Kolping Banner
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Kolping Banner
Kolping Banner Official Publication of the Catholic Kolping Society of America Vol. 90 – No. 1 October 2014 40th NATIONAL CONVENTION KOLPING - REACHING OUT TO PEOPLE AND HELPING BUILD A BETTER FUTURE The 40th National Convention of the Catholic Kolping Society of American was held Labor Day weekend, August 29 – September 1, 2014. Our hosts were the members of the Chicago Kolping Society. The Embassy Suites in Rosemont was the convention headquarters. Some conventioneers arrived early to take advantage of the sightseeing opportunities. Activities for the convention began on Friday with registration and hospitality time with new old acquaintances and to make new ones. On Friday evening the National Officers and National Representatives held their meeting. Bernie Preisser, National President, welcomed the members. Along with the usual business items, there was a discussion on several of the proposals. There were some modifications to the proposals but all proposals were to be brought to the convention floor. The budget was approved and the convention agenda was approved. The meeting was then closed. On Saturday morning we had Mass celebrated by Fr. Engelbert Michel, National Praeses and Praeses of the Philadelphia Kolping Society, concelebrated by Fr. Winfried Kellner, Fr. Larry Webber, Fr. Bruno Kremp and Fr. John Bosco. Following Mass the convention was opened. Bernie Preisser began the meeting once again welcoming our delegates. We proceeded with the order of business, that being the seating of the delegates by Helene Schrand, National Secretary, and the nominations for National Officers’ positions by Ted Wilke, chairman of the committee. There were no nominations from the floor. There were two candidates for vice president, and six candidates for the five trustee positions. Voting was conducted, and the following is the list of new officers: President - Bernie Preisser, New York Vice President - Walter Amrein, Cincinnati Secretary - Helene Schrand, Cincinnati Treasurer - Ted Wilke, Cincinnati Trustees - Lisa Brinkmann, San Francisco - Frank Fon, Chicago - John Reitter, New York - Gertrude Schroeder, Cincinnti - Marilee Uhlorn, Cincinnati Congratulations to the new officers! Bernie Preisser gave a report on the status of the Endowment Fund. Several National Representatives had requested a copy of the report, and In the Banner this Month: From the President’s Desk page 2 A Praeses Proclaims page 3 Bernie said he would forward it to them. Ted Wilke presented the budget which was approved. TREASURER’S REPORT The following is a recap of Ted Wilke, National Treasurer’s Report at the convention. Period of 8/21/12 through 7/31/13 INCOME EXPENSES PROFIT/(LOSS) Beginning Cash 8/1/12 Ending Cash 7/31/13 $52,481.26 $53,020.22 ($538.96) $24,165.79 $23,626.83 Period of 8/1/13 through 7/31/14 INCOME EXPENSES PROFIT Beginning Cash Ending Cash 7/31/14 $77,026.20 $55,690.43 $21,335.77 $23,626.83 $44,962.60 Marilee Uhlorn also gave a recap on the revision of the Handbook which was done by Ted Tegenkamp. She then gave to Wolfgang Weiss, San Francisco, all the paperwork on it and the flash drive with the revisions for his further follow-up. Wolfgang Weiss also gave a presentation regarding document sharing which he has set up for us. This will enable National Reps and Officers to store documents and then can be accessed by all who are permitted to open these documents. Thank you Wolfgang for this very informative information. The proposals were then presented. Some that were proposed were discussed and it was determined that there were not sufficient funds to do them, such as remunerations for the National Praeses to travel and speak at other Kolping families, as well as a paid team to further Kolping in the US. The two delegates from Glendale and Panorama proposed that there should be more a partnership between the US families. However, with the distance between the families and them not all having the same goals, it would be hard to do. However, with the internet and other social media they felt this possible could be accomplished. Representatives from LA and San Francisco did sit down with them to discuss some aspects. Bernie did mention that International Projects must come from International Kolping, since we here in the US do not know the needs in other countries. The afternoon session was devoted to the Kolping International’s Continued on page 5. 2 Kolping Banner October 2014 Kolping Banner The Kolping Banner, published monthly, is the official newsletter of the Catholic Kolping Society of America. Subscription Rates are $13.00 per year, $1.35 per issue, and $ 1.00 for bulk orders over 100 plus postage. Back issues are available; by mail, all back issues $2.50 including first class postage. Send subscription requests with check, materials for publication, and address changes by the 10th of the preceding month to the Catholic Kolping Society of America, P. O. Box 4907., Clifton, NJ, 07015-4907, Telephone: 1-877-6597237, e-mail: [email protected]. Typesetting, Layout and Printing by Peerless Printing Company,2250 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206, 513-721-4657. Mailing by Performance Mailing, 2250 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206, 513-241-5055. Postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio, Permit No. 1474. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced without permission. Catholic Kolping Society of America Mission Statement: We, the members of the Catholic Kolping Society of America, extend the vision of our founder, Blessed Adolph Kolping, by promoting the development of the individual and family; we foster a sense of belonging and friendship through our program of spiritual, educational, charitable and social activities. Episcopal Moderator: Bishop John M. Quinn National Officers: Praeses, Fr. Engelbert Michel Associate Praeses President, Bernhard Preisser Vice President, Walter Amrein Secretary, Helene Schrand Treasurer, Ted Wilke Trustees Lisa Brinkmann Betty Amrein Robert Mayer John Reitter Marilee Uhlhorn Kolping Family Locations: Brooklyn Kolping Family, 6504 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY, 11385-6250, 718-456-7727 Buffalo, New York Kolping Family, 1145 Cleveland Drive, Buffalo, NY 14225-1257, 716-632-7360 Chicago Kolping Family, 5826 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60646-5544, 773-792-2190 Cincinnati Kolping Family, 10235 Mill Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45231-1924, 513-851-7951 Detroit Kolping Family, 24409 Jefferson Ave., Saint Clair Shores, MI, 48080-1318, 586-775-9159 Glendale Kolping, Holy Family Church, 209 East Lomita Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205, 818-720-1124 Los Angeles Kolping Family, 1225 S. Union Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90015-2021, 213-388-9438 New York Kolping Family, 165 E. 88th St., New York, NY 10128-2241, 212-369-6647 Philadelphia Kolping Family, PO Box 52651, Philadelphia, PA, 19115, 215-676-8977 Panorama Kolping, St. Genevieve Parish, 14061 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City, CA 92402, 818-968-2526 Rochester, New York Kolping Family, 284 Malden Street, Rochester, NY 14615-2658, Saint Louis, Missouri, 4035 Keokuk St., Saint Louis, MO, 63116-3513, 314-776-5312 San Francisco Kolping Family, 440 Taraval Street, San Francisco, CA, 94116-2530, 415-831-3989 For more information about the Catholic Kolping Society of America, becoming a member, or establishing a Kolping family in your parish or community, please contact the Catholic Kolping Society of America, P. O. Box 4907, Clifton, NJ, 07015-4907, Telephone: 1-877-659-7237, e-mail: [email protected]. Please visit the Catholic Kolping Society of America internet website at: http://www.kolping.org. From the President’s Desk . . . 40th National Kolping Convention What will it take today to rally American Catholic Kolping Societies toward a common goal such as “to prepare people for jobs through education, support and development? Kolping can and should be in the business of building and developing people who by themselves will expand on their development, identify and take up opportunities in the working economy”. These last few sentences are taken from the August Kolping Banner and were contributed by Judith Eulalia Turner of Kolping South Africa. They provide us with a unique challenge. Ms. Turner goes on to say “Our International guidelines make it clear that we accompany and support people in the world of work.” It seems to me that our opportunity is to find the means within our individual Kolping families to implement these goals and that will be my focus as we gather for this historic 40th convention. We have always had a decentralized Kolping presence in America. The national office does not direct the affairs of the individual Kolping families. This has allowed us a great deal of flexibility and independence. At conventions like this we come together and exchange ideas that have worked for us and put forward plans that we would like to try in the future. The idea of promoting a culture of entrepreneurship is one that I think is very much in step with 21st century working life. Gone for the most part are the large factories and the corporate structures where one could have a job for life. We must depend on and develop our own skills of adaptability and be open to learning new ways and abilities in order to flourish in a working environment that is always changing and new. As the South African’s Work Opportunity Programs suggest, Kolping can help most in giving support to individuals and groups who have the confidence to create their own business opportunities. We must, however, support programs that are reasonable, that have a good chance of success, and ones that will have specific and measurable outcomes. Developing an effective process to review these goals and objectives and create a system that measures accountability and that shows we are progressing and having success with our programs is essential. If not, we will only be wasting our time and money. The challenge we face is how to develop the International Vision 17 concept in our local societies. Please take the opportunity to consider how Kolping can expand its mission by educating those who desire to change careers or those who cannot afford the cost of college. That is why conventions such as these are so important. Our shared commitment to the