April 2021 Bulletin: Christ Is Risen!

Lead article from the April 2021 bulletin, online now.

Happy Easter!!! The Lord is risen Alleluia! As Lent is over and we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord the Knights in person activity is starting to pick up. As Holy Week is during the first week of the month the council meeting is in person at the St. Albert’s Parish Hall at 7:00 pm on April 8th. As Minnesota is starting to open up following the lock downs, we are hoping to have more in person events soon. As of the writing of this article the status of if Albertville Friendly City is going to happen is unknown. We are waiting to see when the Albertville Friendly City Days will know the status and will plan council activities in relationship to the festival accordingly. As of the writing of this article there was not a decision from the State Council as to if the tootsie roll drive was going to happen. As each day passes without a decision from the State the likelihood of a tootsie roll drive decreases. Scholarship applications were due into gaming by April 1st. If you are reading this article and your high school senior has not submitted their application for a scholarship please make sure that it gets in. Thank you for all you are doing in these strange times. Please continue to pray for one another, our church and country. Remember to keep the faith!!!!

God bless,

Andy Sipple

Grand Knight   

February 2021 Bulletin: Farewell to Gary

Lead article from the February 2021 bulletin, online now.

Happy February!

The tree lot has wrapped up and in previous years we would be preparing for the Father-Daughter dance followed by Lent. Well Lent is still coming but there will not be a Father Daughter dance this year. With the prospect of limiting the number of people that could attend and possibly turning people away at the door as well as trying to abide by who knows what kind of restrictions there may be, the best path this year is to cancel the dance. While thinking of previous years dances, I remember all the time and work put in by former Grand Knight Gary Frandsen. Gary has put in many hours helping people out over the years through the Knights of Columbus organizing and working multiple activities including, but not limited to, spaghetti feeds, Father – Daughter dance, Father – Son events, dinner and dance the night before the Fall Festival, and working on the Albertville Friendly City Days council. Gary will be relocating out of state in the near future. Thank you Gary for all of your work for the Knights, the church and the community – please know that you will be missed. With Gary’s relocation there is an opportunity for someone to step into the role of working with the AFCD council on behalf of our Knight’s council. Please let someone on the officer’s council know if you have an interest in helping out the council in this very important role. Remember in normal years the beer tent is the major fundraiser for council funds. Hopefully this year will be returning to a normal year.

The Knight’s February council meeting will be an online meeting. We are going to work on planning meetings and activities on a month-to-month basis. Hopefully we will be able to see each other in person at a Knight’s activity soon. Remember to pray for each other, our country, and our church and watch out for your neighbor. Keep the Faith!!!

God Bless,

Andy Sipple

Grand Knight

 

June 2020 Bulletin: Virtual Meeting, Officers and More

Lead article of the June 2020 bulletin, online now.

I hope this message finds you and your family and friends doing very well and enjoying the ability to hopefully go to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass soon. The Knight’s activities have been slowed down due to the Wuhan virus.

While following the stay-at-home order the officers met online and thankfully, we have the following gentlemen nominated for officers for the next council year starting in June/July: Recorder – Jeff Eull, Warden – Dave Miodus, Chancellor – Dan Lhotka, Deputy Grand Knight – Erich Kunzman and Grand Knight – Andy Sipple. We are working on getting a council meeting together for June – please stay tuned as it is thought that the meeting will be an online virtual meeting.

The Knights are a co-sponsor of the Albertville Friendly City Days fireworks. As Albertville Friendly City Days is cancelled this year and this event helps fund council activities the officers are going to be going over a proposed budget for next year that will decrease council expenditures.

Please remember to thank Fr. Richards for his service to our parishes. Fr. Richards will be moving on at the end of June and we will be welcoming Fr. Park in July. Looking forward to seeing you out and about.

Thank you for all you do. Keep the faith.

God bless, 

Andy Sipple

Grand Knight

October 2019 Bulletin: Thank-Yous Abound

Lead article from the October 2019 bulletin.

September was a busy month. School started, the St. Michael followed by the St. Albert fall festivals, Foxtailers snowmobile club celebration, Catholic Watchman Matt Birk speaking event, Synod listening session, and the Cornerstone/Options for Woman Gala event to name a few of the activities that took place. 

