KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS

SACRED HEART COUNCIL 2577

St.JOHN N. NEUMANN ASSEMBLY 1763

Accolade April 2009

Chaplain’s Report

Rev. Msgr. Charles Parry

     As we celebrate the Easter Season that is upon us and as we are sprinkled with blessed water at Mass on Easter Day, it is my prayer that each of you will have an abundance of grace to understand more fully the mystery of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!  The more fully we are incorporated into this great mystery, the more fully we are able to grasp the truths of the Faith that follow from it.

     We know that Jesus suffered and died to free us from our sins – by His stripes we are healed.  We also know His intention for the human race - "it is the will of my Father," He says, "that I should lose nothing of what He has given me; I am going to prepare a place for you so that where I am, you also may be."  It is His every desire that, when our earthly pilgrimage has come to an end, He will take us to Himself.  I want to be a part of this great plan, don't you?  Is this not why we are drawn to love Him so much?  Is this not why we are drawn to obey Him in this life?  Is this not why we are drawn to forsake all things so as to follow Him as faithful members of His Church?  Even now we can anticipate the gift of the Kingdom of Heaven promised to those who believe and look forward to being reunited with all those who have gone before us in faith.  What an inheritance promised to us!

     As the Easter Season is upon us, let us rejoice that the victory over sin and death has been accomplished in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Let us continue to follow Him unreservedly in this life so as to be with Him forever in the life to come!

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Grand Knight’s Report

Kevin Kylus  (410) 451-8855

kkylus@comcast.net

     I would like to thank all who made the Councils St. Patrick’s Day Celebration’s a big success. Bill Macri and Tom Jacobs for Chairing the Dance, with Jim Nelson and crew in the kitchen. PGK’s Buck and Mike Garner along with John Polko for cooking the rueben’s. Ray DeVous, Dominic DiGregory  and George Vincent for manning the bar and Don Kinsley for his Irish Coffee.

     Spring seems to finally be here and if it is then the State Convention is right around the corner, if you are planning on attending you have until the 16^th to register and avoid the late fee. If you have never attended the Convention you are missing a fun time with fellow Knights from around the state and should consider going.

     Bill Sapero is heading up a committee to cook dinner for the residents of Sarah’s House once a month. If you are interested in helping, contact Bill at (410) 721-9163.

     Reminder that there will not be a meeting on April 9^th as this is Holy Thursday.

     My Family and I want to wish you a Holy and Joyous Easter!

     Knight of the Month for March - Mark Davis. Mark ran the Councils Free Throw contest and accompanied our winners to the District and State contest. He can also be found helping with set up or clean up for Council events and is becoming quite the cook in the kitchen. Thanks Mark for all you do.

     Family of the Month for March - Steve and Donna Mihaly. Steve and Donna work tirelessly on the Council’s successful Bingo program. Every Tuesday you can find them at the Hall hard at work after spending countless hours already behind the scenes to ensure a smooth operation. Thanks to the Mihaly’s 

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District Deputy’s Report

Vernon Hawkins, PGK, FN, FDW

(301) 336-0284 vhawkinsjr@aol.com

     April has arrived [and so has Spring]!  With the arrival of spring a new beginning takes place with nature and also with our faith.  We, as Christians experience a rebirth through our commemoration of the passion and death of Jesus and His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

     Each and every Council should be planning on how to improve and enhance your programs in the five areas of our activities:  church, community, Council, family, and youth. 

Recruiting new members does more than benefit your Council.  When you offer a man the opportunity to join the Knights of Columbus, you are offering him a chance to live his Catholic faith in a unique way by allowing him to have the “Experience of a Lifetime.”  Please take the time to offer every eligible Catholic man the same opportunity that you enjoy by asking him to join.

     The District SIX Staff is always available to assist any Council or Brother Knight that has questions about how to conduct a program or how to write a report; just give us a call.  There is a lot of experience on the District Staff waiting to be tapped.

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Deputy Grand Knight’s Report

Andrew Jacobson  (240) 476-5268

andrew.jacobson@cfsan.fda.gov

     I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Lent and looking forward to the beginning of the Easter Season in our Liturgical Calendar year.  In observance of Holy Thursday and Good Friday, there will be no Business meeting and Friday Dinner that would normally be scheduled for the 2^nd week of the month.  The Children’s Easter party will be on the 11^th from 11-1 and the following week, Chancellor Paul Mullenhoff and Brother Joe Bobby are planning to resume with the Friday Dinners on the 17^th.  Past Grand Knight Don Crosby will be chairing another K5K drawing and dinner event on the 26^th.  I look forward to seeing you at the events we have scheduled for this spring.  Have a great Easter.     