Kolping goals that guided our Society in the past and our determination to make Kolping relevant and vibrant today will show us the way to a bright and successful future. Father Kolping said that the times will show his societies what challenges need to be met. What we have to find is the vision to meet those needs. Bernhard Preisser Kolping Banner 3 October 2014 A PRAESES PROCLAIMS... THE NATIONAL PRAESES SPEAKS By Fr. Engelbert Michel National Praeses and Praeses of the Philadelphia Kolping Society It is just before our 2014 National Convention for Kolping USA that I write this letter. Hopefully the next issue of the Kolping Banner, which will be written after the convention, will be filled with ideas and plans that will grab your attention. Certainly the goal of the Convention is to enthuse the members of all our Kolping USA Families to find ways of fulfilling Father Kolping’s plans. At the convention we will be looking into the suggestions from our new Kolping Brothers and Sisters at the Glendale and Panorama Kolping Families in California to strengthen and expand the activities of Kolping Families in their local areas. Naturally, signing-on new members of all ages is the biggest challenge. In these last years, the challenge has been to enroll ACTIVE new members. A part of this goal calls for us to form Kolping Youth programs, which cannot happen unless we have young families with teen-age children as members. The suggestion to build stronger partnerships with other Kolping Families in the USA is very good, but cannot easily work when most Kolping Families are 100 and more miles from one another. Please Remember To Pray For All Our Dear Departed Members Who Have Gone To Their Eternal Rest New York Willi Stang Recently Pope Francis and our Bishops have encouraged all Catholics, indeed all Christians, in the USA to pray for peace worldwide, but especially in the Near East countries like Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan, where all Christians are being attacked. That is a situation where we can all reach out by speaking-out to government leaders, making financial donations for food and housing, and, of course, by praying to the Lord to touch those minds and hearts. In a somewhat similar way, here at home, we are encouraged to help build programs for immigrants, thereby brightening their future. As with all programs, it will be challenging, but we are called by Jesus to reach out to all our brothers and sisters. Let us all be active, believing members of our Kolping Family and work to fulfill this vision of Father Kolping, the International Kolping Societies, and the Catholic Church worldwide. Let us always pray for one another and for the fulfillment of Father Kolping’s vision for Catholic families. Treu Kolping National Endowment Fund The National Endowment Fund received the following contributions for the months of July 15, 2014 to September 15, 2014 Donation – Cincinnati Kolping Society $3,000 Donation – Lisa Brinkmann $100 Kolping Society National Endowment Fund c/o Lisa Brinkmann 311 Greene Street Mill Valley, CA 94941-4132 NEWS FROM DETROIT One of the more popular (and successful) events took place in May. The bi-annual fashion show was an almost sell-out. Kolping models took center stage and everyone attending enjoyed the fashions as well as the dinner beforehand. Plans are already in the offing for the next show which takes place in October. The work involved preparing for an event can be fun too. This year we had help additional help for the Summerfest from Florida and New Hampshire. While peeling potatoes for the “Kartoffel Salat” and during a lull in the conversation someone was heard to say, “Hey, aren’t there any potato peeling songs? After all there are German hunting songs and beer drinking songs and then amusing improvisations were sung. The following day we were blessed with beautiful weather for the actual picnic and all enjoyed the food as well as dancing to both bands. The golf outing in August to benefit the Rainbow Connection drew a smaller crowd this year although those participating certainly enjoyed themselves and more importantly provided for the wish of a terminally ill child. Our Detroit contingent had a great time attending the convention. Our brothers and sisters in Chicago deserve a pat-on-the-back for the wonderful convention and all the planning and work that went into it. The Mass at the Basilica with all the flags was especially moving and also seeing all the Praeses at the altar. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Mary F. Dolland 4 Kolping Banner October 2014 Kolping Cincinnati 2014 has been an eventful year in Cincinnati. In January we hosted a new event, “Wine & Beer Stube” night. Lots of good food, games, horse racing, specialty wines and of course beer were some fun things at the Stube Nacht. We had a little problem, a snow storm, but the crowd came out and had fun. The Kolping Sangerchor celebrated their 25th Anniversary on April 27th with a concert, slide show and commentary of Sangerchor events during the 25 years and ending with a delicious dinner made and served by the choir members. Each attendee was given a commemorative 25th Anniversary Pin. February each year the Sports Club/ Soccer Teams host a dance with lots of good entertainment and raffles, prizes and this event is really patronized by the soccer families. Another sell out by the Sports Club. As usual we had Fish Fry’s during lent with raffles and good food. Then the King’s Ball was held. As you all know John Weissmann, our king for 2013/2014 passed away during his reign, but Queen Cathy did a wonderful job of making all the King’s Court events a great success. We had a wonderful crowd for the Ball and were honored to have the Donauschwaben Strauss Dancers perform for us during the ball. This year’s Ball was one of the best yet! The Seth Stevens Soccer Tournament is hosted by the Kolping Sports Club. This year there were 260 teams participating in this 3 day tournament. With so many teams we use the fields at Kolping and also at Joyce Park in Fairfield. The weekend was beautiful and all went well. The Sports Club worked very hard to make this event a great success. Each participant in the tournament is asked to donate a toy which is given to Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati. Proceeds from this event are used to keep the fields in shape, fertilizer, grass cutting and other maintenance. $10,000.00 was donated to the society, $7,000.00 in cash plus toys totaling $7,000.00. Congratulations to all coaches, parents and who make this event happen. The Awards Banquet was held in April this year. We honored the following members: 65 Years: Gerhard Deddens, Mary Tegenkamp 60 Years: Josef Ahrnsen, Henry Kramer, Karl Von den Benken, William Lunnemann 50 Years: Jack Hoeting, Erich Meyer, Larry Schmidt 25 Years: Thomas Fehrenbach, Lorraine Hoerstman, Steven lsfort, James Kemper, Herman Koehling, Bernice Loesing, John H. Mueller, Richard Ostendorf, John Roman, Harry Schwietering, James Stukenborg, Ralph Vosseberg Meritorious Service Awards Barbara Hessler, Beth Hoffman, Mike Seibel Special Awards • Doris Wilke, for doing the Cincinnati Kolping Bulletin for the last 35 years • Lois Kemper, the raffle queen, if there is a raffle you can be sure Lois in involved • Charles Lintz, Secretary of the board for the past 20 — 25 years • Trey Seibel, past president In early June a beautiful fountain which will welcome our visitors to the Kolping Center was donated to us in memory of Heinz Dieter Moeller who passed away in June of 2013. We thank Louise, Heinz’s wife for this beautiful gift to the Kolping Society of Cincinnati. Our annual Father’s Day and Anniversary Mass was held on June 15th. We remember all Fathers on that day and special recognition for all Wedding Anniversary Celebrants. The celebrants were: 60th Wedding Anniversary John & Christa Olding, Josef & Martha Stukenborg 55th Wedding Anniversary Ben & Magda Geers, Richard & Mary Ann lsfort, Rudy & Angela Pohlabeln, John & Sharon Schweitert 50th Wedding Anniversary Otto & Celeste Hermes, George & Clara Ostendorf 55th Wedding Anniversary Pat & Irene Whalen Beautiful fountain donated to Cincinnati Kolping in Memory of Heinz Dieter Moeller. 60th Anniversary (L to R): Joe & Martha Stukenborg and John & Christa Olding 55th Anniversary (L to R): Rudy & Angela Pohlabeln, Richard lsfort & daughter Lisa, John & Sharon Schweitert, and Ben & Magda Geers 25th Wedding Anniversary Tim & Linda Hambrick 20th Wedding Anniversary Ralph & Karen Vosseberg 10th Wedding Anniversary Edward & Catherine Geiser Submitted by Doris Wilke Kolping Banner 5 October 2014 Continued from page 1. program for 2017. There have been five reflections that have run in the Banner regarding this. This would be on the significance of employment and occupation in the work of Kolping International and the National Kolping Societies. We must consider how Kolping can expand its mission by educating those who desire to change careers or those who cannot afford the cost of college. The convention was officially adjourned on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday evening we were bused to the Hofbrauhaus in Rosemont. We had a very enjoyable evening with German Music and a great buffet was served. Everyone had a good time, especially enjoying those nice big mugs of cold beer. Some people were even standing on tables and dancing, as well as on their chairs. 30th Anniversary (L to R): Pat & Irene Whalen 25th Anniversary (L to R): Tim & Linda Hambrick 20th Anniversary (L to R): Karen & Ralph Vosseberg 10th Anniversary (L to R): Edward & Catherine Geiser On Sunday morning we were bused to the Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago. What a beautiful church it was. How impressive to see the procession with all the Kolping flags and members, and all the Praesides coming down the aisle. We were warmly welcomed by the pastor of the Basilica, and after Mass we all gathered on the lawn where a group picture was taken. We were then bused to the Chicago Kolping Center were we served a “Taste of Chicago” brunch. It was very enjoyable, with hot dogs, pizza, beef sandwiches and salad. Everyone had more than enough to eat and drink. Thank you to the committee who prepared the brunch, as well as the servers from the local parish. Sunday night we had our banquet in the Embassy Suites Ballroom. We were served a filet mignon and chicken dinner. There was the presentation of the Distinguished Service Awards