Many thanks go out to Brian Bruner who organized brother Knights directing traffic at the St. Michael fall festival. Brian, Cory Sommer, John Delander, Ken Pung, Wayne Becker, Vincent Zachman and a few other guys did great job standing out in the chilly weather and rain making sure the parking for the festival went well. Thanks guys! I would also like to thank Stanley Gozel for helping to man the Knights of Columbus booth at the St. Michael festival. Another thank you goes out to Jim Wiegers who organized brother Knights helping out at the Foxtailers snowmobile club celebration at the Liberty. And thank you to Jim and the other brother Knights who helped out at the Foxtailer celebration. 

Things will keep right on rolling in October. We are planning to have at least a first degree and possibly a major degree in October depending on how recruiting goes at the Matt Birk event. Other events happening in October include Sunday October 6 – the Respect Life breakfast at St. Albert Parish Hall from 8:00 – 12:30 pm and later on the STMA life chain on County Road 19 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Later on in the month on Saturday October 26 is the Pro-Life Dinner at St. Albert’s Parish Hall from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Thanks to brother Knight Jim Shovelain for the work on the Pro-Life events. 

I was hoping to have something deep and profound to get across in this article. After thinking about it, it seemed that looking at all the continued work put in by brother Knights from our council to help out in the community was profound. The guys mentioned and unmentioned in this article selflessly helped out. They were not looking for an atta-boy, or praise, they were helping out because help was needed. 

Most of the guys mentioned above are more than likely not keen on seeing their name in print. It is important to thank the guys who are helping out and remind the council that many hands make light work.

Looking forward to seeing you in October.

God bless,
Andy Sipple 

Grand Knight

September 2018 Bulletin: Stewardship

Lead article from the September 2018 bulletin, online now.

It's great to go on vacation and escape the everyday stresses and routines once and a while. It gives you valuable insight on how others live as well as that which you temporarily left behind. Of course one thing we can't vacation from is our Catholic faith. Our home parishes of Albertville and St. Michael have a long and rich history. We have been parishioners for only 15 years but it seems like we've been here all our lives.

We were recently on vacation in St. Augustine, Florida, where we attended Masses in the very first and oldest parish on the North American continent. It was established September 8th, 1565, by Spanish Catholic Priests. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine was not unlike our own. The homilies were very good, and Father Willis spoke eloquent about the problems facing his 458-year-old parish. They needed more readers, extraordinary ministers, servers, ushers, more folks for their music ministry and such. It occurred to me that these were some of the same needs at our own parishes here at Albertville and St. Michael. 

I believe words hold great power when used correctly. I tend to be very literal. The word stewardship is a perfect word to attach to any parish in general and ours in particular. I think its great that we now "officially" belong to stewardship parishes. The definition of the word itself when applied for our purposes would surely be to leave in our care as stewards and protect something that is truly precious. Something that deserves and needs care and protection. Insomuch as our faith needs a strong and well-cared-for church and parish in order to thrive. This charge is not just for priests, deacons and administrators (they of course are immensely important), but for the parishioners themselves. 

Parishioners will be there for the long road. No matter what trials befall the Church, a strong stewardship flock can save any Church from any trial. Many of our prayers have been answered here in our home parishes. We are somewhat insulated from the disturbing developments within the larger Catholic Church. We have been blessed with wonderfully faithful and good priests, deacons, church staff and volunteers. I believe the best way to ensure the continued strength of our parishes is to embrace the word stewardship. Each and every one of us hold the key as true stewards to this great and strong parish. 

I will, God willing, go on many more vacations in my life and visit many churches. I also believe that I will always look forward to coming back to my home parish where I will hope to continue my role as a steward.

God bless,

Gary Frandsen

Grand Knight

June 2018 Bulletin: We Do Great Work...But We Need Your Support!

Lead article from the June 2018 bulletin, online now.

Hello, Knights,

It's been a very eventful year with all our annual events, plus, fundraisers, gaming, socials and such. Andy and I handed out twenty-four $750 scholarships at the high school on Wednesday evening, May 23. This is one of the great things we do for this community. 

