Columbia November 2023

Columbia KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG COVERS 10_18 FINAL.indd 1

10/18/23 5:52 PM

MDRT_Full List Ad Nov 2023.qxp_MDRT_Full List Ad 10/18/23 3:51 PM Page 1

MDRT

The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®

2023

Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is an international organization that recognizes the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals. Congratulations to the 389 Knights of Columbus field agents who were recognized for their commitment to excellence, outstanding service and highest ethical standards. We salute these men for their devotion to continuing Father McGivney’s mission.

Mackenzie Abbate — Fairfax, VA Nicholas Abbate — Richmond, VA Robert Abbate — Henrico, VA Arthur Aguilar — El Dorado Hills, CA William Albanese — Millsboro, DE Brian Almond — Hastings, NE Daniel Andrews — Mount Joy, PA Kevin Anglin — Conroe, TX Eric Anzaldua — Weslaco, TX Robert Arellano Jr. — Robstown, TX Jose Arias — Dodge City, KS Patrick Arndt — Fenton, MI Lorenzo Arrindell — Floral Park, NY Gilles Arsenault — Moncton, NB Ananias Ayroso — Hayward, CA Louis Baca — Whittier, CA Marcus Bardwell — Prairieville, LA John Barfield — W. Melbourne, FL Brian Barlow — Saginaw, MI David Barnes — Ponchatoula, LA Kenneth Basel — Crystal Lake, IL Daniel Bax — Wardsville, MO Dennis Beans — Tay, ON Cameron Beddome — Red Deer, AB James Bell — Irving, TX Odilon Bello — Pitt Meadows, BC Daniel Biggs — Miami, FL Julien Bisson — Saint-Jerome, QC Christopher Bivens — Crossville, TN Lawrence Blatz — Dubuque, IA Jeremiah Blossom — Brookville, IN Christopher Bohr — Martinsburg, MO Steven Books — Plum City, WI Enrico Boongaling — Maple Ridge, BC James Booritch — New Smyrna Beach, FL Jeremy Borchers — West Point, NE Wade Bormann — Bellevue, IA Walker Bormann — Hiawatha, IA Jason Bourget — Stanley, WI John Boylan — Hanover Township, PA Marcel Brideau — Tracadie-Sheila, NB Derek Brown — Linwood, NJ Kevin Brown — Nashua, NH Adam Bruna — Abilene, KS Carl Bruno — Mount Laurel, NJ Michael Bryant — Graham, TX Randy Brymer — Newtown, PA Joel Buchinski — Prince Albert, SK Ruben Budia — Short Hills, NJ Donald Burks — Plano, TX Philip Burnette — Port Angeles, WA James Cabirac — Houma, LA Robert Callaway — Laurel, MD John Canter — Crownsville, MD Robert Canter — Herndon, VA Joseph Carlin — McAllen, TX Michael Carlin — Weslaco, TX Stephen Carrick — Rapid City, SD Blair Carruthers — Saskatoon, SK James Cassoday — Valparaiso, IN Jose Castaneda — Sylmar, CA Cleophas Castillo — Winnipeg, MB Thomas Centarri — Arlington, TX John Cesta — West Palm Beach, FL Brandon Chambers — Goose Creek, SC Wayne Cherney — Devils Lake, ND Jose Cisneros — Buena Park, CA John Clarke — Roanoke, VA Randy Clouatre — Saint Amant, LA Christopher Coforio — Houston, TX Jonathan Collins — Coldwater, OH Samuel Connahey — Dillsburg, PA Cory Cook — Warrenton, VA Timothy Coskren — Walpole, MA Andre Cossette — St. Albert, AB Todd Crosby — Cypress, TX Jeffrey Cummons — Jackson Center, OH Chad Daigle — Fate, TX

Michael Daigle — Thompson’s Station, TN Timothy Daigle — Sheldon, IA Dion Dangzalan — Salinas, CA Shawn David — Lafayette, LA James Davis — Cranston, RI Walter Davis — Chula Vista, CA Aldrin D’Cunha — Burlington, ON Pasqualino De Luca — Grande Prairie, AB Jon Deakin — York, PA Mark Deaton — Cypress, TX Brian DeBlauw — Sarasota, FL Ivan Delabruere — Milton, FL Joseph DeMarco — Vero Beach, FL John DiCalogero — East Walpole, MA Matthew Dicalogero — Medfield, MA Robert DiCalogero — Canton, MA Eric Diekemper — Breese, IL Michael Dietz — Pueblo, CO Angy Dion — Chicoutimi, QC Mark DiSanto — Rapid City, SD Quinn Dobmeier — Melfort, SK Patrick Dolan — Park Rapids, MN Joseph Donlon — Somerset, NJ Timothy Dreger — Platteville, WI Chandrajeet Anthony D’Souza — Winnipeg, MB Sebastian D’Souza — Mississauga, ON Vincent D’Souza — Manotick, ON Robert Duncan — Albany, OR Shane Duplantis — Thibodaux, LA Frederick Durso — Laurel Springs, NJ Denis Duval — Sudbury, ON Emeka Egu — Beaumont, CA John Eisele — Tyler, TX Thomas Ellis — Huntsville, AL Frank Emanuele — Cromwell, CT Louis Esola — Cherry Hill, NJ Mathew Evangelista — Sainte-Sophie, QC Daniel Evans — Winchester, VA Dwayne Failla — Katy, TX Thomas Farrell — Holtsville, NY Sidney Faust — Lafayette, LA Raul Fernandez — Ocala, FL Salvatore Filippelli — Henrico, VA Phillip Fischer — Estero, FL James Fischetti — Staten Island, NY Sean FitzPatrick — Baltimore, MD Joe Flores — Poway, CA John Forcella — Howell, NJ Paul Ford — Caldwell, ID Shawn Fox — New Richmond, WI Joseph Freda — North Baldwin, NY Jared Frey — North Battleford, SK James Gabster — East Petersburg, PA David Gallagher — Ottawa, ON Daniel Garcia — Port Washington, NY Roberto Garcia — Glendora, CA Charles Gardner — Frenchtown, NJ Michael Garofalo — Mount Laurel, NJ Raymond Garretson — Overland Park, KS Kevin Garza — Huntington Beach, CA Gerardo Gautier-Matias — Juana Díaz, PR Daniel Gimpel — Corbyville, ON David Giuliani — Middlebury, VT Shane Goheen — Little River, SC Christopher Gonzalez — Cranberry Township, PA Jeffery Goralczyk — Syracuse, IN Nicholas Goralczyk — Syracuse, IN Robert Gordon — Mooresville, NC Danny Gosser — Vancouver, WA Brent Graettinger — Graettinger, IA Brian Graham — Kensington, MD Joseph Grayeske — Pennsburg, PA Glain Guilmette — Madison Heights, MI Christopher Hamelly — Roselle, IL Matthew Harm — Omaha, NE Paul Harrington — Mount Pleasant, SC Stewart Havranek — Omaha, NE Philip Hayden — East Lansing, MI

Exemplary Dedication.

Marc Hebert — Tecumseh, ON Mitchell Hebert — Lafayette, LA Mark Hedge — Butler, OH Thomas Hendricks — Doylestown, PA Michael Henriquez — San Antonio, TX Luke Henry — Wellsville, KS Joel Herman — Harwood, ND Alfred Hingle — Metairie, LA Darrell Hinkebein — Nixa, MO Scott Hinkebein — Nixa, MO Peter Holm — New Carlisle, OH John Holtzhauser — Apollo Beach, FL Cody Honas — Ellis, KS Daniel Hooker — Pearl River, NY Robert Howard — Madison, VA Theodore Hunkins — Pacific, MO Dale Jacks — Shelby Township, MI Thomas Jackson — Trenton, MI Ryan Janak — Yoakum, TX Glen Janow — Eagle Lake, TX David Jolly — Arlington, TN Gabriel Jones — St. Louis, MO Sturm Joshua — Shelocta, PA Derek Kalscheur — Germantown, WI Gerard Kane — Crownsville, MD Robert Karaczun — Manalapan, NJ Patrick Keane — Belle Harbor, NY James Keefe — Chicago, IL Arthur Kelly — Hurst, TX Donald Kenkel — Portsmouth, IA Lawrence Kennedy — Sanford ,FL Kevin Kenney — Highland Village, TX Matthew Kling — St. Charles, IL Mark Koeppen — Tucson, AZ Jack Kopmann — Union, MO Alan Kotlarski — Punta Gorda, FL Ben Krapu — Blue Springs, MO James Krawczyk — Omaha, NE Jeremy Kuhlman — Ottawa, OH Gary Kwapiszeski — Phoenix, AZ Matthew Lamoreux — Bernalillo, NM Peter Lancon — Beaumont, TX Randy Laue — Fenton, MI Brian Lazusky — Orlando, FL Shaun Linenberger — Hays, KS Michael Lodato — Windsor, CO Dale Logan — Westphalia, MO Anthony LoMonaco — Vail, AZ Cesar Lozano — Kingwood, TX Riley Ludlow — Houston, TX Chad Lueken — Jasper, IN Alfred Lugo — Playa Del Rey, CA William Lupinacci — Fairfax, VA Robert Mack — Mauldin, SC Mathieu Madore — Orleans, ON Steven Mages — Freeport, MN Michael Maggio — Yukon, OK Justin Manion — Cottleville, MO Djino Marcotte — Amos, QC James Marcum — Cypress, TX Robert Marlowe — Towson, MD Jesse Martinez — Rosamond, CA Christopher Massoglia — Eagan, MN Benny Matos — Loxahatchee, FL Greg Mattes — Schenectady, NY Matthew Maurin — Reserve, LA Jose Maza-Magnussen — The Colony, TX Michael McAndrew — Altoona, PA Chad McAuliff — Broken Arrow, OK Gregory McBride — Ragley, LA Dermot McCaughan — Helena, MT Dean McClellan — Wildwood, MO Luke McClure — Gulfport, MS Thomas McCully — Concord, MI Michael McDonough — Louisburg, NC Mark Mceniry — Seal Beach, CA Daniel McGeehan — Toms River, NJ Patrick McGuire — Riverhead, NY

David McIntosh — Greenville, PA Ernest McKinnon — Moncton, NB Alec Medlin — Lascassas, TN Greg Mehochko — Belleville, IL Joseph Melancon — Fallon, NV Stephen Melancon — Las Vegas, NV Norbert Mendes — Hamilton, NJ Roy Metter — Gretna, NE Curtis Milazzo — Binbrook, ON Christopher Miller — Chicopee, MA David Moeller — Folsom, CA Brian Montone — Brentwood, CA Shaun Moore — Breese, IL Paul Morassutti — San Ramon, CA Manuel Moreira-Guerra — Roseville, CA Zachary Morgan — Mobile, AL Darren Mueller — Wichita, KS John Mueller — Chandler, AZ Chad Muhlenkamp — Milford, OH Albert Myers — Catonsville, MD Seth Myhre — Minneota, MN Desire Ndongo — Orleans, ON Jeffery Neiggemann — Streator, IL Jason Nelligan — Hamilton, ON Brandon Nelson — Pueblo, CO Nicolas Novak — Temperance, MI Timothy Nowak — Neenah, WI Douglas Nurenberg — St. Johns, MI Chris Obodo — London, ON Matthew O’Brien — Cottleville, MO Dennis O’Connell — Mazomanie, WI Daniel James O’Keefe — Port Angeles, WA Edward O’Keefe — Middle River, MD Grant Okpere — Hamilton, ON Robert Olivas — Anaheim, CA Brandon Olley — Natural Bridge, NY Ndubisi Onyedinma — Clayton, NC Michael Osowiecki — Pennsauken, NJ Jose Oviedo — Houston, TX Paolo Pacana — Irvine, CA Kevin Paish — St. Albert, AB Mark Pan — Pitt Meadows, BC Michael Payne — Lubbock, TX Josip Pehar — St. Louis, MO Benjamin Perez — Ashburn, VA Craig Pfeifer — Madison, NE Neil Pfeifer — Norfolk, NE Noah Pfeifer — Norfolk, NE Kevin Philip — Regina, SK Benoit Picard — Laval, QC Jerome Pickett — Kingsford, MI Glenn Podany — Bothell, WA Daniel Pollaci — Williamstown, NJ Jacob Pruemer — Teutopolis, IL Timothy Pugh — Niceville, FL Samuel Rainey — East Selkirk, MB Ian Rana — Saskatoon, SK Christiopher Randazzo — New Braunfels, TX Henry Rangel — Cypress, TX Joseph Rannazzisi — West Babylon, NY Cody Reed — Covington, LA Darin Reed — Ellis, KS Joseph Remer — Winsted, MN Robert Renaud — Sudbury, ON Ron Restaino — San Diego, CA Jean-Pierre Ricard — Glen Robertson, ON Darren Richuber — Viola, KS Rocco Rizzo — Thunder Bay, ON Jonathan Rock — Frederick, MD Gerson Rodrigues — Brampton, ON Anthony Rosemeier — De Graff, MN Jarrod Roth — Port Orchard, WA Louis Rouleau — Edmonton, AB Michael Roznowski — Loves Park, IL John Ruckart — Oldsmar, FL Terry Ruf — Yorkton, SK Adrian Rusch — Lincoln, AL Benjamin Salazar — Virginia Beach, VA

