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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NOVEMBER 2012 ♦ VOLUME 92 ♦ NUMBER 11
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F E AT U R E S
8 What Every Catholic Can Do to Transcend Partisanship Catholic social teaching has the power to transform American politics. BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON
12 The Culture of Life and Public Policy Legislators and voters must take seriously the natural moral law and the right to life. BY CARDINAL DONALD W. WUERL
14 Inspired by Glory Knights and others, moved by the heroism of Mexican Catholics in the 1920s, helped to promote the movie For Greater Glory. BY LIZETTE M. LANTIGUA
16 Ushering People to the Door of Faith The Year of Faith challenges Catholics to deepen their convictions and participate in the new evangelization. BY FATHER GENO SYLVA
20 A Trail of Charity Knights of Columbus Food for Families initiative inspires fraternity, volunteerism and helping neighbors in need. BY PATRICK SCALISI
24 A Cloud of Witnesses
CNS photo/Paul Haring — PAINTING: Founding Vision by Antonella Cappuccio
Pope Benedict XVI canonizes three new saints from the countries where the Knights of Columbus is present. BY FATHER THOMAS ROSICA, C.S.B.
Prelates from around the world gather for the opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 7.
D E PA RT M E N T S 3
Building a better world The words of Pope Benedict provide us with guidance and confirmation as we work for the common good. BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON
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Learning the faith, living the faith The efforts to legally redefine marriage and religion threaten to undermine the Church’s role in society. BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN ARCHBISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI
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Knights of Columbus News College Knights Meet to Discuss Christian Witness, Leadership • Knights Sponsor Guadalupe Relic Chapel at L.A. Cathedral • New Supreme Directors Elected • Order Develops Catechetical Resources for the New Evangelization
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Knights in Action
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K of C Scholarships
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Columbianism by Degrees
19 Fathers for Good Social Media and Children: Online safety tips from a digital dad BY MATT WARNER
PLUS Catholic Man of the Month
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E D I TO R I A L
(Re)discovering Our Faith ON OCT. 11, the Church embarked on the Year of Faith, which will continue until the Solemnity of Christ the King on Nov. 24, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI has instituted this special year of reflection in response to the “profound crisis of faith” of our time. When announcing the initiative one year ago, the Holy Father described it as “a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one Savior of the world” (Porta Fidei, 6). As the Year of Faith began, the World Synod of Bishops met for three weeks in Rome to discuss “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith” (see page 16). During the synod’s opening Mass Oct. 7, the pope delivered a homily in which he noted three complementary aspects of evangelization: the mission of announcing the Gospel to non-Christians; the re-evangelization of the baptized who have “drifted away”; and “ordinary evangelization” within Christian communities. In each case, it is essential to first rediscover and reflect on the meaning of our Catholic faith, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds, before we can share Christ and his Gospel with others. Many Catholics have a desire to learn more about their faith and live it more fully but do not know where to begin. Thankfully, the Church has given us helpful resources. First among these is the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which synthesizes and explains the teachings of Scripture and sacred tradition. Pope Benedict has called the Catechism “a precious and indispensable tool” and said that it should play a central role in the Year of Faith.
Whether through personal study or together with their families, councils or parishes, Knights of Columbus are encouraged to make a concerted effort to learn more about their faith during this special year. In addition to the Catechism, they can explore shorter resources made available through the Order’s Catholic Information Service. CIS booklets include the Luke E. Hart Series, the Veritas Series and, most recently, the New Evangelization Series (see page 7). A lesser-known tool for growing in faith is the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (2004), which further outlines and articulates the role of the Church and Catholic principles as they relate to society. In the face of growing discord in our culture and political landscape, such a resource is vital. After all, the crisis of faith extends to confusion about social issues of fundamental importance, such as the right to life, the role of the family and religious liberty. An understanding of Catholic social teaching helps to properly form our consciences and allows us to see how our faith can transform the public square for the common good (see page 8). As this Year of Faith begins, then, we seek to grow in “an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord” and in an understanding of the teachings and principles of our Catholic faith. In doing so, we will become better prepared to participate in the work of the new evangelization.♦ ALTON J. PELOWSKI MANAGING EDITOR
New E-Book by Supreme Knight: Proclaim Liberty A NEW RESOURCE is available to help Catholics form their conscience in keeping with Catholic principles. In his newly released e-book Proclaim Liberty: Notes on the Next Great Awakening in America, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson makes the case that Catholics have the power to transform the political landscape by bringing charity and the Catholic moral tradition into the political process. For more information, visit online booksellers or kofc.org. 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 MANAGING EDITOR Patrick Scalisi patrick.scalisi@kofc.org ASSOCIATE EDITOR Steve James DESIGN ________
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 © 2012 All rights reserved ________ ON THE COVER “The God who gave us life gave us liberty,” shown here on a parchment background, is among the quotes featured on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
BUILDING A BETTER WORLD
Faithful Citizens, Faithful Knights The words of Pope Benedict provide us with guidance and confirmation as we work for the common good by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson JUST WEEKS AGO, Pope Benedict Faithful Catholics considering the XVI gave an extraordinarily important many issues confronting us today in the address on the political responsibility of United States — especially state ballot in shaping a democratic society inspired Catholics. He began by reminding us of initiatives involving assisted suicide or by their deepest beliefs, values and aspithe teaching of the Second Vatican marriage, and the positions of candidates rations, your Order has proudly lived up Council that in society and politics “the for public office — should be grateful for to the high religious and patriotic prinorder of things must be subordinate to this clear guidance. Taking seriously the ciples which inspired its founding. the order of persons, and not the other social teaching of our Church can help “The challenges of the present moway around” (Gaudium et Spes, 26; cf. Catholics truly transform our politics ment are in fact yet another reminder of CCC 1912). the decisive importance of the Catholic today (see article on page 8). The question, of course, is how to The Knights of Columbus bears a laity for the advancement of the apply this test. What are the criteria by special responsibility in this effort since Church’s mission in today’s rapidly which we can determine how best to de- we strive to be the faithful, strong right changing social context. The Knights of fend the person and build a Columbus, founded as a fratersociety that reflects fundanal society committed to mumental Gospel values? This is tual assistance and fidelity to the My brother Knights, our mandate is Church, was a pioneer in the a question that every conscientious Catholic must answer development of the modern lay sure and our responsibility clear: if he or she is to be both a apostolate.” faithful citizen and a faithful The greetings continued with Let us defend both life and liberty! Catholic — especially in this assurance that the Holy Father is election season. “confident” that the Knights of Thankfully, Pope Benedict provided arm of our Church. Pope Benedict XVI Columbus “will carry on this distinguidance in this matter. “The areas in highlighted this responsibility in the guished legacy by providing sound inspiwhich this decisive discernment is to be message he sent to our 130th Supreme ration, guidance and direction to a new exercised are those touching the most Convention. generation of faithful and dedicated vital and delicate interests of the person,” It is important for each of us to care- Catholic laymen.” he said. “These areas are not separate fully consider his words, which were conThe message concluded by expressing from one another but (are) profoundly veyed by Vatican Secretary of State the Holy Father’s “profound personal gratitude” for our prayers and our “fiinterconnected … and are the ultimate Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone: goal of any authentically human social “At a time when concerted efforts are delity, loyalty and support during these justice.” being made to redefine and restrict the difficult times.” The Holy Father then made clear what exercise of the right to religious freedom, My brother Knights, our mandate is these Catholic criteria are: “The commit- the Knights of Columbus have worked sure and our responsibility clear: Let us ment to respecting life in all its phases tirelessly to help the Catholic community not hesitate; let us be of firm resolve; let from conception to natural death — and recognize and respond to the unprece- the Knights of Columbus continue to be the consequent rejection of procured dented gravity of these new threats to the “a pioneer in the development of the abortion, euthanasia and any form of eu- Church’s liberty and public moral wit- modern lay apostolate” when it comes to genics — is, in fact, interwoven with re- ness. By defending the right of all reli- the demands of faithful citizenship; and specting marriage as an indissoluble gious believers, as individual citizens and let us defend both life and liberty! union between a man and a woman.” Vivat Jesus! in their institutions, to work responsibly
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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH
It’s 1970 – Again! The efforts to legally redefine marriage and religion threaten to undermine the Church’s role in society by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori
I RECENTLY ATTENDED a talk Just as in 1970, people today downgiven by a gentleman who left his lu- play the consequence of changing the crative career to devote his talent and law. Those in support of redefining ployee benefit plans, the federal governenergies to defend marriage. He spoke marriage suggest that concerns about ment has stated that churches must of a young woman who, in 1970, filed the long-term impact of such a change serve mostly their own members, hire a three-page complaint in a Dallas are, at best, exaggerations or, at worst, mostly their own members, and exist courthouse. At the time, her filing a form of bigotry. mostly to propagate their own doctrine. would have seemed inconsequential. But to understand the true impliWhat role could such a church play Within less than three years, though, cations of redefining marriage, we in society? How could such a church the complaint made it all the way to need to look beyond the sound bites, serve and promote the common good the U.S. Supreme Court, paving the slick advertising and clever ballot lan- if it can’t emerge from behind its own way for the high court’s disastrous de- guage. Instead, we need to peer be- doors? Under this narrow definition, a cision that legalized abortion church isn’t “religious enough” throughout the nation. to quality for an exemption, The speaker explained how This single definition of “church” allowing it to provide services today, 40 years later, Roe v. Wade according to its own teachings will be used by those in is firmly ensconced in the vocaband values, if it runs a social ulary of a society that has witservice agency or a charity that government to limit the role of nessed the deaths of more than serves or hires people of other 55 million innocent, unborn churches in education, charity and faiths. children. This led him to wonder, This brings us back to our public policy — a role that has “What if, in 1970, the Roe com1970 moment. The governplaint had been more vigorously ment’s narrow, secularist defibeen critical for generations. and effectively resisted?” nition — which seeks to With critical challenges to reliconfine the influence of religious liberty and the sacred institution neath the surface to see what the gion on society — is likely to spread of marriage fast becoming the water- acceptance of same-sex marriage as through every area of federal and state shed moments of our day, he observed, law truly represents: a massive threat law. This single definition of “church” “It’s 1970 — again.” to religious liberty. will be used by those in government to For years, religion has been margin- limit the role of churches in education, THE ROLE OF RELIGION alized in Western culture, most recently charity and public policy — a role that Voters in four states — Maine, Mary- by the federal government itself. We has been critical for generations. When land, Minnesota and Washington — are need look no further than the narrow, the Catholic Church engages in those set to vote on ballot questions seeking government-imposed definition of re- activities, it will be seen not as acting to redefine marriage, and a Supreme ligion that emerged in the struggle sur- in the example of Christ, but as doing Court ruling on the Defense of Mar- rounding the U.S. Department of something secular; it will be told to riage Act is imminent. We have, indeed, Health and Human Services’ contra- disregard its own teachings and to reached another crucial moment in our ception mandate: In order to qualify for “play by the rules” — the rules of a nation, a moment that will define what an exemption from having to provide government that aids and abets the culkind of people we are. morally objectionable services in em- ture of death. 4 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
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LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH
TIME TO STAND UP Limiting the role of church institutions is also a goal of many of those in favor of redefining marriage. The Catholic Church seeks to uphold marriage between one man and one woman because this is the relationship by which children are brought into the world and are best nurtured. Marriage is the very bedrock of society and essential to God’s design for humanity. The government has no right to contradict it. What happens, though, if the government does so? In some places where same-sex marriage is legally accepted, the Church has been forced out as a
HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS
Offered in Solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI GENERAL: That bishops, priests and all ministers of the Gospel may bear the courageous witness of fidelity to the crucified and risen Lord.
