KNIGHT S O F C O LUM BUS
S EPTEMBER 2009
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K N I G H T S O F C O LU M BU S SEPTEMBER 2009 ♦ VOLUME 89 ♦ NUMBER 9
COLUMBIA F E AT U R E S
8 K of C Hall of Fame Many Knights have made their mark as star athletes and have made a difference — on the field and off. BY PATRICK SCALISI
10 Out of the Park The Knights of Columbus has a long and notable history with Yankee Stadium. BY JOSEPH PRONECHEN
15 Playing For Higher Stakes Life Athletes aims for good relationships, while protecting human dignity. BY JAMES PENRICE
18 Nothing But Net The Knights of Columbus International Free Throw Championship is not resting on past accolades. BY MIKE MASTROMATTEO
SPECIAL REPORT
6 Health Care Reform Bishops, supreme knight say that authentic health care reform must respect human life at all stages. BY COLUMBIA STAFF
An aerial view of the old Yankee Stadium taken at dusk during a game in Bronx, N.Y. For more than 20 years, the Knights of Columbus owned the land on which the stadium was built, before selling it to the City of New York in the 1970s.
D E PA RT M E N T S 2
Editorial
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The Christian life finds certain parallels with athletic competition. BY ALTON J. PELOWSKI
PHOTO: Rich Clarkson /Allsport
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We profess our belief in the communion of saints, baptism and the final resurrection.
Building a better world The message of Our Lady of Guadalupe unites the American continent in a common bond of faith. BY SUPREME KNIGHT CARL A. ANDERSON
Learning the faith, living the faith
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Knights in Action Reports from councils, assemblies and Columbian Squires circles
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Year for Priests Professional baseball players and other athletes rely on priests for spiritual support
BY SUPREME CHAPLAIN BISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI
PLUS Catholic Man of the Month
BY STEVE GUST
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Fathers for Good Don’t let youth activities take over your faith or your family. BY RICHARD FITZGIBBONS, M.D.
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Columbianism by Degrees
SEPTEMBER 2009
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Run so as to win SINCE THE FIRST CENTURY, athletic competition has been used to help describe the Christian life. In his first letter to the Church in Corinth, for instance, St. Paul wrote, “Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one” (1 Cor 9:24-25). While our baptismal call no doubt exceeds the significance of any sporting event, one’s experience of sports can shed some important insights on the pursuit of sanctity. Certain principles are required to progress in any human endeavor, and the call to holiness encompasses not just the soul, but the body as well. Any successful athlete understands that practice is necessary to improve — or even to maintain — one’s strength, speed and agility. Likewise, in order to progress in the spiritual life, a person must actually pray, put virtue into practice and constantly seek to grow in wisdom. Nearly 100 years ago, G.K. Chesterton famously wrote, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.” Indeed, most objections to the Church seem to be focused on either the difficulty of her teachings or the hypocrisy of her members. Training for and running several marathons in recent years has helped me to personally see how the analogy of athleticism applies to one’s Christian vocation. For example, a training schedule for a marathon mirrors the advice of the
saints, in that it starts out slowly and gradually increases in its demand. If a novice runner attempts to run a long distance without training, or a young Christian attempts to pray for extended periods and perform heroic acts without ever having done so, the feat often proves too formidable, and the goal is seen as not worth the effort. On the other hand, if one does take the necessary time to train — and not just talk about it — then longer distances become easier with each successive week. In the same way, St. Thomas Aquinas and others have explained that when we come to possess the virtues, which rightly order our actions in thought and deed, then doing good becomes natural and seemingly effortless. When training for my first marathon in 2003, I collected donations for a local pregnancy resource center. A woman named Gerri, whose joy and steadfast faith concealed the fact that she suffered from cancer and chronic back pain, happily donated to the cause and assured me, “Our Lady will carry you across the finish line.” On race day, after starting off too quickly and hitting the proverbial “wall,” I couldn’t help but recall her words, which reminded me of another essential truth. Because it demands hard work, there is a temptation to think that holiness is accomplished by oneself. Yet, everything one has and does is possible only because of the grace of God.♦ ALTON J. PELOWSKI MANAGING EDITOR
Supreme Knight’s Book Club – Sept. 30 How might laws affect the conscience rights of health care workers and Catholic medical centers with regard to such things as contraception, abortion and controversial fertility procedures? Join Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and author Leonard J. Nelson III online for a discussion of Nelson’s new book, Diagnosis Critical: The Urgent Threats Confronting Catholic Health Care (Our Sunday Visitor). Submit your questions online at www.kofc.org and take part in the discussion Sept. 30, at 5 p.m. (ET).
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COLUMBIA PUBLISHER Knights of Columbus ________ SUPREME OFFICERS SUPREME KNIGHT Carl A. Anderson SUPREME CHAPLAIN Most Rev. William E. Lori, S.T.D. DEPUTY SUPREME KNIGHT Dennis A. Savoie SUPREME SECRETARY Donald R. Kehoe SUPREME TREASURER John “Jack” W. O’Reilly Jr. SUPREME ADVOCATE John A. Marrella ________ EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Alton J. Pelowski alton.pelowski@kofc.org ASSOCIATE EDITOR Patrick Scalisi patrick.scalisi@kofc.org ________ GRAPHICS DESIGN Lee Rader
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 Among the famous sports figures the Knights of Columbus has counted as members are Floyd Patterson,Vince Lombardi and Babe Ruth.
PHOTOGRAPHS ON COVER: — Lombardi: NFL — Patterson: Getty Images — Ruth: MLB Photos via Getty Images
E D I TO R I A L
BU I L D I N G A B E T T E R WO R L D
The Catholic Hemisphere The message of Our Lady of Guadalupe unites the American continent in a common bond of faith by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson SUPPORTING A SPORTS TEAM has the nation has such a wonder been done.” ability to unify a city. But in every And at the time he said this, that nation game, the fans of one team are pitted stretched from Seattle to the Southern tip against the fans of another. of Argentina. As I participated in the Order’s It is no surprise that Pope Pius XII Guadalupe Festival in Phoenix, Aug. 8 later proclaimed Our Lady of — at an arena where sporting events Guadalupe “Empress of the Americas.” For if we who live on the American are usually held — I observed how our Our Lady of Guadalupe points us to continent have a shared past, we have faith has the power to unite us, but her son, and she also points us to unity a shared future as well: a future of without the necessity of pitting us in her son. For Catholics, this unity unity in faith. against “another team.” must transcend borders. In this spirit of What unites us as a Christian family At the festival, nearly 20,000 people unity — the second principle of our is far greater than anything that divides from a variety of backgrounds joined Order — it took only a few years after us. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the together, unified in their celebration of our foundation for the Knights to mother of each of us, regardless of Christ’s mother and her son’s message, spread throughout the Christian hemi- where we are from or what language which she brought to our we speak. continent centuries ago. This is a unity that joins us We shared an arena with as Knights, that joins us to the If we who live on the American people of every conceivable Church and to our fellow ethnic background. And as we Christians on this continent. continent have a shared past, we prayed the rosary in 26 lanBut we cannot rest easy have a shared future as well: a guages from Europe, Asia, viewing this history of unity as Africa and North America, I a settled matter; we must profuture of unity in faith. realized that the force that tect it going forward. It is up to unified those in the arena is us — in our lives, in our that which can and does homes and in our families — unify all of us in this hemisphere: the sphere — to Canada (1897), to Mexico to put our faith into practice. Christian faith. (1905), to Panama and Cuba (1909), From Canada to Argentina, all of us Our continent is one drawn together and to many other countries in this who live in the Americas are called, like by shared history. On a historical level, hemisphere since. St. Juan Diego, to bridge the divide of all of its countries — to some degree — No other place on earth has as many cultures. We are called to communicate are nations of immigrants and Native practicing Catholics as the Americas. the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Americans. On a spiritual level, all of While some continents have never mother of the civilization of love. these countries share a common her- been Christian, and while many EuroIt is up to us to make that unity real itage of Christianity. And on a personal pean churches are nearly empty, ours by living exemplary family and profeslevel, every person on this continent are still full. sional lives, and by supporting the faith shares a mother: Our Lady of Here, the Church faces a bright fu- of Catholic immigrants today so that Guadalupe. ture. Here, we are indeed fortunate to they become the Catholic parents of toOf course, Our Lady of Guadalupe has be citizens of the Catholic hemisphere, morrow. If we do these things, our been unifying this hemisphere for a continent of baptized Christians, legacy will be a Catholic hemisphere nearly 500 years. In the 1700s, Pope unified by the Gospel message of that remains Catholic. Benedict XIV said of her: “To no other Christ. Vivat Jesus!
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L E A R N I N G T H E FA I T H , L I V I N G T H E FA I T H
Communion, Forgiveness and Life Everlasting Concluding the Creed, we profess our belief in the communion of saints, baptism and the final resurrection by Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori IT IS OFTEN SAID that “the people” should have a greater say in how the Church is run. Of course, pastors, including bishops and parish priests, are obliged to listen to their people, tap into their expertise and involve them in the Church’s life. But who are “the people”? We need to include all who belong to the Church’s communion. We acknowledge this in the Apostles’ Creed, when we say, “I believe in…the communion of saints.” The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the meaning of this phrase. First, the word “communion” implies that “all the members of the Church [share] in holy things: the faith, the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the charisms, and the other spiritual gifts” (194). God’s generous love, communicated by the Holy Spirit, brings us together. In this love, God invites us to share in his inner life. Rooted in Trinitarian love, we, the members of the Church, are called not to seek our own interests, but to place ourselves at the service of one another and especially the poor and needy (see 1 Cor 13:5). The word “saints,” in this context, refers not only to those who have been
The 19th installment of Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori’s faith formation program addresses questions 194-217 of the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church . Archived articles are at www.kofc.org.
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canonized, but also to all the members of the Church — living and deceased — who are on their way to holiness, including those undergoing the final purification of purgatory. We should pay close attention to the example of the saints in heaven and seek their prayers, and we should also pray for those in purgatory. Both the living and the dead “form in Christ one family, the Church, to the praise and glory of the Trinity” (195). MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH The most important member of the communion of saints is Mary, the Mother of Christ and the Mother of the
Mary’s example of faith and charity continues to shine upon the Church today. Church. Mary gave birth to Jesus and shared in his sacrifice. While dying on the Cross, Jesus entrusted his mother to his disciples with the words, “Behold your mother” (Jn 19:27). Mary is “thus recognized as the mother of salvation, life and grace” — indeed, the Mother of the Church (196). Mary’s maternal care for the Church was evident from the beginning. After the ascension of Christ, she prayed with the Apostles as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit. She also worshipped with them during the celebration of the Eucharist (see Acts 2:42; Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 53).
