St. John The Evangelist

Council 11171

Waldorf Maryland

* Charity * Unity * Fraternity * Patriotism *

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Knight Life

St. John the Evangelist Council No. 11171

Knights of Columbus - Clinton, Maryland

Established September 12, 1993

Council web site: www.kofc11171.org

Volume XIV No. 8

February 2008

Matthew (Chapter 6)

(16) "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. (17) But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, (18) so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Join us for the observance of the Passion.

After the Stations of the Cross every Friday evening, starting at 7pm,

we gather for Lenten soup in the lower hall.

Our Council will be providing the repast on Friday March 7th.

For additional information and to donate your soup and to volunteer

your services, contact PGK Ken Muir at 301.952.0665.

 

Grand Knight’s Message - Eugene Rashlich

This month’s report is being written while I am on our annual retreat here at the Loyola Retreat Facilities, located in Southern Maryland. For those that have not attended a retreat at Loyola, you are missing an opportunity to be closer to our God. The atmosphere for one to really focus inner searching and contemplating is without a doubt one of the best. Next year (last weekend in January) do yourself and your family a tremendous amount of good and attend the retreat. Ask any of the 18 brothers who went this year, about our experiences and you will understand why we continue to attend.

The chili cook off is now over. We had only three entries from our Council this year: Brothers PGK Don Faust, Les Evans, PGK Ken Muir and the fourth entry from St. Pius X Council, Forestville, were Brothers Richard Hutchings and Richard Pelluzo who cooked from a recipe provided by Brother Bob Weiler, Sr., also from St. Pius X. We also had two guests, Grand Knight John Buckler of St. Pius X Council #4076 in Forestville and Grand Knight Craig Maresch, Sr. from St. Columcille Council #5317 in Fort Washington. Judges for the chili cook off were Brothers Paul Bauer, Dr. Patrick Adigwe and Darrin Keller. Thanks guys, I know that you had a very difficult time in choosing the winner. Unfortunately, your Grand Knight could not attend because of recuperating from cataract surgery. All is fine. One eye down, one eye to go.

While all culinary endeavors were tasty, delicious and inviting, there could only be one winner.

The winners were Brothers Richard Hutchings and Richard Pelluzo. And to all the other worthy entries ---- better luck next year!

On January 24th, your GK, SK Jim Dobson, PGK and SK Frank Italiano, PGK, FS, FC attended the "Clergy Night" at St. Pius X Council. This was a very enjoyable evening meeting old friends from when Brother Italiano and myself were members of St. Pius X Council. There were 18 Priests and two Permanent Deacons and more than twenty members of St. Pius X Council. During the introduction of each of the Clergy, they were asked their years of service. It was astonishing to realize that they accumulated 580 years of service to our Lord. Also in attendance was Auxiliary Bishop Martin D. Holly who stated that he has been looking forward to attending. An open bar started the evening during the social hour, then a sit down steak dinner was provided for a cost of only $8.00 per member. St. Pius will be holding a "Nun’s Night" in the near future.

At the "Clergy Night", a lively and informative presentation was provided by "Spiggy", who is one of the Hog-gets cheerleading team of the Redskin’s fame. "Spiggy" is a Brother Knight from Star of the Sea Council in Solomons Island, Maryland. Over the past twenty-five years, these men have raised and donated over 100 million dollars for their various charities. They pay for their own expenses. GO HOG-GETS !!! [You could see some of the Priests thinking — 100 million dollars done by some guys in drag — WOW!!]

The next Council event to be held will be the "Shrove Tuesday" pancake dinner (Tuesday, 2/5/08) starting at 6pm in St. John’s lower hall. This is for ALL PARISHIONERS including children of St. John’s. Bring your appetite. Donations will be accepted in lieu of a charge.

