My dear Brother Knights, A new year brings new challenges, new goals, hopes and higher expectations. So, as we begin another year of “Service to one, service to all” I urge you, my Brother Knights, to start thinking big. We have served for 98 years and as we head into our 99th year of service to Church, community and families I am enthusiastic about what we can achieve together with God’s help! For those who heard my acceptance speech at the last state convention, I quoted Mother Theresa: “God does not call the equipped, He equips the called”. Let’s keep this in mind as we move ahead. We needed a change and have started off with a “facelift” for our July newsletter. The format was also changed. “The B.C. and Yukon Knight” newsletter will no longer publish reports of officers and directors unless absolutely necessary. It will be like a story book for all councils to read. I am hoping that all Grand Knights and council members will be encouraged to share their stories of success, hard work and achievements via this medium. Our new look is the result of the support and creativity of our State Public Relations Director, Br. Mark Pan and I thank him for his dedication to this project. Our first issue carried with it details of the winners at the last state convention in the five categories: Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth. I am please to inform you that the winner of our State Family category won the Supreme Council’s 2009 Family Award at the
Supreme Convention in August, 2009. Our congratulations go to past Grand Knight Paul Théberge and members of Archbishop Council 6767 for an excellent program to help the poor in their community. For more information on this winning program please press Ctrl and click on this link International Family Service Award (Note: you have to be connected to the internet for this to work). Also new in the last issue is The Plan: We are privileged to have our State Chaplain, Bishop Monroe, instruct and guide us in understanding the Apostolic Letter with the title ‘Novo Millennio Ineunte’ (The New Millennium) presented on January 6, 2001 by His Holiness Pope John Paul II. His Excellency has suggested that at each council meeting a section of the Letter be read followed by some discussions. He will divide the Letter into reasonable lengths followed by some questions that can be used for discussion and resolution. An important part of this proposition is for someone to take notes and summarize the responses and then send them to Bishop Monroe to see what further directions can be given. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of Our State Chaplain’s offer! Your District Deputies are now equipped to help you run a successful year. This year we have also changed the way we train your District Deputy. I’m sure you will notice the difference in their level of excitement for Columbianism. We all have the ability of self-giving. May this lead to new heights and achievements for our councils. I wish you a successful fraternal year. Vivat Jesus, Michael Yeo State Deputy
Chaplain’s Report – The KOC Plan: Session TWO
BC Gets Supreme Representation
Chapter I –
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Meeting Christ – The Legacy of the Great Jubilee (#4 to #7)
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aving expressed his optimism for the future in the Church, the Holy Father wants us to take the first steps into the vision and plan he has for the Church in the new millennium. You will notice the steps given to us: * To be aware of God’s love for us which leads us first to praise God for the wonder of His love, as he reveals it to us in the Person of Jesus who calls us to repentance and hope (#4). Do you see the Order of your meetings and the activities of your Council as giving praise to God and as revealing the Person of Christ to you, leading you to a deeper relationship with Christ? If not, what can be done to help it be a reality? Do you begin each day with a Morning Offering? * To be aware of how God has revealed His divine plan through time and in the Person of Jesus Christ, “the foundation and centre of history” (#5). As leaders in the parish community, do you know the history of your parish and your Council, do you see the community growing aware of Christ as the centre of the parish community? If not, what can be done – like putting together a short history that can be printed in the bulletin or as a handout, etc.? Do you do any reading of the history of the Church – the internet is helpful or Supreme has some material?
Appointments & Other Noteworthy announcements
* To be aware of who we are before God and one another. As the Holy Father – the vicar of Christ – asks forgiveness for infidelities of the Church’s children, so we as the children of God must asked for and receive forgiveness from one another (#6). The beginning of holiness is humility, seeing ourselves as we are! Does your Council ever plan a Day of Recollection or a weekend retreat? Would it be possible? * To be aware that we are called and given the grace to be witnesses – to be “the living reflection of the face of Christ” (#7). Do you read or talk about those brothers and sisters who are in Heaven – the saints? It would be helpful to have at each meeting a short ‘life of a saint’ (preferably more recent ones – Vatican site is helpful) – name, short life story, special virtue that can be learned and introduced into our lives.
t the State Deputy meeting held in New Haven, Connecticut, from June 10-14, 2009 it was announced that State Deputy Dan O’Hara of British Columbia has been hired by the Supreme Office to and accepted a position as a Regional Program Consultant (RPC) to replace Brother Grant Ertel of Ontario who is retiring. Brother Dan assumes his duties on July 01 at which time the title will also change. The RPC’s will now be known as Membership and Program Coordinators (MPC). Brother Dan’s region will include Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC and Alaska. Brother Dan attracted the attention of Supreme Office by twice making the Supreme Knight’s Circle of Honour and his involvement in creating such programs as the Victoria March for Life. For the first time since PSD
Germain Fortier was elected as a Supreme Director, British Columbia will have a voice at the Supreme office. As an MPC, Brother Dan will be available to these jurisdictions for training, membership growth, assist with program development, NCD and to offer advice and assistance to the State Jurisdictions as requested. On June 24, Brother Dan will be leaving the Correctional Service, Canada where he was in his 30th year in order to take on his new position on a full time basis.