Mary’s example of faith and charity continues to shine upon the Church today. The Virgin Mary prays with and for the Church, and she is always mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. Filled with the saving power of Christ’s love, she encourages us to grow in holiness. This is why we often turn to Mary as our advocate and helper, and why the Church encourages warm devotion to her (see Compendium, 197). Sometimes, people incorrectly claim that Catholics “worship” Mary. We worship only the Trinity. However, we do have a special veneration for Mary because of her unique role in our salvation. We express this in celebrating beautiful Marian liturgical feasts and in praying the rosary, which has been described as “a compendium of the whole Gospel” (198). As we pray to Mary for her intercession, we see in her the perfection we should aspire to as we journey toward heaven (199). Our Catholic faith teaches us that Mary, in view of the merits of her son, was uniquely preserved from all sin from the moment of her conception. Yet, we also profess in the Nicene Creed our belief in “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” Indeed, “The first and chief sacrament for the forgiveness of sins is baptism” (200). Christ instituted the sacrament of reconciliation, or penance, for sins committed after baptism. The Church has the authority to forgive because Christ imparted the
L E A R N I N G T H E FA I T H , L I V I N G T H E FA I T H
Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and said: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any they are retained” (Jn 20:23). THE LAST THINGS The closing sentences of the Nicene Creed look at “the last things” — death, resurrection, judgment and eternal destiny. We sometimes try to forget about this, but we need to reflect on what awaits us at the end of life. Death is not the last word; we are created to share in the resurrection of Christ. The separation of our bodies from our souls at death will not last for all eternity. In a manner we cannot now imagine, even our mortal bodies will be raised and reunited to our souls. The good will share in the resurrection of life; the wicked will share in the resurrection of condemnation (Jn 5:29; Compendium, 202-
T H E H O LY FAT H E R ’ S P R AY E R I N T E N T I O N S
PHOTOGRAPH OF POPE: CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters
ST. PETER CLAVER: CNS photo/Crosiers
Offered in solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI GENERAL: That the word of God may be better known, welcomed and lived as the source of freedom and joy. MISSION: That Christians in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, who often meet with great difficulties, may not be discouraged from announcing the Gospel to their brothers, trusting in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
205). Each day, we seek to live in Christ so that when we die, we will die in the Lord unto life everlasting (206). At death, we will each enter into eternity and undergo the particular judgment (208). We have our “definitive meeting with Christ” concerning our eternal destiny. Those who die in the grace of Christ and have no further need of purification share the happiness of heaven. Others die in God’s friendship but need further purification, a state that is called “purgatory.” We can help our sisters and brothers in purgatory by having Masses offered for them, by prayers, good works and personal sacrifices offered in Christ (see 209-211). Those who die in mortal sin through their own free choice are condemned to hell. Hell entails separation from God for whose love we were made. God takes no pleasure in the condemnation of sin-
ners; yet he respects our freedom. If we choose to be separated from God in this life, we run the risk of being separated from God for all eternity (see 212-214). The final and general judgment occurs when “Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead.” If we are truly living “in Christ,” we look forward to Christ’s coming in joyful hope. We do not know when Christ’s second coming will occur, so we live in both vigilance and hope. We should ask to share his life so completely that we contribute to that moment when God’s plan of salvation will come to completion and then, in eternity, God will be “all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28; see 215-216). To the profession of faith that we have now studied for more than a year, we add our “Amen” — a Hebrew word that indicates our total assent to what the Church believes and teaches.♦
C AT H O L I C M A N O F T H E M O N T H
St. Peter Claver (c. 1581-1654) Feast Day: Sept. 9 THE ORDER’S strong commitment to building a culture of life can find a challenging model in St. Peter Claver and his life poured out in reverence for the dignity of the human person. At a time when many considered blacks to be unequal and even lacking a human soul, Claver cared for black slaves and strove for their betterment. The son of a farmer, Peter Claver was born in Catalonia, Spain. He entered the Jesuits at age 20 and was challenged to embrace his future mission to the slaves in the Americas. When he eventually professed vows, Claver declared he would be “the slave of the blacks forever.” In 1610, he arrived at the Caribbean port city of Cartagena, in present-day Colombia. This center of the slave trade received about 1,000 slaves every month, after a third had died en route to the New World. Claver completely committed himself to their cause, constantly collecting dona-
tions of food, medicine and other supplies for when the slaves arrived. Claver boldly proclaimed Christ to the slaves, but only after speaking the universal language of love by his service. He said, “We must speak to them with our hands before we try to speak to them with our lips.” This proved fruitful, and Claver baptized nearly 300,000 people. He would regularly travel to meet with his converts and to exhort slave owners to treat them more humanely. After 40 years of exhausting work, he fell ill and died. As the patron saint of race relations, St. Peter Claver especially calls us to expel any residue of racism that may linger in our hearts. Even the context of a joke does not transform cutting words into gracious ones, for the cloak of humor sometimes hides a dagger. Like St. Peter Claver, let us extend only cloaks of compassion and charity to others.
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S P E C I A L R E P O RT
Health Care We Can All Live With Bishops, supreme knight say that authentic health care reform must respect human life at all stages by Columbia Staff “Much-needed reform must not become a vehicle for promoting an ‘abortion rights’ agenda or reversing longstanding policies against federal funding and mandated coverage of abortion,” wrote Cardinal Rigali. SEEKING AN AMENDMENT When the 111th Congress first convened last January, millions voiced their opposition to the potential introduction of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which threatened to invalidate virtually all existing abortion regulations and enshrine abortion as a “fundamental right.” (See the January 2009 issue of Columbia, archived online at www.kofc.org/columbia.) While the introduction of FOCA was successfully thwarted through a nationwide effort that included a USCCB-sponsored postcard campaign, many have warned that the health care reform bills, in their current form, would accomplish many of FOCA’s objectives by other means. For example, Cardinal Rigali observed that the proposed “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009” (H.R. 3200) would give the government power to make abortion “a mandated benefit.” It would also bypass the Hyde Amendment, which has restricted federal funding of abortion via the annual Health and Human Services (HHS) appropriations bill since 1976.
PHOTOGRAPH: Catholic Health Association of the United States
“CLEARLY, A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM designed to save lives on the one hand must not become a vehicle for taking lives through abortion and euthanasia on the other,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson in his annual report at the 127th Supreme Convention in Phoenix, Aug. 4. Referring to health care legislation now being considered in the U.S. Congress, he declared, “Health care reform must be abortion-free.” The supreme knight’s remarks echoed concerns expressed by others about the comprehensive health care reform bills recently proposed in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. On behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., wrote a letter to Congress, July 17, advocating “accessible, affordable and quality health care that protects and respects the life and dignity of all people from conception until natural death.” He then added, “No health care reform plan should compel us or others to pay for the destruction of human life, whether through government funding or mandatory coverage of abortion.” Likewise, Cardinal Justin F. Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, wrote letters to the House of Representatives July 29 and Aug. 11 urging lawmakers to make the health care legislation “abortion neutral” by not undermining current policies.
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S P E C I A L R E P O RT
According to the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the proposed health care reform legislation, without amendments explicitly excluding abortion coverage, could result in “the greatest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade.” There are also concerns about certain provisions in the bill that advocate health care rationing and limiting end-of-life care, bringing with them the threat of euthanasia for the elderly and infirm. In his annual report, the supreme knight said, “The solution is clear: Simply add a provision…that clearly excludes abortion and euthanasia from the bill. That is what we urge Congress to do.” Although some have claimed that such an amendment is unnecessary, representatives on both sides of the issue have confirmed that the legislation would allow federal funding for abortion and mandate that abortion coverage become more widely available. This is in spite of the fact that there has been a significant shift in public opinion in favor of increasing, not removing, current abortion regulations. A Marist College poll sponsored by the Knights of Columbus earlier this year shows that 86 percent of the U.S. population is in favor of significantly restricting abortion. On May 15, Gallup announced that a majority of Americans now identify themselves as “pro-life” — for the first time since they began asking the question in 1995. Nonetheless, numerous pro-life amendments have already been rejected by Congressional committees. One such amendment was introduced by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), a member of Menominee (Mich.) Council 646. Stupak and Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) have been among the most vocal and courageous voices in this debate. ‘CHARITY AND TRUTH’ In both his annual report and closing remarks at the Supreme Convention, Aug. 4-6, Anderson pointed to Pope Benedict XVI’s recent encyclical, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), as a blueprint for the Order and its work to influence public policy. He likewise cited a letter of papal greetings to the Supreme Convention, in which Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said that the pope “trusts that, as a respected and articulate voice of the Catholic faithful, the Knights of Columbus will continue to defend that teaching through reasoned argument and responsible participation in civic and political life.” To this end, delegates to the Supreme Convention adopted a resolution on “Defending the Right to Life,” which reaffirmed the Order’s commitment “to unconditional support for the right to life and full protection in law for every human being from conception to natural death.” The resolution declared opposition to “any health care reform legislation that does not explicitly exclude abortion coverage for any health insurance plan, public or private.” It also
A nurse tends to a newborn infant at one of the more than 600 Catholic hospitals in the United States.
Following Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson’s annual report, Aug. 4, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver encourages Knights to transform the national discussion about health care with “knowledge and charity.” called upon “legislators everywhere to adopt legislation protecting the religious conscience rights of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, guaranteeing their right to refuse to participate in abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide or any other practice that is destructive of innocent human life or that conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs.” In remarks following the supreme knight’s report, Aug. 4, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver encouraged Knights to show leadership and to make their voices heard at town hall meetings during Congress’s August recess. “If you show up there in great numbers with knowledge and charity, it will transform that discussion in our country when Congress comes back in September,” he said. “Help transform our country so that we’re just, we care for the poor and we stand strongly on the side of the elderly and the unborn.” Anderson echoed these sentiments in his closing remarks, Aug. 6. “The democratic way is to have reasoned discussion and respect for those we disagree with, but not to back down” from our judgments of “what the natural law and common justice require,” he said. For more information about the implications of the proposed health care reform legislation, visit www.usccb.org and www.nlrc.org.♦
TAKE ACTION Contact your elected representatives and urge them to support the Stupak and Hatch amendments, and to oppose any health care reform legislation that does not include these amendments. Congressmen and senators can be reached by fax, e-mail or phone. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or call the members’ local offices. Full contact information can be found at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov.
