Dear Brother Knight’s;

Congratulations to Danny Goshulak and Lloyd Rose for recently attaining your First Degree and especially for joining our council. Our council invites you to participate in our activities and attend our meetings to obtain your aspirations and personal reasons for becoming a Knight. Brother Knights please also join me in congratulating Brother Danny Goshulak and Ramsom Murzello for proceeding with their major degree exemplification, which now opens the door to taking an active role in our executive positions when they feel comfortable with our works within the council.

This weekend was our Garage Sale and a wonderful opportunity for us to work with our CWL Ladies and other parishioners enjoying our collective time together towards a common good including helping St Cecilia’s and raising funds that we can deploy for our charities. Bravo, mio fratello! Thank you for all that you do for our community.

Once again Randy and Carolyn Lopez will be coordinating the Stampeders fundraiser booths at McMahon Stadium, starting with our first game on June 14th. For all of us who have been volunteering our time at the games, thank you and I hope you are able and willing to help out again this season. For any Knights who would like to share the brotherhood and would like to take the Pro-serve course, just let me know and we’ll all find time to do it together shortly one evening.

The Grand Knight’s Appreciation Night in honour of our Chaplain Fr. Frank Feldmann, is on June 21st this year (details noted within) This will give a fine opportunity to end this Columbian Year together to not only congratulate individual members who have done a little extra with our works, but to thank you all who have gone to our meetings, attended our lecturer’s evenings, helped with our fundraising activities and especially to enjoy each other’s fraternity for which our council has benefitted immensely. We know that it is challenging for some of you Knights to come out to our meetings so please do not hesitate to come out to see us at this special event. Looking forward to seeing you there!

As another Columbian Year comes to a close, we’ll have our executive elections at the next meeting, so please make every effort to come. I’d like to thank you all for your enthusiasm and co-operation throughout my two years as Grand Knight at our meetings and events. I trust you will continue your support for the incoming executive with fresh ideas for our council. It certainly was displayed that we could work together encompassing our three themes of Charity, Unity and Fraternity, supporting each other and most importantly sharing a positive experience whenever we gathered together in our social and community programs.

Please note within our recent awards from State by our District Deputy Ray Khulller for Pennies for Heaven and Basketball appreciation and 1st Runner Up for Council Bulletins. Congratulations Bro. Andy Haynes, Bro. Henry Feddema, Bro.Danny and Elaine Barth for your dedication.

Heidi and I wish you all a wonderful summer and lot’s of fun times with council members, family and friends. As we don’t actually close for the summer we’ll keep you advised of any events such as the Stampede breakfast and the One Rock event.

Vivat Jesu!
Kevin Lopresti, GK

Dear Brother Knight’s:

The month of April has certainly been an emotional as well as eventful month starting with the funeral of our Chapter President S.K. Don Laurendeau on April 1st. We learned that Don contributed a lot to the Knights in the last five years as a Knight always saying YES to a multitude of requests for help for various K of C activities as well as his parish. He led us inspirationally in his last two years while battling a respiratory condition. We are all so grateful for knowing this fine Catholic gentleman and please keep him in our prayers.

Thank you Brothers Tom Czarnomski, John Bothwell and Frank Gerritsen for joining our Brother Eden D’Souza and participating in the crowd control team of Knights in the Annual Way of the Cross. Thousands of marchers took part in the procession of faith while still discerning thoughts of the previous senseless deaths of five Calgary students and listening to speakers warning against selfishness and aggression.

I would also like to thank our Lecturer Dan Barth and Lady Elaine for the elaborate write-up in the previous newsletter and their exceptional organization of the Silver Rose, which was open to the parish as well as our Knights.

Brothers John Bothwell and Dave Allen attended the K of C Convention in Edmonton and report that William (Bill) Smith has been accepted to stand again as State Deputy. A motion to allow Casino participation based on council choice was defeated.

