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KNIGHT S O F C O LUM BUS

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In Solidarity with Our Bishops and Priests

Agents Earn Highest Professional Honor 2009

The 76 Knights of Columbus agents listed below are not just leaders of our field force.

They are among the elite in the insurance industry. Their tireless efforts serving the Order and its members in fulfillment of Father Michael J. McGivney’s vision have earned them membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). MDRT is an international organization that recognizes the top one percent of financial professionals. MDRT provides resources for members to expand their technical knowledge, increase productivity, enrich client services and maintain the highest ethical standards. We salute these men for their devotion to making a difference for life.

A t T h i s Ta b l e . . . E x c e l l e n c e i s D e f i n e d Robert Abbate — Virginia Beach, Virginia Pierre Albert — Hearst, Ontario Randall Atkins — North Fort Myers, Florida Ben Baca — Whittier, California Louis Baca — Whittier, California Jeremie Bornais — Windsor, Ontario Daniel Bouchard — Camrose, Alberta Martin Bourgeois — Timmins, Ontario Neil Bouvier — Edmonton, Alberta Todd Cabral — Reno, Nevada Robert Callaway — Laurel, Maryland Robert Canter Jr. — Upper Marlboro, Maryland Quintin Chausse — Caledonia, Ontario Wayne Cherney — Devils Lake, North Dakota Timothy Coskren — Walpole, Massachusetts Thaddeus Czarny — Clinton Township, Michigan Justin Deges — Ellis, Kansas John DiCalogero — East Walpole, Massachusetts Marvin Doerhoff — St. Peters, Missouri Daniel Duval — Garson, Ontario Frederick Flynn — Kippens, Newfoundland Perry Gaudet — Bellevue, Saskatchewan James Grabinski — Walden, New York Brian Graham — Kensington, Maryland Mark Hedge — Butler, Ohio Francisco Hernandez — Floral Park, New York Larry Hoelscher — Jefferson City, Missouri Thomas Holtz — Fort Worth, Texas David Imbriani — Monroe Township, New Jersey Joe Jackson — Denver, Colorado Aaron Jelinek — Prior Lake, Minnesota Dennis Kelly — New Carlisle, Ohio Douglas Kelly — Omaha, Nebraska Donald Kucharek — Gaylord, Michigan Paul Lalonde — Virgil, Ontario Chuck Larter — Spencerville, Ontario Richard Lesak — Wharton, Texas William Lewchuk — Calgary, Alberta

Leo Lowdermilk — Richmond, Texas Arthur Luna — Hesperia, California Christopher Mahoney — North Port, Florida Michael McDonough — North Port, Florida Michael McGranahan — Fullerton, California Lawrence Messer — Westminster, Maryland Gregory Miskiman — Calgary, Alberta Michael Mulvena — Bonnyville, Alberta Michel Myre — London, Ontario Edward O'Keefe — Abingdon, Maryland Eric Otteman — Midland, Texas Steven Owens — Garden Grove, California Kevin Paish — St. Albert, Alberta Kevin Patterson — Grand Blanc, Michigan Neil Pfeifer — Norfolk, Nebraska Vincent Polis — Lewiston, Idaho Matthew Poulin — Bow, New Hampshire Keith Praski — Angola, Indiana Daniel Reed — Garden City, Kansas Bobby Renaud — Sudbury, Ontario Luke Rennie — Apple Valley, Minnesota Sonny Sangemino — Kanata, Ontario William Schneider — Cortlandt Manor, New York James Seideman — Lubbock, Texas Thomas Sitzmann — Pueblo, Colorado David Soukup — Leavenworth, Kansas Phillip Stackowicz — South Bend, Indiana Leroy Stoecker — Houston, Texas Douglas Supak — La Grange, Texas Jody Supak — La Grange, Texas Anthony Swanson — Hastings, Nebraska Anatole Tastet — Washington, Louisiana Steven Toebben — Jefferson City, Missouri Sergio Urrutia — Leesburg, Florida David Vanasse — Alfred, Maine James Walton — Waldport, Oregon Hamilton Wiltshire — Scarborough, Ontario Joseph Wolf — Harker Heights, Texas

To identify your professional Knights of Columbus agent, visit “Find an Agent” at www.kofc.org or call 1-800-345-KOFC. A++ (Superior) A.M. Best

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K N I G H T S O F C O LU M BU S OCTOBER 2009 ♦ VOLUME 89 ♦ NUMBER 10

COLUMBIA

127th SUPREME CONVENTION ♦ Aug. 4-6, 2009

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Papal Greetings

Report of the Supreme Knight In his report to the 127th Supreme Convention,

was delivered in a letter from Vatican Secretary

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson highlighted the

of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

Order’s contributions to the Church and society.

We Stand with Peter 127th Supreme Convention underscored the Order’s solidarity with bishops and priests.

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A papal message to the Supreme Convention

Leading by Example Supreme Knight’s Award Session honored top families, volunteers, recruiters and agents.

Above: The Supreme Officers and Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus at the 127th Supreme Convention in Phoenix.

Editor’s Note: The first International Marian Congress dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe and Guadalupe Festival, which were held following the convention, will be featured in the November issue of Columbia.

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PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus ________ SUPREME OFFICERS Carl A. Anderson SUPREME KNIGHT Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. SUPREME CHAPLAIN Dennis A. Savoie DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT Donald R. Kehoe SUPREME SECRETARY John “Jack” W. O’Reilly Jr. SUPREME TREASURER John A. Marrella SUPREME ADVOCATE ________ EDITORIAL Alton J. Pelowski alton.pelowski@kofc.org MANAGING EDITOR Patrick Scalisi patrick.scalisi@kofc.org ASSOCIATE EDITOR ________ GRAPHICS Lee Rader DESIGN

Venerable Michael McGivney (1852-90) Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Intercede for Us. ________ HOW TO REACH US MAIL COLUMBIA

1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510-3326 PHONE 203-452-4398 FAX 203-452-4109 E-MAIL columbia@kofc.org INTERNET www.kofc.org/columbia CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-380-9995 ________ MOVING? Notify your local council. Send your new address and mailing label to: Knights of Columbus Membership Records PO Box 1670 New Haven, CT 06507-0901 ________ Copyright © 2009 All rights reserved ________ ON THE COVER The dome of St. Peter's Basilica as seen from the Vatican Gardens

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PA PA L G R E E T I N G S

A Unified Voice Papal Greetings to the 127th Supreme Convention

Editor’s Note:A papal message to the 127th Supreme Convention was delivered in the following letter from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

to right reason and essential to the building of a just, free and humane society. At a time of growing ethical confusion, and in the light of new and HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI was grave assaults on the right to life and the pleased to learn that on 4-6 August 2009 fundamental institutions of marriage the 127th annual Supreme Convention and family, the Church’s prophetic witof the Knights of Columbus will be held ness to those truths is ever more urin Phoenix, Arizona. He has asked me to gently needed as a genuine service to convey his warm personal greetings to the common good. For this reason the all in attendance, together with his Holy Father encourages the praiseworprayerful good wishes for the occasion. thy efforts of the Knights to promote His Holiness is knowledge of the pleased to see in rich body of the the theme of this Church’s social “As a respected and year’s Convention teaching, and, in articulate voice of the — “We Stand with union with the Peter in Solidarity Bishops as “auCatholic faithful, the with Our Bishops thentic teachers and Priests” — a Knights of Columbus will of the faith” timely reminder (Lumen Gentium, continue to defend of the importance 25), to let that of a united and [the Church’s] teaching.” teaching shape clear testimony to and direct their the Gospel on the personal lives, part of all the baptized, based on com- their institutional decisions and their munion in the apostolic faith and mem- engagement in the life of society at bership in the one Body of Christ which every level. He likewise trusts that, as a is the Church. During his Pastoral Visit respected and articulate voice of the to the United States last year, he held up Catholic faithful, the Knights of Columthis “unity of vision and purpose” as bus will continue to defend that teachthe secret of the growth of the Church ing through reasoned argument and in America (Homily in Saint Patrick’s Cathe- responsible participation in civic and dral, 19 April 2008) and an indispensa- political life. ble element of the new evangelization.