PHOTO OF POPE: CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano
MISSION: That the pilgrim Church on earth may shine as a light to the nations.
provider of social services because Church teachings are deemed discriminatory. Since the government has the power to license and regulate social services and education, it has the power to marginalize the Church’s institutions. In some places, the government has deemed Catholic Charities unfit to conduct adoptions because of its reasoned and faith-based conviction that children are best served in households where a mother and father are present. If the Defense of Marriage Act is repealed or struck down, or if states endorse a change in the law, there will be far-reaching consequences. The
Church could be forced to decide whether to continue providing many social services — services that rely on government support in order to serve the common good — or to abandon its own teachings, which inspire such compassionate works in the first place. This isn’t 1970 — it’s 2012. Now is the time for us to understand deeply what the Church teaches about religious liberty and marriage; to accept that teaching in our lives to the point of being willing to stand up for it; and to advocate for that teaching among our families and friends, and in the public square.♦
C AT H O L I C M A N O F T H E M O N T H
St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639) JUAN MARTIN DE PORRES was born in Lima, Peru, on Dec. 9, 1579, to a Spanish nobleman and a former slave from Panama. His parents were unmarried. After Martin’s sister, Juana, was born, his father abandoned the family, leaving them in poverty. Years later, though, Martin’s father returned, and Martin was sent to school to learn medicine from a surgeon-barber. From a young age, Martin spent many hours in prayer. At age 15, he asked to join the Holy Rosary Dominican priory in Lima, where he was first received as a servant. He soon became known for his piety, and many miraculous healings were attributed to him. After some time, his superiors lifted the community’s race restriction and allowed Martin to receive the Dominican habit. Brother Martin had a great devotion to the Eucharist and lived austerely, abstaining from meat, fasting and practicing penance. At age 34, he was placed in charge of the infirmary, where he would remain in service throughout his life. During that time, he also attended to the sick and poor
outside of the priory. He founded an orphanage and children’s hospital, and regularly begged for alms — enough to distribute food and money to dozens of poor people every day. Among Brother Martin’s friends were St. Rose of Lima and St. John Macías. When Brother Martin died on Nov. 3, 1639, he was known to the entire city of Lima as “Martin of Charity.” He was beatified in 1837 and canonized by Pope John XXIII on May 6, 1962. In addition to being a model of charity for all, St. Martin de Porres is recognized as the first black saint of the Americas and the patron saint of racial harmony.♦
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS
College Knights Meet to Discuss Christian Witness, Leadership
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson is pictured with members of the College Conference advisory committee Sept. 28. APPROXIMATELY 150 COLLEGE KNIGHTS, representing more than 70 colleges and universities in United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic, gathered in New Haven, Conn., Sept. 28-30, for the 2012 Knights of Columbus College Conference. The event gave participants the opportunity to develop relationships, exchange program ideas, and discuss the challenges facing their councils and campuses. A prevailing theme of speeches and breakout sessions was Catholic witness in a secular world. On Friday, Sept. 28, members of the conference advisory board met for lunch at the Supreme Council headquarters before discussing with Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson the weekend’s events, as well as the unique challenges and strengths facing college councils. Following the annual awards banquet Friday evening, Supreme Knight Anderson offered remarks and urged attendees to follow the example of the Order’s founder, Venerable Michael McGivney, as they strive to provide an authentic Catholic witness on their campuses. “We need to grow; we need to make a difference; we need to do it in a way that makes people say, ‘Those guys really have something. I want to be a part of that,’” said the supreme knight. After Anderson’s address, the Supreme Council recognized the college council award winners in areas of insur6 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
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ance, membership and service. Texas A&M University Council 10624 in College Station received the 2012 Outstanding College Council Award for its many hours of volunteer service through a variety of programs. The Saturday program began with Mass celebrated by Father Gregory Gresko, chaplain of the Blessed John Paul II Shrine in Washington, D.C. The conference continued with various presentations, regional caucuses discussing the successes and challenges of their councils, a trip to the Knights of Columbus Museum, a holy hour and benediction at St. Mary’s Church, and a social. At the concluding session on Sunday, Supreme Advocate John A. Marrella offered encouragement to the college Knights as they prepared to return to their campuses. During the conference, attendees had been asked to offer new ideas for service programs. The conference concluded with the announcement of the winning proposal: Operation Manna, a combined suggestion from St. John’s University Council 5136 in Collegeville, Minn., and St. Thomas Aquinas Council 11949 at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. The goal of the program is to help families in need by creating food pantries at parishes and Newman Centers. Participating councils will also be encouraged to host a dinner on a regular basis for the families that are served.♦
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS
Knights Sponsor Guadalupe Relic Chapel at L.A. Cathedral SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON — along with representatives from the California State Council — took part in ceremonies Sept. 2 marking the dedication of a new chapel to Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles presided at the dedication. The chapel’s construction was made possible by a grant from the Knights of Columbus. It is the new, permanent home of the relic of San Juan Diego’s tilma on which the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted in 1531. The relic in Los Angeles is the only known piece of the tilma in the United States. The Knights cosponsored a tour of the relic throughout the United States in 2003 and also brought the relic to Phoenix for the 2009 Guadalupe Festival. In August, the relic was prominently featured at the K of C-sponsored Guadalupe Celebration in Los Angeles. Joining Supreme Knight Anderson at the dedication were California State Warden Sonny Santa Ines and Past State Deputy Robert Villalobos.♦
New Supreme Directors Elected
Scott A. Flood
Natale L. Gallo
Kenneth E. Stockwell
THREE NEW MEMBERS were elected to the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors during the 130th Supreme Convention, and five others were re-elected to three-year terms that will end in 2015. The newly elected board members are Scott A. Flood of Ellington, Conn., Natale L. Gallo of Ancaster, Ontario, and Kenneth E. Stockwell of Cody, Wyo. Flood was Connecticut state deputy from 2008-2011 and has worked for 28 years for the U.S. Postal Service. He and his wife, Barbara, have two children. Gallo served as Ontario state deputy from 2006-2008 and has been a lifelong educator in Ontario secondary schools. He and his wife, Lina, have two grown sons who are both members of the Order. A third generation Knight, Stockwell was Wyoming state deputy from 1987-1989. Now retired, he has been a business owner and bank vice president. Married for 43 years to Lesa, they have three daughters and seven grandchildren.♦
Supreme Knight Anderson and his wife, Dorian, pray with Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles during the dedication of a new chapel to Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.
Order Develops Catechetical Resources for the New Evangelization A NEW SERIES of booklets is being developed by the Knights of Columbus Catholic Information Service that will cover the basic themes of the new evangelization. Drawing on the teachings of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, the 17-part series is a response to Pope Benedict’s challenge to rediscover “the beauty and contemporary relevance of faith.” The series will show that the new evangelization is not a “new” Christian message, but rather a new presentation of the joy of the Gospel in all its transforming power. The first installment, What Is the New Evangelization? (#401), is now available in print and as a PDF at kofc.org/cis. The series will also be translated into French and Spanish. More information will be available at kofc.org/cis as the series is completed during this Year of Faith.♦
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Catholic social teaching has the power to transform American politics by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
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ll of us have at one time or another lamented the sad state of today’s political environment: the intransigence and partisanship that disfigure nearly every national policy debate and make the search for solutions virtually impossible. It is an environment that drives away from national leadership many persons of intelligence and integrity. But I believe we can find a way out of the present politics of gridlock and destruction if we think beyond the next election and sincerely work together. Catholics are uniquely positioned to offer a solution to our current dilemma. We have an extraordinarily rich tradition of social teaching and the experience that much of American history has been shaped by Catholics. If we are faithful to the social teaching of our Church, Catholics can truly transcend partisanship and transform our nation’s politics. I would propose four steps by which we may do so.
CHARITY AS A DISTINCTIVE CATHOLIC CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL LIFE You may notice that the title of this article is similar to that of my book, A Civilization of Love: What Every Catholic Can Do to Transform the World. That book grew out of my experience with the Knights of Columbus on the role of charity and solidarity in society, and ethics and sustainability in business. In both areas, Catholics can make a unique contribution to American life. This is the lesson we should learn from the religious brothers and sisters and other Catholics who, by their sacrifice, built our schools, hospitals, orphanages and universities. They did so much to make America a more humane society. Catholic charity is not simply a mechanism for the more efficient or cost-effective delivery of social services. As Pope Benedict XVI reminds us in Deus Caritas Est, Catholic charity arises from “a heart that sees where love is CIVILITY IN AMERICA’S NATIONAL DISCOURSE needed” and responds appropriately. It arises from a religious Writing in The City of God, St. Augustine reminds us that as tradition that understands that caritas (charity) is the pre-reqChristians we must hope uisite of justice. And as that even our most strident Pope Benedict observed, adversaries may one day there is no society so perfect join us as saved souls toas to have escaped the need gether in heaven. He obfor love. ATHOLIC VOTERS MUST HAVE THE served, “Let this city bear in Catholic charity, grounded mind, that among her enein the Christian vision that COURAGE TO TELL CANDIDATES THAT IF THEY mies lie hidden those who we are our brother’s keeper, are destined to be fellow citprovides an irreplaceable WANT CATHOLIC VOTES THEY WILL HAVE izens, that she may not contribution to society since think it a fruitless labor to it introduces fraternal brothTO RESPECT THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES bear what they inflict as enerhood as a source of naemies until they become tional unity. OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING, SUCH AS confessors of the truth.” The relationship of giving This perspective obliges something of one’s self to anTHE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE AND THE us to insist on a more reother person creates a solispectful, civil discourse. darity that can unite society INSTITUTIONS OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY. Our approach ought to be in profound ways. one of seeking the converI saw this first hand in sion, not the destruction, of Haiti when we provided our political opponents. wheelchairs and prosthetics In my recent book, Beto children and adults who yond a House Divided, I observed that as a nation we adopt had lost legs in that country’s terrible earthquake. this insight in times of national crisis — for example, in the My experience with the Knights of Columbus convinces me days following the terrorist attack on 9/11 or after the murder that every Catholic is capable of a charity that can change countof the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. less lives. I concluded Beyond a House Divided by quoting from Thus, our second step must be to build up the fabric of AmerRobert Kennedy’s speech following the announcement of Dr. ican society through a fraternal solidarity based on personal King’s death: works of charity. “What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in CONSISTENT COMMITMENT TO the United States is not violence or lawlessness, but love and THE CHURCH’S SOCIAL TEACHING wisdom, and compassion toward one another….” The candid observer must admit that when it comes to a conWe need to embrace this attitude not only after a national sistent commitment to the social teaching of our Church, tragedy; this attitude should be normative of our national life. Catholics in America still have a long way to go. We have made Our first step as Catholics must be a firm commitment to considerable progress but, in the words of Robert Frost, we have civility in America’s national discourse. “miles to go before we sleep.”
