I would like to share with you all the story of an Unconditional Love of a Mother.

Mrs. Johnson had only one eye and was an embarrassment to her  son Callen. She cooked for students and teachers to support  herself and her son after her husband’s sudden death. One day  Mrs Johnson came to the Elementary School of her son Callen to  say hello to him. “How could you do this to me?” he said to her  embarrassed. The next day one of his classmates said to him, “EEEE, your mom has only one eye!”

Next day Callen confronted his mother at home. He said to her, “If you are only going  to make me laughing stock why you don’t just die?” Mrs Johnson did not respond.

Several years passed by, and Callen completed his graduation and post-graduation with the money that his mom had saved. He secured as excellent position in a reputed company, got married and lived separately from his mom. He has two sons.

Then one day Mrs Johnson came to visit Callen. She was anxious to meet her grandsons. On seeing her at the door, Callen yelled. “How dare you come to my house and scare my children! Get out of here! ” as he shut the door on his mom. One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to Callen. He attended the function,  and then, out of curiosity, went to visit the old shack where he had grown up. His neighbours told him that his mom had passed away a week ago and had left a letter for him. Callen took the letter and on his way home he opened it and read it.

“My dearest son, I think of you all the time. I am sorry that I was an  embarrassment to you all the time. I am sorry that I came to your house and  scared your children. You see, son, when you were just two years old, you got  into an accident, and lost one of your eyes. As a mother, I could not stand  watching you having to grow up with one eye, so I gave one of eyes to you so  that you could see and enjoy the world through all your life. My love for you  has never depended on your response. A mother’s love is unconditional, my  son. I wish you well. I am proud of you!
Your Mom

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Mother, when Catholics all over the world pay homage to Mother Mary, both in church and at home. Mother Mary is considered the Mother of the Church and is revered as a model, guide and inspiration to those who attempt to be a servant of God-man Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

God Bless you all
Fr.Leo Felix Monroe,
Chaplain

We are now in the last two months of our Columbian year. We still have a number of projects and special events taking place so I look forward to full participation from you, my Brothers.

On Saturday, May 12th Calgary Chapter is hosting a Major Degree in our church. Bro. Dan has asked for help that day for the duties of setting up and arranging the various rooms. Please offer your assistance.

Next month, yes June is election month. Bro. Leo Bunz has stepped forward to chair the nomination slate of officers. This is the time to give consideration to the meaning of Knights of Columbus and how you can put your gifts and talents to work for your church, family and community. We work together as a team, enjoy the fraternalism of our Organization and feel gratification for the charity we extend to others.

At the last Chapter meeting on April 23rd we were informed that the Handi Boat committee is asking for financial help as they have purchased a new boat to the tune of $85,000.00. The old one was no longer in working condition. Camp Cadicasu is also asking for money. Every child that goes to camp pays $480.00 but the cost of a week to the camp is $600.00. Every child deserves a chance so we should offer some funds for this request.

Our parish garage sale date has been set for June 22nd, 23rd and 24th. WE NEED HELP FROM YOU TO SET UP, PRICE AND ORGANIZE THE ITEMS ON FRIDAY THAT ARE BROUGHT IN AND THEN BE AVAILABLE ON THE SALE DAY FOR THE ACTUAL SALE. Bro. Kevin and I are chairing the sale but we need many volunteers to assist. Please bring your sale items and your hands to help.

Our Grand Knight’s Ball date has been set for FRIDAY, JUNE 15TH (yes, Friday). It will be held at St. Cecilia’s church hall with a banquet and dance. This year we will have a live “Old Time Band” under the direction of Bro. Roland Gelinas, to set our feet dancing. If you like to dance to ‘hard rock music’ this is likely not for you since we will have polkas, waltzes fox trots, etc. The dance portion will be open to our parishioners so let them know to join us for a minimal charge of $10.00 per person. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for great time.