as well as the Membership Trophy. There was dancing after the meal. The winners of the Distinguished Service Awards were: Buffalo - Joseph Kretz Chicago - Jerome Stemper Cincinnati - Walter Amrein Herman Koehling William Lunnemann, Jr. Detroit - Norbert Kreuter Los Angeles - Alma X. Tamayo New York - K atrina Dengler Theobald Dengler X Katherine Weinborg Philadelphia - Frank Staub St. Louis - Kevin Byrne San Francisco - Arlene Bushner The Membership Trophy was again awarded to the New York Kolping Society for their highest percentage on the increase of their membership. Monday morning there was a Mass, and all delegates and friends prepared to travel home. I would like to thank all those who attended the 40th National Convention and a special thank you to the Chicago Kolping Convention Committee for an outstanding job. On behalf of the officers who will lead our society for the next two years, I sincerely ask for your prayers and hope you will support them. Patricia Farkas 50th Anniversary (L to R): Otto & Celeste Hermes and Clara & George Ostendorf 6 Kolping Banner October 2014 KOLPING AT THE UNITED NATIONS A few months ago Kolping New York celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Kolping House at East 88th Street in Manhattan. I gave a short speech about Father Kolping and the International Kolping Society, some of which bears repeating here. I recalled that Father Kolping was born in the small village of Kerpen, near Cologne, on December 8, 1813. Unable to afford high school or college, he elected to learn the shoemaker trade. After many years of serving as an apprentice and later as a practicing shoemaker, young Adolph finally received the opportunity to study for the priesthood through the generosity of Maria Keller, the daughter of a prosperous farmer. He was ordained a priest on April 13, 1845 in the Minoriten Church, just a few blocks away from the Cathedral of Cologne. His first assignment was as an assistant to the Pastor of St. Laurentious Parish in Wuppertal – Elberfeld. Although Kolping envisioned a life of intellectual and spiritual stimulation through further theological studies, he soon realized that improving the lot of his parishioners was more important. This time period marked the early stages of the Industrial Revolution and in the village where many of the parishioners worked stood a large textile factory. Father Kolping observed that workers in general were undereducated, deprived physically and spiritually and were stuck in poverty. They had to labor a twelve hour shift, six days a week all without decent sanitary conditions, without pensions or vacations, and without insurance against sickness. A worker who was late to work or complained was dismissed. Meat was only available once a week. To make ends meet, women and children also had to work, (although children were permitted to work a shortened workday, only a 10 hour shift). Having had the privilege of being the Kolping USA representative to the International Board of Directors for nine years, I once shared an authentic factory visit with a number of other Board members. We gathered in a closed circular room of about 20 feet in diameter as movies of the actual factory in operation were displayed on the walls all around us. As the heat arose in the room, the sounds of machinery banging and clanging grew ever louder. We could see windows were covered with lint, shutting out the light and the workers had to stand in about an inch of water covering the factory floor. After about 10 minutes we emerged from the room, soaking wet with perspiration and heads hurting from all the noise. We all walked away with a much more sympathetic view towards the workers of that time. These were the social conditions facing Father Kolping during the mid 1840’s which shaped his life as a Social Apostle. He began addressing these conditions by meeting with young trades people and forming a Journeymen’s Association. He saw himself as a caring father of journeymen, a friend who cared for young people away from home, helping them keep the faith and develop into responsible business men and fathers. From the beginning, it was clear to him that this Association should exist to create and protect the Christian family and thereby, provide the basis for a sound society. He exhorted his fellow priests to preach and to educate individuals, but first and foremost to focus on that smallest cell of society, the family. He said that social life in general will not improve unless the family is restored to its former honor and dignity. Kolping urged continuing education for all, and then urged each individual to utilize that education to be all that he or she could be in their chosen work. He believed that best efforts and best results produce the inner peace that makes life worth living. Today, 150 years later, these are still the very same social conditions that Kolping families address around the world. I have travelled to many countries including South Africa, Bolivia, Tanzania, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Uganda, and Germany to witness firsthand the wonderful works carried out by Kolping families addressing the needs of their communities. I have seen farmers being taught composting and crop inter-planting