Our Past Grand Knights have been calling you to stand again or put your names forth for Executive Committee positions for the next Columbian Year. One way of meriting more personally is by becoming more active in your council so I thank you for your continued or new commitments.

Our garage sale is coming up at the end of May, and your participation again would be most welcome. Please check with me or add your name to the sign-up sheets when they become available.

As Mother’s Day is fast approaching, while honouring our mothers, wives, grandmothers, and Mary our Mother, please also take the time to call or give our widows a big hug.

Please note that a Major Degree will be held on May 24th at Holy Trinity Church with registration starting at 8:15 with mass at 9 AM. We will be contacting out First Degree members for this exemplification, as this is a necessary step before they can assume committee positions.

Vivat Jesus!
Kevin Lopresti, G.K.

Dear Brother Knight’s:

I guess we are all wondering when this winter will finally end and we can come out of hibernation. Why wait, call your brother Knights and arrange visits and get togethers and share your camaraderie. Maybe even come to a few general meetings, which you know of course I fully endorse for our unity and to remain as a strong caring council.

We had a membership drive last weekend and Fr. Frank gave us permission to invite our parish’s eligible men to join our council. There is no doubt a sincere initiative throughout the Order to encourage recruitment and as we view our own council we know the benefits, personal or social, that have been meaningful to us through the years. In line with our Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson’s desire that we tell our Catholic gentlemen about our Order, especially during this time of Lent, I know you will also think about taking a new candidate or member under your wing and share your experiences with him. Thanks for your support Bro. Dave Allen, for making some connections at the three masses.

Brother Leo Bunz has had another successful Vocations Poster contest at our St Cecilia’s and St Matthew’s schools where eighty one Fifth Graders drew posters depicting various vocations themes. Endorsed by the Knights, this program is very much needed to have our younger children think and be made aware of a possible calling or direction of a special path in life. Incidentally the winning poster selected by his committee of Brothers Dave Masse, Dave Allen, Henry Feddema. and myself, depicts the various paths one may take, all leading to God. Bravo Bro. Leo, for your support of this community program.

The State Basketball Free Throw playoffs were held at Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks, Alberta.on March 22nd, 2014 and were well attended by students from our local Calgary area councils. Thanks to Bro. Henry, for his participation and coordination of the local school’s events this season. A special thanks to Fourth Degree Commander Bro. and Sir Knight Frank Gerritsen and his Colour Corp for their presence at the event for the presentation of the medals. The general observation was that the students marveled at having their pictures taken with you and all attending would like to see you back next year, perhaps encouraging a greater awareness of the K. of C. Basketball Free Throw school events.

I have received a copy of the Resolutions State Member Nominations and General Resolutions to be voted on at the State Convention of April 25th to 27th and you will have an opportunity to review them at the next general meeting. I would also like to make you aware that I will have applications available for State Scholarships towards post secondary studies with eligibility open to Knights, wives, children, grandchildren, and widows of the K. of C. in good standing.

You may be thinking about seeing the new epic movie the Son of God that is about the life of Christ and His mission. If you want to know more, read the article in the Columbia March issue and also read about our Supreme Knight’s endorsement of the film.

Please note that St. Mary’s Annual Outdoor Way of the Cross on Good Friday, April 18th, coordinated by Jana Drapal and our Brother Eden D’Souza, is likely to have an attendance of up to 5,000 people this year. Once again, I have committed five of our Knights from our council to help with the crowd control. There are practice meetings that you need to attend scheduled for April 10th and 11th at 6:00 PM followed by a dinner. You will need to bring a photo ID.

Vivat Jesus!
Kevin Lopresti, G.K.

Dear Brother Knight’s:

Thank you, thank you! In addition to our Breakfast Chairman Dan Barth’s thank you last week I also commend you and our Ladies generous help with the World Day of the Sick breakfast enjoyed by most attending our 9:00 AM and 11:00 M masses and anointing of the sick. Indeed you are “second to none and we have great parish spirit.”