burning Dan! New Vice Supreme Master Effectively September 1, 2009 our very own Past State Deputy, Brother Dave Jones will be appointed as Vice Supreme Master for the Simon Fraser Province. This is indeed an honor for Brother Dave and especially for our British Columbia and Yukon State Council. New Service Programme Category
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upreme has included ProLife as a service program category. In addition to this a resolution was adopted at the 127th Supreme Convention on August 6,2009 to build the Culture of Life Fund by an annual assessment of $2 per member. We anticipate an expensive legal battle ahead and need to start building a sizable fund for this vital fight. The Knights of Columbus is serious in our fight for life. With this move, we are encouraged be more proactive in our fight against euthanasia, abortion, and the culture of death. Please promote this new category as one of the most important service programs in your district. Grand Knights, please be aware of this additional requirement in your application for Columbian Award.
The British Columbia & Yukon State Council congratulates Immediate Past State Deputy, Brother Dan O’Hara, on his new appointment and wish him success in his new career. Keep the BC flame
Membership Pin
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he Knights of Columbus in BC & Yukon new membership pin is ‘Pray and Work in Unity’:
By doing so we will bring light from the darkness of secularism. We will bring colorful lights out of misery; we will bring colors signifying joy, hope, happiness and smile out of darkness. Gold, as we know has long been used for champions in athletic competitions.
This gold color in our pin signifies that we are champions for the poor, underprivileged, needy and outcast. New members and proposers are entitled to get one from their district deputies. Brother Knights, to get yours just go out and sign up a prospect to be a Knight of Columbus today! Have you asked someone recently?
The Knights Moral Compass
The Knights Moral Compass - International Family Award
Where does yours point to? Click on any topic that interests you...
First Place, Archbishop Johnson Council 6767, Abbotsford, B.C
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Family Life Issues
British Columbia State Deputy Michael Yeo, Past State Deputy Brian D. O’Hara and his wife, Joanne; and Past Grand Knight and Mrs. Paul A. Theberge of Archbishop Johnson Council 6767 in Abbotsford, B.C., receive the Supreme Council’s 2009 Family Award.
Church Issues
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New Category: PRO-LIFE
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Community Issues
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here are many organizations that help the less fortunate at Christmas time, but Archbishop Johnson Council 6767 in Abbotsford, B.C., has created a program that is truly special. They begin work on it at the start of each New Year, raising money for the Adopt a Family Christmas Hamper Fund all year long. After asking for suggestions from the parish, St. Vincent DePaul and the Abbotsford Christmas Bureau, they select 40 families for “adoption.” Last year, 27 of the 40 were single mothers and their children, including some who had been recently widowed. Each family receives everything needed for a proper Christmas dinner, including a turkey and fresh vegetables, plus one more expensive gift and two smaller ones for each child. Shortly before Christmas 20 volunteer drivers and helpers fan out across the community to
deliver the hampers containing the gifts and food to each family. In part because of the personal, one-on-one nature of this charitable program, each year’s effort produces special moments. Last year, among the recipients were a single mother and her four children. The youngest child was scheduled for his fourth heart operation on the Tuesday before Christmas, and would be spending the holiday in the hospital. The Knights arranged for his family to get their hamper a little bit early so that they could celebrate Christmas before his operation. Convention delegates welcomed British Columbia State Deputy Michael Yeo and his wife, Glynis, Past State Deputy Brian D. O’Hara and his wife, Joanne, and Past Grand Knight and Mrs. Paul A. Theberge as they received the Supreme Council’s 2009 Family Award.
The Knights Moral Compass - Community CATEGORY
Kitimat District 16, Fixing St Anthonys School Meeting Room
District 19 Annual Picnic
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his was held at the Elk Valley Regional Park in the Kootenays on August 23, 2009. As this district is the only one without representation from State, SD Yeo decided to make the journey in order to make them aware that they are still a part of our BC & Yukon family. He played Bocce and had a delicious BBQ dinner before flying back to Vancouver that same day.
The Knights Moral Compass - COMMUNITY CATEGORY
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nights who walk the talk...A few Knights have been doing quite a job at St. Anthony School’s meeting room. New windows were installed xby 5 Knights in two days. About 80-100
man hours where spent to help out and make the meeting room brighter so it can be used more often and better then before. Kudos to these brothers who gave of themselves and their skills to help better their community... they’re the men who walk the talk!
