Author: Chris Kremer
Administrative Diligence: A Foundation in Building the City of God:
As we embark on a new fraternal year, we are presented with a valuable opportunity to reflect on our achievements and plan for a brighter future. This period of renewal is reminiscent of the Council Officer Installation Ceremony, which reminds us to take stock of our advancement, repair omissions, correct errors, and plan for progress. The first step in our plan involves ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed promptly. Councils should submit Form 185 (Officers) and Form 365 (Directors and Chairmen) at the beginning of the year. These forms, which can be completed online and sent directly to Supreme, are critical for triggering activities such as SAFE Environment training requirements and improving communications within our state council. Additionally, councils should not forget to work on their audits and submit those forms by August 15. This administrative diligence lays a solid foundation for our efforts to build the city of God.
The concept of Charity is central to the mission of the Knights of Columbus, embodying the very essence of their work and purpose. As Knights, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, extending a helping hand to those in need through acts of kindness, service, and generosity. Charity is not just about financial support; it encompasses all forms of giving, including time, effort, and compassion. This ideal fosters a sense of community and solidarity, encouraging Knights to work together to make a positive impact on society. Through various charitable activities, from supporting local food banks to aiding disaster relief efforts, the Knights of Columbus demonstrate their unwavering commitment to building a more just and loving world. By living out the principle of Charity, we actively participate in the divine mission of constructing the city of God, bringing hope and assistance to those who need it most.
In August, we celebrate the feast day of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a saint whose life exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice for others. Born in 1894 in Poland, Kolbe was a Franciscan friar who founded the Militia Immaculatae, a movement dedicated to promoting devotion to the Virgin Mary. During World War II, Kolbe was arrested by the Nazis and sent to Auschwitz. There, he offered his life in exchange for a fellow prisoner, demonstrating unparalleled courage and selflessness. St. Maximilian Kolbe's feast day on August 14 reminds us of the profound impact one individual's sacrifice can have on others. His life serves as a powerful example of how we, as Knights of Columbus, are called to build the city of God through acts of love and self-giving.
As we progress through this new fraternal year, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to administrative diligence, unity, and charity. By turning in our forms, supporting one another, and drawing inspiration from saints like St. Maximilian Kolbe, we actively contribute to the construction of the city of God. Each action, no matter how small, plays a vital role in this divine endeavor. Together, as a brotherhood united in purpose and faith, we can achieve remarkable things and bring the light of God's love to the world.
Chris Kremer – State Warden