And speaking about our great parish, with the 50th anniversary coming up, can we keep that in mind when we try to come up with a new project/fundraiser that I asked for from you for suggestions last month. Tempus fugit, (time flies) we all know that very well, so let’s be prepared to look at your enthusiastic suggestions at our general meeting this Monday, March 3rd.

Brother Henry Feddema, our D.D. Ray Khuller and Knights who came out to the District Basketball Free Throw, made it possible for a large number of students to participate at the event on February 4th and for many to go on to the Regional playoff at Holy Trinity School in Okotoks, March 15th at 10:00 AM. A NOTE to Commander Frank Gerritsen of Father Doucet Assembly, it would be nice if the Color Corp would lead the students into the gymnasium. My grandson still talks about the Knight’s Colour Corp when they sponsored his event years ago.

Father Henry Rosenbaum and Fr. Terry Connelly and all of us 13 Knights applauded heartedly when Fr. Frank Feldmann won the 50/50 draw at the Padre Night Banquet that was well attended. Little did Fr. Frank know that Bro. Dan Barth had your Grand Knight count the funds and Bro. Mike Abday separate the tickets, bringing him a little luck. The evening was fabulous, food superb and most of all, mingling with our priests was well appreciated by all.

I will be speaking with Fr. Frank Feldmann and asking him for support with our membership recruitment that should be run ideally in March as part of the blitz promoted by Supreme. Looking forward to your help when a Sunday is decided.

As we approach the season of Lent, please note that we are welcomed again to attend St. Cecilia’s School Shrove Tuesday on March 4th. As part of our community programs, please let me know if you can attend as I know the students would love to meet you. Amanda Bernard, School Council Chair, would like to have us there at 11:45 AM.

And as this leads us into Lent. Please note Pope Francis’s Lenten theme for all of us to “live a life of evangelical poverty.” We can begin to embrace this call by fasting from or “giving up” material things, including foods, that are superfluous to our basic needs; “taking up” charitable habits that are directed to helping and caring for others; and “lifting up” our brothers and sisters who are in need through giving alms, praying and participating in devotional practices. Note the Ref. http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-resources/lent/

Vivat Jesus!

G.K. Kevin

LENT, A PREPARATION FOR EASTER!

Dear Brother Knight’s:

We are very fortunate to have a generous council whose vital works is intended for the vitality of it’s members and to help ensure a thriving parish, with interest in its local schools and community. Whether there is a call to help with food hampers, support Shove Tuesday breakfasts or raise funds for church projects, you Knights and your families share your time and talents very willingly. We still need to challenge ourselves and look at new ways to keep ourselves committed and involved and especially to encourage our new members to suggest some ideas for new activities. Let’s take the next two months to explore ideas and bring them to our general meetings. For one, let’s try to do something different that we can all contribute to instead of the garage sale this spring, that also brings in the parish involvement. Let’s think about it. Grand bazaar any one?

This is the month when we stand by our priests at the Padre Night Banquet and say thanks for being there for us day by day, week after week all through the year helping us to grow in our faith and also providing guidance and always reminding us of our purpose and the love of God. I am very pleased to note that we’ll have thirteen brothers of our council unanimously joining our priests at the Polish Hall on Thursday, February 13. For those who can’t attend, I know you will take a minute to offer your appreciation when you have an opportunity.

I am thrilled with the attendance of at least 45 of our Knights and their family from our council alone that came to be informed at our lecturer’s night of the SISTERS OF LIFE program who work to support young mothers to celebrate life. Thank you Dan for making us aware of this essential program so that we can possibly offer assistance when requested to help those give life a chance.

OK so your Grand Knight went to Cuba again but not for fishing this time, well just for a day, but primarily for our daughter Lisa’s wedding. The wedding party was so friendly, weather was great and the beach awesome!

