KNIGH T S O F C O L U M B U S
J ULY 2013
COLUMBIA
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COLUMBIA
F E AT U R E S
8 A Special Partnership For decades, the Knights of Columbus has supported Special Olympics through fundraising and volunteerism. BY MATT TREADWELL
12 Rebuilding in Oklahoma The coordinated response of the Knights of Columbus has helped provide relief following a deadly tornado outbreak. BY STEVE GUST
18 Canadians March for Life Knights and others from across Canada join together as witnesses of a culture of life. BY MARC NADEAU
20 Love, Naturally An interview with Dr. Theresa Notare about the history, science and benefits of natural family planning. BY ALTON J. PELOWSKI
24 An Old Game for New Times Through an old-fashioned stickball tournament, Knights practice charity and fraternity. BY GLORIA GEANNETTE
A massive tornado approaches the town of Moore, Okla., May 20. The tornado touched down outside Oklahoma City leaving an almost 20-mile path of destruction. Knights of Columbus in Oklahoma partnered with Catholic Charities to provide relief for victims.
D E PA RT M E N T S AD DESIGN: Justin Perillo — PHOTO: CNS photo/Richard Rowe, Reuters
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Building a better world
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The Knights’ founder recognized that evangelization and charitable witness begin in the parish and depend on the laity. BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON
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Learning the faith, living the faith Authentic love of country demands that we recognize God as the source of our liberties and seek what is good.
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Knights of Columbus News
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Fathers for Good
State Deputies Meeting Emphasizes Charitable Witness • Order Cosponsors Pilgrimage for Wounded Veterans • John Paul II Graduates Called to Evangelize
The adventure of fatherhood can raise men to heroism.
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Knights in Action
Supreme Convention
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Columbianism by Degrees
BY BRIAN CAULFIELD
San Antonio, the host city for the 131st Supreme Convention, celebrates its religious and cultural roots. BY COLUMBIA STAFF
BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN ARCHBISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI
PLUS Catholic Man of the Month
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Our Rights and Duties IN THE TWO WEEKS leading up to Independence Day, the Catholic Church in the United States has again observed a Fortnight for Freedom, a prayerful time to grow in understanding of our first freedom, religious liberty. This is especially important in an age when secular ideology and government intrusion increasingly threaten the right of religious freedom, not to mention the right to life and other foundational liberties. Yet, the situation the Church faces today is not a lack of emphasis on human rights. To the contrary, as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI insightfully observed in his social encyclical Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), “An overemphasis on rights leads to a disregard for duties” (43). Catholic social teaching makes clear that rights are inseparable from and presuppose prior duties, and these rights and duties are grounded in the natural law. Pope Francis summarized it this way in his March 22 address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See: “There is no true peace without truth! There cannot be true peace if everyone is his own criterion, if everyone can always claim exclusively his own rights, without at the same time caring for the good of others, of everyone on the basis of the nature that unites every human being on this earth.” With the modern tendency to absolutize individual rights, disconnected from an adequate understanding of human nature, liberties are easily reduced to arbitrary license and thereby become determined by political power. In Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict noted that governments sometimes demand that false
rights be publicly recognized while failing to acknowledge even the most basic rights. Without a reference to their corresponding duties, fundamental rights are liable to be turned on their head, as evidenced by things such as the “right to abortion,” the “right to die” and the socalled freedom from religion. “Duties set a limit on rights because they point to the anthropological and ethical framework of which rights are a part, in this way ensuring that they do not become license,” wrote Pope Benedict. “Duties therefore reinforce rights and call for their defense and promotion as a task to be undertaken in the service of the common good” (43). In a society where transcendent moral values and the natural law are often ignored or rejected, Catholic citizens have the great opportunity, and indeed the duty, to witness to the truth of human nature through dialogue and action. Knights of Columbus, in particular, are called to live the virtues of charity, unity and fraternity in their homes and communities. As this issue of Columbia attests, volunteering with organizations like Special Olympics, helping victims of natural disasters, standing up for the right to life and practicing marital chastity are just some of the ways that Knights embrace the duty to serve God and neighbor. In the end, living our Catholic faith is integral not only to the task of the new evangelization, but also to preserving our authentic rights and the common good.♦ ALTON J. PELOWSKI EDITOR
The New Evangelization Series: “I Believe in You” The booklet “I Believe in You”: The Question of God in the Modern World (#402) by Thomas J. Hurley and Michelle K. Borras is part of the New Evangelization Series published by the Order’s Catholic Information Service. Through insights from the lives of the late Catholic scholars Jacques and Raïssa Maritain and Edith Stein, who later became St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, the authors share how the Christian God reveals the meaning of man’s existence. To download this and other Catholic resources, visit kofc.org/cis. 2 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
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COLUMBIA PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus ________ SUPREME OFFICERS Carl A. Anderson SUPREME KNIGHT Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. SUPREME CHAPLAIN Dennis A. Savoie DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT Charles E. Maurer Jr. SUPREME SECRETARY Logan T. Ludwig SUPREME TREASURER John A. Marrella SUPREME ADVOCATE ________ EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski alton.pelowski@kofc.org EDITOR Patrick Scalisi patrick.scalisi@kofc.org SENIOR EDITOR Krista Tullock COPY EDITOR ________
Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90) Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us. ________ HOW TO REACH US MAIL COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 ADDRESS CHANGES 203-752-4580 OTHER INQUIRIES 203-752-4398 FAX 203-752-4109 CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-380-9995 E-MAIL columbia@kofc.org INTERNET kofc.org/columbia ________ Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
________ Copyright © 2013 All rights reserved ________ ON THE COVER A U.S. flag is flown amid debris in Moore, Okla., following a devastating tornado in late May.
COVER: Richard Rowe
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BUILDING A BETTER WORLD
Father McGivney’s Vision The Knights’ founder recognized that evangelization and charitable witness begin in the parish and depend on the laity by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
MICHAEL JOSEPH MCGIVNEY Although for different reasons, many was born to Irish immigrants in 1852 in parishes today have to consolidate due to Waterbury, Conn. He was the eldest of the priest shortage in the United States St. Mary’s, those immigrants were mostly 13 children, six of whom died in child- and elsewhere. Irish. However, Father McGivney had hood. His father, Patrick, worked in one As a young pastor, Father McGivney entered seminary in Quebec in part beof the city’s brass mills, and at age 13, had to oversee two parishes. He celebrated cause it would help him better serve the Michael left school to work in one of three Masses on Sunday mornings be- many French-Canadian Catholics living those mills like his father. tween those two parishes. He was, like in Connecticut at the time. After five years of study in Canada, most priests today, tremendously overIn fact, Father McGivney responded Michael returned home to help his worked. Nine months into his assign- in a very personal way to the problems mother care for the family when his fa- ment at St. Mary’s Church in New confronting his immigrant parish comther died in 1873. Before long, he re- Haven, he wrote, “I have been alone all munity, including homelessness, subturned to his seminary studies, stance abuse, violence and this time in Baltimore, and was family break-ups. This is ordained four years later. A charitable heart was at the center demonstrated, for instance, by In 1882, within five years of his prison ministry to Chip of Father McGivney’s ministry as a Smith and his probate court his ordination, Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columappearance on behalf of Alfred parish priest and was the basis for bus. Eight years later, he died at Downes. age 38 while serving as pastor of In his first encyclical, Deus his founding the Knights. St. Thomas Church in ThomasCaritas Est, Pope Benedict ton, Conn., and Immaculate wrote about the need to cultiConception Church in Terryville. Summer with the whole work of a parish vate a “heart that sees” where love is We most likely think of Father Mc- on my shoulders. I have not had time for needed. Such a charitable heart was at the Givney as Pope Benedict XVI did in his even one day’s vacation since I left [semi- center of Father McGivney’s ministry as 2008 homily in New York’s St. Patrick’s nary].” And he would not have a vacation a parish priest and was the basis for his Cathedral — as that “exemplary Ameri- for the next four years. founding the Knights of Columbus. can priest” whose legacy is so much a part In a 1992 address, Pope John Paul II Like many parishes today, financial of the “impressive growth” of the Catholic debt was a major burden. When Father said, “Parishes must be centers of charChurch in America during the 19th cen- McGivney arrived as a newly ordained ity, open to the spiritual and material tury. But we also do well to recall that priest at St. Mary’s, the parish faced a debt needs of the wider community. The many of the struggles Father McGivney equivalent to about $3.5 million. The time has come to commit the Church’s faced were similar to those we face today. New York Times derided St. Mary’s as not energies to a new evangelization beginThe Catholic Church in Father Mc- only an “eye-sore,” but also as a “complete ning in the parish, a mission whose Givney’s time faced a serious priest short- failure as a business enterprise.” Much of fruitfulness depends in no small measage as a result of illness and premature Father McGivney’s efforts would be spent ure upon the laity.” More than a century earlier, Father death. During the 12 years of Father Mc- confronting this debt, and he would even Givney’s priestly ministry, 70 of the 83 “re-gift” to the parish the personal dona- McGivney appeared to have already unpriests of the Diocese of Hartford died, tions given to him at Christmas. derstood this great truth. Then, as now, including both of the young pastors And like today, immigrants were a his vision is our mission. under whom he served. Vivat Jesus! strong presence in the United States. At
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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH
The Meaning of Patriotism Authentic love of country demands that we recognize God as the source of our liberties and seek what is good by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori
ON JULY 4, Independence Day, the Mass or take part in activities organUnited States celebrates the anniversary ized by a Fourth Degree assembly, I am of its birth, and Americans recall the reminded of how many Knights and to our shores seeking a better life, much ringing words of the Declaration of In- their families have fought and worked as our ancestors did. dependence, penned by Thomas Jeffer- to defend freedom. During the States Dinner at the anson: “We hold these truths to be The Knights of Columbus con- nual Supreme Convention, we sing not self-evident, that all men are created tributes to the good of society by fos- only state and provincial songs, but also equal, that they are endowed by their tering authentic patriotism, which does the national anthems of all the countries Creator with certain unalienable Rights, not mean that we love our country re- where the Knights of Columbus is presthat among these are Life, Liberty and gardless of right or wrong. Rather, it ent. Each of these songs express a love the pursuit of Happiness.” These are means that we love our country so of country. They tell of bravery shown words that have inspired generations of much that we want it to embrace what in defense of homelands, and they speak Americans and kindled the aspiraof human aspirations for freetions of freedom-loving people dom coupled with the hope of everywhere in the world. a better tomorrow. In the The best way to defend This year, the Fourth of July United States, for example, the again marks the completion of the Star-Spangled Banner calls my religious liberty is to practice Fortnight for Freedom. This twonative country “the land of the one’s faith. Religious liberty is week period is designated by the free and the home of the U.S. Conference of Catholic BishWe all like to take pride under attack by an increasingly brave.” ops for Catholic citizens to reflect in our native land as a place of on the importance of religious freedom, and we all have a secular culture, in part because freedom and to work toward prestake in defending our freefewer people are going to church. doms. This requires vigilance serving it not only in the United States, but also in so many parts of and courage. the world where people suffer persecution for their faith. is true and good. We want our country PRACTICING to be a place where human dignity is RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LOVE OF COUNTRY recognized and respected from concep- The fact is, our rights and freedoms are Independence Day and the Fortnight tion until natural death, a place where linked. For example, the right to life, refor Freedom have special meaning for religious freedom is robustly fostered, ligious liberty and freedom of speech are the Knights of Columbus. One of the not just tolerated. Out of love for coun- linked intellectually, morally and legally. Order’s core principles — in addition try we are vigilant, lest our freedoms be Life is God’s most fundamental gift to to charity, unity and fraternity — is pa- unduly curtailed for political reasons. us, and religious freedom pertains to triotism, or love of one’s country. We likewise work to defend marriage each person’s relationship with the CreWhile all Knights are called to love and the family because we recognize ator. After all, the human person is cretheir native land, the principle of pa- how these institutions strengthen civil ated in God’s image and endowed with triotism is associated in a special way society. This same love of country also inherent dignity. A quote on the Jefferwith the Fourth Degree. Every time I prompts us to reach out to those in son Memorial in Washington, D.C., am blessed to have an honor guard at need and to welcome those who come reads: “God who gave us life gave us lib4 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH
erty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are a gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.” I am most grateful to the Knights of Columbus for its staunch support of the recent Fortnight for Freedom. The excellent participation of so many Knights and their families was a source of great encouragement. This was a moment for us to focus yet again on how precious and fragile of our God-given liberties are and on how diligent we need to be in protecting them from governmental intrusions.
HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS
Offered in Solidarity with Pope Francis GENERAL: That World Youth Day in Brazil may encourage all young Christians to become disciples and missionaries of the Gospel.
POPE FRANCIS: CNS/Paul Haring
MISSION: That throughout Asia doors may be open to messengers of the Gospel.
But we need to go further. The best way to defend religious liberty is to practice one’s faith. Religious liberty is under attack by an increasingly secular culture, in part because fewer people are going to church and participating in parish activities. It is estimated that only 27 percent of Catholics in the United States attend Mass each Sunday. Study after study illustrates that those who attend Mass regularly think differently about the serious issues confronting society. Those who attend Mass less frequently tend to blend in with prevailing cultural attitudes about morality. If 75 percent of Catholics went to Mass each week, I don’t think
religious freedom would be in such danger, at least in the United States. But there is a deeper reason to cherish religious freedom: It is a gift of God. It is the Lord’s way of inviting us to open our hearts to his truth and love, revealed most fully by his Son, Jesus Christ, and communicated to us by the Holy Spirit. We need to protect and cherish our freedom as an act of profound thanks to God. Doing so leads us in the ways of holiness and helps us to become good citizens. May we, the family of the Knights of Columbus, continue to be at the forefront of defending and fostering religious liberty at home and abroad!♦
C AT H O L I C M A N O F T H E M O N T H
Blessed Peter To Rot (1921-1945) PETER TO ROT was born in 1921 in the village of Rakunai, on an island now known as New Britain in Papua New Guinea. Catholic missionaries had brought the Gospel to the island in 1882, the same year that the Knights of Columbus was founded. Peter’s father, a respected village leader, and mother were converts to Catholicism, and they taught Peter and his five siblings the faith. Peter was educated at mission schools until age 18. He expressed a desire to enter the priesthood, but his father felt the decision was premature. Peter instead attended catechist school, where he became known for his hard work, joyful nature and spiritual maturity. He returned to his home several years later to begin his apostolate. In 1936, Peter married Paula la Varpit, and their marriage was marked by an exemplary sense of love and piety. The couple prayed together daily and became devoted parents of three children, only one of whom survived into adulthood. In 1942, Japan invaded Papua New Guinea. All priests and religious were imprisoned, but Peter continued
preaching to his village and organizing religious services. He was also a steadfast defender of the sanctity of marriage, and despite great personal risk, he became an outspoken opponent of Japan’s policy to reintroduce polygamy to the island nation. Peter was arrested in 1945, subjected to a farcical trial and later died under mysterious circumstances at the hands of his jailers; accounts claim that he was murdered by a false Japanese “doctor.” Blessed Peter To Rot was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and later named one of the patrons of World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia. His feast day is celebrated July 7.♦
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS
State Deputies Meeting Emphasizes Charitable Witness
FRATERNAL LEADERS from across three continents gathered in New Haven, Conn., June 5-9 for the annual Organizational Meeting of Knights of Columbus State Deputies. Throughout the five-day meeting, new and reelected state deputies heard keynote addresses on the work of the Order and also participated in a variety of workshops focusing on membership and service initiatives. In his opening keynote address June 5, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson shared his enthusiasm for the election of Pope Francis and said that state leaders “can stand alongside Pope Francis, helping him to build the Church.” The supreme knight also spoke about natural disasters and other tragedies that have occurred over the past fraternal year. “Knights have stepped up and have been leaders in these communities,” he said. He added that Knights are called to “truly be our brother’s keeper. And we demonstrate that every day.” Later, during a business meeting address, Anderson emphasized that the scope of the Order’s charitable works is closely tied to vibrant membership growth. The Knights of Columbus has an obligation to expand its charitable service by drawing more men and their families into its ranks, he said. Inviting men to grow in their faith and practice charity, unity and fraternity through membership in the Order itself has a charitable dimension that follows from the vision of Venerable Michael McGivney, he added. Other presenters addressed topics such as the Order’s membership initiatives, its top-rated insurance program 6 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
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that offers financial security to members and their families, and the Knights’ wide-ranging charitable works that bring immediate assistance to those in need. Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore celebrated Mass June 7 at the Knights’ birthplace, St. Mary’s Church in New Haven. Reflecting on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, he said in his homily that Knights are called “to extend the burning charity of the Sacred Heart throughout the Church and the world.” “All that you do, you must do with charity, with love, for the greater glory of God and for the benefit of others,” he told the state deputies, who attended the Mass with their wives. “In doing this, you will be exercising a charity that evangelizes.” The theological virtue of charity is more than a list of projects and programs to help those in need, Archbishop Lori noted. In the first instance, he said, charity is a sharing in the love of Christ. In an address later that same day, the supreme chaplain added, “If we want to drive forward the mission of the Order’s founder, we must have within ourselves the charity of Christ. Our works must reflect the God who is love.” The meeting was also an opportunity to announce the Order’s newest Marian prayer program, which will use an image of the Immaculate Conception from Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral in Quebec City. Continuing a decadeslong tradition, the Knights will launch its 15th international prayer program at the 131st Supreme Convention in San Antonio this August.♦
Photos by Tom Serafin
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson congratulates State Deputy Sanford B. Hillsman of Georgia after presenting him with his jewel of office. • Chief Insurance Officer Thomas Smith presents an overview of how K of C insurance agents can work with their councils to promote the growth of the Order. • Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore delivers the homily during Mass at St. Mary’s Church June 7.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS
Order Co-sponsors Pilgrimage for Wounded Veterans MORE THAN 500 active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel, spouses and family members participated in the 55th International Military Pilgrimage to the Catholic shrine in Lourdes, France, May 24-26. Approximately 160 participants were part of a “Wounded and Disabled Veteran Pilgrimage” program cosponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. The Memorial Day weekend pilgrimage was an occasion for rest, prayer and healing around the miraculous waters of the Lourdes grotto, the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. In his homily at the opening Mass for the American pilgrims May 24, Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the military archdiocese said, “We come to this sacred place and pray for all of those deployed in harm’s way, and we beg our Mother to intercede with her Son so that the world might experience that peace that only he can bring.” Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson also joined the pilgrims, and half of the approximately 100 volunteers who provided aid to veterans were members of K of C military councils.
Leadership from the International Military Pilgrimage, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and the Knights of Columbus are pictured at the shrine in Lourdes, France. Among those pictured are Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the military archdiocese; Father (Lt. Col.) Redmond Raux, senior European Command chaplain; Lt. Col. Douglas Galuszka, U.S. Army Europe senior military representative; and Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. In addition, Father H. Timothy Vakoc Assembly 3373 in Ramstein, Germany, provided an honor guard for several ceremonies. Speaking on behalf of the Order, the supreme knight said, “We were honored to return to this important Marian shrine, supporting this pilgrimage of faith by our active duty
and retired troops who have sacrificed so much for our country.” During World War I, the Knights of Columbus established a U.S. Army hut in Lourdes. In 1919, the Order also organized its first military pilgrimage to Lourdes and published a Guide to Lourdes after repeated requests from American pilgrims.♦
LOURDES: Frédéric Lacaze — GRADUATION: Matthew Barrick
John Paul II Graduates Called to Evangelize ON MAY 14, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley of Boston celebrated the 2013 graduation Mass of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, D.C. In remarks following Mass, which took place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson observed that “the challenge facing the Church is what constitutes an authentic, Christian witness — and
that, in turn, requires us to understand better our own Catholic identity.” In studying the foundations for this identity, institute graduates have been given the opportunity to “open this great path to the millions of Catholics and others,” he added. Anderson serves as vice president for the North American campus of the institute, which has received financial and administrative assistance from the Supreme Council since its inception in 1988.♦
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson congratulates Kelly McNutt, a 2013 John Paul II Institute graduate and recipient of the Susan M. Shaughnessy Award.
