The Tar Heel Knight

Greetings from the mountains of North Carolina.
 
I’d like to start today with a thank you to all the councils that are Safe Environment compliant.  We already have a higher compliance percentage four months into this year than we had at any point last year.  So, thank you for getting this done.  The children and vulnerable adults in your parishes thank you as well.
 
Today I want to talk about a two-word phrase that might help some of you if you feel overwhelmed.  No, I’m not going to say it now.  I’m going to build the suspense like an “of the year” write-up (which are already due in less than 3 months – get ready to make a submission for the deserving brothers in your councils).  As some of you know, I am currently in my second year as my parish’s OCIA leader.  It’s an interesting group because you have adult converts combined with older teens coming back after not having completed their Sacraments when they were younger.  The materials I’m using are meant to challenge and inspire them to be disciples, and the questions posed fall along those lines.  An example is a question that asks how they are going to make love of God and neighbor more central to their lives.  Of course, big picture questions like that can seem overwhelming.  The big picture may be a little too big for where they are currently on their journey.  So I started amending those questions to add two little words at the end.  Am I ever going to tell you those words, you may ask?  Yes, and I’m sure they’re not what you think.  The words are “this week”.  Suddenly, the big picture question becomes more manageable when asked how they’ll make love of God and love of neighbor more central to their lives this week.
 
These two words can be helpful to your councils as well.  Perhaps you’re looking at the checklist for Star Council.  Instead of “how will I hit my membership quota?”, consider asking “how will I get one new member this week?”  Although it is always a good practice to have a council calendar planned out months in advance, it doesn’t mean you have to have it all planned out at one meeting.  “What programs do we want to consider for the calendar this week?”  If you come up with a couple of ideas each week between now and the beginning of the year, you’ll have a very quick calendar meeting in January.  And, of course, questions like the example I posed from OCIA should always be a part of the conversation.  If you ask “what will I do to show Christ’s love to others this week?” and spend time in prayer on that question, it will necessarily bleed into your work with your council and your council will be fruitful.  People are confronted with the fake and inauthentic on a daily basis.  If you and your council are performing as authentic disciples of Christ, people will recognize that and want to be a part of it.  “This week” is the mustard seed that will grow into a large tree.
 
What will I do this week?  One thing I know for certain I will be doing this week, which will be true whatever week you read this article:  I will be praying the Rosary this Sunday evening at 8:00 with Brother Knights from across the state of North Carolina.  You can join us at this link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5719261315?pwd=aXNtWUl4NldvUi9lcjVuVGMwYWxWUT09.
 
Later this month, we have a big event coming up at Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro.  On Saturday, November 22, there will be a Servant Leadership presentation by Supreme Representative/Past State Deputy Colin Jorsch.  If you can make it in person, the evening will start with 5:00 Mass, followed by a delicious spaghetti dinner prepared by Council 939, with the presentation starting at 7:00.  Check your emails for instructions on how to register to attend.  If Greensboro is too far away for you, there will be a livestream starting at 7:00.  A link to this livestream is being sent to all Grand Knights to pass on to their councils.
 
Finally, one last reminder that there will be a virtual meeting of anyone seeking more information about the possibility of running for State Warden at the upcoming State Convention in May.  This meeting will be Monday, November 10, at 8:00 PM.  Attending the meeting does not imply any commitment, only a curiosity.  Please email me at stateadvocate@gmail.com if interested in attending and I’ll send you the Zoom link.
 
I wish you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving this month.
 
“Entrust your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3
 
Vivat Jesus!