Victor Sallick — Boerne, TX Alfred Sanchez — Midland, TX Ronald Sandoval — San Gabriel, CA Jayme Sanford — Denver, CO Sonny Sangemino — Windsor, ON Robert Sass — East Hampton, MA Zach Scardino — Beaumont, TX David Schallmo — North Chesterfield, VA John Schibi — Parsons, KS Kevin Schubert — Linn Creek, MO Michael Schwab — Anacortes, WA Edward Schwieterman — Fort Worth, TX Michael Scordato — Morgantown, WV Cicero Seisdedos — Ridgefield, WA Matthew Seltzer — Deming, NM Kevin Seymour — Freeland, MI Daniel Sheehan — Neoga, IL Douglas Sheehan — Mandeville, QC Tyler Sheehan — Neoga, IL Joseph Shock — Hanover Townshp, PA Loy Shrum — Millersville, MO Michael Sibilia — Lexington, SC James Siermine — Secane, PA Mark Sirois — Naugatuck, CT Daniel Slattery — Stow, OH Joseph Soja — Fort Collins, CO David Soukup — Kansas City, KS Devon Soukup — Yukon, OK Joseph Spada — Lombard, IL Joseph Spinelli III — Tallahassee, FL Thomas Spinelli — Odessa, FL David St. Hilaire — Lincoln, NE Bobby Stevens — Glenpool, OK John Stewart — Bourne, MA Jacob Stone — Edmond, OK Stan Strope — Columbia, MO Blake Stubbington — Edmonton, AB Michael Sullivan — Edwardsville, IL Mark Suomala — Fitchburg, MA Jody Supak — La Grange, TX Lawrence Suter — Canton, OH Eric Sylvester — Leamington, ON Daniel Thelen — Westphalia, MI Michael Thelen — Westphalia, MI Austin Thorne — Lake Charles, LA Andrew Tice — Hurst, TX Ian Timmermann — Breese, IL Jeffrey Toeniskoetter — Boynton Beach, FL Gaetan Tremblay — Rimouski, QC Herman Vanderheyden — Strathroy, ON Thomas Varkados — Crystal Lake, IL Timothy Voegeli — Wichita, KS Alexander Vu — Spring, TX Gregory Waddle — Waukee, IA Glen Walleyn — Notre Dame de Lourdes, MB Kevin Weber — Gretna, NE William Weber — Newton, KS Aaron Weiss — Milton, NH Andrew Weiss — South Bend, IN Sam Weiss — Owls Head, ME John Welker — Edmond, OK Don Wesley — Mount Clemens, MI Scott Weston — Spencerville, ON Gregory White — Erlanger, KY Stephen White — Pelham, NH Donald Willey — Bismarck, ND Scott Williamson — Red Deer, AB Scott Willis — Lake Charles, LA William Wisniewski — Chicopee, MA Walter Witt — Ossian, IA William Wolfe — Jenkins Township, PA Jefferson Woolsey — Eagan, MN Martin Yakimovich — Holly Ridge, NC Max Yardley — Edmond, OK Michael York — Washington, MO Mark Yubeta — San Clemente, CA Steven Zahradka — Dacula, GA

Extraordinary Service.

CONTENTS

Columbia N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 ✢ VOLUME 103 ✢ N U M B E R 9

Departments 3 For the greater glory of God Strengthening bonds of faith and fraternity can help Catholic men grow in holiness and respond to the ‘crisis of fatherhood.’

By Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly

4 Learning the faith, A detail of a painting

by Fra Angelico depicts the Last Judgment, with Jesus seated in glory surrounded by saints and angels. November is traditionally a time to reflect upon the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell (see page 19).

living the faith Regardless of our feelings and expectations, the Mass and the sacraments are opportunities to glorify God and receive his grace.

By Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

6 Knights of Columbus News College Knights Turn to Our Lady at Annual Conference • K of C Insurance Named to Forbes ‘Best’ • Columbia Honored With Catholic Media Awards • K of C-Produced Films Win Gabriel, Emmy 19 Fathers for Good

ABOVE: The Last Judgment, ca. 1435-1440, Fra Angelico, Gemäldegalerie, Berlin/Wikimedia — ON THE COVER: Photo by Belinda Anne Photography

8 The Indispensable Mission of the Family

A new K of C video series offers inspiration to fulfill the vocation of Christian marriage, fatherhood and family life.

By Maria Wiering

14 Protecting Parents in a Postmodern Age

At the end of our earthly lives, we will not be able to dispute the truth of who we really are.

By Michael Amodei

26 Knights in Action Reports from councils and assemblies, representing Faith in Action

With the growing erosion of parental rights in civil law, Catholics are called to proclaim and defend the very meaning of the human person.

ON THE COVER

David and Abigail Schuster push their children on a swing outside their Michigan home. David is a past grand knight of Assumption Grotto Council 13419 in Detroit.

By Elizabeth Kirk

16 Battle Ready

For 20 years, a prayer book published by the Order has fortified the faith of service members worldwide.

By Andy Telli

20 Courage at Ia Drang

Medal of Honor recipient Walter Joseph Marm Jr. recalls the 1965 battle that changed the Vietnam War.

24 Top-Flight Charity

Military Knights in Utah deliver thousands of pounds of groceries each year to combat hunger.

By Marie Mischel

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.

kofc.org/join Copyright © 2023 All rights reserved

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 1

1

10/18/23 5:49 PM

EDITORIAL

The Battle Within IN THE 1890s, William Randolph Hearst

obsessively sought to increase readership of his newspaper, the New York Journal, in competition with rival Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World. The newspapers’ sensationalistic coverage of the Cuban Revolution and the Spanish-American War, which successfully drew readers’ attention, became known as “yellow journalism” and popularized the strategy “If it bleeds, it leads.”

While the term “yellow journalism” has been replaced with “fake news,” and the conflicts that dominate headlines are constantly changing, echoes of this once-local media feud are still writ large in much of television, print and online news today. Of course, it is important to be aware of major world events and humanitarian crises, political candidates and ballot initiatives. We must ask ourselves, however, how often is the news we consume simply a distraction from conflicts much closer to home?

Into the Breach, the 2015 apostolic exhortation by Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix that inspired a K of C video series and study guide, begins with a clarion call: “Men, do not hesitate to engage in the battle that is raging around you, the battle that is wounding our children and families, the battle that is distorting the dignity of both women and men. This battle is often hidden, but the battle is real.”

Once we recognize this battle exists, important questions arise: Who is our enemy?

Where are the battle lines drawn? How are we to fight? If we don’t know the answers, we may find ourselves unequipped — or even

PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus

fighting on the wrong battlefield. There are obviously cultural and political dimensions to this battle, as the exhortation acknowledges, but the primary enemy and primary fight remain spiritual (see Eph 6:10-17).

With this in mind, the Into the Breach program focuses on central topics and tasks related to Christian manhood, such as fatherhood, fraternity, prayer and evangelization.

Such themes are also at the heart, so to speak, of Cor, the Order’s faith formation initiative, which is further supported by a supplemental video series titled Into the Breach: The Mission of the Family (see page 8). The new series emphasizes the fact that the vocation to marriage and the family, which the Catechism of the Catholic Church calls “the original cell of social life” (2207), is a principal place the spiritual battle plays out.

The “front lines” are ultimately found not in news headlines but in our homes — and, still closer, in our souls. In fact, nowhere does the catechism use the term “battle” more than in reference to “the battle of prayer,” which it says is inseparable from “the ‘spiritual battle’ of the Christian’s new life” (2725ff ). Even military personnel, whom we honor this month as we observe Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, are not exempt from this primary and universal battle (see page 16).

Thankfully, we do not fight alone. Rather, we go into battle together, with all the saints, led by Christ our king, whose victory is already secured. ✢

SUPREME OFFICERS

Alton J. Pelowski, Editor

HOW TO REACH US

Featured Resource: Armed with the Faith Armed with the Faith is a Catholic handbook for military personnel developed by the Knights of Columbus in partnership with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (see page 16). Now in its 6th edition with a foreword by Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, it contains a rich variety of prayers, devotions, hymns and Catholic moral and sacramental teachings. Since 2003, more than 700,000 copies have been distributed. To download or order copies of the Catholic Information Service edition (#364), visit kofc.org/shopcis.

2

Columbia Patrick E. Kelly Supreme Knight Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. Supreme Chaplain Arthur L. Peters Deputy Supreme Knight Patrick T. Mason Supreme Secretary Ronald F. Schwarz Supreme Treasurer John A. Marrella Supreme Advocate EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski Editor Andrew J. Matt Managing Editor Cecilia Hadley Senior Editor Elisha Valladares-Cormier Associate Editor Paul Haring Manager of Photography

Blessed Michael McGivney (1852-90) – Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us.

COLUMBIA 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 columbia@kofc.org kofc.org/columbia ADDRESS CHANGES 203-752-4210, option #3 addresschange@kofc.org COLUMBIA INQUIRIES 203-752-4398 K OF C CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-380-9995

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL r1.indd 2

10/19/23 4:00 PM

F O R T H E G R E AT E R G LO R Y O F G O D

The World Needs Fathers Strengthening bonds of faith and fraternity can help Catholic men grow in holiness and respond to the ‘crisis of fatherhood’

By Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly

Photo by Michael Collopy

IN LATE SEPTEMBER, we launched a new

video series on marriage and family called Into the Breach: The Mission of the Family.

The aim of this five-part series is to help all of us — but particularly husbands and fathers — embrace the Catholic vision of marriage and family life amid the challenges of the modern world.

Why is this a priority for the Knights of Columbus? Quite simply, as the world’s largest organization of Catholic men, we have a duty to help them become the husbands and fathers that God is calling them to be.

This is especially urgent now, amid what is rightfully called a “crisis of fatherhood” in our society. For anyone with eyes to see, it’s obvious that the absence of strong fathers is having a profoundly negative impact on our families, our parishes and our society.

Recent polls paint a bleak picture. More than a quarter of millennials in the United States (27%) say they have no close friends, and 22% say they have no friends at all.

Younger generations struggle with depression at a rate that’s at least three times higher than it is for older generations. At least nine out of 10 men under age 24 view pornography at least monthly. The rates of substance abuse and overdose are skyrocketing — along with rates of suicide. Young men, in particular, are said to be dying “deaths of despair.”

Faced with this grim reality, our work as husbands and fathers is more urgent than ever. Without good fathers and strong families, our children search for meaning and love in all the wrong places — and they are far more susceptible to the lies of the world and the evil one. What our children need more than anything else are the love and acceptance that come from strong family bonds that are rooted in Christ and the sacraments.

As fathers, it is our job to provide this solid footing. The evidence shows that when a father believes in God and lives out his

faith in his daily life, his children are 10 times more likely to be committed Catholics as adults. A living faith inspires. And for our sons and daughters, no one has more power to inspire than a faithful father.

The great challenge of our time is to give men the tools to be good fathers — the kind of fathers who believe in Christ and raise their children in the faith. If we do that, we’ll ensure a brighter future for our children, while dramatically improving the health of our society — one family at a time. If we want our children to rise above the moral chaos of this world, we need to be fathers who introduce them to the joy of a Christian life.

None of us should try to pursue this noble vision of fatherhood alone. All of us were made with a need for community. Scripture tells us that “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl 4:12), while “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Prv 27:17). We make each other better when we unite as brothers in Christian friendship.

We’re living in a time of endless moral traps and constant impediments to family life. If we hope to avoid those pitfalls and overcome those obstacles, we must do so together. Christ himself formed a band of men to carry out his mission. The Apostles didn’t choose one another, but they certainly needed one another — and so do we.

The Knights of Columbus can be that place of unity and fraternity. Through the Cor initiative, we are redoubling our commitment to helping Catholic men deepen their faith while building bonds of friendship that can sustain them on the journey.

None of this is easy, but we weren’t called to a life of ease. Let us ask the intercession of St. Joseph, patron of fathers, and Blessed Michael McGivney to help us embrace our noble vocation, for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

Vivat Jesus!

If we want our children to rise above the moral chaos of this world, we need to be fathers who introduce them to the joy of a Christian life.

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 3

3

10/18/23 5:49 PM

LEARNING THE FAITH, LIVING THE FAITH

Results May Vary Regardless of our feelings and expectations, the Mass and the sacraments are opportunities to glorify God and receive his grace

By Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

ADS FOR HEALTH and beauty aids often include the disclaimer “Results may vary.”

I wonder if they do that for customers, like me, on whom their products are not likely to work very well. But the same can be said of almost anything: If you send f lowers to your wife after a big argument, results may vary. The f lowers might do the trick, but they might not.

The same can even be said of the Church’s sacraments, though with a very important caveat. While a medication may not be potent or only partially so, the sacraments are always 100% potent. Even if the priest is unworthy, validly consecrated bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ. Even a sinful priest can absolve from sin; his human weakness does not prevent the Lord from reaching people with his presence and grace.

Nonetheless, results may vary. Imagine two people participating in a well-preached and reverently celebrated Mass. The Lord speaks when the Scriptures are proclaimed.

The sacrifice of the Cross and the victory of the Resurrection are again made present as bread and wine become Christ’s body and blood. Leaving Mass, one parishioner might say, “That was a wonderful Mass. It really helped me,” while the other says, “I was bored and didn’t get anything out of it.” The same could happen if the Mass is poorly preached and celebrated: One person may leave closer to the Lord and the heart of the Church, the other dissatisfied. Yes, results may vary.

What accounts for different reactions to the same Mass? Several factors, I think. One is the expectations we bring. Some come to Sunday Mass looking for an emotional lift. Others may be looking for an inspiring homily or for liturgical music to their liking.

Still others arrive unprepared, distracted or enmeshed in sin. The Lord is present in his saving power, yet what unfolds before 4

their eyes may wash right over them, leaving them unmoved or disappointed, possibly never to return.

To be sure, this puts pressure on us priests. Most priests I know work very hard on their homilies and strive in God’s grace to celebrate the Mass and the sacraments worthily and joyfully. But we are inadequate to meet everyone’s expectations, even the expectations of regular parishioners whom we know well. Your priests are also keenly aware that results may vary.

What should we really be looking for when we take part in the Mass and share in the sacraments? An emotional lift is nice, as is a homily that hits home. Beautiful liturgical music that touches our soul is wonderful. Yet the gift the Lord wants to give us through the Mass and sacraments is much deeper, richer and more beautiful than what we feel.

So let me propose that we come to Mass with two ideas in our minds and hearts: Before anything else, the liturgy is not something we do for God but something God does for us. As the liturgy itself puts it, “Our desire to thank you is itself your gift.”

Second, the purpose of the liturgy is to glorify God and to sanctify the Christian people. What if, before Mass began, we prayed for the grace to join with the whole Church in giving God glory? This is how we reorient our lives toward him — and in redirecting ourselves to God, we also redirect our families, our work and creation itself to him.

When we give God glory, we discover afresh our true human dignity, the purpose of our lives and the authentic source of our joy.

