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Knights of Columbus Deacon Raphael (Ray) Longpre Council #10441 5150 N. Valley View Road Tucson, Arizona 85718
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Desert Knightline
Knight of the Month Von Clarke is the council Knight of the Month for January 2016.
Besides serving as Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus Insurance programs, Von is very generous with his time, often volunteering to help at the Pancake Breakfasts, and participating in all our council fund-raising events. Thank you Von!
Schedule and Events
Council 10441 has several
important upcoming events that
all members are invited to
attend for an evening of fun and
fraternity. Please contact the
Brother Knight indicated to
make your arrangements to
attend these events.
Please try to attend at least one
Council meeting during this
fraternal year. If you need a ride
to the meeting, call GK Patrick
McMahon at 751-1614. Dress is
“Tucson Casual”.
See Page 11 for Schedule
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Grand Knight ~ Patrick McMahon Deputy Grand Knight ~ Allan Reith Chancellor ~ Bill Neer Recorder ~ John Goshy Treasurer ~ Gabe Guerrero Warden ~ PGK Vincent Baiocchetti Inside Guard ~ Bill Lake-Wright Outside Guard ~ Patrick Donahue Financial Secretary ~ Larry Lewis Advocate ~ Ray Bruns
Insurance Field Agent - Von Clarke
Chaplain ~ Fr. Chris Corbally, SJ Lecturer ~ PGK A. Martin Ronstadt 1 Year Trustee ~ PGK David Orr 2 Year Trustee ~ PGK Tom Metzger 3 Year Trustee ~ PGK Alex Wright Newsletter Editor ~ Tony Kenon Assistant Editor ~ Carolyn Mallonee
Meetings Second Thursday of the Month Officers ~ 6:45 p.m. All Knights ~ 7:30 p.m.
This Issue Grand Knight’s Corner P.2
Chaplain’s Corner P.3 Family of the Month P.3
Lecturer Article P.4 Deacon Ed’s Article P.6
Schedule of Events P.11 Knight of the Month P.12
January 2016
The Desert Knightline ~ January 2016
Venerable Servant of God Father Michael J. McGivney
I S S U E MONTHLY
NEWSLETTER
Deacon Raphael (Ray) Longpre Council 10441 Chartered July 3, 1990, Tucson, Arizona
http://kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/index.asp?CNO=10441
~ Grand Knight’s Corner ~ Patrick McMahon January ~
Members’ Birthdays
Kelly J. Bequette
Rev. Christopher J. Corbally S.J.
Daniel J. Davis
Timothy J. Donovan
Ignacio Garcia-Nicoletti
Ron S. Gretka
Matthew D. Karnas
Stephen O. Mroczka
Joseph A. Orth
Tony S. Pittner
David C. Ramsower
Allan J. Reith
Robert H. Sarikas
Jeffrey S. Schaefer
William J. Skieresz
Adam E. Wypych
Andrew C. Pongratz
January ~ Wives’ Birthdays
Nancy Claffey
Mary Cooper
Joan Lang
Arden Maas
Barbara Mohr
Josephine Neihart
Celine Olvera
Joan Ruble
Toni Marie Way
New Year’s resolution, but I do plan to continue my commitment as the Grand Knight, and I am thankful for all the support I have received from my Brother Knights. I think we had a great turnout for the December 6th Christmas party, and I thank Tom Bohan, Diane Bohan, Marty Ronstadt, Larry Lewis and Randy Hannon for all their energy in putting on this event.
On January 9th the 4th degree exemplification will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Tucson, and as most of you know, our own Marty Ronstadt will be honored as the class honoree. I hope that more of our council’s Brother Knights will consider advancing to the Patriotic degree.
Our next five months will be busy with the usual Pancake Breakfasts, Blood Drives, and Coffee and Donuts at St. Thomas. Also, our Lenten Soup and Bread Fridays and St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser, and Knights of Columbus Raffle Ticket Sales are right around the corner. We need everyone’s help, so please get involved.
Vivat Jesus,
Patrick
Brother Knights, I hope you all had a Blessed Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. For those of you who work full time, I sincerely hope you had a decent break from the grind. I can’t remember the last time I made a
~ Schedule of Events ~
Page 2
JANUARY 2016
Date Day Event
1 Friday New Year’s Day – The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – Holy Day of Obligation – Go to Mass!
2 Saturday Roundtable Discussion, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Parish Library 3 Sunday 2nd/3rd Degree Exemplification, Council 1200, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 9 Saturday Council 10441 Hoops Tournament, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., St. Thomas 9 Saturday Fourth Degree Exemplification, Doubletree Hotel, Tucson
10 Sunday Pancake Breakfast, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. 11 Monday Chief Judge John Roll Chapter Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Holy Family Church 14 Thursday Council 10441 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. (Officers Meet at 6:45 p.m.) 17 Sunday Blood Drive, 7:30 a.m. – Noon, Parish Hall 21 Thursday Assembly 2392 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. 31 Sunday K of C Coffee and Doughnuts, 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
FEBRUARY 2016
Date Day Event
6 Saturday Roundtable Discussion, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Parish Library 7 Sunday Pancake Breakfast, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. 8 Monday Chief Judge John Roll Chapter Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Holy Family Church 9 Tuesday Mardi Gras
10 Wednesday Ash Wednesday. Lent begins 11 Thursday Council 10441 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. (Officers Meet at 6:45 p.m.) 12 Friday Soup and Bread Supper, 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., Parish Hall 18 Thursday Assembly 2392 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. 19 Friday Soup and Bread Supper, 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., Parish Hall 21 Sunday K of C Coffee and Doughnuts, 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 26 Friday Soup and Bread Supper, 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., Parish Hall
Check our webpage for future calendar events at: http://kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/index.asp?CNO=10441
Fr. George Holley addresses the St. Thomas Parish near the conclusion of his Ordination Mass on December 19th. Fr. George has been a cherished member of Council 10441 and recently completed his seminarian education at Sacred Heart School of theology in Wisconsin.