In his recent social Encyclical Caritas The Church is called to speak out with in Veritate, His Holiness, following the a unified voice not only in presenting tradition of his predecessors, pointed to the Christian message as the good news the intrinsic relationship between truth, of salvation for all people, but also in love and justice in the Christian vision. working to renew and transform society It is in love, as free self-gift, that we by defending those unchanging moral come to discover the deepest truth truths inscribed on our hearts by the about ourselves and are inspired to Creator (cf. Rom 1:19-20), discernible work for the true good of the human

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PHOTOGRAPH: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz

family, and indeed, for that supreme human good which is our eternal destiny in the divine plan. Grounded in her experience of God’s empowering love, the Church is convinced that “justice is the primary way of charity” (op. cit., 6) and an essential part of her mission of drawing all men and women to the fullness of life and truth in Christ. The Knights of Columbus, founded as a fraternal and charitable association of Catholic laymen, have long reflected this essential union between charity and justice in their outstanding traditions of volunteer work in the service of others, especially those in greatest material and spiritual need. The Holy Father thus offers prayerful good wishes for the Year of the Volunteer which your Order is presently celebrating, and he encourages the Knights, in the vast network of their local councils, to renew their zeal for charitable works, as a tangible expression of “the faith that expresses it-

self through love” (Gal 5:6) and directs all human activity to its ultimate fulfillment in the Kingdom of God. On June 19 last, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, His Holiness inaugurated a Year for Priests, inviting the whole Church to contemplate anew the mystery and gift of the priesthood.

With deep appreciation for the unswerving commitment of the Knights to promoting priestly and religious vocations worldwide, he appeals to all the members of your Order to celebrate this Year by praying fervently for an increase in vocations, supporting priests in their sublime and demanding ministry, and encouraging young men to be generous and open to the Lord’s call. During this Year may every Knight reflect with gratitude on the immense harvest of good reaped as a result of the pastoral vision and apostolic zeal of outstanding parish priests like the Servant of God Father Michael

McGivney and the Curé of Ars, Saint John Mary Vianney, and pray that our Lord will continue to raise up new generations of shepherds after his own heart (cf. Jer 3:15). Echoing a constant concern of the saintly Curé, the Holy Father likewise asks the Knights, in their families and in their local Councils, to lay great emphasis on helping young people “to pray, and to pray well,” for he is convinced that “young people, if they know how to pray, can be trusted to know what to do with God’s call” (Address to the United States Bishops, Washington, 16 April 2008).

With these sentiments and with great affection in the Lord, His Holiness commends all assembled in Phoenix to the loving intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church. To the members of the Supreme Council, and to all the Knights and their families, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of abundant heavenly graces.♦

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127th Supreme Convention underscores Order’s solidarity with bishops and priests

n his annual report, delivered Aug. 4 at the 127th Supreme Con-

Ivention in Phoenix, Supreme Knight Carl A.Anderson emphasized

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1. Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York interviews Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson on SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

2. Knights exchange pins with Bishop Plácido Rodriguez of Lubbock, Texas.

3. Supreme Knight Anderson addresses delegates at a business meeting.

4. The supreme knight addresses a meeting of K of C chaplains, Aug. 3.

5. Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick (center), archbishop emeritus of Washington, talks with Past Supreme Knight Virgil C. Dechant and His Beatitude Baselios Cleemis, major archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in India.

6. A Fourth Degree honor guard leads the procession for the convention’s opening Mass.

7. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix celebrates the opening Mass.

PHOTOGRAPHY: John Whitman and Tom Serafin

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the Order’s solidarity with the Holy Father and the clergy, as well as its commitment to the defense of life, marriage and the family.

Delivered before more than 1,000 delegates and their families, who attended as guests, in addition to a live TV and radio audience, the Supreme Knight’s Report also outlined the wideranging charitable reach of the Knights of Columbus and the strength of its financial operations.

The Order had a record-breaking year with regard to charity, membership and the financial security it provides to members and their families. In 2008, Knights donated more than $150 million to charities and volunteered 68.8 million hours to their parishes and communities. At the same time, membership grew for the 38th consecutive year, and life insurance in force exceeded $72 billion.

(The full text of the Supreme Knight’s Report begins on page 12.)

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix celebrated the convention’s opening Mass, which marked the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé of Ars, St. John Vianney, who is patron of priests. Two relics

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of the saint were present at the Mass, which was concelebrated by seven cardinals, approximately 60 bishops and more than 60 priests.

Bishop Olmsted said the liturgy provided an occasion to give thanks to God for the priesthood and for the gift of the holy Eucharist, noting that the vision of Venerable Michael McGivney, the Order’s founder, has been responsible for untold good.

Words of greeting and gratitude from Pope Benedict XVI were conveyed through a letter from Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican secretary of state, who was an honored guest at the 125th Supreme Convention in Nashville two years ago. Cardinal William J. Levada read the letter to those in attendance at the opening business session.

(The text begins on page 2.)

A special guest at this year’s convention, Cardinal Levada is prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — a position previously held by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger before his election as pope in 2005.

In his keynote address at the States Dinner, Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, thanked Knights for their continued commitment to the Order’s principles. “In promoting the goals of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism,” he said, “and fostering dedicated Catholic faith, strong family life and active involvement in the community,

1. Supreme Knight Anderson delivers his annual report.

2. Mexican Chinelos dancers perform during the Supreme Convention.

3. Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, delivers the keynote address at the States Dinner.

4-7. Archbishop V. James Weisgerber, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops; Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver; Cardinal John P. Foley, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; and Archbishop Henry J. Mansell of Hartford, Conn., were among the members of the hierarchy who addressed delegates.

8. Javier G. Nájera Cabrales of Mexico delivers remarks upon retiring from the K of C Board of Directors.

9. The supreme knight addresses the Canadian Association meeting.

10. Delegates voice their support for convention resolutions.

11. Bishop Angel N. Lagdameo of Jaro, Luzon, president of the Cathoilc Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, speaks at the the States Dinner.

12. Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington talks with Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis A. Savoie.

13. Supreme Advocate John A. Marrella reads proposed resolutions during the closing business session.

14. Delegates examine the proposed resolutions.

15. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix walks in the closing procession after celebrating Mass.

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your witness and service make a tremendous difference in our Church and our world — and we are grateful.”

On Aug. 5, Cardinal Levada delivered a homily to convention delegates during a concelebrated Mass. In societies that are becoming more secular and technological, material wealth “can blind people to our utter dependence on God, and the need to seek to do his will first and always,” he noted. “The cost of discipleship” involves bearing witness to spiritual realities and unpopular truths, even if it means being targets within the culture, he added.

Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori celebrated the annual memorial Mass the following day, on the feast of the Transfiguration. The Mass, celebrated in remembrance of deceased Knights, included a procession of the relics of the Knights of Columbus Mexican Martyrs and St. Rafael Guízar Valencia.

At the closing business session, delegates approved a number of resolutions that reaffirmed the Order’s commitment to build up the Church and to promote her teachings. Just as Anderson stated in his annual report that authentic health care reform must exclude abortion and euthanasia, delegates adopted a resolution on “Defending the Right to Life” that reaffirmed the Order’s unconditional support for the right to life of every human being and called on legislators to protect conscience rights of medical professionals. Other resolutions included “Marian Devotion,” “Building a Culture of Life,” “Support for Marriage,” “The Impact of Violence and Pornography” and “Patriotism.”

More coverage of the Supreme Convention, including videos, photos and texts, can be found at www.kofc.org/convention.♦

1-3. Delegations representing Poland, the Philippines and Cuba wave their national flags during the States Dinner, Aug. 4.

4. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, archbishop of Quebec and primate of Canada, shakes hands with Supreme Knight Anderson after delivering remarks at the States Dinner.

5. Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., celebrates the Knights of Columbus Memorial Mass, Aug. 6.

6. Arizona State Deputy Herbert J. Maddock presents an image of the Holy Family to the supreme knight.

7. The choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., sings during a convention liturgy.

8. Cardinal William J. Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, delivers the homily for the the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

9. A chaplain holds a Knights of Columbus prayer book.

10. The relics of the six Knights of Columbus Mexican Martyrs and a relic of St. Rafael Guízar Valencia, a bishop of Mexico, are shown at the memorial Mass.

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Leading by Example Supreme Knight’s Award Session honors top families, volunteers, recruiters and agents

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he 2009 Knights of Columbus International Family of the Year gives real meaning to the phrase, “In Service to One, In Service to All.” Leland and Mary Ann Vetter — along with their 10 children, ages from 2 to 27 — have compiled a remarkable record of service.

Leland has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 33 years and has served in every officer role at Msgr. Fred J. Kimmet Council 6623 in Torrington, Wyo. He has been the Tootsie Roll chairman for 20 years and a bingo volunteer for 25 years. A teacher at Eastern Wyoming Community College, Leland was recently appointed by the governor of Wyoming to the state Community College Task Force on Education. Two of his sons are Knights, and upon accepting the award, he gave a Form #100 to his third oldest son, who became eligible for membership in September.

Mary Ann spearheads Thursday Eucharistic devotions and makes sure all the hours are filled. She organized a “Mom’s Group” that provides spiritual formation and retreats for the women of the parish. She and Leland are also very involved in pro-life activities.

