Greetings Brother Knights,

Such a hearty thanks to all who ‘pitched in’ for our Council’s sponsorship of the Major Degree this past Saturday, May 30th at St. Cecilia’s. 

Congratulations are in order for candidates Fr. Paul Raj, our Chaplain, and Brother Dennis Cadungog. Please keep in mind that Fr. Paul has chosen to move forward with the Fourth Degree exemplification this June 6th.

This being our major effort for the month of May [the 30th, that is] you may recall that Council has made the decision to push forward any intention of a Spring garage sale until 2016.

Some individual efforts last month contributed to Pro-Life and School Support – appreciation to Bros. Dave Allen and John Bothwell, who completed the 10km “Hike for Life” held in marvelous weather, Saturday, May 9th. There was, on May 18th, the evening for the Lecturers Program, a Holy Hour Prayer Service of Our Lady of Guadalupe and BBQ at St. Matthews May 28th.

The Stampeders booths, which are a good fundraiser for charities, are again in action starting in June with basic orientation Thursday, June 4th, games Friday, June 12th and June 26th – please keep in contact with Randy and Carolyn Lopez and follow the messages. Your support for the continuation of this effort for charitable causes is truly appreciated.

If you can set aside one date for June, please consider the evening of Saturday, June 20th. This will be the occasion of the Grand Knight’s Appreciation Night with Honoree of note [reference elsewhere]. This event will be very much similar to last year’s, which was well received. The Royal Canadian Legion on Horton Road will be catering the event. Toe-tapping to follow the, hopefully, short speeches.

Looking forward to the next Columbian Year, commencing July 1st, our Council will hold elections for executive at our next meeting, Monday, June 1st. In the spirit of our democratic tradition, please consider attending and participating. The slate of candidates can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.

Again we won the award for Pennies; this was presented at State Convention in Red Deer, along with awards for Fraternity and Newsletter – congratulations to Bro. Andy Haynes, Bro. Kevin Lopresti, editors Bro. Danny and Elaine Barth, and to so many others who contributed to these worthy programs.

Although we do not meet in any official way during the months of July and August we promise to keep the background warm with messages about Stampeder games, Stampede breakfast, One Rock in mid August, training, and the like. Enjoy a safe and memorable summer. Sunscreen.

Vivat Jesu!
John Bothwell, G.K.

Diversity within Unity

Greetings Brother Knights,

April, as we knew the month, was indeed active; no such designation as ‘inactivity week’ with these Knights. Good Friday, Outdoor Way of the Cross at St. Cecilia’s, Outdoor Way of the Cross at St. Mary’s, Triduum, Easter, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Confirmation, Conference, Lecture Night – all taken in stride. Thank you to all who took part. The Fourth Degree Colour Corp was particularly active, under the very able direction of Commander Bro. Frank Gerritsen. These Knights deserve a good round of applause – basketball free-throw, Memorial Services, Confirmations at the different parishes – a lot of coordination, dress and decorum… and safe travel.

Looking back – the group photography went well – in front of the altar, at that. And just when we had Council Chambers all tidied up and ready. Some of us were somewhat astounded that the expert photographer, standing astride the pews, appeared to accomplish this with upscale camera in just one shot. Stupendous! A balancing act worthy of the Great Wallendas.

Diversity within Unity is the theme for this Grand Knight message. Just like the photo-shoot, we each see circumstances through our own personal view-finder, as it were – telescope, in the case of some. Periscope? Microscope? Binoculars in the case of others. Each of us brings a different perspective to what is being perceived. Take the Knights, for instance. We all have a perspective on, say, Columbus, the explorer. Now let’s look at a different point-of-view – one by the young Holden Caulfield, as written by the famous American author J.D. Salinger in The Catcher in the Rye (1945). Here’s a quote: “I remember, after we looked at all the Indian stuff [they’re at the Museum], usually we went to see some movie at this big auditorium. Columbus. They were always showing Columbus discovering America, having one helluva time getting old Ferdinand and Isabella to lend him some dough to buy ships with, and then the sailors mutinying on him and all. Nobody gave too much of a damn about old Columbus, but you always had a lot of candy and gum and stuff with you… ” Quite a different perspective, don’t you think? Is this not the norm for the way some of us view charity, unity, fraternity? Do we step up when there is a charity requirement, unity expected and fraternity advantageous? Or do we hang back and defer to the other fellow? Why support if there is the expectation that others will support?