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A SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP
For decades, the Knights of Columbus has supported Special Olympics through fundraising and volunteerism by Matt Treadwell
PHOTO OF ARENA: Dan Denardo Photography — OPPOSITE PAGE: Halley Davies
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early 3,000 cheering athletes, in addition to their coaches, families and friends, packed into Central Michigan University’s McGuirk Arena on May 30, pushing it to standing-room-only capacity. It was loud. It was hot. It was the opening ceremony of Special Olympics Michigan’s 2013 State Summer Games. Fourth Degree Knight Willy Winkle, 23, stood shoulder-toshoulder with more than two dozen of his brother Knights from across the state, serving as an honor guard for the festivities. With swords raised, they joined local college athletes and state law enforcement officials to form a human tunnel for Special Olympics athletes and representatives entering the joy-filled arena. During the next two days, Winkle would continue to offer his support as one of nearly 2,500 volunteers on hand for the summer games — one of numerous Special Olympics events that take place annually throughout North America, thanks in part to financial and volunteer support from the Knights of Columbus. “I’m going to tell them that they are doing a good job and to keep it up,” Winkle said. He knows the right words of encouragement to offer because
he, too, is a Special Olympics athlete. He participates in poly hockey and cross-country skiing each year during the winter games. And he is cheered on by his father, Walter Winkle Jr., a fellow member of Richmond (Mich.) Council 2667 who serves as the state chairman for Special Olympics. “I love that he wanted to be a part of the Fourth Degree and wanted to be a part of the color corps,” said Walter of his son. “He really enjoys it — and the guys just love having him along with them. They look out for him.” Such faith-inspired charity and emphasis on human dignity has made the Knights a natural and leading partner of Special Olympics, which serves more than a half million children and adults with intellectual disabilities each year through athletic training and competition.
Above: A Fourth Degree honor guard welcomes more than 5,000 spectators and participants to Central Michigan University’s McGuirk Arena May 30 for the opening ceremony of Special Olympics Michigan’s 2013 State Summer Games. • Opposite page: An athlete proudly carries a torch during a K of C-organized Special Olympics event in Nova Scotia this past May. JULY 2013
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According to Sean Kelly, who serves as Special Olympics chairman for the Knights in Nova Scotia, volunteer participation has increased in recent years; more than 65 percent of councils in the province now participate in Special Olympics in some way. In all, the 4,700-member jurisdiction donates more than 5,000 volunteer hours and approximately $27,000 to Special Olympics each year. “As our level of commitment has grown, I’ve noticed a growing camaraderie between our members and athletes,” Kelly said. “With high fives, hugs and just casual conversations, many athletes know our members by name.” In late May, Nova Scotia Knights took the lead in organizing a regional Special Olympics event in Lower Sackville in anticipation of the provincial summer games July 12-14. “We’ve found that what we bring to the table in many instances is the ability to put on events that Special Olympics has always wanted to do but never had the manpower or resources to accomplish,” explained Kelly. “From the beginning, we didn’t want councils simply to write a check, but to get involved at the grassroots level.” Kelly said that he became involved with Special Olympics 23 years ago when his council began assisting with regional games. More than anything, he was affected by the athletes’ cheerfulness, caring attitude and positive outlook. “Personally, it’s been one of the most satisfying things I’ve done as a Knight,” Kelly said, noting that many other Knights feel the same way. Tom Marcetti Sr., immediate past state deputy of Michigan and state chairman for the fund drive for people with intellec-
Sean Kelly (pictured with microphone), a member of St. John Vianney Council 7077 in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, and several dozen Knights helped to make possible a Special Olympics event in the Halifax region May 26.
Photos by Halley Davies
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES The Knights of Columbus has partnered with Special Olympics since the first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held at Chicago’s Soldier Field in 1968. In 2005, the Order’s board of directors committed $1 million ($250,000 annually) to grow Special Olympics programs in North America and pledged more volunteers for state and local games. Additionally, the Supreme Council promised to work with Special Olympics North America to expand programs in other countries. The $1 million commitment was renewed in 2009 and again in 2013. Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009), founder of Special Olympics, once stated, “I don’t think there’s any organization in the country that has given so much in personal help and in financial support to Special Olympics.” Indeed, the Order’s enduring commitment has been a vital lifeline for Special Olympics, especially in places where the organization has struggled to grow. “At a time when Special Olympics Iowa was on the very edge of ceasing to exist, due to lack of funds, the Iowa Knights stepped up and pledged $35,000 every year for five years,” said Michael Laake, who serves as the Knights of Columbus representative to the Special Olympics Iowa Board of Directors. Laake, a member of Estherville (Iowa) Council 2021, added that the Knights’ support has been a worthy investment in the future of the athletes served through Special Olympics. “Special Olympics gives a person opportunities that they may never get anywhere else in their lives,” Laake said. “The opportunity to try, to succeed, to show the world they can and do have the same wants, needs and dedication that we all have.” Still, the bond between the Knights of Columbus and Special Olympics runs much deeper than dollars. Knights often take an active role in organizing and volunteering at Special Olympics games throughout North America.
tual disabilities, has volunteered with Special Olympics for the past 12 years. “None of these special athletes are going to make millions by shooting a ball,” Marcetti said. “But when you see the joy on their faces, you see the face of God. Once you seen that, you are hooked. You will come back again and again.” CREATIVE SUPPORT It soon becomes clear to volunteers and athletes that Special Olympics offers participants more than just athletic competition. Through Project UNIFY®, for example, the organization uses education and sports to foster friendships and respect in school communities. Special Olympics Michigan also partners with specially trained professionals to discuss with participants the importance of good dental health and conduct on-site eye exams. “Studies show that more than 70 percent of persons with disabilities have the wrong prescription,” explained Jim Taylor, development director for Special Olympics Michigan and a member of Bishop Kevin Britt Council 8117 in Grand Rapids. “Our Opening Eyes program is working to solve that. Everyone here will walk away with a new pair of eyeglasses if they need them.” One week before the summer games, Walter Winkle Jr. had the honor of presenting a $10,000 check to Special Olympics Michigan on behalf of the Supreme Council at the Knights’ annual state convention. During the opening ceremony May 30, State Deputy Michael J. Malinowski presented another $10,000 gift, this time from the state council. “Local support is so important for so many reasons,” said Walter Winkle. “Our local councils may not be directly supporting each of the things happening here, like the eye exams, but they are making it possible for these athletes to get here to take advantage of all these important opportunities.”
The Knights’ annual fund drive for people with intellectual disabilities — sometimes known as the “Tootsie Roll Drive” — remains the Order’s hallmark staple of community awareness. To date, K of C units have raised well more than $500 million for programs that benefit people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Yet, that doesn’t keep individual Knights and their councils from finding creative new ways to rally support. In Iowa, Laake will rappel over the edge of a 345-foot financial center building in downtown Des Moines this coming September as part of a fundraiser for Special Olympics. He said he was inspired to participate by seeing the example of Special Olympics athletes. “They might not be able to win, but they have the courage to try,” he said. “It is that chance to be brave in the attempt, win or not, that makes the difference in their lives. If I can raise $1,000 for this cause, maybe another athlete or two will get that chance.” Meanwhile, Polar Bear plunges — people leaping through holes cut into frozen lakes in the middle of winter — have become a popular extreme fundraiser in Michigan. Jim Dennis, a corrections officer and member of Saints Cyril & Methodius Council 13449 in Bannister, Mich., began organizing a charity polar plunge five years ago. He was invited to run one of the final legs of the Special Olympic Torch Relay during this year’s opening ceremony, in part because of the success of the annual event. “Sure, this has been a wonderful honor,” Dennis said as he smiled from ear to ear, taking in the scene of the packed arena. “But I don’t do this for the honor. I don’t do this to raise more money than someone else. I do this because of where I am each and every Sunday. This is what my faith calls me to do.”♦ MATT TREADWELL serves as a church communications specialist in East Lansing, Mich. He was the founding editor of FAITH Saginaw magazine in the Diocese of Saginaw.
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A U.S. flag is flown amid debris in Moore, Okla., as a sign of the resilience of the people affected by the devastating tornado that swept across 17 miles of central Oklahoma May 20.
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The coordinated response of the Knights of Columbus has helped provide relief following a deadly tornado outbreak by Steve Gust | photos by Richard Rowe
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lyde Grover, a theology teacher at Bishop McGuinness High School in Oklahoma City and a member of St. Andrew Council 9901 in Moore, was at home with his wife, Ann, and his mother-in-law as a tornado with winds exceeding 200 mph approached May 20. They huddled in an underground storm shelter beneath the garage while the powerful funnel roared overhead. Nature’s fury had started the previous day, with tornadoes affecting towns east of Oklahoma City. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, and two people were killed. The weather conditions that spawned those deadly storms continued, and the tornado that ripped a wide path through the suburban city of Moore was classified as a rare EF5 (the strongest of six categories, representing increasing degrees of damage). Twenty-four people were killed, hundreds were injured and thousands of residents were
left without power, transportation and shelter. Initial estimates placed the damage at $2 billion. Recognizing the Order’s commitment to charity, Knights of Columbus state officers began to formulate a statewide plan to participate in the relief effort alongside other groups and government agencies. The Supreme Council also lent its support, with an immediate donation of $10,000 from its disaster relief fund and then $35,000 from the initial appeal for donations to Knights of Columbus Charities. “As an organization whose first principle is charity, the Knights of Columbus is pleased to be able to assist those who have had their lives so disrupted by this tornado,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. “We continue to pray for those affected — both the living and the deceased — and look forward to continuing to help the survivors as they rebuild their towns and their lives.”
