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Monthly Newsletter
Click to download newsletter in PDF format. Requires Adobe Reader (Acrobat).
October 2011
Download PDF edition
above. It has lots of photos of service and fraternity.
Grand Knight's Message
 Brother Knights,
Wow! September was filled with a great number of events for all of the Knights of Columbus.
We had the good fortune to again be able to help with the Holy Family Fall Festival. Thanks to all of the Knights who helped with set-up, take-down & cooking. This event is always one of the most fun festivals of the year. With all of the help, we got the entire set-up done in about one hour!
Twin Cities Tec - (Teens Encounter Christ) - Fall Golf Tournament. This is a new event that the Knights helped at. Held at Bremar Golf Course in Edina, this annual event helped raise funds for TEC Retreats.
4th Degree Exemplification - Willmar - Set. 23rd-25th - 32 new men became 4th Degree Knights. Included in this group is Sir Knight Zach Griffith from the Cathedral Council and Sir Knight Ethan Bennett from the St. Paul Seminary Council. Welcome Sir Knights to the Ravoux Assembly!
On Tuesday September 27th, St. Fr. O'Callaghan Council #3659 and the Fr. Lucien Galtier Council #4184 combined to form a joint 1st Degree Team. There were two new men who became Knights of Columbus at this Exemplification, one of whom is Tony Guanella who just joint our Council. Welcome Tony!
A special thanks to the brother Knights of Fr. O'Callaghan Council #3659 - Chaplain Fr. Terry Beeson, S.K. Maynard Oster, S.K. Joe Beckers, S.K. Larry Bidwell and the rest of the Degree Team that helped to make this a great success. We will be having a 1st Degree Installation at our next Council meeting on Nov. 7th. Please plan to attend the November meeting and experience the joint team at work.
We also thank - S.K. Joe Hamand, S.K. Joe Stevens, S.K. Mark Thomford and the rest of the Knights who helped and observed this event.
September 18th - St. Matthews Fall Festival - 4th Degree was in attendance.
Sept. 24-25th - St. Michaels Fall Festival - Kudos to S.K. Simon Haeg for all of his work at this event. Other Knights who worked at the event - Jim Roeller, Pat Foley, George Kuzelka. I apologize if I missed anyone who helped.
October 1st - Marathon for Non-Public Education - Street Marshalls. The Knights again helped direct traffic this year. The Knights really add a higher level of Safety to the event by controlling all of the traffic. Well done! Also Fr. Creagan and Fr. Lannan took part in the Marathon.
October 2nd - Hospitality Sunday and Recruiting - St. Joseph's Church - Thank you to all of the Fr. Galtier Knights who again helped to make this a successful event!
October 2nd - Fall Festival - St. Francis Assisi Church - Lake St. Croix Beach - 4th Degree in attendance for this fun annual event. Last count I believe that we got four (4) Sermons!
Please try to find at least one (1) person to ask to become a Knight in this next month. If you do, we can get them into the November 1st degree event.
Vivat Jesu,
George Sonnen, Grand Knight
A letter from the Chaplain of the Month: Father James Lannan
Dear Knights of Columbus West Saint Paul Council:
Greetings to my brother Knights in Jesus Christ. It is a great privilege to introduce myself to you as the
new Parochial Vicar here at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in West Saint Paul, MN. I have great respect,
admiration, and hope for the Knights of Columbus who are, as Blessed John Paul II once stated, "the
strong right arm of the Church."
Thank you for your continued service to the Catholic Church: our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, the
bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and all members. I encourage you to please ask young Catholic men
to consider joining the Knights of Columbus, as an active membership of young men in the Church is the
future of this essential fraternity in
Christ's Church.
Not only does our culture need men of virtue to serve as witnesses to the Gospels of Jesus Christ, but so does the Church from within need the same. Please consider asking your sons, nephews, and grandsons, neighbors, and friends to join us as a 1st degree member of the Knights this
year.
Thanks for listening.
In Christ,
Father James Lannan
4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus
August 2011
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Grand Knight's Message
Brother Knights,
The Summer has gone quickly . The children are going back to school. We have had our
time of rest. Now the Knights of Columbus spring into action.
Due to Labor Day falling on Monday, Sept, 5th, we will NOT have our meeting then. Our Monthly
Meetings will be held on Monday September 12th. It will be held in the Bride's room, just down the hall
from the Msgr. Great Room. Starting Time is 7:00PM.
Events to plan for: PLEASE HELP!
HOLY FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL - Sept. 10, 11.
Needs : Set up help - Saturday 9 a.m. , Sunday - Kitchen Clean up - all day. Any time that you can put in is greatly appreciated. This is the big event of the year . Great food & lots of fun. Try to bring your family for food & games on Sunday. Please contact me at: gsonnen@historybound.com to let me know when you will be available.
ST. MICHAEL'S FALL FESTIVAL - Sept. 24-25
Sat. Sept. 24 - Lasagna Dinner, Silent Auction, Outdoor Mass, Dessert/Bake Sale 4:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday Sept. 25 - Grand Prize Raffle, Silent Auction, Bingo, Children's Games, Bake Sale, Hole-in-One
contest, Pull Tabs. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please contact me at: gsonnen@historybound.com to let me know when you will be available.
Remember - The Knights that belong to the above parishes will already be helping. We need additional
Knights to help.