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Fraternal Activities

Rick Marek  (410) 721-0004

rickmarek1@comcast.net 

     Get your K5K ticket for a chance to win $5,000.00. Tickets are still available.  See the ad on the back page for contacts and information

     Make plans to attend the Maryland State Convention  in Ocean City May 15^th – 17^th.

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Family Activities

Joe Bobby  (301) 464-2862

     There are many family activities occurring during the remainder of my term and I encourage you to be involved in those that you can.  Not only are we holding the usual Friday night meal but we will be having the Children’s Easter Party and similar events.  I think my constant bantering for assistance has begun to pay off.  I would like to thank those of you that have volunteered to cook primarily on Friday night as I appreciate it.  Paul Mullenhoff has informed me that we have cooks lined up for about six weeks and that is unusual as we usually are struggling days before the event to find someone to cook.   If you can spare some time on a Friday evening please let me know when you are available to assist and we will include you and your family in our schedule.  It has really turned out to be a fun time for a lot of us.

     See you around the Hall.

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Membership Report

Joe Massimini  (240) 997-0402

     Do you have a male friend who is Catholic, over 18 years of age, practices his faith?  Have you spoken to them about joining the Knights of Columbus?  Have they signed a new Form 100?  Now is the time to ask your friends to join the Knights.  We will have one more First Degree between now and the end of the Fraternal Year.  Let's see if we can fill the room with First Degree candidates and make them active members of the Sacred Heart Council of the Knights of Columbus.

     If you have any questions, please contact me either via e-mail at joemassi@comcast.net, or by the phone at (240) 997-0402.

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In Memoriam

Joseph A. Hentgen, HLM

William Piccirilli

Dorothy DeVous, Mother of Ray DeVous

Ellen Howe, Widow of Edward Howe

Olvina Merton, Wife of Les Merton, HLM

Mamie Parus, Mother-in-law of Carlo Broglio

Anne Garhart, Mother of Charles Garhart

Sick and Memorial

Bob Long,  (301) 464-1319

Sick or Recovering Brothers

James Boruke

George Carrette

Robert Costenbader

Ed Dosek, HLM

Jack Finzel

Frank Fitzmaurice, HLM

Thomas A. Gannon, Jr.

Frank Germaine

Art Gross

Tom Hardy, HLM

Russ Ideo, HLM

Gerald Jenkins

Charles Kinzie

Sebastian Mignosa, HLM

John Nardini

Tom O’Connor, Jr.

Ed Prokop, HLM

Bill Razzano

Fr. Andrew Royals

Ed Schirmer, HLM

Frank Schrom, Sr.

John Solari

Kellie Boehm, Wife of Rich Boehm, PGK, PFN

Carol Cartney, Widow of Bill Cartney, HLM

James Vorce, Brother of John Vorce

Albert Urasek, Father of Ken Urasek

Vera Golato, Wife of Al Golato, HLM

Patricia Snyder, Wife of Bob Snyder and Daughter of Ed Walsh, PGK

Sharon Craig, Wife of Jack Craig, HLM

Donna Mihaly, Wife of Steve Mihaly

Mary Nelson, Wife of Jim Nelson

Bridget Bronder, Sister of Matt Bronder

Louise Calmon, Wife of Gene Calmon, HLM

Marge Hedley, Wife of Clif Hedley, HLM

Margaret Hicks, Mother of Jerry Hicks

Eileen Prevo, Wife of Bill Prevo

Mary Ellen DeMaio, Mother of John DeMaio

      If you know of a Brother Knight or his family who is sick or recently deceased, please contact me so that we may include them in our prayers.  Also we need your help managing the sick and recovering list. So when someone has recovered or you wish to remove his or her name, please give Bob Long a call at (301) 464-1319.

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Youth Activities

Tom O’Connor  (301) 464-1729  tao.cpa@verizon.net

     The Children's Annual Easter Party will be held Saturday, April 11^th from 11am to 2pm in the Hall.  There will be moon bounces and games for young and old alike.  Come one and all to our annual festive and joyous Easter celebration.

