The Columbus CrusaderMsgr. Patrick R. Dunigan Council No. 695, Knights of Columbus

ONE NATION UNDER GOD

COUNCIL MEETING 2ND TUESDAY FOURTH DEGREE 1ST THURSDAYVolume 81, Issue 7 JULY 2020

Grand Knight’s Report Vivat Jesus!

THE COLUMBUS CRUSADERPublished Monthly by

Patrick R.Dunigan CouncilKnights of Columbus Council 695

2415 Bagley StreetFlint, Michigan 48504

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8

July 2020Calendar of Events

Looking Forward to Post-Pandemic Programs Knights of Columbus Council 695.

Greeting this summer. Well, we are still here despite the tremendous pressure of not gathering as a community to practice our faith. Our council’s activities were cut short by this unforeseen calamity of corona virus, as we are all aware, The state convention of the Knights of Columbus was canceled in its usual place on Mackinac Island. The voting was then accomplished online with the elected delegates from local councils participating. Our 695 meetings are all done “at the moment” by conference call. For what it is, we still function and are still in good standing with the state council. Our programs have suffered from lack of exposure to our parishes. However, we count on substantially supporting St. Luke’s Famiiy Life Center St. Mary’s Food Pantry and Veteran Car Purchase Fund to transport vets to medical care, and support for seminarians. The council itself did not do its normal group activity to promote its charitable, fraternal, unified purpose—Individuals, however, continued the purpose of our council, which is the core principle, And now exemplifications make it easier to join the Knights of Columbus and permitting families to witness the ceremonies. The

Supreme Council has made it easier to qualify for awards. We expect our programs will continue in the fall. One must think of this pandemic and remember our founder Father McGivney succumbed at 38 to an illness similar to what is happening now. Please pray that Father McGivney will have a second miracle in his name. Father is one step closer to canonization. And, if so, will be the first male born in America to be canonized. Peace be with you all. Mark Davidek, Past Grand Knight

1 Canada Day (Canada) 2 Fourth Degree Assembly 0510 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Site to be determined 3 Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle 4 Independence Day14 Council 695 Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Site to be determined. 22 Feast of St. Mary Magdalene25 Feast of St. James, Apostle26 Parents’ Day

Return to ‘Normal’ Awaits Pastor Approval When will Council 695 resume holding its monthly meetings St. John Vianney School or its council chambers? In answer to a question from PGK Jack Tylus at the council’s June meeting, Mark Davidek , who was grand knight at the time, said council officials were waiting for Fr. Thomas Firestone, pastor of St. John Vianney, to give the green light, for restart of meetings at the site so council members can be reasxonably safe from the virus infection.

Happy 4th of July

– COUNCIL OFFICERS -AS OF JULY 2015 PATRONS FOR CRUSADER

The Columbus CrusaderOfficial Publication of

MSGR. PATRICK R. DUNIGANCOUNCIL #695

Flint, Michigan 48504Published and distributed free to the mem-

bers once a month to carry a more thorough report of its activities. Subscription rates to

non-members is $18.00 per year.PUBLICATION STAFF

Editor...................................... George JaksaAvertising Manager............ Lawrance MorrisonCirculation Managers .....................................Reporters........................... 695 MembershipCouncil Phone...................... (810) 235-6333Advertising Phone................ (810) 936-8029

El Toro234-0023Fax 234-3153

2132 Davison Rd.Flint, MI 48506(810) 234-9545

TOM BEAUBIEN, Ownerof Luigi’s and Member of Council 695

Become aColumbus Crusader

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For $12 a year, you can have your name and your wife’s name, if applicable, listed among those who help underwrite the cost of The Columbus Crusader, Council 695’s monthly publication which has been bringing news and advertising to council members and their families for more than 60 years. To join our family of sponsors, simply complete the following form and return it to Council 695, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint MI 48504, with your $12 tax deductible donation.