I have decided to be your Grand Knight for a second year if you so choose. We will vote on candidates at the June meeting. They are as follows: Andy Sipple, Deputy Grand Knight, Donald Legatt, Financial Secretary; Erich Kunzman, Chancellor; Dave Miodus, Warden; Brian Beaudry, Treasurer; Jim Shovelain, Advocate; Jeff Eull, Recorder; Cory Sommer, Lecturer; Dan Lhotka, Inside Guard; and Gene Hackenmueller, Outside Guard. All directors will remain the same. 

One thing that we have noticed over the past few years is the increasing difficulty to fill our events with volunteers. Our Christmas tree lot has become a real issue. We actually considered eliminating it because of this. Losing this fundraising event would be very unfortunate as the parish youth would have to cut back their budget. I would like to appeal to the rank and file to read all correspondence from the KCs in general and our council 4174 in particular. Dan Lhotka has graciously agreed to head up a calling committee. Please consider joining this important group as we move forward in the 2018-2019 year.

I am going to ask those who head up our annual scheduled events to familiarize yourself with the KCs websites this year so you can order kits and turn in forms for your events. This will go a long way towards gaining our council the recognition it deserves. Our annual AFCD beer tent is almost here and we have many shifts to fill. Please click on the link below and sign up today. Let's have another great year! 

God bless,

Gary Frandsen

Grand Knight

May 2017 Bulletin: 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima and Reminders!

Lead article from the May 2017 bulletin, online now.

2017 marks the 100th Anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three shepherd children at the Cova da Iria, Fatima, Portugal, beginning on May 13 and ending October 13, 1917.  The children were Lucia Santos, age 10, and her younger cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

This amazing story begins with these children reporting that on May 13, 1917, a woman adorned like the sun appeared to them from the sky and lighted on a shrub.

The woman asked them to devote themselves to the Holy Trinity and to “pray the Rosary every day, to bring peace to the world and an end to war.”  The woman asked the children to return on June 13th, and when Lucias’ mother heard about this she sought counsel from the parish priest, Fr. Ferreira.  He suggested she allow them to go and said he would question them afterward.

The Virgin Mary appeared as promised and told the children to pray the Rosary daily to bring an end to World War I – the war which precipitated the rise of godless Communism in Russia with the Bolshevik Revolution occurring in October, 1917.  Mary also revealed that Francisco and Jacinta would be taken to heaven soon, but Lucia would live longer to spread her message and devotion to her Immaculate Heart, which she promised would eventually triumph over Communism’s errors.  The 1918 flu pandemic, from which about 50 million died globally, took Francisco in 1919, and Jacinta in 1920.  Both were beatified by St. John Paul II on May 13th, 2000.

Our Lady allowed the children to see a vision of hell and asked them to pray for sinners.  They became fervent in their prayer life for the conversion of hardened sinners.  She also entrusted to them a secret.

Government officials intercepted the children before they reached the Cova da Iria on August 13th.  The parents and officials tried to convince the children to stop what they perceived as nonsense; but neither derision nor threats persuaded the children, and they courageously held true to their witness.

The Virgin Mary appeared to them on Sunday, August 19th, at nearby Valinhos, and spoke to them about a miracle at the Cova da Iria on October 13th. She reminded them to pray the Rosary daily and “pray a lot… for sinners and sacrifice a lot, as many souls perish in hell because nobody is praying or making sacrifices for them.”

Although it rained incessantly for three days before October 13th, an estimated 70,000 people gathered to witness the promised miracle, soon to be called “Miracle of the Sun”.  Our Lady appeared to the children and Lucia saw light rising from Mary’s hand and reportedly cried out, “Look, the sun.”  For about 10 minutes the sun seemed to dance and then zigzagged to the earth only to spring back to its original position.  The people were at first horrified thinking it was the end of time, but then they broke out in praise as the sun returned to its position, and all their clothes had become dry. 