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K N I G H T S O F C O LU M BU S
Many Knights have also made their mark as star athletes. Here we take a look at some of the men who made a difference — on the field and off by Patrick Scalisi
James J. Braddock may not be known to many today by his real name, but mention Braddock’s famous nickname — the Cinderella Man — and faces often light up in recognition. Braddock was a rising boxer with a promising career ahead of him when the stock market crashed in 1929 and he, like so many Americans, lost everything. Braddock continued to schedule matches in order to feed his family but struggled to make ends meet until 1934 when he was given the opportunity to fight for a heavyweight championship. One year later, he had beaten Max Baer to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Braddock, who was a member of Barrett Council 1273 in West New York, N.J., held the crown for two years. After retirement, Braddock and his manager both joined the U.S. Army where they served as 1st Lieutenants in World War II.
James b. connolly (1868-1957) When a ragtag group of American athletes signed up for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, no one expected them to make a splash on the world stage. James B. Connolly had different ideas. Despite a string of unfortunate incidents that nearly stopped the U.S. team from competing, Connolly and his teammates arrived at the games exhausted but ready to prove their mettle. Connolly’s event, the so-called “hop, skip and jump,” took place immediately following the opening ceremony.
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His first jump was less than perfect, but his second — a monster 45foot combined leap — earned him a place in history as the first Olympic champion and the first American gold medalist. Back home in Boston, Connolly joined Back Bay Council 331, where he traded his sports career for one as a successful writer and novelist.
vincent t. lombardi (1913-1970) Sports aficionados like to draw heavily from Vincent “Vince” Lombardi’s heavy bag of sports aphorisms, like the ever-famous, “Winning isn’t everything — it’s the only thing.” But who other than true sports fans know that Lombardi studied for the priesthood for two years and often led his beloved team, the Green Bay Packers, to Mass when they were on the road? Lombardi may have been a formidable force on the football field, winning the first two Super Bowl titles, but he was also a devout Catholic and a Fourth Degree Knight. Somehow able to find spare time from his coaching duties, Lombardi served in a number of humanitarian roles: as Green Bay’s chairman of the Cancer Fund and as president of the Wisconsin Mental Health Association.
PHOTOGRAPHS: — Braddock: Corbis — Connolly: U.S. Library of Congress/J.E. Purdy — Lombardi: AP Photo
James J. Braddock (1905-1974)
K N I G H T S O F C O LU M BU S
Connie mack (1862-1956)
George Herman “babe” ruth (1895-1948)
Few men saw baseball evolve from its early days as a quaint, national pastime to a cultural juggernaut. But Connie Mack was one of those few. Mack enjoyed a long, rollercoaster career as manager and owner of the thenPhiladelphia A’s. When he came on board, the American League was considered a joke by the long-established National League, and the A’s were worse than a trite punch line. Mack, a member of Santa Maria Council 263 in Flourtown, Pa., took these failings to heart. In four seasons he turned the team around; in less than a decade, they won their first World Series. Mack is remembered today as a model manager. What is less reported, though, is that he was also a faithful Catholic who regularly attended Mass and who scolded his players for using profanity.
PHOTOGRAPHS: — Mack: Corbis — Patterson: AP Photo — Ruth: U.S. Library of Congress/Irwin, La Broad & Pudin
Floyd Patterson (1935-2006) Some might not expect a 180-pound boxer to be the paternal type, but heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson had a special gift for helping children. At the time of his death, Patterson left $600,000 to build a chapel at a youth detention center. This posthumous deed, though, was only the tip of a mountainous life spent in service to troubled youth and shut-ins. Patterson had an admirable 55-8-1 record inside the ring, but his Catholic faith — and his membership in the Knights — guided his accolades outside the gym. In addition to bequeathing more than half-a-million dollars to the Highland Residential Facility, Patterson also worked with troubled youth and was an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist.
What can be written about “The Great Bambino,” “The Sultan of Swat,” that hasn’t already been said? Perhaps the fact that Ruth was not only one of the best to ever play the game, but that he was also a Knight of Columbus. In 1919, the same year that he hit 29 home runs, Ruth joined Père Marquette Council 219 in South Boston. When he wasn’t pitching no-hitters or slamming balls out of the park, Ruth made it his duty to exercise the faith and charity he learned while growing up in a Catholic orphanage. He was especially drawn to fellow orphans and to children with disabilities, whom he encouraged with his kind presence and a pocket full of now-priceless souvenirs.♦ PATRICK SCALISI is the associate editor of Columbia magazine. Some of the above entries were adapted from the book By Their Works: Profiles of Men of Faith Who Made a Difference (HarperCollins) by Stephen Singular.
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OUT OF THE PARK T HE K NIGHTS
OF C OLUMBUS HAS A LONG AND NOTABLE HISTORY WITH YANKEE S TADIUM
by Joseph Pronechen
ather Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, was no
Fstranger to the game of baseball.
In his first year at Our Lady of the Angels Seminary in Lewiston, N.Y., Michael McGivney crossed home plate three times during the game on May 20, 1872. He also helped a brand-new intramural team called the Charter Oaks win their very first game, 23-6. Now, picture young McGivney sending the ball so high and far past centerfield that it doesn’t land until years later in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Sound farfetched? Not when you realize that the Knights of Columbus has several very strong links to Yankee Stadium. On the stadium’s opening day, April 18, 1923, Knight Al Smith, governor of New York and the first Catholic to run for President from a major party, threw out the first pitch. On that same day, in the third inning with two runners on base, Yankee and fellow Knight George Herman “Babe” Ruth hit the stadium’s very first home run. The Bambino hit 40 more that season to lead the league. And where have the Knights publicly commemorated not one but three papal visits? Yes,Yankee Stadium. Finally, who for more than 20 years owned the land on which Yankee Stadium and its parking lot was built? You’ve pitched a shutout if your answer was the Knights of Columbus.
Yankee Stadium is seen during the Mass celebrated by Pope Paul VI on Oct. 4, 1965. Inset: Plaques commemorating visits by Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
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Top: Babe Ruth is shown in 1924 with kids in New York, passing on his love for the game of baseball. • Left: Supreme Knight John W. McDevitt and Supreme Chaplain Bishop Charles P. Greco of Alexandria, La., stand with Yankee pitcher Steve Hamilton and White Sox Manager Eddie Stanky, both Knights, in Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park in 1966. • Bottom: A Fourth Degree Honor Guard is seen in Yankee Stadium in this undated photo.
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TOP PHOTOGRAPH: AP photo/The National Baseball Library, Cooperstown, N.Y.
A TRIFECTA IN BRONZE Just more than 85 years after Yankee Stadium opened, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass there on April 20, 2008, marking the bicentennial of the Archdiocese of New York. More than 57,000 worshippers attended, among them many Knights and their families. “Let us take the Lord at his word! Let us renew our faith in him and put all our hope in his promises!” Pope Benedict said in his homily. “Hasten the coming of God’s kingdom in this land!” The Knights memorialized this Mass with a 105-pound bronze plaque that stands more than three feet tall. It was blessed by the Holy Father and placed in Monument Park, now located behind centerfield of the new Yankee Stadium, which opened last spring. The plaque united Pope Benedict with two of his predecessors already memorialized there. The second plaque was placed in 1980 as a lasting memorial to the Mass for World Justice and Peace offered by Pope John Paul II on Oct. 2, 1979. Knights attending the Mass listened intently as the Holy Father said in his homily, “On many occasions, your nation has gained a well-deserved reputation for generosity, both public and private. Be faithful to that tradition….” It was John Paul’s first visit to the United States after being elected pope, and the event was more exciting than watching the perfect ball game. The Yankees were eager to commemorate this historic event and invited the Knights to place a plaque among the other famous monuments at the stadium. On Sept. 5, 1980, before the team played the California Angels, Cardinal Terence J. Cooke of New York and then-Supreme Knight
Virgil C. Dechant led the delegation that dedicated the plaque. “It was a great thrill and quite a privilege to accompany Cardinal Cooke setting this monument out on centerfield for the prayer service,” Dechant recalled. During the blessing, Cardinal Cooke prayed that “the words which Pope John Paul II spoke so clearly and powerfully here at Yankee Stadium will continue to change the hearts of all men and women, and truly make us one human family.” The event called to mind the dedication of the first of the three plaques, which took place June 25, 1966, in honor of Pope Paul VI and the Mass he celebrated at the stadium Oct. 4, 1965. It was Knights of Columbus Day at the ballpark, and the Yankees were playing the Chicago White Sox. More than 100 members of the Fourth Degree color guard lined the dedication path, and approximately 12,000 Knights and their families watched the solemn ceremony take place before the game. Then-Supreme Chaplain Bishop Charles P. Greco of Alexandria, La., blessed the plaque before a crowd that included thenSupreme Knight John W. McDevitt and two notable sportsmen who were counted among the Order’s membership: Yankee pitcher Steve Hamilton and White Sox Manager Eddie Stanky.
TOP PHOTOGRAPH: AP Photo
HALLOWED GROUND, HALLOWED PLAYERS When Pope Paul VI delivered his homily at Yankee Stadium in 1965, he was actually speaking on ground owned by the Knights of Columbus. At the time, the Order served as the Yankees’ landlords. In 1953, some 30 years after the stadium opened, the Knights bought the nine acres on which Yankee Stadium was built. The decision grew out of Father McGivney’s vision — not
Top: Youngsters lend an ear to Babe Ruth as he tells them stories of his life from orphanage to baseball fame, Nov. 29, 1924. • Right: (from left) Former Supreme Advocate Paul R. Devin, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis A. Savoie and Supreme Secretary Donald R. Kehoe stand by a monument donated by the Knights of Columbus in honor of Pope Benedict XVI’s Mass at Yankee Stadium.