to increase their yields and income. I have seen the uneducated receive education and training to become hairdressers, cooks, electronic device repairmen and the like. I have seen micro credit implemented for women to buy sewing materials and in turn, faithfully pay back the loans with income derived from the sales of sewn goods. I have seen credit unions established, hospitals built, and eye exams performed in travel trailers. I have seen truant young men and women taken off the streets and brought to Kolping classrooms where they learned to use such computer programs as Microsoft Word and Excel. In a broader venue, on the international level Kolping International has achieved and maintained consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations for the past 18 years. As a member of the NGO Committee on the Family, I have been actively campaigning for member states to increase their focus on support of the family, to realize that strong families provide strong citizens and future leaders, productive members of society. The NGO Committee on Social Development (of which Kolping is a member) has worked throughout the year to publish the 2014 Civil Society Declaration which was presented to the 52nd Session of the United Nations Commission on Social Development this past February. Major points of this Declaration call for an end to the continued irresponsible exploitation of people and natural resources, persistent inequality, poverty, injustice and ongoing conflict. This year, we were fortunate to have Dr. Marcus Demele, Chief Administrative Officer of Kolping International visit a number of the United States Kolping families in early February. He was able to spend two days with me at the United Nations covering both the Civil Society Forum and the opening day of the Commission on Social Development meeting. He was looking forward to making an oral intervention, but as frequently happens to civil society members, there was no opening and he was unable to do so. Kolping International did however submit a written statement on the priority theme “promoting empowerment of people in achieving poverty eradication, social integration, full employment and decent work for all”. This document calls for governments, in keeping with their human rights obligations, to commit to a politics which pursues the enforcement of a decent income on both the national and global levels. They should also make social standards into firm criteria for public procurement and awarding of contracts. It calls for trade unions to more energetically pursue approaches leading to self organization both in the formal and informal sectors. Civil society, churches and labor representatives should jointly engage with government on themes that have implications for development policy and human rights, with a view to promoting socially equitable peace. It also calls for elimination of discrimination, protection of the vulnerable and the empowerment of women. I happen to have several copies here with me today if anyone would like to read it. In the future, I am confident that Kolping International will submit a position paper each fall, focusing on the priority theme for the following spring session of the Commission on Social Development. I will continue to speak out at any appropriate gathering which affords me the opportunity to demonstrate with live examples of how Kolping teaches us to help others to help themselves. The signs of the times are not so very different today than they were 160 years ago. Father Kolping’s teachings are still relevant and still necessary even today. Respectfully submitted by, John Reitter Kolping Banner 7 October 2014 Greetings From The Brooklyn Kolping Family! 2014 has proven to be a busy year so far for the Brooklyn Kolping Family. Our Center was re-designed and renovated in 1989 after a major fire. Well, it has been 25 years we re-opened and dedicated the Center, and ‘this old house’ is keeping us pretty busy! First, our heating/AC unit broke down in bitter winter weather requiring one dedicated member to sit in the cold building while plumbers and electricians worked for six or seven hours to find the trouble and get it going again. Since then we have needed to call in the plumber and the electrician. A new roof was already being planned when the one we had decided to spring a leak after a major rainfall, causing some damage to walls in our main hall and kitchen. We are using the summer lull to make repairs, get our house back in good repair, and to do some interior housecleaning. We look forward to enjoying the results in the fall! Sunday May 4th was a special day for our Kolping family. We gathered to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of our Kolping Family. We welcomed 80 people to our Kolping Center, including longtime as well as newer members, and some supportive friends of our Society. Our esteemed guests were Kolping National President Bernie Preisser, our former Praeses Monsignor Anthony Sherman and our good friend Father Jim Reynolds. The proceedings started with Mass held in our Center. It was concelebrated by Fr. Jim and Msgr. Sherman, with Karl and Maria Werkmann leading song and doing the readings. It was a very personal and special spiritual experience