Fr. Michael Rudolph, Pastor of St. Michael's, has transferred his Knights membership to the Fr. Galtier
Council. We welcome you! Fr. Michael is our "Chaplain of the Month" and has provided us with his
thoughtful comments.The #4184 Summer Picnic was a great success this year. Lots of food, games & best of all - children. We hope your families enjoyed the time.
We are adding to the newsletter lots of photos from over the summer from K of C events of both the 3rd and 4th degrees.
See you on Monday, September 12th, for our monthly meeting.
Vivat Jesu,
George Sonnen, Grand Knight
A letter from the Chaplain of the Month: Father Michael Ruldolph
 Obeying our Conscience
You may have read or heard recently about the 250 Austrian Catholic priests who signed a public statement titled (in German) “A call to disobedience.” In it they pledged to support initiatives contrary to the teachings and discipline of the Catholic Church. Hardly what you would expect from priests, who when they are ordained make a promise of obedience to their bishop and his successors! Why did these priests sign this statement? I can’t read their hearts and so don’t know their motives, but they reportedly said they were acting because of their consciences.
Can a Catholic’s conscience lead him or her to intentionally disobey the Church and think it’s OK to do so? Yes, but only if his or her conscience is malformed.
Some people think that conscience is some kind of infallible guide to right and wrong. This is ironic because most people with this view would probably deny the Catholic doctrine that the Pope is infallible when he teaches authoritatively about faith and morals! I guess they think they have infallibility even if the Pope doesn’t. Anyway, our consciences can lead us astray.
How can this happen? Didn’t God give us consciences to guide us? Yes. And shouldn’t we follow our conscience? Yes. But our consciences don’t’ always work right. Why not? To find out, let’s look at the two aspects of conscience.
The first aspect is an inner sense of what’s right and wrong, put in our soul by God. It’s an awareness of the natural law, which is an expression of Divine Law in the created world, including in our humanity. The trouble is, this sense of right and wrong can be dulled—or hardened, to use the language of Sacred Scripture—by repeated sin. If we do something wrong long enough, we might be able to convince ourselves that’s it’s not wrong after all. Or if enough people tell us it’s not a sin, we may listen more to them than to that inner voice of conscience telling us: “There’s something wrong with what you are doing.”
The second aspect of conscience is that it’s a judgment we make. It’s a judgment about right and wrong, based on applying practical reason and the virtue of prudence to a specific situation, using principles we believe about what’s right and wrong in general. For example, we might believe the principal that stealing is wrong. Then one day while shopping, we see a candy bar we want, but don’t have the money for it. We might think to ourselves, “Should I steal it?” We will decide, “No, because stealing is wrong, and I don’t want to do something that’s wrong.” That’s our conscience working well. The trouble is, if we have incorrect information about what’s right and wrong, this aspect of our conscience won’t work right. If we were taught that stealing is OK, or came to that conclusion on our own, we might decide to go ahead and steal that candy bar. Or do something else that the natural law and the Church teach is wrong, like live together in a romantic relationship without being married, try to get married to someone of the same sex, commit any number of sexual sins, get an abortion, use contraceptives, or refuse to share what we have with the poor when we could easily do so.
But if our consciences haven’t been hardened or dulled to sleep by sin, and we’ve gotten good teaching about what’s right and wrong, our consciences will be a good guide. For Catholics, this means among other things following the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our Lord Jesus Christ established the Church to give us a share in the life of Jesus Christ through the Sacraments, help us grow in Communion with Him and one another in the Church, follow the narrow road that leads to heaven, and help others to find and follow this road. Trying to live by our consciences without the teachings of the Church would be kind of like trying to land a plane at night by sight if the lights at the airport were off. We might crash!
Let’s hope that the 250 Austrian priests who are “calling to disobedience” won’t crash. They have the lights of the Church, but if seems they don’t’ see them. Let’s keep our eyes open and in the right direction, so our consciences will work right and lead us home.
With love in Jesus Christ, Father Rudolph
June 2011
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Grand Knight's Message
Brother Knights,
We have been busy in the last month. The Tootsie-Roll fund raiser was a success. We surpassed last year by over 25% thanks to the generous amount of time that was given by the Knights and the St. Joseph's Youth Group.
It appears that people are much more inclined to donate to younger people ... so we hope that our connection with the Youth Group continues to grow. A special thanks to DGK George Kuzelka for all of the work, direction and management of this event.
We are planning on hosting a Brunch after the 10:00 Sunday Mass at Holy Family. These Brunches are to build Parish Unity and donations received from the people who attend are used to reduce the mortgage. We will have additional information on this event at our next meeting. WELCOME NEW SIR KNIGHTS ! We congratulation our new 4th Degree Knights : SK Jeff Davis SK Bob Fox SK Joe Hamand Our new Sir Knights recently completed their 4th Degree at the 75th Exemplification in St. Paul, April 16th.
We would like to welcome the following new Knights who went through 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree exemplifications two weeks ago: Simon Haeg - St. Michael's, Thomas Kaiser - St. Joseph's and Dr. Thomas Rolewicz - St. Matthew's. We welcome you and are excited that you have joined the Knights of Columbus!