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PHOTOGRAPH: Walter Sanders/Time & Life Pictures/Getty images
as a lifelong baseball fan, ning in 1919 when he but as the founder of a frajoined Père Marquette ternal order to help provide Council 271 in South for members’ families. Boston, Mass. Ruth was parTo continue fulfilling that ticularly interested in helpvision in the mid-20th cening the disadvantaged, tury, the Order began purespecially orphans, and vischasing the properties of ited them all over the counsome large corporations and try in hospitals and “leasing the properties back reformatories. He also to the original owners at a started the Babe Ruth Founrental that will give the Order dation for impoverished an adequate interest return children and clearly exemfor the money invested,” plified the Knights’ princiwrote then-Supreme Knight ple of charity. Luke E. Hart in a letter to Pitcher Ronald Guidry members. also stands out among other “We gave them a 100World Series Yankeeyear lease for the ground at Knights. Guidry salvaged what turned out to be a reathe 1978 season for the sonable, low rent,” exYankees after the team was plained Dechant. trailing the Boston Red Sox But in the early 1970s, that year by 14 games. when representatives of the On June 17, Guidry set a City of New York decided to Yankee record by striking renovate the stadium, they out 18 California Angels also wanted to own the batters. Winning game after land under it. game, “Louisiana Light“It was not our wish to ning” Guidry put the Yansell it, but we had no kees in a dead heat with the choice,” Dechant said. “We Red Sox by September. His were proud to own it.” victory against them in a Among the past supreme one-game playoff gave him knight’s favorite memories a league-leading 25 wins. are attending games with Finally, in the World Series Bishop Greco. They sat in Supreme Knight Luke E. Hart stands on the bleachers at Yankee Stadium in April against the Los Angeles box seats behind home 1957. The Knights of Columbus owned the land on which the stadium and the parking Dodgers, Guidry led the plate, and Yankees Manager lot were located, having purchased it in 1953. The Order sold the land to the city of Yankees to two of their four Yogi Berra would hop the wins. For his achievements, New York in the 1970s. fence between innings “to Guidry later received the Cy visit with Bishop Greco,” Young Award. said Dechant. “They were old friends.” After retiring in 1989, Guidry joined Assumption of the Virgin Many years earlier, one particular Knight made Yankee Stadium Mary Council 7411 in Rayne, La. Past Grand Knight Glen Meche thrive, as evidenced by the popular nickname the stadium ac- said Guidry “shies away from attention,” adding that “his work quired: “The House That Ruth Built.” with the Knights and with his family is a real expression of faith.” “Ruth’s bat essentially bankrolled the building of Yankee StaJoining Ruth’s No. 3 jersey, Guidry’s No. 49 was retired in dium, which was built to accommodate all the people who 2003, and a memorial was dedicated to him in Monument Park. wanted to see him play,” wrote Christopher Kauffman in Faith and These players, though, are only two in a long line of baseball-lovFraternalism: The History of the Knights of Columbus. “A star pitcher for ing Knights that stretches back through the Order’s history. If we much of his career in Boston, the Yankees let him loose as a slug- close our eyes for a moment, perhaps we can see Father McGivney ger and outfielder. Ruth hit 54 homers in 1920, then 59 and 35 standing in Yankee Stadium, smiling as he looks over his Knights the next two years, respectively.” In 1927, the Sultan of Swat hit and the MVP plaques that were presented to three “Most Venerahis record 60th homer in the stadium. ble Pontiffs.”♦ Ruth’s monument near those of the three popes describes him as “A great ballplayer, a great man, a great American.” Missing is JOSEPH PRONECHEN is a staff writer for National Catholic Register and Faith & any mention of him being a Knight — which Ruth was, begin- Family magazine. He writes from Trumbull, Conn.
Playing For Higher Stakes Life Athletes aims for good relationships, while protecting human dignity by James Penrice
PHOTOGRAPHS: Courtesy Chris Godfrey/Life Athletes
W
hen the pope declares an emergency, the Knights of Columbus is quick to respond. Such has been the case with their support of Life Athletes, an organization that responds to what Pope Benedict XVI has called an “educational emergency” with regard to transmitting basic values of life, love and human dignity. Addressing educators of the Diocese of Rome in 2007, the pontiff stressed that the task of responding to this situation falls not only to schools and families, but also to “any other body with educational aims.” As such, Chris Godfrey has long recognized the educational opportunities open to him through his participation in sports. The former All-Pro lineman has used his athletic platform for teaching ever since his earliest days in the National Football League (NFL). In 1992, he founded Life Athletes to teach and inspire young people to live lives of virtue, abstinence (chastity) and respect. “We invite [young people] to join us in making the Life Athletes Commitment,” said Godfrey, who is a member of Santa Maria Council 553 in South Bend, Ind. “Everyone who makes [this commitment] becomes a Life Athlete regardless of athletic ability.” Despite the fact that the organization is “a fellowship of the heart more than athletic talent,” Life Athletes counts more than 300 professional and Olympic athletes among its membership. Luminaries such as Tony Dungy, Gary Carter, Rebecca Lobo, David Tyree, A.C. Green, Andy Pettitte, Jason Sehorn and Mark Brunell have all joined in encouraging members to keep their promise to live virtuously. The organization’s mission is summarized by the Life Athlete’s Commitment: “I will try to do what is right even when it is difficult. I will give myself only to that special person I marry as my partner for life. I will respect the lives of others, especially the unborn and the aged. I will not quit or make excuses when I fail; I will try again.” RENEWED FAITH In their book, Called to Love:Approaching John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Father José Granados point out that young people are losing their ability to discern the meaning of their experiences because of the noise in modern life. According to Godfrey, Life Athletes helps to cut through this noise and to validate what Pope John Paul II called our “original experiences.” SEPTEMBER 2009
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“I am very grateful to Pope Benedict and John Paul II for articulating the greatest of our educational needs,” said Godfrey. “People are important for who they are and not what they do. Our most important education is learning to love.” Life Athletes’ high-profile members, especially, have a special role in capturing the attention of young people, who are more apt to accept God’s plan for human life when it is promoted by role models such as famous athletes. Nonetheless, “This education begins in the family,” added Godfrey, whose own journey reflects the tension of a young Catholic coming of age in a noisy culture. “I remember having a strong love for God when I was younger, but as I got into high school and college, God seemed to drift off my radar screen,” he said. “Not that I ever denied God — it’s just that I got busy and did not think deeply about things, nor was I encouraged to.”
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However, that started to change once Godfrey began playing in the NFL. Having competed in three Rose Bowls as a defensive lineman for the University of Michigan, he thought a career in professional football was practically guaranteed. His first year, though, was marred by a series of misfortunes that resulted in his being cut from the Washington Redskins, the New York Jets and the Green Bay Packers. Godfrey’s NFL dreams seemed extinguished, and he was crushed. With his athletic talents rejected, Godfrey was led for the first time to genuine prayer. “I said, ‘Lord, I give up. Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do.” He thus began to embrace the faith of his youth.
Chris Godfrey stands with his daughter, University of Michigan swimmer Mary Grace Godfrey, as she sports her father’s Super Bowl ring at a swim camp in Ann Arbor this past summer.
Not only was Godfrey’s faith rejuvenated, but his football dreams eventually came true. The Packers offered him another chance, which led to a nine-year career in professional football, highlighted by a Super Bowl XXI championship with the New York Giants. Today, Godfrey works as an attorney in South Bend and serves as president of Life Athletes.
Top: Life Athletes sponsored a “Heart of Champions Day” at St. Joseph’s High School in South Bend, Ind. Attendees, along with Special Olympics athletes and former student athletes from the University of Notre Dame, celebrated the gift and dignity of life. Below: Chris Godfrey visits a football practice to talk about off-the-field training.
RESPONDING TO THE CALL The Church has had an interest in the formational aspect of sports dating back to St. Paul’s athletic references in Scripture. In recent times, several popes have promoted an evangelical mission to the athletic world. Pope John Paul II, himself an avid athlete, spoke often of the formational value of sports, and instituted a Church and Sport office under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. In addition, Pope Benedict XVI has called sport a “new Areopagus.” It is within this arena that Life Athletes makes its case for the preeminent common good of all nations — human dignity. In addressing today’s culture, Life Athletes places particular importance on the relationship between men and women. “Sex touches upon some of the most important things in life,” Godfrey said, “namely marriage, family and even heaven itself. It is also one of our strongest drives, thereby requiring a special effort to direct it in a positive way.” While most young people already know that premarital sex and abortion are wrong, they express appreciation for Life Athletes’ presentation about why these issues are wrong. The organization’s first foray into creating a school curriculum was That’s Where I Live: A Guide to Good Relationships. Following its publication, a religious sister from New York related to Godfrey the story of a young woman who decided not to have an abortion after she read That’s Where I Live. “It wasn’t until she ‘learned that suffering for the right reasons can make you a better person’ that she changed her mind,” said Godfrey, who added that meeting the woman’s child was a powerful confirmation of the program’s effectiveness. Life Athletes has a new curriculum series titled See, I Make All Things New. It begins with Know Yourself, a DVD for parents to watch with their children that explains the changes that occur during puberty and God’s plan for sexuality. It addresses important issues in a positive, non-embarrassing way — a “road trip” that visits a pediatrician, athletes, stadiums and national monuments. The second installment in the series, Build Yourself, is a 10-lesson school curriculum that emphasizes character formation as an essential foundation for an education in love. Although the curricula were written for use in Catholic schools and parishes, the Life Athletes message is also finding its way into more secular environments, including public schools and sports camps. Godfrey and Life Athletes are by no means alone in their mission. They have long enjoyed generous support from the Knights of Columbus through prayer, financial contributions and volunteer hours. “Not to mention the good example of its members who faithfully carry out their mission to the family year in and year out,” added Godfrey. With help from its friends, Life Athletes is training true champions of life. To learn more, visit www.lifeathletes.org.♦ JAMES PENRICE is the author of Living the Eucharist through Sports (St. Paul’s/Alba House, 2009).
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Nothing but Net The Knights of Columbus International Free Throw Championship is not resting on past accolades
by Mike Mastromatteo
T
he coordinators of two of the Order’s most successful basketball free throw programs are in agreement about what elements have contributed to their respective success.The Georgia and Ontario state councils both report great numbers of boys and girls who participate in the Knights of Columbus International Free Throw Championship since the program launched 37 years ago. At that time, local councils seized on the impressive history of K of C involvement in sports-related activity, and began sponsoring the free throw contest, which is open to boys and girls ages 10-14 from all faith backgrounds. Many have observed that the free throw program is an ideal way for Knights to remain present in the community while providing young people with a rewarding activity that yields a chance for local, regional and international recognition. Today, the Free Throw Championship continues as one of the Supreme Council’s most popular programs. During the 2008-09 competition, 59,447 girls and 79,925 boys participated in more than 3,400 local competitions. Some 4.5 million young people have taken part in the program since 1972, leading some to wonder what impact this exposure has had on the Order’s growth and recruitment over the past four decades. FOCUS ON YOUTH Local councils are guided by K of C free throw program kit when organizing a competition, but they also enjoy a certain flexibility to tailor the program to local conditions.