Finally, the Vetter children are active volunteers in the parish and the community. They are the latest of five generations of Vetters, all descendants of immigrants who settled in North Dakota in the 19th century. In fact, Leland’s parents were the North Dakota Knights of Columbus Family of the Year in 1994, and they came in third place for the international award that year.

In addition to honoring the top families of the year, the Supreme Knight’s Award Session also recognized the top volunteers, recruiters and agents that have made an indelible mark on the Order 10 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦

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International Family of the Year, Leland and Mary Ann Vetter, and their children — Marie, Diana, Thomas, Steven, Benjamin, Nicholas, Andrew, Paul, Kathleen and Alexis — stand with Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and his wife, Dorian, and Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn. and their communities. International Service Program Awards were given for programs that have responded to the needs of their local communities in exemplary ways. The grand knights and wives from the first-place councils were invited to the convention as guests of the Order’s Board of Directors.

CHURCH SERVICE AWARD In the 1960s, St. Joseph’s Parish in Lino Lakes, Minn., built a new, larger church, and the old one, which had been built in 1897, fell into disrepair during four decades of neglect. In 2004, St. Joseph’s of Lino Lakes Council 9905 established a “Save Old St. Joe’s Committee” and began to lay plans for restoration of the old church.

Soon, a plan that relied heavily on volunteer labor and donated materials took shape. Council leaders organized a wide variety of projects, including gutting and replacing interior drywall, putting up a new roof, refurbishing the pews, and much more. More than 40 Knights, wives, friends, parishioners and community volunteers completed the project over a three-and-a-half-year period and for less than $150,000. Six of the volunteers were even inspired to join the Order. Today, Old St. Joe’s has come back to life and is being used for small weddings, daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD For high-school students, prom is often the pinnacle of the academic year. Yet not everyone, especially students with disabilities, get to enjoy this significant event.

In 2008, Cardinal Richard Cushing Council 6267 in Pembroke, Mass., organized a prom for area students with special needs. In the best tradition of the Order, they received assistance from five other local councils, a Fourth Degree assembly and the state council.

In all, 125 council members, as well as many volunteers from the community, devoted more than 3,500 hours to organizing the dance. They arranged free prom dresses and tuxedos for those who could not afford them and obtained donations of invitations, decorations and gifts. One Knight served as the DJ, and another volunteered to take photographs of all the prom-goers.

COUNCIL SERVICE AWARD Following the worst economic downturn in years, Our Lady of Hope Council 12791 in Potomac Falls, Va., decided to help members who had fallen victim to the recent financial crisis.

The council created a “McGivney Vision Program,” designed to provide both spiritual and financial support to members in need because of job loss, health issues or other difficulties. The program also provides business networking and career support.

When annual dues statements were mailed, members were encouraged to donate additional money to the program — and raised $10,000 to help brothers in need.

The networking component of the program has been especially useful. Knights put their résumés on file and can post information about job openings. So far, six Knights have found new jobs through the program, and several others are making active use of the network in their searches.

FAMILY SERVICE AWARD There are many organizations that help the less fortunate at Christmas, but Archbishop Johnson Council 6767 in Abbotsford, B.C., created a program that is truly special.

Knights begin work at the start of each New Year, raising money for the Adopt-a-Family Christmas Hamper Fund all year long. After gathering input from area organizations, the council selects 40 families for “adoption.”

Last year, 27 of the 40 were single mothers and their children, including some who had been recently widowed. Each family receives everything needed for a proper Christmas dinner, plus one expensive gift and two smaller ones for each child. Shortly before Christmas 20 volunteers fan out across the community to deliver the hampers to each family.

PRO-LIFE SERVICE AWARD The 127th Supreme Convention saw the first-ever inclusion of a ProLife Activity Award to the previous service categories.The first winner in this new category is Manordale Valley Council 4226 in Murrysville, Pa., which launched the “Our Rosebud Program” in 2004.

In cooperation with “Welcome Little Ones” of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the program pairs a young mother or couple with a sponsoring couple from the council. The council couple then provides emotional support throughout the pregnancy and for a full year after the child is born. They identify unmet needs, such as

Children compete in a chess tournament sponsored by Pope John Paul II Council 14023 in Starachowice, Poland.

baby furniture and clothing, as well as ongoing needs like diapers and baby wipes that are provided throughout the year.

The council also sponsors four little “Rosebuds” each year. To date 17 mothers and 18 babies have benefitted from the program, including a 15-year-old mother who had twins.

YOUTH ACTIVITY AWARD This year saw a tie for first place in the Youth Activities Award category.

First, Mandaue Fatima Council 7101 in Mandaue City, Visayas, conducted a spiritual formation program for children ages 6 to 12, providing basic catechism each weekend as well as instruction on how to pray the rosary. In May 2009, volunteers provided classes and nutritious snacks to more than 2,500 children.

Meanwhile, Pope John Paul II Council 14023 in Starachowice, Poland, worried about a trend among young people of skipping school and becoming involved with drugs and alcohol. They decided to help children develop a better outlook of their futures by popularizing the game of chess.

The council members taught 124 youngsters to play, organized 19 chess tournaments and sent participants to events held by other area clubs. They also raised more than $15,000 to pay the program’s expenses and for other charity work.

RECRUITMENT AND INSURANCE This year, the Order honored Past State Deputy Walter N. Streit of Alberta as its top recruiter. Streit brought in 204 new members last year while maintaining a rigorous schedule as state deputy.

The top general agents of the year were Marc G. Bouchard of Alberta, Canada, and Gilles Duval of Ontario, Canada. Bouchard finished the year at 215 percent of quota, and Duval finished the year at 172 percent of quota.

The top field agents of the year were Neil S. Bouvier of the Bouchard Agency in Alberta and Robert W. Abbate of the Choate Agency in Virginia. Bouvier and Abbate achieved 448 percent and 370 percent of their quotas, respectively.♦ OCTOBER 2009

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R E P O RT O F T H E S U P R E M E K N I G H T

2009

Report of the Supreme Knight 2009

ou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”

With these words, Christ entrusted his Church on earth to Peter, the first pope, and to his successors. And for as long as there have been Knights of Columbus, it has been our tradition to “Stand with Peter,” and thus, to stand with the Church.

“Y

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OCTOBER 2009

From the apostolic blessing of Pope Leo XIII in 1896 VOCATIONS to Pope Benedict XV’s personal audience in the Vatican As a priest, Michael McGivney was a spiritual father with Gardens with a large group of Knights in 1920; from many sons in faith who have followed him into the priestexplicit praise for the Knights of Columbus by Pope hood. Each year brings the ordination of a new group of Pius XI in an encyclical in 1926 to the Papal Mass with brother Knights who have chosen to follow in his footsteps, Pope John Paul II in Brooklyn co-sponsored by the many of them with the financial support of the Order.

Knights in 1995; we have stood with each of the Among this year’s newly-ordained priests are 12 who successors of Peter. studied for the priesthood with the help of Bishop Thomas As Knights, we hear the voice of Christ in the teaching V. Daily Vocations Scholarships and 24 who were recipients of his Church. We are proud of our fidelity to Peter and of Father Michael J. McGivney Vocations Scholarships. Last the Church. Indeed, our very identity as the world’s September, we awarded 11 new Bishop Daily Scholarships largest lay Catholic organization is built upon our deterand renewed 19. We awarded 33 new McGivney Scholarmination to stand with Peter and his successors, and our ships and renewed 47. This fraternal year will witness the zeal for serving as their “strong right arm.” ordination of the 600th beneficiary of our vocations scholActing in solidarity with our bishops and priests is arship programs. an integral part of our loyalty to Peter. We are also their Hundreds more of our newly-ordained priests received strong right arm. financial support durAnd in this “Year for ing their seminary years Priests” we renew from the 2,600 coun“You are Peter, our dedication to — cils that participate in and upon this rock and support of — our RSVP vocations the men who devote I will build my church.” program. Last year their lives to leading 4,758 men and 148 Mt 16:18 us in faith. women received finanThis, too, is at the cial support through heart of who we are, this program in the and who we have been, ever since the Venerable Michael course of their studies to become men and women religious.

McGivney gathered the first Knights together at I’d like you to meet a few of the men who have begun St. Mary’s Church in New Haven in 1882. This humble their lives as priests this year with the help of the Knights parish priest, whose cause for sainthood has been met of Columbus: with enthusiasm at the highest levels of the Vatican, has In May, Archbishop Timothy Dolan returned from his new been our inspiration and our guide for 127 years. post in New York to ordain six new priests in his former He is also the inspiration for thousands of people archdiocese, Milwaukee, including Daniel Janisik, who atwho are members of the Father McGivney Guild. You tended St. Francis de Sales Seminary with the help of a don’t have to be a Knight to Bishop Daily Scholarship; Luke Strand, who attended join the Guild — anyone can St. Francis de Sales with the help of a Father McGivney Scholbecome a part of this comarship; and Mark Brandl, who attended St. Francis with munity of believers who are help from RSVP donations from Councils 3562, 4240, inspired by the life and 6645, and 7798 in Wisconsin. virtues of this extraordinary Shortly before his move to New Orleans this year, thenpriest, who we pray will Austin Bishop Gregory Aymond ordained Jonathan Raia, someday become the very who attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Austin with the help first American-born priest to of a Bishop Daily Scholarship. In Portland, Oregon, Father www.fathermcgivney.org be declared a saint.