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AFTER THE STORM The Grover family had been through a similar experience on May 3, 1999, when parts of Moore were severely damaged by a tornado of similar strength that claimed 36 lives. “That time, my family hid under a dining room table, and I vowed I wouldn’t do that again,” Clyde Grover said. Although the family’s home made it safely through the 1999 storm, it didn’t fare as well this past May. From the underground shelter, Grover could hear the storm pass by, then saw light at the edges of the shelter doors. “I knew then that the garage was gone,” he said. The house was severely damaged and uninhabitable. Both the front and back of the property were littered with debris from the Grovers’ home and from other houses in the neighborhood. Nails and glass were strewn everywhere, and the smell of mold and insulation particles hung heavy in the air. Days later, the family returned to gather what valuables they could to place in storage. Immediate family members offered
support, including their son, Danny, a seminarian and fellow member of Council 9901. At the time of the storm, Danny was assigned to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and School in Oklahoma City, where he took shelter with the students and teachers. Nearly a week later, Danny was still in shock from seeing the destruction at his parents’ home, as well as on block after block of his neighborhood. “When I saw this, all I could say was, ‘Wow,’” he said. In response to the destruction, the state council went into action to assist the Grover family and others like them. The morning after the storms subsided, then-State Deputy Daniel P. Hogan called the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. While church buildings were left undamaged, the archdiocese would need assistance helping all of the families who were affected. First, the Knights secured a base of operations. Father Jack Feehily, pastor of St. Andrew’s Parish in Moore, allowed council members to gather at the church to coordinate volunteer efforts and meet with families affected by the storm. A bit further south, the Knights partnered with Catholic Charities to establish a distribution center at All Saints Elementary School in Norman, providing assistance to as many people as possible. The St. Andrew’s site would assess needs, while the All Saints location would store and distribute relief supplies. In cooperation with the Supreme Council and Catholic Charities, Oklahoma Knights were able to provide assistance immediately.
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Left: Past State Deputy Daniel P. Hogan meets with Kim Burgo, senior director for disaster response operations at Catholic Charities USA as Supreme Master Dennis J. Stoddard looks on. • Below: Danielle Stephan and her boyfriend, Thomas Layton, embrace as they salvage items from the ruins of a relative’s home in Moore, Okla.
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On May 24, Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley expressed his gratitude to the Knights via Twitter, writing: “Many thanks to the Knights of Columbus! The response of the Supreme, state and local councils to the Oklahoma tornado effort is outstanding.” AN ORGANIZED RESPONSE The Oklahoma Knights’ coordinated efforts have been part of the Order’s Second Responders program, an initiative launched in 2011 to help councils support their communities when faced with natural or man-made disasters. Registering as a volunteer for the disaster response program allows state councils to receive a list of Knights who are willing to offer relief assistance. Based on the current need, state officers have urged even more members to participate. For example, prior to an exemplification in Edmond, near Oklahoma City, State Advocate John Pierce encouraged candidates to sign up for the Second Responders initiative on the Order’s website. While additional support is recruited, hundreds of K of C volunteers and their families have already been helping in whatever way they can. At the distribution center in Norman, Knights have helped by escorting storm victims to supplies and assessing what they needed. Rick Buschelman of Edmond Council 6477 was one of many Knights who volunteered for a full day at the center. “These families would come in and they’re still pretty numb, not knowing what they need. Some of them are starting from zero,” Buschelman said. He recalled seeing one family whose little girl he recognized from a newspaper photograph. She was one of the children pulled from Moore’s Plaza Towers Elementary School by a firefighter. Seven of her classmates had not survived. “She’s been through a lot but looked happy yesterday,” Buschelman said.
Top: Oklahoma State Deputy Ron Schwarz (left) and State Advocate Matt Maly help lead K of C relief efforts from St. Andrew’s Church in Moore. • Bottom: Oklahoma State Treasurer John Pierce (left) coordinates the Knights’ relief efforts at All Saints Parish in Norman, Okla. In addition to providing volunteer and moral support, the Knights have worked to meet families’ financial and material needs. Along with the Supreme Council’s support, State Deputy-elect Ron Schwarz said that the state council received more than $20,000 after its first appeal for donations. The initial donations went toward the purchase of gift cards for families registering for assistance. Knights set up alongside other groups at four multi-agency resource centers around the devastated areas to contribute to immediate needs such as gas, food and clothing. The distribution center has also continued to receive relief supplies from individuals and groups. “There are all kinds of people JULY 2013
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driving from Indiana, Louisiana and Texas,” Buschelman said. “It’s been incredible.” Meanwhile, Garth Christian, general program director for the state council, has made frequent trips to Moore to coordinate additional volunteers. “Yesterday, we quickly gave out 12 chainsaws,” he noted. “And they were all needed.” While Moore sustained the most damage, other towns have been on the Knights radar. “Our council in Stillwater helped people in Shawnee, and we had volunteers in Carney as well,” Past State Deputy Hogan said. In Little Axe, District Deputy Dennis Kunnanz handed out $50 gift cards to those affected. “A lot of times they were using them for gas — either for their chainsaws or cars,” he said. “The people were very appreciative.” RECOVERY CONTINUES By early June, the Oklahoma State Council was reviewing a May 31 rash of five more tornadoes that ripped through the Oklahoma City metro area. An EF5 tornado in El Reno measured 2.6 miles across, the widest ever recorded. These storms again caused damage and deaths, and were followed by flooding. While immediate needs were being met shortly after the disaster, everyone at the state council knew that full recovery was going to be a marathon, not a sprint. And they have made their commitment clear. When the nation’s attention and the headlines shift away from the Oklahoma tornadoes, the Knights will still be helping those affected, whether it takes months or years. In one case, Knights learned of an apartment complex in Moore that will be torn down, leaving even more people without
a home. “Through Catholic Charities, we know of an elderly Catholic woman who will eventually have to be relocated,” Hogan explained. “We will be working to make that happen.” In providing assistance to those in need, the Knights are motivated by faith to fulfill the Gospel mandate of charity, bearing witness to God’s presence amid tragedy. “We’ve had donations from people out of state, and we’ve asked them: ‘What made you come to us?’” noted State Deputy Schwarz. “And they said, ‘We got in the car and prayed, and God led us to you guys.’ It’s the miracle of how some things come into play without us even having to ask.” Oklahoma Knights have distributed tens of thousands of dollars in direct relief of families from the Knights of Columbus Charities fund. Donations continue to be collected at www.kofc.org/disaster. The Grovers, like other families who lost their homes, know the recovery will take some time. A case manager, coordinated by Catholic Charities, will further assess the Grovers’ long-term plans. For now, Clyde and his wife are living in housing provided by Oklahoma City University. “The community, especially the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Charities, has been extremely supportive of the family and willing to help in any way, shape or form as we begin this new journey in life,” said Danny Grover, who is currently spending two months in Mexico to learn Spanish. “This has been a real lesson in humility,” Clyde added. “I’m used to giving help, not receiving it. But it’s important to allow others to be Christ to you.”♦ STEVE GUST is a member of Edmond Council 6477 and editor of the state publication The Oklahoma Knight.
Supreme Master Stoddard and Seminarian Danny Grover of St. Andrew Council 9901 in Moore tour the wreckage of Grover’s family home.
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SUPREME CONVENTION
A City Rich in History San Antonio, the host city for the 131st Supreme Convention, celebrates its religious and cultural roots by Columbia staff
Photo courtesy of SACVB
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hen Knights of Columbus from around the world attend Mass there at various times throughout the week. visit San Antonio for the 131st Supreme ConvenFollowing the establishment of Las Misiones, Texas saw tion Aug. 6-8, they will have the opportunity to explore a steady growth in Catholicism over the next century. Imthe bustling city’s Christian heritage and enjoy many mod- migrants from Ireland, Germany and Poland filled the ern attractions. pews. In 1874, the Diocese of San Antonio was carved out Knights and their families attending this year’s conven- of the Diocese of Galveston, which previously covered the tion can also look forward to a warm welcome from the whole of Texas. In 1903, the Knights of Columbus estabTexas State Council. The name Texas, in fact, is derived lished its first council in San Antonio, one year after exfrom the native Caddo tribe’s word teyshas, meaning panding to the state. The Texas State Council was “friendship,” which is also the established one year later in one-word motto of the state. 1904. This will be the sixth In 1926, San Antonio was Supreme Convention to take elevated to an archdiocese, place in Texas, the first of and today it is home to more which was hosted in San Anthan 700,000 Catholics. The tonio in 1937. San Antonio seat of the archdiocese is San was also the site of the interFernando Cathedral, the national meeting in 1990. original church that settlers Now home to nearly 1.4 built in 1731 and one of the million people, San Antonio oldest churches in continuwas named in 1691 when a ous use in the United States. small group of Spanish exRenovated and expanded plorers made camp near a naover the years, the cathedral Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo was tive Coahuiltecan village. has served as a living witness built by Spanish Catholic missionaries in 1744 to minister to the Their chaplain, Father to the cultural and religious natives. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and Damien Massanet, suggested history of San Antonio for welcomes millions of visitors each year. naming the settlement in nearly three centuries. Presihonor of St. Anthony since dent Lyndon Johnson visited they had arrived on his feast day, July 13. Twenty-seven the cathedral in 1966, and Pope John Paul II prayed and years later, Father Antonio Olivares founded the first Fran- spoke to students there in 1987. ciscan mission near the village to evangelize the Indians. In addition to these historical and religious sites, San AnMission San Antonio — also known as the Alamo — is tonio has a number of secular attractions. Near the Alamo, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas. San Antonio visitors can enjoy the famous River Walk, a Whether visiting to see where the first missionaries network of scenic walkways sprinkled with bars, shops and preached among the indigenous people or to learn about restaurants along the San Antonio River. Other sites inthe famous battle that took place in 1836 (“Remember the clude the San Antonio Zoo, Brackenridge Park, the JapanAlamo!”), Knights are sure to be awed by the history found ese Tea Garden, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and within the mission’s stone walls. SeaWorld. But Mission San Antonio isn’t the only Catholic historWhether reverencing the religious sites of the past or ical site within the city limits. There are also the Old Span- simply exploring attractions, pilgrims and tourists in San ish Missions of San Antonio. Mission Espada, Mission San Antonio are surrounded by the ever-growing city’s rich Jose, Mission San Juan and Mission Conception — known history. collectively as Las Misiones —were founded by the FrancisThe Texas State Council has a full schedule of activities cans in the 18th century to minister to the natives of the and tours planned for convention delegates and their famregion. They are now part of the U.S. National Park Service ilies. For more information, visit kofc.org/convention and but still function as active Catholic churches. Visitors can www.tkofc.org/supreme.♦
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CANADIANS MARCH FOR
LIFE
by Marc Nadeau | photos by Jake Wright
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n a warm, summer-like day, thousands of Canadians gathered May 9 in the capital city of Ottawa for the 16th annual National March for Life. Coinciding with numerous local pro-life events, the march anticipated the anniversary of the omnibus bill that decriminalized abortion throughout the country on May 14, 1969. Before marching through downtown Ottawa, led by a Fourth Degree honor guard, the massive crowd assembled for a rally on the lawn of Parliament Hill. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis A. Savoie joined K of C leaders and families from Ontario and nearby provinces. Addressing the crowd, the supreme knight thanked the participants for their presence and noted, “Today we are proud of our countries and what we have done to promote human rights. … But we ask, how can we secure human rights when the right to life is denied to our unborn children?” He added, “Only a culture of life can build a true culture of human rights.” Several senators and members of Parliament also stood in solidarity with the participants. Observers and journalists noted the overwhelming presence and ever-growing number of young people at the event. Prior to the march, Masses were celebrated in Ottawa at St. Patrick’s Basilica by Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto; at the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast; and at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in nearby Gatineau, Quebec, by Archbishop Gérald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec City. Other members of Canada’s hierarchy present at the national event included Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal and Bishop Noël Simard of Valleyfield, Ontario. — Marc Nadeau, a communications consultant, is a member of La Cathédrale Notre-Dame Council 13781 in Ottawa.