Players compete in the California state free throw championships, held at San Joaquim Memorial High School in Fresno, Calif., March 21. 18 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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In many cases, councils enlist the help of professional basketball players or other sports personalities to present trophies to winning contestants. In Georgia, for example, local Knights have a longstanding relationship with the National Basketball Association (NBA) team the Atlanta Hawks and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team the Atlanta Dream. In some cases, star players from pro teams are asked to present awards to contest finalists. It’s a moment of excitement that makes for lasting memories and generates plenty of goodwill toward K of C organizers. Georgia Knights enjoy a solid record of achievement with the program. The state council reports that some 179,000 players competed in 3,000 events last year alone. State free throw program director Mike Gozdick is a member of Danny McMichael Council 12984 in Jackson, Ga. A long-time basketball fan, Gozdick was attracted to the Free Throw Championship’s focus on working with young people. “I think that every child should take part in some sort of sporting activity,” Gozdick said. “All you have to do is help with one free throw contest and you will be hooked. To watch the children and see the excitement in their faces — these are things that words cannot explain.” Gozdick added that the support of professional teams lends additional excitement and buzz to the program. “Everything that they do for us is at no cost to the Georgia State Council,” he said. This includes hosting the state competition at Philips Arena, the home court of the Atlanta Hawks. “I had a parent come up to me and tell me that it did not matter if her child won,” Gozdick said. “What was most important to her son was being able to take part in the competition on the same court that the Hawks play on.” COMMITTED LEADERS It’s not just the American South that enjoys such success with the Free Throw competition. In Ontario, Joseph Cinti has served as director of the Ontario Knights’ free throw program since 2002. A member of St. Gregory Council 9399 in Cambridge, Cinti reports that some 65 percent of Ontario councils take part in the program, translating to a total participation of more than 827,000 young people. “Our councils are encouraged to promote the program in the schools of all denominations, in community sports organizations and in the parish churches in all their districts,” Cinti said. He added that the free throw program remains an excellent “motivational tool” to enhance young people’s physical education and extra-curricular programs. It is also an excellent recruitment tool. “The free throw program is a working tool for growth in membership,” Cinti said. “It’s a key opportunity for meeting brother Knights and their families, to share ideas and to set goals for the year.” Immediate past state deputy of Ontario, Natale “Nat” Gallo, is
Daniel J. Baker (left), immediate past state deputy of Georgia, and Mike Gozdick, state chairman of the free throw program, stand with one of the winners of the state championship competition hosted in Atlanta’s Philips Arena last April. 20 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
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also active with the free throw program, and has previously served as state youth director and Columbian Squires chairman. Gallo cited the importance of local chairmen, who visit schools and talk with teachers to encourage participation, and added that everyone from the state chairman down to the grand knight provides support to the program. “The free throw program has been successful because we have committed individuals at the helm,” Gallo explained. Like his Ontario counterpart, Gozdick notes that the program depends on healthy communication among administrators, councils, players, parents and supporting partners. He also believes that the program is a prime example of the Knights’ longstanding interest in working with young people, not only to publicize the Order, but to fulfill a genuine commitment to the wider community. “Our free throw competition is successful at every level of the competition,” Gozdick said. “I have never had any problems getting enough manpower to handle the event.” SUCCESS AND GROWTH Program coordinators at the Supreme Council have long recognized the importance of sports-themed activity to the Order’s growth, popularity and outreach. They continually emphasize the relative ease of the competition and the lasting benefits it can bring. The success with one sport — in this case basketball — may well be repeated with the Order’s latest addition to its sports lineup: the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge. The competition, comprised of penalty kicks, is open to all boys and girls ages 10-14. Rather than the 25 shots that a player receives in basketball, the soccer challenge is based on one’s scoring success with a series of 15 penalty kicks. Winners progress from the local level to district, regional, state and international competitions. Although current evidence is merely anecdotal, there is some suggestion that the Free Throw Championship and Soccer Challenge could bring cross-generational benefits to the Order. Ontario Knights cite cases in which current members joined the Order after volunteering at a council-sponsored sporting event. An informal survey of Ontario Knights found several members who owe their current membership to previous activity with the Free Throw Championship. It’s a scenario that might have been anticipated from the time the sport of basketball was first invented — less than a decade after the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882. Since the beginning, many have recognized that sports and athleticism have real value in keeping young people focused on fair play and goal setting. “Anytime we can do something to help children take part in a sports-related activity, you are teaching them to be competitive and take pride in what they do,” said Gozdick. “This might mean big things for the Soccer Challenge we started a few years ago,” he continued. “With the way soccer is growing in the United States, our Soccer Challenge could become as big as the Free Throw Championship, if not bigger.”♦
Special Beyond Comparison by Paul Phillipino In addition to serving as the “strong right arm of the Church,” Knights of Columbus around the world are recognized for their civic contributions and community service. It is not uncommon to find local units, such as St. Isidore Council 7200 in Macomb, Mich., volunteering on various projects to benefit their neighbors. Last year, Michigan Knights played an instrumental role in providing children with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Norm Hott Field was dedicated Aug. 6, 2008, at a ceremony hosted by the Macomb County Knights of Columbus. The first pitch was thrown out that same day. The new park was built for the Clinton Valley Little League, Challenger Division, which allows children with disabilities, ages five to 18, the opportunity to participate in America’s national pastime.The field was adapted specifically for this purpose: its base paths are shorter and can accommodate wheelchairs, and its pitcher’s mound is closer to home plate. Marilyn Wittstock, Clinton Valley Little League assistant district administrator, spearheaded the community effort. The Knights pitched in — along with former Detroit Tigers first baseman Sean Casey, the Detroit Tigers Foundation and local businesses — to cover the cost of the field. Collectively, Macomb County Knights donated approximately $14,000 to the park, which is named after Casey’s late grandfather-in-law, Norm Hott. Ken Dumais,Tootsie Roll chairman for the Michigan State Council and a member Council 7200, was responsible for mobilizing the Knights into action. With his help, 19 K of C councils participated in the project, titled “Special Beyond Comparison.” According to Dumais, the project was aptly named. “These kids truly are special beyond comparison, and they are now being recognized not for their disability but for the potential they have,” he said. For their efforts, Council 7200 was awarded the Youth Activity Award from the Michigan State Council. Dumais added, “You cannot match the love these kids show on their faces, and as fathers and Knights, we are proud of them.”
Knights Lawrence T. Grabowski, Kenneth M. Dumais, Lawrence Frontera and Ronald J. Verellen stand with former MLB player Sean Casey (center). Grabowski, Dumais and Verellen are all members of St. Isidore Council 7200 in Macomb, Mich. Frontera belongs to St. Jane Frances de Chantal Council 13340 in Sterling Heights, Mich.
MIKE MASTROMATTEO writes from Toronto, Ont., where he is a member of Blessed Trinity Council 11681.
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S TAT E D E P U T I E S 2009-10
ALABAMA MAURICE J. DUPONT
ALASKA MICHAEL W. WELCH
ALBERTA NEIL C. GANNON
ARIZONA HERBERT J. MADDOCK
ARKANSAS JAMES R. NEFF
BRITISH COLUMBIA MICHAEL YEO
CALIFORNIA VINCENT A. PACIS
COLORADO FOSTER J. SAUTER
CONNECTICUT SCOTT A. FLOOD
DELAWARE SHERMAN MITCHELL III
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA LAWRENCE L. SOSNOWICH
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC JOSÉ A. MENDOZA
FLORIDA DOUGLAS J. MURRAY
GEORGIA JAMES C. ST. JOHN
GUAM FRANCISCO A. FLORIG
HAWAII STANLEY A. MARIA
IDAHO BRIAN W. SIMER
ILLINOIS JAMES C. BEDNAR
INDIANA STEPHAN A. ZIEMBA
IOWA PATRICK T. O’KEEFE
KANSAS FRANCIS G. DROUHARD
KENTUCKY BILLY R. HANCOCK
LOUISIANA BENJAMIN N. DAVIDSON JR.
LUZON ALONSO L. TAN
MAINE GERALD J. MARTIN
MANITOBA GUY M. PRÉCOURT
MARYLAND RICHARD V. SIEJACK
MASSACHUSETTS WILLIAM F. DONOVAN
MEXICO CENTRAL ANTONIO PÉREZ-RAMÍREZ
MEXICO NORTHEAST FILADELFO MEDELLÍN AYALA
MEXICO NORTHWEST JULIO CÉSAR DOMÍNGUEZ-SOTO
MEXICO SOUTH FREDY J. MONTERO-RODRÍGUEZ
MICHIGAN JOHN R. MOODY
MINDANAO SOFRONIO R. CRUZ
MINNESOTA RICARDO ACEVEDO
MISSISSIPPI PETER C. SUKANEK
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S TAT E D E P U T I E S 2009-10
MISSOURI GREGORY W. STRATMAN
MONTANA WILLIAM I. BURKE
NEBRASKA MICHAEL G. CONRAD
NEVADA JAMES J. KELLY
NEW BRUNSWICK YVON CARRIER
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR MAX A. SNOW
NEW HAMPSHIRE EDWARD A. MCCANN
NEW JERSEY HERBERT C. MEYER
NEW MEXICO JOSEPH W. POZZI
NEW YORK ARTHUR J. HARRIS
NORTH CAROLINA DAVID R. JONES
NORTH DAKOTA CORY J. BADINGER
NOVA SCOTIA ERROL J. O’NEIL
OHIO PAUL J. UPMAN
OKLAHOMA DAVID A. ROEWE
ONTARIO YVON A. ROBERT
OREGON WAYNE A. CLEMMER
PENNSYLVANIA WAYNE S. FREET
POLAND ANDRZEJ GUT-MOSTOWY
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ALVIN R. CURLEY
PUERTO RICO FREDDIE SANCHEZ-RIVERA
QUEBEC CLAUDE ROUSSEAU
RHODE ISLAND STEPHEN G. CIOLFI
SASKATCHEWAN ARDEN P. ANDREAS
SOUTH CAROLINA JOSEPH F. GUBELI JR.
SOUTH DAKOTA TERRENCE L. ANDERSEN
TENNESSEE MICHAEL J. PORTER SR.
TEXAS JAVIER S. MARTINEZ
UTAH DOUGLAS P. SHANE
VERMONT FLORIAN WAWRZYNIAK
VIRGINIA PATRICK F. O’DONNELL
VISAYAS DIONISIO R. ESTEBAN JR.
