D - Knights of Peter Claver

Transcription

T h e
K n i g h t s
o f
P e t e r
C l a v e r,
I n c.
Volume 92 • Summer Issue 2009 • www.kofpc.org
The Seven Founders of the Knights of Peter Claver
Rev. Conrad F.
Rebesher, S.S.J.
Rev. John H.
Dorsey, S.S.J.
Hon. Frank
Collins
Hon. Gilbert
Faustina
Hon. Frank
Trenier
Rev. Samuel J.
Kelly, S.S.J.
100th Anniversary
i n s i d e
t h i s
i s s u e
Officer messages • District news • Junior division
Rev. Joseph P.
Van Baast, S.S.J.
2
The
Claverite
A Catholic fraternal magazine published by:
The National Council Knights of Peter Claver
and National Court Knights of Peter Claver
Ladies Auxiliary
Approbation
The Most Reverend Alfred C. Hughes
Archbishop of New Orleans
introduction
Gene A. Phillips, Sr., Supreme Knight
Geralyn C. Shelvin, Supreme Lady
Paul C. Condoll, Interim Administrator
Debra A. Frazier, Claverite Coordinator
The Knights Of Peter Claver
Founded in Mobile, Ala., in 1909
Headquarters in New Orleans, La.
All items intended for publication in The Claverite must be
submitted by: April 10 for summer issue and September 10
for winter issue
Please send your news items to [email protected],
and include a photo. When taking photographs for the magazine,
please make sure your camera is set on the highest resolution setting possible. Photographs should be 300 dpi or higher at full size
for them to print well. Please provide stories in a Word document
and photos as jpg files.
T
he Order was founded November 7, 1909 at Mobile
Ala.; by four priests of the St. Joseph’s Society of the
Sacred Heart (the Josephite Fathers) of Baltimore,
Md. – Fathers: Conrad F. Rebesher, John H. Dorsey,
Samuel J. Kelly, and Joseph P. Van Baast, S.S.J.’s and the three lay
men of the Diocese of Mobile – Birmingham, Ala. Messrs: Gilbert
Faustina, Frank Collins and Frank Trenier, all now passed to their
eternal rewards; Incorporated July 12, 1911; the Fourth Degree
was authorized in 1917; the Constitution for Junior Knights was
compiled by the Reverend Joseph P. Van Baast, S.S.J. and his committee. The Ladies Auxiliary was authorized and their constitution
adopted at Opelousas, La., August, 1922; the constitution of the
National Council was revised by committee August, 1925; August,
1929; October, 1936; August, 1948; August, 1951; August, 1971
and August, 1979 August, 1989 and August, 1999. The Ladies
Auxiliary was recognized as a Division of the National Council at
Galveston, Texas, August, 1926; and the Junior Daughters was
established in 1930; the Constitution of the Junior Knights was
revised establishing the Junior Knights as a Division of the National
Council, effective Oct. 1, 1935. The first official organ of the Order
was The Shield published for the first time at Mobile, Ala., November 1910, with Frank Trenier, Charter Member and National
Secretary, as Editor. The successor to The Shield is The Claverite, authorized in 1922 as a monthly publication, and its first Editor was
Joseph H. Rieras who served until 1928. The Claverite changed to
a quarterly publication in 1948 at which time it was edited by the
National Secretary. Presently, The Claverite is published biennially
by the Executive Director.
The following excerpt from the Josephite Colored Harvest tells
the story:
An Important Movement For Colored Catholics
– Article taken from The Colored Harvest Vol. VI, No. 2 - March 1910
“TRUST IN GOD” is our Password
“ONWARD” is our war cry
in this issue
4 message from the supreme knight
6 message from the supreme lady
7 message from the Bishop Perry
8 officer messages
24 fourth degree news
26 district news
42 junior division
46 board of directors
“On Sunday, Nov. 7, 1909, in the city of Mobile, Ala., took place
the “Initiation” of the first band of forty colored men, the nucleus
of a fraternal society, which will be known as “The Knights of Peter
Claver.” This is undoubtedly the most important movement for
colored Catholics that has taken place for many a day.
From the beginning, the missionaries to the colored people
have been very much hampered by the fact that most all the
men belonged to one or other of the fraternal organizations,
which they would not, or could not, leave. They simply joined
them for social and beneficial purposes. Time and again they
have told the missionaries that they would gladly leave them if
there were anything else to take their place. The missionaries
tried in vain to have the ban to these secret societies removed,
so that the Catholics could practice their duties. Finally, it was
determined to form a new society for colored men which would
be Catholic, and, at the same time, include all the fraternal and
beneficial qualities of the secret organizations. This has been
done, and the Josephite Fathers on the “Coast” (Alabama) are
Most Pure Heart of Mary Church
100th Anniversary 1899-1999
This is the Church where the first 40 men were initiated.
the leading spirits in this movement, with
Father Conrad Rebesher, pastor of the Church
of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, Mobile, Ala., as
the prime mover. More than a year ago Father
Rebesher spoke of the projected movement to
his superior, and was promised all the assistance
possible to carry out the plan.
On the morning of the initiation, forty colored men (forty men in a small mission parish)
went to holy Communion in a body in the presence of Most Rev. E. P. Allen, D.D., Bishop of
Mobile, and Fathers Kelly, Rebesher and Dorsey.
The Bishop was evidently pleased, as he is
deeply interested in the work for colored Catholics. The congregation was very much impressed
(for never before had any of them seen such a
sight), and the work of making converts and of
bringing back “the stray sheep to the fold” got a
mighty impetus.
Father Dorsey, the colored priest attached to
St. Joseph’s College, Montgomery, Ala., preached
the sermon, in which the reverend preacher endeavored to impress on his hearers the necessity
of good Christian operation among the members, with an unflinching obedience to the laws
and by-laws of the order.
The “initiation” of the new members of the
Knights of Peter Claver, “K.O.P.C.,” took place
This house is the home of the
at 5 o’clock in the evening. The ceremony was
preceded by the Benediction of the Most Blessed Knights of Peter Claver
Sacrament. The Josephite Fathers, Kelly, Van
Mobile Council #1, established Nov. 7, 1909.
cover story
A century of blessings – Mobile, Ala.
Baast, Dorsey and Rebesher, the pastor, were present.
Two new councils more have already been organized, one of Mon
Louis, Ala., 22 members, and one at Chastang, Ala., 20 members.
The Josephite Fathers will do all in their power to organize
and increase the membership in the Knights of Peter Claver. It
shall be their endeavor to open councils along the “Coast” to
New Orleans, La., through Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.
The home of the national council is in Mobile, Ala. There are
already two subordinate councils, one at Mon Louis, Ala., and
one at Chastang, Ala.
Subordinate councils may be formed in any city or state,
subject to the National council, where fifteen men wish to form
a council, by applying to the national secretary and complying
with the constitution.
The National Council and the two sub-councils are in excellent
financial condition, having already a substantial bank account.
The initiators are an intelligent body of men, many of them already well acquainted with organization business.
The Knights of Peter Claver have a safe and practical constitution
of laws and by- laws. The writer has personally met many of the
members of the national and sub-councils, and he entertains high
hopes of their ability to manage their business affairs.
The address of the national secretary is Mr. Frank Trenier,
606 Dearborn Street, Mobile, Ala. He will gladly furnish any
information desired.”
Knights of Peter Claver
Message from the
Supreme Knight
message from the supreme knight
Gene A. Phillips, Sr., 15th Supreme Knight
O
Fraternal Greetings:
n Nov. 7, 2009, the Knights of Peter
Claver, Inc. will celebrate its 100th
Anniversary. Just as our founders
had foresight and determination to build a strong
foundation, we, as Clavers, will continue their
work by remaining committed to the Church, our
organization and community service.
On Sunday, Nov. 7, 1909, in the city of Mobile, Ala., at the Most
Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 40 men were initiated
into the Knights of Peter Claver. This began the long journey
of Claverism. Knight Gilbert Faustina became the first Grand
Knight of Council #1, along with being the first Supreme Knight
of the Knights of Peter Claver. On July 12, 1911, the Knights of
Peter Claver was incorporated under the hand and seal of Probate Judge Price Williams, Jr. from Mobile County, Ala. Please
find the various establishment dates of the divisions with the
Knights of Peter Claver, Inc.
Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. 1909-2009
Divisions
Knights
Knights Fourth Degree
Ladies Auxiliary
Junior Daughters
Junior Knights
Ladies of Grace Established
1909
1917
1926
1930
1935
1979
As you know, the nation’s economic situation has been a difficult
time for all of us. We have felt the impact of restructuring and refocusing the operational component of the Order to ensure that the
Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. will maintain a strong economic future.
I have also been pleased to see that the Deputies, Grand Knights,
Grand Ladies, Commanders, Counselors, Fourth Degree Knights,
Ladies of Grace, Junior Knights, Junior Daughters and Members
have worked hard to define new ways to encourage new membership to our organization. You are creating opportunities to
strengthen our organization that will assure a long and bright
future for us.
The Junior Division is doing fantastic things and remains
dedicated to the order. I commend Jr. Supreme Knight Desmond Taylor and Jr. Supreme Lady Jasmine Chavis for all of
their tireless work in promoting the Junior Division. I, in turn,
would like to encourage all Juniors to transfer into the Senior
Division prior to their 19th birthday.
I have appointed Knight Jerald Bass of Council #98 from
Barrett Station, Texas, as the new National Emerging Leader
Chairperson of the Knights Division. If you are between the ages
of 19-35, please contact him. His information can be found on
our KPC Web site at www.kofpc.org .
Expansion report
I urge each member to continue reaching out and inviting
your family, friends and associates to join the Knights of Peter
Clave, Inc. Our membership count has increased since our September 2008 report. The best recruiters are you, the members.
Please note the membership report as of April 2009.
First Quarter Census Summary 2009
Active Inactive
Junior
Junior
Districts Units Units Knights Ladies Knights Daughters
Central 71
11
378
630
46
103
Gulf Coast122
19
709 1365 185
254
Louisiana 253
33 2186 3449 333
604
Northern 216
48
905 2082 113
317
Texas
106
15 1036 1832 285
356
Western 80
10
387 904
32
112
Total
848 136 5601 10262 994
1746
Total Membership.......................................................................18,603
Total Active Units................................................................................848
Total Inactive Units.............................................................................136
The Claverite | Summer Issue 2009 | www.kofpc.org
Activity report
On Feb. 28, 2009, National Advocate Omar Mason and I attended a Neighbors Helping Neighbors summit on volunteerism in New
York. The summit was sponsored by Fairfield University Center for Faith/Public Life and the Knights of Columbus.
It emphasized the vital role of individuals who work together for the common good and the power that these efforts can bring
to our communities.
Additional events I attended since my last report are listed below:
Activity
Place
Executive Committee Meeting
New Orleans
St. Peter Claver Day Mass
Port Arthur, Texas
Council and Court 76 KIA Spectra
Lafayette, La.
4th Degree Memorial Mass
Houston
Council and Court 152 Christmas Party
Houston
Houston
Council and Court 139 -50th Anniversary Houston
Houston
Area Junior Christmas Party
Houston
Drexel Society Presentation Charity Ball
Houston
4th Degree Annual Christmas Party
Houston
4th Degree Ball
Houston
Installation of Officers Council and Court 231
Houston
Houston
Houston
24th Annual Archdiocesan Celebration Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Houston
4th Degree Installation of Officers
Houston
Proclamation Presentation Mayor White of Houston
Houston
Houston Inter City Council and Court Mardi Gras Ball
Houston
Houston Inter City Council and Court Mardi Parade Houston
25th Anniversary Mass – St. Benedict the Abbot Council and Court 248
Houston
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Summit
New York
Junior Louisiana State Conference
Shreveport, La.
Junior Texas State Conference
Houston
Western States District Conference
Portland, Ore.
Insurance report
Web site
All requirements are being met or addressed related to the
insurance aspects of the order. We are working on using the NAIC
Uniform Certificate of Authority Application process in trying to
obtain certificates of authority for insurance for the states where
we are not insured. Please keep us in your prayers.
If you hadn’t noticed, the Web site has been updated and I
encourage you to visit at www.kofpc.org
Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. Financial Information
Whitney Trust & Wealth Management – March 10, 2009
63.3%
Fixed Income.........................$1,737,448.96
29.7%
Cash and Equivalents................814,656.12
2.6%
International Equity........................72,654.13
0.4%
Small Cap Equity..............................9,675.69
4.0%
Large Cap Equity....................... 109,449.22
100% Total Assets Value.............................$2,743,884.11
Whitney Bank Business Operational Account – March
31, 2009
Cash Balance............................................................$306,708.01
Trust and Wealth Management.........................$2,743,884.11
Total........................................................................$3,050,592.12
Finally, the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc is hosting the International Alliance of Catholic Knights Conference, Aug. 1-7,
2009, in New Orleans, La., at the Riverside Hilton Hotel. The
opening mass will be held Aug. 1, 2009, at 8, at the hotel.
All members of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. are cordially
invited to turnout in honor of our guest.
I would like to give appreciation and thanks to Interim
Administrator Paul C. Condoll and the National Office staff for
the dedicated and diligent work they are doing, especially with
the coordination of three major events this year.
Together, we can continue the success of our organization by
remaining positive and respectful of each other. Please continue to say the St. Peter Claver Prayer. I look forward to seeing
everyone in New Orleans for the National Convention.
Yours in Claverism,
Gene A. Phillips, Sr.
Supreme Knight
message from the supreme knight
Date
November 7, 2008
November 16, 2008
November 22, 2008
November 23, 2008
December 6, 2008
December 6, 2009
December 7, 2008
December 13, 2008
December 14, 2008
December 19, 2008
December 21, 2008
January 3, 2009
January 11, 2009
January 16, 2009
January 17, 2009
January 18, 2009
January 25, 2009
January 27, 2009
January 31, 2009
February 7, 2009
February 15, 2009
February 28, 2009
March 6-8, 2009
March 27-29, 2009
April 24-26, 2009
Knights of Peter Claver
Ladies Auxiliary
Message from the
Supreme Lady
message from the supreme lady
Geralyn C. Shelvin, Supreme Lady
A
Very fraternal greetings:
s we begin the next few months of
anticipation of the 2009 National
Convention, it is important that we
keep in mind all the positive contributions the
Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver have made
throughout the years. Our Founders had a vision
of service to our Church, our communities and our
Noble Order, which has endured for the last 100
years. The establishment of all our national programs, as well as our partnerships and affiliations
and those yet to be brokered, are a testimony of
the dedication and commitment of the members
and leadership of our organization.
The Ladies Division has had the following Ladies to previously
serve in the Office of Supreme Lady: M.L. Lunnon 1926-1928,
A.R. Aubry 1928-1952, E.B. Jones 1952-1958, Inez Y. Bowman
1958-1964, Thelma P. Lombard 1964-1970, Florence W. Lee
1970-1976, Mother Elise LeNoir Morris 1976-1982, Consuella
M. Broussard 1982-1988, Dorothy B. Henderson 1988-1994,
Leodia Gooch 1994-2000, and Mary L. Briers 2000-2006. I am
thrilled to report that all past Supreme Ladies we are privileged
to have still here with us are planning on attending the 2009 National Convention in New Orleans: Ladies Lee, Morris, Broussard,
Gooch, and Briers. We salute these women and commend their
courage as they continue to unite the Ladies Division to make a
difference.
We, as a Claver Family, live in “hard times,” where competition for employment and technology demands education; where
the strengthening of family values is essential for survival; where
there is so much poverty, homelessness, illicit drug use, violence,
and so many other issues it boggles the mind. We need to focus
ourselves to be advocates for shaping the kind of world in which
future generations of people can live and prosper. All of us
should not waste precious time and energy relishing in antiquated practices of the distant past.
The theme of this administration is “Claverism: Empowering
Membership through Committed Service.” At this year’s convention, the Constitution and By-Laws of the Knights Division, and
the Charter & By-Laws of the Ladies Division are due for review
and revision. I thank those who have submitted resolutions in
order to have discussion and advance our Noble Order.
During the last year, we have increased in the Ladies membership to 1,055 members. The Junior Daughter Division membership has increased by approximately 165 members. I am happy
to report that we have rebounded well from 2007, where we experienced a loss of approximately 400 members in both divisions.
The National Counselor and all District/State Deputies are to be
commended for their diligence in expanding our membership.
Along with their Area Deputies and Area Counselors, they have
established new Courts and held initiations and workshops to
have a more informed and knowledgeable membership. Knowledge freely shared empowers the membership to encourage other
Catholic women to become a part of the Knights of Peter Claver
Ladies Auxiliary.
We offer our sincere thanks to the National Office staff, the National Court Officers and you, the membership, for your generous
giving of yourselves in support and service.
Below is a partial listing of activities of the Office of
Supreme Lady since the 2008 Convention:
• National Black Catholic Congress Conference Calls
• National Council Board of Directors Conference Calls
• Area Deputies and Area Counselors Workshops
• Junior Expansion Picnics
• Site visits to location of Senior and Junior National Conventions
• Visits to National Office
• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Subcommittee on
African-American Affairs Meeting and Conference Calls
• National Council of Negro Women Annual Affiliates Assembly
• Centennial Pilgrimage to Cartagena
• Investment Committee Conference Call
• Texas and Louisiana Junior Conferences for 2009
Best wishes to the National Council Board of Directors and
the Knights Division for a very spirit-filled and productive 2009
National Convention as they (and we) celebrate 100 years of
dedicated service.
Geralyn C. Shelvin
Supreme Lady
Cartagena, Colombia, S.A.
Feb. 21, 2009
Message from the
National Chaplain
Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry, National Chaplain
motto: “I am the Slave of the Negroes forever!” So deeply had he
given himself to this pastoral work.
He willingly devoted his life to caring for the needs of people
who were bought and sold in the slave market or sent to mines
and plantation fields. Oblivious of his own safety and comfort, he
walked among the sick, starving, despairing blacks and comforted
them. He treated their sicknesses and bound up their wounds before teaching them about the merciful God. He advocated on their
behalf, pleading the dignity of black skin. Peter Claver absorbed
in his own person the suffering of his dark flock.
Here lie Father Claver’s remains under the high altar, in your
In his final years, Claver himself became paralyzed and depenviewing, vested in priestly vestments. How privileged we are to be
dent on the care of others. A former slave whom he had befriendhere! This place stirs our faith and gives us renewed purpose in
ed was placed in charge of the priest. This one-time recipient
our Claver duties and service.
of Claver’s kindness took out his resentment of his
It seemed altogether fitting that we commence our
own lot in the surly and gruff way he treated Father
centennial celebration (1909-2009) with a visit to Peter
We admire Claver. Claver patiently bore the insults and rough
Claver at his place where he lived and ministered and
treatment without a complaint.
died. After all, this is where it all began for us. The first his courage and
generosity and say Claver’s life echoed that of the apostle to the genClaver men and women were those who surrounded
tiles in the Scriptures. St. Paul understood how his
Claver and joined with him, ministering to unfortuthanks to Claver
personal sufferings were united to the sufferings of
nates with their faith, their hands and resources.
by means of our
Christ and of the Church. “Even now I find my joy
One can imagine the tall ships docked at shore
own devoted lives in the suffering I endure for you.” – Paul would tell
here and the feverish activity and mercantilism asin service to all
those first Christians. (Colossians 1,24)
sociated with this place 400 years ago.
who need assisPeter Claver had delved into the mystery of the
This priest’s love for Jesus led him to enter the
transcendent value to be found in unmeritorious sufSpanish Jesuits. He was sent to the New World, as it tance and who
fering. We admire his courage and generosity and say
was known then; this part of the world carved out of need to hear the
thanks to Claver by means of our own devoted lives
the suffering of blacks and native peoples brutalized word of God.
in service to all who need assistance and who need to
for reasons of greed and conquest and commerce.
hear the word of God.