Two new 1st Degree Brother Knights became members of Council 10441 on December 16, 2015. From left to right Sam Marquez and Jim Brodecki were exemplified at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Council 1200. Please welcome Sam and Jim to our Council.
Roundtable discussion on January 2nd so well, a discussion that continues our consideration ofthe encyclical Laudato Si’. Never fear: we shall have January’s intention next month since inturn it fits February’s Roundtable well!
Also, New Year is a traditional time for making resolutions the sort we can keep, of course. Aresolution concerning how we shall make a little change in our lifestyle, and that of our family ifit applies, to cultivate and protect creation, is a good one to consider. Something that will helpus be healthier, maybe drive less, or get into the habit of saying a grace before meals, canseem small in the worldwide scheme of major concerns; but it leads to a habit taking goodcare of creation, God’s gift to us. Such good habits add up.
Resolutions, if they are to be kept, need strong motivation. How better to maintain motivationthat with regular prayer on a theme such as the Pope suggests? Resolutions also needencouragement from ourselves and others. That’s where fellow Knights come in!
May the New Year bring many blessings to you and those you love.
Chris Corbally, SJ
~ Chaplain’s Corner ~ Fr. Chris Corbally
“That we may take good care of creation a gift freelygiven cultivating and protecting it for future generations.”Pope Francis’ Prayer Network for 2016.
I’ve taken the liberty of presenting the Pope’s universalprayer intention for February here. It fits the topic of the
Marty and Babs Ronstadt are the Council#10441 Family of the Month for January2016.
Council #10441 is quite fortunate to haveMarty as our Council Lecturer. As afounding council member, Marty has helpedinitiate many of the activities that we do ona regular basis, such as the Blood Drivesand Pancake Breakfasts, and provides ahistorical reference for many otheractivities. Babs has always been by his sideproviding support. Thank you Marty andBabs!
~ Family of the Month ~
Page 10
January ~ Wedding Anniversaries
Rodney and Margarita Clary
Jack and Sarah Million
Brian and Christina O’Connell
William and Jeanne Perry
Patrick and Jackie Rylance
Guillermo and Ilsa Teran
Kenneth and Shelley Wolfe
Humberto and Esther Zamudio
~ Upcoming Events ~
Knights of Columbus Patriotic 4th Degree ~ The next scheduled Exemplification of the Fourth Degree will be in Tucson on Saturday, January 9th, 2016. Our own A. Martin (Marty) Ronstadt will be the class honoree. The ceremonial and the banquet will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Way. Registration forms were required no later than January 4th.
To learn more about the Patriotic Degree and how to join its ranks, contact Tom Metzger at [email protected] or Patrick McMahon at [email protected].
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship ~ Brother Knights, we have an upcoming fun council event the Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw Championship Contest for boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Our council’s competition will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Parking Lot (Southeast corner). Contestants will compete in their respective age divisions. Winners can progress through local, district and state competition. We will award to all participants a KofC Free Throw Competition Patch. Participants must have parental consent. Council Brother Knights are requested to support this event by inviting boys and girls ages 9 to 14 (ages as of January 1) that you may know in our community to participate in this annual council event (no cost). For additional information contact Tom Metzger 520-529-8241, [email protected] or Steve Villaescusa 520-338-2145, [email protected].
Blood Drive ~ Our next scheduled Blood Drive is January 17th in the Parish Hall from 7:30 a.m. until noon. Please donate, if able, or help out with registration, or passing out refreshments in the canteen area.
Lenten Soup and Bread ~ Ash Wednesday (February 10th) and Easter Sunday (March 27th) come early this year. With that in mind, our council Knights will once again encourage fellow parishioners to attend Stations of the Cross by offering an inexpensive meal of “Soup and Bread” in the parish hall before the Stations on Fridays during Lent. Our first “Soup and Bread” will begin on February 12th. Please contact Brother Vinnie Baiocchetti at 520-742-5302 or [email protected] to participate in this endeavor.
P
5
Fr. Chris Corbally and Fr. Ken Wolfe share a relaxing moment at the Council Christmas party which was held at the Skyline Country Club on December 6th.
~ Lecturer Article ~ Marty Ronstadt
titled Medina The First Muslim Refugee Resettlement Program. Wives and guests are encouraged to attend as are all our council Knights. This is an opportunity to enhance our spirituality, since the study of our religion leads us to a better understanding of our faith and draws us closer to our Creator. Our discussions serve us well in this effort! Be reminded this is a discussion and not a debate. Welcome all!
Pancake Breakfast ~ Our last breakfast, which was held on Sunday, December 6th, was a big success as reported by chairman, Lloyd LaComb. A total of 135 meals were served, which after all expenses, resulted in $369 being transferred to the council’s general fund. January’s breakfast will be on Sunday the 10th to coincide with the children’s mass and liturgy. Breakfast will be after the 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. masses as usual. Our worthy Knight workers included Kelly Bequette, Ray Bruns, Charlie Farnsworth, Bab Gonzalez, Ron Gretka, Randy Hannon, Jeff Kennedy, Joe Kasper, Lloyd LaComb, Finn Larkin, James McKearney, Patrick McMahon, Tom Metzger, TK Mohr and Allan Reith.
Red Cross Blood Drive ~ Our January blood drive will change from the 2nd Sunday to the 3rd Sunday of the month to accommodate other events. The January 17th blood drive will be as usual from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. We will need some extra volunteers, as some will be attending the Mass and Dinner with the Bishop at Skyline at 4:00 p.m. Volunteers can possibly donate a pint of blood and help out for an hour or two at the canteen or the sign-in desk. Sign-up sheets to donate are in the narthex of the church. Blood drives are one of the principal programs supported by the Knights of Columbus as part of “Community Support”.
