|
Grand Knight, Michael Bullock |
|
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16) |
|
|
| |
|
Worthy Officers, Brothers, and Sir Knights,
Sir Knight David Bean and I recently attended the “A Life Symposium” at the Doubletree in Burlington. We also saw Knights from other Vermont Councils there. Dave had his son-in-law and his brother there too. It was nice to see a good turnout. Some other parishioners from our Churches were also present.
The guest speakers were informed and engaging. I know a few men who do not get involved in the fight for life because they feel it is an issue for Mothers-to-be only. Everyone has a right to life, and we should all be concerned and involved. The “right to choose” does not liberate women. On the contrary, a pregnant woman is usually beset by demands of others in their lives who may not want her to carry the baby to term. Further, there is a whole industry that benefits financially when the mother chooses to abort. There is currently no requirement that a mother receive full disclosure of the risks of abortion, or comprehensive information/facts about the developing life that she carries. The testimony of abortion survivors is heartbreaking.
The proposed amendment to our state constitution, Proposal 5, is so vague that it is certain that judges, and not voters, will be deciding if there will continue to be conscience rights for medical personnel who do not want to participate in an abortion procedure. The judiciary, and not the voter, will decide if those of us working to provide full disclosure and education for Mothers will be protected. The bottom line is that only the abortion industry will be protected by this amendment. Clearly the goal is “choice,” but not “informed choice.” Informed choice is bad for business. Pregnant minors have no one to council them except the profiteers and their “partners”. Under the amendment, I think even the so-called “back-alley abortion” would be legal. Now that is an example of tragic irony.
As a Catholic gentleman, and a Knight of Columbus it is our duty (and honor) to support life and to champion Mothers to make informed decisions armed with all the available information-especially an ultrasound of the developing baby. We cannot sit on the fence on this. Our Lord does not countenance the uncommitted.
So, what can we do? Inform yourself about the content and purpose of Proposal 5. Express your opposition to the amendment to your government representatives. Support and encourage Mothers facing difficult pregnancies and life circumstances. Provide labor and treasure to organizations like Aspire Together and Good Council that support pregnant women. Pray the rosary for a culture of life to take hold world-wide. Take our Chaplain’s 50 Rosaries for Life Challenge. Finally, you can “spiritually adopt” an Unborn Child. Pray this prayer by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen every day for nine months: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I love you very much. I beg you to spare the life of the unborn baby that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion.” Someday, in Heaven, you may meet the person that your prayers saved.
“God has no children whose rights may be safely trampled on.”
- Frederick Douglass, 1854 |
| |
|
LAST MEETING
The last Council Business Meeting was held in person and remotely on ZOOM 19 September at 7 PM. Meeting was called to order by Deputy Grand Knight Dave Martin. (GK on trip with son David to Dana-Farber). Minutes were sent to all members for approval. The last Officer Meeting was held in person at SJV and on ZOOM 7 OCT at 6:30 PM. Both meetings were preceded by dinner from Dominoes Pizza. Voluntary donations offset most of the costs.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Our Treasurer, Rick Gravelin is back home now post-surgical rehab for his broken foot. We look forward to his next report.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT
The WFS reported the Morgan Stanley investment account balance dropped to $500,644.89 due to market fluctuations. The Budget committee will meet on 27 OCT at 5 PM at SJV to establish a new budget for the next two years. If you have any good causes you would like us to support, please reach out to one of the Budget Committee members; Ray Michaud, Tom Gravelin, and Rick Gravelin.
2021 Anchor Award
The Anchor Award banquet was a huge success. Everyone had a good time recognizing our Chaplain and the cause of Life. Unfortunately, it was not a financial success; expenses were $3,453.65. Revenue from ticket sales and donations was $2,350.00 for a net loss of $1,103.65*.
*subject to final accounting. Cost per paid guest was kept lower than cost projections to keep the event affordable and increase participation.
KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS
Worthy Warden, Jay Benson, has the posters and will mount them in time for next season for display at St Jude and OLMC.
COUNCIL WEBSITE
Our Webmaster is back home! Praise Be. If you have issues with the website, please be patient. kofcvt.org.
Collection for persons with Intellectual Disabilities (aka Tootsie Roll drive)
Our Church's-only fund drive was successful. We raised $1,617.48. We must send a check in that amount to the State Council. They will take 20% for Camp Hagan and send us a check for the balance made out to whatever charity we choose as long as it supports similar organizations. We need to vote on whether to support Special Olympics in the full amount of $1,293.98 or support multiple charities.
Many thanks to our collectors; Ted Barrett, Bob Wilkins, Ken Jarvis, Dick Stevens, Dick Labrecque, Dave Martin, Brad Chenette, Dan Smith, Mike Bullock, Ray Bouchard, and Jay and Alice Benson.