McGivney Scholarship recipient David Jaspers was one of

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R E P O RT O F T H E S U P R E M E K N I G H T

2009 Support for vocations is something that has been increasingly important to us. We’re not just providing financial support, as vital as that is. We also extend moral support and personal friendship, and encourage vocations within our own homes. Many priests and women religious have come from Knights’ families down through the years, and we make clear to our own children that we welcome and encourage them to consider carefully whether they might have a vocation, too.

Father Luke Strand, ordained this year in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, attended St. Francis de Sales Seminary with the help of a Father McGivney Vocations Scholarship.

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seven new priests ordained this summer by Archbishop John Vlazny, after completing his studies at Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Oregon.

Among the many new priests who received RSVP support while studying for the priesthood were Father John Hollowell, supported by Councils 245 and 1096 in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis; Father Dale Maxfield, supported by Councils 1334, 1666 and 6165 in the Diocese of Belleville; Father Carl Melchior, supported by Councils 7644 and 12165 in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and Father Clinton Pendleton, supported by Councils 1614 and CONTRIBUTIONS 4866 in the Diocese of Kamloops, $Millions British Columbia.

150 144 145 140 These men are among 4,906 sem136 inarians, postulants and novices who received $2.9 million through the RSVP program this year in support of their studies. Since the program began in 1981, Knights of Columbus councils have used it to provide more than $44 million to over 70,000 seminarians, postulants and novices.

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OCTOBER 2009

CHAPLAINS Although he initially served as supreme secretary, our founder,Venerable Michael McGivney, became our supreme chaplain in 1884. His brothers John and Patrick both became priests and also served as our supreme chaplain. When Father John McGivney retired in 1939, he was succeeded

by Msgr. Leo Finn, who was Father McGivney’s nephew. In fact, for all but 12 of the first 78 years of our existence, the supreme chaplain was a member of the McGivney family.

Today, Bishop William Lori follows in their footsteps, and under his leadership, we have revitalized our program for Knights of Columbus chaplains at both the state and local levels. And now, he has the able assistance of the former state chaplain of California, Father John Grace, who has joined the Supreme Council staff as director of chaplain programs and development.

The expansion of Bishop Lori’s monthly column in Columbia and the arrival of Father Grace are the first few steps in a long-term initiative to enhance the spiritual development of every member of the Knights of Columbus. We are grateful to all of our state and local council chaplains for all they do for us as they follow in the footsteps of Michael, John and Patrick McGivney. To all of our chaplains, especially in this Year for Priests, we say “thank you for your dedication to helping us live lives of faith and devotion.”

CHARITY Earlier this summer, Pope Benedict XVI issued the third encyclical of his papacy, entitled Charity in Truth. For the Knights of Columbus, whose first principle is charity, the very title of the encyclical is an affirmation that his priorities are our priorities. In fact, the words “charity,” “unity” and “fraternity” are used so often in this new encyclical that one would almost conclude that it was written for us.

The Holy Father is very clear: “Charity,” he says, “is at the heart of the Church’s social doctrine.” And “For the Church, instructed by the Gospel, charity is everything.”

Despite the severe recession of the past year, the dedication of the Knights of Columbus to charity shone brighter than ever. Again this year, we set new all-time records for charity. While total charitable giving in the United States fell by 2% last year, our total charitable contributions went up by 3.5%. Knights of Columbus donations to charity last year climbed by a spectacular $5.1 million, to more than $150 million.

Our members also donated 68,783,653 hours of volunteer service, a jump of almost 88,000 hours over last year, and a new record. Independent Sector, a foundation that encourages charitable giving, estimates that the value of a volunteer hour in 2008 was $20.25. That would put the total value of our volunteer efforts last year at $1.39 billion!

Over the past decade, we have donated more than $1.325 billion to charity and have given nearly 626 million hours of our time to charitable service, with a value of more than $11 billion.

Once again this year, Canadian Knights won top honors for total donations to charity. The Knights of Ontario took over first place, giving more than $9.1 million to charity.They were followed by Québec, with $8.5 million; Texas with $6.6 million; Illinois with $6.4 million; and Michigan at number 5, with $5.7 million. Rounding out the top ten jurisdictions were Florida, California, New Jersey, Virginia and Missouri.

Looking at per capita donations to charity, Canadian jurisdictions once again dominated the list of top donors. British Columbia led the way, with a per capita total of $213.95 donated per member. Ontario was second, with $160.87 per member.

A total of 14 jurisdictions had per capita donations of more than $100 per member. Nine of the 14 were Canadian jurisdictions, and the remaining five were in the United States. Virginia had the highest U.S. per capita donation total, at $151.76 per member.

The compassion of Knights of Columbus is never more clear than when we help those who are suffering from disease and injury. Last year, we were responsible

Recipients of “KC Coats for Kids” in Washington, D.C.

for more than 413,000 blood donations, and our members made more than 5.5 million visits to the sick and bereaved.

A significant portion of our volunteer activity is conducted in conjunction with well-known charities.

Knights volunteered more than 1.3 million hours in Habitat for Humanity projects last year.

Special Olympics is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009, and we helped them celebrate by donating $1 million over the next four years to support their activities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

During the past fraternal year, Knights donated 177,651 hours VOLUNTEER HOURS of their time to Special Olympics Millions events and $2,216,000 in finan68.3 68.7 68.8 cial support.

63.2 64.0 62 The Knights of Columbus has been providing both financial and volunteer support for Special Olympics ever since it was established in 1969 by our brother Knight Sargent Shriver and his wife Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and we have also been a major con0

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2009 tributor to many other programs for people with physical and mental disabilities.

A more recent partner in our charitable work is now known as the Global Wheelchair Mission. Since 2002, the Knights of Columbus has sponsored the distribution of 15,000 wheelchairs to people in need all around the globe, and many individual jurisdictions have taken an active role. A total of 38 states have participated in our wheelchair program, led by California, which has raised $538,000 for distributions throughout Central and South America. California Knights delivered 560 wheelchairs to Campeche and Guadalajara in Mexico in June, and Knights in Texas will be making a distribution in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, in October. Knights in every province in Canada have donated wheelchairs. Major contributors in the United States., in addition to California and Texas, include Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Georgia, Tennessee, New Jersey and Florida. Recently, the Knights of Mexico Central became the first Mexican jurisdiction to participate in the program, raising money for wheelchairs that will be distributed to people with physical disabilities in Mexico.

The weather here in Phoenix in August is always a bit warm, and of course this week is no exception. But last January, in many cities farther north, the weather was very cold indeed. And in the midst of a severe recession, we knew that there would be many children from lower-income families who either didn’t have a winter coat or had outgrown last year’s coat, and wouldn’t be getting a new one this year.

We decided to partner with several major clothing manufacturers and obtained a supply of nearly 8,000 children’s coats at or near cost. Our “KC Coats for Kids” program was off and running. We distributed the first 1,200 coats in Washington, D.C. on Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 19, which the president had designated as a National Day of Service. Thousands more were distributed in the weeks that followed, by Knights in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis and Duluth.

Our 2009 Coats for Kids program was a modest beginning for a program that we intend to grow into a significant charitable effort to benefit children in need.

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YEAR OF THE VOLUNTEER Our leadership in volunteering our time is wellknown among charities everywhere. And so when we decided to sponsor a nationwide summit on volunteerism in New York City last February, executives from more than three dozen educational, corporate, charitable and governmental organizations responded.

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Summit on Volunteerism as a Response to the Economic Crisis,” was a huge success.

Among the groups participating were Habitat for Humanity, United Way, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, the National Fraternal Congress of America, the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, General Electric, the Foodbank of Greater New Jersey, the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, Goldman Sachs and Volunteers of America.

All of them understood immediately that if greed — one of the worst aspects of human nature — helped push us into the current economic crisis, then one of the best aspects of our nature — generosity — will be necessary to help pull us out of it.

We are grateful to His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan, who led off the conference agenda, and to Fairfield University and its Center for Faith and Public Life, which partnered with us in sponsoring the summit. They are playing a key role in following through on this vital first step in helping our neighbors survive the most severe global economic downturn since the Great Depression.

