS

The last business meeting was on February 8, 2024, in person and on Zoom. See the meeting minutes. Members enjoyed a home cooked meal before the meeting prepared by Dave Martin, Steve Shover and Charles Brown. An Assembly Warning was voted on in an Assembly Meeting. The Warning regarding past dues amnesty was tabled.  Final planning and labor appeal was made by Jay Benson for the Fish Fry. 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, March 7 at 6:30 PM after pizza and salad. Seven attended in person and four were on Zoom for 11 total. We discussed the results of the FEB 16 Fish Fry, including lessons learned. Proposals were discussed for the disbursement of net proceeds. Dues amnesty remains tabled until Charlie Brown submits his membership report. Jay Benson showed us the new Super Bingo Banner donated by SB Signs. 

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 March 14 at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be preceded by a home cooked meal consisting of a chicken dish prepared by Ray Michaud, with help from Pete Gadue and Brad Chenette. There are three Warnings involving covering a Bingo Game, disbursing Fish Fry Funds and voting for convention delegates. 

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. 

The planning  committee is meeting every two weeks and getting things done for the Bingo scheduled for Sunday April 21st, 2024. A lot of work is still underway. We are going to need lot's of help setting up, selling pop-opens and tearing down afterward. Three muscle moves coming up:

1. Meeting with the Hotel on Tuesday to go over details.

2. Brad Chenette capturing the list of volunteers to work the Bingo this year. 

3. Working on the deal for the worker lunch during the Bingo (Subway?), and the after Bingo dinner. Possibly being donated. 

More to follow. See how you can help under the "Opportunity Section" of this Newsletter.  

Cor (Heart) Formation for men will be held every third SAT at Saint John Vianney Parish beginning at 10 AM. Our sixth gathering will take place on March 16, 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-second consecutive First-Friday Council Holy Hour took place on March 1 at 3 PM at Saint John Vianney. 

Next Holy Hour will be on April 5, 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 5 to 9 PM. The next Bingo is March 21 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 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. Please check in with Ted Barrett to confirm the game will be played at (802) 458-1351. 

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

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

2.   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 Worthy Treasurer has announced he is moving to Ohio this year. So in addition to a Financial Secretary, we have an opening for Treasurer. We really need the help, men. Here is your chance to work in the vineyard to make the world a better place and save more souls. Interested persons should communicate with the GK. 

Gentlemen, we need help working the Super Bingo! Make it a family affair with men working and wives playing. We will need help setting up SAT April 20 from 5 - 8 PM. WE will need help during the day on SUN April 21 from 9 AM to 5 PM selling tickets and verifying winners, etc. On SUN April 21 we will need break-down and clean-up help from 5  - 7 PM. 

Please let Brad Chenette know when you are available to help. Call him at  (802) 238-1257 or write to Brad@bradchenette@gmail.com.

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. 

MARCH 2024 

THU MAR 07 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) 

SAT MAR 09 from 0900-1500 Biennial 4^th Degree Meeting at St John Vianney Church (Delegates and alternates registration with fee) 

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 

SAT MAR 16 from 0800-1530 Annual Catholic Men’s Conference at Our Lady of Angels Parish in Randolph, VT (Pre-registration and fee required) 

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 

APRIL 2024 

THU APR 04 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 APR 05 at 3 PM Holy Hour at SJV. Come early and lead a decade of the scripture Holy Rosary. 

THU APR 11 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 APR 13 11 AM to 9 PM Exemplification of the 4^th Degree at Christ The King Parish in Rutland, VT 

THU APR 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 APR 20 at 10 AM COR Formation for Men at St John Vianney Parish 

FRI-SUN APR 26-28 Annual State Convention at the Stoweflake Inn. 

MAY 2024 

THU MAY 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 MAY 03 at 3 PM Holy Hour at SJV. Come early and lead a decade of the scripture Holy Rosary. 

THU MAY 9 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 MAY 16 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 MAY 18 at 10 AM COR Formation for Men at St John Vianney Parish 

SAT May 18 Msgr Thomas J Ball Jesus Open Golf Tournament at West Bolton Country Club.

Our Worthy Lecturer, Bernie Prendergast will share with us highlights of the life and virtue of St. Catherine of Siena (APR29) and sing the song Hail Glorious St Patrick.

Jean Groleau, Dave Martin, General success of Catholic Radio, Mason and Elizabeth Bullock, Richard Labrecque, 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 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,  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 Mary Griswold, the mother-in-law of Worthy FS Charles Brown. May she 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