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In 1976, I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., ues on all issues, they are consistent on some and that should to work as a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate. For the next be good enough. five years I spent almost all of my time working on the pro-life But it is not good enough. And as bad as this situation is, it cause: promoting legislation to prevent abortion funding as part has produced an even worse result. It has blocked the potential of U.S. foreign aid; helping to pass the Hyde Amendment re- of Catholic social teaching to transform our politics. strictions of abortion funding; serving as one of the attorneys Must it always be this way? Can we find a way to persuade successfully defending the Hyde Amendment before the U.S. both political parties to come into alignment with the fundaSupreme Court and organizing the bipartisan Congressional mentals of Catholic social teaching? If so, future Catholic voters Pro-life Caucus. may one day freely choose between political parties based upon Later, I joined the Department of Health and Human Services their prudential judgment of which candidate is more likely to in the Reagan Administration, where one of my principal re- advance the common good. sponsibilities was working to provide new federal protections to As Catholics, we must stop picking and choosing which parts stop discrimination against handicapped newborn infants. Two of Catholic social teaching we will accept, and we must insist that years later, I joined the White House staff of President Reagan our politicians stop doing this as well. So, our third step must be and helped draft the Mexico to build a consistent comCity Policy to cut off U.S. formitment to Catholic social eign aid to organizations that teaching among Catholic perform or promote abortion voters in America. overseas. S CATHOLICS, WE WISH WE COULD In 1987, I left the White TRANSFORMING House staff to join the POLITICS BY DEBATE AND VOTE ON THE FULL RANGE OF Knights of Columbus. As I TRANSCENDING told President Reagan then, I PARTISANSHIP CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING — INCLUDING left politics to serve a higher We can find a solution if we calling and to promote key ellearn from the civil rights PRUDENTIAL ISSUES THAT RAISE SERIOUS ements of Catholic social movement. The most imteaching beyond the political portant thing we need to do MORAL QUESTIONS. BUT TO BE ABLE TO realm. I believed these issues is to take the long view. could not simply be limited to Consider, for example, EFFECTIVELY DO THIS, WE MUST FIRST REFUSE — or dismissed as — the dothe Democratic Party when main of a political party. the Supreme Court overTO SUPPORT CANDIDATES WHO ADVOCATE Since 2008, the Knights of turned the legal doctrine of Columbus has worked with “separate but equal” in its POLICIES THAT ARE INTRINSICALLY EVIL. the Marist Institute for Public 1954 decision in Brown v. Opinion on a series of surveys Board of Education. on the ethical attitudes of The Democrats had inteAmericans. We call it our grated their national conMoral Compass Project. vention in 1948, causing Sen. Strom Thurmond to run for Our polling — as illustrated in my book Beyond a House Di- president that year as a “Dixiecrat.” Throughout the 1950s and vided — has shown that Americans’ attraction to Catholic social into the 1960s the Democratic stronghold of the South reteaching transcends party lines. Americans share a broad moral mained in the hands of entrenched segregationists. Yet, in little and even spiritual consensus that often tracks closely with more than two decades the segregationist base of the Democratic Catholic social teaching. Party was gone, and a Democratic governor from the Deep Over the years, it has become clear to many that if Catholics South who was committed to civil rights was elected president. in both political parties had practiced a consistent commitment Who could have possibly foreseen this outcome on the day to Catholic social teaching, and if they had been able to over- the Supreme Court announced its decision in Brown v. Board of come partisan rigidity and hostility, we would have been able to Education? significantly restrict abortion. But if such transformation in American politics was possible We were not able to do this because of a failure by our elected within two decades, why can’t something similar happen regardCatholic officials. ing Catholic social teaching? It can, if we learn also from the But there was also a failure by Catholic voters who were led courage and boldness of African Americans of that time. In fact, to believe that their choice was between candidates who were we may have little choice. only partly committed to a consistent ethic of life. During the 1980s, some Catholics came to regard as a kind Every election year, many Catholic voters see their choice of “truce” in the culture wars the idea that politicians could be as between the lesser of two evils. They face candidates who “personally opposed” to abortion but unwilling to take a posiargue that while they may not be consistent with Catholic val- tion. Catholics would be free to practice their faith while not
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taking positions consistent with fundamental Catholic teaching, because opposing abortion would be seen as imposing their beliefs and their morality on others. But this year, many Catholics sense that this “peaceful co-existence” with secular culture has ended as a result of the Health and Human Services contraception mandate. Catholic public officials, who for years maintained that they would not impose their religious morality on others, now appear entirely comfortable with imposing secular values on their fellow Catholics and on Catholic institutions. The U.S. bishops tell us that, if implemented, the HHS mandate will affect the autonomy and integrity of our Church and its institutions — that it will dramatically change the mission of the Catholic Church in the United States. Therefore, the HHS mandate confronts us with a challenge which is very different from that of social issues such as legal abortion. It is different because it is a challenge to the integrity of our Catholic institutions and our own lives as Catholics. As I observed in my remarks to the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast earlier this year, what is at stake is the redefinition of religion itself and the reduction of the role of religion in the public square. This is what was at stake in the Hosanna Tabor litigation, unanimously decided by the Supreme Court last January, and remains so with the HHS mandate. These government initiatives have profoundly raised the stakes for the future of religion in America. The question is not primarily about public policy choices. Instead, the question now is the sustainability of the mission of Catholic institutions. In these circumstances Catholics can no longer accept politics as usual. Today, Catholic voters must have the courage to act boldly and insist that every candidate for public office respect the integrity and mission of the Catholic Church and its institutions. Catholic voters must have the courage to tell candidates that if they want Catholic votes they will have to respect the fundamental principles of Catholic social teaching, such as the sanctity of human life and the institutions of marriage and family. Catholic voters should insist that candidates measure their political platforms by Catholic social teaching — especially if they are Catholics. Catholic voters should have the courage to settle for nothing less than this. And they should have the courage to withhold their vote from candidates who fail this test — even if it means at times that they will withhold their vote for both candidates for a particular office. The U.S. bishops’ document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship tells us that some actions are intrinsically evil and must always be opposed. As Catholics, we wish we could debate and vote on the full range of Catholic social teaching — including prudential issues that raise serious moral questions. But to be able to effectively do this, we must first refuse to support candidates who advocate policies that are intrinsically evil. Withholding a vote may at times be the most effective vote. In 2005, an Italian referendum that would have removed Italy’s restrictions on in vitro fertilization and embryonic research failed because of low voter turnout. The Italian Bishops Conference had urged Catholics to boycott the referendum. Po-
litical pundits in Italy were convinced that the referendum would easily pass, but what the bishops had described as the “double no” of a Catholic voter boycott reversed the expected result in a dramatic fashion. Only days before the vote, Pope Benedict XVI appeared to endorse the bishops’ strategy, noting that they were “involved in enlightening and motivating the decisions of Catholics and of all citizens concerning the upcoming referendum,” and saying, “I am close to you with my words and my prayers.” Obviously, there is a difference between a national referendum and the election of candidates for public office, but consider what we could achieve over the next decade if we insist that politicians seek our vote on our terms — that is to say, on the terms of an authentic appreciation of Catholic social teaching. Consider one example from recent history. In the 1976 Iowa Caucus, Jimmy Carter and Sargent Shriver were both seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. As we know, Jimmy Carter won in Iowa and went on to win the nomination and become president. But what if Shriver had won in Iowa and had gone on to become president? Is it likely that four years later Ronald Reagan would have been able to build a winning coalition of so-called “Reagan Democrats” composed primarily of blue-collar Catholics to defeat an incumbent pro-life, Catholic President Shriver? How would American politics have been different after eight years of a Shriver administration rather than a Reagan administration? Should not our goal as Catholics be a political environment where Catholic voters can choose between candidates who are in agreement on the fundamental social teaching of the Church? And if so, how would that new reality change the platforms of both our major political parties regarding other principles of Catholic social teaching? I cannot predict the answers to these questions, nor can I say how political parties may benefit or change during the next decade if politicians take seriously Catholic social teaching. But the outcome could be a new political coalition in which Catholics would play an irreplaceable role. This is not promoting partisan politics — it is the opposite of partisanship. Our fourth step must be to transform our national politics by transcending partisanship on the basis of Catholic social teaching. It was in our grasp to transform American politics in 1976. And it can be again. No political party in America can be successful and at the same time lose a majority of Catholic voters. The solution is as simple as this: We should exercise our right to vote on our own terms and not on the terms of others. If we do, America will be a better place. I believe that as Americans and as Catholics, you and I have a responsibility to make this happen. There may be those who say that now is not the right time. But we must look not to the next election, but to the next decade. Dr. King had the courage to dream a great dream. I believe that Catholics can dream great dreams as well.♦ This article was adapted from a speech that Supreme Knight Anderson delivered June 22 to the Catholic Media Convention in Indianapolis. NOVEMBER 2012
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CULTURE of LIFE and PUBLIC POLICY
The
Legislators and voters must take seriously the natural moral law and the right to life
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was excerpted from Cardinal Wuerl’s recent book, Seek First the Kingdom: Challenging the Culture by Living Our Faith (OSV, 2012, osv.com).
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o be Catholic is to admit of a wide range of opinions and methods. There is no Catholic position on the management of public utilities. Devout Catholics may hold an almost infinite variety of opinions on taxation. We must observe a clear distinction between dogmas of the faith, such as the resurrection of Jesus and the assumption of the Blessed Mother into heaven, and those moral principles proclaimed by the Church that are rooted in creation and written on the human heart as the natural moral law. We do not ask the state to impose or even recognize our dogmas. The principle of the free exercise of religion clearly prohibits the state from doing this. But that principle does not prevent us from advocating the recognition of universal moral principles — accessible by reason alone — as a valid rationale for public policy and as the norm against which such policy should be measured. Laws require a point of reference. Every law assumes the existence of right and wrong and prescribes behavior accordingly. Every law is cast in terms of “ought”: you ought to do this and ought not to do that. Thus, every law is implicitly and unavoidably moral. Life does not and cannot unfold in a moral vacuum. Human beings have a moral north star that guides our moral compass. There is a moral order built into God’s creation and into human nature. Just as there are physical laws that are a part of the created order — the law of gravity, for example — so there is also in humanity a law that leads us to admire moral goods such as justice, courage and temperance. 12 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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Philosophers for millennia have recognized it. Deep within our heart and conscience is the recognition, for example, that you must not kill others, just as you do not want others to feel free to kill you. The injunction “You shall not kill” — rooted in our human nature, proclaimed by our conscience and confirmed in God’s revelation — applies to all innocent human life. In a democracy, every citizen must accept some responsibility for the direction of the country. When we vote, we may not check our integrity at the door of the polling place. We need to bring our moral values and vision to the process. Otherwise public policy would soon have no moral coherence — and no moral authority. Integrity requires the same consistency in elected or appointed officials. If one has been chosen for a job, it should be assumed that both vote and behavior will follow on one’s conscience. Citizens vote for persons whom they believe will exercise good judgment and prudence, and will follow their conscience. Every member of the faithful, especially those engaged in political activity, must act out of a well-formed Christian conscience. Lawmakers have to consider the moral implications of their votes. As Aristotle pointed out many centuries ago, the law is a teacher. For many people, what is legal becomes what is right. It should be, but it is not always so. Slavery is one historical example. Abortion is a current one. We live in a culture now that has been formed by laws that permit the casual destruction of the most innocent and most vulnerable human lives. What do such laws teach? What sort of culture are they forming? It is the job of the bishops to make clear how the Gospel message applies to the circumstances of our day. But it is the
CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz
by Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl
CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec
Rushad Thomas of Arlington, Va., wears pro-life stickers as he and thousands of others attend the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Jan. 22. • Opposite page: A “Vote Pro-Life” sign is seen outside a home in St. James, N.Y. task of the laity to make an effort to understand those teachings — especially those that are most relevant to their work and apply them to the practical order of public policy. It is for this reason that the bishops have so consistently taught that abortion, which takes the life of an unborn human being, is intrinsically evil. It can never be justified. Abortion is an action clearly and decisively condemned in the teaching of the early Church. … Certainly no position has been so clearly and strongly stated by the bishops of the United States. It is as clear today as it has always been: the Catholic Church opposes abortion because abortion is a moral evil. As abortion is wrong, so — quite logically — legislative support for abortion is wrong. The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, citing the teaching of Blessed John Paul II, recently clarified that voting for legislation supporting abortion is gravely wrong. So often the attempt to justify voting for pro-abortion legislation is made by the claim that the legislator, personally, is
opposed to abortion but wants to allow people a choice. The flaw in this argument is obvious. When you choose, you choose something. When you say “I choose,” you have to complete the sentence. As Pope John Paul II reminded us, ours is a choice “between the ‘culture of life’ and the ‘culture of death.’” No one would take seriously the claim of a legislator that he or she is personally opposed to child pornography but feels that it really should be left to the choice of the individual. We don’t even do that with smoking in most public places. Support for abortion is in a category far beyond other politically driven decisions, such as the rate of taxation or the advisability of a new bond issue. There is no natural moral law written in the hearts of all people regarding public funding of a new transit system or about a new sales tax. But there is about killing innocent human life. All of us have an obligation to be informed on how critical the life-and-death issue of abortion is, and how profoundly and intrinsically evil is the destruction of unborn human life. If our nation was founded upon the “laws of nature and nature’s God,” then abortion renders null the most fundamental right hallowed by America’s founders: the right to life.♦ CARDINAL DONALD W. WUERL is archbishop of Washington and a member of The Catholic University of America Council 9542.