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John, Victor & Louis Anderson & FamilyIn Memory of Joseph AndroskyThomas & Colleen ArgusPGK Bob & Carmen BammertIn Memory of PGK Ralph & Velma BartlettHarrold & Patricia BillsIn Memory of John & Mary BokorIn Memory of PFN Frank BosakDan & Mary CadyPFN Neil & Elaine CampbellMichael & Mary ChervenyRichard Chimner**In Memory of Joan CollinsRichard & Margaret DalyPeter & Linda DauntLance & Addie DeCaireErnest & Mildred DeiteringPFN Francis & Camille DohertyIn Memory of PGK, PFN Ken DowningMichael DrevonPGK Paul & Mary DrevonPFN Jim & Martha DryfuseWalt & Maxine DucharmeMsgr. Dunigan Council 695In Memory of PFN Lawrence V. Fisher Sr.Etue FamilyOliver FontaineIn Memory of PGK Eugene GeorgeJames E. GeorgePFN Norm & Patricia GroshekIn Memory of Bill HaleyTom & Genora HalliganPGK Orville HawleyLarry & JoAnne HigginsIn Memory of Mickey HoydicIn Memory of Walter HultquistGeorge & Esther JaksaThe Joe Jaksa FamilyFred & Mary JohnsonIn Memory of PFN Jerome JozwiakJoe & Linda KatoAnthony & Nellie KaczmarekBetty (Galvanek) KarlekIn Memory of Tom & Rose KayPFN Harry & Sharon KnaskiRobert & Audrey KraemerPGK William & Marlene KrebsEleanor LaBancIn Memory of Paul LaBancO.J. & Shirley LaFontaineIn Memory of Don & Bonnie LawrenceIn Memory of the Maroun FamilyFrank J. Manley IILawrence & Constance MarxIn Memory of PGK Ed McLaughlinDaniel McNivenLeo & Lorraine MeagherIn Memory of Ruth Mary MeuhlenCatherine Muhvic

In Memory of PFN & PGK Stanley F. NemecekDD Cliff & Barbara Van Overbeke & Paul JamesIn Memory of John O’HaraIn Memory of Jerome F. O’RourkeRobert Orschell**Paul & Marlene OsoskiFDD Dennis & Theresa OwensIn Memory of PFN Ignacio PalaciosJoe Pintar & FamilyDennis & Joan PlamondonGeorge & Linda PlunkeyPaul PlunkeyBob & Jan RagnoneMarcel RanvilleIn Memory of Edward C. Reuther***In Memory of William J. RhyneJohn L. RiegleDorothy RingleinDennis & Teresa RodgersPatrick & Patricia SavagePFN/PGK James SchillingIn Memory of PGK John Schilling Sr.Ford & Jane SchooleyIn Memory of Ray SeidelVince SeidelTerry & Darlene SheehanSteve & Amelia SimmsPFN, PGK Don & Theresa SimonPGK/PFN Thomas SkellettBill & Margaret SloserPGK Phil & Gloria SmithHilary & Barbara SnyderArt & Barb SokolowskiHenrietta SordylIn Memory of Henry SordylIn Memory of Aleksander SorysRobert & Michile StoutenburgMaurice & Carolyn StuderIn Memory of Jack & Eva TherrienRichard & Virginia TherrienArt & Adele TinettiPGK Jack & Valerie TylusIn Memory of Walter UlanskiIn Memory of PGK & PFN Donald ValleyEdward & Joan VedockTony & Cyndi VedockIn Memory of Marianne WalkingtonJoseph & Jean WargoKen & Dorothy WestTubby & Marge WilliamsIn Memory of Dan WintersIn Memory of PGK Arthur WrightPGK Welton & Corrie WrightIn Memory of John & Rose WrocklageRussell & Sue Yahr

Owner & Operated byRick R. Lamb & Family

(810) 235-2345(810) 694-2345

We’ve set a new standard inFuneral Service to our community.