On Monday, April 20th, the lecture night featured a presentation on Dementia and Alzheimer disease. Thanks go out to Bro. Danny Barth and Lady Elaine for organizing these third Mondays. What else have I forgotten?

Fundraising efforts coordinated by Bro. Randy and his lovely wife Carolyn Lopez continue. Many thanks to them for continuity with the Flames organization. Now, just an oblique reference to hockey during Spring. This is not the year for an expression that was heard with all too familiarity in Calgary during Spring seasons past – “Grass Fires”. Some let-down fans would use these words to denote: “Flames on the golf course – already.” How about Backyard Leaf Burns for one other unmentioned Canadian team?

Ahead in the month of May: Mother’s Day, Mothers’ Day Hike for Life, Major Degree, and preparation for Council election coming up in June. Please set aside Monday evening, June 1st as Council Night and the time of our annual election. Already Lorne Dowling is underway with Bro. Dave Allen contacting the various schools.

The agenda and instructions for Major Degree, Saturday, May 30th, hosted by our Council 4878 is being circulated by Bro. Dan Barth P.S.D. All who wish to help out are warmly welcomed and possibly well fed. Please note the host D.D. is Bro. Henk Kouwenberg. He is already purveying tickets to the buffet and will welcome our support.

Vivat Jesu!
John Bothwell, G.K.

Greetings Brother Knights,

March continued to percolate, and it wasn’t just the coffee. The annual cadence of Knightly activity continues unabated. True we didn’t, as a Council, accomplish too much for the Orderwide Church Drive, and there was barely perceptible forward motion under recruitment – First Degree Week; but – just the same, cudos to Bro. Kevin Lopresti for his endeavour and diligence in scribing a report under Charitable Service Outreach Week. This report will be presented in due course for State consideration. Some of the busiest members of Council are probably musing that the committee cobbled together to come up with all these fancy names and designations for ‘Weeks of the Year’ are asking: “When are they ever going to designate an Inactivity Week?” How will they ever know if we’re just in suspended animation ? or not . . .

Since the beginning of the New Year the great collaboration of note has been for the renewal of ProServe certifications. Many have completed this already and gotten their Congrats but without any idea of what might be their mark; so be it. Bro. Mike Abday might term this requirement the ‘Fun at undraiser’ Permit. Cudos again to all who undertook this 4 to 6 hour stint on the ‘puter and many thanks to Carolyn Lopez for keeping track. Your W.G.K. took about 6 hours to get through the six (6) modules and he is still searching around the back yard for a solid chunk of aspen or ash to enter as the ProServe ‘log’; however he passed. We’ll never know. No marks, we’ll never know.

Recent mail from K of C HQ in Red Deer included Resolutions, both General and State Member Nominations. These are to be voted on at 2015 Annual State Council Meeting being held in Red Deer, April 17 – 19. These documents will be made available for discussion at our next Council Meeting, Wednesday, April 8th. In the interests of instructing any future Grand Knight who may happen to read this message, here is an excerpt from the accompanying letter: “Worthy Grand Knights, in preparation for dealing with these Resolutions at the Annual Meeting, I would ask that they be reviewed and studied at your next Council Meeting so that your membership is aware of these Resolutions. Make sure that your Council delegates to the Convention are aware and have copies of the Resolutions. They should be prepared to offer input on the Council’s behalf when the Resolutions are dealt with at the Annual Meeting.” These instructions came under the signature of Bro. Vince R. Reyes, State Advocate.

Also received in the month of March and very much welcomed is the exemplification DVD entitled: First Degree Ceremonial Production. This will be shown at Council sometime when appropriate. There is one other DVD to be added to the Council files: St. Cecilia’s Parish – a 50th Anniversary Celebration in Video and Image. Please note plenty thanks are due to two of our stalwart Knights, Bros. Mike Driscoll and Fred Bremner for all their efforts with videography and editing. Maybe we can ‘screen’ this one at the close of a Council Meeting; no popcorn promised.

There was a very positive report at Chapter that the Basketball Freethrow Finals were carried forward with much enthusiasm and support at Okotoks on Saturday, March 21st. Our D.D. Ray Khuller and Bro. Henry Feddema were assisting. Bro. Gaston Launiere also acknowledged strong support from volunteers.