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Knights and others, moved by the heroism of Mexican Catholics in the 1920s, helped to promote the movie For Greater Glory by Lizette M. Lantigua
Manuel Albert, whose grandmother lived through the Catholic persecution in Mexico in the 1920s, worked to spread the word in his council and community about the movie For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada. He is pictured at his home in Santa Ana, Calif. 14 ♌ C O L U M B I A ♌
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Photograph by Tracy Boulian
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n the late 1920s, Mexican President Plutarco Elias Calles began to enforce the anti-clerical articles in the country’s 1917 constitution and initiated one of the worst eras of antiCatholic persecution in history. Calles considered Catholics hostile toward the government and went on a crusade banning religious practices, confiscating Church property, closing down Catholic schools and ordering the killing of thousands of people. Manuel Albert, a member of Santa Ana (Calif.) Council 1842, grew up hearing stories about the persecution of Catholics in Mexico from his grandmother, Maria Vargas. One day, while Vargas was hiding priests in her house, she was shot in the neck by agraristas, landowners who sided with the Mexican government for fear that their land would be taken away. Vargas was gravely wounded, but thankfully, she recovered. She married, raised seven children and lived until age 96. It was no coincidence to Albert that his grandmother died on Nov. 25, 2001, the Solemnity of Christ the King. The three-year war that erupted in response to the persecution initiated by President Calles became known as La Cristiada, and the rebel soldiers became known as Cristeros because of their battle cry: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long Live Christ the King!). It is also no coincidence that Albert felt a deep emotional connection when the film For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada hit theaters earlier this year. Produced by Pablo José Barroso of Dos Corazones Films and directed by Academy Award-nominated visual effects producer Dean Wright, the film features an all-star cast that includes Andy Garcia, Peter O’Toole, Santiago Cabrera, Ruben Blades and Eva Longoria. Albert received his first Communion in Sahuayo, Mexico, at the same church where Blessed José “Joselito” Sanchez del Rio (played in the film by young actor Mauricio Kuri) was held prisoner and where his remains are located. After joining the Cristeros as a flag bearer, Blessed José was captured, tortured and killed at age 15. Pope Benedict XVI beatified him and declared him a martyr in 2005. Likewise, Albert and his wife were married at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Guadalajara, where the martyrs Blessed Anacleto Gonzáles Flores (portrayed in the film by Eduardo Verástegui) and Miguel Gómez Loza (played by Raul Mendez) are buried. “These people were willing to die because they were denied holy Mass and the opportunity to receive the sacraments,” said Albert. “How many of us today complain because there is not enough parking or no air conditioning in our churches? We don’t stop to contemplate about what these people went through so that their country would not be a Godless nation.” While watching the movie, he could not help thinking: If I were in the same situation, would I be so brave? And he is not alone. Many others have asked themselves the same question after seeing For Greater Glory, which premiered in Mexico and the United States in April and June, respectively. “The movie made me question myself on how far I would be willing to go for my faith,” said Patricia Ros, 22, whose father is a member of St. Mark Council 13045 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “What impacted me the most was [the character
of ] Joselito. He refused to denounce his faith and he accepted death. I pray for the strength if I had to do that someday.” Since he was so deeply affected by the film, Albert wanted to make sure that the sacrifice that so many men and women made for their love of God would not be forgotten. He helped promote For Greater Glory in Orange County by visiting parishes, organizing private screenings, driving people to the theaters, sending email announcements and posting information on social media. Other Knights also took up the cause, mobilizing their families and friends across the United States to help contribute to the movie’s success. “I was delighted that the movie played for over three weeks in our area,” said Ellen DeKleva. Her husband, Chuck, belongs to St. Michael Council 8980 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and helped promote the movie. Jeff Reiter, a member of Father John Rossiter Council 9385 in Holmen, Wis., also did his part to spread the word about For Greater Glory. He said that the film inspired many of his fellow Knights, adding, “I heard several brother Knights say they needed to examine how they give of themselves to Christ.” AMONG THOSE killed during the persecution of the Church in Mexico were approximately 70 members of the Knights of Columbus, nine of whom have been beatified or canonized as martyrs. A K of C-produced documentary, which tells the story of the Knights’ response to the Calles regime, is featured on the DVD/Blu-ray version of For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada, which was released in September. Randy Hain, a Catholic author and a member of St. Peter Chanel Council 13217 in Roswell, Ga., believes that viewers can take lessons from the movie regarding the importance of religious liberty. “We would be well served to study the events of this time in Mexican history and avoid the actions that allowed such an extremist regime to take power,” said Hain. “We are not at the same place as the Cristeros, but we need to make a stand now to defend our religious freedom.” In the introduction of a short book companion to the movie, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles warns how in the United Sates and in Mexico today we don’t face death for practicing our faith, but we do confront softer “forms of secularist bullying.” In these times, the archbishop concludes, we need to ask for the strength to be Cristeros. “By their dying, they show us what we should be living for. We need to make that our prayer.”♦ LIZETTE M. LANTIGUA writes from South Florida. She is the author of Mission Libertad (Pauline), a historical fiction novel for young adults.
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Ushering People to the Door of Faith The Year of Faith challenges Catholics to deepen their convictions and participate in the new evangelization by Father Geno Sylva
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here is no experience like it in all the world! To stand in the vast expanse of St. Peter’s Square; to talk and laugh among the sojourners who have come to the Eternal City from every corner of the globe. They have diverse cultures and faith traditions, yet they are all waiting for an opportunity to enter this holy place, whose portals are ever welcoming. Then a hush falls upon the visitors as the massive doors open, and they are ushered into the beauty and sacredness of this great basilica. Just as those pilgrims are drawn to Rome, all people are drawn to the divine. Even though the modern world espouses relativism, which Pope Benedict XVI has noted “does not recognize anything as definitive,” and secularism, which he says implores man “to build his life without God,” people are still searching for faith. In the words of Blessed John Paul II, “There remains a thirst for the absolute, a desire for goodness, a hunger for truth, the need for personal fulfillment.” Such yearnings are our hope, yet the desire to see the face of God often remains unsatisfied amid the deafening clamor of those who “preach” complete autonomy. With Christ as its conductor, the work of the new evangelization seeks to restore harmony to the world and, by doing so, to address the desire for God that lies in the heart of each human being. NEW DOORS, OPEN WIDE In a 2008 pastoral letter, Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., succinctly defined evangelization as “bringing the Gospel to every person and to every situation.” This mission of evangelization has been Christ’s constant mandate to his 16 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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Church (cf. Mt 28:19-20). In contemporary times, some people have suggested that the Church has only re-energized her essential mission of evangelization because of declining numbers and a growing apathy towards God. On the contrary, the Church evangelizes because Christ mandated that we do so, no matter the present situation. There have been many epochs during which the Church has had to confront the cultural challenges that attempt to draw the faithful away from the truth. Thankfully, such efforts have succeeded in ushering people to Christ, who are willing to defend the deposit of faith. In our own time, Pope John Paul II responded to Christ’s mandate by recognizing that the world was undergoing unprecedented changes by the end of the 20th century. Speaking
L’Osservatore Romano
Pilgrims fill St. Peter’s Square Oct. 7 as Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the opening Mass of the synod of bishops on the new evangelization. Hanging from the facade are tapestries of St. John of Avila and St. Hildegard of Bingen, whom the pope declared Doctors of the Church. to Latin American bishops in 1983, he said that we must commit not to a re-evangelization, but rather to undertake “a new evangelization; new in its ardor, methods and expression.” This new evangelization must include “stirring into flame the gift of God” in the hearts of many people for whom the salt of the Gospel has become tasteless (2 Tm 1:6, cf. Mt 5:13). John Paul II ignited this spark during his 1978 inauguration homily in which he challenged each believer: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. … Do not be afraid. Christ knows ‘what is in man.’ He alone knows it.” Pope Benedict XVI echoed these same words 27 years later
SUPREME KNIGHT Carl A. Anderson was one of 49 individuals appointed as auditors for the synod of bishops on the new evangelization, held Oct. 7-28 at the Vatican. Every few years, the world synod of bishops meets in Rome to discuss major issues concerning the Church. Papally appointed lay auditors attend sessions of the synod and serve as observers. Anderson was the only Catholic layman from North America to serve as an auditor at the world synod of bishops in 2001, 2005 and 2008.