With spring and warm weather here, we will have a wiener roast and games afternoon at Fish Creek Park on Sunday, May 20th. This will be our Lecturer’s program for the third Monday. See Bro. Dan’s Lecturer’s note elsewhere in the newsletter. We look forward to an afternoon of fraternalism.

Fraternally,
Henry Feddema, G.K

A woman’s happiness was shattered by the loss of her brother, a good man, dearly loved. Torn by anguish, she kept asking God, “Why?” But hearing the silence, she set out in search of an answer. She had not gone far when she came upon an old man sitting on a bench. He was weeping. He said, “I have suffered a great loss. I am a painter and I have lost my eye sight.” He too was seeking an answer to the question, “why?” The woman invited him to join her and, taking him by the arm, they trudged down the road.

Soon they overtook a young man walking aimlessly. He had lost his wife, the source of his joy, to another man. He joined in the search of an answer to the “why” question.

Shortly they came upon a young woman weeping on her doorstep. She had lost her child. She too joined them. Nowhere could they find an answer.

Suddenly they came upon Jesus Christ.

Each confronted him with their questions, but Jesus gave no answer. Instead, he began to cry and said, “I am bearing the burden of a woman who has lost her brother, a girl whose baby has died, a painter who has lost his eyesight, and a young man who has lost a love in which he delighted”.

As he spoke, the four moved closer and they embraced each other. They grasped Jesus’ hands. Jesus spoke again saying, “My dominion is the dominion of the heart. I cannot prevent pain. I can only heal it.”

“How?” asked the woman.

“By sharing it,” he said. And then he was gone.

And the four? They were left standing holding each other.

Share the joy of Easter by holding each other.

Happy Easter to you All!

Fr. Leo Felix Monroe
Chaplain

We are now into spring, the snow is gone and our minds turn to activities out doors.

With this thought in mind, a Sunday afternoon of playing bocci (outdoor lawn bowling) sounds like a fun way to enjoy the warmer weather and sunshine. Many of our members have played it and know how much fun it can be. For those who have not – well, let’s learn. Give this some thought for discussion at our council meeting on Monday night and Bro. James O’Dell, Council Activities Director can get the “ball rolling” and organize the event for a time when the grass greens up and it is warmer.

Another idea from a member was that we have an afternoon of games and a wiener roast at Fish Creek Park. This would be another opportunity to gather for fraternalism within our council family.

Barbara Smith, Diocesan Volunteer Screening Co-ordinator was our guest speaker at the Chapter meeting on Monday night. She gave us an update on Calgary’s Safe Environment Program called “Strengthening our Parish Communities.” The result of this is that all members of our council will have to be police checked. I’m sure there will be more information coming to us.

I have on hand registration forms for the Annual Pro-Life Hike for Life taking place on Saturday, May 12th. This would be a wonderful outdoor activity for us along with the possibility of raising funds for Pro-Life, one of our very important programs.

Via the email message sent to all and the large poster hanging on the church bulletin board, we are asked by Jana Drapal, Social Justice Chair for the Diocese to volunteer for crowd control at the Annual Way of the Cross held on Good Friday, April 6th starting at St. Mary’s Cathedral. If you are planning to attend, please contact Jana for details and please wear your blue jacket.

We are still being asked by Fr. Leo to organize a garage sale. We have run out of time to have one for April but please be prepared to take part in it in the fall.

At the Chapter meeting we were reminded that Camp Cadicasu is asking for financial help. We may have to consider this at our meeting.

Our General meeting is on Monday, April 2nd and I look forward to seeing you all there. Fraternalism is a big part of our meetings so come out and socialize and be a part of our council.

On behalf of my wife Donna, my children Katherine, James and Jacqueline I wish my Brother Knights and families a very blessed Easter. May the Risen Christ bless us.

Fraternally,
Henry Feddema, G.K.

The Lenten Reflections from the City of Calvary by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal can be of use for our newsletter so that by reading them we can meditate fruitfully for our Lenten season.