St. Mary’s Annual Outdoor Way of the Cross on Good Friday, April 3rd will have good representation from our Council. Several Knights are participating and assisting in crowd control; this includes practice meetings. How do you practice crowd control?? Is there a virtual crowd, somewhere?? as there is, reportedly, a virtual cloud?? Maybe one and the same.

The agenda and instructions for Major Degree, Saturday, May 30th, hosted by our Council 4878 is being circulated by Bro. Dan Barth P.S.D. All who wish to help out are warmly welcomed. PHOTO SHOOT: Please note that the photographer will be in attendance from about 7:15 pm until 7:30 pm on Council Night to take a couple of ‘shots’ for the parish directory, so be aware, be very aware if you wish to go incognito or wear a costume. This is your chance. A reminder that the next Council meeting is Wednesday, April 8th, at the usual time.

On behalf of Council and, on a personal basis, my wife Peggy and I, a Christian hurrah for Easter and the significance of the Resurrection to all who truly believe.

Vivat Jesu!
John Bothwell, GK

Greetings Brother Knights,

There will be no reverse order messages this month, fellow Knights, you are going to get the goods ‘straight up’. This theme has been mentioned in our council newsletters before, and it is one you well know – Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. One requirement of your G.K. and something that was completed a month ago is the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity. This has been done and is quite a testimony to what we all have accomplished in the year just passed. So the challenge ahead is to stay with the theme and keep on chuggin’. Much of our volunteer assistance has been with the less fortunate.

“The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need… ” – Pope Francis

Now, recently – another recounting of story about one individual who became restricted to a wheelchair after suffering a debilitating accident; here is an excerpt. “I have learned things from Curtis: how to sit quietly beside a person who needs my presence, how to operate a lift and strap a wheelchair into a van. But I am resistant to the idea, occasionally suggested, that disabled people are here to teach us something about the value of human existence. The lives of disabled people have intrinsic importance, quite independent of whatever they might offer the able-bodied. When accidents like the one that felled Curtis occur, our first instinct is to scour them for meaning, but there is no cosmic truth here… only suffering and our capacity to overcome it.” This quote is taken roughly from an article entitled BOY, INTERRUPTED by Drew Nelles, originally published in The Walrus magazine. Within our own council we are experiencing a very similar circumstance and the measure of our Knightliness will be the way we handle this challenge/opportunity. Do we step up, or do we languish?

The Parish Breakfasts on the Sunday designated for World Day of the Sick were a difficult time for those active due to a shortage of support. Some of this was on account of this winter’s tough circumstances, some of us were ill, some away. Many thanks to those who did contribute their time, talent and resources.

Padre Night was a resounding success with great spirit displayed, good humour and camaraderie with our priests. We had a good turnout from council and sat, broke bread and chatted with our Parish Priest Fr. Paul Raj, Fr. Henry Rosenbaum, Fr. Connelly and Fr. Myles Gaffney. The meal, as is customary, was excellent.

Shrove Tuesday, February 17th, Council 4878 assisted with pancake breakfast at St. William Elementary School with equipment provided. Thanks to our breakfast Chair P.S.D. Danny Barth.

It was indeed heartening for our Council Members to have our Parish Priest Fr. Paul Raj installed as Chaplain in a brief ceremony led by D.D. Ray Khuller at Lecturer’s Night, Monday, February 16th. Although unable to attend due to illness, I understand it was a night of good ‘esprit de corps’.

First Degrees can occur at any time if we have candidates. The next Major Degree, of note for us, is Saturday, May 30th at our St. Cecilia’s.

A hearty thanks to P.G.K. Henry Feddema for arranging Basketball Free Throw evenings at Don Bosco School, January 28th, St. Matthews School, February 10th with District 32 Basket Ball Free Throw at St. Matthews School, February 17th . Following this is the Regional Basket Ball Free Throw to be held March 21st at Holy Trinity Academy, Okotoks, next door to St. James’ Church. In the month of March, activities… in one of the inimitable expressions of encouragement from D.D. Ray, “Be there or be Square”.

Now we find ourselves well into the Lenten Season – a preparation of our very own selves – mind, body and spirit – for this coming Easter. The way the Easter calendar falls this year, our April Council meeting should be held Wednesday, April 8th.

May the renewal that Easter poses be a strengthening for you all.

Vivat Jesu!
John Bothwell, G.K.