We are sad to announce that Fr. O'Hotto has been transferred. Starting July 1st, Fr. O'Hotto will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly, MN. In addition, Fr. O'Hotto will become the Associate Chaplain for the State Knights of Columbus. Next year he will become the State Chaplain. We wish you the best in your new positions. We thank you for your help, guidance and understanding. You have always been there for Fr. Lucien Galtier Council #4184 ! There is a Farewell Mass and reception for Fr. O'Hotto at St. Michael's on Sunday, June 26 at 10:30.
CONGRATULATIONS ! Congratulations to Jack and Rajah Kolb on celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Our next meeting is Monday, June 6th at St. Joseph's Church - Great Hall. Meeting starts at 7:30. Light lunch follows meeting as well as our monthly prize drawing.
Vivat Jesu,
George Sonnen, Grand Knight
Chaplain’s Reflection
Dear Brother Knights,
 Pope John Paul II, as you know was beatified on Sunday, May 1st, Divine Mercy Sunday.
How appropriate that he be declared a Blessed of the Church on Divine Mercy Sunday since he is the Pope who declared that the Sunday after Easter would be known as Divine Mercy Sunday!
Also, when Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005; he died on Divine Mercy Sunday!
Divine Mercy Sunday (which began in the year 2000), is a day to give devotion to Our Lord and to thank Him for His Divine Mercy. It is a day to ask for His continued mercy. The praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, along with celebrating the Sacrament of Penance and receiving Communion can grant us a plenary indulgence for the remission of our sins.
Take time to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Be appreciative for The Lord's Divine Mercy. And pray that another miracle may happen at the intercession of Pope John Paul II, leading to his being canonized a Saint in the future.
In preparation for the beatification of Pope John Paul II, his body was moved from the lower level of St. Peter's Basilica to the Chapel of St. Sebastian on the main floor.
Pope John Paul II, pray for us. Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!
Your Chaplain,
Father Ken O'Hotto
February 2011
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Grand Knight's Message
Brother Knights,
As Lent nears, we have a full month of activities coming up.
March 5 – Saturday – 4 pm Mass – St. Matthew's 125th anniversary Mass with Archbishop Flynn
March 7 – Monday – Monthly Meeting – 7:30. St. Joseph's Church
March 8 – Tuesday – St. Paul's Outreach 25th Anniversary Banquet – St. Paul River Center
March 12 – Saturday – Archdiocese Men's Conference – St. Paul Cathedral. Mass 8AM – conference 8-12.
March 13 – Sunday – Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) Mass & Banquet – Net Center – W. St. Paul 4PM
March 17 – Thursday – Hibernian Mass – St. Paul Cathedral 9:30AM + St. Patrick's Day
We also have the Holy Family Lenten Dinner that we will again be helping at this year. It will be on a Friday in March or April. We will have that date firmed up by the meeting on Monday.
Please try to attend this meeting. We have reports on the Poster Contest and Basketball Contest.
DGK George Kuzelka will again amaze us with his food after the meeting.
Vivat Jesu,
George Sonnen, Grand Knight
Chaplain’s Reflection
Dear Brother Knights,
Lent is a holy season to get us ready for the celebration of Easter and the Easter Season. The Liturgical color for Lent is purple. The color purple is a color of penance and hope.
The Season of Lent is a season of penance and hope. Since the early days of the Church, the baptized and catechumens have been asked to observe the threefold discipline of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer as a preparation for Easter.
The Church asks us to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. We could add some additional days on our own to fast. Some choose to fast all the Fridays of Lent. Fasting is a penance for us and it puts us in solidarity with the hungry and the poor.
Almsgiving reminds us to share what we have with others. We could give money to our parish to help an individual or a family in need. We could support Operation Rice Bowl in our parish or we could make a donation to Catholic Charities or Sharing and Caring Hands. Jesus was a friend to the poor. The Church asks us to help the poor.
The Church during Lent asks us to take some extra time for prayer. The Lord prayed for a duration of 40 days in the dessert. That is where we get the 40 days of Lent. Let us make time for more prayer during the Season of Lent. Lent is a good time to pray the rosary to reflect upon the sorrowful mysteries. Lent is a good time to pray the Stations of the Cross.
Let us ask God to bless our Lenten Journey and let us engage in fasting, almsgiving and prayer!
Your Chaplain,
Father Ken O'Hotto
Need a Tax Deduction?
 As April 15th approaches, many of you may be looking for a way to reduce your taxable income. Even if you or your wife participates in a retirement plan at work, you may likely also be able to make a deductible IRA contribution for 2010. As long as the contribution is made prior to filing your return you can take advantage of the deduction. You are each able to contribute and deduct up to $5,000, or $6,000 each if you are over age 50. Contributing to an IRA can be a great tax strategy because not only do you get a current tax deduction, depending on your income level in retirement, you may be able to entirely avoid paying income tax on the distributions.
Our IRA annuities provide you with a terrific way to reduce your taxable income. The guaranteed returns they provide ensure that the value of your retirement assets will be growing and not subject to downward market fluctuation.
We also offer non-deductible Roth IRA annuities if this is the right tax strategy for you. Call me, let's talk. I know I can help.
Joe Hamand
Field Agent
January 2011
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December 2010
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November 2010
Download PDF edition above. Lots of photos in this pictorial edition!
September-October 2010
Much more in full newsletter, including color photos! Download PDF editions
above.
Grand Knight's Message
Brother Knights,
A heartfelt "thank you" and congratulations for all of the work
done in September and October.