Most people could not bear to go to the stinking
We also learn from Claver’s example to be patient and tolerant
holds of the ships. These vessels lacked sanitary facilities from
with those who are intolerant or gripped in race prejudice and
the beginning of the voyage. And so, so many men, women
those who fail to show gratitude and appreciation for our goodand children packed together in so undignified fashion vioness toward them.
lated every requirement of expediency, privacy and hygiene.
God calls each of us to serve him and to respond to the needs of
By journey’s end, dead slaves lay still chained to their places.
others in a way measured to our own abilities and skills. Whether
Those who were not dead were sick or terrified or both. To
our efforts bring appreciation or ingratitude we follow the exthese, Claver ministered. He fed them, gave them whatever
ample of Peter Claver in finding joy in the suffering we endure for
medicines he could put his hands on and taught them about
the sake of Christ.
Jesus who suffered as they suffered.
This priestly “human rights” pioneer, as historians label him,
Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry
spent more than 40 years at this work. He asked for no transfer or
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
change of assignment in that time. He had already announced his
‘‘
,,
message from Bishop Perry
W
elcome to this holy place!
This is the closest we can possibly come to the actual person
of Father Peter Claver, who
labored here in this city and at these docks as
our ancestors were disembarked off ships that
robbed them from mother Africa.
Message from the
Deputy Supreme Knight
officer messages
Mr. Paul Jones, Jr., Deputy Supreme Knight
G
iving thanks to God for blessing to
me as I do the work of the Knights
of Peter Claver. Our focus as Clavers
must continue to adhere to the Christian values for which our Founders established our
noble order. The values of “WE ARE FAMILY.”
Report of my particpation attendance:
•Attended the monthly meetings of District #6 Southwest
Central Committee
•Attended the Louisiana State Junior conference meeting in
Shreveport, La.
•Attended the Louisiana State Senior conference in Lafayette, La.
•Attended Court #119 anniversary in Maringouin, La.
•Attended the council and court banquet in Baton Rouge, La.
•Attended the annual banquet in Lafayette, La., for the
fourth degree.
•Attended the National Board of Directors meetings in
New Orleans, La.
•Attended ST. PETER CLAVER day
Celebration.
•Attended the Central States District Conference in Denver, Colo.
•Attended the planning committee meeting of Louisiana for
the Junior and Senior conference.
•Attended Initiation and Exemplification in the Lake Charles area.
•Helped at the Thanksgiving feeding of people in Lake
Charles; feeding at Abraham’s Tent St. Martin Deplores and
St. Henry Church.
•Attended funeral service for K.P.C. members.
•In the diocese of Lake Charles, I helped with parish charities.
I hope to see you all in New Orleans for our celebration of 100
years. It is my challenge to build on the past works of the Knights
and Ladies to help K.P.C. for the future. We need to keep moving
forward with love and understanding.
A special thanks to all the State and District Deputies who answered the call for expansion and retention.
Respectfully Submitted,
Paul Jones, Jr.
Message from the
Vice Supreme Lady
Yvonne H. Jackson, Vice Supreme Lady
G
reetings Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for the vote of confidence to elect me to continue serving as
your Vice Supreme Lady of this Noble Order. You, the members, are the
pride of this order as we continue to carry out the works of our Patron, St Peter Claver. He
exemplified the strength of hope that we should follow to be positive, dedicated and totally committed to
providing the work needed in our Churches, communities and our organization for growth.
I have attended and participated in various activities since the
2008 National Convention that were rewarding, educational and
inspirational. It is always disappointing not to be able to accept
all invitations, but, rest assured, I am always with you in spirit.
Some of the activities were:
•Wilfred B. Ricard Court #116 monthly meetings.
•Monthly meetings – Ladies of Grace, Constance Butler Chapter 9.
•Serving at the Bishop Ott Center for the Homeless with the
Ladies of Grace Chapter 9.
•Serving food at St. Vincent DePaul Shelter to families with
Junior Court #116.
•LA State District II meetings.
•Assisting and attending Court #116 Fundraiser (Casino
Trip / Taste Fair / Health Fair).
•LA Junior State Picnic.
•LA District IV – St. Peter Claver Day Mass.
•LA Junior State Conference, Shreveport, La.
•LA Junior and Senior Initiations.
I am looking forward to attending and participating in the following activities:
•Northern State District Conference, Norfolk, Va.
•Louisiana Senior State Conference, Lafayette, La.
•Junior National Convention, Houston, Texas
•KPC National Convention, New Orleans, La.
God gives us the courage and strength to be stronger, wiser and
better at what we are to accomplish. May God continue to send
blessings to all of us.
Respectfully submitted,
Yvonne H. Jackson
Vice Supreme Lady
Messages from the Office of
National Secretaries
Lady DeLise M. Coleman, National Secretary
M
y living motto remains continuing
to go forth serving within our
Church, community and our
Noble Order. Being mindful of
our eternal reward, below you will find a synopsis
of my past year.
“If God is for us, who can
be against us?” Romans 8:31
Ladies Auxiliary 2008-2009
Annual Report
James Kelley Terry, National Secretary
F
raternal Greetings, my Brothers and Sisters in Claverism,
I am honored and indeed humbled to submit my annual report as
National Secretary of the Knights of Peter Claver. I am grateful and
indeed thankful to our Claver family for their love and support, which
enable me to be of continued service to our Noble Order.
Since being re-elected to the National Council, I have been
working on many issues that affect the future growth of our
Order. The great majority of my service to the Order has dealt
with fielding inquiry of members concerning the status of the
Order, to which I have answered to the best of my knowledge.
I have provided support to the Supreme Knight as requested.
Since the departure of the past Executive Director, I have been
working with the Web team and office networking team to
assist with ongoing information exchange with the membership. I continue to encourage members to actively use all the
features provided by the Web development team, which will
enable our site to become fully functional.
Since the beginning of the year, I have chaired the 100th
Anniversary planning team in New Orleans.
We are hoping that the experience we are planning meets your
expectations for the celebration of our 100 years of service. I
have been extremely blessed to serve as your National Secretary. I have been helped by so many of you. Your encouragement and friendships I will always value. Lastly, a heartfelt
thanks to my Unit #325 Claver family and the New Orleans
Central Committee for your wrap-around love and support
during this past year – as you have done so many years past.
Sincerely Yours in Claverism,
James Kelley Terry
National Secretary
officer messages
Community service: Care packages/contribution to the
military and family; feed the homeless pantry for northern
Virginia metro area; Democratic National Convention forum/
caucus participant; participant in presidential inauguration
press; recipient of inauguration tickets and festivities; participant of National Day of Service; and soon to come marathon
participant for the Leukemia Foundation. Financial support
– AIDS Atlanta, Resurrection Catholic Missions of the South,
Lupus Foundation-Houston, Texas, Feed the Children Foundation, National Alopecia Foundation, UNCF and Claver
conferences/supplies.
Claver service: Within the organization, I continue to be
available for secretarial duties, court meetings, court fundraisers, official regalia turn outs, various prayer breakfasts,
monetary support and being available to Claver sisters.
Conference service: My year’s end was remarkable! Words
cannot do justice to the experience of being able to witness
and participate in two conferences during the 100-year celebration. At Northern District Conference – Norfolk, Va., we
were fortunate to receive historical words
by Father Emmons at the Basilica of St.
Mary of the Immaculate Conception. At the Gulf Coast Conference – Mobile, Ala., we felt a charge of inspiration being
led by the Sir Knights in a march to the Cathedral-Basilica of
the Immaculate Conception while reciting the rosary led by
Father Vern Hughuley. We received an indescribable homily by Father Conwill Giles. This was truly rewarding while
celebrating in the birthplace of Our Noble Order … I feel
blessed to have partaken in the occasion.
Special thanks: to Lady Helen Brown Court #261, Lady
Thomas Ann Riley Court #134, Grand Lady Thayes Sturgis
Court #300, Vice Grand Lady Carmen Jenkins Court #300
and GCD Vice President Donna Williams Court #171 for their
hospitality during my travels. As always, thank you to the Ladies
of Baltimore, Md. and metro Atlanta, Ga., for their help and support, with a special acknowledgment to Courts #331 and #340.
May we continue to grow, learn and accept Gods wisdom
as we strive toward our reward!
10
Message from the Office of
National Treasurers
Philip B. Stiell, National Treasurer
G
officer messages
reetings,
First of all, I thank you for your continued confidence and trust in reelecting me to the office of National
Treasurer. I take my responsibilities seriously and
will continue to serve to the best of my abilities.
During the last year, I have attended each of the Executive
Committee and Investment Committee meetings in New Orleans and have participated in several conference calls. I have
coordinated the development of the 2009 operating budget
with Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips, Sr. and Interim Director Paul Condoll. By the time this goes to print, I will have presented that budget to the Executive Committee and National
Board of Directors for their review and approval. While reviewing reports on our investments, I noticed that some of our investments were rated lower than our investment policy allows.
We discovered that there were some discrepancies between the
ratings as reported by Whitney Bank, the custodian of the investments, and those reported by our consultant from Charles
Schwab. I am currently working to reconcile those differences.
I have also begun a process that will identify and record balances for each of our special funds and national projects such
as UNCF, Soaring High, Scholarship, and Sickle Cell.
I have had the pleasure of representing the Supreme Knight
and National Board of Directors at the Gulf Coast District Junior
Conference and the Gulf Coast District Senior Conference. I made
a number of other appearances at local unit celebrations, including
the Annual Banquet of Council #9 in Natchez, Miss., for which I
was the guest speaker. I am also involved in planning the Gulf Coast
Conference’s celebration of the Order’s Centennial Anniversary.
I am happy to report that the organization remains financially solvent. The deficits experienced in 2007 have been drastically reduced. Our financial reserves (set aside to meet potential
insurance payouts) remain at a level that exceeds statutory requirements and are mostly in long-term bonds – critical to maintaining
principal in these times of fluctuating markets and interest rates.
We continue to have our challenges. Once again, income
from dues and mortuary assessments is down. At the same
time, we experienced higher death claims, and payroll and
salaries were slightly higher than budgeted. The result is that
we continued to operate at a modest deficit in 2008. Our
investments have not been immune to the financial crisis experienced by the nation. Fortunately, the investment profile to
which we aspire has protected us somewhat from experiencing
the tremendous losses incurred by others.
System improvements to internal reporting and controls
are being refined. We continue to address weaknesses identified during audits conducted by the Alabama Department of
Insurance and Bruno and Tervalon, CPAs. I will continue to
refine the budgeting process to allow more meaningful input
from the State and District Deputies and others who work
and spend money on our behalf. I will also propose a system
to more effectively monitor and control National Convention
expenses and profitability.
I am grateful to those who have afforded me their guidance
and advice. I ask that you keep me and the National Board in
your prayers as we work to deliver on our promises and the
promises of our patron, Saint Peter Claver.
Yours in Claverism,
Philip B. Stiell, National Treasurer
Melissa Sias, National Treasurer
G
reetings, my Sisters in Claverism:
I thank you for your faith in me and
continued support as I embark on
my second term as the National
Treasurer of the Ladies Division.
As I stated, Samuel 3:10, “Speak for your servant is listening.” I am
hopeful the Financial Resource Guide has served as a tool to assist
your Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Counselor and Finance Board
Member in accurate recording of all financial transactions in your
court. Psalm 17:5: “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have
not slipped.” I pledge to continue working for the good of the Order and follow the path of God and our patron Saint Peter Claver.
I am submitting a preliminary report. The complete re-
port will be provided at the National
Convention in New Orleans. I have
attended the following Claver Celebrations, Church and community activities:
District IV Annual Celebration, Annie
Bell Hawkins Birthday Celebration,
Day of Reconciliation Mass, Survivor
of Violent Crime Mass, Court and
Council #54 Annuals Award Banquet, Brother Juniper Crouch,
O.F.M. Golden Jubilee Celebration, Mass and Celebration for
Father Mike , St. Catherine of Sienna Chapter #16 Annual
Luncheon, St. Paul Chapter and Assembly #3 Annual Banquet,
St. Paul Chapter #3 “Read Across America,” St. Paul Chapter
#3, provided breakfast and lunch for the Interfaith Council of
Churches in the Diocese of Lafayette.
11
I continue to serve my Church parish as a volunteer in the
following ministries: Sunday Choir, Lector, Parish Council,
Eucharistic Minister and Finance Committee Chairperson of
the Parish Council. I am the Financial Consultant for District
IV Finance and Audit Committee and Chairperson for Audit
Committee St. Paul Chapter 3. It was a pleasure to travel to
Lombard, Ill., and share clinical knowledge and expertise as a
presenter on “Health Issues” for the Junior Northern District
Conference in June 2008. I plan to travel to the Louisiana
State Conference, Junior National Convention in Houston and
National Convention in New Orleans.
A financial report will be provided with the completed
report at the National Convention. I will continue to assist all
members who require my help in maintaining accurate accounting of all financial transaction of the Noble Order.
Sincerely,
Melissa Sias, National Treasurer
Message from the Office of the
National Advocate
Mr. Omar K. Mason, National Advocate
D
ear Claver Family:
I want to thank you for having the faith and confidence in me and in my
qualifications to elect me as your National Advocate. Your thoughts and prayers
as I carry out my duties in office are always welcome and much appreciated.
through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Though the uniform application process is tedious,
we have begun gathering the documents and information
necessary to complete the application, and we are anxious
to get the uniform application on file in the near future.
Otherwise, I have devoted much of my time and attention
to researching and studying our Constitution and By-Laws
and preparing memorandum opinions on numerous issues
for the benefit and consideration of the National Council
Board of Directors. I have also worked tirelessly reviewing
and providing suggested revisions to proposed By-Laws of
the various Districts, Conferences, Councils and Divisions
of the Order. I have reviewed and/or revised numerous
conference and convention-related contracts and forms and
have drafted a number of disclaimers, indemnity and hold
harmless agreements to help ensure that our legal interests
are protected.
I will continue to fulfill my dudes with you, the members
of this Noble Order, in mind. I look forward to seeing each
of you this summer as we convene in my hometown of New
Orleans for our Centennial Celebration. In the meantime,
I pray that the Lord blesses each of us as we continue to
strive to carry out the honorable legacy of our Patron Saint,
Peter Claver.
I remain truly Yours in Claverism,
Omar K. Mason
National Advocate
officer messages
As I approach the end of the first year of my term, I must
admit that I quickly came to the realization that my position is a challenging one; and seems, at times, unrewarding.
However, when I work into the late hours of the night and
into the weary hours of the morning, what keeps me motivated is the fact that you chose me to serve in this capacity
so that I can put forth my best efforts to help ensure the
interests of our Noble Order are protected.
Immediately upon taking office, I was greeted by an order
issued by a hearing officer of the Commissioner of Insurance for the state of Alabama requiring that we comply with
certain recommendations set forth in limited and full scope
examinations of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. and file
a statement of corrective actions taken to comply with the
said recommendations, subject to sanctions or administrative action for failure to so comply. I am proud to say that
with the help of Immediate Past National Advocate Vincent
Wilkins, Jr., and Interim Administrator Paul C. Condoll, we
timely filed our Statement of Corrective Actions with the
Alabama department of Insurance and, by letter dated Sept.
9, 2008, we were advised by the Alabama Department of
Insurance that the only actions remaining to be taken are
implementing and monitoring those corrective actions. The
department further expressed that it looks forward to working with us into the future toward resolving all of the issues
raised during the examinations.
Among the matters for which we have been charged to
take corrective actions and for which we strongly desire
to address is securing certificates of authority to issue and
maintain insurance benefits for members of the Order
located in states in which we currently do not hold such
certificates of authority. In that respect, the National Council Board of Directors has recently approved the preparation
and filing of a Uniform Certificate of Authority Application
12
Message from
National Lay Board Menbers
George J. Williams, National Lay Board Member
G
officer messages
reetings Knights & Ladies,
As we prepare to celebrate 100
years of St. Peter Claver Knights and
Ladies Auxiliary, let us not forget the
true purpose and meaning of establishment of our
Noble Order by Gilbert Faustina, Frank Collins,
Frank Trenier, Conrad F. Rebesher, John H. Dorsey, Samuel J. Kelly, and Joseph P. Van Baast.
Our long history of service and commitment to the Church
and community has provided and played a significant role in
meeting goals set by this wonderful organization. In the spirit
of our Patron, Saint Peter Claver, let us continue to be committed to providing stewardship in serving our brothers and sisters
throughout the United States and abroad. As your National Lay
Board Members, we ask for your recommitment of service to our
Noble Order and continue the positive, professional and generous
service you have given our Knights of Peter, Inc. Million Hours
Volunteer Charity Service Program.
‘‘
G
,,
There is no real religious experience that does
not express itself in charity.
– C. H. Dodd
2008
Aug. 6 August Oct. 21
Oct. 26
Dec. 6
Jan. 5
Jan. 10
Jan. 16
Jan. 17
Jan. 24
Feb. 7
Feb. 14
Feb. 14
Feb. 18
Mar. 6-8
Apr. 5
Apr. 8 New Conference call National Council Board
St. Catherine Sienne Chapter #16, New Iberia, La.
Conference call National Council Board
Evangeline Court #49 Breaux Bridge, La. 80th Anniversary
St Catherine Sienne Chapter #16 Ball 2009
Funeral service – Lady Yola Sylvester
St. Paul Assembly and Chapter #3 Banquet
Martin Luther King Mass, St. John Cathedral
Louisiana State Winter Board meeting, New Orleans Funeral service – Knight Elmer J. Wiltz, Sr.
Funeral service – Sir Knight Paul Carter, Sr.
Funeral service – Lady Theresa Gordon
St. Francis of Assisi #49 Valentine Ball
Funeral Service – Sir Knight Sylvester Auzenne, Sr.
Louisiana State Junior Conference, Shreveport, La.
St. Francis of Assisi Council #49 Cluster Initiation, Breaux Bridge, La.
Funeral service – Knight Joseph Lewis
Yours in Claverism,
George J. Williams
National Lay Board Member
Hilda Wiltz, National Lay Board Member
reetings My Claver Family.
It is only with the hand of God, and
your support, that I am privileged to
submit to you my third annual report.
It is with a grateful heart that I thank
you for allowing me to be of service to you one
more time. Thanks to all who contributed to the
National Service Projects. I am extremely grateful
and thankful to God for 25 years of continuous
service to our Noble Order
First, I would like to thank all of you who lifted up my family
and me during the death of my aunt, neighbors and so many of
our Clavers. You have embraced me as your Claver sister, your
daughter and your special friend. For your embrace, I thank
God for all of you.
Second, I would like to thank all those who graced me with an
invitation to your various events this past year. I was honored to be
asked and excited to participate. For those events that I was unable
to attend, I extended my support and prayers of success to you. I
have attended all local court (Our Mother of Mercy Court #75),
meetings and turnouts and attended all meetings of St Paul Chapter
#3, my chapter. It was a pleasure to accompany the Supreme Lady
Shelvin at the National Council of Negro Women Affiliates meeting
in Washington, D.C. Most Esteemed represented us with zeal and splendor. I thank her
for all ways extending her talents and service
as she empowers me and the membership.
To the Deputies of the Western States
District Conferences and to my Deputies of
Louisiana State Conference and all those who
assisted you: It was indeed a pleasure to join
you at the conferences and participate in a well organized workshop. God had rendered a blessing on my life to experience your
dedication and hard work. I truly wish I could have been to all of
the conferences.