F U N E R A L H O M E

1225 W. Hill RoadBetween I-475 and US-23

& C R E M AT I O N C E N T E R***Expired Last Month

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Chaplain………………...Fr. Thomas FirestoneDistrict Deputy ............ Clifford Van OverbekeFinancial Secretary ......... Robert StoutenburgGrand Knight ....................... Matthew GeorgeDeputy Grand Knight ............ Dennis RodgersWarden ..............................Michael McCarthyChancellor ...................................James ColeTreasurer .............................. Joseph GoergenAdvocate ......................... PGK Daniel JordanRecorder ...................................George JaksaLecturer ..............................PGK Paul DrevonInside Guard ....................Thomas Edelen, Sr.Outside Guard ..........................Mark DavidekTown Crier .................................... Matt OlsonTrustee (3 year) ........................James George Trustee (2 years) ................. PGK Philip SmithTrustee (1 years) ....................PGK Jack TylusVocations Director ...............PGK Dan JordanChurch & Vocations Directors...............................Mark Davidek (All Saints),............................... James George (St. Mary), ........................Thomas Skellett (St. Matthew)Public Relations Director ..........George JaksaHealth Services ................... Dr. Joseph MillerAthletic Director .......................Steven SimmsYouth Director ..........................Steven SimmsProgram DirectorMembership Director ......... Michael McCarthyRecruitment Directors. . Jack Tylus, Matt OlsonRetention Chairman ...............Dennis RodgersRetention Committee...Trustees PGK Philip Smith, PGK Jack Tylus, James GeorgeInsurance Promotion…………...George JaksaInsurance Field Agent .Paul Zuwala, 814-1244

BUILDING COMPANY OFFICERSPresident……………… ........... Matthew OlsonVice President………… ......... James JacksonSecretary…………………. Michael McCarthyTreasurer…………………… ...... Mark Davidek

BUILDING COMPANY DIRECTORSPGK Daniel Jordan, James Lusty,

Gary Deitering, Bob Ragnone

FOURTH DEGREE ASSEMBLY 0510Faithful Friar……. ......... Fr. Thomas FirestoneFaithful Navigator ............... Leonard AccardoFaithful Admiral ........................... Neal RocheFaithful Captain ............................. Jack TylusFaithful Pilot ........................ Charles HeadrickFaithful Comptroller. ................ James RabineFaithful Purser ...........................Joseph DunnFaithful Scribe ......... ...... ........Michael WilsonInner Sentinel ......................... Steve WestonTrustee (3 years)………............... Paul DrevonTrustee (2 years) ....................... Robert DauntTrustee (1 year)…… .....................Peter DauntFaithful Commander……… Charles Headrick

The main thing Neal Roche, past faithful navigator of Msgr. Dunigan Assembly 510, remembers about his mother “is that she never gave up.” He said despite losing her left arm in a freakish automobile accident while living with her husband, Cornelius F. Roche, Sr., in New York City early in their marriage, the former Joan Beverly Ford didn’t let that stop her from living a full life. She not only raised five children, including Neal, Jr., but was a bowler, artist, bridge player, active in her parish and a force to be reckoned with on the golf course. As a member of Atlas Valley Golf Course, Mrs. Roche won numerous trophies and inspired others with her long drives and low scores. Mr. and Mrs. Roche also traveled in Europe and the South Pacific and later in life split their time between Michigan and Florida. She died July 25, 2015 at Genesys Regional Medical Center at age 87. The funeral was held July 29 in Holy Family Church, Grand Blanc.

PFN Roche Remembers his Mother She is survived by her husband, four of her surviving children, 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Like her son, Neal, she wrote poetry. Neal, Jr., said one day in 1965 she came to Neal and announced: “This is what I wrote. What do you think?” The family thought so much of that untitled work that they had it printed on her prayer card at her death. It reads”

A bit of earth, a treeA stone worn down

Is all that is left of meFor those who come to see

A daughter, a wife, a mother

Known not to the worldLoved only her ownBelongs now to God

And is no longer alone

The Columbus CrusaderOfficial Publication of

MSGR. PATRICK R. DUNIGANCOUNCIL #695

Flint, Michigan 48504Published and distributed free to the mem-

bers once a month to carry a more thorough report of its activities. Subscription rates to

non-members is $18.00 per year.PUBLICATION STAFF

Editor...................................... George JaksaAvertising Manager............ Joseph GoergenCirculation Managers .....................................Reporters........................... 695 MembershipCouncil Phone...................... (810) 235-6333

