The Tar Heel Knight

As we enter this Lenten season, I contemplate how I can observe this time of preparation for the upcoming Easter season. I can refer to what Brian McLaren points to Jesus’ time in the wilderness as essential to his spiritual journey, and one that he invites his disciples to engage in as well: “Jesus needed that time of preparation in the wilderness. He needed to get his mission clear in his own heart so that he wouldn’t be captivated by the expectations of adoring fans or intimidated by the threats of furious critics. If we dare to follow Jesus and proclaim the radical dimensions of God’s good news as he did, we will face the same twin dangers of domestication and intimidation.…” January is generally noted as Respect Life month. In the current political climate, the intimidation from some political areas will continue on the abortion front. As a Catholic voice, the Knights must continue to show our support for all life, from conception to natural death. With the upcoming election this year, there are a large number of Americans who feel that anyone who does not believe the way they do will be punished by whatever means they can. We must continue to stand strong, just as Jesus did standing up for what was the “right thing” to do.  
            Here are a few things that is coming up that relates to some of the programs going on.
            Community: The State Free Throw Contest is scheduled for:
March 16^th
Fairchild Community Center
827 S Graham Hopedale Road
Burlington, NC 27217
10:00 am – Gym Opens for Registration and Practice
11:30 am – Rules Review with Volunteers
11:45 am - Benediction, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem
12:00 – Competition Begins
Awards presented immediately following the competition.
Please make sure that if you are participating that you, or your District Deputy, has your score sheet from the Council and District contest.
Supreme has chosen North Carolina to kick off its Sleep in Heavenly Peace program with a large Build-A-Bed project to be done within the State. Once again North Carolina will be highlighted in this new program.  Stay tuned for additional information on this very worthy program and hopefully we can show Supreme how to come together and bring Jesus to those in need in this event.
Faith:  I am sure that there are many of you doing the Fish Fry events during this Lenten season. And most likely the profits from these events will be used for many of your charitable gifts. It may help you in your relations with those attending if you put a flyer on each table showing the community programs and where the profits are going.
There are many opportunities to schedule a Spiritual Reflection program during this time. There are many people who hunger for this reflection and the ability to come closer to Jesus during this Lenten time. Work with your parish priest to set a time where you can gather and contemplate the love that Jesus offers to us on a daily basis.
Start planning for the restocking of your Domestic Church Kiosk. Remember that there will be many new faces at the Easter services, and we need to plant the seed of our faith when ever we can. (Both in English and Spanish.)
Family: Please continue to submit and honor a Family that has shown to be a leader within your Council and Parish. There are many families that you consistently see serving the parish and community. What a great way to let them know that your Council appreciates what they are doing.
Everyone knows that the rising cost of feeding a family is continually rising. There are many opportunities within our communities to help those families on a fixed income so they won’t have to choose between food and other necessities of life. Please consider hosting a Food for Families program to assist your local food bank.
Good Friday service attendance is something that is becoming somewhat of a concern. Despite Good Fridays central role in the heart of Christianity, attendance at services remains low. In an effort to change this, councils will encourage participation in Good Friday services through a promotional campaign. Setting an example for their community, Knights will attend Good Friday services with their families and work with their pastors to encourage increased parishioner involvement at these liturgies.
Life: There are many Marches for Life that are scheduled within the State. Make plans for your Council and encourage your families to attend one of these marches. It is highly important to continue to show our support for all Life, from conception to natural death.
If your Council does not have within its budget any type of support for a local Pregnancy Center, please consider hosting a fund-raising event to support these women who chose life, for themselves and their babies, before and after birth.

As spring approaches many Councils support the Special Olympics programs of their local communities. If your Councils does not do this, you can contact your local representatives and volunteer. This is such a gratifying event, and you will provide great support to these individuals who look forward to these events. To volunteer contact your local County Parks and Recreation Center.
 
These are just a few programs that your Council can consider. Our work does not go unnoticed. As Mother Theresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.” She also said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”  And know that your reward will be great.
Vivat Jesus
Paul Spire
General Program Director