To all my Clavers who participated in the broadcast and assisted
in helping with the workshops, I appreciate all you do. To all of
my Clavers who invited me to serve as mistress of ceremony, guest
speaker or break open the word, it was a joy to be with you and to
participate in your activities. Merci.
Finally, I have been busy working with my counterpart with
the capitulation of the service hours and the workshop details.
Thank you, Brother Williams and Lady Williams for allowing me
to be a part of your lives as you work for Claver. Remembering
“that only what you do for Christ will last,” I present to you the
other details of my report.
I attended and participated in many events and workshops from
January 2008-October 2008, which are too many to list.
,,
Again with the Grace of God I thank you for your commitment to service.
‘‘
Only what you do for Christ will Last.
Hilda Lucille Edna Theresa Wiltz,
National Lay Board Member
Message from the
Director General
Tilman D. King, Director General
F
raternal Greetings:
It is indeed a pleasure to address the
membership and provide to you an
update on the status of the Junior Knights.
I would like to express my appreciation and heartfelt thanks
to the membership for your confidence in electing me as
the Director General, Junior Knights. Without your support
and prayers, none of this would be possible. Thank you for
your generous support and unwavering commitment to KPC.
Thanks to the KPC members and other attendees at the 93rd
Annual National Convention in Jacksonville, Fla., July 25-31,
2008.
The last several months have been a busy time for the
Junior Knights. I would like to inform you of some of my
travels. In the last several months, I have attended the following events:
Date
Activity
Place
Sept. 20, 2008 Junior Initiation, BR 351 Baton Rouge, La.
Nov. 22, 2008
Junior Initiation, BR 26 Pass Christian, Miss.
Jan. 10, 2009 Junior Initiation, BR 144 Shreveport, La.
Mar. 6-8, 2009 Gulf Coast Junior Conference Gulfport, Miss.
Mar. 21, 2009 Junior Initiation, BR 123 New Orleans, La.
Mar. 27-29, 2009 Texas State Junior Conference
Houston
District/State
Central States
Gulf States
Louisiana
Northern States
Texas
Western States
TOTAL UNITS
Central States
Gulf States
Louisiana
Northern States
Texas
Western States
TOTAL
JUNIOR UNITS
Aug. 2008
6
18
26
20
20
6
96
MEMBERSHIP
34
125
341
143
277
23
943
Mar. 2009
6
19
28
17
19
8
97
46
185
333
113
285
32
994
During the last eight months, the Jr. Knight Commanders throughout the organization have been busy with a number of initiations,
which accounts for the increase in membership. I thank the membership for your commitment and dedication to the Junior Knights.
As we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary, let us remain ever more focused on doing the work of our Patron Saint.
Tilmon D. King
Director General, Junior Knights
13
officer messages
November 2008-December 2008
Several memorial services for the chapter and courts, district
meeting Christmas parties, fall dances and activities for the holiday. Guest speaker Maurice Council and Court #70 – Maurice
for Christmas with the elderly program. NCNW Affiliates Meeting Washington, D.C.; accompanied the Supreme Lady. Stole
presentation to our Deacon while in D.C.
January 2009
10 – St. Paul Chapter and Assembly #3 Installation and awards
Banquet, Lafayette, La.
17 – Attended the Winter Board meeting at the LA State Conference, New Orleans. Installed local officers of Court #49.
24 – Participated in Our Mother of Mercy’s Anniversary
Celebration Court #75.
February 2009
5 – Mardi Gras dance St. Ben’s Council #84 and Maurice
Court #70.
14 – Mistress of Ceremony Council and Court #49 Annual
Valentine Ball.
15 – Attended Celebration/ Mass 75 years at Sophia Barett Court
#34, Grand Coteau, La.
21 – Queen of peace Mardi Gras Ball.
March 2009
6-8 – Attended La. Junior State Conference.
20 – Attended Retreats and spiritual events and a women’s
conference.
April 2009
April 18 – Guest Speaker Men of Excellence Banquet Court
#76, Lafayette, La.
April 19 – Sent a greeting telephone broadcast out to all the
Clavers. Attended St. Arbry Court #119 anniversary Mass and reception.
April 25 – Attended Western States District Conference,
Portland, Ore.
May 2009
May 21-23 – LA State Conference, Lafayette, La.
14
Message from the
Junior Daughter Counselor
Diane T. Asberry, National Counselor of Junior Daughters
officer messages
D
ear Claver Family,
ership workshop in Chicago in March,
where I learned about the seriousness of
juvenile obesity.
It is indeed a great honor for me to
In conversations and from listening to Counselors and Grand
submit my report as your National
Ladies within our districts/states, these seem to be the areas
Counselor of Junior Daughters.
of concern expressed by many (I listed them in the order of
One of my goals as National Counselor was to
importance):
talk to, and learn about, our Juniors and meet
•Support for the Junior Daughter Counselor and Assistant
and have conversations with the Counselors,
Counselor by the Grand Lady and senior court members.
Assistant Counselors and Grand Ladies.
•Support for the junior activities and events by the Grand
Lady and senior court members.
•Developing
activities and programs that will sustain the
The Junior Supreme Lady, Jasmine Chavis, and I traveled to
interest
of
our
juniors.
Shrevepor and Houston to attend the Louisiana and Texas
•Importance
of
keeping the lines of communication open to
State Junior Conferences. Due to scheduling conflicts, we were
all
(parents,
senior
court members).
unable to attend the Gulf Coast Junior Conference. The Junior
I
recently
met
with
the
Junior National Board to continue
District Board of Directors and the State/District Directors/Dito
plan
for
our
18th
Biennial
Junior National Convention,
rectresses are to be commended for such excellent conferences.
which
will
take
place
July
9-12
in Houston. Our board is
The Junior Commanders/Counselors, Assistant Commanders/
planning
what
we
hope
is
an
exciting,
educational and funCounselors, parents and chaperones are greatly appreciated for
filled
convention.
We
are
asking
all
those
who are planning
the fantastic job they did in preparing our young people to atto
attend
to
read
the
packets
thoroughly
tend the conferences and giving so freely of
to
prepare
for
the
convention.
We hope
We need to highlight
their time to travel, be mentors and commany
of
you
will
take
part
in
the
compemittee advisers and keep them safe! Thank
and promote the posititions!
you for all that you do!
Our juniors are excited to be part of this
Although each district/state is unique, there tive actions of our Juniors
organization!
Their pride is evident as
is certainly a common thread that ties all of as they participate in comthey
participate
in activities, workshops,
the districts/states together: our juniors. No
munity
service
projects,
reprojects,
etc.
They
need us to continue to
matter where I have traveled, I have found
help
them
develop
leadership skills, be
that our juniors are bright and full of ideas! cruitment drives, liturgies and,
mentors
and
role
models
and be the lisOne thing that has particularly stood out is
particularly, Junior District/
tening
ear
to
them
and
the
voice for them
their exceptional behavior! It is a very comwhen
necessary.
District State Conferences!
mon practice throughout our country for
I want to especially thank Most Esthe negative actions of youth to be sensateemed
Supreme
Lady
Geralyn C. Shelvin for supporting me in
tionalized on television and in newspapers. We need to highlight
my
efforts
to
travel
to
the
many places within our Noble Order
and promote the positive actions of our juniors as they particito
learn
as
much
as
I
could
about the Junior Division. I want
pate in community service projects, recruitment drives, liturgies
to
thank
Mr.
Rellis
and
Mrs.
Johnnie Belle Chavis, parents of
and, particularly, junior district/district state conferences!
Junior
Supreme
Lady
Jasmine
Chavis, for entrusting me with
Since our convention in Jacksonville, Fla., Pierre Toussaint,
your
daughter
as
we
travel
to
different
places. I want to thank
Junior Court #278 in Savannah, Ga., St. Paul of the Cross,
the
other
members
of
the
National
Board
for welcoming me
Junior Court #301 in Atlanta, Ga., Louis Hertzog, Junior Court
and
extending
a
helping
hand
as
I
traveled
to your Districts/
#227, in Cleveland, Ohio, and Father Constantine Junior
States
for
initiations,
reactivations,
workshops
and District/
Court #57 in Kansas City, Mo., were reactivated. We have
State
Junior
Conferences.
welcomed #195 Junior Daughters into our Noble Order. I
I would be remiss if I did not thank you, the membership, for
must recognize and give thanks for the hard work of our Area
the
confidence you placed in me by electing me for this posiCounselors, Grand Ladies, Counselors, parents and members
tion.
Let us continue to work as a team to develop our youth
in planning, organizing and carrying out the initiations.
as
leaders
for today and tomorrow! It is my distinct honor to
In January, I was invited to participate in a membership workserve
as
your
National Counselor of Junior Daughters.
shop and junior workshop in Los Angeles. I was also privileged
‘‘ ,,
to participate at an Area Counselors workshop in Louisiana in
March. I have been asked for input at our commanders and
counselors meetings in Chicago. I attended a wonderful Lead-
Sincerely,
Diane T. Asberry
National Counselor of Junior Daughters
15
Messages from the
Louisiana State Deputies
Oscar Benoit, Louisiana State Deputy
F
raternal greetings:
It is my privilege to provide my 200809 annual report for serving as your
Louisiana State Deputy. One of my priorities is to provide leadership training workshops
to the members. We must create and show the
value of our organization to the youth, which will
encourage them to join and stay in our Noble
Order.
My summary of activities since the 2008 National Convention:
09/10/2008 Attended District #7.
09/13/2008 Attended banquet in New Iberia, La.
10/18/2008 Attended board meeting in Opelousas, La.
10/18/2008 Attended banquet in St. Martinville, La.
10/26/2008 Attended initiation of new members in Lafayette, La.
11/02/2008
11/16/2008
12/06/2008
12/13/2008
01/10/2009
01/17/2009
02/07/2009
03/6-8/2009
Turn-out with Court #22 in
New Orleans.
Attended turn-out and banquet
in Port Arthur, Texas
Initiation new members in Houma, La.
Attended ball in Baton Rouge, La.
Attended banquet in Lafayette, La.
Attended LA State Board Meeting in New Orleans.
Attended meeting in Breaux Bridge, La.
Attended Junior LA State Conference in Shreveport, La.
Thanks to Most Worthy Gene A. Phillips, Sr., our committed
staff at the National Office, my Area Deputies, Grand Knights, LA
State Conference Presidents and to all who have reached out in
my support. I pray for your continued support and prayers.
Oscar Benoit
Louisiana State Deputy
Michelle C. Jackson, State Deputy of Louisiana
It is indeed an honor and a privilege
to submit my first annual report as
State Deputy of Louisiana. These
past few months serving as Deputy have been
truly a humbling and exciting experience.
The accomplishments during this year were a cooperative
endeavor, with many thanks to all of the Ladies of Louisiana.
Together we can achieve whatever task is presented before us
as members of the KPC, Ladies Auxiliary. Newsletters were
produced in October 2008 and January 2009. I implore each of
you to be knowledgeable of the Constitution and By-laws of our
Noble Order. Develop projects and activities to bridge the gap
between the Juniors wanting to transfer into the Senior Division. Reclaim lost members by encouraging them to return and
expand our current membership by encouraging Ladies to join.
The report covers the period of August 2008 to April 2009. I
would like to extend my thanks to the Courts who hosted an initiation and those who participated in expansion. There have been
62 new members, 1 Junior Transferee and 12 reinstatements – for
a grand total of 75 brought into the order. Initiations attended:
October 2008 – District IV, Lafayette, La. December 2008 – District III, Jeanerette, La. March 2009 – District VI, Lake Charles;
and District II, St. James, La. Workshops conducted: “Area
Deputies,” “Financial (Auditing) Procedures,” “Recruit-Retain-Reclaim,” “Duties of Officers and Members,” “Court By-laws,” “Writing Resolutions” and “Dress Code.” October 2008 – Area Deputies
Workshop, Lafayette. November 2008 – St.
Rita Court #31, Lake Charles. February
2009 – St. Rose of Lima Court #242, Cecilia.
March 2009 – Area Counselors at the Junior
LA State Conference, Grand Ladies of District
III, Loreauville.
In addition to attending regularly
scheduled meetings of 3rd and 4th Degree
and bimonthly meetings of SWCC District VI, I attended and
participated in the following: August 2008 – Junior LA State
Picnic; September 2008 – Transition meeting with Immac. Past
State Deputy – Cynthia L. Jackson, District IV St. Peter Claver
Mass, Lafayette. October 2008 – Our Lady of Good Counsel
Court #78, 70th Anniversary Mass, New Orleans; meeting
with the National Office Staff, New Orleans; LA State Conference Fall Planning Meeting, Opelousas; Evangeline Court
#49 – 80th Anniversary Mass and reception, Breaux Bridge.
December 2008 – Chapter/Assembly #6 and Court/Council
#31 Christmas party, Lake Charles; IHM #141 Christmas party,
Lake Charles; Court/Council #116 Christmas party, Baton
Rouge; January 2009 – St. Rita Court #31 monthly meeting,
Lake Charles; St. Paul Chapter/Assembly #3 banquet, Lafayette; winter board meeting, New Orleans; St. Augustine Court
#41 monthly meeting, New Roads. February 2009 – St. Henry
Court #168 Mardi Gras social, Lake Charles; Court/Council
#49 Valentine ball, Breaux Bridge; Mass celebration for three
75-year members (what a blessing) St. Sophia Barrett Court
#34, Grand Coteau; IHM Court/Council #206 Mardi Gras
ball, Lafayette. March 2009 – Junior LA State Conference,
Shreveport, facilitated elections for Our Lady of the Rosary
(cont. on page 16)
officer messages
G
reetings:
16
(cont. from page 15)
Court #115, Broussard, Teche Central Committee District III
meeting, Loureauville, La. I would like to thank everyone who
invited me to attend or participate in Claver activities. It has
been truly an honor to be in your presence.
I want to thank my angels, Area Deputies-Lois Washington, Lena Blaise, Janet St. Cyr-Moore, Deola Ellis, Henrietta
Robertson, Mary Elair, Debra Bridges, Christina Demouy, Betty
LaCour, Barbara Potier, Minnie Finks, Augusta Rideaux and
Paula Jordan, for assisting with expansion and whatever tasks
were requested of you; the Area Counselors for their efforts in
recruiting and encouraging juniors to transfer into the Senior
Division; and also Lady Linda Moten of St Paul Court #11.
I want to thank my counterpart, Brother Oscar Benoit, for
his support, assistance, cooperation and challenges, all for
the good of the state of Louisiana, as well as the Order. Most
importantly, I thank the Most Esteemed Supreme Lady Geralyn
C. Shelvin for her continued support, leadership and guidance.
Yours in Claverism,
Michelle C. Jackson
Messages from the
Central States Deputies
officer messages
Garry Bostick District Deputy, Central States District
F
raternal greetings:
in June 2008, where I was able to
observe again how well behaved and
businesslike were their attitudes that
It is my privilege to provide my anour juniors exhibited during the conference. I attended the St.
nual report to the membership on the
Peter Claver Day in Okmulgee, Okla., in 2008, where I had
condition of the Central States District the honor of being one of the keynote speakers in an event
and a summary of my activities since my electhat was well-attended by all the Councils in Oklahoma. We
tion at my District Conference in 2008. Before
had more than 150 Knights, Ladies, Junior Daughters, Junior
I begin, I would like to express my appreciation
Knights and guest in attendance.
and heartfelt thanks to the Knights in the Central
We in the Central States District are embracing more efficient
States District for re-electing me as your District
and economical ways to do business, such as when I held a
virtual Town Hall Meeting via conference call with many of the
Deputy in 2008.
Grand Knights in the Central States District. Also, we are looking forward to the day when most, if not all, future conference
Growth in our District, which is predominately non-Catholic,
meeting call letters and associated conference package informais difficult, but we did have had an increase in our membertion will be delivered via e-mail to all the
ship of approximately 2 percent, and have
Councils in the Central States District. Our
scheduled 30 more Knights to be initiated
As we are marking
current plan is to begin this for our 2010
in St. Louis in May 2009, of which I am
our 100th anniversary District Conference in Memphis, Tenn.
grateful. I want to thank my Area Deputies
As we are marking the 100th anniverof our organization I urge
who recruited and brought in new memsary of our organization, I urge the Central
bers and reclaimed members through their the Central States District
States District to plan celebrations to recdedicated hard work and service
ognize this wonderful event in our Noble
Our Junior Division needs to grow. I ask to plan celebrations to
Organization’s existence. I encourage all
the Councils to help develop branches in
recognize this wonderful
Councils to commemorate this momentous
your parishes and support them spiritually
event in our noble organi- juncture with some form of celebration
and financially, and guide their developthat will be noteworthy enough to be long
ment into Knights.
zation’s existence.
remembered.
Also during this time, let us be mindful
Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to serve
of the participation in our Conferences and National Conas your District Deputy. Also, thank you for your generous
ventions. We need to strive to improve our attendance and
representation at these events, as your support is needed at the support and commitment to the Central States District of the
Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. May St. Peter Claver be an exNational Convention, as well as the District Conference.
Due to the financial status of the nation and our own organi- ample for us, show us the Love of God, the light of Christ, and
the strength of the Holy Spirit.
zation, including our members, I limited my workshop travel
to my workshop at our District Conference in Denver, Colo.,
Yours in Claverism,
in April 2009. Hopefully, later this fall, I will be able to go back Garry Bostick
to a regular Fall Workshop, along with the well-attended Area
District Deputy
Cluster Workshops I held in the past years.
Central States District
I attended our District Juniors Conference in Denver, Colo.,
‘‘ ,,
17
Janice M. Gray, Central States District Deputy
G
reetings,
It is a privilege to submit my first annual report as Central States District
Deputy. It has been a busy, rewarding and challenging year.
Activity Summary:
• Celebrated St. Peter Claver Day with Councils/Courts in
Oklahoma hosted by Council/Court #55, Okmulgee, Okla.
• Founders Day – ‘Turnout’ and dinner with Court #261.
• Met with Knights District Deputy in Oklahoma City for a
Knight Garry Bostick and I have worked together in planning a focus for this District – one that will nurture the family
environment of our Noble organization.
I would like to extend my thanks to the National Office,
Most Esteemed Supreme Lady Geralyn Shelvin and Micaela
LeBlanc, Western States District Deputy, for their leadership
and guidance this first year.
Janice M. Gray
Central States District Deputy
Messages from the
Western States Deputies
Anderson F. Shaw, Western States District Deputy
I
n the past year, I have been blessed
to have served our Noble Order representing the outstanding Knights of the
Western States District. During the year, I
have participated in the following activities:
I attended and participated in many summits, events and workshops
from April 2008-September 2008, which are too many to list.
Oct.10-12, 2008 Western States District Conference Mid-year Board Meeting
Oct. 14, 2008 Los Angeles Black History Mass Meeting
Oct. 21, 2008 Los Angeles KPC Bishop Fisher Vocation Committee Meeting
Oct.25, 2008
Southern California Coordinating Council and Courts Meeting
Oc. 26, 2008
Turn-out Assembly 13 Memorial Mass
Oct. 27, 2008
Bishop Clark Advisory Committee
Nov. 8, 2008
LMU African-American Catholic Contribution Class
Nov. 9, 2008
Nov.16, 2008
Nov. 22, 2008
Dec. 13, 2008
Dec. 15, 2008
Jan. 10, 2008
Jan. 15, 2009
Jan. 11, 2009
Jan. 19, 2009
Jan. 19, 2009
Jan. 24, 2009
Jan. 25, 2009
Feb. 14, 2009
Feb. 16, 2009
Turn-out Southern California
Founders Day Mass
Bishop Clark Advisory Committee
Los Angeles KPC Bishop Fisher Vocation Awards Program
LMU African-American Catholic Faith Formation Class
Bishop Clark Mass and Christmas Dinner
LMU African-American Catholic Spirituality
Class
Los Angeles Initiation
LMU African-American Catholic Alumni Meeting
Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast
Turn-out Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass
Southern California Coordinating Council and Courts Meeting
Assembly 13 Meeting
LMU African-American Catholic Bible Study Class
Deceased Member Ritual
(cont. on page 18)
officer messages
This year, I’ve worked with experienced and supporting Grand
Ladies. New Area Deputies have been appointed who have
been working on establishing new Courts and reinstating and
initiating new members. I look forward to expanding our Central States even more. The Area Deputies are: Lois Scott, Anita
Williams, Mary Mitchell, Louise Penman, Bernadette Hogue,
Diane Huff, Tara Bradley, Anne Freeman, Patricia Faulkner and
Mary Robinson.