Greetings Brother Knights,

Please note, fellow Knights, this message is scripted in reverse order for this month – with the February coming first – and the highlights of the past month coming last. This is done in deference to the Lacklustre Leafs, a notable Canadian hockey team which stunned us all by hitting the ‘Breaking News’ on all the media outlets early in the New Year by firing their coach. There must be some biblical reference for such… oh yes, there is: “And the first shall come last, and the last first.” Great encouragement if you’re coming last in the cross-country ski race, canoeing or as a hockey team. So, what does the future hold… ? It’s a ‘We’ll see’.

Activities to look forward to, in February:
Padre Night comes up in early in the month, on the evening of Thursday, February 12th and there are tickets left so PLEASE see your Grand Knight. Our Council is sponsoring [four Priests], our Parish Priest Fr Paul Raj , Fr. Frank Feldmann, Fr. Henry Rosenbaum and Fr. Myles Gaffney.

World Day of the Sick, a Knights sponsored Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 8th, This is one of our regular activities and many pitch in to assist. Thanks, in advance.
Shrove Tuesday, February 17th, Council 4878 assists with pancake breakfast at St. William Elementary School. Those Knights who may be able to run the necessary dispensing equipment over to the school can obtain the parent contact information from Grand Knight John (me).

Also keep in mind that First Degrees can pop up if we have candidates. The next Major Degree of note for us is Saturday, May 30th at our St. Cecilia’s.

Onto the topic of Membership. It was so encouraging to your own Grand Knight and to all the other attendees to be a witness to the First Degree Ceremony, Monday, January 12th. This was hosted by St. Bonaventure with our parish priest Fr Paul Raj, joining our Order and our Council – and with the ‘cheering section’ as District Deputy Ray Khuller may sometimes term it – fourteen – count it – 14 fellow Knights present. Many thanks, fellow Knights, for your support. At the short social following, various members of our Council heard many words of praise from the host council for such an encouraging turnout.

The choice of Susan Gerritsen, nurse, and daughter of Carol and Frank – our very own Bro. Frank Gerritsen, in case you missed it – was indeed ‘heartening’ – to say the least. We are much encouraged to do all the proper things to keep our tickers ticking. By the way, during all the great questions posed. the word ‘chocolate’ did not come up once.

Such a fitting presentation for a month when the heart is ‘on topic’ and featured everywhere, even on boxes of chocolates. One of these years we’ll have to start a month featuring the brain. Daahh!

Peggy and I would like to extend heart’s regard to all for this Valentine’s Day and a silent prayer for your extended good health.

Vivat Jesu!
John Bothwell, GK

Greetings Brother Knights,

So, perhaps it is only fitting that we begin the New Year and the second half of our Columbian Year with a prayer of gratitude and a vow to do better. Here we are in a country that, for the most part, allows each and every one of us to exercise our free will and to make choices in most aspects of our personal undertakings. As we launch ourselves into a fresh start with resolutions for the first that may or may not be forgotten by the third, let us head off as if we have a new lease on life. We are aware that anything can happen to anyone at anytime. Most of us think we are in control of our life – however, the reality is often far different. Hence, the new or renewed ‘lease-on-life’ mindset – God willin’ and the crik’ don’t rise. As the old exhortation translates – Seize the Day.

At New Year’s Day Mass we were singing hymns for which the lyrics alternated between Latin and English. Those of us who were compelled to take Latin in High School might have perceived this as odd, so we sang in Latin louder than in English. What’s this about a multilingual Canada, with a dead language dominating? “Puts our life in perspective, doesn’t it?” said the old Duffer.

Stamps did win the Grey Cup at B.C. Place, Sunday, November 30th. Bro. Dave Allen’s quote, “We would like to express our condolences to Hamilton fans at the anticipated outcome of this game. ” was fortuitous… ‘Nough said. Thanks, Dave.

Our volunteering efforts now move to the Saddledome for the Flames games. Many thanks to Carolyn and Bro Randy Lopez for advancing this fundraiser and to Bro. Henry Feddema for his encouragement and timely reports.

There was a significant event on Saturday, December 13th the very day for the Knights visits with widows and gifting of poinsettias and a Men’s Breakfast hosted by Bishop Klein Council 6488 at St. Gerard’s. Starting at 9:00 AM, mass was said by Fr. Bogdan, followed by a Knights’ breakfast and the opportunity to hear Dr. Gerry Turcotte of St. Mary’s University as guest speaker. The ‘free will’ offering went towards the St. Gerard’s Building Fund. This event was the first of a series and the speaker was exceptional – very encouraging.