In 1930, after ongoing investigations, the Catholic Church officially recognized the apparition events as “worthy of belief”.  It is important to note that the Catholic Church defines these events as “private revelations.” They do not form the deposit of the Catholic faith, and we are not bound to believe in them.  Yet, Holy Mother Church holds them out to those who wish to receive such miracles as supernatural gifts to deepen the practice of their Catholic faith by following Jesus in his Catholic Church.

In the coming monthly newsletters there will be small vignettes of the miracles and messages of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Fatima until its conclusion on Oct. 13th, 2017.   Look for opportunities at both St. Albert and St. Michael Churches to draw closer to God’s promises through devotion to Our Lady of Fatima.  First monthly event: Mass, May 13th, 9:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church with Patriotic Rosary until Noon near the Historic Church (unless inclement weather).

Father Thomas McCabe

Council Chaplain

*     *     *

Deputy Grand Knights Message

Hello Knights.

The long winter's over and we will be mowing our lawns soon.  We are also nearing the end of Grand Knight Joe VanHoorik's  second year at the helm and I would like to personally thank him for his great leadership and the great things he has accomplished for Council 4174.  We are also closing in on the Albertville Friendly City Days (AFCD) softball tournament and beer tent event.  This three day annual effort funds much of what we do during the year.  We will need the assistance of many Knights to make this important three day event a great success.  Multiple shifts on June 8th, 9th, and 10th will be open on the Sign Up Genius website soon.  We will need more volunteers than in years past.  There will be opportunities to serve beer as well as help out with score keeping and ball shagging during our new multi-tier softball tournament.  I would like to ask the new Knights in particular to sign up for this year's AFCD events.  Let's get this new 4174 Council year started with a bang!  Thank you for your help. God bless you and your families.

Gary Frandsen

Deputy Grand Knight

  

April 2017 Bulletin: First Degree on Thursday, April 6

From the April 2017 bulletin, online now.

Why are you a Knight?

Do you remember why you joined the KCs?  When your annual dues statement shows up in the mail do you stop and think about why you are still a member?  Take a few minutes and think about those two questions.  Are your answers to each question different?  I joined because I was fresh off of a CRHP retreat and on fire to get engaged somewhere.  I really had no idea what the KCs did but I knew it was for Catholic men and that was enough for me to give it a shot.  That was six years ago this June.  

I'm still a KC because I love the cumulative power we have to help those in need.  I cherish the friendships I've made.  I really enjoy being a part of the 4th Degree Assembly.  I am honored when we show up in number to pray the Rosary for a deceased member.  I am humbled by each and every thank you I get because of something this council did.  

What is your reason?  Is it a particular activity you enjoy participating in each year, values we promote, things we do for the youth, the insurance program, or something else?  Is there someone else you think could benefit from that answer?  If so, consider inviting them to the First Degree at our next meeting. 

Joe Van Hoorik

Grand Knight

August 2016 Bulletin: Great Year Behind; Great Year Ahead

Lead article for the August 2016 bulletin, online now.

This month marks the beginning of a new fraternal year for us.  I’ve been in my role as Grand Knight for a year now and it’s been a great journey.  We did a ton of great things last year and I want to thank all of you for everything we accomplished.  Since we are starting a new year it is a good time to remind all of us about all the events we have ahead of us and ask everyone to make sure they help out where they can.

One of the common themes that come up at our officers meetings is how to better engage men to help out at our events, especially the new men that join the council.  Here you will find a list of the events for this year where we know we will need men to help. We will be printing it out as a post card for all the new members but I want to get it front and center in this bulletin for everyone to see.

I ask that you look it over, find something that interests you, put it on your calendar and sign up when you get the email for help.

Contact me if you have questions or want me to put you down to be contacted when the event gets closer. 

Thank you all for being KC’s and I look forward to a great year!

God Bless,

Joe VanHoorik

Grand Knight

February 2016 Bulletin: Prayer Matters

Lead article from the February 2016 bulletin, online now.

