Author: Chris Kremer
Hello Brother Knights,
As we head into February, Councils need to look at completing their second audit (1295B). Want to thank all of you for submitting thousands of 10784 in December and January in preparation for the State Convention and Award season. Still processing many of them but please keep me buried with forms. As we look forward, it is never too early to start submitting your SP7 as they become complete and upon voting on new officers completing your 185 and 365 for next year. Now as we head into the Lenten Season our Councils will be busy with Fish Fries and many other great events. Do not forget to make Lent a prayerful and reflective period as well.
For February, lets focus on Blessed McGivney primary mission of protecting the widows and children. Please consider reaching out to our Brother Knight’s families who have passed away. We need to take them of the families beyond the insurance program. We need to build them into all our activities and continue to invite them as if they are still our family. Maybe go out of your way to build a KnightLine for them to call to help with tasks around the house, apartments, where they can call to get support. Invite them over for meals or take them out to lunch or dinner. We need to ensure that our Councils are supporting our Brother Knights families even after they pass away.
During one of my recent Star Presentations at the end of mass, the church recited the Anima Christi prayer after Communion. This prayer was something I had heard of but rarely prayed. Would like to share the prayer with you and challenge you to also pray it this month after you receive the Holy Eucharist. “Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, embolden me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds hide me. Never allow me to be aparted from you. From the evil Enemy defend me. At the hour of my death call me and bid me come to you, that with your Saints I may praise you for age upon age. Amen.”
St. Polycarp, born around 69 AD in Smyrna (modern-day Turkey), was a prominent 2nd-century Christian bishop and direct disciple of the Apostle John. As a key figure in the early Christian church, he served as bishop of Smyrna, combating heresies and maintaining apostolic traditions while facing increasing Roman persecution. Known for his piety and wisdom. Polycarp was a key figure in combating emerging heresies and maintaining doctrinal purity. He corresponded with various Christian communities and was respected by other church leaders. One notable interaction was his meeting with Anicetus, the Bishop of Rome, where they discussed differences in Christian practices, particularly the date of Easter celebration Polycarp is the Patron Saint of Candle Makers and those suffering from earaches. During his martyrdom around 155 AD, he famously declared, "Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury. How then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?" When authorities sought to arrest him, he chose to stay and face execution, ultimately being burned at the stake while refusing to renounce his Christian faith. His life and martyrdom significantly influenced early Christian theology, representing a crucial link between the apostolic age and the developing early Christian Church.