State Deputy Michael Yeo made a surprise visit to District 19 annual picnic
Pro-Life Baby Shower – Council 9846, St. Joseph’s Port Moody
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t. Joseph’s Knights collected over $1,000 worth of baby goods to for a single mother in need. The idea being to show support as men and fathers, for women who have had their faith in men dented somewhat. The single mother that was supported this way could not be photographed as she is living under protection from her abusive husband. In fact, our contact with the pro-life organization, Terry O’Neill, was not even allowed to see her himself. Credit goes to his wife, Mary, who delivered the goods to that single mother. Our efforts helped her with her newborn baby as well as her 3-year old son, who now knows that there are men out there who are caring fathers. Below is a letter from Terry to council 9846: Please pass on my thanks to all the Knights who took part in the fill-a-crib campaign. It’s a great pro-life initiative. I’ve now delivered a selection of the goods to a needy mom with a newborn, then delivered most of the remaining goods to Pregnancy Concerns, which maintains a small storeroom. There was some stuff -- mostly old clothes and stuffed animals -- that neither the mom nor PregCons wanted, so I dropped that off at another good Christian organization, the Salvation Army thrift store. The story was carried in both the BC Catholic as well as made mention in the Vancouver Sun.
Roger Pachaco, John Medeiros and Fernando Marques
The Knights Moral Compass - COUNCIL CATEGORY Knights in the News!! Fernie Race rolls into town by Bob Sumka September 27, 2009 Fernie – Young racers will put pedal to the plywood this weekend at the annual Soap Box Derby,
The Knights Moral Compass - CHURCH CATEGORY
From 1920 to 1950 the membership remained strong. With meetings every two weeks these local men helped the Holy Family parish. They also helped individuals and were involved in community events. From
1950 to 2000 the Knights did many projects, including putting in a gas in the church. They also helped get the inside of the church. They volunteered countless hours of works maintaining the church and the old Catholic school. In the last few years the Knights would put on pancake after Sunday morning mass. They tend bar at weddings and social functions. There is a large wooden bin out in front of the family centre where people can deposit their empty pop
organized by the Fernie Knights of Columbus.
bottles. They also host the annual Soap Box Derby which this year will be held on Saturday, September 26 at 10 a.m.
Every year dozens of kids, sponsored by local businesses, race their carts down Castle Mountain Road to raise money for local charities.
To this day the knights still hold meetings every second Tuesday night in the Knights’ room in the family centre.
The race begins at 10 a.m. and drivers will be competing to be fastest in the heat, for the best costume, best car design and a mystery class.
There are 65 members now but they are still looking for new members. To join you have to be a Catholic male 18 years or older.
The Fernie organization received its charter on November 14, 1920. They became Fernie Knights of Columbus 2206. At the beginning there were 45 members.
The Knights have been a positive influence in the Fernie area over the last 85 years and will continue into the future.
St. Joseph’s Annual Marian Procession
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articipation from Sir Knights of the Archbishop Carney Assembly lent dignity and flair to the Annual Marian Procession of St. Joseph’s in Port Moody. 3rd Degree Knights of Council 9846 took turns carrying Our Lady’s statue during the procession.
NEWS: Rules regarding the use of the order’s Emblem
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nder the rules of the Board of Directors governing the use of the name and emblem of the Order, the following apply:
a. The name or emblem of the Order, the name of any state council, chapter or assembly, the number of any council or the words council, chapter or assembly shall not be used on or in connection with any publication without permission of the Board of Directors. b. Such publication shall plainly state that it is the organ of the state or subordinate council, chapter or assembly and not of the Order at large. c. The publication shall be the property of the state or subordinate council, chapter or assembly, and all receipts and disbursements in connection with the publishing of such paper shall be handled in the same manner as other monies of the state or subordinate council, chapter or assembly. d. If published by a state council, the publication shall be subject to censorship by the state deputy; if by a subordinate council, by the state deputy and grand knight; if by a chapter, by the state deputy or president of the chapter; if by an assembly, by the master and faithful navigator; and such state deputy or other officers shall be held responsible for all matter, including advertising, published therein. e. Assessments by state or subordinate councils, chapters or assemblies for the purpose of publishing such paper shall be illegal. f. The emblem of the Order and the name “Knights of Columbus” shall not be used in connection with any emblem, other than the national flag or emblem of the country, or in connection with any name other than the name of the state or subordinate council or other branch of the Order. g. A copy of each regular and special number of the publication shall be filed with the supreme secretary. h. The provisions of subdivision 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 18, 19, 22 and 23 of Section 162 of the Laws of the Order shall be strictly observed; the applicable portions thereof being as follows:
10. Sending to subordinate councils, state councils, or their officers or members or to delegates to state councils or the Supreme Council written or printed matter or statements tending to defame or bring into disrepute officers or directors of the Order or decisions, rulings or actions of the officers or directors of the Order or its policies without permission of the Board of Directors; 11. Using the name Knights of Columbus or his membership in the Order in connection with any business, or social or other enterp rise, without permission of the Board of Directors; 18. Improperly using the name of the Order or without authority representing the Order; 19. Making unjust or false statements, accusations or personal defamation of or against any officer of the Order in his official capacity; 22. Issuance of appeals for aid or contributions within the state, district or territory, without the consent and approval of the state or territorial deputy; or outside the state, district or territory, without the approval of the Board of Directors; 23. Issuing appeals for, or soliciting by virtue of his membership in the Knights of Columbus, aid, or assistance or support by or in behalf of or announcing candidates for office (including delegates to state and supreme councils) in another society or body or in the Order. Any member who knowingly permits or acquiesces in such appeal, solicitation, etc. shall, if elected, be ineligible to hold office. i. No subscriptions or advertising shall be solicited other than in the state jurisdiction or council, chapter or assembly district in which the publication is issued.