Holy Family Fall Festival
30 K of C volunteer hours
Successful festival - raised $28,000.
Set up & Takedown
St. Matthews Fall Festival
32 K of C volunteer hours
Successful festival – Raised $22,000.
Ran Bingo operations
Marathon for Nonpublic Education
12 K of C volunteer hours
Successful marathon
Directed traffic
St. Joseph's Hospitality
26 K of C volunteer hours
Donut Sunday & membership blitz. Great turnout.
St. Michael's Fall Festival
30 K of C volunteer hours
Successful festival
Set-up, take-down, cooking
Wakota Life Care Meeting
8 K of C volunteer hours
Start of the planning for the Wakota Knights for Life dinner
Total volunteer
Hours: 138
Value to the Parishes, Community & the Knights: priceless
Knights who volunteered: 24
We have received numerous "thanks." This
shows the impact the we have as Knights of Columbus on our Faith, Parish and
Community!
On Monday, November 15, at 6:30 pm. at St. Michael's Church, is the
K of C #4184 Memorial Mass for deceased members. Please try to make this Mass
in honor the seven brother Knights who have died in the last year. The Fourth
Degree Honor Guard will be there. Cake and ice cream follow.
Vivat Jesu,
George Sonnen,
Grand Knight
Chaplain’s Reflection
Dear Brother Knights,
Advent is a Holy Season that prepares us for the celebration
of Christmas. The word Advent means, coming. Advent prepares us to celebrate
The Lord’s 1st coming when He was born in Bethlehem. The celebration of the
mystery of the Incarnation, God becoming man. Advent also helps us to get ready
spiritually for The Lord’s 2nd coming at the end of time. The world as we know
it will come to an end. The Lord as the Savior of the World will come to gather
all people to Himself. At that time there will be a new heaven and a new earth,
as the Book of Revelations tells us.
The four weeks of Advent will pass quickly.
In preparation for Christmas make time for prayer and for reflection upon God’s
Holy Word. Take time to read and ponder the Christmas story. As we prepare
for Christmas let us remember people in need. There are many charitable organizations
that we could support. Sharing and Caring Hands does a great job under the
direction of Mary Jo Copeland in helping homeless people in the Minneapolis
area. The Dorothy Day Center does great work in St. Paul in helping people.
Catholic Charities provides many needed services to people. Toys for Tots provides
toys for children in need. You could also support your local food shelf.
As
we get ready for Christmas may God deepen our faith and our love for neighbor.
Praying you have a Blessed and Joyful Christmas with your family and friends.
Father
O’Hotto
Council Chaplain
September-October 2010
Grand Knight's Message
Brother Knights,
It has been a truly remarkable month for the Fr. Galtier Council 4184.
A time to reap, a time to sow:
• Death of Brother SK George Baldy – 8 knights were in attendance
• Marathon for Nonpublic Education – 6 knights helped provide safety and security
for the school kids.
• Hospitality Sunday and Membership Blitz – St. Joseph’s - 8 knights in attendance
• Coffee Sunday and membership blitz – St. Matthews - 2 knights in attendance
• Membership Blitz – St. Michaels. 4 knights in attendance
• Southview Acres – food & musical entertainment. 5 knights in attendance.
• Highway Cleanup – 6 knights
• Congratulations to Ed Pendleton and Mark Josephs for going through their
1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees on Saturday, Oct. 30th.
• Two new renewal members
• One new candidate to vote on at our next meeting.
This sure looks like a growing and vibrant group. Our congratulations to all
brother Knights and a heartfelt THANK YOU.
Please see the calendar to see what
November brings.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday Nov. 1st. Brother George
K. will have some "goodies" for after the meeting. Please remember
our seminarians and help "fill the basket with $$$.”
May the souls of the
faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace !
Vivat Jesu,
George Sonnen,
Grand Knight
Chaplain’s Reflection
Dear Brother Knights,
As we continue through a new service year we need to
remember the principles or degrees of our Order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity,
and Patriotism.
Charity: As Knights of Columbus we are to grow in our love for
God and for His Church. We know that a regular prayer life and frequent celebration
of the Sacraments can help us to grow in our love for God and the Church. Being
students of God’s Holy Word can also help us to grow in our love. We also know
that we are to grow in our love for neighbor. We are to be there for our neighbor
when they are in need. We are to bring them God’s kindness and care. We help
them and support them. Yes, we are to live Charity.
Unity: As Knights of Columbus
we are to be one with the Holy Father, the Bishops and Priests, and with others.
We are to be one with the teachings and doctrines of the Church. We are to
be one in the faith. We are to foster harmony in the Church and in society.
We are to be one with The Lord and one another.
Fraternity: We are to foster
the brotherhood of the Knights of Columbus. We are to foster who we are and
what we believe about the Knights of Columbus and about our faith. We are to
be there for one another. We are to be friendly and amiable with one another.
We are brothers.
Patriotism: The 4th Degree fosters love for country and responsible
citizenship. They foster respect for the flag and what it represents. They
fly the flag and encourage others to do so. They support our troops and their
families. They serve as honor guard at civic events.
Veterans Day is Thursday,
November 11th. To those of you who are veterans, ten-hut! Thank you very much
for the service you have given our country. You were willing to go and serve
our country even though you knew your life could be placed in danger. You were
willing to sacrifice your freedom as a civilian to ensure the freedom of America.