Mass and Dinner with the Bishop ~ This event (our 12th annual) will be held once again at Skyline Country Club on Sunday, January 17, 2016 with Mass at 4:00 p.m., followed by a social hour and the banquet. This year we are including the support of seminary education as well as support of our retired priests. Our honorees this year will be Msgr. Tom Millane, Fr. Gerald Cote, newly ordained Fr. Allan Valencia, and just ordained Fr. George Holley. The cost will remain at $150 per person with $100 being a tax deduction. We urge all our brother knights to support our retired priests as well as our seminarians. Please mail your checks and registration form to: Comptroller, SK Larry Lewis, 5788 E. Paseo Cimarron, 85750.
Council Shirts ~ Council shirts are now available at council meetings and other events at the low price of $20. They are a 50/50 polyester and cotton blend in a navy blue, with a left pocket and the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus logo. They are in stock in sizes M, L, XL and XXL. The price includes your name embroidered, if you so desire, by taking the shirt to Skeeters Embroiderer. Each shirt has the name and address of the embroiderer in the pocket.
~ Christmas ~
Knights Round Table ~ Our January discussion will be held after the 8:00 a.m. Chapel Mass on Saturday, January 2, 2016. As usual, the discussion will be in the parish library. We will have coffee and doughnuts, and chat with our mentors who for this gathering will be Fathers Chris Corbally and Paul Gabor. Our topic for discussion will be what amounts to the second half of Laudato Si. Because the Encyclical is so massive, Father split it up into two parts when he wrote up the discussion handouts. Our February discussion was suggested by Kamal Dimitri, and Father Chris secured an article by William Kilpatrick from Crisis Magazine dated December 1, 2015 and
Randy Hannon does a great job listening for the next winning ticket announcement during the Council Christmas Party raffle.
Page 4
Santa Cruz Grade School was the recipient of two boxes of coats and several bags of Christmas toys. Pictured here (l to r), Fr. David Guzman (Parochial Administrator), SK T.K. Mohr, and SK Bob Gonzalez. The coats reflected the Council’s participation in the Knights “Coats for Kids” program, while the toys were collected at the Council’s Annual Christmas Party.
Lou Attinasi receives his certificate as the council’sNovember Knight of the Month.
Jeff Kennedy and Allan Reith (l to r) accept certificates from GK Patrick McMahon forFamily of the Month for November and December 2015, respectively.
~ Awards ~
Page 8
PGK Alex Wright is given his well-deserved pinby Grand Knight Patrick McMahon for StarCouncil Grand Knight for fraternal year 2014-2015.
~ Insurance Check-Up for 2016 ~
Where did 2015 go? It seems like it was summer yesterday and Easter was last week.
I hope you and your family had a great finish to 2015. Now, the first quarter of 2016 is here.
Hopefully, you’ve established a few goals for this year. I’ve learned a great tip regarding resolutions. First, write them down. It’s not too late if you haven’t already done this. Commit your goals to paper and post it some place you will see it often. Writing down a goal is the first step towards achieving it. I don’t know exactly how this works, but I’ve heard stories of the success this simple task can bring. Whether your goal is to exercise more, give more to charity, read more or watch less television, you’re more likely to accomplish it if you write it down.
Second, resolve to have an expert look at your finances. I recommend that you have a team of experts help you, and I should be among the first you sit with. Schedule some time to visit with me, your professional Knights of Columbus insurance agent, and I’ll provide an “insurance check-up” that will quickly identify any gaps in your family’s life insurance program. And you’ll want to fill those gaps now, not later. Unlike many other products, you don’t just need money to obtain life insurance; you also need good health, and no one knows when your health could change.
Also, make it a point to check out our Long Term Care and Disability policies. A Long Term Care policy provides valuable security and allows you to pay much less than out of pocket costs for Adult Care services. Our program has an added bonus A “Provider Pathway”, a program offering access to a network of long-term care providers at discounted rates. The network includes discounts on products such as hearing aids, diabetic supplies, personal emergency response systems, and durable medical equipment, as well as skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and adult day care.
Our Disability program protects your most valuable asset your paycheck! What would the options be for your family should you become disabled tomorrow? Protect yourself and your family today. Let’s chat soon.
Did I mention my check-up is free of charge? When was the last time you received something for free that could be providing value to you and your family for generations? Call me today.
Von Clarke, FICF Field Agent 1503 E. Fort Lowell Road, Apt. F Tucson, Arizona 85719
(520) 269-8885 – Cell(520) 269-8885 – [email protected]
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6
Prayers for the Sick and Distressed ~
Johanna Bovo
Rudy Contreras
Deb Crawford
Ralph DeMarino
Luis Nunes Diaz
Bernice Donahue
Doris Goshy
Mary Green
Marissa Holmberg
Donald Mallonee III
Bernard Mohr
Richard Newcomb
Jim Niehart
Jo Niehart
Dorothy Pekarcik
Annette Perini
Josephine Perrelli
Brother Knight Mike Quigley
Molly Ramsower
Babs Ronstadt
Brother SK Marty Ronstadt
Coleen Sheppard
Matthew Skertic
Julie Tangeman
REV Joseph Terra
Frank Vasquez
Jackie Vasquez
Theresa Vassallo
Brother Knight Bob Wenzel
Mike Whitman
Sue Wilson
Pray for the Repose of the Souls of ~
Sister Lupita Barajas
Brother Ed Brucker, M.D.