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in the homily for his own inauguration as pontiff. In that hom- He said that “by nature we are Catholics — that is, open to ily, he clearly announced that the work of the new evangeliza- all and wishing to be alongside each person to offer them the tion — the opportunity to be like Christ and to lead others company of the faith. We want to speak to all, even if we know “toward the place of life, toward friendship with the Son of that not everyone wishes to have dialogue with us. We have all God” — would continue. been invited to knock on every door, even though we know And continue it has. Most recently, the Holy Father pro- that many remain barred.” moted the new evangelization through the convocation of a Yet, as ushers we must never forget that we offer invitations synod of bishops titled “The Evangelization for the Transmis- to faith; testifying and proposing, not imposing. Here lies the sion of the Christian Faith.” From Oct. 7-28, bishops repre- important distinction between evangelizing and proselytizing. senting every episcopal conference of the world and from the The Year of Faith offers us both the encouragement and the various departments of the Roman Curia met with Pope Bene- structure through which to hone the art of being ushers to dict to suggest and pursue pastoral proposals. The focus of Christ, living invitations to faith. Central to this year is a retheir discussion was a “new manner of proclaiming the Gospel, newed focus on the Profession of Faith, inviting individuals especially for those who live in the present day situation which and families to make the Nicene Creed their daily prayer. is affected by the growing trend of secularization.” Knights of Columbus can use this opportunity to pray the A year ago, in order to incorpoCreed together with their families rate the entire Church into this each day and during council meetprocess of re-energizing the faithful, ings, perhaps leaving time to discuss Pope Benedict published an aposa part of the prayer and its meantolic letter titled Porta Fidei (Door ing. Most importantly, we ought to his new evangelization of Faith), in which he announced pray the Creed at Mass with a rethat Oct. 11, 2012, to Nov. 24, newed attentiveness to the truths must include ‘stirring into 2013, would be observed as a spebeing proclaimed, leaving time for cial Year of Faith. The date opening God to give us the grace to live the flame the gift of God’ in the the Year of Faith commemorated faith authentically. Only then will the 50th anniversary of the opening our invitations to faith be accepted! hearts of many people for of the Second Vatican Council and In the closing chapter of his the 20th anniversary of the publicabook, Archbishop Fisichella shares whom the salt of the Gospel tion of the Catechism of the Catholic a medieval story that captures the Church. The pope’s apostolic letter goal of the Year of Faith and, in has become tasteless began with these words: “The ‘door fact, the very essence of what it of faith’ (Acts 14:27) is always open means to be Catholic: “A poet (2 Tm 1:6, cf. Mt 5:13). for us, ushering us into the life of passed by some work being concommunion with God and offering ducted and saw three workers busy entry into his Church.” at their work; they were stone cutBut the questions remain: Who ters. He turned to the first and will usher others to the door of faith? How will they offer in- said: ‘What are you doing, my friend?’ This man, quite indifvitations to people, letting them know that they do not have ferently, replied: ‘I am cutting a stone.’ He went a little furto wait and suffer in line beneath the oppressive heat of rela- ther, saw the second and posed to him the same question, and tivism and secularism? It is in responding to these questions this man replied, surprised: ‘I am involved in the building of that we can discern our role as evangelists and come to appre- a column.’ A bit further ahead, the pilgrim saw the third and ciate the great opportunity offered by the Year of Faith. to this man he put the same question; the response, full of enthusiasm, was: ‘I am building a cathedral.’ The old meaning USHERS OF CHRIST is not changed by the new work we are called to construct. Faith comes through grace and the Holy Spirit. However, be- There are various workers called into the vineyard of the Lord lieving is also a truly human act and, as such, it possesses per- to bring about the new evangelization; all of them will have sonal and relational dimensions. Is it any wonder that Pope some reason to offer to explain their commitment.” Benedict used the term “ushering” to announce the Year of It is through these explanations — spoken in words and acFaith? To usher means to escort, lead, introduce and conduct. tions — that each one of us lifts up our heads, opens up the Each synonym implies a relationship, an interaction. Thus, as ancient gates, opens up the ancient doors, and ushers people evangelists, we must walk with one another. to the King of Glory (cf. Ps 24:9). There is nothing like it in In his recent book, The New Evangelization. Responding to all the world!♦ the Challenge of Indifference, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New FATHER GENO SYLVA is an official for the Pontifical Council for Evangelization and the organizing secretariat for the Year of Promoting the New Evangelization and a member of Msgr. Joseph R. Faith, wrote that believers are incapable of “travelling alone.” Brestel Council 5920 in Hawthorne, N.J.
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FAT H E R S F O R G O O D
Social Media and Children Online safety tips from a digital dad by Matt Warner
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Thinkstock
he first social network wasn’t called Facebook, and it didn’t have a World Wide Web address. No, the first social network was born of flesh and bone in the Garden of Eden. It’s called the family, with timeless lines of communication among parents and children. Today, when digital attractions compete for our children’s attention, we parents need to learn about healthy, productive ways to use this new media — and pass them along to our kids. There are already a lot of great recommendations concerning safe Internet usage for families, such as installing content-blocking and parental-control software, keeping the computer in an open, common space of your home, and limiting time online. These steps are very important, but what I’d like to share here are some foundational social media principles many families have yet to learn. Start with yourself. If you’re going to teach your kids online safety, you had better know what you’re talking about. Spend some time learning how social media works. Since young people learn by example, your children will pick up your good (or bad) social media habits, so set a good example before setting down the rules. Send a positive message. As with teaching the faith, we need to convey more than “thou shalt not”: Don’t surf this. Don’t click that. We need to share the more profound “yes” behind every “no.” Whether it’s research for school, having wholesome fun, connecting with loved ones or helping somebody in need, show your children all the good they can do by using the Internet and social media, and give them a reason to act responsibly. Give them tools. Empower your children by channeling their natural curiosity and social interest in creative and healthy ways. Don’t just shut the activity down, since a blanket ban can lead to furtive and more dangerous use. At every stage of a child’s life, we have to decide how far to let them go so they can grow, adapt and decide for themselves. We must exercise the same wisdom with social media.
Explore social media together. Ask your children about their favorite apps or sites. Just as you take interest in their offline life, do the same online, and become aware of their digital experiences. Keep it real. Just because we happen to be using technology, it doesn’t make communication “less real.” Social media involves real people, real relationships and real consequences to your actions. It’s important to make this point so that our kids understand how use or misuse can impact their life, both now and for a very long time to come. The Internet has a long memory, so both the benefits and the dangers to a child’s future are very real. Beware of strangers. Teach your kids to have the same kind of caution when encountering strangers on the web as they would on the street. Focus on relationships. The most important thing you can do to help your children use social media safely has nothing to do with rules or technology; it has to do with your personal relationship with them. If you have a great relationship, built upon love and trust, you have less to worry about. They will tell you when they have concerns and have less desire to find unhealthy outlets online. Love life more than media. People get addicted to computer screens and mobile phones when they forget how amazing everything else is in life. Sure, computers and digital devices have a lot to offer, but they will never replace the feel of dirt under your fingernails, the view from the top of a backyard tree or the wonder of a sunset. Prepare your kids to engage the world. Teach them to love life fully and then remind them of it daily by your own example. If you do that, social media can find a useful yet properly limited place in your family — free from too much worry.♦ MATT WARNER is the founder of Flocknote.com, a social media service for Catholic groups, and a member of Venerable Michael J. McGivney Council 14549 in Arlington, Texas.
FIND ADDITIONAL ARTICLES AND RESOURCES FOR CATHOLIC MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES AT WWW. FATHERSFORGOOD. ORG .
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A Trail of
Charity
Knights of Columbus Food for Families initiative inspires fraternity, volunteerism and helping neighbors in need by Patrick Scalisi
The Knight of Columbus Journey for Charity Tractor Cruise wends its way along the outer road of I-44 in St. Clair, Mo. 20 ♌ C O L U M B I A ♌
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Don Brinker (left) divides the food donations for several food pantries at the end of the Knights of Columbus Journey for Charity.
Photography by Kevin Manning
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n what John Jasper called a “perfect” September day in eastern Missouri, 83 tractors lined up Sunday, Sept. 9, in the parking lot of a die casting plant in St. Clair. With grilles painted in hues from fire-engine red to iceberg blue to the traditional John Deere green and yellow, the tractors were primed to begin a 30-mile overland cruise that would take them through three townships. Jasper, a polite man with a pronounced Midwestern twang, was one of the chief organizers of the cruise. The weather, he said, was a blessing. “It was 54 degrees that morning,” he recalled. “It was clear. And you couldn’t ask for a better September day. It just makes this project a whole lot easier.” The “project” had nothing to do with showing off farm equipment or taking a leisurely Sunday drive. Rather, the purpose of the tractor cruise was to collect provisions and funds for local food banks as part of the Knights of Columbus Food for Families initiative. Just as the tractors are used, in part, to harvest crops at the end of the growing season, on this day they were used to harvest donations for food pantries that continue to struggle in a mired economy that sees millions of people unemployed and underemployed. A joint project of Seisl Council 1121 in Washington, Mathaushek Council 1576 in Union, Bishop
Leo John Stech Council 4667 in Saint Clair and Msgr. George J. Hildner Council 8073 in Villa Ridge, the cruise is just one way that the Food for Families program is helping the hungry and needy during continuously trying times. CRUISIN’ ALONG Conceived five years ago, the tractor cruise in Missouri has seen steady growth since it launched in 2008. Dubbed the “Knights of Columbus Journey for Charity,” the most recent event netted approximately 1,000 pounds of food and $19,000 in donations. Jasper, a member of Council 1576, and other organizers came up with the idea after seeing news stories about similar events in other cities. The Knights decided to plan their own cruise and solicited the cooperation of local councils when it became clear that the event would pass through several townships on its 30-mile route. “It was really hard to market because nobody really understood what we were trying to do,” Jasper explained. “The first year was really hard to get off the ground.” Even the weather seemed unwilling to cooperate that initial year; rain from Hurricane Ike nearly dampened the first tractor cruise, clearing up — providentially — when a priest came to bless the fleet of tractors at 11 a.m. Since then, the event NOVEMBER 2012
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has seen consistently good weather, as well as an increase in participants and donations. “One of our duties in being a Knight is to answer the call of charity,” Jasper said. “This is a way that we felt that we could meet these needs and have fun doing it.” Indeed, the K of C organizers wanted to craft an event that was open to participants of all faith traditions. “A good percentage of the people who are there every year are not Catholic and they … want their tractors blessed also,” said Grand Knight Richard Bolzenius of Council 1576. Bolzenius, who oversees the event’s finances, added that several of the food pantries that receive assistance from the cruise are run by other Christian denominations, and not everyone who receives support is Christian.
14,280 pounds of fresh food, a commodity that food pantries often lack. These projects — and hundreds more — have done wonders to keep food banks stocked and serviceable. As added incentive, the Order recently announced the Food for Families Reimbursement Program (see sidebar), which will offer rebates to councils that provide financial assistance to food banks and food pantries. Councils and Squires circles are both eligible to participate.