You were willing to sacrifice being away from your family to make a sacrifice
for our nation. Know that most Americans appreciate your service and hold you
in high esteem. May God bless you for your service. At ease! Thank you!
Let
us take seriously the principles or degrees of our Order. Let us teach them
and live them.
God Bless.
Your Faithful Friar,
Father Ken O’Hotto
July-August 2010
Click here
for more news and photos from our July-August 2010 newsletter
Grand Knight-Elect's Fall Preview
Brother Knights,
I hope that you have all had a wonderful summer. We are now getting into the
busy time of the year. School is starting, events are coming up, the television
will again be filled with campaign advertising and football season begins.
September is looking to be perhaps the busiest month that we have had for quite
a while.
Due to the Labor Day holiday, our September meeting will be held on Monday,
September 13th. Please mark your calendars.
Since our meeting will be on the 13th, we would like you to BE AWARE of our
first event of September: The annual Holy Family Fall Maronite Church Festival
will be held on Friday, September 10, with Bingo from 6 to 10 PM and on Sunday,
September 12, with liturgy at 10AM and the Outdoor Festival from 11 AM - 5
PM. Location: Lexington Ave. So. at Hwy 110 in Mendota Heights. More info
at www.holyfamilymaronitechurch.org. We have been asked to again help this
year with setup on Saturday and takedown on Sunday. This consists of moving
tables & chairs primarily and is a great opportunity to keep in contact
with our Maronite community. Please contact myself or George Kuzelka to let
us know if you can come by to help. It will only take an hour or two of your
time.
On Saturday, September 18 (5 - 10 PM) and Sunday, September 19 (11:30
AM - 4 PM), St. Matthew’s Church is having their annual Fall Festival.
It is also their 125th Anniversary. More info at www.st-matts.org. The Knights
of Columbus will be handling the Bingo on both days for this event and could
use your help. George Kuzelka has all of the information regarding this and
will have a sign up sheet at the meeting on the 13th.
Finally, St. Michael’s Church is having their Fall Festival on September
25th & 26th. We are asked to help with setup and takedown. They are having
a dinner and auction on Saturday (4 - 7 PM) with the big festival on Sunday
(11:30 AM - 5 PM). More info at www.stmichaelweststpaul.org
Just so you don't get too relaxed, the Marathon for Nonpublic Education is
scheduled for Saturday, October 2.
All of these events are important and we can make a difference by our presence.
Please try to find some time in your busy schedules to help. We will be doing
a membership blitz at the parishes on October 9th & 10th and if the public
sees us at these events it will help with the awareness of the Knights of Columbus.
We are trying to get a special speaker for the September 13th. Check for future
emails!
Congratulations to Fr. O'Hotto, Chaplain of the Minnesota State Fair. Triple
overtime work !
Brother Ray Marschall Ray had major back surgery on September 7. Please keep
him in your prayers.
Vivat Jesu,
George Sonnen,
Grand Knight
Chaplain’s Message
Dear Brother Knights,
In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 6-9, we read: “Jesus said: “At
the beginning of creation God made them male and female; For this reason
a man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become one. They
are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore let no man separate what God
has joined.”
Almighty God gave us the sacrament of marriage and He is saying that marriage
is between a man and a woman! Two men or two women can not become one flesh
in the way God directed, they can not bring life into the world! The union
of husband and wife is to not only to deepen the couple’s love for one another,
but also to bring new life into the world. And when God says: “Therefore
let no man separate what God has joined,” He is not only speaking of the
permanence of marriage, He is also saying that no one should separate a man
and a woman in marriage.
As brother Knights we need to be vigilant on the California situation. If
the Supreme Court overturns the voice of the people saying that marriage
is between a man and a woman, then it will open the way for same sex unions.
Let us pray for God to enlighten the Supreme Court Justices, and let us make
known to our state and national leaders that we believe that marriage is
between a man and a woman as it has been since the creation of mankind.
God help us.
Your Chaplain, Father Ken O’Hotto
May-June 2010
Click here for more news and photos from our May-June 2010 newsletter
Grand Knight-Elect's Challenge
Brother Knights,
As we start a new year, we look forward to the challenges and opportunities that await us. Our Council has a well established list of activities that we do each year:
Highway Cleanup, Southview Acres, Corporate Communion, Hospitality Sunday, Fish Fry, St. Michael's Fall Festival, Holy Family Fall Festival, Picnic , Christmas Party, Free Throw contest etc. etc. In all there are about 26 different events that we attend and donate our time and talent to, helping the community and our faith. You as Knights are all to be commended for your faith, support and energy.
The biggest challenge that faces us in this next year is recruitment. We must make an effort to make the Knights attractive to young men in order to get them to want to join. This means new programs that young men can "sink their teeth" into and enjoy. We will rely heavily on your help to build up our Council – especially our younger members. We eagerly ask for your input into helping with this.
Remember that our monthly meeting is next Monday night at 7:30. Try to remember that pile of change by the side of your bed & bring some of it for our Seminarians collection box!
We will have some snacks after the meeting .
See you Monday, July 12th.
Vivat Jesu,
George Sonnen, GK
Past Grand Knight’s Wrap-up
Worthy Chaplain, Fathers and Brother Knights,
The year went by quickly. There are so many to thank for their help; I’ll only mention three – Chaplain Father O’Hotto and D.G.K. Sonnen and F.S. Marschall.