Vivat Jesus!
G.K. Kevin Lopresti

Dear Brother Knight’s:

Welcome to our second half of our Columbian year and as we approach it, we may think about the past year, our challenges, our accomplishments and especially how we have grown as members of this council. I know personally in the last year and a half as your Grand Knight it has been indeed an enriching and rewarding experience in so many ways and I look forward to my last six months towards building and strengthening the council with a focus on our families.

In the last year, we have lost more long term deceased Brother Knights who have given years of dedicated contributions to the Knights and community. We have gained a few new Knights and we need to challenge them to fulfill their aspirations within our council as practicing men of faith. I hope that you too have found that in your contributions within the Knights and community, that you are ultimately achieving your intentions or you are thinking about what you would like to recommend to your council. To those Brother Knights who have not been to our meetings or answered our call, I will be personally contacting you to say hello and to kindly remind you of why you became a Knight and why we need your support in unity to meet all of our spiritual, fraternal and charitable needs.

Our Chancellor Bro. Henry Feddema will soon be asking for help with our K of C Basketball Free Throw program which invites many students from our local schools to participate at school, district and regional events.

Bro. Mike Driscoll will also be asking us to help sell the Alberta State Council Charity Appeal tickets. Last year we were able to provide funds from these sales amounting to almost $1,300.00 for distribution to St Cecilia’s Parish and St. Mary’s University College.

Our Coats for Kids program started with two boxes of coats of various sizes and the Society of St Vincent dePaul has helped with the distribution to the youth in need.

We will be starting our Vocations Poster Contest soon and inviting our local schools to participate. Last year Bro.Leo Bunz coordinated the program and the response from St. Mathews and St. Williams Schools was exceptional and as you may recall, the winner of the contest was our selection for best poster and theme from a Grade Five student at St. William.

Our Christmas Pot Luck dinner organized by our Lecturer Dan and Elaine Barth was well attended. It was great to have Fr. Henry Rosenbaum with us but we missed Fr. Frank Feldmann who had a previous invitation in Airdre. We were indeed happy to have our deceased Knight’s ladies, Mrs: Catherine Beckett, Tilley Silbernagel and Florence Podiluk, and our invited guest Elaine Templeton join us. We had a jovial evening including a gift exchange with our Santa, DGK John Bothwell as well as some Christmas singing and door prizes. Many thanks to all who contributed to the dinner and St. Vincent hampers, volunteered their time and shared some Christmas fraternity.

Please join me in thanking Bro. Greg LaMarre who is residing in Toronto, for his timely maintenance of our K of C email list and Council 4878 website.
Please visit https://kofc.stceciliacalgary.com/.

Heidi and I wish you a Healthful and Joyous New Year!
Vivat Jesus!

Dear Brother Knight’s;

Some of you may be aware of the 50th Anniversary celebration of St. Cecilia’s CWL Council #19 which I attended with Heidi a few weeks ago at the Blackfoot Inn. Those of you who also attended can attest that it was an incredible event, very well organized and inspired by the many talented, spiritual and generous CWL Ladies. We heard the history of the first meetings held in their kitchens and of how they helped our early pastor get started with St Cecilia’s Parish. Did you know they had over 160 charter members and many of these Ladies still grace us today in mutual participation with our Service Programs or when we need help with ceremonies and events? Our council presented Mary Ann Oikawa, president of CWL Council #19 with a plaque congratulating them for 50 years of service to their members, the parish and the community. Please extend your personal best wishes at any opportunity.

Well it’s this time again when we should be making our Christmas lists and marking our calendars so we can plan for those special items and time with family and friends. While we have the traditional events like visiting our Widows with the Poinsettias or the Annual Christmas Party on the 16th to look forward to, you know this is a good time to set aside some time with your Worthy Brother Knights whom you haven’t seen for some time and give them your best wishes. Our roster chairman Ken, editor Danny or I would be delighted to give you any contact information. Our newest members would also be impressed by your encouraging calls.