Saturday, February 9th at 6pm, we will have a world famous, fund raising, enjoyable and filling SPAGHETTI DINNER. This dinner is opening to the public. Bring your friends. These enjoyable evenings are directed by the very capable PGK Ken Muir. Assistance is always needed for set up, serving and clean up [we do not discriminate — all members of the family can help]. If you can .... provide a dessert for the dinner. We are always out by 8pm. Advance tickets are only $8 for adults with a family maximum of $25.00. Call PGK Muir at 301-599-0655 to purchase tickets and to volunteer. Please come and support your Council, enjoy the food and company. You can then make PGK Ken Muir happy.

Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, will be conducting the Confirmation Sacrament for our Parish on Monday, February 4th. Our Council has been asked to assist as ushers at this event. I would like to have as many members as possible to present a good representation. Members are requested to report at 6:30 pm and wear your burgundy sport coat with name tag.

I am pleased to report that PGK Jim Dobson is now on the mend after his back surgery – we wish him continued improvement and good health.

Please keep in your prayers SK Ed Madden’s grandson, Andrew, who was seriously hurt in a car accident on January 21st and as of this writing continues in a coma.

Finally Brothers: If one believes in a just God, then we need to believe in a final reward – either a Heaven or a Hell. So, as we live this moment, live it as if it were our final moment which will decide our final reward. Not a sermon — just a thought. Peace.

 

Annual Election of Council Officers

Service to all through the leadership of a Council is the most rewarding experience that a member can receive. Through the guidance obtained from the Executive Committee and shown in the results of a Council success, Brother Knights receive the blessings and satisfaction of a job well done. The support of the Council, other members of the Executive Committee and those who have held the offices of the Council are there for anyone to take advantage of their experiences. You are never left alone in the performance of your duties. Please earnestly consider fulfilling a position of Council Officer. When you decide to place your name on the ballot, please contact PGK Jim Dobson at 301.868.5479.

First nominations Meeting of April 15, 2008

Second Nominations Meeting of May 6, 2008

Final nominations and election of Officers Meeting of May 20, 2008

 

District Deputy’s Message - SK Pat Cantwell, PGK

Worthy Chaplain and Brothers:

Thanks to the Councils for submitting copies of their activity reports for the Second Quarter. That leaves just one more quarter, the Third, to complete another set of activity reports. Those will be due by April 1. (Remember: You don't get the extra 15 days in the Third Quarter.) But there are other reports that will be due soon. All or most of these reports can be found on the State or Supreme web sites, http://www.kofc-md.org/ or http://www.kofc.org/officers/forms/index.cfm, and many can be completed and submitted electronically. Two reports are due no later than January 31: the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activities (Form 1728), and the Partnership Profile Report with the Special Olympics (Form 4584).

The Semi-Annual Audit (Form 1295-2) is due two weeks later, by February 15. This year, January 20 (earlier!) is the deadline for the Community Recognition Programs, that is, the Police-, Fire Fighter-, EMT-, Citizen-, and Catholic Teacher of the Year. The Family of the Year application is due February 1. The information and the form for these programs can be found on the State website at http://www.kofc-md.org/service/community.htm. Your Grand Knight also has these forms, but needs your help in identifying worthy choices and completing the application.

The Senior Award application is due on February 15. Applications for all Knights of Columbus scholarships close on March 1. For more information, go to

http://www.kofc-md.org/state/committees/scholarships.htm.

Finally, although the Fourth Degree Exemplification for the Washington Diocese will be held March 2 at the University of Maryland at College Park, the deadline for applications is February 16.

This year's Spring Blitz will be held between February 1 and March 18. Currently, we are losing more Knights in our district that we are gaining. Start thinking of activities that provide a good atmosphere for recruiting, whether it be a breakfast or dinner, a special evening out, a community project, or an announcement and greetings around the weekend Masses.

If you'd like help with recruiting, please let me know. The State Membership Team is willing and ready to help with ideas, information, and people. Vivat Jesus.

