The PALADIN - Knights of Columbus, Council 4970

The PALADIN
Published monthly by:
Arden – Carmichael Council 4970
Knights of Columbus
St. John Vianney – Pray for Us
Division 5 • District 8
Serving the parishes of St. Ignatius Loyola • St. John the Evangelist • Our Lady of The Assumption • Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary • Holy Wisdom
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 5
NOVEMBER 2011
GRAND KNIGHT’S MESSAGE…JOE KIEVERNAGEL
COUNCIL 4970 OFFICERS
Grand Knight
Joseph Kievernagel (487-7029)
Chaplains
Father Thomas Bland (483-8454)
Father Ted Wroblicky (486-0632)
Deputy Grand Knight
Peter Mendenhall (966-4051)
Financial Secretary
Michael Corcoran (485-5743)
Chancellor
Len Zerilli (487-2034)
Warden
Gene Trinca (359-8263)
Guards
Brother: YOU are one of 200 or so members of our
council and YOU have a value…a value to your work, your
family, your church, and yes to the Order to which you joined
for one or more reasons. We, the leadership of the Council,
respect that value, and we must assure we do everything
possible to foster that value to your benefit and your brothers.
Our October planning meeting was very enlightening. It
was a soul searching experience by all the leadership
present, from those in the Order over 30 years to those who
have been with us for only a few months. We realized that we
are not respecting your value to the Order.

Our business meetings are too long, too detailed and in many ways boring to
those not involved in activities being discussed. We agreed we must streamline
every aspect of conducting the meeting and we will do so. We need you in
attendance and participating. A few cannot control the meeting.

Our Admission Committee is not only not performing as required, in many
respects does not exist. New members filling out their application for
membership requested one or more areas to get involved. We are not following
up on this.

Our Council is award winning in many areas. Why? Because our leadership
has taken upon ourselves to do most of the work, and do it very well. This
cannot continue. You see or hear what’s occurring, realize the leadership
controls events, so why should I try to step in. This lack of getting everyone
involved affects not only our future but our current retention.