Our Area Counselors are Karen Mushily, Ruby Douthet,
Pearl Fidel, Arlene Daces, Joyce Terry, Crystal Lovett, Brenda
Jones, Belinda Anderson, and Sandra Thibodaux.
Central States increased by 18 new members coming from
Courts #343, #188, #224, #61, #261 and #308.
planning meeting.
• Monthly conference calls with Grand
Ladies.
• Invited by Court #61 to do workshop on
‘Duties and Responsibilities of Local Officers for the Kansas City Metro Ladies.
This same workshop was given to Court
#261.
• Conference Call workshops: Central States District Secretary,
Treasurer and Area Deputies.
• Initiation for Court #261.
• Attended steering and planning meeting for the Central
States District Conference, attended and worked on the
Black Advisory Council for the Archbishop of Denver and
continued my classes with the Omega Cavaliers Parliamentarian Association.
18
Feb. 22, 2009
Feb. 24, 2009
Feb. 27-March 1
March 7, 2009
March 10, 2009
Assembly 13 Meeting
LA KPC Vocation Executive Committee Meeting
KPC Booth Los Angeles Religious Education
Congress
Southern California Membership Campaign
Workshop
Bishop Solis Ethic Council Meeting
March 11, 2009
March 18, 2009
March 21, 2009
March 25, 2009
March 27-28, 2009
LA KPC Vocation Executive Committee Meeting
LA KPC Vocation Awards Committee meeting
Council #389 Establishment
Los Angeles Archdiocese Child Protection Up
Date Workshop
Northern California Membership Campaign Workshop
Micaela LeBlanc, Western States District Deputy
F
officer messages
rom the snowy peaks of the Rocky
Mountains and the tumultuous shores
of the Pacific Ocean to the borders of
Canada and Mexico, I extend fraternal greetings to you all on behalf of the Western
States District.
I have noticed a trend among volunteer organizations
nationwide that I believe will impact the perpetuity of those
institutions should the signs go unnoticed or unchecked. This
trend highlights the need to constantly encourage and expand
the recruitment of volunteers to keep up the good work of
the organization. The Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary
is acutely aware of this issue and I believe is ahead of the
curve in its efforts to recruit, reclaim, and retain the army of
volunteers needed to continue following the example of our
patron saint, Father Peter Claver. We should be proud that
we are the only Catholic fraternal order in the world, with an
organizational structure that promotes Catholic service by the
entire family unit – men, women, and children. I can also say
that the Western States District is doing its part to continue
that tradition. Through our efforts in training our volunteers
(Ladies Auxiliary members), mentoring our Catholic youth
and recruiting Catholics to follow St. Peter Claver’s example,
KPCLA has put in place the key ingredients to continue our
Noble Order beyond our lifetimes.
The Western States District has continued to do its part for
the expansion of our Noble Order over the last year. During
ceremonies executed from July 1, 2008 to date, 53 ladies
were initiated into the Western States District Knights of Peter
Claver Ladies Auxiliary; this includes the establishment of a
new unit, Court #389, in Pasadena, Calif., on March 21, 2009.
I, along with the District Deputy for the Knights Division,
Brother Anderson Shaw, also launched a new District Web
site, www.kpcwsdc.com and a new District-wide recruitment
campaign, appropriately entitled “Empowerment Through
Growth” in March 2009. This campaign promotes recruitment
as a family unit, provided a newly developed recruitment
tool kit given to every member in the District and promotes
a friendly competition centered around recruiting among all
units in the Western States.
The 2009 Western States District Conference, held April
25, 2009, in Portland, Ore., was well-attended and highlights
included training on the new District-wide recruitment
campaign. Working groups established
from those in attendance came together
to develop action plans to address four
critical issues facing the Western States
District. Those critical issues were:
• Leadership
• Recruitment
• Emerging Leaders
• Marketing, Promotion, Image of KPC in the Western
States
The 2009 Conference Banquet saw the following ladies
recognized for their contributions with the following honors:
2009 Western States District Humanitarian of the
Year
• Lady Connie Matthews, Court #175-Sacramento, Calif.
2009 Western States District Lady of the Year
• Lady Mildred Simon, Court #155 – East Palo Alto, Calif.
2008 Western States District Grand Lady of the Year
• Grand Lady Cheryl Blount, Court #121 – Los Angeles,
Calif.
I do want to give a special thank you to Lady Vernetta
Bucknor of Court #230 in Richmond, Calif. and Lady
Sharon Agnew of Court #220 in Los Angeles, Calif. for their
efforts toward the development of the Western States District’s
KPC Store, which will assist our District in increasing finances
needed to expand Claver’s influence throughout the entire
Western United States.
I have strived to keep up the visibility of our Noble Order and
the skills/knowledge of our members by providing quarterly
workshops in various regions throughout the district on officer
duties and responsibilities and on how to keep your court
inspired and motivated. I was fortunate to be able to travel
with the group that accompanied Bishop Perry on a pilgrimage
to Cartagena, Columbia, in commemoration of our 100 year
anniversary. It was a moving and spirit-filled experience that
we will not soon forget. Recently, in conjunction with the
Archdiocese of Los Angeles African-American Catholic Center
for Evangelization, I was invited to serve on the Bishop’s AfricanAmerican Catholic Advisory Committee as both a representative
of the Knights of Peter Claver and with other leaders identified
in the Black Catholic Community. The commitment to
Claverism is closely tied to the work we do in our Catholic
community, hence this appointment is good synergy with the
work I am doing with KPCLA.
19
who are no longer with us including:
Name
Unit#
1. Lady Mabel Washington 175
2. Lady Virginia F. Wysinger 95
3. Lady Lita Barreau
121
4. Lady Patricia Buford
121
5. Gracious Lady Myrtle White 113
6. Lady Joyce Rhone
95
7. Lady Alice Singleton
121
8. Gracious Lady Eva Jackson 128
9. Lady Margaret Isaac
99
10.Lady Ferne Sevey
155
11.Lady Antonio E. Landry
96
Location
Date
Sacramento, Calif. 1-July-08
Oakland, Calif. 21-June-08
Los Angeles
11-Sept.-08
Los Angeles
11-Sept.-08
Los Angeles
21-Oct.-08
Oakland, Calif. 10-Nov.-08
Los Angeles
17-Dec.-08
Los Angeles
18-Dec.-08
Los Angeles
26-Nov.-08
East Palo Alto, Calif.6-Jan.-09
Los Angeles
13-Mar.-09
God Bless you all, as I remain your faithful servant in
the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Western States
District.
Micaela LeBlanc,
Western States District Deputy
Messages from the
Northern States Deputies
Howard L. Crawford, Northern States Deputy
I
t is an honor and privilege to be the
Northern States Deputy in this centennial
year. The Area Deputies of the Northern
States are doing a fine job and I, along
with our entire District membership, am grateful
for their service.
Through March 2009, 19 men have been initiated, with
even more initiations planned leading up to our Convention.
In January 2009, 13 brothers dedicated themselves to our
order and the work of St. Peter Claver at an initiation in
Philadelphia, Pa.
Our Noble Order lost a great friend since the last
Convention with the passing of my Claver mentor and the
Father of the District, Sir Knight Willie Kelley, in October
2008. In September, we were especially honored by having our
National Chaplain, Bishop Joseph Perry, celebrate our Claver
Day Mass at Holy Family Church. Our host Council and Court
#381 did a wonderful job and welcomed more than 400 at the
Mass and banquet immediately following.
We are proud to announce the upcoming installation of
two new Councils – Council #390 in Philadelphia, Pa., and
Council #391 in Chicago.
The Knights of Peter Claver Male Chorus of Chicago will
celebrate 100 years of Claver service to all with an anniversary
concert on May 31.
I was fortunate to celebrate with the
Knights of Peter Claver Ladies of Grace, Adele Stadecker
Chapter 12, at their 28th anniversary Mass and luncheon
at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. I was also with our National
Chaplain Bishop Perry as he led a vespers service at St.
Thaddeus Church. I was moved as the Ladies Auxiliary of the
Knights of Peter Claver Court #181 held their 15th annual
Archbishop James P. Lyke African-American Male Image
awards ceremony, where they contributed $10,000 to Hales
Franciscan High School to support Catholic education of
young men and $8,000 in scholarships to deserving high
school graduates continuing their education. This event
marked a total contribution of more than $100,000 to help
educate male African Americans.
The Northern District is doing amazing things and working
hard to make a difference in our corner of the world. I am
humbled by the continuous generosity and service of our
membership: food pantries, scholarships, lifting up our fellow
man and woman with acts of kindness, seeking and giving
forgiveness, patience and love. The example we set of love and
reconciliation is what will keep Claverism strong for the next
100 years. Howard L. Crawford,
Northern States Deputy
officer messages
Success of any kind is usually never achieved alone. There
are many individuals on a daily basis who contribute to the
success of KPCLA and the Western States District. I would like
to personally thank my counterpart, Brother Anderson Shaw,
for being supportive of everything I and the Ladies want to do
in the Western States. The recruitment numbers would not be
what they are, were it not for the Area Deputies I have all over
the district. Special thanks goes to Ladies Doris Tims, Zackrea
Jones, Lydia Price, Evelyn Payne, Karen Haynes, Katina
Littleton, Kim Williams, Renita Lloyd Smith, T’Sonya Sanders,
Elizabeth Roberts-White, Gilda Austin, Charlotte Canfield,
Gladys Carter, Rebecca Charles-Watt, Ardella Roberts, Wanda
Glover-Petite, Lena Hall, Martha Hanks, Patricia Gee, Edie
Marie Clark, Velma Gaines-Miller, Vera Patterson, Sharon PitreWilliams, Aline Heisser-Ovid, Bridget Vavasseur, Juanita Cox,
Marie Archer-Jones, and Cassandra Young for working with me
in the Western States District. The “West is truly the Best” and
the Ladies are continuing to prove that point on a daily basis.
We cannot move forward if we fail to look back and
remember those who have gone before us. I would like to close
by remembering those Ladies in the Western States District
20
Annetta Wilson, Northern States District Deputy
D
officer messages
ear Claver Family,
With thanksgiving to Almighty God,
we, the Area Deputies and I, submit
this report, which shows our commitment, willingness to serve this
Noble Order in friendship, unity and Christian
charity. I must commend the membership for the
role in expansion and retention, which are the
keys to our continued existence.
We have not had any new establishments since July 2008, and
that has not met my expectations. However, the good news is
that we have two up coming dates, for May and June, 2009 for
which we are finalizing plans.
Initiations
Sept. 6, 2008, Milwaukee
Oct. 11, 2008, Columbus, Ohio
Oct. 25, 2008, Chicago
Nov. 1, 2008, Philadelphia, Pa.
Nov. 1, 2008, Baltimore
Nov. 1, 2008, Norfolk, Va.
Dec. 20, 2008, Chicago
Jan. 3, 2009, Newport, Va.
Jan. 11, 2009, Detroit
Jan. 31, 2009, Wilmington, Del.; Philadelphia, Pa.
Feb. 14, 2009, Pittsburg, Pa.
Workshops
• Cleveland
• Chicago
• Columbus, Ohio
Awards where presented to the following Junior Knights and
Junior Daughters for the 2008 Ambassadors for Environmental
Literacy Project. Scholarships ranged between $500-$150.
Global Warming Winners
3rd-5th Grade
1st Place Junior Court #158 Jasmine S. Thomas, 2nd Place
#363 Ramia Hobbs, 3rd place #146
Jaliyah Henderson.
Junior High School
1st Place #146 Dominique
Henderson, 2nd place #356 Anwuli
Onwuta, 3rd place #109 Ikenna Stovall.
High School
1st Place Junior Branch #109 Jeremy
M. Wright, 2nd place #146 Mariah Jones Hick, 3rd place #363
Ayanna Sneed.
Seminars
It was a privilege and an honor to represent KPC at the invitation from the Religious Conference Management Association
to attend the “Catch the Spirit’ held in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Jan. 27-30, 2009.
I hosted a leadership training for the Northern States District
Junior Board, which included a presentation on the Fit for Life
Obesity Project for the Junior Knights and Junior Daughters,
as well as the Junior Knight Commanders and Junior Daughter
Counselors. This project’s goal is to educate our youth and parents on becoming aware of how weight affects development.
Due to the restriction of space available for reports in the
Claverite, I will share a full, detailed report on how we can
benefit and the possibility of the organization receiving better
services at our Conferences and National Conventions.
My activities have included, but not been limited to conducting
initiations and workshops, attending Board meetings and also holding conference calls with Canada. With the help of Father Emmons,
Northern States District Chaplain, we are making connections.
In closing, my sincere gratitude to the members and Area
Deputies for their hard work and support. I would be remiss if
I don’t thank the office staff for their cooperation.
Annetta Wilson
Northern States District Deputy
Message from the
Gulf Coast Deputies
Athanase J. Jones, Jr., Gulf Coast District Deputy
F
raternal Greetings! The last year has
been fast-paced and challenging for
the Gulf Coast and the Order as a
whole. We continue to move forward
as our centennial fast approaches. I
encourage all members of the Gulf Coast to continue our expansion efforts. I am very encouraged
by the number of initiations recently conducted
and we hope to reactivate several lost Councils in
the upcoming year.
In addition to my duties as District Deputy, I have been involved in several projects
related to my role as public relations advisor to the Supreme Knight. Most notably, the new Claverite and
KPC Web site, www.kofpc.org. I encourage everyone to visit the
improved Web site and offer your opinions and recommendations
to make your Web site a viable tool. We are truly overwhelmed by
the positive feedback on the improved Claverite. We are extremely
grateful to our own Ms. Debra Frazier and the staff of Faith Publishing for producing a quality publication we can all be proud of.
The following is a report of my activities for the past year:
21
July 26-Aug 2, 2008 KPC National Convention (co-chair Host Committee)
Aug. 9, 2008 Gulf Coast Conference board meeting
Sept. 6, 2008
Zone VI annual workshop and centennial meeting Nov. 7, 2008 National Black Catholic Congress board meeting Nov. 8, 2008 Zone V annual workshop and initiation
Dec. 13, 2008
Establishment of 4th Degree Assembly #48
Jan. 1, 2009 Unit #313 Atlanta annual New Years Celebration Mar. 6-8, 2009
Gulf Coast Junior Conference
Mar. 20, 2009
Annual KPC Stations of the Cross – St. Pius V
Mar. 24-25 National Office visit – Web site conference April 23-26 Northern District Conference April 30-May 2, 2009 Gulf Coast District Conference – Centennial Celebration
June 7, 2009 St. Peter Claver Catholic Church – Centennial Celebration
June 13, 2009
Operations and Management workshop – Unit #388
June 15, 2009
National Black Catholic Congress board meeting Reinstated unit – Junior Branch #6, Pass Christian, Miss.
Reinstated members – 8
New Members – 23
Jacksonville, Fla.
Mobile, Ala.
Orlando, Fla.
Baltimore
Charleston, S.C.
Savannah, Ga.
Atlanta
Gulfport, Miss.
Jacksonville, Fla.
New Orleans
Norfolk, Va.
Mobile, Ala.
Atlanta, Ga.
Raleigh, N.C.
San Antonio
Mrs. Gwendolyn Lewis, District Deputy of Gulf Coast
My third year as Deputy of the
Gulf Coast District has been just
as exciting as my two previous
years. I had the opportunity to return to San
Andres’, Colombia, with my then-counterpart
of the Knights’ Division, Deputy Leonard Stiell,
to facilitate a two-day workshop for the Knights
and Ladies of St. Mary Star of the Sea Court and
Council #382.
I also went on the Centennial Pilgrimage with Bishop Perry
to Cartagena, Colombia, to visit St. Peter Claver Church. That
was the most fulfilling experience of my life – to walk where
St. Peter Claver walked; to visit the rooms where he lived;
and look out of the same window where he watched for the
slave ships to arrive; to pray in the Church where he prayed
and is entombed under the altar. One can still feel his holy
presence.
Thanks to the assistance of Area Deputies: Vertelle Kenion,
Mary Gaines, Lillie Jones, Brenda Brown, Padrica Mendez,
Gwen Mason, Thayes Sturges, Mary Holley, Marva, Muir, Grace
Jones, Rubeye Jones, Donna Williams, Marilyn Smith, Florence
Nixon, Bernadette Poitier, and Meckila Pierce; Grand Ladies
and you, the members, we have increased our membership in
the Gulf Coast as follows: 82 new members; 9 reinstated; and
5 Junior transfers for a total of 96. Thank you for all that you
do for Claverism.
Expansion. 25 Courts participated in expansion during the
past year. I extend thanks to the Grand Ladies and Ladies
of the following courts for scheduling at least one initiation:
Courts #1, 2, 4, 6, 26, 110, 140, 172, 199, 210, 223, 258,
272, 276, 278, 287, 300, 301, 313, 316,
352, 367, 376, 380.
Father John Gavin Court #258, Macon,
Ga., was re-established July 15 with 19
Ladies.
Attendance & participation:
From June 2008-September 2008, I
attended several initiations and many celebrations and reinstated and re-established a few courts, among them:
October 2008
5 – Initiation, St. Cecilia Court #140, Birmingham, Ala.
November 2008
4 – Initiation, Prince of Peace Court #287, Mobile, Ala.
8 – Attended annual workshop and initiation in Charleston
SC – participants – Our Lady of Guadelupe Court #110,
Charleston, S.C.: St. Jude Court #316, Sumter, S.C. and
Pierre Tousant Court #278, Savannah Ga.
11 – Initiation, Sts. Peter and Paul Court #313, Atlanta
15 – Initiation, cluster St. Stephen Court #26, Pass Chriatian,
Miss. – St. James Court #6, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
15 – Initiation, St. James Major Court #172, Prichard, Ala.
15 – Initiation, St. Peter & Paul Court #313, Atlanta
22 – Initiation, Our Lady of Guadelupe Court #110, Charleston
29 – Initiation, cluster Father Edgar Ryan Court #272; St. Cecilia Court #140, Birmingham, Ala.
December 2008
13 – Initiation, St. Felicitas Court # 223, Pensacola, Fla.
14 – Initiation, Our Lady of Lourdes Court #300, Atlanta
January 2009
4 – Workshop and visit to Sister Thea Bowman Court #355,
Canton, Miss.
(cont. on page 22)
officer messages
G
reetings:
22
10 – Cluster initiation - Father Anthony Bourges Court #171; Father Lawrence B,. Watts, Court #199, Jackson Miss.
February 2009
7 – Attended Zone 1 meeting, Court and Council #223,
Pensacola, Fla.
8 – Attended annual Awards Luncheon, St. James Major
Court #172, Prichard, Ala.
17-22 – Traveled to Cartagena, Colombia., for Centennial Pilgrimage in honor of St. Peter Claver
28 – Re-instatement - Sts. Peter and Paul Court #380,
Atlanta.
March
20 – Re-instatement, Father Paul Williams Court #380, Columbia, S.C.