St. John's Mens Retreat at Loyola Retreat House

On the weekend of January 25 - 27, 2008 members of our Knights of Columbus Council 11171 joined with the men from St. John the Evangelist Church, Clinton, St. Mary's Church, Piscataway, and St. Michael's Church Annandale, Virginia, for a two day spiritual reflection with Our Lord guided by the theme "Winning the Whole Word Over"

Fifty two men were in attendance (11 from our K of C Council). Our members included SK John F. Bilsky, Sr., PGK, SK Warren Clare, PGK, SK Jim Dobson, PGK, SK Les Evans, Jim Holland, SK Frank Italiano, PGK, SK Ed Madden, SK George Malone, PGK, SK Ken Muir, PGK, DGK Robert Powers, GK Eugene Rashlich, Frank Spaulding and unfortunately, SK Don Miller was unable to attend due to sickness.

There were wonderful faith and prayer lessons revealed by the Loyola staff, the Celebration of the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and private prayer time offered to help us better our communication with GOD. The weather was crisp and beautiful which made walking the scenic grounds overlooking the Potomac River a real delight. The food, the ice cream social, and the accommodations were outstanding as usual. After the orientation Friday evening, the atmosphere of silent reflection was observed by most of us, most of the time. That’s why we are sinners. But we were forgiven by the staff, most of the time.

A weekend of good fellowship was provided to all who attended. Place the last weekend of January 2009 on your calendar to attend this worthwhile retreat.

>>>>>>>> Plans are in the "works" for a Ladies retreat on April 18, 19 & 20, 2008. <<<<<<<<<

For more details please call SK Frank Italiano, PGK at 301-336-6113.

Live in the grace of God. DGK Robert Powers

FOURTH DEGREE EXEMPLIFICATION

Eligibility for membership in the Fourth Degree, candidates must be: (1) Over 18 years of age; (2) A Third Degree member in good standing in his Council and who was initiated in the First Degree prior to March 1, 2007;(3) A practical Catholic in communion with the Holy See; and (4) A US citizen or willing to pledge allegiance to the United States of America.

Not all members of the Fourth Degree are in the Color Corps. The Color Corps are those members who present themselves in the Cape and Chapeau for special occasions and ceremonies.

ALL members of the Fourth Degree exhibit special regard for the Patriotic efforts of our Order. Sponsoring special sentiment regarding our United States Flag and all that it represents.

For further information and registration forms, please contact: PGK Frank Italiano @ 301-336-6113.

Deadline for applications is February 15, 2008. Exemplification is Sunday, March 2, 2008.

As a Fourth Degree Knight you have been bestowed the honor of Knighthood, and continued your journey in learning the lesson of patriotism. The primary purpose of your Fourth Degree membership is to foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large and encourage active Catholic citizenship.

As a Fourth Degree Knight you have the opportunity to become part of your assembly's color corps. As a color corps member, you will be recognized widely by the distinctive attire of tuxedo, feathered hat (chapeau), cape and sword. Color corps members regularly take part in civic events such as parades and wreath-laying ceremonies, and in ecclesiastical functions at Catholic churches.

 

It's Baaaccck !!!

By popular request a fund raising dinner

[a portion of the ticket sale supports our Charities]

will be held on

Saturday February 9th

Spaghetti dinner with meatballs

Salad, bread, dessert, coffee and tea.

Cost per person $8 for advanced tickets

Tickets at door $10

Children age 6 thru 12 $5

Children under the age of 6 admitted at no charge

Maximum charge $25 for a family with children

Carry out dinners available at $7

Contact PGK Ken Muir

PGK Frank Italiano

PGK Jim Dobson

for advanced tickets or to volunteer your assistance

Come to enjoy the company, the dinner, and the music.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

tell your friends and neighbors they can come

Contributions, gifts, etc. to St. John the Evangelist Council #11171 are not tax-deductable as charitable contributions.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner

SJE Council #11171 will be providing the pancake dinner for the Parish

on Shrove Tuesday, February 5th starting at 6pm.

All parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Parish are invited

There is no cost to this dinner but donations will be accepted to offset the cost.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Joe Barbaro (24) and Bob Wilson (25)

 

 

Please pray for:

Andrew Madden, PGK Jim Dobson, Maria Ennis, Frances and Joe Cusato, Barbara Wrenn and all our families who need our thoughts and prayers. Also remember the members of our Armed Services and their families.