We are planning to have a few new candidates complete their First Degree on Friday, December 6th at St. Patrick’s church and I’ll send you a message to confirm the date and location to support them in their exemplification.

Our council unanimously welcomes our Knights who we know are not always available, to plan to attend a few meetings this Columbian year and rekindle spirits with your fellow knights. Make it happen in 2014 and if you can help with a Service Program like the Basketball Free Throw or Wheelchair Bowling, all the better, Brother Knights, towards doing some good.

On December 10th St. William’s School will be presenting the Appreciation Medals to the students and are asking that some of our members be in attendance. This will be the first of the medals for the program that was started in the spring.

Thank you all for your attendance at our meetings this year, service programs, parish breakfasts, another garage sale and fundraising activities which you have made successful through your time and generosity.

Please all join me in thanking our Publicity and Newsletter editors as well as Lecturer Dan and Elaine for unifying us with the warmth, time and effort put into each and every bulletin and lecturer evening. You are truly the anchor of this council, keeping us informed through our general e-mail and especially when I am away, about our Knights and Brothers who have passed away.

Heidi and I joyously wish to each and every Knight and family and our Past Knight’s Widows, a very warm and Merry Christmas with God’s Blessings!

Vivat Jesus!
GK Kevin Lopresti

Worthy Brother Knights;

I hope you all had a Thanksgiving filled with family and friends thinking over a year of health and prosperity or for challenges that you may have had through the year and how your faith has helped in every way making sense of it and helping you become a stronger person. Building ones faith is probably one of the main reasons for becoming a Knight. In solidarity, you know other Knights and their families are there to offer their support and prayers through our Intercessor Blessed Virgin Mary or directly to Our Lord, to help you find guidance and resolution.

We had a great month of October in our membership blitz, “the Power of One” and it looks promising that we’ll have several new men and some transfers to join our council. I would like to thank our Deputy Grand Knight John Bothwell , Chancellor Henry Feddema and our Recorder Andy Haynes for coming out to a few “open houses” last month and explaining who we are, what we do and that they are welcomed. You are most encouraged to extend your hand to other parishioners and ask them if they are interested in obtaining information at a brief meeting at their convenience. Please note that every Knight that sponsors a candidate will also be acknowledged by Supreme.

We know that we’ll be called one day, and these new Knights are essential to keeping our organization strong, united and sustainable to do our good works for decades to come. Our Memorial Mass for five (5) of our Brother Knights will be held on Nov. 7th, 7:00 PM at St. Cecilia’s Church this year, so please plan to attend in prayer and support for the families and widows of Brothers Vincent Cuschieri, Anton Planicka, Ed Ell, John Zyla and Laurentius (Louie) Brammer.

This year’s Marian Devotion theme of the Immaculate Conception Prayer Program at St Cecilia’s Oct. 21st, was well attended by our council, Ladies and parishioners. Jenny O’Dell, Elaine and Danny Barth led us in praying the decades of the rosary as per the 16th K of C program. It was nice to have Fr. Gilles La Blanc visit us and help with the program. St. Cecilia’s is the first parish in Calgary to receive the Icon of the Immaculate Conception, which is a copy of the original painting that is housed in the Cathedral Basilica Notre-Dame in Quebec City. At our Chapter meeting this week, State Deputy Bill Smith advised he will be visiting the Basilica next week along with many other State Deputies.

Please plan to attend the closing Centennial Mass on Friday, November 29, 2013, at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 7:00 PM.

Thank you to Brothers Danny Barth and Frank Gerritsen for helping with hosting the Chapter meeting.

Brother John Wojtowicz is coordinating the Grey Cup pool tickets program as one of our important fundraisers with funds earmarked for St. Vincent de Paul as per your unanimous recommendation, so please help by purchasing or selling these booklets. Go Stamps Go!!!

Our Executive meeting will be at 12:30 following the 11 o’clock mass this Sunday.