21 – Attended Zone 1 meeting, Prince of Peace Court and
Council #287, Mobile, Ala.
28 – Cluster initiation - Drexel Court #1, St. Joseph Court
#210, Prince of Peace Court #287, Mobile, Ala.; St. James
Major #172, Prichard, Ala.
29 – Attended annual musical to benefit Most Pure Heart
of Mary School sponsored by Agnes Coleman Chapter 1,
Ladies of Grace, KPC
Messages from the
Texas States Deputies
officer messages
James K. Ellis, State Deputy of Texas
W
elcome to the 94th Senior
National Convention of the
Knights Of Peter Claver and
Knights of Peter Claver Ladies
Auxiliary in New Orleans. I
submit to the Texas Claver Family my third
report as State Deputy of Texas. I thank you for
the opportunity to serve our Noble Order in our
Centennial Celebration.
This has been a remarkable year in many ways for all of us. We
have witnessed the election of our first African-American president, Barack Hussein Obama. “Yes We Can!”
Nationally, this has been another challenging year for our Noble
Order. The National Board has been occupied addressing many
issues in our home office. As a member of the National Board, I
know we are firmly committed to ensuring our Noble Order is
an organization that ALL Divisions are proud of. I have endeavored to represent Texas and our organization, professionally and
responsibly, while carrying out the duties of State Deputy of Texas.
I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve you.
I hope we use this convention to embark on the opportunities
we identify and leverage the multitude of talent in our “Claver
Family.” I ask God to “Order Our Steps” at this National Convention and always as we seek to do his WILL.
My activities for Texas since the last Convention.
August – October 2008
• Conducted initiation, St. Francis Assisi Council #231,
Aug. 3, 2008.
• Attended St. Peter Claver Day celebration coordinated by
HICC, hosted by St. Phillip Neri Council #222, Houston,
Sept. 8, 2008.
• Conducted initiation, St. Monica Council #151, Oct. 18, 2008.
November – December 2008
• Attended National Board Meeting via conference call, Nov. 2008.
• Conducted an initiation, St. Mary of the Purification Council
#159, Nov. 15, 2008.
• Conducted a workshop on “Junior
National and State Officers duties,”
Council #151, Houston.
• Attended 50th anniversary celebration, Council and Court
#139, Dec. 7, 2008.
• Attended Christmas party, Council and Court #138, Dec. 7, 2008.
• Attended Houston Area Juniors Christmas party, hosted by
Council #248, Dec. 7, 2008.
January – February 2009
• Attended the Junior State Board Meeting, Jan. 10, 2009
#159, Jan. 17, 2009.
• Installation of officers for Council #20 and Council #163,
Jan. 4, 2009.
• Installation of officers for St. Phillip Neri Council #222, Jan. 2009.
• Installation of officers for St. Monica Council #151, Jan. 11, 2009.
• Installation of officers for Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Council #72, Jan. 11, 2009.
• Installation of officers for Father Timothy J. Sullivan Council
#138, Jan. 17, 2009.
• Installation of officers for St. Peter The Apostle Council
#238, Jan. 16, 2009.
• Conducted an initiation, St. Phillip Neri Council #222,
Feb. 7, 2009.
• Turn-out for Diocese of Galveston/Houston Office of Black
Catholics Martin Luther King celebration, Sacred Heart
Cathedral, Jan. 18, 2009.
• Attended HICC Mardi Gras dance, St. Francis Assisi,
Council #231, Houston, Feb. 7, 2009.
March – April 2009
• Conducted an initiation Father Timothy Sullivan Council
#138, March 15, 2009.
• Conducted an initiation Sacred Heart Council #32 (BICC),
Port Arthur, April 19, 2009.
• Attended the Junior State Conference, Houston, March 2729, 2009.
23
#159, April 19, 2009.
• Conducted Houston area workshop on “New Grand Knight
Duties” hosted by Council #238, Ron Elder, Grand Knight,
March 21, 2009.
• Conducted a workshop on “Parliamentary Procedures”
hosted by Our Mother of Perpetual Help Council #72,
March 14, 2009.
• Guest speaker at KPC Annual Prayer Breakfast, sponsored by
Council #231, April 4, 2009.
I want to thank those who engaged in our Claver activity. I
thank those who continue to serve our Noble Order and the
communities we live and work in. You truly show that “Claver
Pride.”
May God bless you all and may God bless the great state of
Texas.
James K. Ellis, State Deputy of Texas
Lady Nan Arceneaux, State Deputy of Texas
D
ear Claver Family,
I give praise and glory to our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, from
whom all good things come. It’s in
this spirit that I submit my fifth report as State
Deputy of Texas.
Some Texas accomplishments – July 2008-2009:
• We continue to support “Claver Fighting Cancer.” We will present a check to the American Cancer Society.
• Sisters Helping Sisters continue to help sisters in need.
• We conducted 8 workshops covering a variety of topics
• We conducted 2 Junior workshops.
• We conducted 10 initiations.
• Through our prayer circle, we sustained each other through
prayers and expressions of support.
• The Texas newsletter is well received and informative.
• The Ladies turned out at the Co-Cathedral to celebrate Dr. Martin
Luther King’s birthday.
• The KPC family participated in a Mass honoring African Americans at the Co-Cathedral.
• Texas Clavers honored all invitations extended to them by the
various dioceses.
• I attended or hosted more than 45 events in Texas.
In Texas, we have used every avenue available to showcase the
Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.
Our cardinal, Daniel DiNardo, and our bishops continue to
extend invitations for us to be involved in diocesan events. They
know that we will be available, always in a positive manner, and
always in great numbers.
A special thanks to those who hosted an initiation:
• St. Martin DePorres Court #28
• St. John Court #164
• Holy Cross Court #284
• Mother of Perpetual Help Court #152
• St. Martin DePorres Court #98 and #341
• St. Bernadette Court #101
• St. Martin DePorres Court #28
• St. Monica Court #151
• St. Mary of the Purification Court #159
• St. Phillip Neri Court #222
“The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.”
Psalm 23
Lady Nan Arceneaux,
State Deputy of Texas
officer messages
I’m proud to report that Texas is thriving and expanding.
The members of Texas have been supportive in any and every
endeavor that we’ve taken on. They’ve been especially supportive of invitations from our cardinal and the diocese. We’ve made
ourselves visible by being among the first group to give services to
the new Co-Cathedral in Houston. We were even a part of the gift
offering. This event was televised in Houston and the surrounding
area. It was a beautiful sight when the Lady Clavers came down
the aisle with candles. I truly appreciate all of the support that’s
given by the Ladies of Texas.
We continue to share information through
our KPC-L.A. Texas. The newsletter is still
very informative.
The Courts still submit articles and events,
which include: articles from Courts, conference and national updates; Junior events;
upcoming events; mini-workshops; tips for
the quarter; Texas Claver seeking state and
national positions; Diocesan information; and much more. We have
also continued our Texas e-mail prayer request list. This is a way for
the Ladies to know what’s happening with their Claver family.
The Grand Ladies send an e-mail with the names and addresses
of Ladies who are ill, hospitalized or deceased. These names and
addresses are shared with all Grand Ladies, asking them to send
cards, prayers and get well wishes. The Ladies are so appreciative
of this prayer line.
The emerging leaders in Texas have not only increased their
membership, but they’ve piloted a children’s book drive, increased
their membership and they’re very involved in conferences, community services and events. Through their visible presence, more
Juniors are transferring to the Senior Division.
In an effort to retain members, a welcome letter is sent to all
new, reinstated and transfer members, along with information on
our Noble Order. They’re also provided copies of the Ode and the
Claver prayer.
I’m always appreciative of the many invitations extended to me
by the Junior and Senior Divisions throughout Texas. I have been
able to attend most of them.
24
Messages from the
Supreme Navigators
Sir Knight James A. Neal, Supreme Navigator
F
raternal Greetings:
fourth degree navigators
I am submitting my first report as
Supreme Navigator. I look forward to
making the Meritorious Fourth Degree even better. We, the Fourth Degree Division, are now in
a revamping process to be more sufficient and
have a better working environment with the National Office of the Knights of Peter Claver.
I would like to take this opportunity to
thank the staff at the National Office for
all of their assistance to this Supreme
General Assembly Board in our first year
to make our Conclave a success.
James A. Neal,
Supreme Navigator – R.U.D.
In the last seven months, I have been stressing better communications between the Supreme General Assembly and the
Grand Assemblies so that information can be received in a
timely manner. With the age of electronics, I hope all leaders of
the Grand Assemblies across the country will come on board
to ensure that communication is submitted before deadlines so
that the operation of the Supreme General Assembly will run
smoothly throughout the year.
I have attended numerous events – Special Masses, celebrations, balls, fashion shows, wake and funeral services for our
Sir Knights. We established Saint Martin De Porres Assembly
#48 in Orlando, Fla.; special thanks to Pierre Toussaint Assembly #45 Savannah, Ga. for their assistance with the exemplification along with S.K. Lawrence Sylvester – Supreme Captain,
S.K. Paul H. Ledet, Jr. – Supreme Comptroller, and S.K. Harry
Beevers – Past Supreme Navigator.
Audrey B. Woods, Supreme Navigator 4th Degree
G
reetings to the Ladies of Grace 4th Division:
The experience of being the Most Faithful Navigator of the Ladies of
Grace 4th Degree Division has been very rewarding. It has afforded
me the opportunity to attend many wonderful events. These events
have included exemplification, anniversary celebrations and having many conversations with quite a few gracious Ladies. Your kind expressions and words of encouragement have meant the world to me. I am truly sorry I was unable to personally attend all events.
Please know that I was there in spirit.
Now is the time to complete your plans to attend the Conclave and National Convention. I am so looking forward to seeing each
of you. Remember this is a resolution year. This is your opportunity to make changes needed to strengthen and enhance our
Fourth Degree.
I am looking forward to presiding over my first Conclave. There is no doubt in my mind that it will be a fantastic occasion.
With your prayers, ideas and active participation, our Conclave will be an informative and memorable event.
Have a safe trip.
God is Good All the Time,
Audrey B. Woods
Faithful Navigator
25
Ludlow K. Muir, Past Area Deputy, Zone 6
M
y brother Sir Knights,
fraternal greetings!
More than two years
ago, at our zone meeting in Fort Myers, I challenged you
to charter the formation of a Fourth
Degree Assembly. I had no idea that
the process would have aged us with
so many obstacles. Nonetheless,
your patience, persistent and fortitude
have triumphed.
Ellen Marie Jackson Ladies Of Grace Chapter #13 provides
Easter Baskets for battered women and children’s shelter
The gracious Ladies of Ellen Marie Jackson Ladies of Grace Chapter #13 located in Los Angeles, provided Easter baskets to the
Good Shepherd Center for Women and Children on April 4.
Presenting the baskets were the following: Not shown in picture, but behind the camera that took this photo, is Gracious Lady
Audrey Ina-Shaw. From left to right are: Gracious Lady Jeanne Wiltz, Gracious Lady Virginia Dalcoe, Gracious Lady Carolyn
Perkins, Gracious Lady
Cheryl Pyles, Gracious Lady
Michelle Wilson, Gracious
Lady Aline Heisser-Ovid,
Gracious Lady Gloria Wiley,
Gracious Lady Margaret Bell,
Gracious Lady Sherry Porter,
and Faithful Navigator of
Chapter 13, Gracious Lady
Doris Tims.
Submitted by Gracious Lady
Micaela Le Blanc, Western
States District Deputy
fourth degree news
I extend to you, my brothers, “a prayerful congratulation” on your elevation to the Meritorious
Fourth Degree Division of our Noble Order. As
your coordinator, I was honored to participate in
your exemplification and gratified to witness the
formation of your Assembly – St. Martin de Porres,
Assembly #48.
Now that our Zone has an Assembly, I am
looking forward to joining ranks with you at
your turnouts. So let me take this opportunity to cordially invite Assembly #48 to make its debut turnout at the Diocese of Orlando annual Martin Luther King Eucharist Celebration. The commemoration honoring Dr. King will take place during the 11:30
a.m. Mass, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Detail travel information will follow later.
I am attaching your proud moment group photo – and you are looking very good – for your memorabilia. Sir Knights, congratulations!!!
Ludlow Muir,
Assembly Formation Coordinator
26
district news
northern states district
central states district
western
states
district
gulf coast district
state of
texas
state of
louisiana
= areas where
there are no
councils or courts
district news
state of louisiana
Knights of Peter Claver celebrate
St. Peter Claver Day 2008 Lafayette
The Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary, Acadiana District IV, celebrated St. Peter Claver
Day 2008 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in
Lafayette. The theme of the celebration was “Empowering Membership – Through Committed Service.”
As part of that celebration, Sir Knight Edward J.
Sam, member of the Knights of Peter Claver Council
#76, received his 50-year membership certificate.
His service has included leadership positions in
Council #76 as Grand Knight; Deputy Grand Knight;
Secretary; Parliamentarian; Chairman of the Board
of Trustees; Fourth Degree St. Paul’s Assembly; and
Junior Knight Commander. He has also served at
the national level as Lay Board Member and chaired
several national committees. He has received the
Silver and Gold Medal Merit Awards of the Knights
of Peter Claver.
Mr. Sam’s active role in the parish of Immaculate
Heart of Mary has included liturgy; St. Vincent de
Paul Society; NM Parish Council and school board;
and various committees in support of the Church and
school. He also is a veteran of the Korean Conflict
and a member of American Legion Post 504.
From left to right: Father Thomas James, SVD pastor of IHM; Sir Knight
Oscar Benoit, Louisiana State Deputy; Sir Knight Edward Sam; Grand
Knight Harold Antoine; and Father Michael Vu, Associate Pastor of IHM.
27
Father John
Council #8
Opelousas, La.
donates food to the battered women shelter, donates food
to the Lighthouse Homeless Shelter for men, prepares
and donates food for the Christmas in April workers and
provides unlimited
support to many other
community organizations.
As an organized group,
the Council provided
pivotal support to many
missions for Holy Ghost
Church. They include
Holy Ghost Community
Diners, which provides
meals three times a week
for the needy; ushers,
parish council, lecturers,
eucharistic ministers;
bingo to help support
Catholic education;
building committee; Ash
Wednesday fish dinner
sale; and the annual
Creole Festival, which is
the largest fundraiser for
Holy Ghost Church.
district news
Father John Council
#8 was the first organized
council of the Knights
of Peter Claver in the
state of Louisiana. Father
John Council #8 was
established Nov. 17, 1912,
in Opelousas. It is the
largest Council per capita
in the United States, with
more than 145 members
and still growing. Father
John Council #8 produced
two of the 15 outstanding
Supreme Knights: Most
Worthy Alphonse Pierre
Auguste and Most Worthy J.
Roland Prejean. The Council
is complemented with three
active supporting groups:
Ladies Auxiliary, Junior
Daughters and the Junior
Knights, which supports
each other. Father John Council #8 prides itself with true
brotherhood in Christ. As a religious group, the membership
comforts the sick at two local hospitals and nursing homes,
28
state of louisiana (cont.)
St. Francis De Sales, Court #325
district news
New Orleans
St. Francis De Sales Unit #325, formed in 1991, celebrated
its final eucharistic celebration at its historic location of 2203
Second St. in New Orleans on the 30th Sunday in Ordinary
Time, Oct. 26, 2008, as the result of the Archdiocese of New
Orleans reorganization plan.
The following Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, Unit #325, along with
parishioners of the suppressed St. Francis De Sales Church,
wearing T-shirts reading “Let’s get Together in Jesus’ Name,”
marched to the new parish, led by the Pin Stripe Brass Band.
The reorganization created a merger of two parishes, resulting in three Knights of Peter Claver Units – #47, #52 and
#325 – within one new Church parish of St. Katharine Drexel.
Each Unit contributes unique talents, gifts, ideas and goals in
furtherance of the mission of our patron, St. Peter Claver. A
joint installation of officers from the three Units was sworn in
by Pastor John Cisewski the first Sunday of January 2009 at a
9:00 a.m. eucharistic celebration.
Two events planned jointly, by Units #52 and #325, are: low
Sunday Mass followed with breakfast and a Mass honoring
graduates from kindergarten through college, graduate and
technical school.
Some activities sponsored by Court #325 were as follows:
Thanksgiving holiday baskets were given to needy parishioners
of our parish. Unit #325 adopted one or two senior citizens
and presented each with a Christmas gift.
Court #325 honors, by surprise, a senior citizen (Senior Salute) the fourth Sunday of each month at the end of 9 a.m. Mass,
giving a brief biography of the senior’s life, along with presentation of a bouquet of flowers or gift honoring her/him. Upcoming
events planned for Unit #325 are: presentation of a savings bond
and scholarship to a selected Junior Knight and Junior Daughter
of Unit #325, which will be presented at the Mass for graduates; a continuation of honors and holiday activities highlighted
earlier; and a picnic for Unit #325. Court #325 will also adopt a
kindergarten class in Ghana, West Africa.
Victoria R. Schofield, Lecturer KPCLA, Court #325
Council #78
New Orleans, Louisiana
From left to right: Lawrence Sylvester, Earl Henry, a staff member of Odyssey House,
Kenneth Cotton and Lionel Boswell.
The Knights of Council #78
in New Orleans are very active in
the community. The following are
community service events that
they have participated in:
1. Collected more than 800 hygiene products from parishioners of St. Raymond/St. Leo
Church and donated these
items to Odyssey House, a
place that helps recovering
drug addicts, and Lazarus
House, an establishment that
helps HIV and AIDS patients.
2. With the parishes help, provided more than 30 Thanksgiving baskets to the needy.
3. Fed over 400 hungry people
at Ozaham Inn during the
year.
4. Conducted a canned goods
drive at the archdiocese’s
Men’s Day Celebration.
– Gregory C. Dandidy
29
central states district
Greetings From Omaha, Neb.
St. Benedict the Moor Council #308
and Sister Barbara Beasley Court #308
T
he Knights & Ladies of St. Benedict
the Moor Council #308 and Sister
Barbara Beasley Court #308 held
several activities this year. Among
them were the annual Prayer and
Healing Breakfast, the 10th Annual Mardi Gras
Dinner Dance, annual fish fry, initiations for all
units and one reinstatement.
The 10th Annual Mardi Gras Dinner
and Dance was held at the Holiday
Inn Central Convention Center on
Feb. 07, 2009. The event was wellattended and the red beans and rice
were excellent. Co-chairs for this fun
and festive event were Knight Jimmie
Walker and Gracious Lady Judy
Gregory. The outgoing Queen, Lady
Eleazer Williams, and King, Grand
Knight Robert Cooper relinquished
their crowns to the new Queen, Lady
Joyce Cooper, and new King, Grand
Knight Robert Cooper (Bob did it
The Council and Court sponsored fish fry dinners five
weeks of the Lenten Season. Co-chairs Lady Joyce Cooper
and Junior Knight Commander Jimmy Walker coordinated
this event. Financial Secretary Lady Angela Hardin
negotiated with Pegler-Sysco for delivery of most of the
supplies needed for the event. This was an accomplishment
since it eliminated the heavy lifting we had done in the past.
A portion of the proceeds will be given
to St. Benedict the Moor for Church
Members and family
expenses and the Bryant Center Youth
participated in the heal- Basketball Program. Grand Knight Bob
Cooper and Grand Lady (Gracious)
ing service by asking God for Willa J. Midder encouraged all
members to participate in the cooking,
help to cope with illness and serving and cleaning.
‘‘ ,,
children; prayers for our sick
and shut-in parishioners and
members – that they
may find comfort.