Brother Knight Dan Castillo
Charlene DeMartino
Lucielle Diaz
Jack Donahue
Michelle Habra
Patricia Johannesmeyer
Kay Leach
Brother SK Robert Leach
Leo Mohr
Steve Newcomb
Rita Sarikas
Brother Knight Ernest Skinner
Hilda Smith
Brother SK Mike Thomas
Kent Williams
Brother SK Larry Wilson
Page 6
Is human life sacred?
The Catholic Church’s response is a firm yes – all life is sacred. The Church states that since all life is sacred all life is deserving of dignity and respect. True as it is, honoring and remaining true to this is not easily accomplished.
Around thirty two years ago, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin coined a phrase that contains the litmus test whether one passes holding all life sacred - Consistent Ethic of Life. Bernardin said that one must hold fast to this consistent ethic of life, because all life is made in the image and likeness of God. He re-stated the core reality of Catholic morality itself rests in defending all human life and that this morality is rooted in protecting every human person. The Catholic Church fully subscribes to this teaching. The Church is either right or it’s wrong on this issue. All human life either is or it isn’t created in the image and likeness of God. If all life is indeed made in God’s image then it is pretty hard to argue against any and all life not being sacred. In effect, a consistent ethic of life means that all areas that attack human life are interrelated. The personal ending of human life must be fought on every front. The Church teaches that everything possible needs to be done to preserve a consistent ethic of life.
One of the most significant factors determining moral direction is the attitude of a culture. And the attitude that society has towards life issues is a driving force towards where our moral direction is headed. The reality is there are many strong positions on life issues like abortion, euthanasia, war, poverty, and capital punishment. Here is the thing though; to deny respect, or diminish respect for any one aspect of life minimizes the sacredness of life across the board. This is not to say that all life issues are equal. They are not. There is no way to compare one thousand three hundred and eighty nine death row executions with fifty eight million five hundred and forty four thousand plus abortions since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. To share with you personally how strongly I feel, I would be hard pressed to believe there is any greater evil being witnessed in the world today than the millions of abortions that happen every year. The innocent child in the womb is the most vulnerable among us. And candidly, as much as I really do work at loving all, I personally struggle trying to understand how one can vote for someone who feels that abortion is a basic right of the individual.
Holding true to a consistent ethic of life doesn’t end with one issue. We cannot just stand in line and say we are opposed to abortion but do nothing to support ways that bring dignity to life to all areas of life being attacked, without any distinction of race, nationality, religion, political opinion or social class. This does not mean that one has to actively volunteer and fight for every cause. It means that all life issues are relevant and cannot be ignored.
There is something else that troubles me greatly as I am get older. This nation holds the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights in high esteem. Yet I have come to believe it is deplorable and scandalous that this nation claims boldly that we protect human rights as our primary aim. The truth is there are widespread attacks on human life in this very land we live in. There are unbelievable numbers of human life being marginalized, rejected, and oppressed. Human life is being sacrificed daily in the land of the free. There is incredible injustice and violation of human dignity taking place right here in the United States and I think our moral compass appears to be lost.
~ Life Matters No Matter What ~
By Deacon Ed Sheffer
My fellow Knights; like many of you, I believe nothing else matters when we get defense of life wrong. Life is precious. All life is precious. The little old lady who is withering away in hospice waiting to die is precious. The ones wandering the streets homeless are precious. The soldier fighting on foreign land is precious. The one who feels they have nothing to live for and are looking for support to end their life remain precious. And there are many who disagree with this, but the man who commits a heinous crime and is sitting on death row is also precious. You see, our dignity does not rest in anything we will ever say or do. The worst thing anyone does is not what defines their dignity. Each and every one of our dignity rests in the very fact that we come from God. The life that comes from God must be defended. And this nation is failing to protect life on many, many fronts. It is fraud and self-deception to believe we are doing a good job protecting life.
Here is something else I will share with you. I had several people tell me they were dismayed by Pope Francis using precious time before the Joint Meeting of the United States Congress to call for abolishing the death penalty. What they wanted was for him to speak to the more popular consistent ethic of life issue, abortion. I am quick to remind people of two things when they bring this up. One, the Pope wrote an Apostolic Exhortation (Evangelli Gaudium), which was and remains a much more important declaration. He was crystal clear in The Joy of the Gospel on the intrinsic evil of ending the life of an unborn child. Secondly, there are times in the political climate when it feels right to push hard on one front of the consistent ethic of life spectrum. This does not mean the issue being spoken to stands as the greater priority.
I believe there are at least two significant reasons why the Church’s consistent ethic of life is not only valid but essential. As I have said, there clearly are threats to life in the United States. And the vast majority of life being threatened in this country is not coming at the hands of some foreign predator or terrorist. It is coming at the hands of this nations own citizens and being supported by laws instituted at the highest levels of our government. The second reason I would offer is this, we either have a moral compass or we don’t.
The hope we have that life will become sacred will always rest in Christ, but we must seek to be more and more in oneness with him. We too must die to ourselves to seek life for others. And I sense that for our culture to fully change then attitudes towards sacredness of life that we struggle with personally have to change. Candidly, we typically are more comfortable defending certain life issues, but all life matters, no matter what state life is in. And an attitude that comes to believe in the fuller reality of the sacredness of life is what will translate into changing base moral positions in this country and in the world.
Brothers, I would ask you to mark your calendars. The Tucson annual March for Life is Saturday, January 16, 2016. It starts with a 9:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral, with Bishop Kicanas presiding. It is followed by a march to Holy Hope Cemetery. The March for Life is a prayerful witness to the sanctity of human life and is dignified and non-provoking in its approach. Let us never lose sight that protection of the person is the foundation of the Catholic Church's concern in its entire social ministry. The role that each of us is to play is to be a voice, a human being who through presence articulates concern that human life sacred. Please, seriously consider joining us and making a statement with action.
~ Continued ~
.