From top right: A Fourth Degree honor guard leads a crowd of thousands through the streets of Ottawa, Canada, for the 16th annual National March for Life May 9. • Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson delivers brief remarks during the pro-life rally that preceded the march. • Archbishop Gérald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec City, primate of Canada, addresses the crowd. 18 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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Clockwise, from above: Supreme Knight and Mrs. Anderson are pictured with Sisters of Life. The New York-based religious order expanded to Canada in 2007 with a mission in Toronto. • Young women proudly display Knights of Columbus “Defend Life” signs during the march. • Supreme Knight Anderson and Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis A. Savoie greet Member of Parliament Ron Bruinooge (center), chair of the parliamentary pro-life caucus. • Knights march in front of Parliament carrying a banner featuring the words “A people of life and for life,” adopted from Blessed John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical The Gospel of Life. • Pro-life groups estimated that more than 20,000 people — mostly young people and families, in addition to Knights of Columbus and others — participated in the march.
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Love, Naturally
An interview with Dr. Theresa Notare about the history, science and benefits of natural family planning by Alton J. Pelowski
n his 1981 apostolic exhortation On the Christian Family in the Modern World (Familiaris Consortio), Pope John Paul II applauded the scientific research being done regarding fertility awareness and modern natural family planning. At the same time, he called for “a broader, more decisive and more systematic effort to make the natural methods of regulating fertility known, respected and applied” (35). Soon after, the U.S. bishops launched the Diocesan Development Program for Natural Family Planning with financial sponsorship from the Knights of Columbus. The Order continues to support the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Natural Family Planning Program to this day. Alton Pelowski, editor of Columbia, recently interviewed Theresa Notare, Ph.D., the program’s longtime assistant director, in anticipation of this year’s Natural Family Planning Awareness Week (July 21-27). The annual observance coincides with the anniversary of the publication of Pope Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) and the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne (July 26). To find out more about NFP training in your area and other resources, visit www.usccb.org/nfp.
them. The NFP teaching community can be very supportive and can refer the couple to a physician who specializes in ethical infertility treatment.
COLUMBIA: How have scientific developments helped modern NFP move beyond the “rhythm method”? THERESA NOTARE: Scientific advancements are hugely significant in the development of modern NFP. We have the current methods because good scientists have worked to understand the signs of a woman’s fertility and the role that hormones play in the menstrual cycle. All NFP methods today are reliant on an enormous amount of research that stretches back to the 1940s. The Calendar Rhythm Method was a method based on science; however, it’s the science of an algorithm, of looking at data and trying to come up with a formula that fits all women. The problem with this approach is that not all women are the same. In fact, what impacts a woman’s hormones and menstrual cycle can vary even within a particular woman. That’s why Calendar Rhythm basically failed for the majority of women. Dr. Theresa Notare coordinates the U.S. Conference COLUMBIA: What are the reasons The natural methods engage the of Catholic Bishops’ Natural Family Planning Procouple in such a way that they learn that people learn natural family gram, which seeks to assist dioceses in teaching about about their combined fertility and the planning? God’s design for marriage and responsible parenthood. woman’s signs of fertility in particular. THERESA NOTARE: Many couples NFP teaches how to interpret those come to NFP in order to healthfully and morally space births in their marsigns by understanding in “real time” riage. In recent years — and I think this may be tied to so many what the body is doing in a woman’s reproductive life. couples marrying at an older age or postponing pregnancy to a later age — we also have a lot of people coming to the dioceses COLUMBIA: What kind of research is being done today? to learn NFP in order to get pregnant. THERESA NOTARE: There’s a lot of creative scientific research Sometimes, in NFP education, a couple may discover that going on right now, globally and in the United States. There are they have fertility problems. Infertility is, of course, a very sad scientists who are looking at how NFP information can become and difficult problem. It presents a life-changing challenge to more simple and precise with regard to pinpointing the event husband and wife as they try to understand what God wants of of ovulation and what they call the “the window of fertility.” 20 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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Photos courtesy of Theresa Notare/USCCB
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Fertility monitors and ovulation detector kits are being refined, and some NFP methods are employing them. Researchers are also studying the return of ovulation after breastfeeding and what this means for NFP. And there are scientists who are looking at how the methodology itself can be made easier to use. COLUMBIA: What are some of the most common methods being used today, and what are the differences between them? THERESA NOTARE: The NFP methods can be grouped into three categories: those that teach one sign of fertility; those that teach multiple signs; and those that distill the information down to a scientific formula. Within each category, there are additional nuances. The general methods that focus on one sign of fertility are those that track and observe cervical mucus. In common parlance these are often called Ovulation Methods. These include the Billings Ovulation Method, the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System and the Family of the Americas approach. Most multiple index approaches are referred to as the SymptoThermal Method. In addition to the primary sign used by Ovulation Methods, they track the basal body temperature and other secondary signs. In this group there is the Couple to Couple League, Northwest Family Services’ SymptoPro Fertility and other variations that are taught in different dioceses. Some NFP methods also include monitoring hormonal changes. These are referred to as Sympto-Hormonal Methods, and the Marquette Model is a leader among this group. Finally, Georgetown University’s Institute for Reproductive Health has taken the lead on developing new formulas or algorithms to predict the window of fertility. They have developed the Standard Days Method, which uses a bead system, and the TwoDay Method, which teaches women how to identify the cervical mucus sign in a short amount of time. COLUMBIA: Why isn’t NFP practiced by more couples? THERESA NOTARE: The main reason is that the majority of people don’t know that these natural, healthy and effective methods exist and that they are viable. And Catholics in particular do not consistently understand Church teaching on the immorality of contraception. Church leaders and NFP educators need to continue to get the word out. A second issue is that when couples do hear about NFP, they wonder if it’s too hard to learn and use. This is why it’s important for NFP educators to help couples understand that NFP is worth the effort, and it’s also why some NFP researchers are trying to simplify the methods. A third obstacle to NFP acceptance is related to technology. Modern people have a “technology-centered” way of viewing things and finding solutions. This makes NFP look suspicious. At the same time, there is a disconnect between the way many people embrace organic foods, healthful living and exercise, but are nonetheless willing to use chemicals or other technology to suppress the healthy function of human fertility. Finally, there’s the issue of a culturally false understanding of the human person and sexual freedom. On a practical level, turning away from the use of contracep-
The poster and education campaign for this year’s Natural Family Planning Awareness Week, which will be observed in Catholic dioceses throughout the United States July 21-27, features the theme, “Pro-Woman, Pro-Man, Pro-Child – Natural Family Planning.” tion and embracing the Church’s teachings on human sexuality, marriage, conjugal love and responsible parenthood will be difficult for some couples. Since periodic sexual abstinence is the NFP means to avoid pregnancy, these couples will have to readjust their ways of relating to each other. Now, this is not impossible. In NFP education we hear some amazing conversion stories from couples telling us that they thought they knew each other, only to find out that they were basically swimming on the surface. Living God’s plan for them and switching to NFP has allowed their love to deepen. COLUMBIA: When NFP is used to avoid pregnancy, how is that different than contraception? THERESA NOTARE: Some people argue that if you have the mentality of wanting to avoid a pregnancy, it doesn’t matter how you do it. But if I’m hungry, for instance, there is a moral difference between buying or stealing food. Likewise, there is a big difference between NFP and contraception. Contraception deliberately frustrates the procreative potential of the marital act and is therefore sinful and never morally permissible. NFP, on the other hand, enables its users to work with the body rather than against it. If a married couple, for just reasons, JULY 2013
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uses the information they learn from NFP to avoid pregnancy, they are doing nothing to directly impede God’s design for life and love. They are simply refraining from sexual intercourse during the fertile window of the woman’s cycle. In this approach to family planning, fertility is viewed as a gift from God. Ultimately, NFP respects God’s design for married love.
As for women in general, NFP is empowering because despite all of the sex education that exists in schools, most women have a very poor understanding of their fertility. Although the list of benefits goes on and on, we can finally note that on the deepest level embracing God’s design for married love imparts both peace and joy.