NEXT BUSINESS MEETING
Our next meeting is 14 OCT 2021 after Exemplification at 7 PM in person at SJV and on ZOOM. (See below link). We will have a social hour and dinner beginning at 6 PM. Please join us. ATTENTION: if you are a 1st or 2nd degree Knight, this is your chance to advance to the coveted 3rd Degree. Please let us know if you plan to attend the dinner so we can get enough pizza.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84647582239?pwd=bHF1Y3lsM0I5eFVIbHhONmR4eTMzUT09
Meeting ID: 846 4758 2239
Passcode: 297697
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,84647582239#,,,,*297697# US (New York)
DISTRICT 3 OFFICER INSTALLATION
The Council 7525/District 3 officer installation will take place on SAT 16 October directly after the 4 PM Mass at Saint Joseph's Cathedral. Please plan to be there. Wear a jacket and tie. Bring your family and prospects. Light refreshments to be served afterward. |
| |
|
Coats for Kids |
|
10/12/2021 |
|
Should Council 7525 purchase winter coats for girls and boys this year? Total $500
|
| |
|
Holy Hour
Our second First-Friday Council Holy Hour took place on 2 October from 3 -4 PM. During the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, members of the Council led parishioners through the Scripture Rosary for many intentions, including a respect for life from conception to natural death. This is a very moving Rosary with scripture passages prior to each Hail Mary. At the conclusion of the Rosary proper, we added the Prayer to Saint Michael, the Litany of Saint Joseph, the Memorare, and the Prayer of Saint Gertrude for holy souls in Purgatory. We intend to sustain this devotion every First Friday. Please sign up to help lead or participate to show your support. Please let us know if a different time slot would make it easier for you to attend. We are hoping to add music! The next Holy Hour will be on 5 NOV 2021.
Annual state-wide Day of Prayer for Clergy
The Vermont Knights of Columbus state-wide day of prayer for clergy is scheduled for November 13, 2021. Councils across Vermont will pray for our clergy throughout the day. Council 7525 will cover 12-1 PM at Saint John Vianney Church. During our hour, we will have the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and lead the Scripture Rosary. Everyone is welcome to attend. This is a great way for individuals and families to support our priests and deacons. This year we also expect other states will be participating, as this Vermont initiative inspires others to join" |
| |
|
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 |
| |
|
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Please pray for the following people who are ill or in distress and their families;
Kevin Limoge and his nephew Chad Limoge, Sandy (a woman in distress at Central Vermont Hospital), Kathy Barrett, Vickie Linton (relative of DD3), George Stevens, James Read, Richard Waite, Robert Morris, Richard Gravelin (multiple foot fractures suffered in a bad fall), Gene Tofferi, Mike and Pam Audette, Joe Myers and Family, Jeffrey Claude Danis and family, Tom Westropp, Andrew Bolognani, PSD/PGK Don Sutton, Ray & Bev Newman, Ray Miller, Stuart Fath, David Bullock (chemotherapy), Tom Gravelin, Ben & Yvonne Gravelin, Harold Ponto, Wally Rooney, PGK Bob Audette, Bob Wilkens, Gerry Malavenda, Ed and Theresa Curtiss, all clergy and religious, victims and families of COVID-19, First Responders, and for new Members to join the Order.
KNIGHT OF THE MONTH
Our Knight of the Month for September 2021 is David Bean.
FAMILY OF THE MONTH
The Family of the Month for September 2021 is Jay and Alice Benson.
WORTHY LECTURER
Our Worthy Lecturer, Bernie is planning to tell us about Our Lady of the Rosary and sing the song Road of Life.
INTO THE BREACH
Please continue to experience this video series on your own. The next video is “Evangelization” and can be found at this link: https://www.kofc.org/en/campaigns/into-the-breach.html
OCTOBER BIRTHDAY WISHES
3 Thomas Foisy, 6 Thomas Fontara, 7 Joseph Bousquet, 12 Ted Barret, David Kitchen, John O'Brian, 15 Andrew Bolognani, 19 Thomas Gravelin, 20 Joseph Delaney, 21 Stephen Fath, 23 Daniel Wetzel, Robert Wilkens, 26 Harold Ponto, Jay Shepard, 28 Thomas Buzzell, 30 James Ewing, 31 Rev Steven Marchand.
LAST RITES
Eternal rest, peace, and an everlasting vision of the face of God to Brother Raymond Rogers, Jr. Please pray for him and his family. Amen. |
| |
Saint John Vianney Council 7525
PO Box 9214, South Burlington, Vt 05403
Copyright 2021
| |
|
