Author: Rick Lewis
Greetings Brothers All
On behalf of Debbie and all my family, we want to wish all the Merriest Christmas and a Happy, healthy New Year to one and all. May the blessings of God shine upon you and your families.
Before I go into my updates, I have to share what an amazing journey the last two months have been. The Knights of Columbus has always been the premier example demonstrating the founding principles of our Order. CHARITY…our first and foremost principle has been demonstrated repeatedly. Not just in donations, but in giving of time and talent, which is also CHARITY. Brother Knights and family members supporting those in need across this state from Helene to Coats for Kids. The number of coats bought and donated/distributed has reached the highest level I’ve seen since being on the State Council. Before anyone writes or calls me to say, “well back in such and such, we did this much”, hold on a moment. I’m not saying it’s THE highest, just the highest I’ve seen for my time on council.
UNITY…Oh my goodness. The people who came out in droves to help build beds in Jacksonville, who offered to drive a truck for Helene efforts, who are collecting loose change for LAMB, cleaning up debris at churches and homes, providing meals and food to those without, and the list goes on. This is the epitome of UNITY. Taking Jesus to the people and places that need Him most.
FRATERNITY…sometimes the hardest of the three principles because our passions sometimes get the best of us. Copious amounts of FRATERNITY have been witnessed these past few months. FRATERNITY is defined as the state or feeling of friendship and mutual support within a group and a group of people sharing a common profession or interests. FRATERNITY always seems to be bolstered As we learned in the old Third Degree, fraternity came from the Latin – Frater; meaning Brother. The Knights of Columbus is fraternal by design. A brotherhood of men unified for a common purpose with Charity inspired by Faith at our COR (see what I did there???) We are all at best when things go right. But lest we forget that no man is perfect. It’s how we react when things don’t go a particular way that demonstrates our true FRATERNALISM. I liken FRATERNITY to CHARACTER…it’s always tested when you’re up against it.
Let us ALL continue to master our skills in CHARITY, UNITY, and above all, FRATERNITY.
UPDATES:
HELENE We have officially moved out of transportation and moving supplies, and are now focused solely on rebuilding. The Alan Campos Project was delayed for a short time. Buncombe County is now issuing permits and inspections are being conducted. We are preparing to begin the execution of “Volunteers on Site” helping to rebuild homes. Though our primary project was delayed, that did not mean we had been sitting idle. Other areas of need were identified through direct contact with parish priests. Small pockets of need were identified, and help was provided to those parishes. Though these were not in the realm of 35+ homes needing rebuilding, the needs were just as impactful to the recipients.
The generosity of Councils, Brother Knights, families of Knights, and private donations from North Carolina, and outside support from other Jurisdictions continue to come in. The generosity of all his truly humbling. Thank you to all who have given, are giving, and will continue to give. As has been mentioned many times over, this is a marathon. Needs will continue well into next year.
Even though we are in the rebuilding phase, financial donations are still being accepted. Any person or organization that wants to contribute can do so as follows:
SEND CHECKS TO:
Rick Lewis
309 Bergen Ave
Apex, NC 27502
ATTN Helene
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
NC State Council KOC
If submitting by or on behalf of the council/assembly, PLEASE ensure that the council/assembly number is noted on the check somewhere
MEMO LINE: Please put Penny-Per-Day Helene
STATE MID-YEAR MEETING:
The State Mid-Year meeting will be held January 3-5, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro, NC (off of Exit 210). Registration is open on the State Website, and information on how to book your room are also available. HOTEL CUT OFF IS December 18. The agenda and itinerary will be published in December.
State Calendar (AS NOTED FOR THIS PUBLICATION:
Each December Sunday – the Weekly Rosary sponsored by our State Advocate and GPD
December 1 – Advent Begins
December 15 – Family of the Month for November due
December 20 – Southport 25-year recognition presentation
December 25 – CHRISTMAS
Each January Sunday – the Weekly Rosary sponsored by our State Advocate and GPD
January 1 – NEW YEARS DAY
January 3 – START OF NC STATE MID-YEAR MEETING – EMBASSY SUITES GREENSBORO
January 15 – Family of the Month for December due
Each February Sunday – the Weekly Rosary sponsored by our State Advocate and GPD
February 1 – Resolutions are due (will not be accepted after this date) to stateadvocate@kofcnc.org
February 1 – State Award Submissions due (Of the Years, Website, Newsletter and Scrapbook to statesecretary@kofcnc.org
February 15 – Family of the Month for December due
February 15 - Council Semi-Audit (form 1295) is due by this date