Thank you to all those who came out to the Monica Mize Benefit. I can tell you that during all the planning leading up to the event we never thought it would be as successful as it was. There was so much outpouring from the community that words cannot describe it. I especially want to thank DGK Gary Frandsen for coordinating the spaghetti feed and Andrea Zachman and the CRHP women that did most of the event planning. I also want to thank all the Knights and their families who showed up to help out. I was fortunate enough to help count the proceeds that evening and be able to share the final number with Steve and Monica. That final number, that has grown even more since that evening, turned out to be over $25,000. How amazing is that?

Gary and I were talking while we were cleaning up about how it seemed a little superficial that we did all of this to raise a bunch of money. It just felt like there is something more we can do.  The truth is we did do a lot more than raise money for the family. We got a whole community praying for them. At one point in the evening there was a prayer circle around Monica, which was unbelievably touching to see. We cannot heal the disease or take away the suffering that the family is going through. But we can pray for them and try to take away the worldly stresses as much as possible. Hopefully, the family can focus on healing and spending time together rather than worrying about getting the bills paid. Hopefully our prayers have an impact. Hopefully our community grew a little bit closer. Hopefully we all grew a little bit stronger in our faith.

I also had the pleasure of delivering checks to Cornerstone and the Parish School this month.  It's got to be my favorite part of being Grand Knight.  I get to see first hand the appreciation on the faces of those we help.  It's a blessing I will never forget.  I am very thankful and proud of all of you for what we have built. Keep up the good work!

God Bless,
Joe VanHoorik
Grand Knight

December 2015 Bulletin: Helping Those in Need

Lead article from the December 2015 bulletin, online now!

This month I want to keep it short and simple because we are actively working on a fundraiser benefit for Monica Mize and I want that to be front and center in your minds. For those that don't know Monica, she is a member of the St Michael parish. She was just diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to her bones causing hypercalcemia. She is looking to fight this battle with a more holistic approach because she is also pregnant with their 8th child and the treatments for the hypercalcemia cannot be prescribed during pregnancy. In addition, the path that the Oncologists would take involves chemotherapy and radiation, which is harmful to the developing baby. Several of the officers met with Monica's CRHP team last week to begin planning a fundraiser for her family. With last month being Respect Life month, I now call on you to take action in supporting our pro-life beliefs. This woman, with seven children at home, is deciding to fight this disease without hurting her unborn child. I could not imagine a more selfless example of being pro-life than what she is doing right now. We must support her and pray for her..

My aunt and godmother were diagnosed with breast cancer in April of this year. This came not even a month after being let go from her job. Due to the intense chemotherapy she's been going through she has not been able to look for a new job and her unemployment benefits have run out. She is not an active member of a parish where she lives and does not have the community support that we have here. I can only do so much to help her and it pains me to see her struggle so hard to get through this. I share this with you not for sympathy but to ask for your prayers and to remind you that we are part of something great. We as the Knights of Columbus and as a Catholic Community are so very blessed to be able to do so much for our own that are struggling and in need. Don't forget that and don't take it for granted because you might be in need of assistance some day. If you can help in any way (time, talent, or treasure) in our upcoming fundraiser for Monica please reach out to myself or another officer.

God Bless!
Joe VanHoorik
Grand Knight

The Knights of Columbus are joining forces with Monica's CRHP team for a comprehensive fundraising event on January 17th culminating with a 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. spaghetti feed at the St Albert’s Parish Center. We will need our spaghetti feed A-Team available to make this feed a huge success!

October 2015 Bulletin: Catholic Community

Lead article from the October 2015 bulletin, online now.

Community: noun
1. A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
2.  A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

This last month we got to enjoy the St Michael parish festival.  It amazes me how many people come out to enjoy the festivities of the weekend.  Of course the KC's sponsor the German Dinner on Saturday night, which I must admit is probably my favorite event to work at.  The German Dinner was the first event I worked at when I became a Knight and I remember how much I truly enjoyed myself and how it changed my opinion of the KC's.  I believe this event showcases better than any other what we are all about as Knights of Columbus.  First and foremost we are supporting the church, we conduct the event on church grounds and all profits go directly to the church.  Secondly, we serve the community.  This event draws more that just people looking for good food.  It pays homage to the German heritage that created this community and the people that live here.  The crowd is cheerful and the polka music creates a very nostalgic and friendly atmosphere that gets people to stick around long after they are done eating.  Third, and what impressed me the most as a new knight, was the fraternity between brother knights.  We joke around, we serve a great meal, we support our church, we enjoy a beer together, and we have a great time doing it.  What else defines the KCs better than that?