Fr. O’Hotto for his Spiritual leadership and guidance, D.G.K. Sonnen for helping in everything and pushing the envelope and F.S. Marschall for keeping me in line and taking care of business – his shoes will be hard to fill. There are so many who did so much this year. We did many regular events and some new ones, none of which could have been done without the work of soooo many Brothers. We need to keep up efforts to get new members and always remember we are a service, fraternal organization. If we make some money, we can give more away. We can start by supporting our Brother Seminarian Brian Park, scholarships, Special Olympics and more.
I will be at St. Joseph’s trying to start a social justice group; We are looking hard at the St. Vincent de Paul Conference. Anyone heard of them? If so and you want to explore our relationship to our fellow God’s creations in need, give me a call to join our discernment group. I certainly will be active in our Council; we all need to pitch-in however much we can.
Please give George Sonnen your support and volunteer time, he’s got ideas and will need the help.
Peace be with you.
Tom Alleva
Chaplain’s Message
Dear Brother Knights,
Reflections on Summer
God gives us the summer season and summer heat not only so vegetation can grow but to slow us down so that we can relax and replenish. Back in the days before AC people would do their work early in the day before the heat of the afternoon. Most homes had porches so that people could cool off in the evening hours.
Hope you take advantage of the summer season to take some vacations and to enjoy nature and the beauty of our country. Summer is a good time to spend more time with family, relatives and friends. A good time to strengthen our relationships.
Summer is a good time to strengthen our relationship with God! Summer might be a good time to work at spending more time at prayer and in reading the Bible. Summer could be a good time to go on retreat.
Take advantage of the summer season to relax and to grow closer to God and your family, relatives and friends.
May God bless your summer time!
Thoughts on Happiness
We all want to be happy! Society tries to convince us that to be happy we have to buy a certain type of product. Jesus tells us in the “Sermon on the Mount,” that if we do things for other people and are there for them in their need, then we will be happy! The Beatitudes are nine proclamations of Jesus. We gain joy of heart if we live them!
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who morn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven
Ask God to help you live the Beatitudes and you will be happy.
Your Chaplain,
Father Ken O’Hotto
A new year of service
As we begin a new service year as officers and as part of the brotherhood, a prayer came to mind. It is called the Faith Prayer. I do not know who wrote it but is a good prayer.
Faith Prayer
Dear Lord, sometimes our faith can be shaken.
Please help us to remember your love for us during difficult times
and give us wisdom and guidance.
Keep us close to you.
Remind us of the wonderful gifts you have given to us;
Our faith, and each other.
We pray that your love will shine like a candle in our darkness,
to help light the way to you.
Amen.
As we begin a new service year, let us serve with faith and let us pray the “Faith Prayer.”
– Father Ken O’Hotto
Click here for more news and photos from our May-June 2010 newsletter
March-April 2010
Grand Knight’s Message
After a long winter we can truly rejoice in the new season: our Saviors’ RESURRECTION which brings life eternal for all God’s children. We need and must spread the Good News that Christ has RISEN. As we died with Him, so we rise with Him!!
It is still the Easter season, and to celebrate eight Brother Knights and four wives attended Mass at Holy Family for our Corporate Communion on April 11 with a delicious breakfast after. Too bad more could not attend. The Maronite Rite is unique and memorable. Attend their service if you can – Sat. at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am.
We are becoming more and more busy. Thanks to Brothers Dick Miller, George Sonnen and George Kuzelka for set up and take down for Reclaiming the Culture of marriage and Life Symposium at the Church of St. Joseph February 25. Over 300 attended from area churches. A great turnout, for sure.
I have assigned D.G.K Sonnen, Brothers Joe Stevens and Ray Marschall as the nominating committee for next year’s slate of officers. They have a grave responsibility. It is up to all of our Brothers to stand in support of their duty and respond to their call for our service. Many of you have served, many have not had the opportunity or grace to serve. Be OPEN to their call. Our Council needs participation to be successful and carry on the call for Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
We received help for cleanup at Holy Family Friday Fish Fries (see photos). A great Church service. And if you attended the dinner, a great gastronomical event, to boot!
At our March meeting we held a drawing for $200 Catholic School Scholarships. The winners were from the Foley Family, son going to St. Agnes; the Schletty Family, daughter going to Cretin-Derham Hall; and the Krueger Family, son going to Holy Trinity in South St. Paul.
Tootsie Roll Sunday was April 24th and 25th. This is an annual PR and Fundraiser for our impaired brethren.
The big event of the year is soon here – the Wakota Life Care Center Fundraiser Saturday, May 1st, with Archbishop Flynn as the speaker. This is our largest source of Council income for the year. This year there will be a “Basket Night” the night before – scores of “theme” baskets for sale. It is a family event as many of the baskets are for children and there will be kids’ games, too. All this will happen at St. Joseph’s Church. Make an effort to stop by with the kids or grand kids.
Highway clean-up is scheduled for May 22. Keep the day open so you can help. We have been doing clean-up since 1990, I believe. A great accomplishment, helping to keep God’s creation somewhat clean and neat. He didn’t give it to us to despoil.
There is more, but space and time is limited. To find out all that is going on you have to come to a meeting. Don’t be afraid – we only bite the goodies Brother Kuzelka brings for fellowship after the meeting.