Finally, what if, as we enter a church, we simply asked the Lord to help us to grow in holiness and charity — to share more deeply in his goodness and love — as individual persons, as a parish, as a Church?

If we did this, results would vary — they would improve! ✢

What if, as we enter a church, we simply asked the Lord to help us to grow in holiness and charity — to share more deeply in his goodness and love — as individual persons, as a parish, as a Church?

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 4

10/18/23 5:49 PM

Supreme Chaplain’s Challenge A monthly reflection and practical challenge from Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

“‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’” (Gospel for Nov. 26, Mt 25:44-45)

FROM TOP: Courtesy of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers, Munster, Ind. — Photo by Carlos Elizondo — CNS photo/Lola Gomez

The capacity to help those in need begins with clearness of vision. Are we sometimes blind to the plight of others? Do we find ourselves saying, “Lord, when did we see you …?” We must first see the “least ones” in our midst, and then recognize the face of Christ in them. Only then can we respond in love to provide the care they require. Lord, grant us the eyes to see.

Catholic Man of the Month St. Raphael Kalinowski (1835-1907) JÓZEF KALINOWSKI designed a railway,

led a political insurrection, labored in a Siberian prison and tutored a Polish prince before joining the Discalced Carmelites at age 42. He wrote to his parents, “I cannot refrain from saying, ‘Forever I will sing the mercies of the Lord.’”

Kalinowski was born in Russian-controlled Vilnius, once part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. To receive an education, he enlisted in the Imperial Russian Army and studied engineering in St. Petersburg. As a student, he experienced spiritual desolation but resumed practicing his faith after witnessing the Russian persecution of Catholics.

After working as an engineer and helping design the Odessa-Kiev-Kursk railway, Kalinowski resigned from the army in 1863 to help lead the January Uprising. When the effort to restore the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth failed, he received a death sentence — later commuted to 10 years in a Siberian labor camp, where his prayerful presence inspired hope in his fellow prisoners.

Freed in 1874, he became tutor to Poland’s Prince Augustus Czartoryski,

Liturgical Calendar Nov. 1 Nov. 2

Challenge: This month, I challenge you to raise your own awareness of those in need by learning more about efforts to help the poor in your community. Second, I challenge you to support the Food for Families or Coats for Kids Faith in Action program.

All Saints The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) Nov. 4 St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop Nov. 9 The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Nov. 10 St. Leo the Great, Pope Nov. 11 St. Martin of Tours, Bishop Nov. 13 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin (USA) Nov. 17 St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious Nov. 21 The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Nov. 22 St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr Nov. 24 St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs Nov. 26 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Nov. 30 St. Andrew, Apostle

who would later be beatified in 2004.

During this time, Kalinowski heard what he called “a salvific voice from the infinite mercy of God” calling him to the religious life. He entered the Carmelites in Linz, Austria, in 1877, taking the name Raphael of St. Joseph, and was ordained in 1882.

Father Kalinowski went on to establish Carmelite monasteries and convents throughout Poland and Ukraine. Known for his work to reunite Christians, he was sought for spiritual direction by Catholics and Orthodox Christians alike.

Father Raphael of St. Joseph Kalinowski died of tuberculosis Nov. 15, 1907, in Wadowice, Poland. Pope John Paul II, born in the same town 14 years later, canonized him in 1991. ✢

Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intention

We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 5

5

10/18/23 5:50 PM

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

College Knights Turn to Our Lady at Annual Conference New York, challenged the Knights to seek the grace of the sacraments and the protection of the Blessed Mother in their struggle against evil.

“A Catholic man who knows his identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ terrifies Satan and all his minions,” he said.

“When we live a sacramental life, we become warriors that are effective in the fight.”

Various councils were honored at the awards ceremony for their contributions during the 2022-2023 fraternal year. The Catholic University of America Council 9542 in Washington, D.C., received the Outstanding College Council Award, which recognizes the college council that best exemplifies the mission and ideals of the Order. Friar Council 5787 at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, was first runner-up, and St. Thomas Aquinas Council 15294 at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was second runner-up.

On Sept. 30, the Knights heard presentations from Supreme Secretary Patrick Mason and Supreme Advocate John Marrella and participated in breakout sessions about virtuous leadership, evangelization and more. That evening, participants attended Eucharistic adoration in St. Mary’s Church, followed by Mass and a Eucharistic procession down Hillhouse Avenue. The conference closed Oct. 1 with remarks from Supreme Master Michael McCusker and the video message of the supreme knight.

“When you speak to Mary, she listens. When you ask for her intercession, she answers,” Supreme Knight Kelly concluded. “More than anything, the Blessed Mother wants you to know her son. With her help, your witness on campus will shine all the brighter.” ✢

Left: Knights carry a statue of the Blessed Mother during a Eucharistic procession after Mass at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., on Saturday, Sept. 30. • Above: Father John Anthony Boughton of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal delivers the keynote address at the College Councils Conference on Sept. 29.

6

Photos by Paul Haring

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS leaders from more than 70 universities and colleges met for a weekend of leadership training, fraternal development and prayer at the 58th annual College Councils Conference, held Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in New Haven, Connecticut, under the theme “Mary With Her Knights.”

More than 37,000 Knights belong to college councils, which are active in more than 150 schools in the United States and Canada.

In his video address to the conference, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly acknowledged that college campuses are often challenging places to be Catholic, and he called on the Knights to be courageous and hopeful.

“Our Father in heaven will fulfill the work he has started in you. … Put your trust not only in our Lord, but also in Our Lady,” he said. “The Blessed Mother will guide and guard you as you navigate the difficulties of college life. Believe me when I say, Mary is always looking out for her Knights.”

The conference opened Sept. 29 with Mass, followed by a banquet, keynote address and awards session at the Omni New Haven Hotel.

Welcoming the college Knights and chaplains in attendance, Deputy Supreme Knight Arthur Peters encouraged them to continue their evangelization efforts.

“We’re grateful for your leadership and for all you’re doing in furthering the mission of Blessed Michael McGivney in our colleges and universities,” he said. “Be proud to share the message of our Catholic faith and the work of our Order, not only with Catholics but with the entire student body.”

Keynote speaker Father John Anthony Boughton, general vicar of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in the Bronx,

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 6

10/18/23 5:50 PM

K of C Insurance Named to Forbes ‘Best’

FOR THE THIRD consecutive year, Forbes magazine has ranked Knights of Columbus Insurance among the best providers in the United States.

The “America’s Best Insurance Companies 2024” list was announced Sept. 26

by Forbes and Statista Inc., based on a survey of more than 15,000 U.S. participants. The Knights ranked 22nd among life insurers that issue permanent life insurance — up four positions from 2023.

“Knights of Columbus insurance is once again honored to be recognized

by Forbes and Statista,” said Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly. “More than 140 years ago, our Founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, built the Knights in part to provide for the financial security of Catholic families, particularly widows and orphans.

Today, we continue our mission of providing the families of our members with the best Knights of Columbus insurance products for their needs.” ✢

Columbia Honored With Catholic Media Awards EARLIER THIS YEAR,

Columbia received 36 mentions in the annual Catholic Media Awards, including seven first-place and five second-place awards among Catholic magazines in the United States. It also placed third for national general-interest Magazine of the Year.

Columbia’s first-place honors included “Best Photo Story” for images from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly’s trip to Ukraine in April 2022; “Hot Topic — The Dobbs decision” for content related to the U.S. Supreme Court case overturning Roe vs. Wade; and “Best Explanation of Marriage” for a collection of columns and an interview related to the sacrament.

A May 2022 feature on Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly’s Holy Week visit was among several Columbia articles related to the Order’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine to receive recognition in this year’s Catholic Media Awards.

A story about Father Stu Long of the Diocese of Helena received firstplace honors in “Personality Profiles: Religious Leader,” and a feature on Paralympian swimmer Matthew Torres placed

first in both “Personality Profiles: Laity” and “Best Sports Reporting.”

The awards banquet concluded the Catholic Media Conference, this year held June 6-9 in Baltimore. ✢

K of C-Produced Films Win Gabriel, Emmy THE FEATURE-LENGTH

film Mother Teresa: No Greater Love was awarded “best documentary” June 8 at the annual Gabriel Awards ceremony, which honors outstanding achievements in Catholic film and broadcasting. Produced by the Knights of Columbus, the film played in theaters across North America and elsewhere after premiering in Rome in August 2022. It is now available to stream in the United States on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

A K of C-produced short film also earned recognition at the Southeast Emmy Awards in Atlanta June 17.

“Building a Platform of Academic Success” — an episode of Everyday Heroes Season 3 — won an Emmy in the category “Societal Concerns: Short Form Content.”

The episode tells the story of David Chamberlain and his brother Knights from St. John Vianney Council 12580 in Lithia Springs, Georgia, who built desks for local children who were suddenly going to school remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. ✢ NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 7

7

10/18/23 5:50 PM

The Indispensable

MISSION OF THE FAMILY

A new K of C video series offers inspiration to fulfill the vocation of Christian marriage, fatherhood and family life

T

here is no sugarcoating the fact that Catholic parents raising a family today face unprecedented challenges.

Cultural norms that were taken for granted even a generation ago are gone, leaving the faith of many Catholic families increasingly vulnerable.

“Only a third of Catholic parents care if their children keep the faith,” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly noted in his annual report in August, citing a Pew Research Center survey published earlier this year. “This is one reason why so many young people have drifted away from the faith. But it doesn’t have to be this way.”

To help strengthen Catholic parents in their vocation as spouses and the primary teachers to their children, the Knights of Columbus has produced Into the Breach: The Mission of the Family, a new five-episode video series on marriage, family and fatherhood. Following the model of the 12-part Into the Breach video series, which was released in February 2020, the new series aims to inspire Catholics to live out God’s plan for marriage and family life joyfully and courageously in a post-Christian culture.

Each 12-minute video features well-known experts in evangelization and catechesis, many of whom are Knights of Columbus. At the heart of each episode a Catholic couple shares a compelling story about how practicing their faith helped them overcome challenges and heal from brokenness.

The series is accompanied by a study guide available through the Order’s Catholic Information Service, making it an ideal resource for Cor, the Knights’ discipleship initiative focused on prayer, formation and fraternity.

“A relationship with Christ is the greatest gift we can offer to the next generation,” Supreme Knight Kelly affirmed.

“The Knights of Columbus has a duty to help parents grow in their faith and pass it on to their children. Our new video series will help.”

8

EPISODE 1 | THE CATHOLIC FAMILY IN A POST-CHRISTIAN WORLD For centuries, Western culture was infused with a biblical worldview that permeated daily life. Those days are essentially over.

“We have a naked public square now, a very secular public square, and that has an influence on an entire culture,” said Jeanne Schindler, a senior fellow at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, D.C. “The major institutions of our civilization now are self-consciously secular and, if not hostile to a Christian orientation toward the world, are not fostering it, not promoting it.”

This is particularly the case with the oldest “institutions of civilization,” the institutions of marriage and the family.

The current cultural environment requires Catholic families to intentionally foster prayer, virtue and unity, and parents must be ready to face adversity from both temporal and spiritual forces.

Supreme Knight Kelly cited the prophetic words of Venerable Sister Lucia, one of the three Fatima visionaries: “The decisive battle between Christ and Satan would be over marriage.” He added, “But she also said to be not afraid. Our Lady has already crushed the serpent’s head.”

Marriage is a target for spiritual warfare because of God’s exalted plan for it, explained Father John Parks, pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Phoenix and a member of Tempe (Ariz.) Council 6627. “I don’t think there is a philosophy, there is a religion, there is a worldview that has a higher view of sex and marriage and family,” he said.

A painting by Ruth A. Stricklin depicts the Holy Family — Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus — together with the Holy Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The Holy Family, by artist Ruth A. Stricklin of New Jerusalem Studios, Phoenix. For reproductions please visit: www.njerusalemstudios.com

By Maria Wiering

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 8

10/18/23 5:50 PM

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 9

9

10/18/23 5:50 PM

“The Catholic Church teaches that a man and a woman in a marriage is to be an image, an icon or a sign of Christ’s love for the Church.”

While a mighty aim, God provides the grace to make that possible, as Taylor Kemp, a former professional soccer player, testified. The 33-year-old grew up “loosely Christian” but came to realize his concrete need for God after his girlfriend, Brittany, signed him up for RCIA classes. Now married, he and Brittany believe their life is about giving themselves to others, especially their young children, despite the challenges.

“As Christians living in a post-Christian world,” Kemp said, “our job is to let Christ solve those problems through his living through us. And for us that is in marriage and family life.”

EPISODE 2 | MARRIAGE: THE FOUNDATION OF THE FAMILY “Marriage is a partnership, a union or covenant by which a man and woman establish a lifelong partnership ordered to the procreation and education of children,” said Nicholas Healy, associate professor of philosophy and culture at the 10

John Paul II Institute and a member of Father Rosensteel Council 2169 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

This marriage partnership is a natural reality, but through Jesus Christ it has been elevated to a sacrament that provides the supernatural grace a husband and wife need to give themselves to each other freely, totally, faithfully and fruitfully.

Contemporary culture, on the other hand, reduces marriage to a “consumerist relationship” that lasts only as long as the individuals find it mutually beneficial, said Father John Riccardo, executive director of ACTS XXIX and a member of St. Anastasia Council 13453 in Troy, Michigan. Secular culture also skews the unique and complementary contributions the two sexes bring to marriage, and the recognition that male and female differences are good.

“The Church has always professed that men and women are equal in dignity. But what the Church doesn’t mean by that is sameness,” said Mike Phelan, the former director of marriage and respect life for the Diocese of Phoenix and a member of Father Salinas Council 11536 in Mesa, Arizona.

“So we need difference, too — not just equality. The difference calls us to union as men and women.”

Photo by Michael Connor

Angel Rosado-Padilla, deputy grand knight of Father Maurice J. Wolfe Council 11372 in Abingdon, Md., stands with his wife, Ivelisse, and their three daughters, Angeliz, Emily and Evangeline. The Maryland State Council named them the 2022-2023 Family of the Year for their active support of the parish, the council and the community.