Our Annual Christmas Get-Together with delicious roast turkey, all the trimmings, vegetable dishes both kitchen and contributed, desserts galore, gifts, camaraderie, James Feddema as Santa [son of a previous Santa Bro. Henry], carol singing, was a significant success with attendance of about 60 people. Elaine Barth won the 50/50 draw and the balance went to Pennies. Heartfelt thanks to our Lecturer Chairman Bro. Dan Barth and to all who made this possible – to Lady Elaine Barth, Lady Jenny O’Dell and all who prepared in the kitchen and served – to those who set up and took down – and to all who attended.

Now, in this New Year: qualifying for the youth programs, K of C Basketball Free Throw, Alberta State Council Charity Appeal Tickets, activities with the schools within the Parish, 2015 Padre Appreciation Night – Thursday, February 12th at the Polish Canadian Club [see GK for tickets] – these are but a few of our Council activities to anticipate.

Recruiting is continuing… There is a First Degree planned for Monday, January 12th at St. Bonaventure. Father Paul is considering joining our Council. We are pleased and looking forward to have him in the Knights of Columbus.

We would also extend greetings and thanks to Bro. Greg LaMarre for his continuing efforts with the E-version of our communications. Please visit https://kofc.stceciliacalgary.com/
Peggy and I would like to extend our very best wishes for Happy and Hearty 2015!

Vivat Jesu!
GK John C. Bothwell

Greetings Brother Knights,

November has been such an eventful month your intrepid leader has got somewhat behind the ‘eight ball’ and is still scrambling to catch up. Battling the sneezes and wheezes of the season has delayed the recovery; hope you are staying healthy – ‘flu shot or no ‘flu shot.

Memorial Mass was held at St. Patrick’s in Shawnessy, Thursday, November 6th commencing at 7:30 pm. Our Council was well represented and a hearty thanks to all who attended, Knights, lovely ladies, Colour Guard and family who came in recognition of one who had gone before, children and babies.

Our council fundraiser for assisting in the sponsorship of a refugee family from the Syrian situation has been a major effort. P.G.K. Kevin Lopresti led this successful initiative, ably assisted by Bro’s Leo Bunz, Andre Ethier, Danny Goshulak for the 50/50 draw, Henry Feddema for attending the bar; so many helped in the kitchen, with the serving, the tickets, the clean-up, the set-up and set-down – thanks to all. Special thanks to the Barth clan for all they do. We now understand the emigrating family will be arriving at YYC on Monday, December 1st. This is the very day of our next Council Meeting. What we have to offer in the way of goods and monies will be handed over once the family has been welcomed by their close relatives and have found a place to stay.

We have wound-down our volunteering effort at McMahon Stadium for the Stampeder games. It cannot be overlooked – with all our booth presence and background cheering – that the Stamps are advanced to the Grey Cup, this taking place in Vancouver on Sunday, November 30th. We can only wish the team every success from our distant and lofty perch here in the foothills and nearer to where pipelines originate. About the game – we can only borrow a favourite line from our own Bro. Dave Allen, “Can we now express our condolences to Hamilton Tiger Cat fans [Oskiweewee… ] at the anticipated outcome of this game… ”

By the way, Sunday November 30th is also the First Sunday of Advent.

Some dates to note: Bro Vital Morrissette has set Saturday, December 13th, for the visits with Widows and gifting of Poinsettias, also our Annual Christmas Party (see item elsewhere in this newsletter) is planned for Monday, December 15th. There are First Degrees planned for December 3rd and 5th. We may have candidates.

Membership has two significant events to report, First Degree and a Fourth Degree, all within the month. First Degree was ably conducted by the Degree Team from St. Patrick’s, Fr. Albert Newman Council 8470. This was held at Holy Spirit Parish on Sunday, November 16th at 2:30 PM and hosted by Council 8471. Our candidate Joseph Altura attended along with six others and one Priest. We are most pleased to welcome Bro. Joseph Altura into Council and shall give him every encouragement.

Fourth Degree exemplification held at Holy Name, Saturday, November 22nd, saw Bro Joseph Jayawickrama join Father Doucet Assembly 006 along with two others. Kudos to D.D. Bro. Ray Khuller for his sponsorship and accompaniment to Bro. Joseph and his wife Nimalka ‘Nimi’ at the banquet following.