See you at the May meeting.
The peace of the Risen Christ be with you now and always,
G.K. Tom Alleva
Chaplain’s Message
by Council 4184 Chaplain, Father Ken O’Hotto
Dear Brother Knights,
The story of Nineveh is a story of repentance and mercy.
“And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.” – Jonah 3:5.
God told the people through Jonah, the prophet, that if they did not change their lives for the better they would be destroyed. Nineveh was a city of sin. The people were living evil lives. God gave the people an opportunity to respond to His warning. The king and the people responded by proclaiming a fast. They even had their animals fast. The people and the animals also wore sackcloth. They showed by their actions that they were sorry for their sins. They repented and God was merciful with them.
Lent was a good time for us to seek forgiveness of our sins. God wants to forgive us, but we must always seek forgiveness for our own sins, as well as pray for a change of heart in those who harm others.
Attend private confession regularly and take advantage of the seasonal Penance Services in your parish.
As God gave the people of Nineveh the opportunity to seek forgiveness, God gives us many opportunities to seek forgiveness. Let us respond to His invitation. Let us be grateful for His endless mercy.
Yes, the story of Nineveh is story of repentance and mercy. Let us make it our story not just during Lent but throughout the year.
Your Chaplain, Father Ken O’Hotto
Click here for more news and photos from our March-April 2010 newsletter
February 2010
Grand Knight’s Message
The ground hog came up and saw his shadow; winter carries on. It has been a quiet month in our part of Lake Wobegon.
A thanks to those who helped take down Christmas decorations at St. Joseph: Joe Stevens, George Sonnen, Mark Sandquist, Dick Miller, Tom Alleva, Don Chapdelaine and our foreman George Kuzelka. Be prepared next year as we likely will be asked again and by other member churches, too boot. It only took about 90 minutes.
There are more new faces attending our monthly meetings. Is it because of Brother Kuzelka’s goodies or wanting to participate? Either way, try making one of the new faces yours!
Thanks also to Paul Plum and Dennis Carlson for running the Knights Free Throw Contest, always a treat for the participating youths.
There are many opportunities to help out in our neighborhood and beyond!
Last newsletter, I mentioned Southview Acres Nursing Home was losing its entertainment group. I asked if anyone could help with entertaining for an hour every other month. There were many who offered to help!! Brother Jack Wallin will be playing the piano in March. Feel free to come and help serve goodies to the residents March 11. Set up time is 6:30. Wear your K/C shirt.
A special welcome to five new members: Seminarian Brian Park, Jeffrey Tolke, Alan Egging, Jeff Davis and Curtis Mangan.
Notice – anyone having input for the newsletter must submit it to our editor Richard Schletty by the Friday after our meeting. For example, our last meeting was Monday, February 2nd, so submissions should have been be sent to Brother Schletty by Friday February 5th. He, as you all can attest, does a great job. But he has other commitments beside us so we must help out.
Thanks, and thanks to Brother Schletty.
Ash Wednesday was the start for preparation for our most important feast day and the opening of the way to Heaven – Easter. Participate in your church events during Lent.
Peace to you all,
G.K. Tom Alleva
Chaplain’s Message
by Council 4184 Chaplain, Father Ken O’Hotto
Dear Brother Knights,
“We are God’s co-workers.”
– I Corinthians 3:9
St. Paul reminds us that we are to be God’s co-workers in the world. God has given us gifts and talents. God expects us to use those gifts and talents in service of His Church. We are to labor for God and for others.
As brother Knights of Columbus we are called in a special way to labor for the Church. We are called as brother Knights to foster a respect for all human life and to work for the right to life of the unborn. We are called to work in supporting and mentoring our youth. We are called to work for the support of the poor and the home-bound. As brother Knights we are called to work for the growth of the faith and to defend the doctrines of our faith. Yes, as brother Knights we are called to be God’s co-workers.
As God’s co-workers we need to pray and ask God for help and to bless our work for the Church. After all, the farmer plants the seeds, but the Lord is the one who makes the seeds grow.
As God’s co-workers let us use the gifts and talents God has given us to the best of our ability to labor for His Church and let us pray for God’s blessings on our work.
Your Chaplain and fellow co-worker,
Father O’Hotto
Click here for more news from our February 2010 newsletter
January 2010
Grand Knight’s Message
Brother Knights,
December was busy; the regular meeting, our Christmas Party, Applebee’s Fundraiser and help decorating St. Joseph’s Sanctuary for Christmas.
Thanks go to D.G.K. Sonnen who chaired the Christmas Party and organized a fun evening visiting with fellow Knights and families.
Thanks to all who sold tickets for the Applebee’s fundraiser, Dick Miller and George Sonnen sold tickets at Holy Family, Jim Roeller sold at St. Michael’s, Joe Stevens sold at St. Matthew’s and Tom Alleva and George Kuzelka sold at St. Joe’s with help from Joe Stevens. Helpers at the flapjack breakfast included Walt Schwendig, George and Gloria Sonnen, Brian Walter, Dick and Anne Miller, Don Danneker, Stephen Tackabery, Kevin Cure and Tom and Dar Alleva. Abouna Constantin brought a table full of breakfast companions. Everyone had an enjoyable time, some even left tip money! We may have budding waitpersons in our Council!
Then on the 20th Brothers George Kuzelka, Dick Miller, Rich Herman and Mark Sandquist and some of their family members helped set up Sanctuary decorations at St. Joe’s.