One direct result of the Summit is a new partnership between the Knights of Columbus and Connecticut Public Television. They have been a leader in encouraging their viewers to volunteer their time to help people in need. Now, they had begun a new and more ambitious project called “The Power of Giving,” designed to encourage a wide variety of philanthropy and volunteerism.

We became their Founding Partner, and on June 25th a two-hour “volunteer-a-thon” drew thousands of viewers and hundreds of new volunteers.

Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori speaks at the Neighbors Helping Neighbors volunteerism summit in New York City.

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2009 dedicating the new Father Michael J. McGivney Cancer Center. It is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that will provide life-saving care, and it is highly appropriate that the center be named after our founder, a priest who cared so much about the health and welfare of his parishioners. Our assistance to St. Raphael’s Hospital is emblematic of the work that Knights everywhere undertake to relieve suffering.

Sister Maureen Shaughnessy and Supreme Knight Anderson join Hartford Archbishop William J. Mansell as he blesses equipment at the Father Michael J. McGivney Cancer Center in Hamden.

Connecticut Public Television is now working to export this approach to encouraging volunteerism to public TV systems in other states. We believe that it is a powerful and compelling approach, and we hope it will inspire many similar efforts all around the country.

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M c GIVNEY CANCER CENTER For more than 35 years, the Knights of Columbus has had a close relationship with St. Raphael’s Hospital in our home city of New Haven, Conn. With our help, it has become one of the premier centers for cancer treatment in NEW INSURANCE New England. Several years ago we ISSUED $Billions agreed to help St. Raphael’s expand 6.6 6.7 6.4 6.5 its cancer treatment services to a 6.2 new center in Hamden.

In June, I was proud to join Hartford Archbishop Henry Mansell, Sister Maureen Shaughnessy, the general superior of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, and the doctors and administrators of St. Raphael’s in

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INSURANCE AND INVESTMENTS When he founded the Knights of Columbus,Venerable Michael McGivney wanted to provide Catholic men with the opportunity to strengthen their faith, to create a strong fraternal bond, to make charity a central part of their lives, and to protect their families from financial misfortune. Today, 127 years later, we remain faithful to every part of that vision.

Having touched upon our devotion to faith and charity, let me turn now to the part of Father McGivney’s vision that deals with providing financial security to our members and their families.

If you have read the pope’s new encyclical, Charity in Truth, you may have noticed that in discussing economic activity around the world, he referred to “economic activity carried out by subjects who freely choose to act according to principles other than those of pure profit,” including “economic entities that draw their origin from religious and lay initiatives.”

If this sounds a lot like a way of describing the Knights of Columbus, it is no accident. Pope Benedict’s description of “hybrid forms of commercial behavior” is another way of describing Father McGivney’s vision for our insurance program, which protects the financial security of our families as a commercial insurance firm would, but whose “profits” benefit a wide variety of charities, the Church, and our own insured members and their families.

In his encyclical, the pope identified the type of behavior that led directly to this recession: “speculative use of financial resources that leads to the temptation of seeking only short-term profit, without regard for the long-term sustainability of the enterprise.”

And sure enough, over the past several years, many firms — some of which no longer exist — sought high

returns from high risk instruments that no one really understood. The Knights of Columbus, on the other hand, is guided by Pope John Paul II’s observation that “investment always has moral, as well as economic significance.” Our goal has never been short-term profit. Our goal is, instead, to put the long-term interests of our members first, and that is why we have kept to what Standard & Poor’s describes in their just-issued report on us as a “very conservative financial strategy.”

According to S&P, our “capital adequacy” — a measure of the huge safety cushion that we maintain — “is among the strongest in the industry.” Knights of Columbus management, they reported, “has a very low risk tolerance and places a very high value on the society’s reputation.” That’s certainly true as far as it goes, but we would put it another way. We place the highest value on your safety and security. When we make vital business decisions, our first consideration is the welfare of our brother Knights and their families.

For Standard & Poor’s, their bottom line in this year’s report is that we are “achieving [our] primary objective of providing members and their families with high-quality, low-cost insurance benefits.” Citing our “extremely strong capital,” our “strong profitability,” and our “extremely strong liquidity,” S&P gave us their highest rating — AAA (Extremely Strong) — for the 17th consecutive year. Moreover, they declared our outlook to be “stable,” meaning that they believe that our sound management and careful investment strategy “even after applying stress factors” will keep us at the top.

At A.M. Best, the story is the same. In their report this year, they cited our “consistently positive statutory earnings, excellent persistency and an exceptional level of risk-adjusted capitalization” in giving us their top rating of A++ (Superior) for the 34th consecutive year.

Among the things that impressed A.M. Best about the Knights of Columbus is what they termed our “strong commitment to ethical market conduct,” and the fact that we participate in the Customer Assurance Program, and are certified by the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association (IMSA) for exhibiting the highest standards of ethical business practice.

There are only four companies in the United States this year which have the highest rating from both Standard

College Knights at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., conduct a clothing drive for a homeless shelter in the city.

& Poor’s and A.M. Best, and IMSA certification for ethical standards. The Knights of Columbus is one of them. In Canada, there is only one company that has all three. That’s right — it’s the Knights of Columbus.

Let me offer you some details about the way in which we manage your assets.

Our professional staff invested more than $8 million each and every day in 2008, and for the fifth year in a row, the investment staff was able to increase the yields on newly issued bonds, which have gone up from 4.4% back in 2003 to 5.9% in 2008.

That 1.5% increase may not sound INSURANCE like a lot, but it has a dramatic imIN FORCE $Billions pact on the income generated by 66.1 our portfolio. Bear in mind that 61.5 87% of our $14 billion in assets is 57.7 53.4 invested in a broadly diversified 50 portfolio of bonds. The increase in yield on those bonds has not come at the expense of quality. The average rating of bonds purchased last year was once again AA. We had no issues in default at year’s end.

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A relatively small portion of our assets are invested in stocks, especially in the current environment. At the end of 2008, our common stock holdings totaled $222 million, after deliberately reducing our holdings from $330 million a year earlier. When we do invest in equities, they are generally preferred stock, which have better yields and are less volatile. Our focus has been on companies with very strong balance sheets.

All of our investments are screened to ensure that they meet our religious, moral and ethical standards and are not in conflict with the teachings of the Catholic Church. That is yet another way that we heed Pope John Paul II’s teaching that “investment always has moral significance.”

Our investment income increased to $814 million in 2008, an increase of 2%. Our total portfolio yield was a very competitive 5.75%.

A relatively small portion of our investments involve real estate, including our ChurchLoan program, which made 18 new loans worth $21.2 million last year and grew overall by about $4 million to $124 million. We also have a small diversified portfolio of multi-family housing, office, retail, industrial and warehouse buildings, which brought a combined yield in excess of 10%.

At the same time as our investment staff has been coping successfully with a very challenging economic environment, our general agents and field agents have been having remarkable success helping our members take advantage of our new and improved products. Our field force has now grown to more than 1,400 representatives, all of whom are brother Knights. And in its report this LIFE CERTIFICATES year, A.M. Best noted that our Millions 4-year agent retention rate is dou1.67 1.63 1.65 1.57 1.60 ble that of the industry as a whole. These highly trained professional agents have been extremely busy over the past year, helping members cope with economic uncertainty and understand our new product offerings.

Last October, we introduced the new 800 Series insurance

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products, which are more competitively priced and have a number of new features that have been very popular.

Sales were very strong during the fourth quarter of 2008, helping to achieve the record $6.6 billion of insurance we sold last year. It was our eighth consecutive year of sales growth. That has continued into 2009, and we are well on our way to setting a new record again this year.

Once again in 2008, the Knights of Columbus led all fraternal benefit societies in new life certificates issued.

Our 73,119 certificates issued was almost 40,000 more than the number two society. Our overall number of life certificates in force has grown every single year since 1970 and stood at 1,668,160 at the end of 2008. As of July 8, the dollar value of our life insurance in force exceeded $72 billion — a new all-time record.

With the collapse of stock prices last year, there has been a major shift to quality and safety in both life insurance and retirement planning.

During the first six months of 2009, our annuity sales totaled $256.1 million, compared with just $130.6 million during the same period a year earlier. That is an increase of 97.2%. We are having the best year in our history for annuity sales, as people have come to realize the safety and solid growth that we offer. And all this is on top of the fact that 2008 was a very good year: annuity contracts issued in 2008 had already grown by 40% over the previous year.

We also introduced a special new product in Canada on the first of this year — a Tax Free Savings Account — and sales have been very brisk.

The ultimate story, of course, is not investment success or sales numbers. It is the benefit that has come to Knights and their families, and that is our tribute to the vision of our founder.

Last year, we paid more than $222 million in death benefits to Knights of Columbus families, providing exactly the kind of financial support that Father McGivney intended we should provide to our survivors.