Our juniors have been active, as
well. The Junior Knights and Junior
Daughters sold pop during the fish fry
dinners to help with their Conference
expenses. Every fourth Sunday after
Mass, the Junior Café is open and
staffed by our young leaders. Junior
Grand Knight is Abram Walker. Junior
Grand Lady is Alyssa Daigre.
The Junior Daughters attended an
officer training workshop presented
by the Junior Daughter’s Counselor,
Gracious Lady Arlene Dacus, and their
respective officers from the Senior
Court. Junior Daughters will serve in
several ministry capacity during the
Lenten/Easter Season. Both Junior
Units will help prepare baskets for the
Easter Egg Hunt.
Lady Barbara Glass of Sister Barbara
Beasley Court #308, Omaha, served
at the annual fish fry during the Lenten
Season 2009.
Submitted By:
Lady Perlie M. Whitley
Sr. Barbara Beasley Court #308, Omaha, Nebraska
district news
On Jan. 06, 2009, we held our
annual prayer and healing breakfast;
Gracious Lady Joyce Cooper and
Deputy Grand Knight Steven Gregory
led the service. Members and family
participated in the healing service
by asking God for help to cope with
illness and children; prayers for
our sick and shut-in parishioners
and members – that they may find
comfort. We asked God to bless
us with upcoming activities and to
provide guidance as we perform
His services throughout the coming
year. Afterwards, we were treated to
a delicious breakfast in the Church’s
social hall prepared by Gracious
Lady Judy Gregory and Lady Yolanda
Jenkins.
again). A portion of the proceeds was allocated to St. Peter
Claver Cristo Rey School.
30
western states district
Knights Of Peter Claver Council #389
district news
Establishment: March 21, 2009, Sacred Heart Catholic Parish
Pasadena/Altadena, Calif.
Knights initiated in the
newly established Council
#389 included the following:
Rene Baquet, Warren Knox,
Millard Murphy, Deacon
Lawrence Palmer, Horace
Williams, Emerson Stevenson,
Lawrence Stevenson, James
Polk, Willard Scott, John
Goudeau, and Ernest Richardson. District Deputy Anderson
Shaw presided over the establishment proceedings.
This event was attended by more than 75 Knights of Peter
Claver and Ladies Auxiliary members from Greater Los Angeles, San Bernardino/Riverside, San Diego, and Phoenix areas.
A repast celebration for the new Council/Court establishment
and new members was held following each respective ceremony. The meal was provided by the Knights and Ladies in the
Greater Los Angeles area.
Los Angeles-area Knights of Peter Claver members participating in the Council establishment festivities included: Brother
Ronald Wilson, Council #96; Brother Harry Wiley, Council
#162; Brother Darrell Coleman, Council #220; Brother LeRoy
Titus-WSDC Financial Secretary, Council #121; Brother Gregory
Warner-WSDC President, Council #220; Brother John WatkinsWSDC Vice President, Council #220; Brother Robert WilliamsWSDC Recording Secretary, Council #259; Brother Andrew
Knox-Past President of CCC, Council #259; Brother Thomas St.
Julien-WSDC Board Member Area 4, Council #220; and Brother
Calvin Kemp, Council #259.
Knights Of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #389
Establishment: March 21, 2009 Sacred Heart Catholic Parish
Pasadena/Altadena, Calif.
Ladies initiated from left
to right: ROW 1 seated – Lady
Sarah Ellis, Court #389; Lady
Dolores Davis, Court #389;
Western States Deputy Lady Micaela Le Blanc; Lady Lola Loudd,
Court #389; Lady Ernestine
Sara, Court #389; Lady Jammie
Young, Court #259. ROW 2
– Lady Mary Ann Stevenson,
Court #389; Lady Nora Agredano, Court #96; Lady Joan E.
Reid, Court #389; Lady E. Gayle
Perry-Nunley, Court #389; Lady
Celecia Adepoju, Court 306;
Lady Margaret Nnabue, Court
#306; Lady Della Gallo, Court
#389; Lady Cynthia Jones,
Court #389; Lady Angela Brisco,
(cont. next page)
31
Court #389; Lady Gloria Scott,
Court #389; Lady Carolyn
Westbrooks, Court #96. ROW
3 – Lady Dorothy Moore, Court
#389; Lady Enola Lastrappe
Darnell, Court #389; Lady
Sandra Verdugo, Court #389;
Lady Regina O’Neal, Court
#96; Lady Rayne Stewart, Court
#389; Lady Michelle Harris,
Court 389; Lady Edwina Clay
(Grand Lady), Court #389; Lady
Delia Johnson, Court #96; Lady
Rozeller Marshall, Court #96.
This event was attended by
more than 75 Knights of Peter
Claver and Ladies Auxiliary
members from the Greater Los
Angeles; San Bernardino/Riverside; San Diego; and Phoenix areas. A repast celebration for the
new Unit was held jointly with
the Knights and was provided
by the Knights and Ladies in the
Greater Los Angeles area.
Ladies from the Greater Los
Angeles area who participated
in the establishment included:
Grand Ladies – Faye House,
Court #87; Leona Hilman,
Court #259; Janet Mazes-Martin, Court #96; Cheryl Blount,
Court #121; Tsonya Sanders,
Court #371; Julia Le Blanc,
Court #384, and Helen Cissell, Court #319. Conference
Officers attending included:
Barbara Childs, Conf Fin Secy;
Faith Otis, Conf. Jr. Daughter
Directress; Renita Lloyd-Smith,
Conf Vice President; and Past
District Deputy Doris Tims.
Ladies Auxiliary members attending included Cheryl Pyles,
Court #259; Franz Aubrey,
Court #121; Stephanie IbarraColeman, Court #220; Gloria
Wilkerson, Court #220; Lula
Carmon, Court #220; Gertie
Moncrief, Court #99; Gloria
Wiley, Court #96; Maudell
Williams, Court #259; Celestine Wright, Court #87;
Audrey Shaw, Court #121; Joan
Malone, Court #371; Gwen
Files, Court #220; and Brideget
Vavasseur, Court #121. Area
Deputies participating included:
Kim Williams, Court #259;
Charlotte Canfield, Court #257;
Evelyn Payne, Court #220; Katina Littleton, Court #87; Marie
Archer-Jones, Court #369; and
Karen Haynes, Court #319.
establishes a Unit at St. Rita’s
Catholic Church
On March 31, the Knights of Peter Claver’s highest officers came to San Diego to establish their new Council and
Court #384 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church.
Established in 1909 in Mobile, Ala., it is the nation’s largest
African American Roman Catholic lay organization for black men,
who had no significant organizational role in the Catholic Church
and who were unable at the time to join the Knights of Columbus.
The Order is named after St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit priest
from Spain who ministered to the growing number of slaves
being shipped from Africa through Cartagena, Colombia, in
the 1600s. In his 40-year ministry, St. Peter Claver is said
to have ministered to more than 300,000 slaves who then
converted to Catholicism. Pope Leo XIII canonized him in
1988. A ladies auxiliary was established in 1922. There
are more than 17,000 members in 58 dioceses across the
United States.
St. Rita’s Knights of Peter of Claver was organized through
the efforts of Clifton Baughn Watts and his wife, Rebecca
Charles Watts, and Monsignor Francis Patterson. This is
the second Unit established in San Diego. The first Unit was
established in 2001 at Christ the King Parish.
Roughly eight men and 16 ladies were initiated into the
KPC by Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips, Sr., Supreme
Lady Geralyn C. Shelvin and Western States District DEputies Anderson F. Shaw and Micaela J. A. LeBlanc.
The goals of the Knights of Peter Claver are to provide continued service to the community and work with other groups
in this effort, help black youth stay out of prison, identify and
grow up nuns and priests, become more visible in the black
community, continue to support Xavier University (the only
black Catholic university) and to continue to support the
United Negro College Fund and other national organizations.
district news
Charles Jackson – Staff Writer –
The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
This is a correction from the 2008 Winter Issue.
32
northern states district
Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary
Sister Thea Bowman Court #364
district news
Archdiocese of Washington – Black Catholic History Project – November 2008
Sister Thea Bowman Court #364 of the Archdiocese of
Washington (District of Columbia) celebrated Black Catholic
History Month, November 2008, by visiting Catholic Churches
in our community. Our program was centered around an oral
presentation on how November became the month for celebrating Black Catholic History, a vignette on the contributions
Africans and African-Americans have made to the Catholic
Church and the impact Saint Peter Claver, our patron saint,
had on this Organization and black history. Although most of
the information on black Catholic history is concentrated in
the early 20th century, it is important to understand the origin
of black Catholic history.
Our mission was to bring awareness of our organization,
as well as the contributions made by our patron saint to the
community. Court #364 voted to visit a Church each Sunday
during November. Because we had a previous engagement
to turn out at Mount Calvary Catholic Church in Forestville,
Md., celebrating the anniversary of Gabriel’s Network on Nov.
9 and our responsibility of attending Mass for All Souls Day
on Nov. 2, we were only able to attend three Churches. Lady
Lois Rocque Weber presented at St. Luke Catholic Church
in southeast Washington, whose pastor is Father Joseph Del
Vecchio, SSJ. Lady Vivian Rouson presented at Our Lady
Queen of Peace Catholic Church in southeast, Washington,
whose pastor is Father Vincent J. Rigdon, JCL. Lady Jennifer
Tilghman presented at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic
Church in southeast, Washington, whose pastor is Father Wil-
Council #364
will focus
on education
Given the current situation with
Catholic education, Bishop Leonard J. Olivier Council #364 has
decided to focus its fundraising on
education. The Council has established the
Deacon Nerus O. Martin Memorial
Scholarship Fund and has participated in Project Educate A Child in Haiti
(Project EACH). In addition, the
Council has begun a fund to support
seminarians in the archdiocese.
liam Norvell, SSJ. Lady Jean Stewart presented on Dec. 7 at
St. Thomas More Catholic Church in southeast Washington.
Father Raymond More is the pastor.
Father William Norvell, SSJ, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual
Help and a strong advocate of the Knights of Peter Claver,
combined his parish celebration with our Black History Program with the turning out of both the Knights of Peter Claver
Council/Court #364 and Knights of St. John Council/Court
#286, who are parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Father Norvell invited Deacon Robert White of St. Augustine
Catholic Church to preach the homily. A young lady presented
a speech by Sister Thea Bowman, and a group of young ladies
presented a heart-wrenching liturgical dance. Lady Jennifer
Tilghman concluded the presentation with our Black Catholic
History oral presentation. The Knights of Peter Claver and the
Knights of St. John were treated to breakfast after Mass. The
Ladies Auxiliary Court #364 displayed a poster of the works
and contributions of Council/Court #364, as well as handouts
about the Knights of Peter Claver and Black Catholic History
Month. The poster and handouts were presented at all of the
presentations.
Our presentation was well received at all the parishes. The
parishioners were extremely accepting of our presentations
and asked questions after Mass. We realized how strong the
interests of Catholic parishioners are about their history.
– Lady Lois Rocque Weber
The initial recipient of the Nerus
O. Martin Memorial Scholarship
Fund is Issa Glivens, a graduate of
Holy Comforter Parish School and
a freshman at Bishop John Carroll
High School in Washington, D.C. Issa’s aunt was very grateful for the
scholarship because she is a “working mother” who doesn’t qualify for
other financial support. Project EACH is the St. Teresa
of Avila effort to support education
in the Diocese of Jeremie in Haiti. Houston Roberson, a member of
Council #364, is the project officer
for the project. After learning that
$100 would educate and feed a
child for a year, the Council col-
lected over a $1,000 which will be
presented to Monsignor Ray East
– the pastor of St. Teresa of Avila. Brother Houston Roberson will
travel to Haiti in October to deliver
the donation and provide other
support.
Project EACH is a subset of an
archdiocese effort to develop a
“Twinning “ relationship with the
Diocese of Jeremie, through which
we would share information, faith
and resources to integrate ourselves
into the “global Church.”
Brother Roland Caldwell, Grand
Knight of Council #364, feels that
“Our effort may be small, but, with
faith, it will grow.”
33
Peter Claver news
By Darlene Barnett, Grand Lady KPC/LA 201
,,
have to continuously think of why we do what we do. Several
ladies have shared their thoughts with you:
‘‘ ,,
‘‘ ,,
‘‘ ,,
‘‘
My name is Lady Mary C. Armstrong and I
belong to the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies
Auxiliary because my grandparents, father, mother,
aunts and uncles were founding members.
My name is Lady Catherine Barrett and I was
first introduced to the Clavers at a ministry fair and was attracted to the kindness of the
booth spokespersons.
My name is Lady Wanda L. Barrett and I
belong to the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary because of the rewarding effects it
affords me.
We are a close-knit family. We need your support and your participation in order for the Knights and Ladies of this Church to
continue the work of support and contribution. Please stop and
talk with us and consider becoming part of this Noble Order.
– REACH OUT
Newsletter for St Andrew the Apostle Parish
and St Andrew/St Rita Catholic Academy
Congratulations to the Knights of Peter Claver,
Ladies Auxiliary Court #256,
celebrating 25 years of Claverism
Court #256 is celebrating its anniversary. For 25 years, they
have been serving St. Peter Claver Church and the Greater
Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Court #256 is active with numerous
service events (The Family Place- Homeless shelter for families); Christmas baskets for needy families in the community, as
well as the annual fundraisers of Jazz Brunch and Mardi Gras
Dance. The Court gives out three to four scholarships every year.
Congratulations.
district news
The Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary are the
largest predominately African-American lay Catholic organization in the United States. Its members are of all races and the
only requirement is that you are a practicing Roman Catholic.
Our youth can become members starting at the age of 7 and
will transfer to the Senior Division after the age of 18. During their time in the Junior Division, the young Knights and
Daughters are offered a range of activities to meet their interests and needs. That includes, but is not limited to spiritual,
social, educational, physical and civic-cultural. As the youth
are our future leaders in Church and the community, it is important that they build skills and experience life situations to
cultivate their natural abilities. They learn leadership, experience business-related situations and build a network that could
last a lifetime.
The Senior Division continues to develop members’ leadership skills and provides opportunities to increase business
experiences. Attendance at the yearly District Conferences and
National Conventions allows the senior members to participate
in business meetings, share ideas and put their mark on an
organization that will last a lifetime.
The Council and Court at St. Andrew have a long history and
the members work tirelessly at continuing that history. Working
for St. Andrew is our No. 1 goal. Each member works in several
ministries in the Church and they carry that work into the
Claver organization. We have several members who are past or
current District officers and during their tenure have enhanced
the organization with their skills and abilities. Our membership
stretches more than 60 years and includes people from all walks
of life. We want our Church family to know about the Knights
of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary so you will understand and
know why we are so close to this organization. It is more than
dressing in beautiful regalia and raising funds. We are a service
organization and are in existence to support God, Church, community and family. Our creed states we believe in friendship,
unity and Christian charity.
It is important for us to know why we are in this organization. In order to recruit and maintain our own commitment we
My name is Lady Dorothy Pipes and I belong
to the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies
Auxiliary because of the valuable friendships and
relationships.
34
northern states district (cont.)
St. Joseph - Council #363
Cincinnati, Ohio
district news
Christ the King Court #97
Christ the King Court #97 of Indianapolis, has
been a member of our Noble Order since Oct. 26,
1947. Our Court received recognition winning the
1st Place Award for expansion in the Northern District at the annual National Convention in 2008.
Our Ladies keep busy in our parish and communities by volunteering for St. Vincent de Paul
and Habitat for Humanity; visiting nursing homes;
being lectors, choir members, ushers, parish council
members and eucharistic ministers. We also provide
food and serve families of our deceased members in
our Church. In addition, we joined our Claver Sisters
in our city for a Fellowship Brunch and an AGAPE
(Love Feast).
Our Grand Lady, Clara Warner, was appointed
Area Deputy for Indiana for the years 2008-2010.
Lady Vivian Hill’s grandson, George Hill, was the
26th player picked in the first round of the NBA draft
by the San Antonio Spurs. Our Court gives scholarships to our Junior Knights and Junior Daughters.
St. Joseph The West End,
Court #363 Cincinnati, Ohio
– Lady Etta R. Hogan, Lecturer Christ the King Court #97
An affair to remember:
From left are Norman Mitchell, Edward Chatman, Reginald
Dues, (Grand Knight) Gerald Young, Earl Carter, John Buchanan, Howard Crawford, (Northern District Deputy) Ronald
Griffin, Leon Wallace, James Simmons and Hosea Spates.
Some members of St. Felicitas/St. Ailbe Council #181
gather for a photo shoot while attending the stage production
of “Talking Bones.” The play was presented at the Eta theater
in Chicago and served as a Valentine’s Day fundraiser outing.
– Public Relations Committee, Council #181
Co-Chairs: Mayo Graham and David Oliver
35
Lenten Novena
The Ladies of St. Thaddeus Court #154 welcomed the
Holy Season of Lent on Feb. 28, 2009, hosting their annual
Lenten Novena with members and friends. This spiritual
prayer service was divided into segments of rosary prayers,
The Way of the Cross and a Spiritual Agape. Following the
prayer service, the Ladies invited all attending the Novena
to join them for lunch.
Special thanks to Lady Vernon Hoskins Court #93 for
leading the rosary; to Lady Lillian Holloman Court #192 and
Lady Dorothy Granderson Court #93 in helping with the
reading the Stations of the Cross and to Lady Elsie Poleate
#192 for assisting with the setting up of the Agape; and to
Lady JoAnn Ball Court #134 for her photographer skills.
Court #154 Ladies participating: Grand Lady Marie
Copeland, program director and mistress of ceremony; Lady
Beverly Stewart music engineer; Vice Grand Lady Joycelyn
Cameron and Lady Diane Couch, Way of the Cross readings
and Lady Dorothy M. Thomas, Spiritual Agape set-up.
We look forward to seeing all our friends next year on the
Saturday after Ash Wednesday when we will do it all over again.
We greet you once again with the love of Jesus Christ. It
has been a very busy year. Court #143 has continued to carry
out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy of the Church,
but especially for the Ladies Auxiliary Knights of Peter Claver.
I want to thank all the members for their participation in
not only the housing program, but with “Fit for Life Obesity
Project.” We have hosted workshops on diabetes and other issues that plague women. We have continued our involvement
with the National Council of Negro Women Chicago Midwest
Section. I am proud to announce that, through the collaboration with Sankofa Safe Child we have opened Sankofa House.
The building consists of 59 units of housing – 23 units are
for grandparents raising grandchildren and 35 one-bedroom
units for homeless and etc. A special thank you goes out to
Grand Lady Julia Bledsoe and Court #146 for their support
and participation.
– Grand Lady Marie Copeland
On behalf of Court #143, I would like to extend our heartfelt
appreciation to all of the visiting Courts for their attendance and
participation in the ribbon-cutting celebration. They showed up
and showed out. Father Larry Dowling, community leaders and
representatives from various organizations, many politicians and
Congressman Danny K. Davis were among our guests.
We are continuing our outreach work with women and
children. We are working with Sankofa Safe Child Initiative
on an enterprise project, which is a customer service and sales
training program. Students will have the opportunity to have
hands-on experience because of the opening of the “Sankofa
It’s In the Bag Boutique.” We are asking for your prayers and
support for this endeavor. In the Claver spirit, we have continue to support two priests with monthly financial assistance
letters and cards.
Respectively submitted,
Deidra A. Wilson
Grand Lady, Court #143
district news
Court #143 news
Guests enjoying themselves at the luncheon.
36
gulf coast district
News from Archbishop James P. Lyke Council and
Court #340 Hapeville, Ga.
