Dear Brother Knight’s:

As we approach the end of this Columbian Year, I think we can say that it was successful due to the efforts of all of you Brother Knights who supported the council and community by participating in our many activities, breakfasts, fundraisers, BBQ’s, Lecturer’s evenings, Lorne Dowling Bursary, basketball free throw and the many times that we prayed together at the Stations, Devine Mercy and Marian Hour to name a few. We even found the time to start some new Surge Programs such as Adopt a Family at CUPS meeting with families from Acadia House and our latest, Coats for Kids, providing winter coats for those in need.

The new Vocations Poster Contest program was an amazing success with participation from over 60 students at St Mathew’s and St William’s Schools and our chosen winner has indeed a very good chance of being selected as the Alberta State winner. Brother Leo Bunz, thank you for the many hours you put into informing and meeting the teachers on several occasions and ensuring the posters were mailed out on time and congratulating the students with Brothers Henry Feddema and John Bothwell.

Brother Vital Morrissette, despite your challenges this year, your fraternal care of visiting our Knights, Widows and keeping us advised is truly appreciated. Brother Mike Abday, thank you for keeping the Wheelchair Bowling alive and also reaching out to our Knights and Ladies and pinch hitting for Vital.

I would also like to personally thank all you honorable brothers who have kept a harmony in our council meetings especially this year, participating as a team and truly demonstrating our three degrees of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.

Brother Frank Gerritsen, thank you for stepping in as Deputy Grand Knight and helping me. There was more than one occasion when you took the lead and demonstrated your leadership capability to the council.

Congratulations again to Brother Dennis Cadungog for completing your First Degree and Brothers Andy Haynes, Ric McIver, Kim and Steven Dorscher and Michael Oyedele who have completed your First, Second and Third degrees. Please be encouraged to participate whenever you can and feel free to inquire on the many surge programs or new ideas that reach out to the community and strengthen your council.

I’m sure you share the same appreciation of our editors Elaine and Dan Barth, who have creatively provided us with these exceptional newsletters. Remember that your reports are especially needed to keep all our Knights and Ladies informed. John Bothwell, our Recorder, has done a wonderful job of keeping us informed with recording and distributing the minutes. Please take the time to personally thank Dan, Elaine and John.

I don’t think that our Financial Secretary and Treasurer ever get enough recognition for the hours they put in keep our funds accountable, supplies from Supreme available and council running efficiently overall. Thank you from us all, Brothers Len White and Gordon Finstad.

Bro.Mike Driscoll chairs one of our fund raising ventures, which is the Grocery Gift Card program of Safeway, Coop and Sobeys cards. These cards are sold after all Sunday masses on the weekend so if you see Bro. Mike sitting alone at the table selling cards, stop by and say hello to him and buy your grocery cards as well.

One final word about saying thanks. As you know I was in Cuba with my Italian fishing buddies  from Canadian Pacific. Well each morning when I gave thanks to God at breakfast, I noticed that one other friend was doing the same the next day…and at the end of the week we all prayed together. As Fr. Frank offered at his Holy Trinity homily, we should all celebrate thanksgiving to God so let us pass it on to others especially on this occasion of the Year of Faith.

As I mentioned in the last newsletter and the reason for this earlier edition, we are holding our elections at our June 3rd general meeting. It is appropriate that you all attend this meeting and I look forward to seeing you if you haven’t been able to attend meeting regularly.

Please note that the Grand Knight’s Ball in honour of our Past G. K. Henry Feddema will be held at St Cecilia’s Church, June 15th. Music will be provided by Brother Roland Gelinas’s group and catering by our Lil Rose. We have made it very affordable and also open to the parish and friends from 8:00 PM, so let’s celebrate together.

Please continue to keep in mind our Brothers and Ladies who are in need of our prayers and visits.

Heidi and I are fortunate to share your fraternity in many ways, and we particularly thank you all for your support. May you all enjoy a healthful and wonderful summer with His blessings.

Vivat Jesus!
Bro. Kevin Lopresti, GK