– COUNCIL OFFICERS -AS OF JULY 2020 PATRONS FOR CRUSADER

John, Victor & Louis Anderson & FamilyIn Memory of Joseph AndroskyThomas & Colleen ArgusWilly BartonJames BeauchampMike Brewer Ed BruffMichael BurnettDan & Mary Cady PFN Neil & Elaine CampbellMichael & Mary ChervenyIn Memory of Joan CollinsJim & Barbara ColeJoseph CrimiMarjorie ConleyJoel CuttittaIn Memory of Dick DalyPeter & Linda DauntErnest & Mildred DeiteringPFN Francis & Camille DohertyMax Dolehanty, Jr.In Memory of PGK, PFN Ken DowningMary DrevonMichael DrevonPaul DrevonIn Memory of PGK Paul DrevonPFN Jim & Martha DryfuseDan DucharmeMsgr. Dunigan Council 695PGK Thomas Edelen Sr.The Etue Family John FischerOliver FontaineRichard FoxIn Memory of George & Helen GoergenJames E. George PGK Matt & Maryanne GeorgeJoe & Bobbie GoergenLarry HackettEarl & Margo HagenTom & Genora Halligan Thomas HenthornLarry & JoAnne Higgins Dave & Paula Hutchins William & Monica HuotJames & Helen JacksonGeorge & Esther Jaksa The Joe Jaksa Family Fred Kay In Memory of Tom & Rose KayJerry Kerperien and sons,Matthew, Christopher and Daniel PGK William & Marlene Krebs Eleanor LaBancIn Memory of Paul LaBancO.J. & Shirley LaFontaine Frank J. Manley II In Memory of the Maroun Family Hollis MassieLawrence & Constance Marx David McAuliffeMike McCarthy In Memory of PGK Ed McLaughlin

Daniel McNivenRichard MillerCatherine MuhvicJim & Pat Neering In Memory of PFN, PGK Stanley F. NemecekRev. Doug OsbornPaul & Marlene OsoskiMike OwensRandall PetridesJohn PlouchaGeorge & Linda Plunkey Mark PlunkeyPaul Plunkey Joe Pintar & FamilyDennis PlamondonBob RagnonePeter RagnoneMark RanvilleTom RathsackJohn L. RiegleDennis & Teresa RodgersRay & Julie RustIn Memory of PGK Samuel John Sanchez, Sr. Patrick & Patricia SavagePFN/PGK James SchillingHenry SchowalterIn Memory of Ray Seidel Steve & Amelia SimmsPFN, PGK Don & Theresa SimonThe James Skellett FamilyPatrick SkellettTom SkellettBill & Margaret SloserPhilip & Jeani SmithIn Memory of PGK Philip Smith, Jr.Hilary & Barbara SnyderHenrietta SordylIn Memory of Henry SordylRobert St. John Robert & Michile StoutenburgJoe & Mary Lou Sullivan Steven TeslerRichard & Virginia TherrienArt & Adele Tinetti PGK Jack & Valerie TylusEdward & Joan Vedock Tony & Cyndi VedockDoug WagarDale Wangler In Memory of Marianne Walkington DD Ed & Tamala Warren PGK Welton & Corrie WrightTony ZochowskiLawrence & Sharon Wyczalek Russell & Sue YahrCharles Zimmerman Tony Zochowski

***Expired Last Month **ExpiresThis Month*Expires Next Month

Chaplain………………............ Fr. Thomas FirestoneDistrict Deputy ................................. Michael Szukhent Financial Secretary ..........................Joseph GoergenGrand Knight ....................................Michael McCarthyDeputy Grand Knight ............................... Dale WanglerWarden ...............................................Robert RagnoneAdvocate ................................PGK Thomas Edelen, Sr.Chancellor .................................................James ColeRecorder ................................................ George JaksaTreasurer ....................................PGK Matthew GeorgeOutside Guard……………................... Brian JohnsonInside Guard ....................................... Angelo DesifinaTown Crier ………………..... .................... Brian BurTrustee (3 years)…..........................PGK Mark DavidekTrustee (2 years)……….................... Dennis RodgersTrustee (1 year)…………....................PGK Jack Tylus