Last year, we paid more than $372 million in dividends to our insurance members, helping them to

Supreme Knight Anderson with leaders of the Outstanding College Council of 2008, Texas A&M University Council 10624.

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2009

Bishop William E. Lori, Supreme Knight Anderson, Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl and CUA President David O’Connell at the dedication of McGivney Hall. fulfill their goals of financial security in a time of economic uncertainty and turbulence.

In this as in everything else, we stand with Peter: our moral compass always points in the same direction.

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MEMBERSHIP Membership growth is absolutely necessary if we are to accomplish our goals of having a council in every parish and being able to provide support to every priest. I am proud to report to you today that for the 38th consecutive year, our membership has grown. A net MEMBERSHIP gain of 22,211 members Millions 1.79 brought our membership to a 1.76 1.74 new all-time record high of 1.72 1.70 1,785,393. In the United States, Texas led the way in membership growth, with a net gain of 2,024 members, followed by California with 952, Florida with 666 and Kansas with 601.

But the biggest gains came in the Philippines, where Luzon

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added 6,791 members, Visayas added 3,189 and Mindanao recruited 2,745 new members.

While there is plenty of good news to celebrate on the membership front, we must not lose sight of the huge unrealized potential in the countries where we are active. In the United States, for example, we have more than 1,287,000 members, but there are as many as 30 million eligible Catholic men who are not yet Knights.

In Canada, as many as 5 million Catholic men are eligible to join our ranks, while our membership total is 231,000. In Mexico, recent membership growth has been very strong, and membership there now stands at around 7,000, but as many as 49 million Catholic men are eligible to become Knights. Our brother Knights in the Philippines have been doing an exceptional job at recruiting new members and now number more than 250,000. But our potential there is tremendous as well, with 27 million eligible men.

At last year’s convention in Quebec City, we were pleased to welcome a delegation of Knights from Cuba for the first time in 58 years. Members of the reactivated Santa Maria Council 2479 in Camagüey have continued to grow and prosper. They have formed their own First Degree team and just last week brought 15 new members into the Order. In the eastern part of Cuba, three dozen Catholic men in the Diocese of Manzinillo are working to establish a new council. The bishop there is working with Archbishop Juan Garcia and the men of Council 2479 to move things ahead.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus in Cuba, and a wonderful article on the early history of the Order there appears in the July issue of Columbia magazine.

In our newest jurisdiction in Poland, membership has grown by 225 members in the past year; and Poland now has 870 members in 14 councils. That represents growth of 35% in just one year and is a very good sign of the health of the Order in our first European jurisdiction.

FOURTH DEGREE Membership in the Fourth Degree of the Order grew to 310,719 during the fraternal year that ended on June 30. There were 288 exemplifications held, and a total of

15,403 men were initiated into our Patriotic Degree.

After deaths, suspensions and withdrawals, we had a net increase of 5,506 new Sir Knights.

We added 65 new Fourth Degree assemblies during the fraternal year, and there are now 2,862 assemblies around the world.

Continuing to recruit new Fourth Degree members is important for a number of reasons, not least of which is because a Fourth Degree Knight is statistically much more likely to retain his membership in the Order and to be an active Knight.

The Supreme Master tracks information on brother Knights who have given the last full measure of devotion in the conflict in the Middle East. Since the attack on 9/11, 33 brother Knights serving in the armed forces have lost their lives in combat, as well as two Squires and one civilian.

The most recent brother Knight to die of war-related injuries was Father Henry Timothy Vakoc, an Army chaplain who was severely wounded in northern Iraq in 2004. Father Vakoc died June 20, after a five-year struggle with injuries sustained in an IED explosion as he was leaving a site where he had just offered Mass. He was in a coma for two years afterward and, with the support of many friends and brother Knights, he fought to recover from his wounds. He was retired from the Army with the rank of major, and was a retired priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Father Vakoc was an honorary Life Member and a Fourth Degree Knight. He joined the Order at the age of 18. He was a member of Council 3656 and Assembly 526.

Father Vakoc is the only military chaplain to have been killed in action — or from wounds suffered while in action — in the Iraq War. He is the latest of a great many Knight-priests who have died in the wars of the past century, serving the men and women of the armed forces with great courage and dedication.

MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS In recent years, we have placed a special emphasis on establishing councils at American military bases in the United States and around the world.

Today, we have 60 military councils, including six new councils established during the past year at Buckley and

Father Tim Vakoc, Catholic priest, Army chaplain and Fourth Degree Knight, died in June of injuries suffered in an IED explosion in Iraq in 2004, just after he said Mass for his troops.

Peterson Air Force Bases in Colorado; in Georgia at Fort Benning and Fort Gordon; at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.; and at Camp Zama in Japan. Four more are in the works, with new councils expected soon at Fort Carson, Colo., at Fort Lee in Washington, D.C., and at overseas bases in Germany and Italy. And of course we continue to support round tables in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We also have a close relationship with the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our Fourth Degree assemblies have embraced this program as their own, and assemblies have an officially recogMEMBERSHIP GROWTH JUNE 30 nized relationship with 128 VA Thousands 22.8 Medical Centers around the United 21.9 22.2 States. Nearly 900 Knights are reg19.2 18.8 ularly scheduled volunteers at these 18.5 Medical Centers, and many more provide occasional service. All together, Knights of Columbus volunteers provided more than 91,000 hours of their time through the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services program last year.

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2009 We are committed to expanding this effort to all 153 VA Medical Centers.

Finally, you will be glad to know that our support of active duty military now includes a new Canadian edition of the prayer book that we have been providing to U.S. soldiers for some five years now. The Canadian prayer book is entitled Armour of Faith, and the prayers are in both English and French.

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YOUTH – COLLEGE KNIGHTS – SQUIRES – EDUCATION The future of our Order depends upon the recruitment of young men in their teens, twenties and thirties.

Over the past year, we have added nine new college councils — four in the United States and five in the Philippines — for a total of 241. New college councils in the United States are located at the University of Utah, the University of North Texas, Wichita State University and Marian College in Indianapolis. The new college councils in the Philippines are all located in Visayas.

Most of our college councils — 159 of them — are in the United States, but our brother Knights in the Philippines are expanding rapidly, and now have 66 college councils. There are seven college councils in Canada, and three each in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

In all, we recruited 1,077 new college Knights during the past fraternal year, and membership in our college councils around the world now stands at 21,834.

Our leadership program for young Catholics who are still in high school, the Columbian Squires, continues strong.

There are now 1,460 active COUNCILS JUNE 30 Squires circles, a net gain of 61 Thousands 13.7 13.5 circles for the year. As you 13.2 13.0 12.8 would expect, there is a lot of turnover in the Squires program as participants graduate. This year 5,629 new Squires joined or transferred in, and 5,742 graduated. Membership in the program stood at 22,845 as of the beginning of the new fraternal year on July 1.

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I want to thank all of the councils who work so hard to make this program a success, and ask that you make every effort ensure that these young men are encouraged to join the Knights of Columbus when they turn 18.

Our long association with the Boy Scouts continued to flourish last year, with councils in the United States and Canada sponsoring a total of 33,806 Scouts in 1,487 Scout units.

On the campus of The Catholic University of America, this year has been a milestone for the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, a graduate school of theology established in 1988 with major support from the Knights of Columbus. The Institute celebrated its 20th anniversary by moving into the completely renovated McGivney Hall, right at the heart of the campus, a few steps from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The hall was dedicated Sept. 9, 2008, by Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl and Supreme Chaplain Bishop William Lori.

During the most recent academic year, the John Paul II Institute added a new track of the Masters in Theological Studies program with a specialization in biotechnology and ethics, and graduated a total of 32 students.

There are now more than 350 alumni of the Institute.

At a time when many people seem to have forgotten the crucial role that marriage and family play in society, the work of the Institute is more important than ever. It provides advanced education in both the theological and empirical aspects of Christian marriage and family life, and in this regard is a beacon of light in a world desperately in need of it.

The Knights of Columbus provides a wide variety of support for students who are pursuing a college education. Many of our local and state councils have scholarship programs, and the Supreme Council sponsors a number of scholarships as well.

In addition to the Father McGivney and Bishop Daily Scholarships I mentioned earlier in connection with our support for vocations, our Matthews and Swift Educational Trust provides scholarships for children of Knights who were killed or disabled in combat while serving in the armed forces, or who died as the result of criminal violence while serving as full-time law enforcement

officers or firefighters. This past year, we provided such scholarships to eight students.

We also provide scholarships based on academic performance to members in good standing or to the sons and daughters of members, including Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships in both the United States and Canada, special scholarship programs for students in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and various endowed scholarships.