for us. After Mass everyone settled in for dinner. Once the dishes were cleared our program began. Bill Conte acted as Master of Ceremonies and began by reading congratulatory notes including one from the National Officers and the Chicago Kolping Family. We also received some good wishes from members and former members who could not be with us. Our program continued with a short talk about Father Kolping’s life and the beginnings of the Kolping Society, its establishment in the United States and some information on the roots and history of our own Brooklyn Kolping Family. We invited both Monsignor Sherman and Bernie Preisser to say a few words to those assembled. Marilyn Heller gave a short talk about our efforts to send Care packages to European orphanages after the war. We were all moved when Marilyn read from letters the Sisters had written thanking us for our help and donations, and describing the adverse conditions endured both during and after the war. The nuns were doing their very best to care for the children with very limited resources. We presented Rosemarie Rom with her 25 year pin, with family members present to cheer her on. Finally, we were thrilled to induct and welcome five new members: Monica and Christopher Meyer, Ivette and Scott Stahl and Elfriede Struna. We sincerely hope these new members will feel at home at the Kolping Center and comfortable enough to get involved in our activities. As our program concluded, the coffee, cake and cookies were served. The conversation continued to flow and everyone lingered before the gathering eventually broke up. We missed some members and friends who were not able to attend and know they were with us in spirit. Thanks to all who helped along in lots of ways, and most of all to our guests whose supported our effort and made the day so memorable. Sadly, longtime member Arthur Blenkle passed on June 9th at his home in Maryland. Artie was a Young Kolping member in the ’40’s and later joined the Society as an adult. He served our country in Korea and sustained injuries which afflicted him for his entire lifetime. He worked as an engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration and was based in Washington DC. He never forgot Brooklyn Kolping, was vitally interested in all our doings and was wearing his Kolping pin while in repose. Artie is survived by his three children, Arthur, Linda and Mark; by grandchildren and by his brother Gerard and sister-in-law, Christa Hartmann Blenkle and their family. May Artie rest in peace with all pain gone. We ask that you remember us in your prayers as we do our best to revitalize our Brooklyn Kolping Family. Regards to all! - Bill Conte CATHOLIC KOLPING SOCIETY Of America P.O. Box 4907 Clifton, NJ 07015-4907 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cincinnati, OH Permit No. 1474 Address Service Requested Dated Material Germany Worship with 700,000 viewers In his mountaineering boots, Fr. Alois Zeller, Praeses of the Diocesan Kolping Society of Augsburg, celebrated the mountain Mass at the Kolping “Allgäu House” on August 3. The German television broadcast the service live. In his sermon, Fr. Zeller referred to his boots. During mountain hiking and climbing, these boots have given him secure footholds. In difficult situations of his life he had experienced that faith – like the boots – has helped him. “You can walk the path of your life in the shoes of faith.” Fr. Zeller encouraged the more than 500 faithful. with a view of Mount Grünten. Around 700,000 faithful participated via television. After the Mass, the telephone lines were busy almost continuously. 23 volunteers were available to answer calls for a total of 44 hours until 7 pm. More than 1000 telephone calls were made. Many participants expressed their gratitude. Even non-Catholics called and stated how much they enjoyed the service and how comforting Fr. Zeller’s words were for them. One volunteer, who was on duty answering the phone for two hours, said afterwards: “Pure goose bumps!” Many callers were impressed by the pictures, the landscapes, and the camera settings. Together with the parish St. Ullrich in Wertach, the guests of the Kolping Holiday Centre and many Kolping members celebrated the Mass on the lawn in front of the “Allgäu-House” Brazil “Soccer – but fair ...“ continues! “We are very happy that Germany is World Champion!” This message reached many Kolping sisters and brothers in Germany last month. But during the Soccer World Cup, the media repeatedly pointed to Brazil’s troubles and problems, which also concern the Kolping Society on the local level. This is why the campaign “Deep Forward Pass” continues even after the World Cup tournament, because “the demands of the Brazilian population for access to education, health care, and a better transportation system will not fall silent.” Nearly 10,000 signatures on the petition for fairness and justice have been received by Adveniat so far. These are being collected by KOLPING INTERNATIONAL, together with Adveniat, the German Sports Association (DJK), the Catholic Workers Movement (KLJB), and the Catholic Rural Youth Movement (KLJB). These requests to the politicians can be signed under www.kolping.net.
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