In his Lenten message for 2011, the Pope denounced greed, as if men wanted to “devour the world.” He stated, “we are often faced with the temptation of accumulating and allowing the love of money to undermine God’s primacy in our lives.”

In 2008, he courageously said: “According to the teaching of the Gospel, we are not owners but rather administrators of the goods we possess: these, then, are not to be considered as our exclusive possession, but means through which the Lord calls each one of us to act as a steward of His providence for our neighbor.” Through this sharing and in communion, we live as in the early Church of Jerusalem. (“Apostolic Life” of the Early Christians in Acts 2 and 4; 2 Cor 8 and 9) The beloved apostle, John, wrote with severity: “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? (1 Jn 3:17).

The Holy Father’s Message for Lent this year takes the theme: “Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works.” (Heb10:24) Pope Benedict stated that, “Christians can also express their membership in the one body which is the Church through concrete concern for the poorest of the poor. Concern for one another likewise means acknowledging the good that the Lord is doing in others and giving thanks for the wonders of grace that Almighty God in his goodness continuously accomplishes in his children.”

For us sinners, mortals constantly confronted with our failures, fasting is an effective way to demonstrate our repentance and the desire to set right our failings. “It was in this way that after Jonah’s warning, through penance and fasting the Ninevites avoided God’s wrath and were granted His mercy.” (Jonah 3:10).

In the tradition of the Church, Lent is a preparation for the Easter Triduum, the “days during which the Bridegroom will be taken away from among us,” (Mt 9:15) and raised on the Cross.

Lent is a forty-day journey, symbolically representing the forty years of the Hebrew people in the desert – it is a call:
a) To meditate on the mystery of the Cross, that we might conform ourselves to the death of Jesus, (cf Rom 6:5) in light of a radical change in our lives;
b) To be docile to the action of the Holy Spirit, who will transform us, as he transformed Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus;
c) To adapt our lives with determination to the will of God, freeing ourselves from any egoism, lust for power, or avarice, by opening our hearts to the love of Christ and neighbor, especially the poor and the needy. Lent, as the Holy Father reminds us, is a providential time for us to recognize our frailty and welcome reconciliation, in order to orient ourselves to Christ.

May God bless you and your families in this grace filled season of Lent.

Fr.Leo Felix Monroe,
Council Chaplain

Thank you to all Brother Knights and ladies who came out and helped with the World Day of the Sick breakfast. Without you we could not have done it. This was again an opportunity for us to be visible to our parishioners and to bring the people together. It was a delicious breakfast and everyone enjoyed it.

Sometime in the next two months I would like us to challenge Holy Spirit Council to an event to win back the challenge trophy that we lost to them a few years back. We were considering a bowling challenge so we need to make plans and find a date. It might be a good idea to practice and refine our skills. Please give this some serious thought.

Thank you to Brother Mike Driscoll for his time in organizing the Basketball Free Throw, which was held on Saturday, February 25th at St. Matthew’s School. All who came out to help had a good time and it was great to see the smiles on all the kid’s faces. We will be hosting the Regionals this Saturday, March 3rd again at St Matthew’s. The time is 6.00 PM so again all your help will be appreciated. Keep up the good work, my Brother Knights.

We are now fully into the holy season of Lent. Please read Fr. Leo’s message for spiritual inspiration and food for thought.

Fraternally,
Henry Feddema, G.K.

Sunday, February 12th is the parish breakfast in conjunction with World Day of the Sick. Please volunteer to come out and help Bro. Dan Barth with the breakfast and make it a special day for all.

At Chapter on January 23rd, State Deputy Gary Johnson was here to give Bishop Henry a cheque of $6,510.75 for the Vocation Program. Bishop Henry accepted it with delight.

We have Basketball Free Throw coming up soon but at this time we are still working out the dates with the schools. We will need a few Bro. Knights to help out with this very fun and entertaining event so please volunteer your help.