EFFORTS REWARDED In Missouri, the Knights of Columbus Journey for Charity has been a boon for local food banks — and families — trying to makes ends meet. “We just know that the [food pantries] are stressed out,” said Jasper. “We just know from being in the community that FOOD FOR ALL there are a lot of folks that are down.” Launched in February 2009 at a K of C-sponsored summit For the 2012 tractor cruise, the Knights announced that on volunteerism in New York City, the Food for Families ini- they would collect food along the route, in addition to the tiative falls under the Order’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors entry fees provided by the drivers and sponsors. This method, umbrella, which, in turn, according to Bolzenius, was was established at the height highly successful. of the economic downturn “People were waiting FOOD FOR FAMILIES to help the needy on several along the route with bags of REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM fronts. Through the Coats canned goods and money,” for Kids program, for inhe said. “People would walk stance, Knights provide up and hand money to the Announced by the Supreme Council in September, the Food warm winter coats to needy drivers of the collection vefor Families Reimbursement Program will offer rebates to counchildren in cold-weather hicles.” cils that provide financial assistance to food banks and food cities. Food for Families, The cruise has even been pantries. For every $500 that a council or assembly donates to meanwhile, ensures that successful in reigniting the a food bank, the Supreme Council will refund $100, up to a those children — along with volunteer spirit among maximum refund of $500 per council (based on $2,500 in contheir parents and siblings — members, especially since tributions) per fraternal year. Columbian Squires circles can have adequate access to nuthe cruise requires so much also receive a refund of $20 for every $100 contributed. tritious food. manpower to organize. To qualify, councils simply need to complete the Food for According to the U.S. DeDarryl Holtmeyer had Families Reimbursement Program Report Form (available at partment of Agriculture, not been active in Council kofc.org/forms) by June 30, 2013. 17.9 million households ex1121 for about 30 years. perienced “food insecurity” Despite joining the Knights in 2011, meaning that they as a young man at the urghad difficulty at some time during the year providing enough ing of his father and advancing to the Fourth Degree, Holtfood for all their members due to a lack of resources. meyer explained that family obligations often got in the way “Times are probably tougher than they’ve been in years and of participating in council events. Now, at age 61, he serves years,” said Bolzenius. “It’s probably slowly getting better, but as the tractor cruise chairman of his council. it’s getting better too slowly for the people really in need and “Now that I’ve done that, I’m really happy about it,” said the people with kids. … We see a lot of families come into Holtmeyer. “I’m going to try to get more members interested the food pantry that maybe were giving five years ago. Now in this project and try to do a little more for the council.” they’re on the receiving end.” With so many spinning gears, the organizers admit that the To combat this situation, Food for Families has seen the Journey for Charity can seem like a daunting event to plan. launch of several ingenious programs at the grassroots level. But when it goes off right — and the weather cooperates — For instance, Our Lady of Guadalupe Council 8306 in the results can be extraordinary. Helotes, Texas, started the 40 Cans for Lent food drive in Explained Jasper, “When you have a day like we had Sun2011, which has since become an Orderwide initiative. The day and a big turn out … it just motivates you to get next program encourages council members and parishioners to year’s started and going.”♦ contribute one can of nonperishable food per day for the duration of Lent. And last year, Tillamook (Ore.) Council 2171 planted a community vegetable garden that yielded more than PATRICK SCALISI is the associate editor of Columbia magazine. 22 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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Photography by Kevin Manning
Clockwise, from top: Father Bob Knight and Deacon Harvey Dubbs bless the tractor fleet before the tractor cruise embarks on its charitable venture. • The organizing committee of the annual Knights of Columbus Journey for Charity pose for a picture before the start of the event. • Spectators wave as the tractors pass through downtown Union, Mo. • A young girl sits on the tire of her father’s tractor, enjoying a rest break at the home of Mathaushek Council 1576.
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A Cloud of Witnesses Pope Benedict XVI canonizes three new saints from the countries where the Knights of Columbus is present by Father Thomas Rosica, C.S.B.
O
n World Mission Sunday, Oct. 21, during the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI canonized seven new saints. Among them were two martyrs (a French Jesuit missionary to Madagascar and a young Filipino layman); two founders of religious congregations (an Italian priest and a Spanish sister); two laywomen (a Native American and a German), and a German religious sister who worked in a leper colony. Three of the new saints spent their lives in countries where the Knights of Columbus is present today. ST. MARIANNE COPE: MOTHER OF THE OUTCASTS Mother Marianne Cope (1838–1918), formerly Barbara Koob (now officially Cope), was born Jan. 23, 1838, and baptized
the following day in what is now western Germany. Her family emigrated to America shortly thereafter, where Barbara labored for a time as a factory worker before pursuing a vocation to the religious life. The young Sister Marianne worked as a teacher and hospital administrator, and in 1870 was elected superior of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y. In 1883, she received an unexpected invitation from Father Leonor Fouesnel, emissary of the Hawaiian government, to come and help the “afflicted members” of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Mother Marianne responded to the invitation to assist with the care of lepers on the island of Molokai. She left with six sisters in 1883, planning to get them settled and then return to Syracuse. However, after five years of managing a hospital in Honolulu, Mother Marianne herself volunteered to go to Molokai to work with the lepers who had been exiled there. The life of Mother Marianne complements the life of St. Damien of Molakai (1840-1889), beloved for his self-sacrifice for the lepers of Hawaii. Mother Marianne spent the last 30 years of her life working closely with Father Damien and with the outcasts of society. When she died at the age of 80 in 1918, a Honolulu newspaper wrote: “Seldom has the opportunity come to a woman to devote every hour of 30 years to the mothering of people isolated by law from the rest of the world. She risked her own life all that time, faced everything with unflinching courage, and was known for her gentle smile.”
Left: A portrait of St. Marianne Cope, a teacher and hospital administrator who spent more than three decades ministering to those with leprosy on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. • Top right: The oldest known portrait of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, a painting by Jesuit Father Claude Chauchetiere, was made about 16 years after St. Kateri’s death in 1680. • Bottom right: A painting of St. Pedro Calungsod, a young missionary catechist from Cebu, Philippines. He was martyred the day before Palm Sunday in 1672 in Guam. 24 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
NOVEMBER 2012
CNS file photo
ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA: MODEL OF THE NEW EVANGELIZATION St. Kateri Tekakwitha, known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” was born to a Christian Algonquin mother and a Mohawk father in 1656 in upstate New York. At the age of 4, smallpox attacked Kateri’s village, taking the lives of her parents and
CNS photo/courtesy of Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of Blessed Pedro Calungsod — CNS photo/courtesy of the Cause of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
baby brother and leaving Kateri with facial scars and seriously impaired eyesight. Although terribly weakened, scarred and partially blind, she survived and was adopted by her uncle, a Mohawk chief. Kateri’s family did not accept her choice to embrace Christianity. After her baptism, she became the village outcast and was threatened with torture or death if she did not renounce her religion. Due to the increasing hostility from her people and because she wanted to devote her life to God, Kateri left her village in July 1677 and fled more than 200 miles to the Catholic mission at Sault Saint-Louis, near Montreal. On March 25, 1679, Kateri made a vow of perpetual virginity, choosing to remain unmarried and totally devoted to Christ for the rest of her life. The following year, Kateri died at the age of 24. Her last words were, “Jesus, I love you,” and the scars on her face reportedly disappeared immediately after her death. Kateri is the first native North American saint. Her earthly life was hidden in the 17th century, yet her message continues to resound today. ST. PEDRO CALUNGSOD: THE GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST A third newly canonized saint who models for us passion and devotion to God is the young migrant, sacristan and missionary catechist, St. Pedro Calungsod, from the Cebu province of the Philippines. Few details of Pedro’s early life prior to his missionary work and death are known. He was a young lay missionary who traveled abroad to proclaim Christ to others. On April 2, 1672, he suffered a martyr’s death in modern-day Guam at the age of 17 while trying to defend a Jesuit priest (Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores) from those who hated Christianity. The attacker killed Pedro with a spear and a machete, and the bodies of Father Diego Luis and Pedro were then tied together and thrown into the sea, never to be found again. The faith that was planted in the Philippines and Guam in 1668 did not die with Father Diego Luis, Pedro Calungsod and the first missionaries there. St. Pedro Calungsod is now the second Filipino saint after St. Lorenzo Ruiz, who was martyred in Japan in 1637. Like St. Marianne Cope and St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Pedro is now honored among the “great cloud of witnesses” that continue to inspire and surround us, showing us the way to our heavenly homeland (cf. Heb 12:1). Amid conflict, suffering and martyrdom, these saints remained present to the people around them. Through their lives, they modeled for us authentic human relationships, with their feet firmly planted on earth and their eyes fixed on heaven.♦ BASILIAN FATHER THOMAS ROSICA, a member of Toronto Council 1388, was the national director and CEO of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto. He has been the head of Canada’s Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation since 2003 and is also president of Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario.
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KNIGHTS IN ACTION
REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLES
#49 and #104 created a scriptural rosary book for Catholics throughout the Diocese of London. The book’s first printing of 6,000 copies sold out in just two months, and Knights are looking to undertake a second printing with an additional version in French. Proceeds are disseminated to the councils within the districts for charitable uses. AIDING THE BLIND
Members of John F. Kennedy Council 6004 in Artesia, Calif., stand with some of the fruit trees they purchased at the request of Father Vicente Decipeda, pastor of Holy Family Church. Knights purchased and planted the trees on their parish grounds to serve as a source of fresh, organic fruit. WHEN I WAS BLIND…
Memorare Council 3476 in Seaford, N.Y., provides ongoing support to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind Inc., which breeds and trains guide dogs for people with visual impairments. Over the past year, the council raised $20,000 for the foundation through a number of fundraisers, including a special weekend for couples at the Hudson Valley
Resort and Spa that also featured a number of raffles and auctions. It costs approximately $6,000 to train one guide dog, and all of the canines funded through the council are named after Catholic saints. HELPING BILL’S KITCHEN
San Juan Bautista Council 1543 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, donated 300 pounds of canned goods to Bill’s Kitchen, an organization that provides food, nutritional counseling, emotional support and additional services to people with HIV and AIDS. GOODS FOR INMATES
Members of Santo Domingo de Guzman Council 14383 in Yauco, Puerto Rico, remove a pole from the garden at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, which is operated by the Dominican Sisters of the Rosary of Fatima. Knights cleaned the garden in preparation for a special event there. 26 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
Msgr. Diaznes Council 3597 in Laoang, Visayas, collected toiletries and used clothing for inmates at the Laoang Sub-Provincial Jail. WORK DAY AT RETREAT
Members of Lancaster Council 2455 in Palmdale, Calif., Palmdale Council 4229, and St. Leonard Murialdo Council 10667 in Quartz Hill vol-
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unteered for a work day at Mount Carmel in the Desert, a Carmelite retreat center and day care in Lake Los Angeles. Knights moved a large shed, organized the facility’s storage, repaired various gates and benches, and cleaned the grounds.
St. Joseph Council 443 in New York hosted a Communion breakfast at which Jesuit Father John Sheehan, president of the Xavier Society for the Blind, spoke on the topic of finding God in all things. More than 100 people attended the event, which raised $250 for the council and $250 for the Xavier Society.
CHAPEL IN AFGHANISTAN
Reagan Council 1890 in East Palestine, Ohio, and St. Jude Council 10183 in Columbiana worked with the Diocese of Youngstown to equip a small Catholic chapel at a U.S. Air Force base in Afghanistan. Knights secured a tabernacle and altar linens from the diocese and donated a statue of the Holy Family and several rosaries. In appreciation for the items, airmen sent Council 1890 a U.S. flag that had flown over the base on Sept. 11, 2011. SCRIPTURAL ROSARY BOOK
With the encouragement of Bishop John M. Sherlock of London, Ontario, the councils of Ontario Districts #9,
Michael Ryba of Holy Spirit Council 15037 in Naperville has his head shaved at a St. Baldrick’s event co-hosted by the council and the Plainfield Fire Protection District. More than 20 Knights and their families organized the event, which featured raffle prizes donated by a number of area businesses and raised nearly $25,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. In addition, several council members had their heads shaved to raise awareness of pediatric cancer.
K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N FINDING SHELTER
St. Patrick Council 5101 in Hinckley, Minn., held a pancake breakfast to raise funds for the new Pine County Homeless Shelter. The event raised more than $700 to help renovate an old medical clinic that was donated for use as a homeless shelter when the clinic moved to a new building. THE CORRECT SPELLING
Sierras Madre Council 4781 in Carson City, Nev., donated 87 copies of Webster’s Dictionary to Jacks Valley Elementary School and St. Teresa School. ‘PANCAKES FOR PRIESTS’
St. Francis of Assisi Council 12422 in West Des Moines, Iowa, held a “Pancakes for Priests” fundraiser to benefit seminarian Andrew Windschitl and his ailing father,
John. Knights served pancakes, sausage, bacon and eggs to more than 350 parishioners, collecting $5,727 in donations to assist the Windschitl family. FILLING A VOID
Allouz Council 658 in Rock Island, Ill., collected $1,000 and more than 1,100 pounds of food for the pantry at St. Pius X Church. The council sponsored a drive to benefit the pantry after it expressed a desire to expand its outreach when other free food outlets in the area ceased operation. DINNER FOR AUTISM
Lyndhurst (N.J.) Council 2396 held a chicken dinner at the Lyndhurst Senior Center that raised $500 for Autism New Jersey. The event featured a talk by Linda Meyer, executive director of the organization. READING MATERIAL
Father William Kiely Council 5109 in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, donates copies of the Cape Breton Post to palliative care patients at North Side General Hospital six days a week so that the patients can keep up on the news and have fresh reading material. WINDOW TO THE WOMB
Richard Schreck of Msgr. George Lewis Assembly in Aiken, S.C., grills hot dogs on an indoor cooker during a luncheon for veterans at Heroes Point, a long-term care and hospice ward at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Ga. Knights from the assembly and from Msgr. George Lewis Smith Council 3684 adopted the ward, where they host parties and lunches for veterans and their families.