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 10

10/18/23 5:50 PM

As with other vocations in the Church, Christian marriage is built on a foundation of faith with a willingness to sacrifice for the other.

“Sacrifice is absolutely essential in marriage, the mutual sacrificing of the spouses,” said Sister Maris Stella of the Sisters of Life. “We live in a culture that’s very individualistic and self-focused — people tell you to do what you want, when you want, and take a selfie while you’re doing it. But this isn’t the path to happiness or fulfillment. And so in a marriage, husband and wife must give and sacrifice for the other. This is the mark of authentic love.”

Photo by Belinda Anne Photography

EPISODE 3 | THE GIFT OF CHILDREN “Love between the man and the woman is foundational to human society because that love leads to children,” said Tim Gray, president of the Augustine Institute in Denver, and a member of Dr. Earl C. Bach Council 3340 in Littleton, Colorado. “And you can’t have society without life, without children.”

“We live in a culture that’s very individualistic and selffocused. But this isn’t the path to happiness or fulfillment.

And so in a marriage, husband and wife must give and sacrifice for the other. This is the mark of authentic love.”

David Schuster and his wife, Abigail, read a book to their children, Wolfgang and Cecilia, in their home in Detroit. David is a past grand knight of Assumption Grotto Council 13419 and has also served as the college council membership director for the Michigan State Council; he and his family were honored as Family of the Year by the state council in May. NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 11

11

10/18/23 5:50 PM

the Ethics and Public Policy Center Openness to life, and the children in Washington D.C. “But that’s not that may follow, is a keystone to God’s the last word in our lives. And that’s vision for marriage. This natural reality the beauty of our faith — we have of family — the father, mother and this capacity, through the sacraments, child — is also an icon of the trinitarispiritual direction and our own dayan communion of love: the Father, Son to-day efforts to become spiritually and Holy Spirit. mature, of moving to that place where “Christian marriage as it’s designed we can find healing. Healthy people is not fulfilled simply by the couple help heal and restore others, and what looking into one another’s eyes, though the family does is create this dynamic that is crucial, and that’s a starting where people can go out and heal and point. But it’s also looking into the eyes bring life to the world.” of these others that they have created One now-ubiquitous hindrance with God’s original help,” Jeanne Schinto healthy relationships is overuse dler said. “It’s now engaged in this and misuse of social media on digital enterprise of bringing children forth devices. Both the individual nature of for the kingdom of God.” these devices and the addictive quality That was something Dr. Patrick and of social media pull users into isolating Dorothy Yeung took seriously when self-absorption and potentially harmthey discovered early in their marriage ful content. Parents need to circumthat they couldn’t conceive. They had vent this trap and teach children to do anticipated having a large family but All five episodes of Into the Breach: so as well. discovered Dorothy had endometriosis, The Mission of the Family can be “You can’t possibly let your child a condition that can impede pregnancy. watched or downloaded now at have a phone at a young age and exIt is also the very condition in which kofc.org/missionofthefamily. The pect them to be sane; it’s not possible,” Patrick, a board-certified gynecologist, website also includes an accomsaid Father Riccardo. “So many of specializes at Veritas Fertility and Surpanying study guide, links to the the things that they’re seeing on that gery in St. Louis. original Into the Breach video sescreen are not going to be helpful in “My job is to help women get pregries and other resources. forming them to be men and women nant and treat these underlying condiwho are selfless and great and courations. And yet I couldn’t help my own geous and noble. So that means you’re wife,” he said. Together they pursued going to have to be willing to not be liked, and that’s hard.” treatment and grieved over their struggle with infertility.

Christ nevertheless gives families the strength to choose While in vitro fertilization was a medical option, it wasn’t a virtue over vice — even when a loved one falls, as Bob and moral one because it substitutes a couple’s marital embrace Theresa Conklin found out when a betrayal threatened their with a clinical procedure. marriage. Giving their grief and anger over to God, they “They say it takes three to create a new life: the man, the woman and God. Every child has the right to be born direct- received the grace to forgive and rebuild the love and trust between them. ly out of an act of love,” said Dr. Yeung, who is a member of “For [our marriage] to be strong, we need to be strong St. Rose of Lima Council 1185 in De Soto, Missouri. “The for each other,” reflected Bob, a member of Holy Cross baby is not a product, the baby is a gift. And the way you Council 595 in Forest, Virginia. “So we had to have God in participate in the creating of that gift matters.” it. The marriage just can’t be Theresa and I; God has to be The couple adopted a daughter, and then — to their joy a part of it.”

— Dorothy became pregnant. They now have five children.

The goal of family life, said Dr. Yeung, is to be a school of love: “That is the place that God has designed for us, as chil- EPISODE 5 | CREATING A LEGACY OF FAITH In the face of contemporary challenges, it can feel daunting dren, to learn that we are loved and to learn how to love.” to raise a family in the faith. Yet it’s also an epic adventure.

Parents set the tone — and the bar — for what it looks like EPISODE 4 | HEALING IN THE FAMILY to live in Christ, teaching not only with their words, but In our fallen world, family life can be a struggle, especially given the distractions and temptations of the contemporary with their actions.

Children imitate what they see at home, and consistency age. Forgiveness, humility and trust in God are essential as is essential, said Dallas Carter, president of EPIC Ministry families navigate their human frailty together. and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Council 16741 “Many of us don’t come from ideal families; we had in Waialua, Hawaii. “When they see that, they’re more brokenness in our own lives; things like abuse and neglect likely to live a life that is consistent, that is habitual, and happen,” said Carrie Gress, a popular author and a fellow at

Step ‘Into the Breach’

12

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 12

10/18/23 5:50 PM

Photo by Bryce Meyer

The Subasic family, this year’s Alberta State Council Family of the Year, is pictured in their kitchen in Calgary. Michael, a past grand knight of St. Bonaventure Council 7432, has held numerous roles at the district and state levels. He and his wife, Tammy Lee, also serve on the board of two diocesan camps, and involve their children — (from left) Amelia, Samantha, Melissa and Ethan — in service to the parish and the community.

that is focused on frequenting the sacraments and focused on honoring our Lord through following his will for their lives,” he said.

Clinical psychologist and author Dr. Ray Guarendi said one of the saddest things he experiences is parents telling him their adult children have left the faith.

“Parents are saying, ‘What happened? We didn’t raise them this way.’ And I can say, ‘I believe you, but I also believe you underestimated the forces that did,’” said Guarendi, a member of Bishop McFadden Council 3777 in North Canton, Ohio. “Be aware and hypervigilant in all the ways the culture is going to try to shape the way your child thinks.”

As they strive to instill the faith in their own children, Jack and Katie Scarlett Calcutt have focused on building virtue, praying as a family and experiencing nature instead of screens. Jack, a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Council 4254 in Topeka, Kansas, admits prayer time with young children is rarely serene, but he recognizes the long-term value of spiritual leadership.

“I’m the spiritual head of the household; my authority and example are what they’re looking for,” he said.

Dr. Monique Ruberu, an OB-GYN in Virginia, emphasized the importance of rituals that help families become more rooted in Christ, such as prayer before and after meals and at night, going to Mass and confession together, and socializing with other faithful families.

Parents will struggle to provide good formation, however, if they lack it themselves, noted Cristofer Pereyra, CEO of Phoenix-based Tepeyac Leadership Inc. “If they don’t have it, they better get it right away if they care about their children’s souls,” said Pereyra, who recently joined the Order in Arizona.

“You must have a plan for spiritual life for your own soul, for your own life as a parent,” he added, “and you must have a plan for spiritual life for the family.” ✢ MARIA WIERING is senior writer for OSV News and lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband and four children.

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 13

13

10/18/23 5:50 PM

PROTECTING PARENTS in a Postmodern Age With the growing erosion of parental rights in civil law, Catholics are called to proclaim and defend the very meaning of the human person

T

he natural family, based on marriage, has long been understood as the place where a child should be conceived, welcomed, raised and educated. In most cases, the child will eventually leave his mother and father, marry another, and start all over again. Thus, the family is said to be the cradle of society. The Church, likewise, has always recognized the family as the fundamental “cell” of society and parents as the first and primary educators of their children.

St. John Paul II, known as the pope of the family, underscored the grave duties of parents to care for their children, to provide for their spiritual, emotional and physical needs, and to form them in virtue and in faith. In his apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio, he observed, “The fruitfulness of conjugal love is … enlarged and enriched by all those fruits of moral, spiritual and supernatural life which the father and mother are called to hand on to their children, and through the children to the Church and to the world” (28).

14

The family must have freedom in order to fulfill these obligations and to live out its purpose to the full. The law has long recognized that parents have fundamental rights so that they can exercise their responsibilities. These rights are not given to parents by the government, but rather are natural rights that the government has a duty to protect and foster.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that “the right and duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable” (2221).

The Supreme Court of the United States has also acknowledged this understanding, referring in 2000 to parental rights as “the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.” Indeed, nearly a century ago, the Supreme Court affirmed in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, “The child is not the mere creature of the State; [rather] those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” (Notably, the Knights of Columbus underwrote the litigation in that landmark case.)

Photo by Spirit Juice Studios

By Elizabeth Kirk

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 14

10/18/23 5:50 PM

Once rights are detached from a proper understanding of the human person, they no longer make sense. Why should we protect parental rights when what it means to be a parent is arbitrary?

And yet, parental rights have in recent years become more and more vulnerable. Parents are frequently pitted against the state, and even against their own children, in numerous contexts, including disputes about access to locker rooms and bathrooms, the appropriateness of library books and curricular content, mandated vaccines, and more. Too often, the role of parents is thwarted or diminished.

In the case of medical decision-making, the law increasingly grants authority to minors at the expense of parental authority. Many U.S. states, for example, do not require parents to consent to, or even be notified of, their minor daughter’s abortion. More than a half-dozen states permit a minor as young as 14 to consent to any medical treatment without the consent of his or her parents. A newly adopted California bill will allow children 12 years of age and older to consent to “mental health treatment” and be put in a residential shelter under certain circumstances, without having to consult with their parent or guardian.

These are only a few instances in which the rights of parents, the good of children and the interests of the state intersect and collide. But there is an even more fundamental challenge to a robust protection of parental rights: We now struggle to define what a parent is in the first place. Under traditional parentage law, a mother was the person who gave birth to a child — though it was hardly necessary to say so!

Determination of paternity was typically based on marriage, but as nonmarital births exploded over the last several decades, it has increasingly been determined by genetics. But even genetics are not enough to determine parentage given the increasingly complex family structures made possible by technology and surrogacy. Candidates include the egg donor, sperm donor, gestational carrier and any number of intended parents.

In this new order, there are no given family relations deriving from marriage or the gift of a child. Instead, marriage and parenthood are increasingly seen as chosen (or rejected) to fulfill the desires of adults. Some now even

call for the state to recognize — and facilitate with taxpayer funding — a fundamental right to access technology to become a parent. The Right to Build Families Act of 2022, introduced last year in Congress, but not successfully passed, would have created a statutory right to assisted reproductive technology.

Civil law, which guides human conduct, should be based on truths, accessible to us through reason, about the nature of the human person. These truths include that we are embodied in two sexes ordered to complementarity; that there is an intrinsic connection between the sexual act and procreation; that marriage is the privileged place where sex ought to occur and children ought to be welcomed; and that parents are uniquely and best suited to provide for the care and upbringing of their children.

Over many decades, however, U.S. law has become nearly completely unmoored from these truths — with its protection of contraception (which detaches sex from procreation), nonmarital relationships (which detach sex from commitment), no-fault divorce (which detaches marriage from commitment), abortion (which denies the mother-child relationship and the humanity of the child), reproductive technologies (which commodify conception and children), and surrogacy (which commodifies and erases motherhood).

Once rights are detached from a proper understanding of the human person, they no longer make sense. Why should we protect parental rights when what it means to be a parent is arbitrary? A parent in the new order is a mere creature of the state and, as such, is interchangeable with the state or a state-appointed expert.

The breakdown of the family, the collapse of marriage and the increased sense that parents and children are each other’s enemies have grave consequences. All over the world, we see a terrible denigration of the dignity of the human person and a rejection of our duties of care and love for one another. There must be a better way.

In order to protect the freedom and authority of the family as the fundamental cell of society, and in particular the natural right of parents to direct their children’s care and education, the law must recover a proper understanding of the human person. Only then can the family live up to its calling as a school of humanity and be, according to St. John Paul II, the “most effective means for humanizing and personalizing society” (FC, 23).

This high calling, together with support for vulnerable families, was at the heart of Blessed Michael McGivney’s vision for the Knights of Columbus. Despite the challenges we face in law and society today, Knights and their families can help ensure that the truth of human life and love is proclaimed, valued and protected through both prayerful witness and making their voices heard in the public square. ✢ ELIZABETH KIRK is director of the Center for Law and the Human Person at the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 15

15

10/18/23 5:50 PM

BATTLE READY For 20 years, a prayer book published by the Order has fortified the faith of service members worldwide

By Andy Telli

Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, who currently serves as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “This prayer book, conceived as a resource for Catholics who heroically defend the Constitution and our nation, serves, as well, as a tool for all people of good will who seek a practical resource for reflection and prayer.”

Since the first books were published in 2003, the Order has added a bilingual version for the Canadian Armed Forces, and separate versions for service members in France and Ukraine. In 2006, a “civilian” version, printed on regular paper, was published by the Order’s Catholic Information Service (#364) to meet the high demand for copies from military families, veterans, Knights and others.

“From 24 years of service on land and sea in the United States Navy, I know firsthand the challenges faced by those serving in the military, especially on deployment, and what a refuge our Catholic faith can be during even the darkest days,” wrote Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly in the foreword to the book’s sixth edition. “Armed with the Faith has already proven to be a valuable spiritual resource for hundreds of thousands of Catholics in the military, and the Knights of Columbus is pleased that this copy has found its way into your hands and heart.”

From left: U.S. Army Maj. Michael Ricky, holding a copy of Armed with the Faith, stands with other service members outside Baghdad’s Al Faw Palace on Feb. 8, 2004. • Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, discusses the prayer book at the 2010 Supreme Convention, hosted in Washington, D.C. 16

Knights of Columbus Multimedia Archives

I

n 2005, a 37-year-old major in the Tennessee National Guard was waiting to board a plane for a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan, leaving his wife and two young children at home. Someone offered him a prayer book; once on board, he noticed that it was called Armed with the Faith, published by the Knights of Columbus.