Council is anticipating a busy 2015, doing good, with many Service Programs on-the-go. Calls have come in from two schools in our parish for assistance in various programs. Keep Padre Night on your new calendar, February 12, 2015.

Oh, and this news just in – the Lacklustre Leafs have just won one hockey game!

From Peggy and I , then, a heartfelt, joyful wish at this advent time of year; a time when Canadians think about renewal in the middle of Winter weather; to each Knight and his family, widows, friends all, and those men who may be considering joining our council, “A Blessed Christmas”.

Vivat Jesu!
Bro. John Bothwell,
Grand Knight

Entitled to nothing: grateful for everything.

Greetings Brother Knights,

“Being grateful” is a good theme to hold in your mind, especially at this time of year. And we’re not just referring to the children with their Halloween treats. We hope that the above slogan is not too off-putting for our Worthy Brother Knights – it is the latest catch-phrase set in front of the Toronto [Lacklustre] Maple Leafs, also known as the Lackluster Leafs. But it does point us in the right direction during this season of Thanksgiving. In the privacy of our homes many Christians say a quiet prayer, a blessing, “Grace”, before partaking of a meal. Here are a few:

For food in a world where many walk in hunger;
For faith in a world where many walk in fear;
For friends in a world where many walk alone;
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For good food and those who prepare it, for good friends with whom to share it, we thank
you Lord.

Bless, O Lord, this food to our use and us to thy service, and keep us ever mindful of the
needs of others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
For this and all we are about to receive, make us truly grateful, Lord. Through Christ we
pray. Amen.

Within our own family we refer to the blessing first listed as “The Lenten Grace”. Don’t know why we refer to it this way – just a family tradition, perhaps. We hope you have enjoyed a Thanksgiving of peace and grace and family ties.

There was an excellent turnout for the Lecturer’s Program, Monday, October 20th with Marion Hour taking place at the Rachael Garden – reciting the Rachael Rosary – followed by an adjournment to the upper auditorium for the screening of the film, “Father Michael McGivney, the Priest Who Founded the Knights of Columbus.” We all came away from this event with a much greater understanding of the man that “Irish Mike” was, his upbringing, his astuteness, his compassion for individuals and his perseverance in facing the tough times and prejudices of that day to get this men’s group founded – and independently from the direct subjugation by the church. Our thanks to Worthy Lecturer Bro. Dan Barth, his wife Elaine and the ladies who helped for the social afterwards, the projectionist Bro. Kevin Lopresti and Bro. Dave Allen, who read and all others who assisted.

Since many of our Council were able to enjoy good food and camaraderie at St. Luke’s Sister’s Night in mid-September, it was encouraging to see a respectable “cheering crowd” – in District Deputy Ray Khuller’s term – again at St. Luke’s for a Major Degree on Saturday, October 18th. Three worthy candidates from 4878 went through, Lloyd Rose, Ricky Tormon and ‘Jhun’ Lazara; all able to journey to the NW quadrant of Calgary on what turned out to be a gorgeous Fall day – full of blue and gold and significance. Many thanks to DD Bro. Ray Khuller, Brothers Mike Abday and Frank Gerritsen who viewed the exemplification along with your own grandpa-hasa-nap-during 3rd degree GK John.

Memorial Mass will be at St. Patrick’s in Shawnessy, Thursday, November 6th commencing at 7:30 pm; please consider attending this meaningful event. With great respect we put forward three names: Edward ‘Ed’ L. Zentner, Armando F. Manfredi, Jack A. Baran.

Back to the beginning, again, remember the Leafs as we gather the leaves.

Quite apart from Knights, some of our friends will be attending a Remembrance Day Service at Kerby Centre Gym, 1133 – 7th Ave. SW, downtown, gather before 10:30 am, Tuesday, November 11th. This will be an especially moving ceremony, after recent tragic happenings at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and at Ottawa, Canada.

Vivat Jesu!
Bro. John Bothwell,
Grand Knight

Greetings Brother Knights,

Having survived the sudden squall and double or triple wet snow storms in early September, we doff our hats to those who assisted in clearing tree debris from their own and their neighbour’s street-front, sidewalk or yard. Many of us have tree debris stories. This is a continuing saga with all the ‘hangers’ high up ready to be dislodged by another brisk wind. A lot of physical effort is involved, just as there is in assisting around the church, setting up tables and chairs, or stashing away same after a big do such as a Parish Breakfast – many thanks to all brothers and sisters who made St. Cecilia’s 50th such a remarkable success from the Mass with Bishop Henry presiding, the Banquet at Blackfoot Inn, and the breakfast. Our Father Frank gave us the thought behind the banner in his homily on Sept 28th along with the theme, “Let us be St. Cecilia’s song for God.”