While at the festival I had the opportunity to meet Angela Erickson, the new director at Cornerstone Options for Women.  I am very excited for the future of Cornerstone.  Angela brings a whole new level of energy and optimism that will take the center to the next level. She will be speaking at our pro-life dinner this month and I encourage you to attend and meet this great addition to a cause we support so greatly.  Aside from our conversation around Cornerstone she made a comment that really got me thinking.  When I introduced myself as the Grand Knight she said: “Aren't you kind of young to be Grand Knight?”  This was awkward, I didn't really know how to answer that statement so while I was trying to think of a response she followed it with: “My husband would like to join the KC's but the men are so much older that he doesn't feel comfortable with it yet.”  Now I understood where the first comment came from.  They are not members of our parish and he is not referring to our council.  I've noticed that its a very common perception of people outside of our community to assume the KCs are strictly a group of older men.  We have a very young and active council.  Just like our parish, our council reflects the unique and vibrant church community we represent.                                                  
What is community?  Community doesn't just apply to where we live.  It applies to the particular characteristic we have in common (Catholics) and the feeling of fellowship with our fellow Catholics.  We have a unique community here that is very rare.  Our church community is not defined by where we live.  We have many parishioners that do not live in the STMA communities.  Its also not defined as just being Catholic.  There are many Catholics churches much closer to many of our parishioners but they still choose to drive out here.  There are also many Catholics in our city that choose to travel to surrounding churches.  Yes, believe it or not, our community is not for everyone and that’s perfectly okay.  Our church community is also not defined by age, social status, or race.  We have such an awesome variety of people that you cannot group us into any other category than by our church community.  Nowhere is our church community more obvious then when you attend the annual festival.  People from all over show up, it even draws a lot of people that aren't even Catholic.  Just like the community we support, our KC council is not your typical council.  We have men of all different ages and social status.  We have more programs and members that most councils.  Every year we see a new group of you men that are on fire with their faith and ready to support this community.  What is it about this church community that drew you in or kept you here?  What can we as Knights of Columbus and Catholic men do to maintain and promote this community so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy it like we are right now?

God Bless!

Joe VanHoorik
Grand Knight

Upcoming Events: Soccer Challenge, Blood Drive

Knights of Columbus Council 4174 is sponsoring two community events in early September -- check out the details below and don't miss out!

KC Soccer Challenge

The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is returning to St. Michael and Albertville! All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition. The event will be held at the STMA Middle School East soccer fields on Friday, Sept. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 1 p.m. until all participants have kicked.  The event is being held on two dates again this year so that more kids have an opportunity to participate, and you can come to either session regardless of your age or gender!

• Check out our flyer for complete details.
• Contact Steve Sustacek at stevesustacek@yahoo.com with questions.

KC Blood Drive for Memorial Blood Centers

KC Council 4174 is hosting a community blood drive at St. Michael Catholic Church on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• To schedule your donation, go to the Memorial Blood Centers website and enter sponsor code 3912.
• For more information, contact Scott Fredrickson at scott.fredrickson@monticello.k12.mn.us.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: Eat Well for a Good Cause!

Council 4174 youth director Ivan Weber (far left) and
brother Knight Dan Dupay collect money at the
annual St. Michael Fall Festival German Dinner.

The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner at the St. Albert's Parish Center on Sunday, July 27, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to help Brother Knight and council youth director Ivan Weber address his need for a new van that will enable him to enter the vehicle and drive it from his motorized chair. Please join us if you can and make a donation. Those not able to attend fundraiser but who wish to donate can send a check made out to the Knights of Columbus to 10461 Karston Circle, Albertville MN 55301. Thank you and God bless.

June 2014 Bulletin: Year In Review

Lead article from the June 2014 bulletin, online now.