6
Prayers for the Sick and Distressed ~
Johanna Bovo
Rudy Contreras
Deb Crawford
Ralph DeMarino
Luis Nunes Diaz
Bernice Donahue
Doris Goshy
Mary Green
Marissa Holmberg
Donald Mallonee III
Bernard Mohr
Richard Newcomb
Jim Niehart
Jo Niehart
Dorothy Pekarcik
Annette Perini
Josephine Perrelli
Brother Knight Mike Quigley
Molly Ramsower
Babs Ronstadt
Brother SK Marty Ronstadt
Coleen Sheppard
Matthew Skertic
Julie Tangeman
REV Joseph Terra
Frank Vasquez
Jackie Vasquez
Theresa Vassallo
Brother Knight Bob Wenzel
Mike Whitman
Sue Wilson
Pray for the Repose of the Souls of ~
Sister Lupita Barajas
Brother Ed Brucker, M.D.
Brother Knight Dan Castillo
Charlene DeMartino
Lucielle Diaz
Jack Donahue
Michelle Habra
Patricia Johannesmeyer
Kay Leach
Brother SK Robert Leach
Leo Mohr
Steve Newcomb
Rita Sarikas
Brother Knight Ernest Skinner
Hilda Smith
Brother SK Mike Thomas
Kent Williams
Brother SK Larry Wilson
Page 6
Is human life sacred?
The Catholic Church’s response is a firm yes – all life is sacred. The Church states that since all life is sacred all life is deserving of dignity and respect. True as it is, honoring and remaining true to this is not easily accomplished.
Around thirty two years ago, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin coined a phrase that contains the litmus test whether one passes holding all life sacred - Consistent Ethic of Life. Bernardin said that one must hold fast to this consistent ethic of life, because all life is made in the image and likeness of God. He re-stated the core reality of Catholic morality itself rests in defending all human life and that this morality is rooted in protecting every human person. The Catholic Church fully subscribes to this teaching. The Church is either right or it’s wrong on this issue. All human life either is or it isn’t created in the image and likeness of God. If all life is indeed made in God’s image then it is pretty hard to argue against any and all life not being sacred. In effect, a consistent ethic of life means that all areas that attack human life are interrelated. The personal ending of human life must be fought on every front. The Church teaches that everything possible needs to be done to preserve a consistent ethic of life.
One of the most significant factors determining moral direction is the attitude of a culture. And the attitude that society has towards life issues is a driving force towards where our moral direction is headed. The reality is there are many strong positions on life issues like abortion, euthanasia, war, poverty, and capital punishment. Here is the thing though; to deny respect, or diminish respect for any one aspect of life minimizes the sacredness of life across the board. This is not to say that all life issues are equal. They are not. There is no way to compare one thousand three hundred and eighty nine death row executions with fifty eight million five hundred and forty four thousand plus abortions since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. To share with you personally how strongly I feel, I would be hard pressed to believe there is any greater evil being witnessed in the world today than the millions of abortions that happen every year. The innocent child in the womb is the most vulnerable among us. And candidly, as much as I really do work at loving all, I personally struggle trying to understand how one can vote for someone who feels that abortion is a basic right of the individual.
Holding true to a consistent ethic of life doesn’t end with one issue. We cannot just stand in line and say we are opposed to abortion but do nothing to support ways that bring dignity to life to all areas of life being attacked, without any distinction of race, nationality, religion, political opinion or social class. This does not mean that one has to actively volunteer and fight for every cause. It means that all life issues are relevant and cannot be ignored.
There is something else that troubles me greatly as I am get older. This nation holds the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights in high esteem. Yet I have come to believe it is deplorable and scandalous that this nation claims boldly that we protect human rights as our primary aim. The truth is there are widespread attacks on human life in this very land we live in. There are unbelievable numbers of human life being marginalized, rejected, and oppressed. Human life is being sacrificed daily in the land of the free. There is incredible injustice and violation of human dignity taking place right here in the United States and I think our moral compass appears to be lost.
~ Life Matters No Matter What ~
By Deacon Ed Sheffer
My fellow Knights; like many of you, I believe nothing else matters when we get defense of life wrong. Life is precious. All life is precious. The little old lady who is withering away in hospice waiting to die is precious. The ones wandering the streets homeless are precious. The soldier fighting on foreign land is precious. The one who feels they have nothing to live for and are looking for support to end their life remain precious. And there are many who disagree with this, but the man who commits a heinous crime and is sitting on death row is also precious. You see, our dignity does not rest in anything we will ever say or do. The worst thing anyone does is not what defines their dignity. Each and every one of our dignity rests in the very fact that we come from God. The life that comes from God must be defended. And this nation is failing to protect life on many, many fronts. It is fraud and self-deception to believe we are doing a good job protecting life.
Here is something else I will share with you. I had several people tell me they were dismayed by Pope Francis using precious time before the Joint Meeting of the United States Congress to call for abolishing the death penalty. What they wanted was for him to speak to the more popular consistent ethic of life issue, abortion. I am quick to remind people of two things when they bring this up. One, the Pope wrote an Apostolic Exhortation (Evangelli Gaudium), which was and remains a much more important declaration. He was crystal clear in The Joy of the Gospel on the intrinsic evil of ending the life of an unborn child. Secondly, there are times in the political climate when it feels right to push hard on one front of the consistent ethic of life spectrum. This does not mean the issue being spoken to stands as the greater priority.
I believe there are at least two significant reasons why the Church’s consistent ethic of life is not only valid but essential. As I have said, there clearly are threats to life in the United States. And the vast majority of life being threatened in this country is not coming at the hands of some foreign predator or terrorist. It is coming at the hands of this nations own citizens and being supported by laws instituted at the highest levels of our government. The second reason I would offer is this, we either have a moral compass or we don’t.