Prayer Siege Descends on Kelowna.
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rayers to end abortion rise up from Kelowna. On Saturday October 17th, just over 50 people gathered in the relentless rain to silently pray for an end to abortion in our community. The first ever “Prayer Siege,” organized by the Bound4LIFE Kelowna Chapter, was held across the street from the local abortion mill on Pandosy Street. Despite heavy rains and cool temperatures, the determined group of mostly young people representing a variety of denominations came together to pray for God to intervene and bring an end to the killing of the unborn. The purpose of the Prayer Siege, or “Silent Siege,” is simply to use the most powerful weapon the pro life movement has at its disposal - prayer - to end abortion. Prayer warriors ask God to intervene and inspire pro life advances through politics, the media, church uprisings, abortionists, and those considering abortion. It is one of several initiatives of Bound4LIFE, a “grassroots prayer mobilization movement targeting the ending of abortion, the increase of adoptions and the reformation of government and society through spiritual awakening.” Bound4LIFE’s parent site states that their “mission is to mobilize a groundswell of prayer through [various initiatves]”.
k. The publication of advertisements of beer, wine or liquor or of establishments designed as places where they are sold is not permitted. These rules are in effect and apply to any publication presently in existence or that may come into existence in the future.
7. Giving scandal, scandalous conduct or practice unbecoming a member of this Order;
The name “Knights of Columbus” and the emblem of the Order are protected by federal trademark law. This protection is vested in the Supreme Council. Knights of Columbus Clip Art images, whether printed or in electronic form, are property of the Knights of Columbus and are protected by state and federal law. They are only to be used as directed by the Supreme Council.
One of the co-organizers of Saturday’s event, Dusty Reid, said that she and her sisters have been raised in the Christian community and have attended Christian school their entire lives, but have not seen their educators, clergy, or peers getting involved in pro life work to any great extent. They have known abortion is wrong all along, but have never really understood the immensity of the issue. Now that they are beginning to see with clarity the reality of abortion, they are astonished more Christians are not standing up and speaking out against it. Despite the apathy in the church, Reid and her peers are determined to do just that. They are planning to hold a prayer siege the third Saturday of every month at various strategic locations around Kelowna. They are also open to other pro life initiatives, and are praying to God for guidance as they embark on their new purpose in life.
Why should the Knights be involved in a “Baby Shower”? Isn’t that usually left up to women? To put it simply, the Father figure is often missing in the life of a woman who is in a crisis-pregnancy situation; most often she was craving the love she didn’t get from her father and so sought it elsewhere. It is important for men to start taking back their responsibilities in family and social life.
j. The publication of political advertisements or announcements of candidates for public office or for office in another society or in the Order is not permitted.
6. Willful insubordination, contempt or disobedience of the lawful orders of superior authority;
9. Speaking, writing, printing or publishing any matter or statement which shall be deemed to be detrimental to the harmony and good order of the Knights of Columbus, or tending to create discord and dissension among the members or create public scandal, or causing the same to be done;
The Knights Moral Compass - Pro-Life
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nights are reminded that they have the ability to help too, in other ways. State Council initiated the Baby Shower programme, last year, which saw some councils have good succes. I have one such report, which is covered here.
The Knights are traditionally strong family men who are prepared to share this generous trait with the poor, the weak, the cast-down, etc. This may be a point that will save just one child, if the woman knows that there is someone out there who cares enough to go this extra mile. I look forward to receiving your submissions on Pro-Life initiatives for the next issue!
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