Please pray for  our brother Knights and Ladies who are in need of our prayers.

Vivat Jesus!
Kevin Lopresti, Grand Knight

Worthy Brother Knights:

My appreciation to you brothers who were able to attend our delayed general meeting held on September 11th, following my return from a Montreal-Italy-Toronto vacation the day before. This was a special meeting as we began with the Initiation of the Officers by our newly appointed District Deputy Gordon Skaluba. Congratulations to my executive council members and let’s strive to guide our Knights in making this a most interesting and beneficial Columbian Year for the Knights of Columbus, St. Cecilia’s and the community.

Our Lorne Dowling Bursary was awarded to three students from Bishop Carroll and Bishop Grandin High Schools. Thanks to all who attended and especially to Alfredo Nino, Lorne Dowling Bursary Chairman for corresponding with the schools and the students. Thank you for making your 6th LDB awards, a memorable event.

We had started up a few new programs last year with helping families in need at Christmas, the Vocations Poster at two schools and the Coats for Kids Program. This year we look forward to having our Chancellor Henry Feddema initiate a religious recognition program for students at St William’s School which is advocated by the school principal.

Brother John Wojtowicz has sent in an application for the Grey Cup Pool Raffle with proceeds for Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The State Charity Appeal drive will commence shortly after. At the next general meeting we will need to review allocation of our councils awarded Charity Appeal funds received from State for the last three years so please be prepared to offer your suggestions for charitable organizations to receive these funds. Our Calgary Chapter advocates St Mary’s University College, the Handi-boat and Camp Cadicasu.

I met with Fr. Ed Hespot of St. Francis de Sales parish in High River last weekend and presented him with Brother Greg LaMarre’s gift cards and another kind contribution. He says they are still rebuilding and they are anticipating reopening St. Francis de Sales in December.

As you know there is a new membership blitz on by Supreme and State and Bishop Henry has been asked to endorse the Knights through his pastors. We have some interest for follow up with several parishioners following the first Stewardship Sunday weekend and by the next general meeting Brothers John Bothwell, Henry Feddema and I hope to give you some good news. Last meeting we talked about mentoring our new Knights, namely Dennis and Michael and how important is for them to feel welcome and find an interest in our Surge programs. I hope we have enough experienced Knights available to help new Knights get started as I have a feeling this is going to be a very big year.

Fraternally yours,

Bro. Kevin Lopresti, Grand Knight

Greetings Brother Knights;

It has been an eventful summer with the dramatic flooding of our city and the outpouring of help. The aid to the community has been astonishing and remarkable, giving us all a sense we are part of a generous society that we can be proud of. This is not strange to the Knights, as we have always lived true to our first principal of Charity. Thank you to all who have contributed in one way or another through our council or the Alberta Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation.

As we are starting a new Columbian year and hope to grow with the council I thought I’d advise some direction from Supreme and suggest some goals to strengthen our council. This year I have been provided with a planner to help keep us organized and I’m sure this will be most helpful. Our Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson has forwarded a message that we continue to invite men to join us in this Year of Faith.

I would also like to invite us to think about our present membership and be more attentive to our Knights who are not available to attend our meetings or activities but do appreciate our fraternity. Let’s start by calling our Knights more often and bringing news. I would also like us to think about our newer Knights who want to grow in their faith and do good but can also use our support and contact for direction. I will ask that we assign a few of us to mentor or take these brother’s under our wings.

As I write here in Montreal before leaving for Italy tonight (August 23rd), in addition to visiting family and friends, I also have visited my first church St. Kevin’s where I received my sacraments. I found that to be very peaceful, almost like a pilgrimage. I also made my way to St. Joseph’s Oratory with personal as well as intentions for you and your families that we live in the grace of God.
I am looking forward to our first meeting on September 11th, 2013, which will start with our Installation of Officers at 6:45 and invite you to see us through this ceremony.

Vivat Jesus!
Kevin Lopresti, GK