“I carried it in my breast pocket every single day for 368 days and on 26 combat patrols,” recalled Michael McCusker, who later served as state deputy of Tennessee and was elected supreme master earlier this year. “I can only assume now that it was brother Knights passing them out. God put them there to make sure I didn’t go off to war without being armed with prayer.”

This year marks the 20th since the Order first published Armed with the Faith in partnership with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Since 2003, more than 700,000 copies have been distributed to U.S. military personnel at home and abroad. Printed on waterproof, tear-resistant stock to endure rugged conditions, Armed with the Faith contains a wide variety of prayers and devotions, along with sections on Catholic moral and sacramental teachings.

“Around the globe, Catholic priests seek this resource to arm the men and women in uniform with another line of defense to foster growth in the Catholic faith,” said

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 16

10/18/23 5:50 PM

From left: Photo by Paul Haring — Photo by Slav Zatoka

From left: Supreme Master Michael McCusker shows the copy of Armed with the Faith he carried with him throughout his 2005-2006 deployment to Iraq with the Tennessee National Guard. • Lt. Cmdr. Brian Reedy, a Navy chaplain and Knight, stands aboard the USS Iowa, now a museum in the Port of Los Angeles, Calif.

‘A SOURCE OF STRENGTH AND GRACE’ The idea to publish a prayer book for military personnel arose after 9/11, as the tensions in the Middle East pointed toward the possibility of armed conflict. Specifically, it originated with Franklin Woodbury, a member of James Cardinal Hickey Assembly 2534 in Washington, D.C. “Frank was a Korean War vet in my assembly who had this beat-up prayer book from his years in the service,” recalled retired Marine Corps Col. Charles Gallina, the Order’s advisor for military and veterans affairs. It seemed that no one had published a prayer book specifically for members of the military since then.

“So Frank mailed his copy to Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, asking if the Knights could develop a prayer book,” Col. Gallina continued. “And the supreme knight said, ‘Absolutely, we can do this, and we will do this.’”

Jesuit Father Daniel Sweeney, at the time a military chaplain with the Air Force Reserve and a member of Georgetown University Council 6375 in Washington, was asked to lead the project as editor. Father Sweeney in turn brought the proposal to Archbishop (now Cardinal) Edwin O’Brien, who was then serving as ordinary of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. “He was very supportive, and that support has continued under Archbishop Broglio,” recalled Father Sweeney.

Father Sweeney began by consulting other prayer books, friends in the military, and other priests, as well as drawing on his own experience as a military chaplain. In selecting spiritual content, he focused on prayers that would benefit military personnel, especially those deployed.

The military archdiocese began sending shipments to hot spots in the Middle East and elsewhere, and almost immediately, it began making a profound impact.

“There is no way I can adequately describe how much these books are appreciated,” U.S. Navy and Marine Corps chaplain Father William Devine wrote in a letter to Archbishop O’Brien from Iraq after receiving a large shipment of Armed with the Faith during the First Battle of Fallujah in spring 2004. “Every Marine took the prayer book. They came up to me and asked me to bless their scapulars, medals, rosaries and the book. Their large hands dirtied by war held these objects of grace. A number used the book to go to confession. Others asked me to explain how to pray the rosary. This book is and will be a source of strength and God’s grace long after I leave.”

HOLDING ONTO FAITH AND HOPE A bilingual version for the Canadian Armed Forces, titled Armour of Faith/Armure de Foi, was added in 2009. Similar prayer books, inspired by Armed with the Faith, were NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 17

17

10/18/23 5:50 PM

Faith, Jo Ann Redmond, the director of administration for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, is the one who answers that call.

“They feel like it’s a really good resource, especially for the Catholic soldiers who can feel some sort of comfort from home, even though they’re not at home,” Redmond said. “In a combat situation, faith becomes even more important. They have to have something to hang onto, some kind of hope.”

Col. Gallina, the Order’s liaison with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, agreed.

“In times of real confusion and the chaos of combat, sometimes the only thing you have going for you is your faith,” said Col. Gallina, who served four tours of duty in Vietnam. “It provides the moral courage to continue forward and the spiritual connection to carry on.”

Noting that he would have been “most blessed” to have carried a copy of Armed with the Faith with him in Vietnam, he is grateful that so many service members in the last 20 years have been able to do so.

“Armed with the Faith is one of the greatest things the Knights of Columbus has ever done for the spiritual growth for our men and women in the military,” Col. Gallina affirmed. “It is a sacred treasury for our warriors.” ✢ ANDY TELLI recently retired as the longtime managing editor of the Tennessee Register; he is a member of Bishop Alphonse J. Smith Council 3763 in Madison, Tenn.

College Knights and K of C leaders from the Washington, D.C., area gather to prepare boxes of Armed with the Faith for shipment to U.S. military personnel stationed around the world in 2010.

18

Photo by John Whitman

published for the military in France (2016) and Ukraine (2018). The Knights published a sixth edition of Armed with the Faith in 2021.

The prayer book has proven to be popular not only with Catholics serving in the military, but also with service members in other faith traditions.

“Faith is important for all of us,” said Father Sweeney, a former state chaplain of Washington, D.C., who currently teaches history and international studies at the University of Scranton. “But when you’re going through that dark valley, you are more aware of your faith and core values.”

Supreme Master McCusker used Armed with the Faith every day he was in Afghanistan.

“After morning chow, I would say a rosary, I would pray from that book, and read three chapters of the Bible,” he said. “Every day, I would flip through Armed with the Faith and look for something that appealed to me that day.”

Jesuit Father Brian Reedy, a Navy chaplain and Knight who recently returned from a deployment to Djibouti, East Africa, finds that the prayer book is a popular resource among military personnel.

“Service members really like Armed with the Faith because it contains a lot of really good spiritual resources in a concise way and a transportable way,” said Father Reedy, who is currently assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, California. “People take them, pray with them, use them.”

When military chaplains request copies of Armed with the

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 18

10/18/23 5:50 PM

F AT H E R S F O R G O O D

Awaiting Judgment At the end of our earthly lives, we will not be able to dispute the truth of who we really are

By Michael Amodei

Photo by dmphoto/E+ via Getty Images

HAVE YOU THOUGHT about what the Church calls your

“particular judgment”? This is the eternal reckoning at the moment of our death, when each of our immortal souls will be judged based on how our life was lived in reference to Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1022). It is also the instant when God declares whether or not we will go to heaven — either immediately or after purification in purgatory — or to hell.

Thinking about death and our particular judgment may stir up feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and dread, which is why most us put off such thoughts, at least until we face a serious crisis or illness. But as the Church traditionally dedicates November to honoring the dead and praying for the souls in purgatory, it is a fitting time to reflect upon our own death.

As we were reminded when first joining the Order: Tempus fugit. Memento mori. (Time flies.

Remember death.)

We don’t know exactly what awaits us at death, but we can imagine what it might be like.

First, though, consider what it won’t be like. Archbishop Fulton Sheen cautioned, “Do not think when you go before the judgment seat of God that you will argue a case. You will plead no extenuating circumstances, you will not ask for a new trial or a new jury; you will be your own judge! You will be your own jury. … God will merely seal our judgment.” Our particular judgment will be “an evaluation of ourselves just as we really are.”

In that vein, I imagine my judgment day to be set in a dark movie theater, where I am completely alone. When the movie begins, I recognize my parents on the screen. My dad is pushing my mom in a wheelchair as she holds a baby, which I realize is me. My parents are bringing me home from the hospital. As the scenes unfold, the film doesn’t include every waking minute of each day — rather, it’s made up of interesting scenes that seem to have some deeper meaning.

The movie proceeds until I’m in the fifth grade. “This should be good,” I think. “I loved that time of life.” However,

as the theater lights subtly rise, I peek behind me and see the figure of a woman. It appears to be Miss Seidler, my fifth grade teacher. She has a serious expression, and next to her is a boy wearing glasses and a T-shirt with an image of the 1964 World’s Fair. I get a queasy feeling.

On the screen I see the school basketball court. Our team is about to start practice. The camera pans to the sidelines and moves in for a close-up. It is me and the boy wearing glasses and the World’s Fair shirt. “Go away! We don’t want you on the team!” The voice is mine. The film switches — I am not watching my life story anymore; I am watching the life of the boy with glasses. I remember now. His name is John.

I see John in a kitchen with his mother. He is crying because of my harsh words. I feel awful about what I am watching. I want the film to stop, but it goes on, and I know there is worse to come. After all, this is just one incident among many throughout my life in which I acted selfishly, put another person down, or let anger, ambition, greed or concupiscence sway my thoughts and behavior.

It is unsettling to think about my particular judgment in this way. But I must remember that I will be judged by the One who is both just and merciful.

There will be no cries of “that’s not fair!” My actions will judge themselves. Jesus, the masterful film editor, will be there to fast-forward the film to show me how I amended my life, as well as where I still came up short. Moreover, all the sins I confessed and received forgiveness for in the sacrament of reconciliation have been wiped away; they will not even appear on the judgment screen of my life. Jesus, the just judge, will be there with his mercy, sifting out the weeds of my life that grew along with the wheat — and it is my great and only hope that he will bring me home to heaven. ✢ MICHAEL AMODEI, a member of Santa Maria Council 553 in South Bend, Indiana, is executive editor at Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, and the author of various books.

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 19

19

10/18/23 5:50 PM

COURAGE at

A Huey helicopter flown by Maj. Bruce Crandall takes off from Landing Zone X-Ray during the Battle of Ia Drang in November 1965. Crandall and his second in command, Capt. Ed Freeman, would later receive the Medal of Honor for their repeated volunteer missions into the battle zone to supply soldiers and evacuate the wounded.

IA DRANG

Left: Retired Army Col. Walter Marm holds his Medal of Honor, received for valor at the Battle of Ia Drang.

J

ust months after 2nd Lt. Walter Joseph “Joe” Marm became an officer in the U.S. Army, he was disembarking from a helicopter in central Vietnam and leading a platoon into combat against the North Vietnamese Army. The ferocious fight in November 1965 became known as the Battle of Ia Drang , and it was the first major engagement of the Vietnam War — the Army’s first large-scale air assault by helicopter. Marm’s battalion commander, Lt. Col. Harold “Hal” Moore, and war correspondent Joseph Galloway told the story of Ia Drang in their 1992 book, We Were Soldiers Once … and Young, calling it “the battle that changed the war in Vietnam.”

Growing up in Washington, Pennsylvania, Marm had gone to Catholic school, served as an altar boy and excelled in Boy Scouts.

He competed on the rifle team at Duquesne University, and it was his rifle coach who encouraged him to consider a military career. Days after graduation, he was on a train to basic training. Marm earned his commission in April 1965 and attended Army Ranger School before being deployed to Vietnam with the 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

20

LEFT: Photo by John Trice — RIGHT: Photo by Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Medal of Honor recipient Walter Joseph Marm Jr. recalls the 1965 battle that changed the Vietnam War

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 20

10/18/23 5:50 PM

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 21

21

10/18/23 5:50 PM

A member of the Knights of Columbus since 1966, Marm spoke with Columbia earlier this year about the Battle of Ia Drang and the valiant actions that earned him the U.S. military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. The following account is adapted from that interview.

The 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) arrived in South Vietnam in mid-September and established a base camp in the central highlands. At the same time, North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers began making attacks on South Vietnamese, American forces and their local allies. In response, U.S. Army leaders launched an air assault, landing the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, by helicopter in the Ia Drang Valley on Nov. 14, 1965.

We were looking for the enemy. Their heavy mortars and aircraft units had not arrived yet, which was good for us. But they were looking for the enemy, too — they were looking for us. We captured a few once we landed, and they said they wanted to kill Americans.

One of the platoons became trapped on the side of Chu Pong Mountain. They were surrounded by the North Vietnamese and needed help; they couldn’t get out on their own.

So our mission for the rest of that day was to try to get up there and get them out.

LEADING THE CHARGE We made two attempts to get up there on Nov. 14. On the first attempt, we were taking too many casualties, so we had to pull back. Our battalion commander, Lt. Col. Hal Moore, said, “We’re gonna go get them out with the entire unit.” So we made a second attempt later in the afternoon.

We prepped our positions as we were moving forward with artillery and mortar fire to try to silence the enemy. But the enemy was still there.

Ia Drang Valley isn’t heavy jungle like some areas of Vietnam; it’s trees and shrubs and elephant grass, about neck high. Right in front of my position was a solidified 22

anthill about 7 or 8 feet in height, with trees and shrubs around it. The NVA were using it as a machine gun bunker.

I told one of my men to shoot a bazooka into it; it’s a oneshot disposable tank-killing weapon. He opened it up and put it on his shoulder, but it didn’t go off because of all the humidity and moisture. I took the weapon from him, closed and opened it up again, and it went off for me. It made a big boom and cloud of dust, and I thought we had destroyed the position. We started moving forward again, but we were still taking fire.

So I told one of my men to throw a grenade over the top of it. With all the battle noise, I used sign language, and he thought I meant to throw it from where we were at. He did, and it deflected and landed in front. It didn’t do any damage.

So rather than waste any more time, I told my men, “Don’t shoot me up,” and I ran across about 30 meters of open terrain to the bunker. I threw a grenade over the top and ran around to the left side. There were still some bad guys who were trying to shoot me, but I was able to silence them. I told my men, “Come on, let’s go; we gotta get to the platoon that’s trapped.”

And that’s when I was wounded. I stood up and got shot in the jaw; it went in my left jaw and deflected downward and underneath my right jaw and out. I had to feel my mouth to see if it was still in place. My sergeant, Sgt. Tolliver — who was a medic in Korea and carried our aid bag — he patched me up, and a couple of my soldiers helped me back to the command post. I was evacuated later that day by helicopter.

NO MAN LEFT BEHIND Two helicopter pilots — Bruce Crandall and Eddie “Too Tall to Fly” Freeman — were bringing all of our ammunition and resupplies to keep the battle going. Bruce and Ed also received the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions in that

Photo courtesy of Walter J. Marm Jr.