WASHINGTON JOHN M. WALLACE
WEST VIRGINIA BERNARD V. KELLY JR.
WISCONSIN ROLAND C. RANSOM II
WYOMING PATRICK J. DOHERTY
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FAT H E R S F O R G O O D
Making Good Sports Don’t let youth activities take over your faith or your family by Richard Fitzgibbons, M.D. For instance, spouses may disagree over when their children should start team play and how many sports they should undertake each year. Even if they agree on these points, the couple may be separated while juggling late weekday games and the rigors of a traveling sports schedule. Family time is disrupted and meal times consist of fast food or concession stands. With games held on Sundays, even in Catholic leagues, parents are tempted to leave Mass early to get to the ball field or even skip Mass to focus on the game. In such cases, the emphasis on sports causes families to lose focus and balance. Kids, in turn, pick up the message: Sports take precedence over family relationships and even a relationship with God.This attitude is harmful to children’s physical, psychological and spiritual welfare. As in most things in life, balance is needed when it comes to youth sports. Since there are definite benefits to team play and physical activity, every family should make the effort to find that balance. Here are a few tips: 1. Work as a couple to establish healthy family priorities and then discuss them with your children. 2. Family meals and time with your spouse should be seen as more important than youth sports or professional sports on TV. 3. Don’t be afraid to skip a season if your child doesn’t seem ready for the next level of play. 4. Avoid leagues that have games on most Sundays and leave the Lord’s Day open for family activities. 5. Don’t live your dreams through your child’s sports play. 6. Winning isn’t the only thing; it’s how you win or lose that counts. Youth sports can be healthy, constructive and a strong support system for the values you as a father want to instill in your child. But remember, it’s just a game.♦
DR. RICHARD FITZGIBBONS is a Catholic marriage and family psychiatrist, and head of the Institute for Marital Healing in West Conshohocken, Pa. He may be contacted through the institute’s Web site, www.maritalhealing.com.
FIND ADDITIONAL ARTICLES AND RESOURCES FOR CATHOLIC MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES AT WWW. FATHERSFORGOOD. ORG . 24 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
SEPTEMBER 2009
PHOTOGRAPH: Jupiter images
IMAGES of the “Little League parent” are fixed in the American mind as a kind of psychological state. There’s dad on the sidelines yelling for his kid to get a hit, as if to soothe the lingering shame over striking out during his own youth. Mom is in the bleachers, waving junior to home plate, hoping to hold her head high during the morning carpool. Although there are fewer sideline displays by parents these days, there are still a number of subtle dangers associated with youth sports. In fact, in our sports-crazed culture, where even toddlers are dragged from the soccer field to the karate gym, we risk making sports participation a primary value in itself, and using sports as a substitute for play time and even family time. Let me make it clear from the start that I am not anti-sports. As a marriage and family psychiatrist, and the father of three children, I recognize that youth sports can have immensely positive influences and can foster a happier, healthier family life. Benefits for children include weight control and physical fitness, confidence, discipline and learning to be a team player. Additionally, strong, lifelong bonds between father and son — and, increasingly, father and daughter — can be built during games of catch, shooting hoops or tossing the football. Sports can give fathers a natural opportunity to talk about virtues such as hard work, persistence and self-sacrifice. Yet, in our culture of 24-hour sports coverage and milliondollar, prima-donna players, the wrong message can be sent. In my clinical work with families, I often find serious emotional conflicts in children as the result of a parental obsession with sports. These include: burnout from excessive participation; a win-at-all-costs mentality accompanied by selfishness; excessive competitiveness; the belief that failure in sports means failure in life; a general sadness and anger over pressures to excel on the field; poor academic performance; and the notion that sports are the only source of personal values and confidence. Sadly, I have also seen sports operate as a major source of conflict within marriages, and as a springboard toward separation and divorce. We’ve all heard about the “Sunday widow” — the wife who never sees her husband during professional football season because he is glued to the television. Youth sports, too, can keep husband and wife apart.
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
REPORTS FROM COUNCILS, ASSEMBLIES AND COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLES
cil 10162 in Clarin, Visayas, planted a large lot with new mangrove seedlings. FUNDS FOR UGANDA
Father Michael Roethler Assembly in Ada, Okla., donated $1,000 to Father Edward Ssekalembe to support his missionary work in Africa. Father Ssekalembe is a priest from Uganda who routinely visits Oklahoma. Bernard Mahoney of Port St. Lucie (Fla.) Council 7514 presents Pamela LaPonza with a raffle prize during a benefit concert for a local family. Johny Mejias, 19, was struck by a hit-and-run driver Feb. 23 and died of his injuries April 11. Knights organized “Jam 4 Johny,” which raised $5,650 for the Mejias family to aid with various medical, funeral and unforeseen expenses.
NEW CARPET
Santa Maria Council 4999 in North Palm Beach, Fla., donated $5,000 to St. Patrick Church toward the installation of new carpeting.
$1,000 to St. Linus School for the purchase of new equipment for the school’s computer lab. ASSOCIATION DONATION
Rev. F. M. Lateigne Council 7089 in Atholville, N.B., hosted a pancake breakfast during which the council made a donation to the Restigouche Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Association. The council decided to support the association after two members of the council were diagnosed with the disease.
NEW COMPUTERS FIELD MASS
St. Patrick Assembly in North Platte, Neb., provided an honor guard for the annual NebraskaLand Days Field Mass. The expansive outdoor Mass, which sees participation from all the parishes in North Platte, commemorates the massacre in 1720 of a Spanish expedition that included Father Juan Minguez.
Paul II Circle 5188, both in Virginia Beach, Va., volunteered at the Italian festival at St. Gregory the Great Church, which raised $3,600 for the parish middle school. COASTAL PLANTING
To protect the coastline and provide a habitat for local fish and game, members of St. Michael the Archangel Coun-
Msgr. F. X. Prefontaine Council 11085 in Seattle donated four refurbished laptops to Father Montfort Stima, a priest from Limbe, Malawi, and a member of the council. Knight John Gee performed maintenance on the computers before they were donated. Also, Father Maurice Veryser Council 13810 in Dearborn Heights, Mich., donated
PAINTING THE PLACE
Members of Father George Fangauer Council 5168 in Duncan, Okla., and Father Urban Assembly in Chickasha volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity project house. Knights volunteered 60 hours to help paint a new house. INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR
Msgr. John H. Dewson Council 13821 in Wilmington, Del., hosted a benefit performance by Seamus Kennedy and the McAleer School of Irish Dance. The event raised $1,000 for St. Ann Church. Additionally, St. Benedict Council 9056 and Pope John
Juan Carmona (right) and Alan O’Connor of John Paul II Council 14188 at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., scrape old paint from the baseboards at the Vernon Hall Nursing Home. Knights gathered each week to paint the facility’s laundry room, staff offices and hallways.
TYPHOON RELIEF
Members of Msgr. Daniel J. Lenihan Council 5544 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, remove a broken tree in Parkersburg after a tornado swept through the town. Knights from in and around Cedar Rapids gathered to clean debris and make repairs to the devastated community.
St. Joseph Council 9207 in Sagay City, Visayas, donated care packages to 132 families on Molocaboc Island after their homes were damaged or destroyed during a typhoon. St. Anthony Council 10121 in Iloilo, Visayas, collected used clothing for distribution to storm victims.
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♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 25
K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N DRUG DISPOSAL
St. Peter the Apostle Council 10884 in Itasca, Ill., along with the Itasca Lions Club and the Itasca Police Department, erected a steel depository for unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Since many consumers mistakenly dispose of drugs in the sink or garbage, these medications can pollute the water supply or fall into the hands of drug abusers. Instead, the collection point will be available 24 hours a day, and police will dispose of the drugs at an EPA-approved site. ROSES FOR LIFE
Father John P. Wessel Council 6530 in Marlton, N.J., sold roses after Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church. Sales exceeded
$1,175, which was donated to First Way of Burlington County, a pregnancy resource center. NEW EQUIPMENT
Rev. F. X. Hess Council 1669 in Waterloo, Wis., volunteered at a pancake breakfast to benefit the Waterloo Fire Department and EMS. Funds raised at the event were used to purchase new emergency equipment. FOSTERING REBIRTH
Knights from throughout McLeod County, Minn., helped an area Birthright agency move into its new offices. After deciding that its current space was too small, Birthright leased a converted warehouse space that needed extensive remodeling. Knights from four councils donated materials, funds and volunteer manpower to retrofit the building’s heating and electricity systems, and to erect new walls and doors. NEW FLAGS
Our Lady of Victory Council 5613 in Tallmadge, Ohio, donated new U.S. and papal flags to its parish after the old flags had become unsuitable for display. PENSION FUND
A young girl clutches her bag of school supplies and personal care items at a distribution sponsored by San José de Panasahan Council 9006 in Malolos City, Luzon. The distribution was held in collaboration with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), a Canadian-based organization that provides bed kits to needy children. Knights also added school supplies to each of the 300 kits they helped distribute.
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Ontario District #48 held its annual clergy appreciation dinner, which raised $4,000 for the priest pension fund of the Peterborough Diocese. A BRIDGE TO YOUTH
Le Grandeur (Que.) Council 10171 offers Bridge lessons to fifth- and sixth-grade students at Louis Huot Elementary School in collaboration with the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). After completing a series of 10 courses, students can participate in a council-sponsored tournament. ACBL provides sweaters and certificates for the event.
SEPTEMBER 2009
Members of Santo Domingo de Guzmán Council 14383 in Yauco Costa, Puerto Rico, made several repairs at their parish. Knights added sealant to the roof of the parish rectory and repainted the lines at the church parking lot.
PERSONAL CARE
FULL OF HOT AIR
Bishop Hickey Council 3623 in Riverside, R.I., and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Luke Church assembled 12 boxes of personal care items for area veterans.
Members of Bishop Rice Council 2946 in Essex Junction, Vt., disassembled, refurbished and reassembled the 70-year-old wind organ at Holy Family Church.
A NEW VISION
ELDERLY AID
Seventeen councils from in and around Colorado Springs provided volunteer and logistical support to Camp Vision, an encounter program in which children meet and interact with Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Knights also provided food for the event and scholarships to underprivileged attendees.
Arthur U. Joyal Council 4225 in Dracut, Mass., donated two exercise bikes and a new stove to the Dracut Senior Center.