Sept. 2008 – Grand Lady
Katherine Woodyard served as
a volunteer for the Sickle Cell
Foundation Awareness Month. In
observance of St. Peter Claver’s feast
day, our Unit dressed out at the 10 a.m. Mass. We provided
publicity and participated in our annual Zone picnic at Welcome
All Park. Also, we were active with pre-planning and participating in our parish outdoor Mass and Fall Festival. Our Juniors
sponsored a booth and provided face and nail painting. All of us
participated in the KPC Brown Bag Project.
district news
Oct. 2008 – Our Ladies prepared desserts and served food at the
Black Catholic Men’s Conference. Breath-taking furs were added as
part of our 7th Annual Fashion Show, held in College Park.
Nov. 2008 – Our Unit turned out for National Founders Day.
We prepared and served dinner, (Juniors provided lunches) at
the Shrine of The Immaculate Conception Shelter. Dec. 2008 – Members participated in the Christmas Giving Tree.
The Juniors held a bake sale. Council and Court #340 Family
enjoyed a Christmas outing at Copeland’s in Buckhead. Our Ladies
prepared and jointly served dinner at the Shrine of The Immaculate
Conception Shelter. Court #340 Ladies who are members of the
James P. Lyke Memorial Mass Choir participated in presenting a
Christmas concert at the Morehouse College Chapel. Jan. 2009 – Members attended the Zone Mass (installation of
officers) offered by Reverend Edward Branch at the Lyke House
(Atlanta University Catholic Center). Members served on the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Planning Committee; and others, including our Juniors, turned out for the MLK Eucharistic Birthday
Celebration. This event was held at The Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The next day, Juniors and other family members
attended the MLK Youth and Young Adult Celebration (a prayer
service) at the gym of St. Peter Claver Regional School. Grand
Lady Katherine Woodyard was featured in the MLK souvenir
booklet as being one of the original members of the Commission who helped establish the Office for Black Catholic Ministry.
Court #340 hosted the KPC Atlanta Workshop, “Getting Ready
to Start Anew: Kernels of Wisdom for the Spirit.” Our Ladies
prepared dinner, and as a Unit, served the guests at the Central
Presbyterian Church Shelter. We offered our annual free breakfast for our parish in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Feb. 2009 – The Juniors raffled two Valentine gift baskets,
and held a bake sale as fundraisers for the Junior Conference. We jointly presented a Black Catholic History Prayer
Service: “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” Our Juniors participated as ushers/greeters/altar servers and praise dancers.
This event was initiated by Lady Burroughs for the parish
community. It was followed by a reception, with food prepared
and served by Court #340 Ladies. Court #340 Ladies
prepared and served dinner at the Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception Shelter with our Juniors assisting. March 2009 – Council #340 held a fish fry on Fridays
during Lent, and Court #340 served dinners to parishioners.
Proceeds were donated to our Church. Four of our Juniors
attended the Junior Conference in Gulf Port, Miss.
April 2009 – Members participated in the Parish Seder Meal
and Parish Tennebrae Service. ACHIEVEMENTS: Congratulations Juniors! Early Bird Award; Spiritual Challenge: Ariel
Brawner, 1st Place, poetry; Gabrielle Brawner, 2nd Place,
essay; Alexis White, 1st Place, poster; Michelle Asor, 3rd
Place, 6th Grade Team SE Regional Spelling Bee Competition; and Alexis White, Junior Daughter District Secretary. Ongoing: Preparing and serving monthly breakfast the third
Sunday following morning Masses; cleaning the Church; attending Inter-City Council meetings; participating in initiations;
OBCM-sponsored events; Legion of Mary; Parish Outreach;
parish Council members; eucharistic ministers; lectors; choir
members; altar servers (Juniors); baby-sitting by Juniors during
Senior Court meetings; and supporting our Church, each other,
other Councils and Courts.
God Bless!
Grand Lady Fannie Joseph, Breedland Smith and mother, Clara Barial,
Alice Bradley, Vice Grand Lady Louverta Cherry.
Our Lady of Lourdes Court #4
Grand Lady Fannie Joseph presented Breedland Smith and
her mother the 2008 Sickle Cell donation from the Knights of
Peter Claver, Inc.
Saint James Major Council and
Court #172
Prichard, Alabama
Cornelia Culpepper and Maxine Tinsley.
Junior Knights Marcus Irby, Marcodius Irby, Justin Rander and
Clayton Schynder attended the 2009 Conference in Gulfport under
the direction of their Junior Commander, Knight Cornelius Hall.
The 2009 Junior Knight officers are: Junior Grand Knight
– Derrick Merriweather Jr.; Junior Deputy Grand Knight
– Clayton Schnyder; Secretary – Dylan Merriweather; Financial
Secretary – Marcodius Irby; and Inner Guard – Justin Rander.
The 2009 officers for Junior Daughter Court #172 are Junior
Grand Lady – Brooke Thomas; Junior Vice Grand Lady – Andrea Thomas; Secretary – Lauren Lipscomb; Treasurer – Jasmine McCaskey; and Guard – Ashlyn Danzy.
The officers of Council and Court of #172 were installed in
January by Father Charles Moffatt, SSJ. Their hard work and
willingness to serve are what Claverism is all about.
– Lady Carrie R. Blunt
district news
St. James Major Council and Court #172 held its annual
awards luncheon on Feb. 8, 2009, at St. James Major Parish
Center in Prichard, Ala.
The theme: “Claverism: Empowering Membership Through
Committed Service.” was eloquently delivered by our guest
speaker, Lady Gwendolyn E. Lewis, Gulf Coast District Deputy
and member of Court #172. Lady Lewis was introduced by
Court #172 Vice-Grand Lady Stephanie P. Danzy.
Committee members who helped to make the awards luncheon
a tremendous success were Ladies Stephanie P. Danzy and Linda
G. Thomas (co-chairpersons), Winifred Maiben, Dorothy D.
Lewis, and Joyce Winbom, who prepared the scrumptious lunch.
Participants on the program were: Ladies Nona Simmonsmistress of ceremony; Lady Cynthia H. Eaton – introduction
of head table; Lady Valencia T. Lipscomb – welcome; Lady
Luberta W. Portis, Gulf Coast District Past District Deputy
– occasion. Father Charles Moffatt, SSJ and pastor of St. James
Major Catholic Church, gave the invocation.
The following ladies, knights and parishioners received special awards: “Lady of the Year,” Jennie Reese; “Senior Parishioner of the Year,” Knight Lee E. Portis – Gulf Coast District Past
District Grand Knight; “Youth Parishioner of the Year,” Lauren
Lipscomb; “Citizen of the Year, “ Prichard Mayor Ron Davis.
Council #172 Grand Knight Tyrone Rodgers presented a plaque
to Deputy Grand Knight Robert Blakeley, Sr. as “Knight of the Year”
from Council #172. Five-year membership awards were presented
to Knights James McBride and Frank Seltzer. A 15-year membership award was presented to Knight Lester Turner, and a 20-year
membership award was presented to Knight Gregory Thomas.
A hearty welcome is extended to three new members who
were initiated into Court #172. They are Ladies Nona Simmons, Rochelle Blakeley, and Mary Finch.
The Knights and ladies of Court #172 are always willing to
help when called upon to do the work Christ has directed us
to do. They are dependable and dedicated to the Church and
their community. May He continue to keep us all in His care.
The Knights and Ladies of Court #172 elected officers for the
year 2009. They are: Grand Knight – Tyrone Rodgers; Deputy
Grand Knight – Robert Blakely, Sr.; Secretary – Jesse Davis; Financial Secretary – John Finch; Treasurer – Chester Rudolph; Junior
Knight Commander – Cornelius Hall; Assistant Junior Knight
Commander – Derrick Tinsley; and Inner Guard – Lawrence Banks.
Members of the Finance Board are Knights Willie Taylor and Herman Thomas. Knight Dave Alexander will serve as Warden.
The Ladies Division officers for 2009 are: Grand Lady – Constance P. Taylor; Vice-Grand Lady – Stephanie Danzy; Secretary
– Cynthia Eaton; Financial Secretary – Winifred Mitiben; Treasurer – Dorothy D. Lewis; Junior Daughter Counselor – Valencia
Lipscomb; Assistant Junior Counselor – Allegra Danzy; Mistress of
Arms – Deem Tinsley; Lady of Prayer – Dolores Washington; Outer
Guard – Sharlotte Bonds; Inner Guard – Gertrude Johnson; and
Lecturer – Carrie R. Blunt.
Elected to the Finance Board were Ladies Emma Brinkley,
37
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Court #110
Charleston, S.C.
Our Lady of Guadalupe and Peter Claver Council #110 hosted
the Zone 5 Annual Workshop on Nov. 8, 2009 in Charleston, S.C.
The workshop was facilitated by Gulf Coast Deputies Anthanase
Jones and Gwendolyn E. Lewis for 102 Knights and Ladies. Prior
to the workshop, the Ladies increased the Gulf Coast and Zone
5 membership with the initiation of 11 Ladies. The day’s activities
were culminated with the Knights and Ladies of Zone 5 joining in
the celebration of the Mass in commemoration of Founders Day.
The Ladies of Court #110 continue to practice the virtues of
friendship, unity and Christian charity through their support of various organizations in Charleston County:
• The Shelter/Prison Ministries Committee continues to prepare
and serve meals to the homeless.
• The Public Service Outreach Committee supports and provides services to the McDonald House, the Florence Crittenton
Residential Program for unwed mothers and the Carter-May
Home for senior citizens.
• The Membership Committee continues to recruit new members. Court #110 held an initiation on Nov. 22, 2008. At that time, the Court welcomed Lady Betty H. Laribo and
Lady Marcella Holmes.
38
gulf coast district (cont.)
Knights of Peter Claver – Pierre Toussaint Council #278
Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church
Savannah, Ga.
district news
2008 has been an active year for the Knights of Peter
Claver Pierre Toussaint Council #278.
The year officially began with the installation of council officers for 2008 on Jan. 20, 2008. Council #278 continues to let
the spirit of Claverism shine both in the Church and community.
Church Service: In March, the council sponsored a variety dinner to benefit both the parish Capital Campaign, “Resurrection
is Rising,” and the council.
In June, the Council participated in the Kick Off of Phase
II of “Resurrection is Rising” by making a pledge and giving a
contribution.
In July, we collaborated with Court #278 in a successful fundraiser for the parish Capital Campaign.
Junior Branch #278: A financial contribution was given to
Branch #278 to assist it in attending the 2008 Junior Gulf Coast
District Conference.
Also, Council #278 distributed the annual back to school gift
cards and words of encouragement to each member of Branch
#278.
A number of the brothers of Council #278 served as chaperons on the Branch #278 summer trip.
Community Service: The council first activity of the year was
the donation of over forty-five blankets to the Savannah Senior
Citizens Agency for its annual blanket drive.
The council secured the services of the physicians of Memorial Health University to sponsor a successful health fair at the
parish with an emphasis on diabetes.
Also, the council gave a donation to the Greenbriar Children’s
Centers for its annual Christmas in July.
The Council welcomed Brothers James Murray and Russell
Williams, Sr. to its ranks by initiation. The Brothers of Council
#278 are indeed an integral part of the parish for they are active
in many ministries: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, music, ushers and Bible Study, Building Committee, Capital Campaign/Finance Committee, Holy Name Society,
human concerns, parish council and youth ministry.
Council #278 remembers two of it’s recently deceased esteem
members, Brothers Lehwald Johnson, Sr. and Richard Simmons.
They were faithful and supportive members of Council #278
and their presence and wisdom are deeply missed. May they
enjoy the fullness of eternal life with our risen Lord.
– Knights of Peter Claver Pierre Toussaint Council #278
IN MEMORIAM
Brother Richard Simmons
Sept. 24, 1921 – April 21, 2007
Brother Richard Simmons was born to the late Mr. Joseph
and Lillie Bell Simmons on Sept. 24, 1921, in Savannah, Ga. He
was a lifelong resident of Savannah. He was educated at Saint
Anthony of Padua Catholic School and was a graduate of BeachCuyler High School.
Brother was a U.S. Army veteran, serving two years of active
duty in World War II. He was a member of the local Boiler
Maker Union #26. He was retired from Savannah Machine and
Foundry Shipyard.
Brother Simmons also was a faithful and dedicated member of
Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church. He was active in the
following parish ministries: an Extraordinary Minister of Holy
Communion, the Holy Name Society, usher, Tuesday Evening
Bible Study, Inner City Night Shelter Soup Kitchen and the
Knights of Peter Claver Pierre Toussaint Council #278. He was
one of Council #278’s loyal supporters.
Brother Simmons leaves to cherish his memories a devoted
wife, Ethel Simmons; daughters Marilyn Green and Linda Berry;
son Anthony Johnson; sister Rachel Bell; sister-in-law Carrie
Tillman; 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; nieces,
nephews, cousins, friends and the Resurrection of Our Lord
Catholic Church Family.
Brother Lehwald Johnson, Sr.
Sunrise – Jan. 5, 1927 Sunset – June 24, 2008
Brother Lehwald Johnson, Sr. was born in Savannah, Ga. to the
late Henry M. and Wilhelmina Williams Johnson on Jan. 5, 1927. He
received his education at Saint Anthony of Padua School, East Broad
Street School and Beach-Cuyler High School.
He was a faithful member of Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic
Church, where he was an active member of the Knights of Peter
Claver Pierre Toussiant Council #278.
Brother Johnson will always be remembered for his culinary
skills in preparing the potato salad for Council #278’s numerous
variety dinners.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and served more
than 38 years with the National Maritime Union as a chief steward.
Brother Lehwald Johnson, Sr. leaves to cherish his memories a
devoted wife of more than 58 years, Mary Ford Johnson; daughter,
Alethia Heidi Johnson; sons Lehwald Johnson, Jr. and Christopher
Johnson; brother Lawrence McCloud; grandchildren; great-grand
children; sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends and
the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church Family.
– Knights of Peter Claver Pierre Toussaint Council #278
39
state of texas
Council and Court #138
Father Howard with KPC Leaders
2009 Officers Timothy J. Sullivan Council #138
2009 Junior Knight Officers Branch #138
2009 Officers of Queen of All Saints, Court #138
2009 Junior Daughters Officers Jr. Court #138
district news
As we prepare to celebrate our beloved and distinguished
organization, Council and Court #138 celebrated their 50th
anniversary in August 2008. The Mass was performed by
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, assisted by Rev. Kenneth J. Howard
S.S.J., pastor of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
During the last year, the family of #138 has been busy with
community projects, including feeding the homeless, helping
a foster home, visiting nursing homes, working in the parish, working with the special needs kids and numerous other
activities.
On Jan. 17, 2009, the 2009 Senior and Junior boards
were installed at a special turnout which was attended by
special guests Supreme Knight Gene A Phillips, State Deputy
James Ellis and Past National Jr. Daughter Counselor Elsa
Phillips. On this day, the membership witnessed a special
initiation of Rev. Kenneth J. Howard S.S.J into Father Timothy
J. Sullivan Council #138.
– Lady Mary Sias
40
state of texas (cont.)
Knights of Peter
Claver – Houston
Inter-City Councils and
Courts (KPC-HICC)
Inspire the City of Houston
On Jan. 27, 2009, Mayor Bill White and Councilman Jarvis Johnson proclaimed Knights of Peter
Claver Day in Houston. Houston Inter-City Councils
and Courts, along with Sir Knight Horace Young,
was delighted to tell the city of Houston about such
a Noble Order. Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips, Sr.
and Sir Knight Horace Young proudly accepted the
proclamation.
district news
– Lady Traci N. Owens, HICC Lecturer
Grand Lady, Holy Family-McNair Court #341
Pictured: Councilman Jarvis Johnson, Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips,
Sr., Mayor Bill White and Sir Knight Horace Young.
HICC Mardi Gras Parade and Ball
The parade was held on Jan.
31, 2009, at St. Francis the
Assisi Catholic Church. Brother
Horace Young was the mastermind behind the planning
of HICC’s parade route and
participants. It was one of the
largest parades in the HICC
Mardi Gras history. In attendance were: Supreme Knight
Gene A. Phillips, Sr., HICC
President Lady Faye Marshall,
Texas State Deputy Lady Nan
Arceneaux, members from
St. Francis Assisi Catholic
School marching band, North
Forest High School Band
and Booker T. Washington’s
Pictured back row Left to right: Bro. Roland Garza, Lady Louanna Richard, Lady Nikki Johnson,
Bro. Jay Young, Lady Frances Garza, Lady Judy Simon, Lady Traci Owens, Lady Carla Coleman,
Bro.Michael Lamonthe and Bro. Horace Young. Front row left to right HICC President Lady Faye
Marshall, Lady Doris Eitenne-Jackson (Queen) Bro. Elvin Etienne (King) and Lady Judy Edwards,
HICC Mardi Gras Chairperson.
Jr. ROTC Color Guards.
Councilman Jarvis Johnson
served as the grand marshal
for Houston Inter-City Councils and Courts Mardi Gras
Parade and local Kashmere
Garden neighbors.
The Mardi Gras Ball was
held on Feb. 7, 2009. Lady
Judy Edwards, Mardi Gras
Ball chairperson, along with
her committee planned an
exquisite evening for all. The
master and mistress of ceremony were Councilman Jarvis Johnson and Lady Pauline
Allen. Mother and son, Lady
Doris Etienne-Jackson and
Brother Elvin Etienne from
Council and Court #72, were
crowned Houston Inter-City
Councils and Courts Mardi
Gras 2009 King and Queen.
Music was provided by
Creole Lady Annette Metoyer
& the Boys and they were
outstanding.
Grand Lady, Holy Family
McNair Court #341
Knights of Peter Claver Houston
Inter-City Councils and Courts
Pictured from left to right: Lady Faye Marshall, President of HICC,
Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips, Sr., Sir Knight Horace Young, Most
Reverend Vincent M. Rizzotto, Gracious Lady Maggie Broussard and
HICC Vice President Elvin Etienne.
At the 79th Annual Banquet of the Texas State Conference of
the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, held in Houston,
on May 1-3, 2009, the Texas KPC 100 Club presented a $10,000
check to the Very Rev. Henry J. Davis, SSJ, Area Director and Local
Superior of Black Seminarians. Father Davis resides in Beaumont,
where he is pastor of two Catholic Churches – Our Mother of
Mercy and Blessed Sacrament.
The $10,000 award will be used by the Josephite Society to assist
in the education and training of single Catholic men to work in the
African-American Community. This
is the first charitable award granted by
the Texas KPC 100 Club of the Texas
State Conference of the Knights of
Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary.
The Josephite Society of the Sacred
Heart is an interracial, intercultural
community of priests and brothers
who work to advance the teachings
of the Catholic Church in African
American communities by providing
spiritual support and guidance.
The Texas KPC 100 Club serves
as a charitable arm of the KPC Texas
State Conference Body. The Texas
KPC 100 Club espouses the implementation of corporal and spiritual
works of mercy. With that vision in
mind, a perpetual fund of $100,000
St. Peter Claver Day was hosted by Council and
Court #222 of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church on
Sept. 9, 2008. The celebrant of the Mass was Most
Reverend Vincent M. Rizatto, D.D., J.C.L. who was
assisted by Fr. Emmanuel Agbor, M.S.P., pastor,
Orrin D. Burroughs, deacon and James R. Brooks,
deacon.
The 2008 celebration was attended by more than
400 Clavers of the Houston-Galveston Diocese. The
recipient of the Paul A. Stiner Award was Sir Knight
Horace Young of Council #222. Sir Knight Young
has worked tirelessly with his community, Church
and the Noble Order of St. Peter Claver for morer
than 40 years. The recipient of the Della Brooks
Award was Gracious Lady Maggie Broussard. Lady
Broussard is a member of the Forty Plus Models,
Grand Lady of Court #72 and a member of Houston
Inter -City Councils and Courts. She is dedicated to
service in her community and has been a member of
Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church for more than
30 years.
