The Tar Heel Knight

Greetings from the mountains of western North Carolina.
 
I hope everyone enjoyed March’s weather, where we got to experience all four seasons in one month.
 
We get to start the month of April with the Triduum, a holy period in the Church leading from Holy Thursday through Easter.  It seems fitting that we start this celebration with the Last Supper reading from John’s Gospel.  John’s Gospel does not focus on the institution of the Eucharist, but rather focuses on what happens next.  Jesus rises from the dinner table and proceeds to wash his disciples’ feet, and says these words:  “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.  I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (John 13:14-15)
 
This is an important call to all of the faithful to evangelize through our demonstration of love and service to our neighbor, a call that we have answered in our decision to become Knights of Columbus.  We act out our principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism through our service to our parishes and our communities, by taking Jesus to the people and places that need him most.  That is how we wash others’ feet.  May this year’s Triduum and Easter season find us all transformed by Christ to be the light so desperately needed amidst the darkness in the world.
 
Shifting from our role as servants to the role of our public servants.  We once again find ourselves in what is called one of the midterm election years.  As your State Advocate, I must call your attention to the email that was sent to the council and district leaders on March 20, regarding the Knights of Columbus and politics.  We are non-partisan and we are not allowed to speak for or against candidates or political parties when acting as members of the Knights of Columbus.  Politics should not enter into discussions at council meetings and no council should ever donate to a political party or candidate, even if that candidate is a member of the council, and no council should host any political candidate or officeholder as a speaker at any event.  We are urged to advocate for issues important to the Church, through the guidance of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and our Supreme Council, by contacting our representatives through phone, email, and letter writing campaigns, and events such as Marches for Life.  As Knights of Columbus, it is not our calling to follow the Elephant or the Donkey, but we are called to follow the Lamb, and all of our actions should be a reflection of Jesus Christ.  Unity is one of our core principles, and must not be weakened by the divisiveness of political discourse.  We must always be that unbreakable cord as demonstrated in our ceremonials.  For more information, please refer to that email dated March 20, 2026, or to the list of Do’s and Don’ts that was posted to the state website last fall.
 
When I speak to you here again next month, we will be in the last two weeks leading up to our State Convention in Durham.  Please take a few minutes to review that Countdown to Convention checklist and make sure you have completed everything you need to do in anticipation of Convention.  I look forward to seeing everyone in Durham.
 
“This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
 
Vivat Jesus!