TOWN BEAUTIFICATION
When local residents and city officials from River Rouge, Mich., undertook a town beautification day in their community, Msgr. Champion Council 2819 provided lunch to all volunteers. TRUCK DONATED
Mary, Help of Christians Council 3052 in Bellflower, Calif., donated a Ford pickup truck to the food pantry at St. Bernard Church.The truck will aid pantry volunteers with their collections and deliveries.
COMING TO VISIT
Edward Douglass White Council 2473 in Arlington, Va., provides transportation for World War II veterans and their spouses to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Since getting to the memorial and parking can sometimes be difficult, council members arrange site-tosite transportation for elderly veterans or widows. CATHOLICS IN ACTION
Our Lady of Joy Council 11116 in Carefree, Ariz., sponsors a series of faith enrichment seminars called “Catholics in Action.” Guest lecturers speak on variety of topics, including the Virgin Mary and the Eucharist. More than 200 people attended the inaugural seminar.
K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N
ON A ROLL Knights supply wheelchairs, ramps for people with disabilities
Tony Saverino, Dan Livernois, Leo Landerway and Dan Marcinek of St. Catherine Laboure Council 11827 in Chino Valley, Ariz., take a short break while cleaning the yard of a widowed parishioner. The council’s “Yard Crew” aids people who are unable to maintain their properties due to age or physical impairment.
LANDSCAPER KNIGHTS Members of St. Albert (Alta.) Council 4742 construct a wheelchair ramp at the home of a woman who has spinal bifida and could not afford to have one built. Knights provided all materials for the project. Through the Order’s partnership with the Wheelchair Foundation, Knights are no stranger to supplying mobility devices to people who need them most. K of C units, however, have also come up with their own creative solutions to support the foundation and to help people with physical disabilities. • Our Lady of Peace Council 9199 in Fords, N.J., held a spaghetti dinner to benefit the Lansang family, whose oldest son uses a wheelchair. The event raised $3,200, which will help fund a wheelchair ramp at the Lansang home. • Señor Cura Manuel Velázquez Morán Council 4062 in La Barca, Mexico
Central, purchased five wheelchairs for needy members of the community through the Wheelchair Foundation. • Four councils from in and around Edmonton (Alta.) helped purchase a new wheelchair for a young man with disabilities. Though the province of Alberta paid for about 51 percent of the wheelchair, the young man still needed to furnish $2,400 out of pocket. Four area councils donated funds to help defray this expense.
Most Holy Rosary Council 11511 in Upper Marlboro, Md., landscaped its parish grounds. Knights also cut grass in the summer and remove snow in the winter. SHED DEMOLITION
Members of Father O’Byrne Council 3574 in Jacksonville, N.C., disassembled a utility
shed at the home of an elderly council member. Knights demolished the shed when they learned it had fallen into disrepair. RELAY-PALOOZA
St. Malachy Council 12540 in Brownsburg, Ind., ran a concession stand at a local Relaypalooza event. The booth raised $1,000 in support of cancer research.
• Dominick Pondant Council 6699 in Daingerfield-Mt. Pleasant, Texas, built a wheelchair ramp for a family who has two children with physical disabilities. Knights provided all materials to build the 30foot ramp. • Holy Family Council 6099 in Chattanooga, Tenn., hosted a giant outdoor flea market to benefit the Wheelchair Foundation. The event raised $6,500 to purchase wheelchairs for veterans.
Members of Augustin Melgar Assembly in Chihuahua, Mexico Northwest, carry the relics of Father Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Lucero, one of the Knights of Columbus Mexican Martyrs, during the anniversary of his martyrdom. Knights sponsored an outdoor Mass and pilgrimage to a statue of Father Maldonado Lucero that was built by Fray Alonso Briones Council 2419.
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K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N PARISH BAZAAR
St. Francis Xavier Council 10500 in Vancouver, B.C., organized a parish bazaar and sing-a-thon that raised $100,000. The 12-hour event included food, vendors and game booths, all capped by a singing competition. All councils from throughout the B.C./Yukon jurisdiction were invited to attend. SPREADING THE FAITH
Members of Meycauayan (Luzon) Circle 3767 regularly distribute K of C rosaries and the Catholic Information Service (CIS) leaflet on how to pray the rosary to indigent children in their community.
peals for his diocese, which cannot provide shelter or health care to the poor. In addition to the donation, Msgr. Lawrence L. Meyer Assembly also provided an honor guard at the four Masses Bishop Fernando celebrated. ENRICHING YOUNG MINDS
St. Francis Xavier Council 5937 in Nasugbu, Luzon, donated 350 used books and a new DVD player to Latag Elementary School. Meanwhile, Father Thomas F. Powers Council 13050 in Billings, Mont., purchased 50 new backpacks for low-income students and asked parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle Church to fill them with new school supplies. FOR THE LONG HAUL
Father Mariusz Fuks (right) pulls the winning raffle ticket at a clergy appreciation dinner while Paul Camp of Savannah (Ga.) Council 631 looks on. Five councils from in and around Savannah hosted the dinner, which raised $5,500.
Bishop Baraga Council 1585 in Iron Mountain, Mich., coordinated efforts to raise funds for the local VA Hospital. After learning that the hospital was going to purchase a new bus, but could not afford to outfit the vehicle with an entertainment system, Council 1585 began soliciting funds from Knights throughout the Upper Peninsula. The council raised $8,000 toward a bus with TV monitors and a DVD player.
Members of Padre Pio Council 14293 at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy, rest after a long day of environmentalism. Members and their families aided local volunteers who cleaned litter and trash from the streets of Motta Saint Anastasia.
for a down payment on Mar Abba the Great Seminary and performed renovations on the property. RESTORING A LANDMARK
Msgr. Robert Silverman Council 9291 in San Antonio, Texas, donated $1,000 toward the restoration of Our Lady of the Lake University after one of the school’s buildings was damaged in an electrical fire. The blaze caused an estimated $14 million worth of damage to the building, which was constructed in 1895.
VISITING THE ELDERLY
Members of San Pablo Apostol Council 3723 in Coahulla, Mexico Northeast, and their families visited a local home for the elderly to distribute care packages and serve tea. FILLING THE PANTRY
Lubbock (Texas) Council 3008 donated $3,000 to the Emergency Assistance Food Pantry run by Catholic Family Services (CFS). The funds were donated to CFS after Knights learned that the pantry was running critically low on supplies.
A REAL ESTATE BUILDING FUND
Blessed John XXIII Council 14390 in Miramar, Fla., donated $1,000 to its parish building fund. SUPPORT FOR SRI LANKA
Marshall (Texas) Council 1422 and Msgr. Lawrence L. Meyer Assembly donated $500 to Bishop Julian W. S. Fernando of Badulla, Sri Lanka, when he visited St. Joseph Church in Marshall. Bishop Fernando was visiting the area to solicit mission ap-
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When Marian Council 3753 in Prospect Park, Pa., decided to sell its council hall, Knights used the proceeds to support education. Four area schools received $15,000 each from the council to support tuition assistance and religious education programs. CHALDEAN SEMINARY
Mar Toma Council 10981 in El Cajon, Calif., contributed $25,000 toward the establishment of a Chaldean Catholic seminary in the area. Knights donated funds
SEPTEMBER 2009
Members of St. John the Baptist Council 11152 in Caba la Union, Luzon, apply new varnish to the pews at their parish. Knights refurbished the pews with fresh stain and varnish.
K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N
discovered a plaque there in honor of Lt. Madeline Kubeck, a U.S. Navy nurse who was killed in action in 1945. Knights continued their restoration and placed the memorial plaque in a more central location for others to appreciate.
NEVER ALONE
Archbishop James V. Casey Council 9349 in Littleton, Colo., hosted a benefit dinner for Nicholas Patrick, a council member who was involved in a hit-and-run accident. The event grossed more than $9,100 for Patrick, who also suffers from multiple sclerosis. FIRE DEPARTMENT PARADE
Daniel J. Bradley Council 3102 in Bradley, N.Y., sold food to attendees at the Battalion Fire Department Parade. Proceeds from the event were added to the council’s charitable fund. DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Clonmel-Schulte (Kan.) Council 3114 donated more than $25,000 to erect a chain-link fence around the two baseball diamonds at St. Peter the Apostle Church. Parishioners had worked to convert an old wheat field into two baseball diamonds when they appealed to the council for further aid. Knights funded the fence and, in honor of the coun-
HOLE-IN-ONE Councils hold golf tournaments for a variety of causes
Eugene W. Whitney Council 6514 in Athens, Ga. — $10,000 for St. Joseph Church. St. Mary of the Lakes Council 6520 in Medford, N.J. — $38,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.
PROTECTION FOR IMMIGRANTS
Father Tom Pfeffer Council 14267 in Des Moines, Iowa, co-hosted a symposium on immigration raids with Catholic Charities, the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The symposium included information on deportation rights, power of attorney and financial protection. There was also an immigration lawyer on hand for consultations.
Msgr. James Corbett Warren Memorial Council 5073 in Burlington, Ont. — $10,000 for Shifra Home, a crisis pregnancy residence. Holy Cross Council 9969 in Moorpark, Calif. — $7,000 for a food pantry and for religious education. Middleboro-Lakeville (Mass.) Council 233 — $11,000 for Sacred Heart Food Pantry. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council 13047 in Port St. Lucie, Fla., — $4,160 for its parish.
cil, the diamonds were rechristened “Knights of Columbus Field.” STORAGE SHEDS
Raul G. Navarrete Council 9482 in Chandler, Ariz., con-
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structed two new storage sheds at St. Andrew the Apostle Church. Knights donated materials to construct the sheds, which will house outdoor tents and other parish equipment. RESTORING HISTORY
Members of St. Jude Council 7736 in Mansfield, Texas, helped fund the restoration of a historic building that was donated to St. Jude Church for use as the parish rectory. The house, which was built in 1896, had fallen into terrible disrepair and was in danger of collapsing. Knights raised funds and donated volunteer manpower to restore the home and fill it with antique furnishings for their parish priest. Grand Knight Michael Haugen (left) of Father J. Fred Reidy Council 1021 in Missoula, Mont., congratulates Cory Whithead, winner of a 1981 DeLorean that the council raffled in support of Catholic schools. The car was provided by a local dealership, and the raffle raised $2,380 to support Catholic education.