COLUMBIA: What are some of the benefits of using NFP instead of contraception? THERESA NOTARE: On a practical level, NFP costs little — usually fees are charged for just the instruction and some materials. It also does not pollute the environment, since the methods are completely organic. NFP also provides valuable information that can be applied throughout a person’s reproductive life cycle. And, in many instances, NFP can act as an aid for women’s health. With regard to the spousal relationship, NFP couples will often talk about how their relationship has deepened and grown because of the discipline of the NFP lifestyle. Spouses must be supportive and are asked to be more mindful of their joint desire to try to achieve a pregnancy or not. This type of conversation in the most intimate area of life can strengthen communication. With regard to children, NFP couples are in a strong position to speak to their kids about the meaning of human sexuality and why chastity is a freeing virtue.
COLUMBIA: Do couples who practice NFP tend to have larger families? THERESA NOTARE: This is difficult to answer because we have not done a systematic “head-count.” I do know many NFP couples who have quite large families and others who have only two or three children. That said, in some of his research, Dr. Richard Fehring of Marquette University has documented the emotional and spiritual growth of couples who use NFP. Even if a couple first learns NFP to avoid pregnancy, in the daily, ongoing practice, they can deepen their appreciation of who they are, as God made them. They will then begin to understand the amazing gift of being stewards of life and what it means to be a mother and father. This helps them open their hearts to God’s call for more children. The bottom line is that when embracing the NFP lifestyle, a husband and wife will be encouraged to grow in their understanding and love of each other, their family, society and God. This is what makes good marriages great!♦
DR. EVELYN BILLINGS, who with her husband, John, pioneered research that led them to develop a form of natural family planning supported by the Catholic Church, died Feb. 16 after a short illness. She was 95. The Australian pediatrician joined her physician-husband’s team in 1965. By the late 1960s, the research team had established procedures for identifying fertile days, and teaching centers began to be set up around the world. The method, known as the Billings Ovulation Method, allows women to monitor periods of fertility through close examination of naturally occurring physiological signs. According to the World Organization of Ovulation Method Billings, known as WOOMB, women in more than 100 countries practice the method. Born Feb. 8, 1918, Evelyn “Lyn” Billings graduated in medicine from the University of Melbourne, studied pediatrics as a post-graduate student in London and later opened a pediatric practice in Melbourne. Later, she was an instructor in embryology and histology within the anatomy department of the University of Melbourne and an assistant physician to the Department of Community Medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital, also in Melbourne. 22 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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Her husband was a neurologist working at St. Vincent’s in 1953 when he received a request from a priest with the Catholic Marriage Guidance Bureau who needed assistance in helping couples who had fertility difficulties. That led to development of the Billings method. Billings and her husband, who died in 2007, were among 40 founding members named by Blessed John Paul II to the Pontifical Academy for Life in 1994. She was one of just five women. In 2002, the Billingses were named international Catholic physicians of the year by the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations. — Catholic News Service
CNS file photo
REMEMBERING NFP PIONEERS DRS. JOHN AND EVELYN BILLINGS
FAT H E R S F O R G O O D
Dad to Dad The adventure of fatherhood can raise men to heroism by Brian Caulfield EDITOR’S NOTE: This column is adapted from the introduction to the new book titled Man to Man, Dad to Dad: Catholic Faith and Fatherhood, which was published June 1 by Pauline Books & Media.
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ongratulations, you’re a father!” Hearing those words for the first time is a transformative moment in a man’s life, and for many of us, it marked our passage into a new world of love, joy and responsibility. Holding that little life in your hands, and seeing some small reflection of yourself in the eyes of your child, is a lifechanging experience. And by the time that baby wraps a hand around your finger and holds on for dear life, you know you’re in this for keeps. The joys of fatherhood are many, yet today there exist many questions and uncertainties about the role of a father in the life of his children and family. What does it mean to be a man and a father in a time when some even question the need for a father? We have few guides in this new world of easy divorce, widespread single motherhood and women who choose children alone through sperm donors, in-vitro fertilization or adoption. With these and other seismic changes in the relations between the sexes, in what way can we men be valued for our unique masculine strengths and virtues? How does our Catholic faith fit into this picture when, on an average Sunday in the average parish, we see more women than men in the pews? The last thing a man wants to do in this situation is feel sorry for himself. That would be self-defeating, and tears in your beer don’t make it taste any better. Yes, perhaps you deserve a medal for navigating the crooked paths of our culture and emerging with your masculinity and sanity mostly intact. But for all your efforts at balancing family and work, diapers and deadlines, manhood and feminine achievement, the most you are likely to get for a job well done is more work.
But maybe that’s enough. For men willing to invest the effort, there are opportunities today for blazing a new path. Much has been written about the “Greatest Generation,” our fathers and grandfathers who grew up during the Great Depression and served during World War II. The men of that time are presented as unreachable icons called to higher duties, who gave or risked their lives to make the world safe for freedom. Many were heroes, with larger-than-life exploits. Just because we can’t repeat that glorious past doesn’t mean we should count ourselves out. Today, by our actions and decisions, and under very different family, social and political conditions, we can make another greatest generation. Although we live in a culture that tends not to prize heroism, we have a chance to stand against the tide and be true men of virtue. We can be quietly but insistently countercultural in the way we live and relate to others, particularly in our duties as husbands and fathers. In a society that is wedded to the escape hatch of divorce, we can honor our vows, “for better, for worse ... till death do us part.” In a day when so many use abortion as a backup for contraception, we can cherish every human life as we respect all women, especially our wives. While science puts forth a “brave new world” of reproductive options, we can embrace the marriage act as the natural and exclusive means to bring new life into the world. If you’re a man who has faith even the size of a mustard seed, there is a path for your marriage and your fatherhood that leads to the greatest satisfaction a person can have in this world: the grace and accomplishment of finding your vocation. This true fatherhood is a call from God the Father to be a dad, not just in name, but also in deed. Let us embrace the adventure.♦ BRIAN CAULFIELD is editor of the website Fathers for Good, an initiative for men by the Knights of Columbus.
FIND ADDITIONAL ARTICLES AND RESOURCES FOR CATHOLIC MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES AT FATHERSFORGOOD. ORG .
JULY 2013
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 23
An Old Game FOR
New Times2
Through an old-fashioned stickball tournament, Knights practice charity and fraternity by Gloria Geannette
T
he swoosh of a stickball bat and the unmistakable ping of a bouncing pink spaldeen (Spalding) ball could be heard up and down Passaic Street in Ridgewood, N.J. On a crisp fall day in late September 2012, there were good-natured shouts of, “He’s a ringer!” as well as groans and laughs as players struck out on one of the “fields” that had been drawn on the pavement. Striking out was pretty easy to do since hitting the small ball on one bounce can be challenging — especially for those who had never played stickball before or who were picking up the skinny broomstick-like bat for the first time in 30 years. But the camaraderie and good-natured teasing made everyone feel young again, at least for the four hours when the usually busy street was blocked off to traffic and transformed into two old-time stickball fields. “[The tournament] is growing every year, and we love it,” said Grand Knight Doug Findlay of Ridgewood Council 1736, which sponsored the third annual event. “For some, it’s a connection to old days growing up in the city, and for others it’s just a lot of fun to try a game they’ve never played. And, of course, there’s the important charity aspect of the day.” 24 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
JULY 2013
THE NOSTALGIC AND THE NEEDY When Council 1736 was looking for a new fundraising idea, Joe Hernandez and Rich Paliotta, brothers-in-law and Third Degree Knights who had grown up in New York City, suggested that their favorite childhood game would translate well to a suburban setting. “It’s still played where I grew up in East Harlem,” Paliotta said. “Fathers and sons just love to play this game.” The other Knights liked the combination of novelty, family togetherness and nostalgia, too. “For older gentlemen, it really takes them back to when they were young,” added Paliotta, 43. “The older guys just wouldn’t go for touch football. With this sport, they can just jog slowly around the bases and feel young again.” Another advantage, according to Hernandez, is that the day is very easy to organize. “We arrange to have the police block off the street for us, buy new spaldeens, chalk and a couple of bats, and that’s about it,” he explained. “And there is never a shortage of Knights willing to pitch in with grilling, serving refreshments and cleaning up at the end.”
Members of Ridgewood (N.J.) Council 1736 welcomed first responders, youth and others to a stickball tournament in September 2012. The event provided many participants the opportunity to play the game for the first time as they enjoyed food, fun and raised money to support families in need. Even the refreshments harkened back to the “good old days” as the smell of hot dogs sizzling on the outdoor grills drew players away from the fields for a little sustenance. Grand Knight Findlay, who grew up in Denville, N.J., a town much like Ridgewood, was thrilled with the idea of introducing the game to the suburbs. He feels that the stickball tournament could be a good fundraiser for councils around the country since the costs are minimal and everyone has a street on which to play. “The rules couldn’t be simpler,” said Findlay. “The field can be set up by chalk very easily and the ball must be a pink spaldeen.” Ground rules are set up to correspond with the playing field and with obstacles distinctive to the street and the surrounding area. Teams of four pay to enter the tournament, and the low overhead ensures that the maximum amount of the proceeds can be donated to charity. For each of the past three years, the tournament has generated money for different local charities. Last year, Knights selected the Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity Inc., which runs a food pantry and helps provide basic necessities to families in need. Representatives from the organization fielded a team with the clever name of “Food Fighters.” They were the ultimate winners, both of the firstplace trophy and of a donation of $650. BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER Peter Scott, a member of Council 1736, played in the tournament with his son Joseph, 17. For Joseph, it was an opportunity to try out a sport he had always wanted to experience. “My dad and mom both grew up in cities, and I heard about the great times they had playing stickball. But here in the suburbs, kids just don’t play in streets, so I could never try it,” Joseph said. Joining the Scotts was fellow council member Glen Gardner, who was accompanied by his sons Eddie, 12, and John, 7. Eddie, a travel baseball player, warmed the team up with his best pitches while John, a flag football fan, recruited other Knights to throw a football with him between games. “My wife was sick for two years before she passed away not too long ago, so you can see how important a day like this is for the boys,” said Gardner. The tournament, though, is open to more than just Knights and their families. This past year, several teams came from local police and firefighters associations. John Albano, 56, is a fireman in Ridgewood and a Brooklyn boy through and through. “We used to play stickball all day, every day in the summer,” he said. “It was either that or you got into a lot of trouble.” Albano was eager to play when he heard about the Knights’ tournament. “This is a great way to
help them raise money for another good cause,” he added. For Hernandez, one of the best parts of the day is how it builds fraternity, just like it did in the old days. “It was always a game that saw no discrimination, both when my father grew up in Spanish Harlem and when I was growing up,” he said. “Whether you were wealthy of not, you got to play with everybody else.” Added Findlay: “The day was a big success, and we’re definitely looking forward to it again next year. In fact, I envision this becoming a tradition for a long time to come.”♦ GLORIA GEANNETTE is the managing editor of The Ridgewood News in Ridgewood, N.J.
