The Tar Heel Knight

My Brother Knights,
As the calendar turns to Thanksgiving, my heart is filled with gratitude for all the blessings in my life, faith, family, and the profound fraternity of the Knights of Columbus. This year, as we gather with loved ones, let us pause to reflect not only on personal gifts but on the monumental work we, the 20,000 members of this jurisdiction, have accomplished together through our focus on Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.
The vision of our Venerable Founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney, was simple yet revolutionary: Catholic men uniting to protect their families and serve the needy. Today, his vision is our living reality. Think back on the countless hours of service you have given this past fraternal year.

• The work you do - mobilized to run food drives, ensuring no neighbor went hungry this holiday season.
• The work you do - led prayer initiatives, strengthening the spiritual life of our parishes via men’s groups and COR.
• The work you do - supported our seminarians, investing in the future of the Church.
• The work you do - championed the cause of life, defending the most vulnerable in our society.

Every dollar raised, every meal served, every prayer offered, each act is a testament to the Principle of Charity that defines us. We all remember from our exemplification the lessons on Charity, which you live out every day.  Our collective impact is an overwhelming force for good, a witness to the Gospel that speaks louder than any words. You are the hands and feet of Christ in your communities.
Our mission is not accomplished alone. It is achieved through the unwavering spirit of Unity and Fraternity. We are network of trust and mutual support, a place where Catholic men can become better husbands, better fathers, and better citizens.
On November 1^st and 2^nd, we will hold a fourth-degree exemplification in both English and Spanish at St James the Greater in Concord. This is a great opportunity to celebrate our nation’s heritage of freedom and generosity; we also reaffirm our Patriotism. We are men devoted to God and country, standing up for both in the public square and in our daily lives.
The coming year will bring new challenges and new opportunities to serve. Let us use this time of reflection and gratitude to recharge our spiritual batteries and renew our commitment to the mission. We have done much, but there is always better to be done.
On behalf of the State Council, thank you. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your steadfast commitment to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. May God bless you and your families this Thanksgiving.

Vivat Jesus!
Fraternally,