The hope we have that life will become sacred will always rest in Christ, but we must seek to be more and more in oneness with him. We too must die to ourselves to seek life for others. And I sense that for our culture to fully change then attitudes towards sacredness of life that we struggle with personally have to change. Candidly, we typically are more comfortable defending certain life issues, but all life matters, no matter what state life is in. And an attitude that comes to believe in the fuller reality of the sacredness of life is what will translate into changing base moral positions in this country and in the world.
Brothers, I would ask you to mark your calendars. The Tucson annual March for Life is Saturday, January 16, 2016. It starts with a 9:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral, with Bishop Kicanas presiding. It is followed by a march to Holy Hope Cemetery. The March for Life is a prayerful witness to the sanctity of human life and is dignified and non-provoking in its approach. Let us never lose sight that protection of the person is the foundation of the Catholic Church's concern in its entire social ministry. The role that each of us is to play is to be a voice, a human being who through presence articulates concern that human life sacred. Please, seriously consider joining us and making a statement with action.
~ Continued ~
Lou Attinasi receives his certificate as the council’sNovember Knight of the Month.
Jeff Kennedy and Allan Reith (l to r) accept certificates from GK Patrick McMahon forFamily of the Month for November and December 2015, respectively.
~ Awards ~
Page 8
PGK Alex Wright is given his well-deserved pinby Grand Knight Patrick McMahon for StarCouncil Grand Knight for fraternal year 2014-2015.
~ Insurance Check-Up for 2016 ~ Where did 2015 go? It seems like it was summer yesterday and Easter was last week.
I hope you and your family had a great finish to 2015. Now, the first quarter of 2016 is here.
Hopefully, you’ve established a few goals for this year. I’ve learned a great tip regarding resolutions. First, write them down. It’s not too late if you haven’t already done this. Commit your goals to paper and post it some place you will see it often. Writing down a goal is the first step towards achieving it. I don’t know exactly how this works, but I’ve heard stories of the success this simple task can bring. Whether your goal is to exercise more, give more to charity, read more or watch less television, you’re more likely to accomplish it if you write it down.
Second, resolve to have an expert look at your finances. I recommend that you have a team of experts help you, and I should be among the first you sit with. Schedule some time to visit with me, your professional Knights of Columbus insurance agent, and I’ll provide an “insurance check-up” that will quickly identify any gaps in your family’s life insurance program. And you’ll want to fill those gaps now, not later. Unlike many other products, you don’t just need money to obtain life insurance; you also need good health, and no one knows when your health could change.
Also, make it a point to check out our Long Term Care and Disability policies. A Long Term Care policy provides valuable security and allows you to pay much less than out of pocket costs for Adult Care services. Our program has an added bonus A “Provider Pathway”, a program offering access to a network of long-term care providers at discounted rates. The network includes discounts on products such as hearing aids, diabetic supplies, personal emergency response systems, and durable medical equipment, as well as skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and adult day care.
Our Disability program protects your most valuable asset your paycheck! What would the options be for your family should you become disabled tomorrow? Protect yourself and your family today. Let’s chat soon.
Did I mention my check-up is free of charge? When was the last time you received something for free that could be providing value to you and your family for generations? Call me today.
Von Clarke, FICF Field Agent 1503 E. Fort Lowell Road, Apt. F Tucson, Arizona 85719 (520) 269-8885 – Cell (520) 269-8885 – Office [email protected]
P
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Fr. Chris Corbally and Fr. Ken Wolfe share a relaxing moment at the Council Christmas party which was held at the Skyline Country Club on December 6th.
~ Lecturer Article ~ Marty Ronstadt
titled Medina The First Muslim Refugee Resettlement Program. Wives and guests are encouraged to attend as are all our council Knights. This is an opportunity to enhance our spirituality, since the study of our religion leads us to a better understanding of our faith and draws us closer to our Creator. Our discussions serve us well in this effort! Be reminded this is a discussion and not a debate. Welcome all!
Pancake Breakfast ~ Our last breakfast, which was held on Sunday, December 6th, was a big success as reported by chairman, Lloyd LaComb. A total of 135 meals were served, which after all expenses, resulted in $369 being transferred to the council’s general fund. January’s breakfast will be on Sunday the 10th to coincide with the children’s mass and liturgy. Breakfast will be after the 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. masses as usual. Our worthy Knight workers included Kelly Bequette, Ray Bruns, Charlie Farnsworth, Bab Gonzalez, Ron Gretka, Randy Hannon, Jeff Kennedy, Joe Kasper, Lloyd LaComb, Finn Larkin, James McKearney, Patrick McMahon, Tom Metzger, TK Mohr and Allan Reith.
Red Cross Blood Drive ~ Our January blood drive will change from the 2nd Sunday to the 3rd Sunday of the month to accommodate other events. The January 17th blood drive will be as usual from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. We will need some extra volunteers, as some will be attending the Mass and Dinner with the Bishop at Skyline at 4:00 p.m. Volunteers can possibly donate a pint of blood and help out for an hour or two at the canteen or the sign-in desk. Sign-up sheets to donate are in the narthex of the church. Blood drives are one of the principal programs supported by the Knights of Columbus as part of “Community Support”.
Mass and Dinner with the Bishop ~ This event (our 12th annual) will be held once again at Skyline Country Club on Sunday, January 17, 2016 with Mass at 4:00 p.m., followed by a social hour and the banquet. This year we are including the support of seminary education as well as support of our retired priests. Our honorees this year will be Msgr. Tom Millane, Fr. Gerald Cote, newly ordained Fr. Allan Valencia, and just ordained Fr. George Holley. The cost will remain at $150 per person with $100 being a tax deduction. We urge all our brother knights to support our retired priests as well as our seminarians. Please mail your checks and registration form to: Comptroller, SK Larry Lewis, 5788 E. Paseo Cimarron, 85750.