JULY 2013
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 25
S TAT E D E P U T I E S 2013-14
ALABAMA STEPHEN F. KOACH
ALASKA JAMES C. BETTS
ALBERTA WILLIAM J. SMITH
ARIZONA BRYANT R. SAYERS
ARKANSAS MICHAEL L. KIEFFER
BRITISH COLUMBIA EDWARD J. SHAWCHUK
CALIFORNIA TIMOTHY L. CARVALHO
COLORADO CHARLES K. PAGE
CONNECTICUT THOMAS J. VITA
DELAWARE GERALD L. SAFRANSKI
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ERNEST T. BOYKIN JR.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ROBIN E. SANTANAHIROJO
FLORIDA PAUL M. KOPPIE
GEORGIA SANFORD B. HILLSMAN
GUAM DAVID S. DUENAS
HAWAII MICHAEL P. VICTORINO
IDAHO JOHN J. PETTINGER
ILLINOIS DONALD C. KINYON JR.
INDIANA LAWRENCE B. FLUHR
IOWA JOSEPH A. RAMIREZ SR.
KANSAS SCOTT A. MAURATH
KENTUCKY WILLIAM L. SCHMIDT
LOUISIANA JOHN F. BOUDREAUX
LUZON ARSENIO ISIDRO G. YAP
MAINE PHILIP A. LIZOTTE
MANITOBA PAUL J.E. DUPRÉ
MARYLAND WILLIAM C. KUCHMAS III
MASSACHUSETTS PETER K. HEALY
MEXICO CENTRAL ROBERT D. NOLAND-BLOCK
MEXICO NORTHEAST JOSÉ LUIS RODRIGUEZ SÁNCHEZ
MEXICO NORTHWEST HÉCTOR CATARINO CRUZ-NAVARRO
MEXICO SOUTH JULIO CÉSAR ARCINIEGA ORANTES
MICHIGAN MICHAEL J. MALINOWSKI
MINDANAO BALBINO C. FAUNI
MINNESOTA JOSEPH M. KONRARDY
MISSISSIPPI DAVID K. SCOTT
26 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
JULY 2013
S TAT E D E P U T I E S 2013-14
MISSOURI BRADLEY P. GRILL
MONTANA ARTHUR J. MALISANI JR.
NEBRASKA RICHARD W. LOWERY
NEVADA RAMIRO GARDEA
NEW BRUNSWICK ARMAND T. LEBLANC
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR BERNARD W. FLYNN
NEW HAMPSHIRE RICHARD P. MCDERMOTT
NEW JERSEY ANDREW E. LIPENTA
NEW MEXICO PETER P. QUICHOCHO
NEW YORK CARMINE V. MUSUMECI
NORTH CAROLINA JOHN J. MURRAY
NORTH DAKOTA GLENN R. WAGNER
NOVA SCOTIA GEORGE M. MCCORMACK
OHIO KENNETH J. GIRT
OKLAHOMA RONALD F. SCHWARZ
ONTARIO KEVIN O. DAUDLIN
OREGON DAVID D. DENTON
PENNSYLVANIA ERIC C. JOHNSON
POLAND KRZYSZTOF ORZECHOWSKI
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND LLOYD E. KELLY
PUERTO RICO LUIS-IGNACIO RIVERA-PEREZ
QUEBEC PIERRE BEAUCAGE
RHODE ISLAND JAMES E. GILCREAST JR.
SASKATCHEWAN GILLES J. DOIRON
SOUTH CAROLINA RICHARD A. GABRIEL
SOUTH DAKOTA JOHN A. LIMOGES
TENNESSEE JOHN F. PARK JR.
TEXAS JAMES W. COLLINS
UTAH ROBERT E. MASSÉ JR.
VERMONT DANIEL G. MCAVINNEY
VIRGINIA ANTHONY D. FORTUNATO
VISAYAS RODRIGO N. SORONGON
WASHINGTON GEORGE H. CZERWONKA JR.
WEST VIRGINIA MICHAEL J. MCDOUGLE
WISCONSIN TIMOTHY L. GENTHE
WYOMING CARL J. WELTE
JULY 2013
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 27
KNIGHTS
ACTION
REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLES
facilities. Knights collected more than 4,200 books for patients at the Gainesville VA Medical Center and residents of the VFW Veterans Home in Fort McCoy. In addition, Knights donated some books to the Marion County Jail. CHALICES, PATENS DONATED
Richard Johnson (left) of Sacred Heart Southern Missions and Ken Lubbers of Hernando DeSoto Council 7120 in Southaven, Miss., load excess food items from a local supermarket into carts for donation to the needy. Knights partner with a grocery store to regularly pick up excess produce, baked goods and deli items for Sacred Heart Southern Missions, which distributes the food to its clients. Knights generate about 1,200 pounds of food each week for the pantry.
WINE RAFFLE
Martyrs Council 13226 in Calgary, Alberta, spearheaded a wine raffle to raise funds for much-needed repairs at Canadian Martyrs Church. Parishioners donated wine for the prizes, and within just a few weeks, the council had raised $10,000 by selling 1,000 tickets at $10 each. ROSARIES FOR STUDENTS
Albert Doerr Council 7869 in Remus, Mich., purchased and distributed rosaries for all students at St. Michael School at a school-wide Mass. Following Mass, Knights led the students in praying the rosary. ‘THOMASTON-OPOLY’
Atlantic Council 18 in Thomaston, Conn., worked with a company out of Michigan to create “Thomaston-opoly,” a variation on Monopoly that uses landmarks from throughout the Connecticut town. Knights raised $11,000 to have the 28 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
JULY 2013
game made and grossed about $7,500 by selling the game. Net proceeds were used to purchase a new statue of Venerable Michael McGivney for St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, the parish that Father McGivney served at the time of his death. COATS FOR RESERVATION
At the request of 11-year-old Liam McKenna, the son of Grand Knight Paul McKenna, St. Cabrini Council 3472 in Burbank, Calif., partnered with students at St. Finbar School to collect coats for children living at the Pine Ridge (S.D.) Indiana Reservation. Students collected 164 coats, which Knights arranged to have dry cleaned, packaged and shipped to South Dakota. BOOKS FOR VETERANS
Pope John Paul I Assembly in Ocala, Fla., hosted a book drive to collect paperback books for veterans at area care
The Alpine Assembly in Clarkesville, Ga., donated four chalices and patens to the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Office of Vocations. As part of a longstanding program between the archdiocese and the assembly, the chalices are made available to young men entering the priesthood who may not otherwise be able to afford their own altar vessels. Each set is donated in memory of a deceased Fourth Degree Knight. CENTER SUPPORT
Flushing (Mich.) Council 8489 and St. Joseph Assembly in Flushing donated $200 to the Flushing Christian Outreach Center, which provides physical, spiritual and emotional assistance to several hundred families each year. Knights are intimately involved with the center. In 2004, the council purchased the building that houses the center and donated it to the organization.
Contractor Pete Buckley, architect Bob Gilcrist and Knight Justin Stanley of St. Peter Council 13988 in Kansas City, Mo., cut pieces of crown molding while renovating the home of council member Paul Melland. Melland’s wife, Michelle, was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and required a handicappedaccessible bedroom and bathroom at their home. In six months, Knights and parishioners transformed the home’s garage into a new master suite. The council also raised more than $18,000 to help offset the cost of the renovation.
ceased members. The council will purchase plaques for recently deceased members yearly to keep alive the memory of past members.
FIREWOOD FOR MONASTERY
EDUCATION SUPPLIES
Treunet Council 3611 in Anacortes, Wash., assisted the priests and sisters at Our Lady of the Rock Monastery on Shaw Island by splitting, moving and stacking firewood for use on their farm.
Bishop Charles B. McLaughlin Council 7282 in Sun City Center, Fla., donated $600 to the faith formation group at Prince of Peace Faith Church. The funds will be used to purchase teaching tools for children whose parents cannot afford the necessary education supplies needed to prepare their children for first Communion and confirmation.
MEMORIAL PLAQUES
St. Caspar Council 8829 in Wauseon, Ohio, purchased K of C memorial plaques to put on the gravestones of de-
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
flags will be displayed in the school’s classrooms. Meanwhile, Msgr. Herman P. Fedewa Assembly in Howell, Mich., donated 90 small U.S. flags to Brighton High School. The flags will be displayed in every classroom. WHEELCHAIR DONATED
Richard Macias and Paul Licano of Father J.O. Barrette Council 1882 in Miami, Ariz., shovel cement into an anchor hole for a new bench at Dr. Charles A. Bejerano Elementary School. The school’s parent-teacher organization purchased five new benches, which council members volunteered to install.