Vocations Director.............................................. OpenChurch Directors................................................ OpenPublic Relations Director ........................ George JaksaAthletic Director .................................... Steven SimmsYouth Director ....................................... Steven SimmsMembership Director............................................Open Recruitment Directors............................................ OpenRetention Chairman ............................................. OpenRetention Committee...….....................................OpenInsurance Promotion……….................. George JaksaInsurance Agent……..........................Joseph A. Abbott (810) 701-7801

BUILDING COMPANY OFFICERSPresident……………… ........................Dale WanglerVice President………… ........................Dan CampbellSecretary …………………..........Michael McCarthyTreasurer…………………… ...............Mark Davidek

BUILDING COMPANY DIRECTORSDale Wangler, James Lusty,

Gary Deitering, Robert Ragnone

FOURTH DEGREE ASSEMBLY 0510Faithful Friar……………………Fr. Thomas FirestoneFaithful Navigator……………......... Charles T. LoaderFaithful Captain ………………………… Jack TylusFaithful Admiral ………………… Leonard L. AccardoFaithful Pilot ………………………… David D. PillenFaithful Comptroller ………………......... Steve ClarkFaithful Purser ……………………...... Joseph DunnFaithful Scribe. . . .…………………Michael P. WilsonInner Sentinel ……………………Brian C. HolderieIdInner Sentinel . ………………… Stephen M. WestonOuter Sentinel .……………………… Larry M. PillenOuter Sentinel ………………. Michael J. Sherman3-Year Trustee ……………………. . .William T. Dutil2-Year Trustee…………………... Kenneth J. Pelletier1-Year Trustee . .…………………… Robert A. Daunt

El Toro234-0023Fax 234-3153

2132 Davison Rd.Flint, MI 48506(810) 234-9545

TOM BEAUBIEN, Ownerof Luigi’s and Member of Council 695

Supreme Council Launches $1.25-Million Food Drive

Become a ColumbusCrusader Patron

For $12 a year, you can have your name and your wife’s name, if applicable, listed among those who help underwrite the cost of The Columbus Crusader, Council 695’s monthly publication which has been bringing news and advertising to council members and their families for more than 70 years. To join our family of sponsors, simply complete the following form and return it to Council 695, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint MI 48504, with your $12 tax deductible donation.

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Council 695 has received thank-you notes from three local organizations that it has helped while the Supreme Council has launched a $1.25 million to help local councils provide food for people affected by the COVID19 pandemic. Council 695 has received notes of gratitude from St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center, St. Mary, Flint, food pantry and the Disabled American Veterans of Genesee County. The council gave $1.200 each to St. Luke’s and St. Mary’s and $100 from the veterans. DAV Chapter #3 Treasurer Richard Beliveau said the council 695 contribution will go toward buying a new van. It now has $11,600 toward a $14,000 goal. The thank-you note from St. Mary came from Edward and Nancy Howell, who run the program. In asking God to bless Council 695 “in return for the thoughtfulness you’ve shown”, the Howells said “in these most uncertain times one thing remains true and that is the love of God.” “Thank you for your most generous donation of $1,200 to our St. Mary Food Pantry and for sharing God’s love. We are always humbled by your love and generosity. We brave for your safety and health.” Earlier this year, the Howells thanked Council 695 for a $500 gift which they said would go toward purchasing meat and eggs.Sr. Carol Weber, director of the St. Luke

Council 695 Receives Thank-You for Donations; Center, sent the thank-you response to the council’s $1,200 donation. “We truly believe that your donation is a direct answer to prayer and we are very, very grateful,” she said. “We live in uncertain times, with growing needs of our people,” Sr. Carol wrote. ‘Thank you for partnering with us in feeding the hungry and clothing that in need – living the corporal works of mercy here in Flint.” Sr. Carol said the numbers continue to grow on the needy and on any food distribution day the center may have 180 vehicles drive up to receive food. Most often there is more than one family in each vehicle, she said. Others come on foot, pushing a baby stroller or pulling a wagon to collect food for their families. “These are difficult times for us,” Sr. Carol observed, “and even more difficult for the poor and homeless.” “Your donation helps us to reach out a hand of comfort and hope to those who are most hurting,” she said. “Thank you so much for your generous spirit. We couldn’t do it without you! You are in our prayer daily.” The Supreme Council is distributing funds to organizations in 16 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. The Order has stepped up – at multiple levels and in many ways – to feed the hungry in many ways – to feed the hungry as part of its Leave No Neighbor Behind” program.