BUILDUP TO BATTLE We were in the last phase of Ranger School in Florida when they called out 50 names and said, “Your orders are now changed. You aren’t going to Fort Jackson; you’re going to this unit up at Fort Benning.” Rumor had it that the unit was going to Vietnam. And that’s what happened — we signed into the 7th Cavalry Regiment, whose lineage goes back to Gen. George Custer. And a month later we were heading to Vietnam on a World War II merchant marine ship.

I didn’t know much about Vietnam. I started going to the library and checking out books about Vietnam to see what it was like. There’s always a tension and fear of the unknown, but these troops had been training and working together and testing the helicopters in war games for over a year. It turned out to be a very, very good unit. They were excellent soldiers, and I was blessed to have skilled leaders too. It was a long 30 days on the ship. We were having classes and shooting off the rear of the ship with our new weapon, the M16 rifle.

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 22

10/18/23 5:50 PM

Photo by John Trice

Retired Col. Marm wears the Medal of Honor in his home in Fremont, N.C. • Opposite page: Then-1st Lt. Marm smiles with his father, Walter Marm Sr., a past grand knight of Washington (Pa.) Council 1083, after receiving the Medal of Honor on Dec. 19, 1966.

battle. It’s one of the few battles in Vietnam where there were three Medal of Honor recipients.

The leader of the stranded platoon was killed, and his whole chain of command were killed or wounded. A young E5, a buck sergeant named Ernie Savage, took over. He called in artillery and mortar all around his position. He put a ring of steel around his position and was able to hold off three attacks from the enemy that night. In the morning on the 15th, two companies went up there, and we were able to get all the soldiers out, wounded and killed. Ernie Savage was later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the second-highest award for valor in combat, along with his medic, Doc Lose, who was in charge of keeping all the wounded alive. After three days of intense fighting, we lost 79 soldiers killed in action and 121 wounded in action.

I was evacuated to a medical unit and then all the way back to an Army hospital in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. You know, God works in strange and mysterious ways. Another inch and the bullet would have hit my jugular vein, and I would have bled to death. I spent three months recuperating; my mouth was wired shut while the bone healed, and I was on a baby food diet.

A few months later, a reporter told me I was going to receive the Medal of Honor. And that was the first I heard of it. On a very cold December day — Dec. 19, 1966 — in an

outside ceremony, I was presented the medal by the secretary of the Army, Stanley Resor.

Recipients of the Medal of Honor don’t have to go back into combat, but I felt I should pull my share of the hardship.

I hated war, but I love being with soldiers. So I volunteered to go back in ’69, to the 1st Cavalry Division again, and I made it through the whole year without getting wounded.

You may have heard the expression “There are no atheists in foxholes.” You’re out there in a very tough area, and you’re sleeping on the ground or in a poncho liner, looking up at the stars. I would say the St. Michael prayer every day, and other prayers too. If I had the time, I would say the rosary. I believe I’ve never been as close to God as I was in combat.

Walter Joseph Marm Jr. joined the Knights of Columbus in December 1966, following the example of his father, Walter Marm Sr., a past grand knight of Washington (Pa.) Council 1083. “It’s a very special organization,” he said. “They do great things to help the Church and to help their fellow man.”

He went on to serve 29 more years in the Army, including three years as an instructor at the U.S. Military Academy, and retired as a colonel in 1995. Marm and his wife, Deborah have four children and nine grandchildren. They now live in eastern North Carolina, where he is a member of Msgr. Arthur R. Freeman Council 5487 in Goldsboro. ✢ NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 23

23

10/18/23 5:50 PM

Top-Flight CHARITY Military Knights in Utah deliver thousands of pounds of groceries each year to combat hunger

By Marie Mischel

24

“This initiative is all about trying to eliminate that fear of not having food,” said Jim Hiatt, a council member and Air Force veteran who has helped with the deliveries for years.

“It’s about giving people that reassurance that somebody’s out there, and they’re going to be OK.” FOOD FOR FAMILIES The second-largest U.S. Air Force base by population and geographic size, Hill is home to the 75th Air Base Wing, with more than 22,000 military and civilian employees. Catholics are well represented, served on base by Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Community, commonly referred to as “the parish.” Deacon Douglas R. Sliger Council 16127 was established there in 2015.

“When the council was chartered, we all were looking for things we could do to help the community to live up to our responsibility as Catholic men of the parish and members of the Order,” said Al Gibson, a charter member and past grand knight who has worked for the Defense Department for decades. He suggested a Thanksgiving food drive, and it became one of the council’s first big projects.

About the same time, a parishioner who worked at the base commissary approached the Knights with a request. Food at the commissary that was reaching its expiration date was being discarded; the parishioner asked whether the Knights could arrange to have it donated. Yeager, then the council’s financial secretary, brought the matter up at the next council meeting.

“A couple of our Knights then took off with it and got in contact with [the base chaplain] and the commissary staff,” Yeager recalled. “And we’ve been running with it ever since.”

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Lee/Alamy Images

F

ighter jets and other military aircraft zooming over breathtaking natural landscapes are a daily spectacle at Hill Air Force Base in northern Utah.

Much less visible — indeed, virtually hidden from sight — are the hundreds of families in communities adjacent to the base that struggle daily with food insecurity.

“It shocked us how big the need is right here in Utah, in a very metropolitan area,” said Stacey Yeager, grand knight of Deacon Douglas R. Sliger Council 16127 on the base.

“When you go to the food pantries and see the need, it’s a kind of awakening.”

Those pantry shelves have been much fuller the last seven years thanks to the efforts of Council 16127 and its participation in the Knights of Columbus Food for Families program. Since 2015, the Knights at Hill AFB have coordinated weekly pickups from the base commissary, transporting large quantities of donated groceries to charities in the Ogden area. The council also organizes food drives several times a year at the base’s chapel.

In 2022, Council 16127, assisted by several other nearby councils, delivered about 17,000 pounds of food to local pantries, bringing their total since the program began to more than 91 tons. The families helped by their work are harder to quantify, but the thought of them keeps the Knights motivated.

“Everybody thinks the base community makes enough money to cover [expenses],” explained Yeager, who served in the Air Force for 20 years and retired in 2019. “But you may have a young airman [with] a single-income household, four or five kids. And they may be struggling.”

C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 24

10/18/23 5:50 PM

Above, from left: Al Gibson, past grand knight of Deacon Douglas R. Sliger Council 16127 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, delivers food donated by the base commissary to a local food bank in August. • Grand Knight Stacey Yeager carries donations from the council’s Lenten food drive in March. • Opposite page: Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Vipers from Hill Air Force Base conduct flight training operations over Utah’s West Desert.

FROM LEFT: Photo by Benjamin Jack — Photo by Derek Israelson

Every week the commissary sets aside the donations, which Knights and family members pick up and deliver to local food pantries.

At first, only Council 16127 handled the donations.

However, the pickup and deliveries must be done during business hours, and it became difficult to find volunteers each week who could take time off work. So the Knights asked other local councils if any of their members had access to the base and wanted to help. Now Knights from Ogden Council 777 and St. Rose of Lima Council 6010 in Layton also participate.

The Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, operated by Catholic Community Services of Northern Utah, is one of the five organizations that receive donations from the Knights’ commissary run. It also receives all the food collected by the council’s parish drives, which bring in between 650 and 1,500 pounds several times a year. “[Our work] couldn’t be done without the generosity and support of community members like the Knights of Columbus,” said Randy Chappell, director of basic needs at CCS. “Every act of kindness and assistance truly makes a difference for those experiencing hunger in our community.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Yeager hopes that other councils looking to start or build Food for Families projects will contact stores in their area to see if they are willing to donate items nearing their expiration.

“Grocery stores all over the world have the same situation,” he said. “They have food that is going to go bad but could still be used. There’s a lot more food that can be delivered out to needy folks.”

For councils conducting food drives, community engagement and expressions of gratitude are essential, according to Gibson.

“The critical thing, in my opinion, is after it is done, you always put in the bulletin how much the collection was,” he

explained. “And I stand up before Mass and say, ‘Thank you.’

People don’t want money, they don’t want awards, but they like when you say, ‘Thank you.’”

In fact, every time Gibson participates in an activity with the Knights, he says a prayer of gratitude on the way home.

“I say, ‘Thank you, God, for allowing me to serve your people,’” he said. “That’s what I take from it; I take the satisfaction that we are feeding the poor, we are taking care of his most vulnerable, and it gives me great joy.”

The virtue of patriotism, Gibson added, involves “taking care of your fellow Americans, taking care of those who have less.”

Yeager and Hiatt feel a similar satisfaction to be serving others as part of something bigger than themselves, just as they did in the Air Force.

“We always say one person can make a difference,” Hiatt said. “But two people, three people, an organization — you can make a huge difference.”

Yeager considered volunteering in the parish as a lector or religious education teacher after retiring from the Air Force, but he didn’t find what he was looking for until he joined the Knights. He was especially drawn to the Order’s four principles, rooted in a common faith. Now he is district deputy of District #10 as well as grand knight of Council 16127.

“The military was my brotherhood for 20 years. When I retired, I wasn’t in a good place,” Yeager said. “The Knights brought me back into that. I’m doing something for someone else. That’s the reason why I joined the military. I want to be out there protecting, taking care of people, helping people out. And when I retired, I lost that. Now as a Knight, I can do it, just in a different role.” ✢ MARIE MISCHEL is editor of the Intermountain Catholic, the newspaper of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG 10_18 FINAL.indd 25

25

10/18/23 5:50 PM

K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N ✢ F A I T H I N A C T I O N

Faith

Knights from the Archdiocese of Washington (D.C.) Fourth Degree District provide an honor guard for the Blessed Sacrament as Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minn., carries the monstrance across the campus of The Catholic University of America. The procession, which was part of the fourth African National Eucharistic Congress, traveled from a campus building to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington celebrated Mass.

CLEANING WATERS Ten members of Holy Angels Council 10948 in Colma, Calif., including California State Deputy Greg Marracq, held a work day at Holy Angels Church at the request of Father Alex Legaspi, their pastor and council chaplain. The Knights power-washed dozens of tables and hundreds of chairs, used by different parish organizations, that hadn’t been cleaned for several years.

SINGING PRAISE Incarnation Council 6364 in Mantua, N.J., hosted a prayer and music service at the Church of the Incarnation with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter

Marty Rotella. Rotella’s presentation, titled “Spirit Power,” included songs and reflections about God’s love, the Eucharist and the family. About 100 people attended the event.

A GARDEN FOR THE MYSTICAL ROSE Robert J. Oliver Sr. Council 635 in Birmingham, Ala., supplied equipment and labor to help create a new Marian garden at St. Stephen the Martyr Chapel, the Catholic campus ministry center for several local colleges and universities.

The council also donated a statue of the Blessed Virgin for the garden.

ST. ANNE, PRAY FOR US Fourth Degree Knights from Michigan District #1 and Ontario District #5 provided an honor guard for a Mass at the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit on July 26 — the feast day of Sts. Anne and Joachim — to conclude the basilica’s annual novena to St. Anne.

Knights in the area often participate in K of C events on both sides of the international border.

Members of Sacred Heart of Southport Council 12537 carefully lower an 82-year-old bell from the belfry of the old Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Southport, N.C. The old church building became a residential property in 1995, and the home’s owners recently offered to donate the church bell back to Sacred Heart Catholic Parish. At the request of Father Thanh Nguyen, their pastor and council chaplain, five Knights worked to remove the 200-pound antique, which will be refinished and displayed in a new entry portico at the church.

TOP: OSV News photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Archdiocese of Washington — LOWER: Photo by Bob Leipa/The State Port Pilot

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS Saint-Romuald (Québec) Council 2981 donated CA$1,000 to the Heart of Our Heritage Foundation to support the conservation and maintenance of SaintJean-Chrysostome Church. The church, which was built in 1828 and is included on the Canadian Register of Historic Places, needs extensive repairs to prevent water damage to its foundation.

ORA ET LABORA When students from St. James School in Elizabethtown, Ky., cleaned the outdoor Stations of the Cross trail behind the school, Elizabethtown Council 1455 provided tools and other resources to assist with the project.

2 6 C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG KIA 10_18 FINAL.indd 26

10/19/23 6:06 AM

Family

TOP: Photo by Spirit Juice Studios — BOTTOM: Photo by Chloe Valladares

David Mayfield, a member of Ralph Cerny Council 12553 in Argyle, Texas, cuts lumber as a team of Knights constructs an outdoor worship space at The Pines Catholic Camp, which serves thousands of young people each summer in Big Sandy. Knights from several local councils participated in the camp’s inaugural Knight Up Weekend, during which they worked on several projects to prepare the camp for the season and had opportunities for prayer and fraternity.

DIGNITY IN DEATH Members of Sto. Niño de Molino Council 9926 in Bacoor City, Luzon South, repaired damage to the council’s memorial chapel caused by severe weather during typhoon season. The chapel provides families in need with a place to hold a wake for a loved one who has died; the council also covers the expenses for these services.

ONE CATHOLIC FAMILY St. John the Baptist Council 14250 in New Brighton, Minn., held its annual appreciation dinner to celebrate priests, deacons and seminarians at St. John the Baptist Parish, as well as the wives of council members. The parish is known as a “teaching parish” because it frequently hosts seminarians from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis during their service as transitional deacons; they are all invited back to St. John the Baptist for the yearly celebration, along with current and past parish priests and current seminarians.

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED For the eighth year, Prince of Peace Council 11537 in Hoover, Ala., awarded the Patrick Francis Werszner Memorial Scholarship to a young parishioner entering a Catholic high school. The scholarship honors a council member who died in 2015 at the age of 19. Recipients are awarded an initial $1,000, and $500 for each following year of high school.

PROMISING FUTURE FOR SCHOOLS Notre Dame Council 2901 in Baltimore used the proceeds from the sale of its home corporation building to establish $50,000 scholarship endowments at five area Catholic high schools to serve students in need.