CHALICES DONATED
St. Gaspar del Bufalo Assembly in Minster, Ohio, donated two chalices and ciboria to two visiting priests from Romania. Both of the chalices were offered in the memory of deceased Knights. FLAGS PRESENTED TO SCHOOLS
Pope John Paul II Assembly in Camas, Wash., donated 10 U.S. flags, along with poles and mounting brackets, to Pacific Crest Academy. The
St. John Council 8190 in Luling, Texas, donated a new wheelchair to the rehabilitation unit at the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home. The wheelchair will assist patients and residents who are undergoing physical rehabilitation. MILITARY CARE PACKAGES
St. Clement of Rome Council 13604 in Des Peres, Mo., hosted a pancake breakfast to raise funds to send care packages to U.S. troops stationed overseas. Using the net profits from the breakfast, Knights assembled 13 care packages at their monthly meeting. OUTPOURING OF FAITH
Over the past five years, Hicksville (Ohio) Council 10043 has helped support the Fountain of Faith Free Clinic, a clinic for people with little or no health insurance that was started by a local doctor and his wife, a nurse. The council sponsors
Frank Hummer of St. Thomas Council 605 in Beloit, Wis., looks on as Bob Henning explains the finer points of making pancakes during the council’s annual pro-life pancake breakfast. Several years ago, Henning designed and built the pictured pancake cooker, which he loans to the council for all of its breakfasts. The pro-life event raised more than $1,000 for the Rock County Chapter of Pro-Life Wisconsin.
a free-will donation dinner each year that averages about $1,800 in revenue. In that time, Knights have raised more than $9,300 for the facility. BABY SHOWER
St. Bonaventure Council 10049 in Manomet, Mass., hosted its annual pro-life baby shower to support the Archdiocese of Boston’s Pregnancy Help Center. The drive netted $2,700 in cash and approximately $600 worth of baby items.
Jersey Shore, Pa., collected food, clothing and household items for donation to St. Thomas Parish in Gassaway, W.V. Knights collected just under two tons of goods, which will help disadvantaged residents of West Virginia’s Clay County. Winter attended school in the area in the 1960s and had previously participated in mission work trips there.
BABY BOTTLE DRIVE
A FIRST FOR SQUIRES THE MICHIGAN State Squires became the first Squires circle to lend support for the purchase of an ultrasound machine through the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative. The machine was donated Feb. 16 at the Blue Water Pregnancy Care Center in Port Huron, Mich. According to Jennifer Rose, executive director of the center, the new ultrasound machine will help the organization save many lives. “This new machine will provide clearer images for us, and our mothers will now be able to hear their baby’s heartbeat,” said Rose. “Moms will make a stronger connection with their babies by seeing and hearing their baby’s heartbeat. This new machine should now improve our baby save rate by up to 90 percent.”
Divine Mercy Council 13829 in Siloam Springs, Ark., hosted a pro-life baby bottle drive that netted $2,000 for the New Beginnings Pregnancy Center. The funds will be used to help defray the cost of a new ultrasound machine. ACROSS BORDERS
At the request of member Robert G. Winter, St. Martin de Porres Council 4738 in
Members of St. Niño de Molino Circle 3776 in Bahayang, Luzon, stand with some of the books and toys that they collected for a local orphanage. Squires collected several boxes of toys and books for children living at the facility.
JULY 2013
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 29
KNIGHTS IN ACTION PIGGING OUT
6987 in Grande-Anse, New Brunswick, donated $1,000 to the Royal Canadian Legion for the construction of a new cenotaph honoring the men and women of the Canadian armed forces.
Ponce de Leon Council 8074 in Punta Gorda, Fla., held its annual “Pig-Out with the Knights” event. Attendees enjoyed roasted pork, barbeque chicken and hamburgers, plus a number of side dishes. The event also included live music, raffles and auctions, and raised $4,200 to support four seminarians.
IPAD MINISTRY
STOVE AND REFRIGERATOR
Msgr. William P. Cunneen Council 10020 in Windham, Maine, donated $1,250 to help replace the refrigerator and stove at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church as the old units came to the end of their useful lives. THRIFTY GUYS
St. Monica Council 12883 in Duluth, Ga., renovated a former video store into a new St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop. Council members vol-
Dianne and Howard Hefernan, parishioners at St. John the Baptist Church, remove nails from old fence boards during a reclamation project co-sponsored by the parish and by Bishop Breynat Council 6166 in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Knights and parishioners worked side-by-side to tear down a wooden fence at Willow Square. The wood was then sold to several reuse companies, netting $7,000 for the church building fund.
unteered 200 hours to paint, remove old counters and shelving fixtures, and build a new wall. TEDDY BEAR SQUAD
St. Joseph Council 7408 in Palm Bay, Fla., teamed with St. Joseph School for a project called “The Teddy Bear Squad” to collect stuffed animals for the Palm Bay Police Department. Knights and students collected more than 700 stuffed animals for police officers to distribute during incidents involving young children. CAR WASH Jacob Davis of Father Placide Dobyns Council 1819 in Bogalusa, La., and his pregnant wife, Christa, bow their heads to receive a blessing for expectant mothers at Annunciation Catholic Church. In addition to a pro-life cross display on the church’s property, Knights also hosted a blessing for expectant mothers in order to raise awareness of pro-life issues. 30 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
JULY 2013
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Circle 5473 in Arlington, Texas, hosted a car wash that raised $225 to help fund renovations at the Padre Pio House, which will eventually house a congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. GETTING OUT
When St. Thomas the Apostle Council 9550 in Montevallo, Ala., learned that a
parishioner was not able to attend Mass because of health issues, Knights set out to rectify the problem. The council built a wheelchair ramp so the parishioner could leave his house more easily and attend church services again. WINDOW RESTORATION
McSherrystown (Pa.) Council 2551 donated $50,000 to Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church to help with a project to restore the church’s stained-glass windows. Funds that the parish had previously set aside for the restoration had to be used to make emergency repairs to the church roof. Since Council 2551 operates a large council hall, Knights decided to donate a substantial portion of the proceeds from their canteen to aid with the restoration. VETERANS MEMORIAL
Pere Donat Albert Council
Eight K of C councils from in and around Tidewater, Va., purchased a new iPad for Life Ministries Virginia to use as part of its sidewalk counseling outside of abortion facilities. The iPad will allow the counselors to present information to patients in a more effective way. SPAY & NEUTER CLINIC
Blue Ridge (Ga.) Council 12126 and Father Michael J. McGivney Assembly in Blairsville co-hosted a spay and neuter clinic for area pets. More than 50 pet owners took advantage of the event. EOD DONATION
Mother Seton Council 5427 in Washington Township, N.J., donated $5,000 to the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation in memory of an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Marine who died in the line of duty in March 2012. EOD personnel are responsible for disarming bombs on or near the front lines of combat. Two of the Marine’s fellow serviceman from Camp LeJeune in North Carolina accepted the donation, which will support EOD personnel who are wounded in combat.
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JULY 2013
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 31
COLUMBIANISM BY DEGREES
Charity
Unity
Fraternity
Patriotism
MEMBERS OF Leavenworth-Cashmere (Wash.) Council 13597 lift a life-size cross into place while constructing a Stations of the Cross display at Our Lady of the Snows Church. The parish owns a two-acre meadow next to its church building that pastor Father Alejandro Trejo envisioned as a spiritual gathering place. Knights have led the way in making this vision a reality by providing leadership and volunteering to construct a Stations of the Cross that includes 14 stations, three large crosses on a hill and a stone tomb.
NELSON BARRETO (right) of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Council 13209 in Spring Hill, Fla., and his wife, Lina, serve soup made by various restaurants and parishioners during the council’s annual “Soup-A-Thon” event. The meal offered diners the opportunity to try soups and chili from 67 restaurants and 24 parishioners at five different seatings. The event, along with a raffle, raised approximately $9,500, with a portion of the proceeds going back to St. Frances Cabrini Church.
FIRST RESPONDERS form an honor guard at a Blue Mass sponsored by St. Joseph the Worker Assembly in Albuquerque. Knights and about 2,000 parishioners gathered at St. Pius High School to pay tribute to local emergency service personnel. In addition to honoring police and firefighters, Knights also invited military personnel, correctional officers, FBI and Homeland Security agents, and EMS workers.
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JULY 2013
PATRIOTISM: Celine Radigan/Archdiocese of Santa Fe
CHRIS DECARIA (far left) and Dan Cucchiara (far right) of Joseph P. Keating Council 99 in Fitchburg, Mass., help Anthony Vorse into his wheelchair after Knights completed construction on a wheelchair ramp at Vorse’s home. Vorse, 9, has cerebral palsy and cannot walk without assistance from a walker or wheelchair. Knights came to the aid of the Vorse family after 25 other charitable organizations refused assistance. Funding for the ramp, which cost about $6,000, came from the council’s annual fund drive for people with disabilities. Also pictured, center, is John Love.
KNIGH T S O F C O LU M B U S
Building a better world one council at a time Every day, Knights all over the world are given opportunities to make a difference — whether through community service, raising money or prayer. We celebrate each and every Knight for his strength, his compassion and his dedication to building a better world.
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Members of St. Isidore the Farmer Council 13594 in Lope de Vega, Visayas, dig up the ground in front of their church in preparation for the construction of a parish social hall. Knights aided with the early phases of the construction project to prepare the building site.
“K NIGHTS IN A CTION ” H AVEN , CT 06510-3326
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JULY 2013
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PLEASE, DO ALL YOU CAN TO ENCOURAGE PRIESTLY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS. YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
KEEP T H E F A I T H A L I V E
‘GOD LED ME TO DISCOVER HIS PLAN FOR ME’
SISTER MARY GRACE OF JESUS Little Sisters of the Poor Queens Village, N.Y.
hoto by Kristen Thorne Photography
I first met the Little Sisters of the Poor during my last year of college while working as a dining aide at their home for the elderly in Indianapolis. Around this time, I had begun praying for God to show me how he wanted me to spend my life. After all, I thought, I only had one life to live! Through the loving and joyful example of the sisters and the family spirit they shared with the residents, God led me to discover his plan for me. I came to see that the source of charity in the home was Christ himself, present in the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel where the Sisters prayed each day. God helped me to say “yes” to the great gift he was offering me. When I shared this news with my parents, they were surprised but supportive. It has now been 10 years since I set out on this adventure with God. Jesus has taught me more and more how to love him and to love others in response to his boundless love for us all.