Author: Chris Kremer
Greetings from the new State Warden,
I will start off with a line from the Council Officer Installation Ceremony. “In every man's life, there arise many opportunities to take stock of his advancement, both in the spiritual and material sense, to repair omissions, correct errors, and plan for a brighter future. Likewise, in the life of a Council, the commencement of each fraternal year provides a similar opportunity.” This is an excellent time for us as Councils and Individuals to determine who we want to be and create a plan to achieve that.
Step One in that plan is to start or turn in paperwork at the beginning of the year. Councils your 185 (Officers) and 365 (Directors and Chairman). These forms can be completed online and sent directly to Supreme. Don’t forget to email these forms once you get them in your email to your DD, RDDs, and forms@kofcnc.org. While it may seem trivial to the Council since you know who will be in charge, the State Council and Supreme need these forms as they trigger additional activities such as the SAFE Environment training requirements. The state needs them to ensure improved communications. Also, as we start a new Fraternal Year, don’t forget to start working on your audits and turn those forms in by August.
This month is about Unity. Remember that even though it might seem as if your Council is out there all alone and only able to support limited activities and other organizations, your Brother knights not only across your local region, the state of North Carolina, the United States, or the World together accomplish far more than any of us can individually. The Knights should always ponder the question from the installation ceremony: take stock of the achievement and the direction you want to go.
The Saint for this month is an American, St. Kateri Tekakwitha. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, often called the "Lily of the Mohawks," was the first Native American woman to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Born in 1656 in what is now New York State, Kateri was the daughter of a Mohawk chief and a Catholic Algonquin mother. At a young age, she survived a smallpox epidemic that left her scarred and partially blind. Despite facing significant opposition and persecution from her community, Kateri converted to Christianity at the age of 19 and was baptized. She dedicated her life to deep faith, prayer, and acts of penance. Kateri's devoutness and commitment to her faith, even in the face of adversity, made her a powerful symbol of resilience and piety. She is venerated for her unwavering devotion and is the patron saint of ecology, the environment, and Native Americans. Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012, and her feast day is celebrated on July 14.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Vivat Jesus
Chris Kremer
State Warden