I can hardly believe it has been a year already! This has been a very rewarding year for me, and thank you all for the support and encouragement you have shown me throughout the year. I truly appreciate all the feedback and corrections when I screw up in a business meeting (laughing with me, not at me), and for the feedback on the articles that I have written.

I just got back from the State Knights Convention and it was a neat experience, even though we did not receive any awards. I would like to apologize to each of you, for either I didn’t get the forms in on time or I didn’t do a good enough job of reporting about our council’s exceptional accomplishments over the past year. I promise to do a better job next year to get you guys recognized for all your efforts and involvements in the wonderful programs that we have and for your continued dedication to our community. We have an amazing and active council, which is evident by the influx of 24 new members to date this year! The new members that I have spoken with were attracted to the Knights through our works and seeing what we do for our parishes and our local community. Let us continue to let our actions speak loudly and be welcoming and inviting to men of our parishes.

With that said, we have our Awards Banquet and Social coming up on Wednesday, June 25th, 6:30 p.m., at the St. Albert Parish Center. We will have a catered dinner, some awards and recognition, and of course socializing. We have had a great year and it is about time we celebrate! If you know some of the new members or you proposed them make sure you invite them personally to get involved and to this social where they can meet other members. Also, remember that this is open to the wives for without them and their support we wouldn’t be able to do all the events that we do. Our wives are truly remarkable for the sacrifices that they make so we can be out doing the council’s good work. Whether it be meetings or events, they are always supporting us. Let us remember what it says in Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her."

Please RSVP for the social to me at jimwiegers@gmail.com or by calling 763-486-7032 no later than June 23 so we can get an accurate head count.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. 

-- Proverbs 18:22

Called to Serve? Consider a Directorship!

By Jim Thorp
Outgoing Council Director

“Surely the great secret of the spiritual life is to abandon ourselves to all that he wishes, in perfect confidence that all will be for the best; and hence it has been said that all things turn to good for those who serve God.” — St. Vincent de Paul

Council booth at the St. Michael Fall Festival

For most of us, this call to the KCs is one of many crying out for our time and attention. We also hear the call of work, which helps us to provide for and protect our families; our wives, children, friends and relatives, who need our attention; our church and community, which need our time and talents; and our God, who wants a closer relationship with us—and we only have so much of ourselves to go around. With so many demands on our time and ability, how do we decide which calls to heed, and which to ignore?

In my case, I looked for overlap. In the KCs, I found an organization that actively supports the Catholic Church and its teachings, parish ministries, and people in need right here in our communities. I found an organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening Catholic families—and an organization in which I could demonstrate my love of, and service to, God as well as my wife and children, with real action.

St. Nicholas Party

For the past few years I have served our council, first as Community Director, and currently as Council Director. These directorships are coordinator positions, which work with others to ensure the projects our council undertakes are successful. Each director generally has a few primary projects they help to lead each year, and the support of good, experienced men who have worked on these projects for years.

We currently have two directorships opening up at the end of June. The position of Family Director organizes the Father-Daughter Dance, Father-Son Fun Day, and St. Nicholas Party. Our current Family Director, Jeremy Rohr, has been supporting these activities, plus leading KC-funded marriage enrichment activities, and is stepping back from the former to focus on the latter. My position, Council Director, works with our worthy Financial Secretary to organize and oversee the annual Christmas Tree Lot fundraiser and with the St. Michael Fall Festival Committee to organize the German Dinner. I am stepping down to focus more effort on this bulletin and council communications—so my replacement will not need to fill that role!

German Dinner at the St. Michael Fall Festival

These are manageable, but much-needed, leadership roles that have the strong support of the officers and the entire council, and we are looking for a couple of men who feel called to serve. Worried you’ll bite off more than you can chew? Partner with a friend to be co-directors, or offer to help lead one of the individual projects within these directorships.

We are all called to serve. If you are interested in learning more about serving as a director in the KCs, join the council officers on at the Grand Knight Mike Engel’s residence on Wednesday, May 29, 7-7:30 p.m., for snacks, refreshments, and a brief information session to answer your questions. Contact Mike at mengel6672@hotmail.com for details and directions. We hope to see you there!

Christmas Tree Lot Fundraiser