Council Shirts ~ Council shirts are now available at council meetings and other events at the low price of $20. They are a 50/50 polyester and cotton blend in a navy blue, with a left pocket and the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus logo. They are in stock in sizes M, L, XL and XXL. The price includes your name embroidered, if you so desire, by taking the shirt to Skeeters Embroiderer. Each shirt has the name and address of the embroiderer in the pocket.
~ Christmas ~
Knights Round Table ~ Our January discussion will be held after the 8:00 a.m. Chapel Mass on Saturday, January 2, 2016. As usual, the discussion will be in the parish library. We will have coffee and doughnuts, and chat with our mentors who for this gathering will be Fathers Chris Corbally and Paul Gabor. Our topic for discussion will be what amounts to the second half of Laudato Si. Because the Encyclical is so massive, Father split it up into two parts when he wrote up the discussion handouts. Our February discussion was suggested by Kamal Dimitri, and Father Chris secured an article by William Kilpatrick from Crisis Magazine dated December 1, 2015 and
Randy Hannon does a great job listening for the next winning ticket announcement during the Council Christmas Party raffle.
Page 4
Santa Cruz Grade School was the recipient of two boxes of coats and several bags of Christmas toys. Pictured here (l to r), Fr. David Guzman (Parochial Administrator), SK T.K. Mohr, and SK Bob Gonzalez. The coats reflected the Council’s participation in the Knights “Coats for Kids” program, while the toys were collected at the Council’s Annual Christmas Party.
Roundtable discussion on January 2nd so well, a discussion that continues our consideration ofthe encyclical Laudato Si’. Never fear: we shall have January’s intention next month since inturn it fits February’s Roundtable well!
Also, New Year is a traditional time for making resolutions the sort we can keep, of course. Aresolution concerning how we shall make a little change in our lifestyle, and that of our family ifit applies, to cultivate and protect creation, is a good one to consider. Something that will helpus be healthier, maybe drive less, or get into the habit of saying a grace before meals, canseem small in the worldwide scheme of major concerns; but it leads to a habit taking goodcare of creation, God’s gift to us. Such good habits add up.
Resolutions, if they are to be kept, need strong motivation. How better to maintain motivationthat with regular prayer on a theme such as the Pope suggests? Resolutions also needencouragement from ourselves and others. That’s where fellow Knights come in!
May the New Year bring many blessings to you and those you love.
Chris Corbally, SJ
~ Chaplain’s Corner ~ Fr. Chris Corbally
“That we may take good care of creation a gift freelygiven cultivating and protecting it for future generations.”Pope Francis’ Prayer Network for 2016.
I’ve taken the liberty of presenting the Pope’s universalprayer intention for February here. It fits the topic of the
Marty and Babs Ronstadt are the Council#10441 Family of the Month for January2016.
Council #10441 is quite fortunate to haveMarty as our Council Lecturer. As afounding council member, Marty has helpedinitiate many of the activities that we do ona regular basis, such as the Blood Drivesand Pancake Breakfasts, and provides ahistorical reference for many otheractivities. Babs has always been by his sideproviding support. Thank you Marty andBabs!
~ Family of the Month ~
Page 10
January ~ Wedding Anniversaries
Rodney and Margarita Clary
Jack and Sarah Million
Brian and Christina O’Connell
William and Jeanne Perry
Patrick and Jackie Rylance
Guillermo and Ilsa Teran
Kenneth and Shelley Wolfe
Humberto and Esther Zamudio
~ Upcoming Events ~
Knights of Columbus Patriotic 4th Degree ~ The next scheduled Exemplification of the Fourth Degree will be in Tucson on Saturday, January 9th, 2016. Our own A. Martin (Marty) Ronstadt will be the class honoree. The ceremonial and the banquet will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Way. Registration forms were required no later than January 4th.
To learn more about the Patriotic Degree and how to join its ranks, contact Tom Metzger at [email protected] or Patrick McMahon at [email protected].
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship ~ Brother Knights, we have an upcoming fun council event the Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw Championship Contest for boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Our council’s competition will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Parking Lot (Southeast corner). Contestants will compete in their respective age divisions. Winners can progress through local, district and state competition. We will award to all participants a KofC Free Throw Competition Patch. Participants must have parental consent. Council Brother Knights are requested to support this event by inviting boys and girls ages 9 to 14 (ages as of January 1) that you may know in our community to participate in this annual council event (no cost). For additional information contact Tom Metzger 520-529-8241, [email protected] or Steve Villaescusa 520-338-2145, [email protected].
Blood Drive ~ Our next scheduled Blood Drive is January 17th in the Parish Hall from 7:30 a.m. until noon. Please donate, if able, or help out with registration, or passing out refreshments in the canteen area.
Lenten Soup and Bread ~ Ash Wednesday (February 10th) and Easter Sunday (March 27th) come early this year. With that in mind, our council Knights will once again encourage fellow parishioners to attend Stations of the Cross by offering an inexpensive meal of “Soup and Bread” in the parish hall before the Stations on Fridays during Lent. Our first “Soup and Bread” will begin on February 12th. Please contact Brother Vinnie Baiocchetti at 520-742-5302 or [email protected] to participate in this endeavor.
~ Grand Knight’s Corner ~ Patrick McMahon January ~
Members’ Birthdays
Kelly J. Bequette
Rev. Christopher J. Corbally S.J.