9 Victor & Bridgette Anderson 11 PGK Welton & Corrie Wright12 Patrick & Kimberly Skellett14 Ken & Dorothy West16 Mark & Sally Ranville17 James & Kathy Neumann20 Paul & Theresa Busque20 Richard & Barbara Klapko23 James & Lynnmarie Lusty24 Benjamin & Amanda Hutchins

Anniversaries

PrayersRequested

Please remember the following people in your

daily prayers

July Birthdays

Msgr. Richard GroshekFr. Stanley Czarnota

Michael KuehuleJerod Fehy

Ruben GurraLauraBeth Krupa

Larry LojieLarry Starnes

Bill KrebsJoseph UlanskiSr. Judy Blake

Jim& Barbara ColeJim GeorgeBill Kiev

Jonathan SmithJacob Smith

Dennis RodgersGloria SmithJim Jackson

David HolderiedTerry TremewenNinfa SanchezRobert Smith

David HutchinsEsther Jaksa

Melba BartonCarolyn Anderson

Joe ColeBob Johnson

Roselynn SerraCharles Johnson

David BuickPaul ZuwalaLucas Allen

Vincent PangoriMarge ConleyFerris Williams

PFN Neal RocheBarbara Johnson

Cathy HuberDuane Walters

Family of Bob LobakivichJim Bonner

Don O’BrienDoug McManusDon LaRochelle

Sam & Barb YantaJohn KoszegiChuck Daley

Jo EtueEdmund EvansKen McDonald

David ShawZofia Tylus

Sue ZerweckMedical First Responders

& Priests and who have lost loved ones to caronavius virous

Servicemen & WomenOverseas & U.S.

Faithful Navigator’s Report --Returning To Our Mass, Sacraments

1 James Neering3 James Donnelly6 George Plunkey 6 James Skellett7 Ken West14 Joseph Crimi16 Charles Zimmerman19 Matthew Olson21 Richard Folts21 Tom Argus21 Michael Ward23 James Neumann24 Henry Schowalter, Jr.29 Anthony Vedock

My Brothers in CHRIST, for the coming fraternal year there has been only one change from last year’s list of Assembly officers. SK Steve Clark is our new Comptroller, as Jim Rabine recently moved from the area to Monroe County. I wish to extend our sincere thanks for SK Rabine’s herculean efforts that have kept our Assembly on track and on time. Once again I will be our Assembly’s Faithful Navigator and for that support I am eternally grateful. Spring of 2020 brought us a few challenges that continue to impact our roles as 4th Degree Knights. Throughout the area, our local churches have reopened although with some designated guidelines issued by the Dioceses. Streaming Masses are still taking place over the Internet, which has seemed to have awakened the spiritual lives of many in our Catholic and Christian Communities. I’ve been able to watch local Masses as well as some around the country and throughout the world. Yet, as we enter this new fraternal year, we most certainly are facing untested waters as it pertains to our personal, spiritual, and fraternal lives. Many of the programs, events, and gatherings we have been accustomed to hosting and participating in have been cancelled, postponed, or undetermined. With that being the case, we as Sir Knights of the 4th Degree need to be mindful of our endeavors in supporting our veterans and other patriotic opportunities. As we are well aware, this has been a very disappointing year as far as our Spring Exemplification goes. From our Worthy Master - We were able to videotape our “World Famous District II Degree Team” presenting the Fourth Degree Exemplification on a recent Saturday and were able to present a pillow, on behalf of the Sir Knights of Michigan District II, made of chapeau feathers to Bishop Boyea - who had been chosen to be our class honoree.