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Fraternal Benefits

     Sometimes it is easy to overlook the simplest of things.

     Take the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies.  If your policy was applied for and issued several years ago, it could very well be that the person you originally selected as the beneficiary is no longer the person you would want to receive the policy proceeds.  If you bought the policy when you were single, for example, you may have named your parents as beneficiaries.  If you have since been married, that could be updated to reflect your spouse or your children.

     Most people list a primary beneficiary – that person is specifically designated as the first in priority to receive policy proceeds.  We also encourage the naming of a contingent beneficiary – an alternate person designated to receive policy proceeds, usually in the event that the original beneficiary pre-deceases the insured.

     I routinely call all of our policyholders for annual review appointments, usually near the anniversary date of your policy – the date it was originally issued.  One of the matters that I’ll discuss during this review is the status of your beneficiary designations.  If they need updating, and they often do, I can complete the paperwork during that appointment.

     Call John Canter at (301) 261-3231 or Al Rocca, FICF, at (301) 464-5885 to set up an appointment today.  We want to hear from you!

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Sacred Heart Council High School Scholarship

Bob Mackey  (410) 798-4257  v606jm@verizon.net

     GK Kevin Kylus is establishing a new scholarship for students attending a Catholic High School. All children, grandchildren of a Council member in good standing, or deceased member of the Council are eligible for this scholarship. The amount will be $500 for the academic year beginning August/September 2009. Applications will be due June 1^st, 2009. If you are interested in applying, please contact Bob Mackey via email v606jm@verizon.net or phone (410) 798-4257 to obtain the Rules, Instructions, and Application.

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Sacred Heart Council College Scholarship

Bob Mackey  (410) 798-4257  v606jm@verizon.net

     This scholarship, in honor of all deceased Council members, is for $1000 per year for four years ($4000 total) beginning in the academic year 2009-2010. All members of Scared Heart Council and members of their immediate family are eligible.

     Applications for this scholarship are now available. A complete application packet, that contains the instructions, rules and regulations, and forms can be obtained from http://mysite.verizon.net/v606jm/SHC/. If you do not have web access, the application packet can be obtained from the Scholarship Committee Chairman (Bob Mackey, 410-798-4257, v606jm@verizon.net), or one of the Council Officers.

     Completed applications must be received by May 1^st, 2009. Applicant interviews will be scheduled during the month of May 2009. The scholarship recipient will be announced in June 2009.

     Applications in Word format can be emailed to me, hardcopy can be delivered to the Hall (in a sealed envelop) or mailed to:

 Scholarship Committee Chairman

 Sacred Heart Council

 6111 Columbian Way

 Bowie, MD 20715-4302

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Pro-Life News

Steven Dobrosielski  (301) 262-6860

     The Tenth Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Gabriel Network is scheduled for Friday, June 19^th at the Bowie Golf and Country Club.  For further information contact PGK Dave Grabowski (301) 464-2059 or Steve Dobrosielski at (301) 262-6860.  

     The 30^th Annual Maryland Candlelight March for Life in Annapolis was held on Monday, March 9^th.   Thanks to all the Knights and family members who attended.

  The Gabriel Network is holding their Gala Night fundraiser on Friday, April 24^th in The Great Room at Historic Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry Street, Savage, Maryland.  Ticket prices begin at $45 per person, Black Tie optional.  Contact the Gabriel Network for further information at 301-262-9011.  As always, donations in any amount are always gratefully accepted.  Their mailing address is The Gabriel Network, P.O. Box 2116, Bowie, MD  20718-2116. 

     Regarding the Freedom of Choice Act (S. 1173), Senator Barbara Mikulski, in an email to us stated, “The purpose of the Freedom of Choice Act is to codify the well known Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade. If enacted, this legislation would reinforce the policy of the United States since 1973 that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to bear a child, terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability, or terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect her life or her health. It would also prohibit any federal, state, or local government from infringing on the right of the woman to make those choices.  This bill does not change any regulations that are currently in place. Additionally, no federal funding is allowed to be used for abortions. The Freedom of Choice Act is not currently being considered by the Senate.”