There was another religious celebration of note held at St. Luke’s, Sister’s Night. Many from our council were able to wend their way through chock a block Calgary traffic to safely arrive and enjoy a great smorg. Brother Frank Gerritsen’s Sister Ria was among the forty or so Sisters in attendance. A fine event put on by the Knights at St. Luke’s.

It was the distinct pleasure of our Council 4878 to present Lorne Dowling Bursaries to four worthy students this September Lecture Night. The four high schools represented were Bishop Carroll, St. Mary’s, St. Anne’s and Bishop Grandin. Council is very fortunate IPGK Kevin Lopresti undertook this and looked after all the requests and coordination in order to make this happen. Thanks a bunch Bro. Kevin. The speaker, Helen Kominek from St. Mary’s University was excellent. [skinny guy says so were the snacks afterwards]. Thanks to all involved. Now please take a note of Lecture Night, Monday, October 20th. At this time our Worthy Lecturer Bro. Dan Barth plans to screen the film, “Father Michael McGivney, the Priest Who Founded the Knights of Columbus.” This is a highly-rated presentation with the start time being the usual 7:00 pm. Holy Popcorn may or may not be available.

Recruitment of new Knights is proceeding well with the possibility of three candidates for next First Degree; Joseph Altura, George Vilarnel, Abundio Jr. Linao. The Membership Chairman thanks all who assist in recruiting. Let’s continue with mentoring any new Knights.

Memorial Mass will be at St. Patrick’s Church in Shawnessy, Thursday, November 6th. Please consider attending this meaningful event. Thanksgiving is Monday, October 13th this year, followed by Memorial Mass, and then the annual fund-raiser looked after by Bro John Wojtowicz, the Grey Cup Pool Raffle. On going is our primary fund-raiser, the booths at Stampeder and Flames games. Thank you for your efforts.

Vivat Jesu!
Bro. John Bothwell, GK

Brother Knight’s;

Welcome back to the reality of the working routine, families busy, children off to school or university, household chores, faith, active retirement – or all of these! Also, the continuation of CUFP, as in Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism; these championed by the enthusiasm and volunteerism of many, as Knights. This is what Knights are all about and, for many, this ‘busy-ness’ sustains us – not materially – but somewhere inside our very selves. As some are still working on flood recovery from last summer, others took occasion to get warmed, somewhat, by the few summery days. Great! Regenerated! Recall Calgary enjoyed clear weather during Stampede. Thanks go out to so many who came forward to help for the annual Parish Stampede Breakfast, Sunday, July 6th. Much of the neighbourhood showed up and was welcomed with plate after plate of vittles. It was a great gathering out in the open under less-threatening skies. Fr. Frank’s promise held.

Council starts early this Columbian Year with first meeting in council chambers on Wednesday, September 3rd. So please plan to attend and then we can get off to a good start in this St. Cecilia’s Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration year. This grand effort is happening on Saturday, September 20th – see the invitation elsewhere in this newsletter. Many are involved.

Also, keep in mind that prior to this, on Monday, September 15th, Lecture Night is the occasion of the presentation of the Lorne Dowling Bursaries to four worthy students. Council is very fortunate I.P.G.K. Kevin Lopresti has taken this on with fairly short notice after our sterling Knight Alfredo Nino made a decision to transfer to his home town council of Okotoks.

The Installation of Officers was another significant occasion hosted by St. Patrick’s in July. Hospitality is their watchword, and this installation was no exception. We were even able to recruit stand-ins for those who couldn’t make it. Thanks to Brothers Gordon Finstad, Mike Abday, Jim O’Dell, Andy Haynes, Dave Allen. Special thanks to D.D. Ray Khuller for his timely prompts [also known as birddoggin’].

We shall continue to reach out and recruit; it will a great achievement if we can reach an average of one new First Degree Member per month for the ten (10) months during which we meet. Fellow Knights, please get involved as much as you can in this regard; I, myself, like to stress the fraternity aspect and then defer to Bro. Greg Miskiman, our Financial Benefits Advisor for our District. More on this topic in the weeks to come.

Again, welcome back.

Vivat Jesu!

John Bothwell,
Grand Knight