Fr. McGivney Takes Critical Step toward Sainthood Fr. Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus and Daughters of Isabella, has taken a critical step toward sainthood in the Catholic Church. On May 27, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis approved a determination recognizing a miracle attributed to Fr. McGivney had occurred. It came after an unborn child in Tennessee was cured of a fatal disease after the boy’s parents, Dan and Michelle Schachle, of Dickson, Tenn., prayed to Fr. McGivney to cure their child. Their son, still in his mother’s womb had a case of fetal hydrias, and was not expected to live. When the Vatican heard of the presumed miracle, it launched an investigation in 2016 in the Diocese of Nashville.

It concluded with the announcement by Pope Francis. Fr. McGivney was given the title of “Venerable” when the sainthood quest was started in 1997 by Pope Benedict. The miracle attributed to Fr. McGivney is one of two required for sainthood. Even if the Pope beautifies him, it will require another authenticated miracle if the Pope is to move him from beatification to sainthood. Fr. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus and Daughters of Isabella in 1882 to promote the welfare of immigrant families. The Knights now have passed the two million mark in membership. If he is crowned a saint, it will be the first in the Diocese of Nashville and an American-born priest. He was 38 when he died.

Knights Grow in Membership, Charitable Giving Amid economic and societal hardships not seen in nearly a century, the Knights of Columbus has not only been able to “withstand the challenges,” but also grow in membership and charitable giving, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson recently announced during the annual organization meeting of state deputies, including Michigan’s state deputy, which was held virtually. “Membership in the Knights of Columbus is not a casual commitment. But I is a commitment that cannot be measured entirely on attending meetings or paying dues,” Supreme Knight Anderson said. “Rather, it is a commitment that goes beyond such quantitative measures. Ultimately, it is a commitment of the heart and of the will because it is a commitment to be a brother.” The Supreme Knight reported that the 2019 Fraternal Survey showed that knights gave more than $187 million to charity and volunteered more than 77 million hours of service. Both marks surpass totals from 2018. Supreme Knight Anderson credited this generosity in part due to the Order’s changes of operation prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past several years, the Supreme Council has restructured the IT department and reorganized the insurance

field force, as well as solidified the financial strength of the Knights. This strength is reflected in the new exemplification ceremony – combined ceremonials of charity, unity and fraternity – because it gives a clearer vision and understanding to Catholic men that membership in the Knights of Columbus isn’t merely an invitation to volunteer, but to be more committed to Catholic teachings. It is also applicable in an age of social distancing as exhibited by the first virtual online exemplification ceremony hosted by the Supreme Council, in which more than 2,000 men joined the Order. Since the beginning of April, more than 25,000 have participated, bringing the total membership in the Order to over two million. Some of the men who joined during the online exemplification ceremony said they joined after witnessing the Knights of Columbus’s initiative during the pandemic, which included a $100 million church loan program to assist parishes facing financial struggles, donations to food banks throughout the U.S. and Canada, and the launch of the “Leave No Neighbor Behind” program.

“My hope is that, amid all these challenges, we grow closer to one another, and that each of us will live more profoundly our principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity,” Supreme Knight Anderson told the state deputies. “And that because of our efforts, the Knights of Columbus will emerge from these circumstances stronger and more vigorous than ever.”

Once the Worthy Master receives the video of the District II Degree Team presenting the Fourth Degree Exemplification (which may be a couple weeks as they have to edit the slides), he will schedule an Exemplification for our candidates at a facility in our area where we can present the Exemplification via video and he can Knight the new Sir Knights. Per our District Master, this is a great opportunity to bring our 3rd Degree Brothers into the 4th Degree. We will contact our prospective 4th Degree members soon in order to solidify the Exemplification arrangements. Until then, may we as Sir Knights continue to aid our parishes as they reopen utilizing social distancing for the time being. With prayer and hope our pandemic situation is resolved, for it is these things that give power to our words and produce miracles and breakthroughs needed in our lives. Praying for the intercession of theBlessed Father Michael J. McGivney,

Your Brother in CHRIST.

SK Charles Loader, Faithful Navigator

Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight

Fr. Michael J. McGivney