     An email to State Senator Douglas J. J. Peters brought the following response from Lori F. Morris, his Legislative Director. “Senator Peters is a strong supporter of the repeal of the death penalty.  For all 3 years he has served in Annapolis, he has been a co-sponsor of the repeal legislation, and this session, he voted with the majority of his colleagues to have the debate brought to the full Senate.  Unfortunately, however, they were unsuccessful in gaining a majority of votes to support the repeal. They were successful in passing legislation that will put in some safeguards in an attempt to guarantee that it will be less likely that an innocent person will be put to death.  While this is significantly less then what Senator Peters hoped and worked for, he is grateful that they were at least able to do that.  This legislation must still go to the House of Delegates for a vote, so it is still not clear exactly what the outcome of death penalty legislation will be, however, it does seem clear that unfortunately a full repeal will not be successful this year.”

     We encourage all Knights and their families to write their representatives and senators at all levels of government concerning all areas of social justice and support of life from conception to its natural end.  An easy way to do this is through Maryland Catholic Conference.  Go to http://capwiz.com/mdcath/home/ and review the new laws and changes being proposed for your area and see the position of the MCC.  If you so desire, you may contact your representative with just a click of the mouse about a particular issue.  Check out how simple it is.

     The Maryland General Assembly is in session for 90 days each year in Annapolis and will adjourn this year on April 13^th.

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Church Activities

George Vincent  (301) 249-6399  k3gv@verizon.net

     First Friday Mass and Mini-Supper:  Our First Friday Mass is on April 3^rd. Please come and join us in this celebration of joy in the Eucharist. Mass starts at 7:00 pm in the Columbian Room. Mass will be followed by a mini-supper which will be held in the Knight’s Room. Everyone is welcome.

     Stations of the Cross:  As early as the 4th c., Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land would walk the route that our Lord walked as He made His way to Golgotha for our salvation. When Muslims captured Jerusalem and it became too dangerous to make this pilgrimage, Christians replicated the sites back home in Europe, and there developed the "Stations of the Cross" devotion (also known as "Way of the Cross," "Via Dolorosa," or "Via Crucis").
     The devotion consists of meditating on 14 events -- that number being fixed in 1731 by Pope Clement XII -- which took place during Christ's Passion, from His being condemned to His burial. Franciscans popularized the devotion, which was originally made outside, often along roads to shrines or churches. The Way of the Cross can still be made outside, of course -- a perfect idea for a Mary Garden -- but is usually made inside nowadays, especially during the Season of Lent and most especially on Good Friday.
     As you enter a Catholic Church and look along the walls of the nave, you see 14 representations on the walls, which depict 14 events of Christ's Passion that have been singled out for contemplation. It is at these blessed artistic representations, these "stations" -- which can be painted, carved, engraved, of wood, metal, paint on canvas, etc., topped with a wooden Cross -- that the Way of the Cross is made during public liturgy. The Way of the Cross-also can be made privately at home, with or without "visual aids."

     The meditations and prayers may vary, but the general outline above is pretty standard. The most popular way of making the Stations of the Cross is to use the meditations written by St. Alphonsus Liguori (A.D. 1696-1787); which includes meditations, prayers and the Stabat Mater), with Scriptural references added.

     Making the Way of the Cross carries with it a partial indulgence. It is also possible to gain a plenary indulgence.

     As always, if there are any other Church activities that you would like to see happen in Sacred Heart Council, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Supreme Council Report

 Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Need

 

     Giving generously of time to help others will set the stage for a hopeful future, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson says in his March message in the Columbia magazine

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Council Activities

Paul Mullenhoff   301-262-3963 pmullenhoff@verizon.net

    Well Easter is almost behind us as we go to press and I can report that I did not last through Lent without a beer.  The spirit was strong but the flesh was weak.  Mea Culpa!!  Now let’s start out with what is NOT happening in April.  First there is no meeting on Thursday, April 9^th, which is Holy Thursday; there is no Friday night meal on Good Friday, April 10^th which is Good Friday and just a reminder that there is NO SUNDAY BREAKFAST in April as it falls on Easter Sunday.  However to make up for it, we will have a fantastic BREAKFAST on Mother’s Day on May 10^th.  Plan ahead as this event may be sold out.  It is hard to believe we are talking about events in May already.  Here are some of our other Council activities during April.  The only Council meeting will be on the fourth Thursday this month.  Our intent is to continue with Friday evening meals, except as noted above, and we have had lots of suggestions on what to cook now that Lent is over.  And this has lead to Brother Knights offering to cook.   Kevin, as you know, is determined to run Friday night meals for a year to see if you will support the events and so far the results look promising.  We have the K5K on April 26^th and these events that Don Crosby is running have proven to be outstanding fund raisers so a special thank you to Don and the group for their efforts.  And the Maryland State Convention is May 15^th – 17^th.  Things are starting to wind down a bit leading up to the installation of new officers in July.