HELP FOR A BROTHER AND HIS FAMILY Father Thomas A. Brandon Council 451 in Fort Wayne, Ind., donated $11,200 to brother Knight Andy Grote, whose 5-year-old daughter, Caroline, was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor — a rare form of kidney cancer — last year. The council held a spaghetti dinner to help defray the family’s medical expenses.

FILLING THE OTTAWA FOOD BANK St. John the Apostle Council 10470 in Ottawa, Ontario, collected CA$5,405, as well as more than 1,700 pounds of food, for the Ottawa Food Bank during a drive with local schools and members of St. John the Apostle Parish.

Aidan Reed (left) and Kevin Briner of St. Joseph Council 11370 in Maumee, Ohio, deliver a mattress for Off the Streets, a charity that helps formerly homeless people settle into new housing. Knights were involved in establishing the organization’s Toledo chapter in 2021, and they now collect and deliver donations for its clients almost every week.

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG KIA 10_18 FINAL.indd 27

27

10/19/23 6:06 AM

K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N ✢ F A I T H I N A C T I O N

Community

A team of Knights from Sacred Heart Palos Council 17253 in Palos Hills, Ill., picks up trash along a 2-mile stretch of road in town. The council conducts the beautification project twice a year.

HONORING OLD GLORY St. Rafael Guizar Valencia Assembly 3688 in Cedar Park, Texas, retired 90 U.S. flags in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code to commemorate Flag Day on June 14. Buglers from the Band of the Hills community music group played “Echoing Taps” as the flags were retired.

MONUMENT FOR A KNIGHT PILOT St. Peter’s Catholic Church Council 11514 and Father Robert E. Kekeisen Assembly 2594 in Monument, Colo., jointly donated more than $3,000 toward the Eagle Scout project of Colin Saber, whose goal is to honor a local World War II veteran and Knight who died in 2022. Saber is working to raise

$45,000 to purchase a sculpture of a P-51 fighter plane and install it outside the town hall as a memorial to Army Air Corps Col. Earl Depner, who flew 84 missions in World War II. A Knight since 1934, Depner was an active member of both the council and assembly.

COUNCIL DONATION SAVES LIFE In 2020, Father Bally Council 1192 in Stowe, Pa., donated an automated external defibrillator to St. Aloysius Parish School. Three years later, the son of a Knight was playing basketball at the school when he suffered a cardiac emergency. The AED donated by the council was used to save the student’s life.

PAPER RECYCLING POWERHOUSE For the past 13 years, Cretin Council 859 in Watertown, S.D., has organized a community collection of recyclable paper at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, generating as much as $200,000 for the school — which receives money for every load — and keeping more than 4,700 tons of paper out of landfills.

Financial Secretary Roque Mesa and his wife, Editha, of Our Lady of Fatima Council 9474 in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, plant a tree in Proposed Surigao Forest Park during a joint conservation project with Surigao Council 3418. The councils collaborate to do similar plantings three times a year.

TOWERING CHARITY In 2021, Commodore Barry Council 883 in Pittsburg, Kan., used the proceeds from selling its Knights of Columbus Tower apartment complex to establish an endowment fund with The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas. Since then, the endowment has awarded more than $115,000 to Crawford County charitable organizations that serve low-income families and individuals.

TOP LEFT: Photo by Karen Callaway

WHEELCHAIRS FOR VETS Parishioners from St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress, Calif., donated more than $22,000 to Cypress Council 8599’s annual drive to provide wheelchairs to veterans. The collected funds allowed the council to purchase more than 125 wheelchairs for veterans in need; since 2013, the council has distributed more than 1,500 wheelchairs.

2 8 C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG KIA 10_18 FINAL.indd 28

10/19/23 6:06 AM

Life

TOP: Photo by Juleskye Photography

ULTRASOUND DONATION Nearly 10 years after giving Hands of Hope Pregnancy Services its first ultrasound machine, St. Joseph’s Council 2584 in Paulding, Ohio, raised $16,000 toward the purchase of a new one; the Supreme Council matched the contribution through the Culture of Life Fund. Council 2584 also provides year-round financial and volunteer support to the center.

Grand Knight Rick Park of St. Patrick’s Council 9993 in Colorado Springs, Colo., carries a Silver Rose into a pro-life prayer service at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church.

After the service, for which St. Patrick Assembly 3049 provided an honor guard, the Silver Rose was displayed in the parish’s adoration chapel for a day to encourage additional prayer and reflection.

Members of Dr. W.E. Callaghan Council 2070 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, place baby items on the shelves of the Island Pregnancy Centre’s Summerside location.

The Knights donated CA$1,000 to the center, to which the Supreme Council added CA$200 through the ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy) program. Council 2070 is one of many in the area supporting the center’s establishment of a new maternity home.

SILVER ROSE COMES TO IDAHO FALLS Idaho Falls (Idaho) Council 1663 hosted a Silver Rose prayer service at Christ the King Catholic Church led

by Father John Gathungu, parochial vicar and council chaplain. More than 25 parishioners attended the service, including State Deputy George Mesina.

BABY BOTTLE DRIVE SUCCESS All Saints Council 9485 in Mesa, Ariz., collected more than $20,500 during a baby bottle drive at All Saints Catholic Church. After a benefactor matched the amount, Council 9485 presented a check for more than $41,000 to First Way Pregnancy Center in Phoenix.

DIAPER DRIVE DELIVERS St. Robert Bellarmine Council 13897 in Fernley, Nev., held a diaper drive at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church to benefit Real Choices Women’s Center.

The drive resulted in diaper and cash donations exceeding $1,700. Since the donations were made through the ASAP program, an additional $300 was donated to the center by the Supreme Council.

HALF A CENTURY OF BLOOD DRIVES For more than 50 years, Allouez Council 658 in Rock Island, Ill., has conducted twice-annual blood drives in partnership with ImpactLife. The Knights’ most recent drive collected donations from more than 100 people. Jordan Catholic School, which hosted the drives in its gym, received a $250 grant from the organization, as well as $1 for every donation of blood.

THE DIGNITY OF WORK St. Luke’s Council 9128 in Temple City, Calif., recently donated more than $5,200 to the Lincoln Training Center in South El Monte to support its mission of helping people with disabilities find meaningful work. The money was collected during the council’s fund drive for people with disabilities.

See more at www.kofc.org/knightsinaction Please submit your council activities to knightsinaction@kofc.org NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG KIA 10_18 FINAL.indd 29

29

10/19/23 6:06 AM

S TA R C O U N C I L S 2 0 2 2 - 2 0 2 3

Star Councils Awarded For the 2022-2023 fraternal year, 2,073 councils earned the Star Council Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in membership, insurance and programming. Of these councils (listed here), 280 earned the Double Star Council Award (200% of membership quota) and 160 earned the Triple Star Council Award (300% or more of membership quota) or higher.

In addition, 3,756 councils earned the Columbian Award for excellence in programming; 4,047 attained the Father McGivney Award for meeting their membership quota; and 3,158 earned the Founder’s Award for meeting their insurance quota.

764 2737 3568 4080 7584

5011 11206

ALABAMA 8551 11215 8696 11480 8740 11537 10232 11672 10731 12011

13152 13415 17040 17202 17519

ALASKA 12290 13566

17517

7599

ALBERTA 15871

1032 1229 3419 4339 4737 5221 6933 7306 7626 7904 8077

ARIZONA 8386 11809 8813 11858 9446 12078 9482 12144 9801 12164 9838 12708 10540 12851 11116 13272 11440 13278 11536 13497 11738 13836

2650 4143 6419

ARKANSAS 9396 11604 9514 12458 10208 13829

1283 1406 4767 5423 5540 6232

BRITISH COLUMBIA 6855 9534 8319 9775 8520 10500 8712 10681 8853 11916 8943 12861

615 953 958 1740 1990 2327 2938 3052 3109 3254 3436

CALIFORNIA 3449 4436 3487 5007 3585 5322 3601 5392 3668 5696 3687 5803 3744 5978 3851 6038 3978 6066 4112 6197 4178 7390

14101 14357 14621 14804 15376 15704 16277 17036 17893

14609

13072 15564 16692

9511 9530 9714 9986 10140 10180 10414 10667 11137 11236 11837 12055 12383

CALIFORNIA (CONT.) 12489 15034 12542 15122 12587 15317 12834 15339 12887 15620 13124 15625 13311 15671 13445 15679 13622 15719 13672 15736 14158 15750 14772 16185 14836 16255

539 625 1214 1313 1498 3434 4732 4844 5237 6905

COLORADO 7520 11803 7880 12145 8909 12228 9597 12335 10205 12336 11140 12567 11514 12979 11575 13021 11634 13205 11730 13221

1 7 9 12 15 16 24 31 35 36

CONNECTICUT 39 3181 40 3544 48 3961 50 4313 55 5066 185 5833 1155 5987 2287 6376 2533 8882 2978 10537

10651 11835 12698 12968 14318 14360 14600 14664 15734 17166

DELAWARE 7297 13348

16771

195 3182 7902 7987 8207 8728 8747 9076 9213 9402 9445 9481 9487

224 6375

16293 16584 16687 16764 16770 17048 17203 17333 17376 18011 18076

13729 13981 14338 14785 14898 15751 15857 16052 17142

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 9542 11496 13242 11302

611 1768 2112 3080 3746

FLORIDA 4357 5357 4444 5399 4826 5604 4934 5618 4955 5845

6125 6168 6391 6569 6584

6590 6624 6724 6988 7027 7121 7210 7272 7408 7414 7420 7667 7826 7968 7997 8012 8074 8086 8155 8450 8510 8589 9649 10034 10415

FLORIDA (CONT.) 10462 12155 10484 12402 10514 12456 10572 12569 10626 12664 10757 13051 10850 13118 11069 13139 11079 13277 11125 13300 11220 13307 11226 13337 11241 13338 11281 13341 11295 13527 11448 13624 11483 13639 11488 13996 11668 14202 11680 14203 11850 14485 11877 14573 11893 14697 11961 14730 12110 14848

631 1019 4371 6514 7662 7923 8495 8731 9458 9923

GEORGIA 10633 12942 10821 13052 11458 13161 11746 13204 12000 13437 12126 13440 12287 13457 12386 13808 12580 14122 12862 14181

10752

6307 6734 10475

14866 15154 15225 15231 15332 15366 15619 15821 15836 16080 16492 16886 17162 17215 17480 17531 17689 17915

14348 14425 14488 14773 14944 16534 16870 17969

GUAM

HAWAII 11743 13227 12045 14663 12733 16741

892 1363 1416 1663

IDAHO 2014 10581 3085 11548 3086 11623 5444 12172

361 662 665 735 776 845 997 1204 1369 1444 1567 1599 1659 2191 2601 2782 2874

ILLINOIS 3880 10678 3934 10884 4194 10926 4400 10958 4741 11027 6090 11092 6521 11149 6625 11666 6710 11981 6964 12407 6993 12824 8002 13123 8365 13436 8473 14171 8596 14283 9266 14463 10637 15022

451 738 1043 1221 1347 1542 3283 3433

INDIANA 3631 10371 4511 11165 5521 11353 6323 12177 6923 12387 7544 12951 8082 14214 9706 14673

644 1354 1466 4403

IOWA 8269 12482 9632 14494 12193 14987 12422 15049

17042 18025

12516 12560 13089 17462

15037 15324 15713 15732 15771 15822 16126 16161 16350 16369 16660 17439

16454 17043

15725 15813

843 1661 2093 3020 3114 4113

KANSAS 4458 9856 4708 10242 6673 10279 6817 10932 7485 12546 7486 12577

4665 11470 12502

KENTUCKY 14130 15841 15525 15914 15699 15979

969 1134 1337 1905 2012 2142 2409 2732 2807 2855 2893 3088 3202 3465 3621

LOUISIANA 3634 8342 3642 8601 3729 8615 3857 8840 4085 8878 4562 8901 4818 9000 6170 9007 6326 9247 6357 9623 7033 10176 7355 10178 7657 10293 7856 10728 8322 10744

3710 3711 3888 3939 4073 4110 4206 4277 4278 4319 5018 5120 5204 5775 6080 6085 6171 6185 6613 6655 6775 6940 7653 7666 7731 7818 7843 7876 8226 8254

LUZON NORTH 8691 11754 8751 12125 8753 12507 8801 12624 8804 12794 8833 12810 8834 12892 9006 13183 9008 13292 9054 13332 9087 13344 9101 13616 9173 13725 9353 13774 9440 14137 9459 14177 9491 14227 9786 14353 9866 14379 9874 14424 9878 14592 9934 14901 10039 15166 10368 15309 10399 15387 10695 15432 10860 15481 11184 15587 11289 15697 11297 16131

3469 3937 4267 5124 5311 5507 5579 5622 5688 6115 6122 6155 6178 6300 6387 6502 6681 6932 7111 7147 7189 7594 7631 7686 7844 8256 8412

LUZON SOUTH 8451 12053 8565 12205 8626 12370 8708 12405 8942 12442 8987 12787 9075 13213 9160 13298 9191 13548 9439 13553 9595 13554 9635 13569 9636 13628 10139 13855 10166 13995 10291 14022 10527 14049 10971 14072 11200 14257 11322 14314 11368 14405 11444 14835 11519 14904 11624 15079 11705 15139 11791 15140 11847 15169

12960 16027 16168 16954

17606

17104 17244 17307 17421 17547

114 136

1107 12072 12529 12686 12906 12989 13145 13397 14614 14822 15133 17205 18108

16136 16246 16272 16289 16302 16314 16416 16445 16542 16563 16651 16847 16894 16993 16998 17053 17428 17455 17504 17518 17632 17801 17880 17894 17973 17975 18176

15298 15318 15419 15427 15434 15506 15663 15670 15957 16135 16188 16245 16282 16360 16366 16426 16434 16439 16484 16602 16661 16790 16844 16887 17001 17084 17087

LUZON SOUTH (CONT.) 17553 18035 18136 17603 18042 18165 17655 18048 17860 18079 17940 18100 MAINE 3942 7920 5524 10020 MANITOBA

205 1384 2002 2169 2323 2605 2797 2942 3960 4449 5208

MARYLAND 5317 10525 5381 10885 5564 10957 6021 10966 6188 11024 7941 11106 8736 11372 9462 11616 9774 11618 9808 11898 10100 12054