Daniel J. Davis
Timothy J. Donovan
Ignacio Garcia-Nicoletti
Ron S. Gretka
Matthew D. Karnas
Stephen O. Mroczka
Joseph A. Orth
Tony S. Pittner
David C. Ramsower
Allan J. Reith
Robert H. Sarikas
Jeffrey S. Schaefer
William J. Skieresz
Adam E. Wypych
Andrew C. Pongratz
January ~ Wives’ Birthdays
Nancy Claffey
Mary Cooper
Joan Lang
Arden Maas
Barbara Mohr
Josephine Neihart
Celine Olvera
Joan Ruble
Toni Marie Way
New Year’s resolution, but I do plan to continue my commitment as the Grand Knight, and I am thankful for all the support I have received from my Brother Knights. I think we had a great turnout for the December 6th Christmas party, and I thank Tom Bohan, Diane Bohan, Marty Ronstadt, Larry Lewis and Randy Hannon for all their energy in putting on this event.
On January 9th the 4th degree exemplification will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Tucson, and as most of you know, our own Marty Ronstadt will be honored as the class honoree. I hope that more of our council’s Brother Knights will consider advancing to the Patriotic degree.
Our next five months will be busy with the usual Pancake Breakfasts, Blood Drives, and Coffee and Donuts at St. Thomas. Also, our Lenten Soup and Bread Fridays and St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser, and Knights of Columbus Raffle Ticket Sales are right around the corner. We need everyone’s help, so please get involved.
Vivat Jesus,
Patrick
Brother Knights, I hope you all had a Blessed Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. For those of you who work full time, I sincerely hope you had a decent break from the grind. I can’t remember the last time I made a
~ Schedule of Events ~
Page 2
JANUARY 2016
Date Day Event
1 Friday New Year’s Day – The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – Holy Day of Obligation – Go to Mass!
2 Saturday Roundtable Discussion, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Parish Library 3 Sunday 2nd/3rd Degree Exemplification, Council 1200, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 9 Saturday Council 10441 Hoops Tournament, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., St. Thomas 9 Saturday Fourth Degree Exemplification, Doubletree Hotel, Tucson
10 Sunday Pancake Breakfast, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. 11 Monday Chief Judge John Roll Chapter Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Holy Family Church 14 Thursday Council 10441 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. (Officers Meet at 6:45 p.m.) 17 Sunday Blood Drive, 7:30 a.m. – Noon, Parish Hall 21 Thursday Assembly 2392 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. 31 Sunday K of C Coffee and Doughnuts, 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
FEBRUARY 2016
Date Day Event
6 Saturday Roundtable Discussion, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Parish Library 7 Sunday Pancake Breakfast, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. 8 Monday Chief Judge John Roll Chapter Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Holy Family Church 9 Tuesday Mardi Gras
10 Wednesday Ash Wednesday. Lent begins 11 Thursday Council 10441 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. (Officers Meet at 6:45 p.m.) 12 Friday Soup and Bread Supper, 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., Parish Hall 18 Thursday Assembly 2392 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. 19 Friday Soup and Bread Supper, 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., Parish Hall 21 Sunday K of C Coffee and Doughnuts, 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 26 Friday Soup and Bread Supper, 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., Parish Hall
Check our webpage for future calendar events at: http://kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/index.asp?CNO=10441
Fr. George Holley addresses the St. Thomas Parish near the conclusion of his Ordination Mass on December 19th. Fr. George has been a cherished member of Council 10441 and recently completed his seminarian education at Sacred Heart School of theology in Wisconsin.
Two new 1st Degree Brother Knights became members of Council 10441 on December 16, 2015. From left to right Sam Marquez and Jim Brodecki were exemplified at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Council 1200. Please welcome Sam and Jim to our Council.
Knights of Columbus Deacon Raphael (Ray) Longpre Council #10441 5150 N. Valley View Road Tucson, Arizona 85718
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Desert Knightline
Knight of the Month Von Clarke is the council Knight of the Month for January 2016.
Besides serving as Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus Insurance programs, Von is very generous with his time, often volunteering to help at the Pancake Breakfasts, and participating in all our council fund-raising events. Thank you Von!
Schedule and Events
Council 10441 has several
important upcoming events that
all members are invited to
attend for an evening of fun and
fraternity. Please contact the
Brother Knight indicated to
make your arrangements to
attend these events.
Please try to attend at least one
Council meeting during this
fraternal year. If you need a ride
to the meeting, call GK Patrick
McMahon at 751-1614. Dress is
“Tucson Casual”.
See Page 11 for Schedule
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Grand Knight ~ Patrick McMahon Deputy Grand Knight ~ Allan Reith Chancellor ~ Bill Neer Recorder ~ John Goshy Treasurer ~ Gabe Guerrero Warden ~ PGK Vincent Baiocchetti Inside Guard ~ Bill Lake-Wright Outside Guard ~ Patrick Donahue Financial Secretary ~ Larry Lewis Advocate ~ Ray Bruns
Insurance Field Agent - Von Clarke
Chaplain ~ Fr. Chris Corbally, SJ Lecturer ~ PGK A. Martin Ronstadt 1 Year Trustee ~ PGK David Orr 2 Year Trustee ~ PGK Tom Metzger 3 Year Trustee ~ PGK Alex Wright Newsletter Editor ~ Tony Kenon Assistant Editor ~ Carolyn Mallonee
Meetings Second Thursday of the Month Officers ~ 6:45 p.m. All Knights ~ 7:30 p.m.
This Issue Grand Knight’s Corner P.2
Chaplain’s Corner P.3 Family of the Month P.3
Lecturer Article P.4 Deacon Ed’s Article P.6
Schedule of Events P.11 Knight of the Month P.12
January 2016
The Desert Knightline ~ January 2016
Venerable Servant of God Father Michael J. McGivney
I S S U E MONTHLY
NEWSLETTER
Deacon Raphael (Ray) Longpre Council 10441 Chartered July 3, 1990, Tucson, Arizona
http://kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/index.asp?CNO=10441