During the academic year ending in June, we provided scholarship assistance to 687 students, for a total amount of over $1,540,000.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES As you all know very well, our support for our Church is legendary. Almost $45 million of our charitable donations last year went to Church activities. And not a day goes by that you won’t find Knights teaching religious education classes, helping out at parish schools, serving as active laymen in the liturgy, or helping to fix the kneelers in the church or repair the sidewalk out front. When a parish priest needs people to fill the hard-to-schedule overnight slots at 24-hour Eucharistic adoration, the Knights respond. From meatless Friday night dinners during Lent to Mother’s Day breakfasts in the parish hall in May, Knights of Columbus roll up their sleeves and do what needs to be done.

It is true in the local parish, it is true at the cathedral, and it is true at the Vatican.

When Mexico City hosted the Vatican’s World Meeting of Families last January, we not only provided crucial financial help, but Mexican Knights were a major source of volunteers to help make the meeting a success. The Knights of Columbus also provided a comprehensive set of catechetical materials on “The Family, Teacher in Human and Christian Values” produced by the Pontifical Council for the Family.

Last October, Bishop Lori and I made our annual visit to Pope Benedict to present him with a check for $1.6 million, the yearly earnings from our Vicarius

Knights of Columbus are always a large and visible presence at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

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2009 Christi Fund, which provides the Holy Father with financial support for his personal charities.

Later this week here in Phoenix, upon the conclusion of this 127th meeting of the Supreme Council, we will sponsor the very first International Marian Congress ever held honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is a great privilege for us to welcome the participation of so many in the Church who have so much to contribute to our understanding of the most extraordinary event in the history of the hemisphere: the apparition of Our Lady to

Pope Benedict XVI received members of the Supreme Board of Directors in a private audience Oct. 3, 2008.

Juan Diego in Mexico City in 1531.

We are grateful to our host, Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix, for his enthusiasm and support. We are grateful as well to His Eminence Norberto Cardinal Rivera Carrera of Mexico City and Supreme Chaplain Bishop William Lori for their participation. And we look forward to hearing as well from Msgr. Eduardo ChĂĄvez, the postulator of the cause for canonization of St. Juan Diego, whose knowledge of Our Lady of Guadalupe is unequalled anywhere in the world. Presentations by other experts, including Dr. Mario PĂŠrez Campa, Sister Deyanira Flores, Dr. Jose Aste Tonsmann and Jorge Traslosheros, will round out a program that is unprecedented in its scope and depth.

Your presence at the Congress, and at the Guadalupe Festival that will conclude it on Saturday, will be an international sign of our witness and a sign of the bond between Mary and her Knights.

In Ecclesia in America, Pope John Paul II observed that, “America, which historically has been, and still is, a melting pot of peoples, has recognized in the mestiza face of the Virgin of Tepeyac...an impressive example of a perfectly inculturated evangelization”(10).

Our Lady of Guadalupe is not only an historic fact. She is a woman whose face changed an entire hemisphere.

Today, Our Lady of Guadalupe remains a true guide and inspiration, pointing us toward a new and greater evangelization of our hemisphere. Patroness of the Amer-

icas and Patroness of the Cause of Life, she is that gracious advocate and guiding star that does not disappoint.

Our Lady of Guadalupe points us to the things that unite us sacramentally as Catholics and that are far more important than the political and economic boundaries that divide us. And who better to help convey this message than the Knights of Columbus, which has been uniting Knights and their families from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Philippines in Christian brotherhood for more than a century.

This week’s congress and festival will be truly historic as we continue to lead the way to a truly global unity in Christ.

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Members of the newly reactivated Santa Maria Council 2479 in Camagüey, Cuba, with Archbishop Juan de la Caridad Garcia Rodriguez, following the celebration of Mass.

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP Consistent with the guidance of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in their document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” and similar materials from other national bishops’ conferences, the Knights of Columbus responds to their “Call to Political Responsibility” on a limited number of issues that are of fundamental interest to faithful Catholics. This involves action only on non-partisan public policy issues, and never involves endorsement of candidates for public office.

Last fall, we joined with the Catholic bishops in three states — California, Arizona and Florida — in encouraging passage of state constitutional amendments to define marriage as between one man and one woman, and all three amendments were approved. In fact, it is generally conceded that we probably made the difference in California, and we can be very proud of our role there.

We also joined with the bishops of Washington in opposing an assisted suicide measure, and with the bishops of Michigan in opposing a measure that supported embryonic stem cell research. Unfortunately, both of those measures were approved, reminding us that there is

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much work to be done in educating the public on these important issues of life and death.

In Connecticut and Iowa, state supreme courts brushed aside centuries of established law and created a newly-discovered “right” to same-sex marriage without regard for the clear language of their state constitutions and the opposition of a majority of the people of those states. In Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, state legislators similarly ignored the will of the people and enacted same-sex marriage statutes. In New York, a similar effort to enact same-sex marriage legislation was narrowly averted. In Maine, Knights worked with Bishop Richard Malone and the Diocese of Portland to gather more than 55,000 signatures to allow voters in November to restore traditional marriage laws.

In our home state of Connecticut, there was a serious effort to move legislation that would have stripped the bishops and priests of the state of any administrative authority over their own churches. We joined with the Connecticut Catholic Conference in opposing this blatantly anti-Catholic legislation, and we carried the day.

The bill was withdrawn, and legislators learned quickly that we will always fight for our constitutionallyguaranteed religious liberties.

We were also able to win passage of an amendment providing religious liberty protections to a bill implementing the Connecticut Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage. Vermont and New Hampshire have adopted similar language, providing at least some protection for all who have religious objections to same-sex unions.

Since our last meeting, the Knights of Columbus has made possible two important conferences in Rome, one on the subject of “Universal Human Rights and the Challenge of Diversity,” and the other on “The ‘American Model’ of Religious Freedom.” We are grateful to former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon, who as the sponsor invited us to play an important role in these conferences.

In his new encyclical, Pope Benedict makes clear that all true charity begins with valuing human life. That means welcoming each new human life and sustaining our concern for the well-being of every person throughout his or her life.

“Openness to life is at the center of true development,” the pope reminds us. And he continues, “The acceptance of life strengthens moral fiber and makes people capable of mutual help.”

The Knights of Columbus remains firmly committed to defending the right to life of every human being, from the moment of conception to natural death. But the task ahead of us is even more formidable this year than in the past.

At the United Nations, the U.N. bureaucracy and its allies in pro-abortion Non-Governmental Organizations have applied increased pressure on heavily Catholic countries like the Philippines, Mexico and Poland to legalize abortion.

But there is a landmark shift taking place in public attitudes toward abortion, and it is the result of the hard, patient work you have been doing for more than 35 years.

Working with the experts at the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, we have confirmed a dramatic shift in public attitudes on abortion. Late last year, we discovered that 84% of Americans would significantly limit abortion and that only 15% of those calling themselves “pro-choice” favored abortion at any time during a pregnancy. In fact, 71% of pro-choice respondents said they would significantly restrict abortions.

Since our poll last October, other polling firms have finally confirmed the trend that we first identified. On May 15 of this year, Gallup announced that 51% considered themselves pro-life, “the first time a majority of U.S. adults have identified themselves as pro-life since Gallup began asking the question in 1995.” Subsequent polls have confirmed that there has been a significant shift among Americans to the pro-life position.

Just a few weeks ago, the latest Marist College/Knights of Columbus Poll not only confirmed these trends, but found a major shift among Americans, with an 11% change in favor of the pro-life position between October 2008 and July 2009.

Many things have contributed to this dramatic shift in public opinion.

Not only does the annual March for Life in Washington have an impact when it brings hundreds of thousands of people to the nation’s capital each January, but the marches and walks for life that have sprung up in

Georgia Knights of Columbus present a brand new ultrasound machine to the Women’s Enrichment Center in Dalton, Ga., on the Day of the Unborn Child, March 25. other cities from coast to coast are having an impact too.

The March for Life in Ottawa has grown dramatically in recent years, and when the Deputy Supreme Knight and I participated this year, it was obvious that there is a tremendous surge in pro-life determination in Canada as well. Not only did pro-lifers turn out in large numbers in a driving rain, but there were also marches in nearly every Canadian provincial capital as well.

In short, our long-term strategy of working to change hearts and minds on abortion is working. And ultimately, the will of the people will prevail.

We anticipated the opportunity that the latest polls have now identified when we voted last year to establish a new Culture of Life Fund. This fund will allow us to weigh in whenever opportunities present themselves, and this will be a tremendous advantage.

The new fund has enabled us to have a significant impact in many areas, both in providing additional resources to groups like the Sisters of Life, Birthright International, Project Rachel, the National Life Center and the National Catholic Bioethics Center, as well as projects closely associated with the bishops of the United States and Canada, including the U.S. Bishops’ Pro-Life Secretariat and the Catholic Organization for Life and Family in Canada.