St. Joseph the Worker Council 10531 in Thornhill, Ontario, donated a display of a child in the womb to St. Elizabeth High School for use in class. The display includes life-size models of a fetus at four stages of development. Meanwhile, St. Thomas Aquinas Council 14209 at the University of Connecticut in Storrs donated funds for Nate Harrison to purchase a similar model. Harrison, who is also a member of the university’s pro-life club, uses the display as part of the club’s activities.
Members of Divine Mercy Council 15139 in Severina, Luzon, remove overgrown trees and brush from a vacant lot that will serve as the future site of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Church. Knights and parishioners cleaned the lot in preparation for the start of construction. SPAGHETTI DINNER, AUCTION
Our Lady of Victory Council 6563 in Red Deer, Alberta, held its annual spaghetti dinner and auction. The event was held at St. Mary’s Church and featured a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. The dinner generated $2,675 for the council’s charitable fund.
Children’s Hospital. More than 165 people attended the event, which featured music and raffle prizes and which raised more than $2,000.
RISING ABOVE
Father Thomas Lane Council 3645 in Renton, Wash., provided meals to homeless men at St. Anthony Church as part of the Area of Renton Interfaith Shelter Endeavor. ARISE provides a safe place for homeless men to sleep and receive a hot meal, as well as the opportunity to work on self-sufficiency through case management. Knights provided dinner and lunches to the homeless men through the program. HOSPITAL BENEFIT
Christ the King Council 5901 in St. Hubert, Quebec, held a charity dinner at St. Mary’s Church in Greenfield Park to benefit the oncology department at Montreal
Robert Fernandes of Father Heslin Council 2557 in Turlock, Calif., instructs a boy on the safe and proper handling of a hunting weapon during a council-sponsored “Kids-Dads-Wild Things” night. Knights invited youngsters and their fathers to rediscover the outdoors by talking about stewardship of natural resources, respect for fishing and game laws, and the location of area parks and reserves. Kids also had the opportunity to handle deer antlers and other artifacts, and to participate in a drawing for sports equipment.
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K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N
Walden’s house and load her belongings into a moving truck. When Walden arrived at her new residence in the southern part of the state, members of Vic Giasson Council 10733 in Saint George were there to greet her and help unpack. CEMETERY ACCESS
Jerry Lauby of Father Mathias Zerfas Council 664 in Fond du Lac, Wis., uses a sander to prepare wooden shelves while renovating a thrift store operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Knights and other members of the community volunteered 5,000 hours to renovate the store in preparation for reopening. WEEKLY BREAKFASTS
St. Anthony Council 6800 and Father William O’Meara Assembly, both in Brooksville, Fla., host weekly breakfasts after Sunday Mass at St. Anthony Church. The council’s ladies’ auxiliary hosts the first breakfast of the month, while the assembly hosts the third. Council 6800 sponsors the rest. Funds from the breakfasts support the Knights’ scholarship program and grants for area seminarians. PRAY WITH OUR TROOPS
Cardinal James Hickey, Prince of the Church Assembly in Washington, D.C., launched a program called “Pray with Our Troops” to send religious literature to U.S. troops stationed around the world. To inaugurate the program, Knights raised $1,000 to send 30 Catholic prayer books to the Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. DAILY BREAD
Msgr. Edward Dolan Council 8781 in Knoxville, Tenn., has sponsored a project for the past 25 years in which 28 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
council members collect food daily from several area stores and deliver it to organizations that provide assistance to the needy. Knights pick up an average of 3,400 pounds of food per week from grocery stores and restaurants, and the goods are distributed to soup kitchens, shelters and one organization that provides assistance to the poor people of Appalachia. GRAND KNIGHTS DAY
The Louisiana State Council sponsored its annual Grand Knights Day at Teurlings Catholic High School in Lafayette with St. Pius X Council 8901 serving as host. Grand knights, membership directors and program directors from throughout the state gathered to share information and best practices. The meetings were followed by a gumbo cook-off. MOVE ASSISTANCE
Knights at opposite ends of Utah helped a longtime parishioner and veteran move out of her house and into her new home. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Council 12181 in Draper helped empty Mary
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Father Robert F. Wicks Memorial Council 9936 in Margaree, Nova Scotia, undertook a project to provide easier access to a historic graveyard that dates back to the 1700s. Knights built three sets of stairs leading up to the cemetery, along with a 12-foot culvert and a parking area. Prior to the start of the project, there was nowhere to park and visitors had to hike up a steep hill to access the graveyard. COMEDY NIGHT
William J. Sheady Council 1507 and Msgr. Walter Hawkins Council 10631, both in Guelph, Ontario, sponsored a comedy night to raise funds for Matthew House, a shelter for pregnant women or new mothers in need of assistance. The event included dinner, a silent auction and three family-friendly comedians. More than 400 people attended the benefit, which raised $16,000. HELPING A BROTHER
St. Mary of Nazareth Council 11643 in Des Moines, Iowa, and St. Francis of Assisi Council 12422 in West Des Moines co-hosted a pancake breakfast to benefit Knight John Windschitl, who was battling a malignant brain tumor. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Windschitl family to help pay for medical expenses. Unfortunately, John passed away Feb. 17. At the wake, Immediate Past State Deputy Patrick O’Keefe presented John’s son, Andrew, who is a
Rodolfo Roldan of St. Margaret Mary Council 7864 in Wilmington Harbor, Calif., speaks to a couple outside St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church about the council’s tax preparation service. Knights offer free tax return preparation for minors, persons with disabilities and parishioners over 75 years old. seminarian for the Diocese of Des Moines, with a chalice inscribed with his father’s name. HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE
Calvary Council 8144 in South Portland, Maine, sponsored a benefit dinner at St. John the Evangelist Church to benefit military families that need home heating assistance. The event — coupled with a raffle for a U.S. flag blanket — raised $2,200 to assist the families of active military personnel who need help paying their home energy bills.
kofc.org exclusive See more “Knights in Action” reports and photos at www.kofc.org/ knightsinaction
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Supreme Council Awards $1.4 million in College Grants FOR THE 2012-13 academic year, the Knights of Columbus awarded scholarships totaling more than $1.4 million to 588 students. Most recipients are children of Knights or Knights themselves who are attending Catholic universities or colleges in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico or the Philippines. These figures include $285,000 in grants to 114 seminarians in the United States and Canada. At the grassroots level, K of C councils and assemblies distributed more than $6.45 million in scholarships and more than $5.1 million in religious education grants during the 2011-12 fraternal year, according to the 2011 Survey of Fraternal Activity. For more information about the Order’s scholarship programs, visit kofc.org/scholarships.
JOHN W. MCDEVITT (FOURTH DEGREE) SCHOLARSHIPS
This scholarship was established in 1998 in honor of the Order’s 11th supreme knight. Recipients must be enrolled at a Catholic college or Catholic university in the United States and be a Knight, the wife of a Knight, or the son or daughter of a Knight. Widows and children of members who died in good standing are also eligible. In addition to the 26 new recipients listed here, 81 scholarships were renewed. New recipients are: Aimee M. Adams, Andrew D. Barenz, Antony Cherian, Zachary R. Cox, Megan T. Danzo, Katherine A. Dold, Christine M. Fossaceca, John P. Gillen,
Michael D. Hill, Christine E. Holmes, Stephanie E. Kaefer, Joseph H. Kasson, Catherine G. Knier, Nicholas E. Kristensen, John M. Lammers, Margaret A. Loya, Sophie F. Manley, Bryce M. Mayon, Shannon A. Murphy, Joshua T. Napierkowski, Abigail E. Sippola, Daniel J. Smith, John P. Tavelli, Michael T. Varney, Sarah K. Verslues, Kathryn E. Windels. FOURTH DEGREE PRO DEO AND PRO PATRIA SCHOLARSHIPS
A total of 137 U.S. students received Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships of $1,500 each. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excel-
lence to incoming freshmen in bachelor’s degree programs at Catholic colleges or Catholic universities. The recipients are Knights of Columbus or Columbian Squires, the son or daughter of a Knight in good standing, or the son or daughter of a Knight who was in good standing when he died. Contingent on satisfactory academic performance, these scholarships are renewed for a total of four years. This academic year, 25 new scholarships were awarded and 112 were renewed. The following are first-time recipients: Neil Burke, Jennifer B. Coble, Peter A. Colonna, Katelyn V. Dooley, Braeden J. Fallet, Kelsey R. Gengler, Emma M. Hamling, Joseph E. Johnson, Jr., Taylor C. Kenyon, Luke E. Kiefer, Isaac H. Kimmel, Robert P. Leeson, Daniel B. Lopes, Genna T. Marcin, Emmett F. McConville, Victoria C. McCormick, Anna E. Murray, Amanda M. Ocello, Josh J. Piepmeier, John T. Riely, Maria T. Rodriguez, Nathan C. Spulak, John W. Stohlman, Katherine R. Tadlock, Frances A. Tosto. FOURTH DEGREE PRO DEO AND PRO PATRIA SCHOLARSHIPS (CANADA)
These scholarships are for students entering colleges or universities in Canada, with requirements regarding K of C membership that is the same as for their U.S. counterparts. Nine new scholarships were awarded and 28 renewed for the current academic year. New recipients are: Christianne M. Blais, Christine C. Boltezar, Neal T. Hanson, Nadine T. Houlihan, Leah D. Isenor, Suzanne M. Joanes, Emily K. Klekta, Dana M. Knapik, Citlaly H. Zamudio.