HONORING A HERO
While renovating a pond at a local parish, members of Our Lady of Sorrows Council 12149 in Valparaiso, Ind.,
St. Joseph Council 12167 in Kannapolis, N.C., donated seven high-resolution video cameras to its parish and refurbished a control room to operate the equipment. Mass is recorded each week, copied to DVD and distributed to parishioners who are homebound. PRIEST RETIREMENT SEMINAR
Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan Council 7923 in Lilburn, Ga., hosted a retirement seminar for priests from throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The event covered topics such as financial planning and retirement security. Knights also prepared lunch for all attendees. A NEW PANTRY
St. Rita Council 3854 in Harahan, La., donated part of its council property for the construction of a new community food pantry. The council also raised funds to offset construction costs.
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♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 29
K N I G H T S I N AC T I O N
K OF C ITEMS Available from the following designated official suppliers CAPES, CHAPEAUX, SWORDS, FLAGS, PLAQUES AND MORE Call THE ENGLISH COMPANY INC. at 1-800-444-5632 or visit www.kofcsupplies.com. Free catalog available. ROBES, FOURTH DEGREE ITEMS Call LYNCH AND KELLY INC. at 1-888-548-3890. Catalog available FOURTH DEGREE TUXEDOS Approved K of C Dress Code Call CHILBERT & CO. at 1-800-289-2889 or visit www.chilbert.com. Free catalog available.
OFFICIAL SEPT. 1, 2009:
Father Joseph F. Hannon (center) and two soldiers display the rosary rings they received from Blessed Trinity Council 2719 and Father Edward Collet Assembly, both in Carlsbad, N.M. Knights shipped 6,000 rosary rings — a metal ring with a cross and one decade of the rosary — to Father Hannon for distribution to troops in Iraq.
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. PRODUCED IN USA. COPYRIGHT © 2009 BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW HAVEN, CT AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO COLUMBIA, MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. CANADIAN POSTMASTER — THIRD-CLASS POSTAGE IS PAID AT WINNIPEG, MB, PERMIT NO. 0100092699. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 1473549. REGISTRATION NO. R104098900. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 505 IROQUOIS SHORE ROAD #11, OAKVILLE ON L6H 2R3 PHILIPPINE S —FOR PHILIPPINES SECOND-CLASS MAIL ATTHE MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE. SEND RETURN COPIESTO KCFAPI, FRATERNAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1511, MANILA. SUBSCRIPTION RATES — IN THE U.S.: 1 YEAR, $6; 2 YEARS, $11; 3 YEARS, $15. FOR OTHER COUNTRIES ADD $2 PER YEAR. EXCEPT FOR CANADIAN SUBSCRIPTIONS, PAYMENT IN U.S. CURRENCY ONLY. SEND ORDERS AND CHECKS TO: ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT, PO BOX 1670, NEW HAVEN, CT 06507-0901. OPINIONS BY WRITERS ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENTTHEVIEWS OFTHE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.
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Hot air balloons rise into the sky during the 35th annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival. Balloonists from several states race toward the Atlantic Ocean and later provide free rides to the public. St. Paul’s Council 11676 in Cleveland, Ga., catered the event’s annual banquet for balloonists and their teams. Knights served more than 200 people, and proceeds from the banquet were added to the council’s charitable fund. 30 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦
SEPTEMBER 2009
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YEAR FOR PRIESTS
Priest to the Players Professional baseball players and other athletes rely on priests for spiritual support by Steve Gust IT IS NOT LIKELY that Holy Cross Father Wilfred “Willy” Ray- letics — have participated in Family Theater Production’s mond saw his priestly ministry taking him to storied Dodger “Rosary Stars,” a video program where celebrities reflect on the mysteries of the rosary. Father Raymond’s work has also Stadium when he was ordained, April 3, 1971. Father Raymond, a member of St. Martin of Tours Council brought him in contact with many other celebrities, whom he 14660 in Los Angeles, doesn’t serve the Dodgers for the perks said face everyday struggles despite their fame and wealth. However, MLB players in particular are working under of seeing Major League Baseball (MLB) games or hanging around the players and staff. He does it for one reason — serv- unique circumstances. “These guys are traveling six months out of the year,” Father ing the spiritual needs of those who otherwise may not receive Raymond said. That alone can be demanding, and poses risks the holy Eucharist. This is a relatively new mission for Father Raymond, which and temptations. For others, even when they’re home, they’re began last year with a request from a visiting player, Mark living in an apartment in a foreign city. In the off-season, Father Raymond offers spiritual retreats for Loretta. Loretta wanted to know if Mass was offered for players prior to a weekend game. It wasn’t, and that’s when Father Ray- players and others. He also hopes to continue his outreach to Latino players to help mond got his call to them discover and redisDodger Stadium in Los Ancover the beauty of their geles. Catholic faith. He stresses “The players are working to players and their famon a tight schedule,” Father ilies that they should Raymond said. “Soon after contact him whenever Mass, there are team meetthey have difficulties. ings, warm-ups and then Finally, Father Raythe game itself.” mond is working with On Saturdays, when the Ray McKenna, founder Dodgers are in town, Father of Catholic Athletes for Raymond makes a short Christ, to ensure that the drive to the stadium to celspiritual needs of pro ebrate Mass for staff and athletes are adequately players. met. Players like Loretta, along “We would like to with Andre Ethier and Juan make sure that Mass is Pierre, take turns as lector. Father Willy Raymond stands with Los Angeles Dodgers players Mark Loretta, Andre Ethier and Juan Pierre after celebrating Mass for the team. offered to all players There are other famous needing to receive the regulars among the Dodger congregation, too, including noted sportscaster Vin Scully and Eucharist in all baseball stadiums,” explained Father Raymond. Although millions will watch the Dodgers in person this seamanager Joe Torre. For those needing the sacrament of reconson, Father Raymond has seen just one game. As a priest, he has ciliation, Father Raymond is there for that was well. But Father Raymond’s ministry with the famed baseball team other commitments, especially at his home parish, St. Monica’s is not the only hat he wears. He also serves as national director Church in Santa Monica. Most of his parishioners there know of Family Theater Productions in Hollywood. With a mission not to ask him to get a player’s autograph. “These are unassuming, regular guys and I won’t take adof entertaining and supporting families, the company has produced more than 800 radio programs and 83 television specials vantage of them,” Father Raymond said. “I want these guys to since it was founded by Father Patrick Peyton, a fellow Knight know that I’m there for them when they need me.”♦ and Holy Cross priest, in 1941. Some players outside of the Dodger family — Jeff Suppan of STEVE GUST, a freelance writer, is a member of Edmond (Okla.) the Milwaukee Brewers and Mike Sweeney of the Oakland Ath- Council 6477. O B S E RV E T H E Y E A R F O R P R I E S T S W I T H A S P E C I A L P R AY E R C A R D AVA I L A B L E AT W W W. KO F C . O RG / Y E A R F O R P R I E S T S
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C O LU M B I A N I S M B Y D E G R E E S
Charity LUZON STATE DEPUTY Alonso L. Tan (center, blue and white shirt) lowers a ceremonial capsule into the ground during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gawad Kalinga (“Give Care”) Community Project. The Luzon State Council invested 850,000 pesos to build 10 houses for underprivileged members of the community, with another 40 houses planned for the immediate future. The community, located in Tungkong Mangga, is called the Knights of Columbus Village. • Juan Pablo II Council 14215 in Miami held a cookout that raised $500 for Mother of Christ Church.
Unity
Fraternity
Patriotism
ALLEN SETTLE (far left) and Dan Skane (far right) of St. John Francis Regis Council 7914 in Hollywood, Md., assist children during the three-legged race at their parish fair. Knights organized the fair, which included food and games for parishioners and their families. • Joseph I. Driscoll Council 4497 in El Paso, Texas, sponsored a campaign to collect used furniture and household goods for the Child Crisis Center. Knights collected several truckloads of items, which were donated to the center’s resale shop.
WOODCHIPS FLY as Kevin Jones and Jason Derry of Father T. P. Sheen Council 9289 in Baie Verte, Nfld., cut firewood at the home of Calvin Lundrigan. Knights cut and stacked several cords of wood for use by Lundrigan and his family during the winter. Lundrigan, a council member, is battling cancer. • When members of Father Mark O’Neill Council 2486 in Lykens, Pa., discovered that the gravesite of their council founder had fallen into disrepair, they embarked on a restoration project. Knights repaired the retaining wall around Father O’Neill’s headstone to prevent further damage.
MEMBERS of Mary, Queen of Angels Council 12384 in Philadelphia gather outside St. Martha Church to assemble care packages for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Knights assembled approximately 30 care packages, each containing toiletries and snacks. • Shepherd of Ars Council 6028 in Hacienda Heights, Calif., shipped ranger rosaries and liturgical materials to the St. Thomas the Apostle Round Table at Camp Victory, Iraq. The council purchased more than 100 liturgical guides, sourcebooks and workbooks for Catholic soldiers stationed at the base.
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SEPTEMBER 2009
THE KNI G HT S O F C O LUM BUS
Building a better world one council at a time
PHOTOGRAPH: Dale Hall Photography
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
A trio of Blackhawk helicopters passes overhead during a Memorial Day service at the Georgia National Cemetery. Divine Mercy Assembly in Woodstock provided a large honor guard for the event, which included a 21-gun salute, a rendition of “Taps” by the North Georgia Highland Brigade Pipes and Drum corps, and a prayer service celebrated by Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta.
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. SEPTEMBER 2009
♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 33
PLEASE, DO ALL YOU CAN TO ENCOURAGE PRIESTLY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS. YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
KEEP KEEP TTHE HE FA FAIITTH H AALLIIVE VE
‘JESUS INVITES US TO RESPOND SIMPLY BY GIVING OURSELVES TO HIM.’ My father, an immigrant from China, and my mother, a native of Hawaii with Japanese ancestry, made a living in the Chinese restaurant business in the Midwest. I grew up with little religious training, except when invited to church services by customers. This was my introduction to Jesus Christ, who revealed his personal love for me through the Bible, through prayer and through fellowship with other Christians. It was years later, while preparing to be a missionary, that my roommate shared with me the Catholic faith and I came into full communion with the Church. This challenged me to consider that Jesus was calling me not just to be a missionary, but to first share his love as his bride through consecrated life. My roommate witnessed her father’s commitment to Christ and the generosity demonstrated by his fellow Knights of Columbus. This silent, ever faithful and consistent attitude was planted deep within her and overflowed upon me as we shared a sense of Christ’s beckoning. We both responded to this invitation and now live a life of charity, chastity, poverty and obedience as we strive to embody Jesus for others. Jesus first loved us and invites us to respond to his love simply by giving ourselves to him. Has he invited you to do the same?
SISTER MARY ROSE CHINN, +JMJ Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Ventura, California