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Knights played a major role at the annual Canadian March for Life in Ottawa on May 9, 2009. Other marches were held in provincial capitals throughout Canada.

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The Culture of Life Fund has also enabled us to get new projects off the ground quickly, like the Ultrasound Initiative, in which the Supreme Council matches state and local council contributions for ultrasound machines for crisis pregnancy centers.

The first ultrasound machines were donated to the Choices Medical Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa, and the Women’s Help Center in Jacksonville, Fla., on the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade in January of this year.

Since then, Knights of Columbus ultrasound machines have been presented to the Women’s Enrichment Center in Dalton, Ga.; the Problem Pregnancy Center in Worcester, Mass.; SURPLUS Tomorrow’s Hope Pregnancy $Billions 1.8 Center in Paris, Tenn.; the Care 1.7 1.6 1.6 Pregnancy Center in Baton 1.5 Rouge, La.; the Center for Women in Jackson, Mich.; and Life Choices in Kearney, Neb.; and just a few days ago, Loreto House in Denton, Texas.

The Ultrasound Project saves lives. Up to 90% of women considering abortion choose to have

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their baby after seeing an ultrasound image. They hear their baby’s heartbeat, they see their baby’s head and fingers. They know that it is a child, not a “choice.”

And here’s the best part: you can’t change that decision for life by an executive order. It can’t be reversed by a court decision. Once the baby is born, mother and her baby have won. The Culture of Life has won. All of us have won.

Today, we say to “pro-choice” advocates, “Why not allow women to make an informed choice with the help of the latest ultrasound technology?” And to all those who say that they want to reduce the number of abortions, we say, “Come join us in a program that can reduce abortions by perhaps as much as 90%.”

We will work to put at least one ultrasound machine in every jurisdiction in the Order this year.

We should make sure that crisis pregnancy centers have all of the resources they need, not just from our ultrasound program, not just from our Culture of Life Fund, but in the form of supplies and volunteer time from Knights and their families in thousands of councils in communities large and small. Many mothers who decide to have their children will need help after the child is born. Building a Culture of Life will necessarily mean helping them then, too.

My brother Knights, we have heard much talk lately about seeking “common ground” on abortion. That will not be easy. But public opinion polls show that there is real common ground: If people were allowed to choose, 86% of the American people would choose to significantly restrict abortion. In our search for common ground, let us start there.

Now Congress is considering health care reform legislation. We are told by the National Right to Life Committee that, as currently drafted, this legislation would result in the greatest expansion of abortion since the Supreme Court handed down its Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. Other experts say the bill will mandate taxpayerfunded abortions and abortion coverage in virtually all health care plans.

And now we are being warned this legislation may even start us down a path for government-encouraged euthanasia. Clearly a health care system designed to save lives on the one hand must not become a vehicle for tak-

ing lives through abortion and euthanasia. Health care reform legislation must be abortion-free.

The solution is clear: Simply add a provision clearly excluding abortion and euthanasia from this legislation.

That is what we urge Congress to do.

I am sometimes asked, “Why do the Knights stand so firmly in defense of the sanctity of human life and the sanctity of the sanctuary of human life — marriage and the family? Why not move on to other matters?” The words of Shakespeare from his play Henry V always come to mind: “The sum of all our answer is but this: We would not seek a battle as we are; Nor, as we are, we say we will not shun it” (Act III, Scene 6). This matter which is so crucial to the future of our nations is in God’s hand and no other. Its outcome will be determined as he wills it. It is up to us to us to remain faithful and steadfast.

My brother Knights, we have just ended the Year of St. Paul, and so it is fitting that we follow in this great saint’s footsteps. “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:1).

Let us, like St. Paul, say that we too have fought a good fight, have finished our course, and have kept the faith, that we too may claim “a crown of righteousness” not for ourselves, but for those not yet born but who will be born because of what we have done (2 Tim 4:7-8).

I began these remarks with a discussion of this year’s convention theme: “We stand with Peter.” Perhaps some

Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori and Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson present Pope Benedict XVI with $1.6 million in annual proceeds from the Vicarius Christi Fund in October 2008. of you were thinking at the time, “Well, of course we stand with Peter. That’s what Catholics, and especially Knights, are supposed to do.”

But to stand with Peter implies something profound.

Peter is the rock on which our Church is built. And when we stand with him, we stand on the firmest of ground.

We, the Knights of Columbus, have always stood with Peter.

Beginning in the 1920s, we stood with him in building sports facilities for the youth of Rome. In the 1950s we stood with him in the creation of the Vatican Film Archive in St. Louis. More recently, we stood with him in our substantial support of the restoration of St. Peter’s Basilica, and each year we stand with Peter by supporting his charities through our Vicarius Christi Fund. Beyond this, we stand united to him in our prayers.

Because of this, we never stand alone. In standing with Peter, we also stand shoulder to shoulder with our priests and bishops, in solidarity with them.

In a special way this year, we stand with Peter. Charity is the first and most important principle of our Order.

From the moment we become First Degree Knights, we understand that for us, the practice of charity will always

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K OF C ITEMS Available from the following designated official suppliers

be tied to Christ. “It is,” Pope Benedict says, “a force that has its origin in God, Eternal Love and Absolute Truth.”

In fact, “Charity rejoices in truth,” since “truth is the light that gives meaning and value to charity.” So once again, my brother Knights, we will stand with Peter, this time on the first principle of our Order.

Just a short time ago, we heard the wonderful message to this convention of Our Holy Father conveyed by the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Bertone, in which the pope described the Knights of Columbus “as a respected and articulate voice of the Catholic faithful” and then he expressed his “trust” in us that we “will continue to defend the teaching” of our Church “through reasoned argument and responsible participation in civic and political life.”

As I look out at the delegates to this Supreme Convention and recall the dedication of countless brother Knights, I know the trust that he has placed in us is well founded.

As Pope Benedict wrote, “Charity rejoices in truth,” and that “truth is the light that gives meaning and value to charity.” So once again, my brother Knights, we will stand with Peter, this time on the first principle of our Order.

Earlier this year, speaking to the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus, Pope Benedict urged us to “defend the moral truths necessary for a free and humane society, including the fundamental right to life of every human being.”

This is why we stand for the right to life.

This is why we stand for ethical business practices.

This is why we stand for helping the intellectually disabled.

This is why we stand for helping our neighbor in need.

We stand with Peter. And there is no place we would rather stand than on this rock.

Vivat Jesus!

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OFFICIAL OCT. 1, 2009:

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, CASE POSTALE 935, Station d’Armes, Montréal, PQ H2Y 3J4 ALL MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOS, ARTWORK, EDITORIAL MATTER, AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES SHOULD BE MAILED TO: COLUMBIA, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. REJECTED MATERIAL WILL BE RETURNED IF ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE AND RETURN POSTAGE. PURCHASED MATERIAL WILL NOT BE RETURNED. COLUMBIA (ISSN 0010-1869) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326. PHONE: 203-752-4000, www.kofc.org.

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KNIGHT S O F C O LUM BUS

Building a better world one council at a time Every day, Knights all over the world are given opportunities to make a difference — whether through community service, raising money or prayer. We celebrate each and every Knight for his strength, his compassion and his dedication to building a better world.

TO

Lloyd Kelso, Glenn McClary and George Ramsey flash their gold medals after returning from the 2009 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Spokane, Wash. The nine K of C councils that comprise Bishop McGuinness Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., donated funds to help send the athletes to partake in the annual competition.

BE FEATURED HERE , SEND YOUR COUNCIL ’ S

C OLUMBIA , 1 C OLUMBUS P LAZA , N EW

“K NIGHTS IN ACTION ” PHOTO AS WELL AS ITS DESCRIPTION TO : H AVEN, CT 06510-3326 OR E - MAIL : COLUMBIA @ KOFC. ORG. OCTOBER 2009

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

KEEP KEEP TTHE HE FA FAIITTH H AALLIIVE VE

‘LET US PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE HOLY PRIESTS TO HIS CHURCH.’ “The teaching which the Holy Curé of Ars continues to pass on to us is that the priest must create an intimate personal union with Christ that he must cultivate and increase, day after day.

“Only if he is in love with Christ will the priest be able to teach his union, this intimate friendship with the divine Teacher to all, and be able to move people’s hearts and open them to the Lord’s merciful love. Only in this way, consequently, will he be able to instill enthusiasm and spiritual vitality in the communities the Lord entrusts to him. Let us pray that through the intercession of St. John Mary Vianney, God will give holy priests to his Church and will increase in the faithful the desire to sustain and help them in their ministry.”

POPE BENEDICT XVI General Audience, Aug. 5, 2009