     I will be seeing many of you around the Hall hopefully assisting in all the various activities that are going on.

     Until next month…

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Knights $5000 Club (K5K Club)

Don Crosby, PGK  (301) 261-6595  don7252@aol.com

     Tickets are still available for our second K5K drawing and dinner which is scheduled for Sunday, April 26^th. All tickets, even those sold last time but not yet paid for are available on a first come first served basis and sales are open to the public. This promises to be another stellar event with a new expanded menu.

     Someone will be at all meetings and Council functions including Friday night dinners, between now and April 26^th with tickets, or you can call one of the cochairmen and they’ll mail you one. We expect to sell all 200 tickets this time so don’t delay. See the ad on the back of this Accolade for cochairmen’s’ phone numbers.

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Community Activities

Mike Schultz  (410) 721-8715

mbpschultzies@verizon.net

     Let’s continue to show our support for the Red Cross Blood Drives!  We have a Blood Drive this month scheduled for Monday, April 20^th from 3:30 – 8 PM.  Hope to see more Brother Knights give the gift of life.  Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to reserve a time.  It’s easier than you think.

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State Council Report

     If you plan to attend the 111^th Annual State Council Convention on May 15^th – 17^th in Ocean City, remember your registration form must be received by April 15^th to avoid a late fee.

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Sacred Heart Ladies Social 

Carol Cartney, Contact Person  (301) 262-9736

     I want to wish the Brother Knights and the ladies of the Council a Happy Easter.

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11^th Annual Gabriel Network Golf Tournament

David Grabowski, PGK  (301) 464-2059

     The 11^th Annual Gabriel Golf Tournament will be held at 8:30 AM on Friday June 19^th, 2009 at the Bowie Country Club Golf Course. The event will be a semi-shotgun limited to the first 64 players to sign-up. The cost for Brother Knights is $75 per player and Brother Knights 65 and older pay $65. Prizes will be awarded and dinner follows at the Hall. The cost to sponsor a hole is $125.  Business card size adds in the tournament brochure cost $60 and individual patron ads are $20. Funds donated to the Gabriel Network are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to the Gabriel Network. Funds raised from the tournament will be used to pay the costs of housing mothers and their new born babies and providing job skill training and scholarships. If you have not helped this cause in the past, please consider helping out with a donation. The Gabriel Network operates 4 homes and their utility costs alone have increased tremendously this year. To obtain a sign-up form, sponsorship form, or volunteer to help with player registration or preparing food, call David Grabowski.

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Office Furniture Available

     As a result of recent renovations, we have desks, a computer desk, and a table top available. If you are interested, contact Bob Mackey, (410) 798-4257 or Jim Gallagher, (301) 464-1434.

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Fourth Degree News                                             St. John N. Neumann Assembly

Don Tallmadge, FN, PGK, PCP, FDD 

(301) 218-4623 

dtallmadge@verizon.net

     The 4^th Degree Exemplification was held on March 22^nd in College Park.  St. John Neumann Assembly is pleased to welcome six new Sir Knights to our ranks.  These men are Jeff Rolf, Romeo Paternoster, James Peters, Michael McFadden, Michael Marquez and William Moore.  I am confident that each of these Knights will become an active member in our Assembly and help us to grow and prosper. 

     Everyone should have their Spring Trip Raffle tickets by now.  Please buy a ticket or two and sell the rest to friends or relatives.  This joint venture with the Council will hopefully bring much needed funding for our patriotic and charitable programs.

     Please read the Master’s log in the Neumann News for an explanation of the Supreme Council decision to cease adding “born and unborn” as an addendum to the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Have a Happy and Joyous Easter.

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McNamara Chapter News

     The McNamara Chapter of Grand Knights meeting will be Wednesday, April 15^th, at St. Columcille Council #5317 in Fort Washington, MD.  There will be a special guest speaker.  All current Deputy Grand Knights and Council Officers are urged to attend.

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