Grand Lady, Holy Family – Mc Nair, Court #341
has been established and the interest accrued from the fund will be
used for grants and/or scholarships for persons pursuing religious
vocations, for medical research, contributions to the United Negro
College Fund and emergency charitable assistance.
KPC 100 Club Committee members pictured with the Very
Rev. Henry J. Davis and Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips, Sr.,
from left to right, are: Lady Viola Jean-Louis, Lady Ollie Duplechain, Knight Louis Carrier, Knight Hilton Steve Williams, Knight
Johnnie Dorsey, Knight Joshara P. Edwards, Lady Anne C. Jones,
Knight Mitchell W. Batiste and Lady Conseulla Broussard. Not
pictured are Knight Adrian S. Adams, Texas State Conference
President, Men’s Division and Lady Janae Tinsley, Texas State Conference President, Ladies Division.
district news
Texas KPC 100 Club donates
to the Josephite Society
41
42
junior division news
Junior Supreme Knight Report
To:Most Worthy Supreme Knight, Gene A. Philips Sr.
Director General of Junior Knights, Tilmon D. King
National Officers/Junior National Officers Junior National Board
2007-2009
junior division
Junior Supreme Knight
Desmond Taylor
Branch #151
Alex Prince
Branch #222
Junior National Secretary
Benjamin Morale
Branch #231
Junior National Treasurer
Jacob Nixon
Branch #31
Junior National Sergeant-
At-Arms
Malcolm Patterson
Branch #141
Director General
Tilmon D. King
Council #325
State/District Junior Directors
Commanders/Junior Grand Knights
Membership
Thank you for all your support and the confidence you have placed in me. It has been a
tremendous honor to serve you as Junior Supreme Knight. During my tenure, I have traveled
throughout the different Districts and have met many great Junior Knights and Junior Daughters, as well as Knights and Ladies. I am thankful for all the prayers, support, and love each of
you have shown me in my term of office. I am particularly thankful for the two Director Generals of Junior Knights that have mentored me: Mr. James A. Coleman and Mr. Tilmon D. King.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. One hundred years
of serving the Catholic Church and our communities. One hundred years ago, the members
of our organization could not vote, but today we are proud to say that we have a president of
African descent. “Change” has been made, and we must continue working, praying and serving one another in our Churches, families, communities, schools and jobs. One hundred years
ago our Founders knew the importance of working in the Church, and that is why we are here
100 years later to continue this work. Many are no longer here to celebrate this milestone in our
nation’s history and also our organization’s history, but they entrusted in us to be brothers and
sisters of love and continue running our organization for another 100 years.
As President Obama said on election night 2008, “If anyone out there doubts ... who still
wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time ... tonight is your answer.” I ask each
of you to keep the dream alive of our great Founders who wanted to make a difference in the
Catholic Church and their communities. We can make a difference by participating in parish
activities, working with other Clavers and volunteering at our schools. Our By-laws and the
Constitution are good resources to build your knowledge. If you need a copy of the By-laws, see
your Commander.
Along with the By-laws and Constitution, I encourage each of you to purchase a sash through
the National Office. They are $35. Remember, the sash is only worn with turn out attire: Black
suit, or black slacks, white shirt, black tie, shoes and socks.
The Junior National Board has been working to bring you an exciting convention. The Convention will be held at the Westin Galleria in Houston, on July 9-12. I look forward to seeing
you there.
Events Attended as Junior Supreme Knight
2007 Activities
• Senior National Convention-Dearborn, Mich.
• Our Mother of Mercy Church Houston, Branch/Court #72
Legends’ Banquet
• National Brown Bag Project Planning Meeting held at St.
Monica Church, Houston
• City-wide National Brown bag Project Set-up held at St. Monica
Church, Houston
• City-wide National Brown Bag Project Bread of Life Center,
Houston
• St. Peter Claver Day City-Wide Turn-out held at Our Mother of Mercy Church, Houston
• Our Mother of Mercy Church Bazaar, Houston
• St. Monica Church Bazaar Volunteer, Houston
• St. Phillip Neri Church, Bazaar
• St. Mary the Purification Church, Bazaar
• City-Wide National Brown Bag Project Wrap up meeting held at
St. Mary the Purification Church, Houston
2008 Activities
• UNCF Gala Attendee (Committee Member)
• Junior Branch/Court #151 Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast
• City-Wide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mass/Celebration,
Houston
• Junior Initiation held at St. Mary the Purification, Houston
• Ground Breaking Mass and Celebration of St. Monica
Church Council/Court #151 KPC Building The Claverite | Summer Issue 2009 | www.kofpc.org
Junior Supreme Lady Report
Brianna Amber Batiste
Junior Vice Supreme Lady
Junior Court #151
Houston
Brendolyn Raelynn Andrus
Junior National Secretary
Junior Court #151
Houston
Amber Gabrielle Jones
Junior National Treasurer Junior Court #72
Houston
Ladies Auxiliary
Junior National Officers
Lady Diane T. Asberry
National Counselor
Junior Daughters
(Junior Supreme Knight cont.)
• St. Vincent De Paul Food Drive hosted by St. Monica
Houston, Unit #151
• St. Mary the Purification Houston, Annual Fashion
Show, Council and Court #159
• Council and Court #385 Establishment in Waco, Texas
• Junior Texas State Board Meeting held at St. Peter the
Apostle, Council and Court Junior Gulf Coast District
States Conference, Huntsville, Ala.
• St. Francis of Assisi Church, Houston, local branch
#231 Turn-out/Meeting
• Easter Egg Baskets Preparation for Local Nursing
Home, Junior Branch/Court #151
• Christmas Caroling at the Nursing Home, Unit #151 St. Monica Church, Houston
2009 Activities
• Knights of Peter Claver Court and Council #151 Fashion Show
• St. Francis of Assisi Turn-out
• Gulf Coast District Junior Conference, Gulfport, Miss.
• Texas State Junior Conference, Houston
• Wake Service, Sir Knight Lonnie Fyles
• Junior National Board Meeting, Houston
• St. Francis of Assisi Men and Boys Prayer Breakfast
I attended many other functions, that are too many to list.
Yours in Claverism,
E. Desmond Taylor
Junior Supreme Knight
Greetings My Claver Family,
It is a great pleasure to be representing such a prosperous organization. We are blessed to have so many active members in our Noble
Order. As I visited various places throughout my term, I have to say that
I am very impressed and appreciate your spirit, commitment, and love
you have displayed toward our organization.
As we continue this journey together, we must remember that, in order
to keep this organization alive and thriving, we have to maintain and
increase our membership. Our 100th anniversary is quickly approaching
and it is very important that we keep the flame burning bright for our
Noble Order if we want to reach another 100 years.
In my term as Junior Supreme Lady, I have had the honor and privilege to receive your love, support and prayers. I have felt truly blessed
to get the opportunity to visit all of you from conferences all the way
down to Church bazaars. As I approach the end of my term, I have
no doubt that all of you will continue to have determination and hard
work with the guidance of St. Peter Claver to keep the future of our
organization secure. Some of the activities and events I have participated in this year are:
• Junior Texas State Conference, Houston
• Junior National Board Meeting, Houston
• Junior Louisiana State Conference, Shreveport, La.
• Junior Texas State Picnic-Baytown, Texas
• A Blessed Farewell at St. Philip Neri Unit# 222, Houston
• Junior National Convention Hotel Tasting/Visiting
• Local Mass turnouts, meetings and initiations
• Easter egg hunt-Lake Charles, La.
• Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Mass and Ceremony
• Easter bags give away-Lake Charles, La.
• Delta Sigma Theta Easter Basket giveaway
• Sigma Gamma Rho tutoring project
• Junior National Convention Planning Meeting
• Junior National Convention July 9-12, Houston
I would like to give a special thanks to my family, for if it were not for
them believing in me and for all their love and support, I would not be
here today. Also, I would like to thank my Claver family of Unit #141 for
their diligent work and support that they have shown me over the last
two years. To Most Worthy Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips Sr., Most
Esteemed Supreme Lady Geralyn C. Shelvin, Lady Diane Asberry and
Brother Tilmon King, thank you for letting my light shine bright and
never giving up on me. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank
my wonderful counterpart E. Desmond Taylor. I will never forget this experience and journey that we have shared together, it was truly an honor
and a privilege to have worked alongside you.
In conclusion, I would like to leave you with a few words of wisdom:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that
we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” It has
been an honor and privilege to have served as your Junior Supreme Lady.
Your Sister in Claverism,
Jasmine Chavis
Junior Supreme Lady
junior division
Jasmine Nichole Chavis
Junior Supreme Lady
Junior Court #116
Baton Rouge, La.
Brittany Terry
Junior National Mistress-at-Arms
Junior Court #341
Highlands, Texas
43
44
junior division news (cont.)
junior division
Saint James Major Juniors
presented by Lady Allegra Danzy. “Procedures in Proper Etiquette” was presented by Vice-Grand Lady Stephanie Danzy.
Prichard, Ala.
The Juniors of St. James Major are very busy with several
activities. They continue to work in the Church as lectors,
altar servers, choir members, liturgical dancers
and the youth group in the
Church.
They have completed
several hours of community services during
the year; and donated
food to the needy in the
community, especially on
holidays and other special
days. They held a “wingding” and hot dog sale
during the Mardi-Gras
season. During the school
year, the young Ladies
have made the honor roll,
St. James Major Council and Court #172
attended school contests
Junior Daughters and Junior Knights ant the conference in Gulfport, Miss. and participated in sports.
Junior Daughter Counselor, Valencia T. Lipscomb on the far left. Junior Knight Commander, They also have had several
Cornelius Hall on the far right kneeling.
social activities.
The Senior Division is
The Ladies of St. James Major Court #172 hosted their
extremely proud of our young Ladies, who continue to be
annual Holiday Tea. The theme was: “White Christmas.”
spiritually active in Church, their school and the community.
The 2008 award-winning Holiday Tea table was won by
Thanks to the Junior Daughter Counselor and Assistant
the Junior Daughters. Junior Grand Lady Brooke Thomas
Counselor Valencia Lipscomb and Allegra Danzy, respectively.
graciously accepted the plaque from Grand Lady Stephanie
Lady Linda Thomas, Grand Lady Constance P. Taylor and the
Danzy. The Holiday Tea is hosted annually by Court #172 in
Ladies of St. James Major Court #172 for their support; and
December. Thanks to Lady Jennie Reese, chairperson; Lady
for making the trip to the conference in Gulfport a rewarding
Lucinda Morrell; Lady Linda Thomas, Counselor and Lady
Christian experience.
Valencia Lipscomb, Assistant Counselor.
– Lady Carrie R. Blunt
The Junior Daughters of St. James Major Council #172 attended the 2009 Gulf Coast District Junior Conference held
in Gulfport, Miss., March 6-8, 2009. Attending our District
Conference were Junior Daughter Maderia Armfield, Dorothy
Crook, Ashlyn Danzy, Lauren Lipscomb, Jasmine McCaskey, Amber Schnyder, Ruby Spain, Andrea Thomas, Brooke
Thomas, Annette Tinsley and Katherine Tinsley.
Charleston, South Carolina
The Juniors are under the leadership of Counselor Valencia
Lipscomb, Assistance Counselor, Allegm Danzy and Grand
As a result of many sucby working on various comLady Constance P. Taylor. At the conference, Junior Daughter
cessful fundraising activities
mittees at the conference
Amber Schnyder ran for Mistress of Arms and Junior Daughand through the support of
and successfully capturing
ter Lauren Lipscomb ran for Secretary. Each Junior Daughter
parents and the Ladies, the
the office of Gulf Coast
served on one of the committees at the conference and reJunior Daughters attended
District Treasurer. Congratuported on their spiritually enriching experience during their
the 45th Annual Juniors
lations are extended to Junior
regular March meeting.
Gulf Coast Conference in
Daughter Erin A. Cooke on
The Junior Daughters prepared for the conference with
Gulfport, Miss., March 6-8.
her new position.
the following workshops: “Parliamentary Procedures” were
The Juniors continue to
On April 4, 2009, the
presented by Grand Lady Constance P. Taylor. “Appropriexhibit their talents and skills
Juniors hosted an Easter
ate Dress Codes for a Conference or Business Meeting” was
Our Lady of Guadalupe Junior
Daughters, Court 110
45
Louisiana Junior State Conference
Supreme Knight addressing the Juniors.
Gathering with the Supreme Lady and the Junior Supreme Lady.
St. Joseph the West End, Junior Court #363
St. Joseph, Junior Branch #363 Cincinnati, Ohio
Egg Hunt for the children of
St. Patrick Church, Our lady
of Mercy Church and the
community. All the children
received treats, prizes and
lots of good food. The Junior
Daughters were pleased with
the success of the event and
are looking forward to many
more community events.
junior division
Some state,
district
and local
officers
with the
Supreme
Knight attending
the Junior
State Conference.
46
2008-2010 National Council
Knights Of Peter
Claver
2008-2010 national council
Mr. Gene A. Phillips, Sr.
Supreme Knight
22911 Palomino Creek Court
Tomball, TX 77375-7198
H: 281-370-1757
Fax: 281-251-7920
E-mail: [email protected]
Mr. Paul Jones, Jr.
3123 Country Club Rd.
Lake Charles, LA 70605
H: 337-477-8565
Fax: 337-477-8565
Mr. James Kelley Terry
National Secretary
P. O. Box 56545
New Orleans, LA 70156
H: 504-913-2110
B: 504-302-9140
Fax: 504-324-5037
Mr. Philip B. Stiell
National Treasurer
P. O. Box 7827
Spanish Fort, AL 36577
H: 251-621-1009
B: 251-433-6116
Mr. Omar K. Mason
National Advocate
5219 Bathgate Lane
Houston, TX 77084
H: 281-858-1680
B: 713-652-2525
Fax: 281-858-1680
Mr. George J. Williams
Lay Board Member
828 Latiolais Dr
P. O. Box 1267
Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
B: 337-291-8364
Fax: 337-332-5331
Email: [email protected]
Mr. James Ellis
7702 Chasecreek Dr.
Missouri City, TX 77489
H: 281-437-2136
B: 713-824-3521
Mr. Tilmon D. King
Director General Junior Knights
3713 Edgewood Court
Avondale, LA 7094
H: 504-436-3066
B: 504-452-4109
Mr. Anderson F. Shaw
District Deputy of Western States
Post Office Box 451909
Los Angeles, CA 90045-8524
H: 323-293-6904
B: 323-777-2106
Fax: 323- 934-8039
Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry
National Chaplain
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
Post Office Box 733
South Holland, IL 60473-0733
B: 708-339-2474
Fax: 708-339-2477
Mr. Howard Crawford
District Deputy of Northern States
1733 Patricia Lane
Flossmoor, IL 60422-2057
H: 708-957-2080
Fax: 708-957-2081
Mr. Arthur C. McFarland
Past Supreme Knight
P. O. Box 80609
Charleston, S.C. 29416-0609
H: 843-577-4889
B: 843-763-3900
Fax: 843-763-5347 (B)
Mr. Athanase J. Jones, Jr.
District Deputy of Gulf Coast
11065 Castlemain Circle E
Jacksonville, FL 32256-2894
H: 904-565-2317
B: 904-357-4795 Ext. 74467
Fax: 904-565-2317
Mr. Garry Bostick
District Deputy of Central States
1804 N.W. 176th Place
Edmond, OK 73012
H: 405-341-1033
B: 405-736-2691
Mr. James A. Neal
Supreme Navigator
Fourth Degree, KPC
14210 Torrey Village Drive
Houston, TX 77014
H: 281-440-8665
B: 713-858-4089
Fax: 281-893-1593
Mr. Oscar J. Benoit
State Deputy of Louisiana
201 Rue Des Etoiles
Carencro, LA 70520
H: 337-886-8842
Mr. Paul C. Condoll
Interim Administrator
1825 Orleans Avenue
B: 504-821-4225
Fax: 504-821-4253
47
and Court Board of Directors
Knights Of Peter
Claver, Ladies Auxiliary
Mrs. Geralyn C. Shelvin
Supreme Lady
121 Rimwood Ave
Lafayette, LA 70501-6559
H: 337-232-8510
B: 337-706-3427
or 1-800-5138772
Fax: 337-232-8463
Ms. DeLise Coleman
National Secretary
2092 Mercer Ave
College Park, GA 30337
H: 404-765-9056
Fax: 678-306-0668
Ms. Melissa Sias
National Treasurer
124 Castle Row
Lafayette, LA 70506
H: 337-989-8182
B: 337-289-2442
Fax: 337-989-8182
Ms. Hilda Wiltz
Lay Board Member
P. O. Box 752
Rayne, LA 70578-0752
H: 337-393-2080
Mrs. Nan Arceneaux
9203 Cornett Drive
Houston, TX 77064-7601
H: 713-937-3236
B: 281-405-4064
Mrs. Mary L. Briers
Past Supreme Lady
4360 Sunnybrook Dr.
Montgomery, AL 36108-5042
H: 334-281-7316
Fax: 334-288-9668
Mrs. E. Annetta Wilson
District Deputy of Northern States
4241 West 21st Place
Chicago, IL 60623
H: 773-521-4033
B: 773-542-8634
Fax: 773-542-9817
Mrs. Michelle C. Jackson
State Deputy of Louisiana
2316 13th Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
H: 337-474-6120
B: 337-437-9132 or
1-800-752-6706 Ext. 132
Fax: 337-478-7610
Ms. Micaela LeBlanc
District Deputy of Western States
13428 Maxella Avenue, #185
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
H: 1-888-KPC-LAWS
B: 310-646-1245
Fax: 310-568-9157
Mrs. Gwendolyn Lewis
District Deputy of Gulf Coast
518 Rawls Ave.
Prichard, AL 36610-2049
H: 251-452-2735
Fax: 251-441-6486
Mrs. Janice M. Gray
District Deputy of Central States
20668 E. Hamilton Circle
Aurora, CO 80013
H: 303-400-8713
B: 720-493-6633
Fax: 303-400-8714
Mrs. Audrey B. Woods
Supreme Navigator
Fourth Degree, Ladies of Grace
5435 Providence Place
New Orleans, LA 70126
H: 504-304-7677
Cell: 504-952-0027
Fax: 504-304-0381
2008-2010 national court
Ms. Yvonne H. Jackson
Vice Supreme Lady
8921 Shaddy Bluff Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70818-4520
H: 225-261-0959
B: 225-344-0315
Fax: 225-346-1317
Mrs. Diane T. Asberry
National Counselor Junior Daughters
8253 S. East End
Chicago, IL 60617-1739
H: 773-734-3961
Fax: 773-734-3962
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 135
MIDLAND, MI
48640
The Claver Prayer
God, our Heavenly Father, You
have given us life through the
death and resurrection of your
Beloved Son, Jesus Christ;
Jesus, our Saving Lord, You
came into a world darkened by
A man’s sin and gave it light
through your teachings;
Saint Peter Claver, who became
an example for us, You showed
us the love of God, the light
of Christ, and the strength of
the Holy Spirit;
Holy Spirit, the Breath of God
within us, You guide and
enlighten us and give us the
strength of our convictions;
We pray now that all we say
and do, in your honor, be a
continuation of your work
here on earth.
St. Peter Claver,
Pray For Us
FOR ADDRESS CHANGE
Moving? Please notify us
four weeks in advance.
Cut your old address label from
the magazine and attach to this
coupon. Fill in your new address
at right, and mail to:
New address
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
The Claverite Magazine
1825 Orleans Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70116-2825
Council # or Court #
Insurance Certificate #

D - Knights of Peter Claver

Transcription

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