I may have left out some Brothers who helped at those events; many came and went offering to help along the way. It was great to see so many helping at the events.
This summer it would be good to work on a Habitat for Humanity House. Does anyone have connections with that organization? We need to find out where and when they will be building this summer. A great way to show off our t-shirts. If you haven’t ordered yours yet, contact Brother Kuzelka.
Talk to your fellow Council Knights about helping at future activities. I know many of you have done much in the past; there is always room for more helpers.
Southview Acres Nursing Home lost their entertainment ensemble. Does anyone know of some musically or theatrically talented Knights/family members who could help provide entertainment one evening every even month?
Stay warm and say prayers for those who do not have a warm house to go to at night.
Peace,
G.K. Tom Alleva
Chaplain’s Message
by Council 4184 Chaplain, Father Ken O’Hotto
Dear Brother Knights,
As we begin a New Year let us work and pray for peace in Iraq, Afghanistan and the world.
In working for peace we can challenge our political leaders and let them know our views and that we want them to lead us in the way of peace. We can also talk to others about working for peace. In working for peace we can all work at being peacemakers and try hard to get along with others. Being a peacemaker begins on our doorstep and in our neighborhood. If we can not get along with others, how can we expect nations to get along with one another? Let us work at building bridges and working for unity and togetherness.
In working for peace we must work for justice! We must treat others in a fair and just manner in order for there to be peace and harmony. So, if we desire peace we must work for justice and for the respect of the dignity of all human beings. We must work hard in fostering justice to have true peace in the world.
Praying for peace is very important. The power of prayer works! Also, there is power in a number of people praying for the same intention. We know that we need to persevere in praying for peace. We have been praying for a long time for peace in Iraq and Afghanistan! We can not give up hope. We need to keep praying and letting God know that we desire peace.
Let us be peacemakers and let us work and pray for peace.
Your Chaplain
Father Ken O’Hotto
Click here for more news from our January 2010 newsletter
December 2009
Grand Knight’s Message
“Whose woods these are I think I know
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To see his woods fill up with snow”
– Robert Frost
The first real snowfall of the year is always a treat for me as I hope it is for my fellow Brother Minnesotan Knights. God covers his earth in pure white clothing. Swaddling clothes? For those up at an early hour (not me though so in earlier years) will notice how quiet the snow fall makes our boisterous earth. “Peace on earth“ is this time of year, wish it so all year, every year. That is our job as Knights and Catholic Christians: to proclaim Emmanuel’s birth, and evangelize the reason for His birth – to die for us, to redeem us, to open Heaven for us.
May you all enjoy a Blessed and Joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Some of you attended our Christmas Party. It was a success. At least 44 attended. The more the merrier, as Dickens would have said!
The fundraiser at Applebee’s went well, especially for a first time event. Many of our Knights attended and brought family and friends. We may try this again in 2010!
Our December meeting was busy, planning for the Christmas Party, Applebee’s and upcoming activities. It was good to see some new faces attending. Everyone does not have to do everything all the time – we all can do a little something. Thanks!
Don’t forget to order your K of C shirts from Brother George Kuzelka – 457-5788. They are sharp and helps us get noticed as Knights when we are out in the community.
Peace,
G.K. Tom Alleva
Chaplain’s Report
Given by Council 4184 Chaplain, Father Ken O’Hotto, at the December 7 meeting:
Brother Knights,
Today is the Remembrance Day of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. 1,177 crewmen from the U.S.S. Arizona were killed that day. And because of it we were drawn into World War II. I’ve made two trips to Hawaii and both times the first thing I did was to go to the memorial at Pearl Harbor. I was pastor at St. Anne’s in Le Sueur, which is at the edge of the Archdiocese down by St. Peter. One of the parishioners honored there was 18 years old when he went down with the U.S.S. Arizona. His name is on the wall plaque at the memorial. Because of his connection to the parish, each of my visits to the Pearl Harbor war memorial was especially meaningful. It is a moving experience to be there. There are still droplets of oil coming up to the surface from the U.S.S. Arizona – as if to say, “Do not forget us and the sacrifice we made.”
In this Advent season, we are reminded to continue to grow and deepen in our faith. We have heard the call to be awake and alert, for the Lord is coming. He came the first time to atone for our sins and rise from the dead. And we know His second coming will be at the end of time. We need to be prepared and ready ourselves by the lives that we lead. We should never live as if the end of the world could not come in our lifetime, because if we live that way, we will be caught off guard.
We heard the prophet Isaiah describing John the Baptist as the voice of one in the desert crying out, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.” By our sinfulness we make the path crooked. By seeking God’s forgiveness, by celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation and through charity and good deeds, we can make the way of the Lord straight.
We can make the rough road smooth by working on our imperfections, spending more time in prayer, frequenting the sacraments and reading God’s word. In readying our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas and the second coming of Christ, we should remember the poor, the suffering and those unemployed. Offer your support to brother Knights and to those in your parishes who are in need of help. Our Lord was a friend of poor. He was born in a stable with a bed of straw for His crib. Christmas is a time of giving. Those of us who are blessed with food, shelter and jobs or pensions should be mindful of those less fortunate.
Father Ken O’Hotto, Council 4184 Chaplain
Click here for more news from our December 2009 newsletter
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