Author: Tim Kelley
Greetings from the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Tempus fugit. Memento mori. The watchword of our Order. This has had a whole new meaning recently as it has hit close to home. As I write this, my wife is in the hospital in a battle for her life. This came completely out of the blue. I am sure many of you have experienced something similar. It certainly has given me time to reflect – and really appreciate – all that my membership in the Knights of Columbus has given me.
I spent five years on the Membership Team, evangelizing about how membership in the Knights helps you to be a better Catholic, a better husband, and a better father. Although I was never blessed to be the latter, I have no doubts about the tools the Knights have given me in the other two areas, particularly in the area of prayer to provide a sense of calm in the middle of the tempest. Praying the rosary daily, saying a novena to Blessed Father McGivney at my wife’s bedside – these are tools helping me through this time that are only in my toolbox because of the Knights of Columbus. I also have the fraternity and prayers of my Brother Knights, which have been greatly needed and appreciated.
There is one other thing that we should all be paying attention to, which goes back to our founding by Blessed Father McGivney – our fraternal benefits. Both my wife and I purchased life insurance policies through the Knights to make sure that the other isn’t left in a financial predicament if the unexpected were to happen. I hope I never collect from this policy, but if the worst case scenario happens, I know that bills and final expenses will be paid – a great piece of mind. If your council isn’t meeting with your field agent for a fraternal benefits event, you are shortchanging your brothers. And if your council isn’t offering the blessings of a Knights of Columbus membership to the other men in your parish, why not?
This is my next to last THK as “the forms guy,” so I want to remind those of you who did not get your SP-7 in at the Convention, to get that in as soon as possible, so that we can review the forms and make sure everything is in line for your councils to get the Star and Columbian Awards they have worked so hard for. If you wait until June 30 and there’s something missing, you’ll be out of luck and your councils will miss out on deserved recognition. Also, once you have had your election of officers for 2024-25, go ahead and submit that Form 185 – you don’t have to wait until June.
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I heart forms. I love my Brother Knights. Vivat Jesus!