March 2014 Bulletin: Support Our Priests

Lead article from the March 2014 bulletin, online now.

At our last council meeting it was brought up that with all that is going on in our diocese, it is important for our priests to know that we have their back. Let me tell you a little story of how our priests have affected my life—then I want you to reflect on what ways they have affected your life.

For those of you who know the story please bear with me: My wife and I have always wanted many children, and we were blessed with one right after we were married. I thought we would have a whole baseball team, but we struggled to have any more. We were able to conceive but had multiple miscarriages (some of those late term). We were ready to give up. Then one day my wife decided to stay after mass and have a blessing done for those who want to have children. A few months go by, and you guessed it, she was pregnant. Again it was a tough pregnancy, and we were worried: here we go again. We spoke to our priests many times, and they assured us they were praying for us.

Then one day my wife’s water broke, and we were off to the hospital. She was only at 30 weeks at the time. We got settled at the hospital, and we would be there for a while…next thing I know, our priest was there, and we had mass in her hospital room.

We were at the hospital for a few weeks until we couldn’t wait anymore, and my baby girl was born. It sounds like no big deal, but who called or visited almost every day to see how my wife was doing? Our priest! What a wonderful feeling to know that they care and take time out of there busy schedule to seek out others. This is only one way that they have touched my life, and I know more than ever they need our support.

We wrote the letter below from our council to the priests of both of our wonderful parishes to let them know that we stand behind them and pray for them daily.

Dear Father,  

It’s been a difficult fall and winter for Archbishop Nienstedt, the archdiocese, and all of our priests. The Knights of Columbus from Council 4174—your Knights—want you to know that you have our prayers and support. Blessed John Paul II once called the Knights the strong right arm of the Church, and we are committed to defending our priests against unjust accusations and attacks.  

We are with you, Father. If there is anything you need from our council, do not hesitate to ask. God bless you.

They were so thankful to know that we are standing firmly behind them and ready to serve the needs of our wonderful parishes. Please continue to pray for and stand up for our priests!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord  your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

 – Deuteronomy 31:6 

Next Blood Drive Slated for March 29

Sign up now for the next Council 4174 blood drive at St. Michael Catholic Church on March 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. View our online flier for details, then sign up online at mbc.org.

February 2014 Bulletin: A Great Year So Far -- Let's Keep It Up!

Lead article from the February 2014 bulletin, online now.

Wow, can you believe that the fraternal year is half over already?

My, does time go by fast! Looking back on the first half of the year, we accomplished a lot. During the summer we participated in two parades, made pretzels and hosted a Catholic Man Night. We were able to enjoy each other’s company at the chili and football event … and yet again, the Vikes didn’t show up on that night. We hosted the St. Michael Fall Festival German Dinner, blood drives, and a major degree in September.

Our youth have been busy with our council’s first-ever Soccer Challenge, the resurrected free throw contest, and a poster contest. We hosted the pro- life dinner and the Marriage Love and Respect series. Our council also hosted the All Saints and St. Nick parties. We sold out the Christmas tree lot three times and closed the lot a week early. We were able to help the Hanover Food Shelf with the two cases of coats from the Coats for Kids Drive, and they were gone in just a few days! We also had another successful toy drive for this year. We were able to celebrate together at our council social, and it was
nice to see the strong turnout; hopefully everyone had a good time.

And let’s not forget the biggest initiative yet: the St. Michael Rectory Project. If you haven’t heard we have surpassed our Phase 1 goal of $120,000 and should be breaking ground in April!

I’m sure I missed a few things, but what a great council we have! None of this is possible without all you contributing in one way or another, and your works don’t go unnoticed! I hear all the time about what wonderful things the Knights do for our two parishes. I am deeply honored to be part of such giving and charitable council and look forward to all the upcoming events.

With all of these activities and more, we are still in need of a council director and a family director. We could also use a round table for this council. The Council director works with the officers and helps to lead a few events during the year, the biggest being the tree lot. The family director works with the officers on family events such as the St. Nick party, Father Daughter Dance and Father/Son Fun Day. The round table chair would meet with the priests of both St. Albert and St. Michael parishes and see how we can better serve them. If you are interested please contact me or any of the officers or
directors. God Bless!

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 
– 1 Corinthians 15:58