85 110 183 287 314

MASSACHUSETTS 1078 2525 1116 3535 1232 4044 1319 4225 1847 5027

16955

10221 11747

13008 13859 14455 14612 15985 17990

13388 14224 15829 16156

MEXICO CENTRAL

2081 2312 4390

MEXICO NORTHEAST 4559 14854 15565 5159 15103 16378 13570 15218 16932

3079 3996

MEXICO NORTHWEST 15581 16340 16842 16283 16458 17336

13963

MEXICO SOUTH 14477 17546

2101 4344 4637

MEXICO WEST 4770 14374 5593 16231 14228

414 587 600 695 788 856 1120 1139 1213 1266 1541 1802 2084 2632 2660 2894 2900 2950 2975 3021 3078 3092 3111 3257 3292 3725 3774 3956 3959

MICHIGAN 4064 8391 4141 8392 4188 8556 4401 8659 4764 8687 5436 8902 5452 9301 6223 9962 6657 9979 6694 10343 7018 10724 7115 11430 7200 11432 7255 11658 7304 11756 7341 11761 7413 11957 7418 12090 7561 12121 7586 12295 7761 12408 7816 12423 7891 12808 7945 12985 8041 13319 8043 13419 8117 13450 8169 13453 8231 13485

16588

13499 13526 13641 13645 13653 13673 13749 13810 13930 13950 13958 13983 14427 14598 14642 15204 15213 15352 15439 15889 15932 15967 16169 16630 17509 17772

3 0 C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG Star Councils 09_18 FINAL.indd 30

10/19/23 6:13 AM

10292

MILITARY OVERSEAS 12488 15969

4269 5863 5907 6359 6960 6974 7391 7470 7610 7690 7852

MINDANAO 7885 11306 8134 11842 8181 12723 8209 13650 8543 13933 8685 14286 8764 14718 8890 14740 11199 14809 11283 14812 11286 15341

945 1076 1223 1491 1781

MINNESOTA 2506 5268 2751 5541 3473 6374 4374 9096 5202 9585

1605

MISSISSIPPI 9094 11934

979 995 1111 2117 3414 3511 4387 4838 5898

MISSOURI 6420 8620 6525 9272 6780 9533 6794 10200 7064 10794 7119 10844 7199 11139 7588 13681 7841 13901

2464

MONTANA 9395 13093

652 1966 6192

NEBRASKA 10795 10913 10895 11364 10909 12086

978 4997 5448 8282 9102

NEVADA 9899 13842 10780 13897 12877 14544 13392 14784 13456 14820

807

NEW HAMPSHIRE 7572 13904

359 405 426 514 816 836 1443 1672 1910 1984 2188 2248 2393 2560 2572 2607 2842 2976

NEW JERSEY 3294 6320 3402 6364 3428 6424 3451 6513 3495 6520 3512 6530 3546 6552 3680 6575 4154 7020 4504 7046 4969 7103 5114 7316 5410 7526 5427 7536 5486 8415 5611 8733 6226 9193 6284 9914

2719 3355 3683

NEW MEXICO 4227 14124 9504 14254 10570 14920

281 309

NEW YORK 545 794 725 821

15378 16107 16307 16646 16785 16876 17011 17918 17923 17925 18030

14616 15761 16016

2147 2345 2672 3476 3481 3676 3701 3892 3958 3995 4012 4065 4126

NEW YORK (CONT.) 4299 7460 4783 7551 4810 8250 5001 8637 5252 9254 5293 10332 5814 11227 5872 11449 5911 11836 5917 12006 6652 13378 6844 13524 7423 14560

770 2546 2829 3303 3390 3498 3574 5487 6600 6648 6650

NORTH CAROLINA 6700 10910 6717 11076 6970 11101 7024 11180 7186 11234 7450 11265 8664 11817 8680 11946 9039 12017 9709 12119 10504 12281

1779 2760

NORTH DAKOTA 4951 6540 6438 9126

14578 15698 15809 15917 16134 16365 16519 17086 17153 17580

12455 12537 12885 12921 13016 13220 13236 13488 16839 17125 17960

14816

14097 14266 14489 14745 15294 16213

16817

13015 13956 15944

310 478 554 1056 1195 1234 1716 1801 2158 2362

OHIO 2726 5286 3724 5589 3727 5776 3730 10792 3777 10936 4324 11208 4498 11216 4603 11224 4733 11445 4847 11550

916 1018 5266

OKLAHOMA 6477 10822 7392 11237 7395 11959

1387 1388 3881 6074 8661 8919 9005 9144

ONTARIO 9235 11337 9557 12706 10874 13164 10888 13244 11098 13417 11219 13785 11268 14411 11332 14446

1261 1634 1748 1872

OREGON 2325 7828 3818 9257 5060 12656 7388 13851

372 492 512 1333 1480 1530 2201 3440 3673 3858 4052 4215

PENNSYLVANIA 5671 10502 5826 11013 6037 11051 6353 11434 6440 11454 7403 11564 7515 11872 8530 11887 9164 12572 9875 12788 10194 13100 10351 13832

14081 14090 14210 14395 14474 14696 14807 15456 16071 17028 17145 17417

14566 15117

POLAND 15128 15195 15142 15216

15267 15268

16207 17996

17141

10419 11386 11415 11498 11660 12004 12503 12592 12700 13678 14658 15540 15964 16990 17254

16465

1445 1992

15440 15527 15672 15708 15759 16014 16105 16263

POLAND (CONT.) 16462 17534 16642 17542 16709 17586 16964 17624 16999 17645 17030 17667 17050 17703 17316 17730

1209 1468

QUÉBEC 10993 14634 11362

113 322 379

RHODE ISLAND 2011 5273 3618 5295 4005 12312

724 5194 6629 6726 8980

SOUTH CAROLINA 9475 11325 9575 11471 9576 11991 10819 12263 11028 12366

12472 13713 14765 16903

1079 1772 3640

SOUTH DAKOTA 4002 11739 4213 13400 6605 15457

15970 17216

645 2246 3537 4972 5207 6645 6992

TENNESSEE 7764 10641 8152 11074 8354 11925 8781 12256 9282 12469 9787 12633 10010 14041

15234 15585 16088 16604 17578 17943

638 799 1003 1167 1450 1502 2304 2592 2623 2771 2785 2810 2917 3008 3070 3169 3203 3205 3229 3253 3458 3491 3867 3910 4183 4204 4315 4497 4550 4868 5052 5090 5145 5211 5232 5262 5656 5967 6065 6234 6358 6402 6413 6557 6699 6812 6856

TEXAS 6878 9291 6887 9299 7058 9310 7175 9368 7206 9393 7323 9394 7347 9463 7382 9626 7386 9674 7438 9698 7553 9708 7600 9759 7613 9794 7641 9868 7696 9884 7728 9903 7736 9967 7965 9997 7975 10090 8065 10131 8131 10240 8142 10333 8156 10373 8190 10390 8225 10393 8293 10420 8327 10463 8335 10480 8388 10523 8417 10524 8482 10660 8493 10677 8494 10711 8521 10861 8572 10862 8771 10872 8789 10875 8806 10959 8875 10998 8954 11023 8960 11070 8975 11107 9038 11293 9129 11343 9130 11620 9215 11695 9283 11716

NOVA SCOTIA

11665 13608 14282 14665 14962 15458 16373

13313 16367 17383

14727 14749 17065 17394 17476 17725

17396 17442

17865 17876 17886 17924 18009 18023

17555

12613

11721 11862 11865 11905 12008 12021 12148 12153 12320 12327 12480 12553 12657 12697 12711 12798 12803 12869 12955 13044 13166 13357 13363 13408 13447 13470 13520 13523 13704 13927 14025 14413 14512 14549 14584 14617 14700 14943 15017 15033 15240 15262 15783 15789 15876 16041 16047

16078 16103 16275 16393 16665

TEXAS (CONT.) 16748 17304 17060 17404 17196 17583 17204 17653 17224 17679

15802 15804 16250

UKRAINE 16417 16890 16626 17258 16848

602 777 1129 1136 5214

232

UTAH 5502 9849 6010 11246 6739 12181 6966 12959 8606 13297

17708 17762 17769 17812 17991

17740

13646 14239 14399 14764

VERMONT

367 595 694 2473 3548 3572 5332 5476 5750 5998

VIRGINIA 6189 10015 6538 10246 6828 10515 6831 10754 7877 10979 7992 11172 8183 11678 8600 11922 9285 11984 9428 12378

3171 3342 3938 4276 4491 5019 5308 5378 5672

VISAYAS 6990 10485 7101 10686 7815 12324 8236 12728 8584 12779 9209 14386 9359 14782 9466 15563 10101 15648

12982 13467 14523 15256 16234 17189 17995

683 809 894 1629 3598 3645 4196 4322 4385

WASHINGTON 6686 10652 6806 11736 7863 11789 8102 12583 8137 12591 9434 12983 9605 13374 9617 15136 9833 15462

3734 5657

WEST VIRGINIA 8288 12191 10756

499 524 710 973 1257 1471 1709 1789 1799 1837 1864

WISCONSIN 1957 5008 2055 6371 2770 6547 3562 6568 4106 6585 4240 6630 4392 7732 4520 7827 4592 9082 4648 12269 4706 12588

6623

15730 15968 16176 16184 16361 17257

16224

13480 13880 16022 16333 16765 17135 17459 17889

WYOMING

Denotes Double Star Council status Denotes Triple Star Council status 15754 17369 17564 17638 17771 17840 17852 17982

For a complete list of 20222023 Star Councils including council name, location and grand knight, visit kofc.org/starcouncils.

Star Councils in Action

Father McCormick Council 3880 and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council 10678, both in Crystal Lake, Ill., co-host a Silver Rose pro-life prayer service at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Knights from Sta. Quiteria Council 8751 in Caloocan City, Luzon North, work with the Talipapa Fire Substation to educate members of St. Francis of Assisi and Sta. Quiteria Parish on fire safety.

NOVEMBER 2023 ✢ C O L U M B I A

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG Star Councils 09_18 FINAL.indd 31

31

10/19/23 6:13 AM

Join the Father McGivney Guild

!

11/23

Please enroll me in the Father Michael J. McGivney Guild:

Tailgates!

Fire Pits!

Family and Friends!

Knights Gear has great options to make this season cozy and fun!

NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP/POSTAL CODE Complete this coupon and mail to: The Father McGivney Guild, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 or enroll online at: fathermcgivney.org

K OF C OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

Holloway Performance Fleece Hoodie

Striped Sherpa Blanket

Stay warm and comfortable in the Holloway performance fleece hoodie.

Looking for warmth on those chilly nights?

Wrap yourself up in luxurious comfort!

www.KnightsGear.com www.KnightsGear.ca 1-833-695-4872

IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

THE ENGLISH COMPANY INC. www.kofcsupplies.com 1-800-444-5632 FOR UNIFORMS

Navigator Three-Season Jacket The Navigator jacket will quickly become your favorite piece of outdoor gear!

Fleece-Lined Cuffed Beanies

Prism Bold Quarter-Zip Pullover

Camper Thermal Mug

Designed to keep you looking cool in the office, on the golf course or by the lake, this quarter-zip pullover is made with Dry-Excel™ wicking honeycomb knit fabric.

Perfect for camping, traveling or carrying around the home and office, this mug features superior copper vacuum insulation, a stainless steel rim, clear push-on lid with matching swivel closure, and powder-coated finish that resists scratching and fingerprints.

Start Your Christmas Shopping Now “a tree, a prayer” Hanging Ornament

knightsgear.com

“Our Christmas Prayers” Hinged Ornament

|

Shop Knights Gear here:

THE SUPPLY ROOM, INC. www.kofcuniform.com 1-833-562-4327

OFFICIAL NOVEMBER 1, 2023:

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 06507-9982. 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 06507-9982.

COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869/USPS #123-740) IS PUBLISHED 10 TIMES A YEAR BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326. PHONE: 203-752-4000, kofc.org. PRODUCED IN USA. COPYRIGHT © 2023 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, P.O. BOX 554, ELMSFORD, NY 10523.

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.

3 2 C O L U M B I A ✢ NOVEMBER 2023

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG KIA 10_18 FINAL.indd 32

10/19/23 6:06 AM

KNIGHTS OF CHARITY

Photo by Elizabeth Conley

Knights of Charity 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.

Past Grand Knights Dennis Beckman (left) and Luis Zepeda of St. Clare of Assisi Council 9708 in Houston carry boxes at the Houston Food Bank during a joint service day with John Henry Cardinal Newman Council 15105 at the University of Houston. It was the fifth time the two councils have teamed up to work at the food bank, which is the largest in the United States and provides as many as 153 million meals a year. Together, the volunteers processed 12,300 pounds of food.

To be featured here, send your council’s “Knights in Action” photo as well as its description to: Columbia, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 or e-mail: knightsinaction@kofc.org COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG COVERS 10_18 FINAL.indd 3

10/18/23 5:52 PM

KOC PLEASE, DO ALL YOU CAN TO ENCOURAGE PRIESTLY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS. YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

‘It is impossible to be a saint on one’s own.’

Brother Antony Augustine Cherian Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Our Lady of the Snows Council 4859, Anchorage, Alaska

COLUMBIA NOV 23 ENG COVERS 10_18 FINAL.indd 4

Photo by Jayms Ramirez

My vocation to the Dominican Order and to the priesthood was carefully formed by God through the many people he placed in my life.

First and most influential was my Syro-Malabar Catholic family, from whom I learned both the meaning of my faith and how to live it out. More than anyone else, my parents helped shape me as a man of faith and taught me to see everything in light of God’s providence.

Everywhere I have lived — including in India, California, Missouri, Ohio and Alaska — friends, teachers, priests and others supported me and, most importantly, prayed for me. This constant stream of graces continues to sustain me through my formation as a Dominican friar.

It is impossible to be a saint on one’s own.

The gift of asking for and receiving prayers from the other members of Christ’s body is indispensable to discerning and flourishing in every vocation. What a blessing it is to be part of this body!

10/19/23 2:59 PM