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
The Percy J. Johnson Scholarships are awarded to young men attending U.S. Catholic colleges or Catholic universities and are funded by a 1990 bequest of Percy J. Johnson, a member of Seville Council 93 in Brockton, Mass. Six scholarships were awarded and 13 renewed for the current academic year. New recipients are: Ivan M. Diaz-Marrero, Antonio M. Lombardo III, Jorge A. Moreno-Nunez, Tyler G. Schaefer, Jordan J. Schmidt, Sebastian A. Schmitz. In 2000, Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. received a $100,000 donation from Frank L. Goularte. A scholarship fund in his name was established to provide $1,500 in need-based grants that are administered, in general, according to the rules of the Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships. Two new scholarships were awarded for the current academic year and three were renewed. The new recipients are Rebecca M. Graham and Sarah A. Holt. From 1995 to 1997, Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. received bequests totaling nearly $200,000 from the estate of Anthony J. LaBella. In his will, LaBella remembered the kindness shown to him by Knights when he was an orphan in Farmingdale, N.Y. The bequests have since been used to establish a scholarship fund in LaBella’s name. Earnings from the fund provide scholarships for undergraduate study in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships. Two new scholarships were awarded, and eight were renewed for the current academic year. Firsttime recipients are: Gwen-
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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
dolyn R. Horning and Samantha M. Kelly. In 1997, Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. received a bequest from Dr. Arthur F. Battista to establish scholarships for graduates of the Cornwall (Ontario) Collegiate and Vocational School. These $1,500 and $2,000 annual scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, financial need, community service and extracurricular activities. Preference is given to Knights; to the children or grandchildren of members; to students recommended by the Ontario State Council; and to students bound for Catholic colleges or Catholic universities. For the current academic year, 31 new scholarships were awarded and 31 grants were renewed. New recipients are: Kassandra Andre, Adam Crites, Umbish Irfan, Cassandra Beck, Josee Eamer, Samantha Laforty, Natalie Bourgeois, Stephanie Gravelle, Dylan Pansieri, Grant Butcher, Paula Guindon, Tom Cadieux-Stevenson, Nasreen Chaudhry, Jamie Hitchcock, Yishuo Yang, Taylor Brown, Noora Kassab, Joel Price, Matthew Fortier, Nimrta Khalsa, Tasnim Rahman, Nhu Ha, Shawna-Lee Masson, Elizabeth Runions, Trang Ha, Charlotte McEwen, Rabia Sadiq, Ganeshya Kaaneeshan, Justin Merpaw, Michelle Soucy, Syeda Zulfigar. GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS
The Order has an endowment at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., that provides Knights of Columbus Graduate Fellowships. One new fellowship was awarded and six renewed. The new recipient is Joshua Mugler. Five new fellowships for the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and 30 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
Family at The Catholic University of America were awarded for the current academic year. First-time recipients are Margaret Bewley, Ashley Brashear, Michael Camacho, Magdalena Nakielska, Lauren Walter. Full-time students in a master’s degree program to become teachers for people with intellectual disabilities are eligible for the Bishop Charles P. Greco Fellowship, named for the former supreme chaplain. One new fellowship was awarded for the current academic year. The new recipient is Rebecca M. Fromherz. SISTER THEA BOWMAN FOUNDATION - K OF C SCHOLARSHIPS
This scholarship is named for Sister Thea Bowman (19371990), an African-American religious who inspired many people with her urgent and uplifting call for better education for children of the black community. In December 1996, the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors, in partnership with the Sister Thea Bowman Foundation, authorized a four-year grant in the amount of $25,000 per year to support deserving AfricanAmerican students pursuing a Catholic college education. Periodically, the board has approved continuation of the grant program. In August 2005, the amount of the four-year grant was increased to $37,500 per year. For the 2012-2013 academic year, three students who were awarded scholarships in 2011 will continue their studies. MEXICO SCHOLARSHIPS
Five new scholarships were awarded in the amount of $500 each, renewable for up
NOVEMBER 2012
Educational Trust Fund THE FRANCIS P. MATTHEWS and John E. Swift Educational Trust offers scholarships to the children of members who are killed or permanently and totally disabled by hostile action while serving with the armed forces during a covered period of conflict. In 2004, the Order declared that military conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan would be covered under the trust fund. Also eligible are the children of members who are killed as a result of criminal violence directed against them while performing their duties as full-time law enforcement officers or full-time firefighters. An application must be filed within two years of the member’s death or the determination of his total and permanent disability. As of June 30, a total of 814 children have been recorded as eligible for benefits from the trust fund since its establishment in 1944. Thus far, 344 eligible children have chosen not to use the scholarships, three have died, and 125 who began college either discontinued their studies or fully used their scholarship eligibility before graduation. There are 49 future candidates. To date, 286 students have completed their education through the fund. During the 2012-13 academic year, seven students will pursue undergraduate degrees through the Matthews-Swift fund — four renewals and three new recipients. The new recipients are Kellie E. Barta, Michaela A. Miller and James V. Vigiano.
to four years. In addition, 11 were renewed. The new recipients are: Judith GarcíaHernández, Alix GarcíaVelázquez, Fátima GómezOsorio, Andrea HernándezGarcía, Yolanda LavalleFlores. PUERTO RICO SCHOLARSHIPS
For the 2012-13 academic year, four new scholarships of $500 each were awarded and 12 were renewed. New recipients are: Karla M. AgostoLopez, Isamar ChaparroSoto, Jeffrey Rivera-Sanabria, Felix Santos-Viera. PHILIPPINES SCHOLARSHIPS
For the 2012-13 academic year, nine new scholarships of $500 each were awarded, and 27 were renewed. New recip-
ients are: Melanie A. Amorin, Laurence R. Binoya, Mercedita C. Cabibil, Katrina G. Ching, Leah G. Juanite, Allan B. Lintac, Judy B. Reyes, Trixy L. Tagupa, Kathleen A. Taniñas.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Scholarship applications are available for the 201314 academic year. To obtain an application or request more information, contact: Dept. of Scholarships Knights of Columbus P.O. Box 1670 New Haven, CT 06507 203-752-4332 www.kofc.org/scholarships
P RO M OT I O NA L & G I F T I T E M S
K OF C ITEMS OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS A.
IN THE UNITED STATES THE ENGLISH COMPANY INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment 1-800-444-5632 • www.kofcsupplies.com LYNCH AND KELLY INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment and officer robes 1-888-548-3890 • www.lynchkelly.com
B.
CHILBERT & CO. Approved Fourth Degree Tuxedos 1-800-289-2889 • www.chilbert.com IN CANADA ROGER SAUVÉ INC. Official council and Fourth Degree equipment and officer robes 1-888-266-1211 • www.roger-sauve.com
J O I N T H E FAT H E R MCGIVNEY GUILD
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A. Fontanini® Nativity. Honor the true meaning of Christmas with this hand-painted and beautifully rendered Holy Family set that includes a hand-crafted stable made of wood, bark and moss. Imported from Italy. Figures made of polymer. Four-piece set. Figures: 5” scale. Stable: 9.5” H by 12” W. PG-636 — $60 B. Holy Family Figure. Hand-painted nativity scene painted with the look of carved wood. Joseph’s Studio® Collection. Resin. 9.25” H. PG-635 — $10.75 C. Wall Cross. The perfect keepsake, this Holy Name nativity wall cross is from the Joseph’s Studio® Collection. Resin. 10.25” H. PG-630 — $8.50
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To owners of Knights of Columbus insurance policies and persons responsible for payment of premiums on such policies: Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of Section 84 of the Laws of the Order, payment of insurance premiums due on a monthly basis to the Knights of Columbus by check made payable to Knights of Columbus and mailed to same at PO Box 1492, NEW HAVEN, CT 06506-1492, before the expiration of the grace period set forth in the policy. In Canada: Knights of Columbus, Place d’Armes Station, P.O. Box 220, Montreal, QC H2Y 3G7 ALL MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOS, ARTWORK, EDITORIAL MATTER, AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES SHOULD BE MAILED TO: COLUMBIA, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. REJECTED MATERIAL WILL BE RETURNED IF ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE AND RETURN POSTAGE. PURCHASED MATERIAL WILL NOT BE RETURNED. OPINIONS BY WRITERS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. SUBSCRIPTION RATES — IN THE U.S.: 1 YEAR, $6; 2 YEARS, $11; 3 YEARS, $15. FOR OTHER COUNTRIES ADD $2 PER YEAR. EXCEPT FOR CANADIAN SUBSCRIPTIONS, PAYMENT IN U.S. CURRENCY ONLY. SEND ORDERS AND CHECKS TO: ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869/USPS #123-740) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326. PHONE: 203-752-4000, www.kofc.org. PRODUCED IN USA. COPYRIGHT © 2012 BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW HAVEN, CT AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO COLUMBIA, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. CANADIAN POSTMASTER — PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 1473549. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 50 MACINTOSH BOULEVARD, CONCORD, ONTARIO L4K 4P3 PHILIPPINES — FOR PHILIPPINES SECOND-CLASS MAIL AT THE MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE. SEND RETURN COPIES TO KCFAPI, FRATERNAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1511, MANILA.
NOVEMBER 2012
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 31
C O LU M B I A N I S M B Y D E G R E E S
Unity
Charity
Fraternity
Patriotism
MEMBERS OF St. Louis de Montfort Council 14553 in Oak Lawn, Ill., demolish a shed at the home of three people with intellectual disabilities who live together under the supervision of Garden Center Services. Knights removed the shed after it became a safety hazard. Garden Center Services provides residential alternatives to people with special needs. • Our Lady of the Lakes Council 3965 in Spencer, Iowa, donated $10,250 to Sacred Heart School to purchase interactive whiteboards and laptops.
ED CALDERON of St. Elizabeth Council 4728 in San Francisco dribbles the ball past defenders from Epiphany Council 11033 during a fraternal basketball game between the two councils. The K of C basketball teams participate in games and tournaments with each other and with other parish and community groups. The teams have also been a boon for recruitment. • St. Peter the Apostle Council 5741 in Siniloan, Luzon, started a weekly rosary crusade in which council members visit the homes of individual Knights to pray the rosary with an icon of Mary.
AN HONOR GUARD from Archbishop Urban J. Vehr Assembly in Colorado Springs, Colo., looks on as Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, processes out of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Chapel at Peterson Air Force Base following a confirmation Mass. In addition to the honor guard, members of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Council 14715 prepared religious education students to receive the sacrament.
32 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
NOVEMBER 2012
PATRIOTISM: Photo by William T. Davis
MANDY MAGTANONG (left) of Immaculate Conception Council 14405 in Cainta, Luzon, competes for a basketball tipoff against youth leader Kurt Russell Garcia. Knights organized a basketball game between council members and local youth to encourage physical fitness and discipline through sports. • Montgomery Council 2323 in Derwood, Md., hosted a spaghetti dinner that raised $1,732 to support a medical mission in Haiti undertaken by parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Church.
KNIGHT S O F C O LUM BUS
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.
TO
BE FEATURED HERE , SEND YOUR COUNCIL’ S
C OLUMBIA , 1 C OLUMBUS P LAZA , N EW
Carl London (left) of St. Jerome Council 13005 in Waco, Texas, and District Deputy Tony Raineri (right) of Texas District #111 present Care Net Pregnancy Center of Central Texas CEO Deborah McGregor with a check for $62,462 to purchase a new 3/4D ultrasound machine through the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative. Led by Council 13005, Knights from throughout central Texas rallied to raise money for the donation. Additional funds came from a fundraising letter sent by Care Net to its database of supporters.
“K NIGHTS IN A CTION ” H AVEN , CT 06510-3326
PHOTO AS WELL AS ITS DESCRIPTION TO : OR E - MAIL : COLUMBIA @ KOFC . ORG .
NOVEMBER 2012
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 33
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
‘LOVE BROUGHT ME TO RELIGIOUS LIFE’
SISTER CECILIA ROSS Novice, Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker Walton, Ky.
Jim Callaway Photography
It is a sad fact that many people believe that religious sisters have given up love because they have given up marriage. This is simply untrue. In fact, love brought me to religious life. The more I come to realize the infinite love that God has for me, the more I want to return that love to him. St. Augustine wrote to consecrated virgins, “Let Him who was fastened to the cross be securely fastened to your hearts.” It is impossible to follow a religious vocation without the love for Christ that flows from a deep relationship with him through prayer. In August, my family received the Knights of Columbus’ Family of the Year Award. Many Knights and their families have become extensions of my own family. They do so much to promote religious vocations, and have always supported me in my journey. My time of formation has only confirmed and strengthened my desire to commit myself totally to Christ. For those considering a religious vocation, remember that he who calls you is love.