The Tar Heel Knight

Greetings and Happy Easter from the mountains of western North Carolina.
 
We find ourselves at a time of celebration.  On March 31, we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday, the single most important event in human history.  We start next month with our annual state convention in Durham from May 3-5, where we celebrate the successes of the past year.  In between, we celebrate the Easter season, singing our alleluias loud and proud, and we begin the last quarter of our fraternal year.
 
How are we celebrating as councils during this season?  Are we spreading an attitude of celebration?  Have the new Catholics who just came into the parish Easter weekend through the RCIA process been welcomed by us?  What are we doing to help them grow in their new faith?  COR?  Kiosks with the outstanding faith materials provided by Supreme?  Other?
 
Do you have any plans to go out into the community, taking Jesus to the people and places that need Him most?  As our country prepares for the National Eucharistic Congress this summer, how are you preparing to celebrate the greatest gift in the history of mankind?  Are Eucharistic processions and adorations planned in the parish?  How about our Sacramental Gifts program?  Are you sharing the JOY of our faith with the next generation?
 
This month marks a special anniversary for me personally.  On April 27, I celebrate the 40^th anniversary of my Confirmation.  I was confirmed in the Archdiocese of Hartford, the home diocese of Blessed Michael McGivney.  There was no Knights of Columbus presence at my Confirmation.  All I knew of the Knights of Columbus as I grew up as a cradle Catholic attending Catholic schools is that my Little League banquets were held at K of C halls. 
 
Looking back, I can’t help but wonder what my faith journey might have been if I had Knights’ mentorship.  Like many young men, I veered away from my faith and only found my way back through my wife and her grandmother.  If I hadn’t fortuitously happened to start dating a Catholic, I might very well still be a lost sheep.  Would a Knights’ presence have kept me engaged?  How many of my fellow confirmandi are part of that large percentage of non-practicing Catholics?  How many believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist?  Do you want someone 40 years from now writing about how your council missed the boat?
 
Brothers, at this crucial time in our Church, who we are as Knights and what we do with our programs are of vital importance to the future of our Church.  Does the Confirmation class in your parish know who you are?  If not, there’s time to change that.  Every significant memory of every child in your parish should have a Knights presence.  Then these celebrations would not only be a celebration of the present, but of the future.
 
This month’s forms reminder:  Please be preparing your SP-7’s to turn in at or before State Convention.  If your council has a good chance at Star Council or the Columbian Award, we will be looking closely at your submissions to give you the opportunity to revise the form if needed to give you the best chance at your award.
 
“Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers, especially for strangers, they have testified to your love before the church.  Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey.” – 3 John 1:5-6
 
Vivat Jesus!