Plans are being made through Calgary Chapter to take a trip to Edmonton in the spring and tour St Joseph’s Seminary, the Fr. McGivney bell tower, the two chapels and perhaps Neuman College. They hope to fill a bus from Calgary so keep this in mind if any one of you would be interested and we will pass on more information as it becomes available.

The Calgary Knights, through Chapter have been asked to work at St. Mary’s Hall on Sunday, July 29th for Feed the Hungry. We need one hundred Knights, family members can help also, to carry out the duties of the event, which includes setting up, serving and cleaning up. Bodies and donations are needed so please mark your calendar and let me know if you can take part.

Lastly, I wish to offer my sincere congratulations on behalf of my Council Brothers to Bro. Greg Miskiman, our Fraternal Benefits Advisor, on achieving Membership in Million Dollar Round Table for the seventh year. His article is contained elsewhere in the bulletin.

I wish all Brother Knights a special Valentine’s Day with their sweetheart.

Fraternally,
Henry Fedema, G.K.

Thank you also to all the Brother Knights and ladies who helped decorate our church so beautifully for Christmas. It’s a big job and all help was appreciated.

I hope you all had a great New Years and may we all enjoy good health and happiness in the coming year. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions and I am hoping that each one of us will make one concerning our council. We need you to step forward and help, even if it is only to help with one activity. If you weren’t able to help last year, please make a resolution to get involved this year. Each chairperson would appreciate your assistance.

Please note that our January general meeting is moved to Wednesday, January 4th and I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Again, from Donna and my family, I wish you all the very best in 2012.

Fraternally,
Henry Feddema, Grand Knight.

Having reached the half way point in our Columbian year I wish to thank all the members who have so actively worked to keep our council vibrant. A special thank you to Bro. Tomasz (Tom) Czarnomski for letting his name stand to fill the vacant chair of Secretary – a very vital position. Election will be this Monday, December 5th.

We also welcome our newest member, Bro. Joaquim Cardoza and his wife Fanny. Eleven members of our council attended the banquet on November 19th at which time Bro. Joaquim had received his Second and Third degrees. Congratulations and we look forward to your involvement in our council Bro. Joaquim.

Bro. Ray Khuller is chairing the Wheelchair Program for our council and with his help , I wish to see this program go on as it is a very worthwhile cause. Thank you Bro. Ray.  Along with this program we might consider getting involved in Habitat for humanity, Special Olympics, Food for Families as well as Coats for Kids. See another page for more information on Coats for Kids. Our Stampeder Project is now over and has done well with a good number of dedicated Knights and wives volunteering their time. Thank you very much.

Under the capable direction of Bro. John Wojtowicz, we had another successful fundraiser with the Grey Cup Pool. Thank you Bro. John.

Brother Knights, the choice of program involvement is ours. Let’s work together for our council and our community.

On behalf of my wife Donna, my children Katherine, James and Jacqueline, I wish all my Brother Knights and their families a Holy and Joyous Christmas.

Fraternally yours,
Henry Feddema, Grand Knight

We are now well into our new Columbian Year, which means that we must be thinking of how our council can grow. Please come out to the monthly General and Lecturers meetings and get involved. Become a building block and make your council a strong and important part of our parish and Calgary Chapter.

Bro. Kevin and I are still looking for ideas from you for activities for the Year of the Family projects. If there is anything you would like the Council to do in this regard, please let either one of us know.

It was indeed an honour to have our State Deputy, Gary Johnson attend the 9 AM mass at St. Cecilia’s a few weeks ago. He brought with him the Icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe and explained that it will be presented in various parishes throughout Alberta. He reminded us that Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego in Tepeyac, Mexico in 1531. After mass the Icon was placed in the vestibule and many parishioners stopped by to admire and ask questions of the painting. Through this, twelve men showed interest in joining our Order.

For more about Lady of Guadalupe, please read the report for the October Lecturers program and plan to attend the Marian Hour of Prayer in our church. Lastly, I am looking for your help and participation in some of our Columbian Service Programs. Please volunteer your time and talent.

Fraternally,

Henry Feddema, Grand Knight