Our recruitment in our parishes is dismal. Our formal drives have done little to
bring new Catholic men into the Order. Our ―One on One‖ recruitment works
only slightly. Without new blood we stagnate.
Ray Fischbach (485-4858)
Treasurer
Steve Millner (482-7053)
Recorder
Vincent Pantalone (944-7065)
Advocate
Adrian Torres (649-9645)
Lecturer
John O’Donnell (961-4757)
Trustees
Gary Hansen (641-6149)
Don Harmata (961-4493)
Richard Schultz (965-5306)
District Deputy - District 8
JC Greco (515-2025)
[email protected]
Insurance Field Agent
Scott Peters
335 Merrit Lane
Lincoln, CA 95648
871-0582
[email protected].
Okay, the planning meeting was actually very constructive and all points well
taken. Some discussion items are not detailed above. As such I will be appointing
an ad-hoc committee to address the above issues and others. I am asking for an
Action Plan within 6 months (I respect the holiday season upon us). I pray that I
see implementation of items we can implement now and the rest of the
recommendations before I leave office in June. Our officers next Columbian Year
and their committees, hopefully, move with the Action Plan recommendations and
make a positive effort to obtain more involvement from all able members in the
council and new members that join in the months to come.
Can we do it? Yes we can. Meet me part way. Look at the activities discussed
in just this issue of our Paladin. Don’t you think you fit in somewhere? Recruit a
new member, run for office, run for an office or directorship in our Corporation, a
Chairman of our Pancake Breakfasts, a new event. You and I can do it with the
help of the Holy Spirit. Vivat Jesus.
November 2011
SERVICE COMMITTEES
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Peter Mendenhall (966-4051)
Vocations
Richard Schultz (965-5306)
Church
Len Zerilli (487-2034)
Parish Liaisons
Holy Wisdom: Richard Cuny
St. Ignatius: Larry Rositani
St. Johns: Jim Hagarty
Presentation: Gene Trinca
OLA: Don Cotton
Community
Chuck Cuny (971-1751)
Advocacy - Culture of Life
John Mizerak (*82-332-5511)
Council
Michael Langer (348-3343)
Fraternal
John O’Donnell (961-4757
Rick Rillera (973-8332)
Erik Nooren (967-5115)
Family
Todd Wilson (961-2761)
Gerald Marenich (334-7427)
Youth
Loren Wallin (723-2970)
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Membership Director
Don Harmata (961-4493)
Retention
Richard Schultz (965-5306)
Recruitment
Gary Hansen (641-6149)
Insurance
Scott Peters
335 Merrit Lane
Lincoln, CA 95648
871-0582
[email protected]
First Degree Team
Michael Langer (348-3343)
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Paladin Editor/”PR Guy”
Gene Gobbo (283-5223)
[email protected]
Web Site
http://www.kofc4970.org/
Site Editor
Herb Holeman (599-1369)
[email protected]
Disclaimer: Because of the
possibility of human and
mechanical error as well as
other factors, Council 4970 is
not responsible for errors in
or omissions from the
information contained in or
accessed through this
publication or our website.
THE PALADIN
Page 2
PROGRAM DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE…PETER MENDENHALL
What is it about uniforms that we like? Boy
Scout ties, baseball pants, Navy Dress coats, police
badges, fireman’s helmets, Nun habits, and Air Force
emblem jackets all inspire us. In an age of individuality,
what is it about the uniform that makes us proud of
them, and wants to be part of them? On 9/11 I almost
cried at the sight of firemen asking for donation to be
placed in their boots. Damn right I was going to give.
Those men were real men, and they have my unswerving loyalty. I think
uniforms imply solidarity, unselfishness, and
loyalty to the good of all. Sound like the
Knights, doesn’t it?
I like my KofC shirt. I like seeing us all
wear them. I like the art work on the shirt. I
actually like it when I see a shirt that has
faded with use. I like my new shirt, because
someday it will become old and faded. In
between new and old are service, unity and fraternity. I like my shirt.
CIOPPINO DINNER WRAP UP…GENE GOBBO, CHAIRMAN
A turnout of nearly 200 attended this year’s event. Great food as
is now expected, great social atmosphere, great volunteers, great raffle,
great music and proceeds of $2500 which includes Brother Todd
Wilson’s generous donation of his share of the 50-50 drawing back into
the proceeds. Between $1500 and $2000 will be donated from the event
to the Msgr. Francis Pellegrino Tabernacle fund at St. Johns. Thanks to
all who made this an awesome fun-fund raiser.
MEMORIAL MASS…KEN MACDONALD, CHAIRMAN
Council 4970 is pleased to again host the lovely widows of our past
th
Brother Knights at St. John the Evangelist Parish on Saturday, November 12
beginning with Mass at 11:00 in the Chapel, followed by a luncheon in the Tralee
Center at noon. We expect about 12 of our widows and they will make a
presentation at the altar for their departed husbands. The lunch will be $12 each
but a slight voluntary add-on for our widows would be appreciated.
The focus of our celebration is the ladies who over the years have
provided so much love and support to the efforts of their late husbands. We
would like to have as many of our Brothers present as possible. As we have in
years past, it will be Brother Knights who escort the ladies to the altar during the
time devoted to honoring the memory of those who have gone before us.
I am asking that everyone who wishes to attend to please contact me with
your intention to participate so that we can make sure we prepare properly for the
entire event. Our food purchases will be dictated by the number of people who
sign up to attend. If you will be attending alone, or with a spouse or friend, please
let me know how many people will be attending. We need as many of our Brother
Knights in attendance as is possible. Your presence makes this a very special
day for our Lady Knights.
Dress for the event will be our blue Knights of Columbus shirts (if you
have one or if you would like, you can purchase one for $20 at one of our
business meetings). Otherwise, a nice blue shirt would be appropriate. You can
reach me at 631-0774, or by e-mail at [email protected]. Please
respond as quickly as possible so that our planning process is not delayed.
Thank you.
November 2011
GOOD OF THE ORDER
PRAYERS NEEDED
SICK AND/OR
IN DISTRESS
Priests and Religious
Fr. William Dohman
Fr. Bill Feeser
Fr. John Lagomarsino
Fr. Julius Piatkolski
Fr. Troy Powers
Fr. Ted Wroblicky
Brothers, Family, Friends
Tony Avalos
John & Nicholas Condon
Peg De Piazza
Dee Garrett
John Glasgow
Phil & Nancy Glover
Jim Hagarty
Gary & Eliza Hansen
Sean Harrell
Pat Kievernagel
Gertrude Langer
Karen Ludlow
Jeanette Mizerak
Holland Grace Nooren
Jo Ann Nooren
Jeffrey Patton
Daniel Robinson
Robert Sayre
Bob Scholtes
Richard & Kim Schultz
Lucy Schultz
(Mother of Bro Bob)
Joe Triplett
Norma Winters
Barbara Wroblicky
Nicholas Wroblicky
Richard Yarnot
Aborted Children
Troops serving our
country
Miguel Sabral,
Stoney McGarvey,
Thomas Tyndall
Michelle Tyndall &
Ryan & Christine
San Vincente
DECEASED
To report the illness or
death of a Brother Knight
or family member, contact
GK Joe Kievernagel
Fraternal Committee,
John O’Donnell
(961-4757)
Rick Rillera (973-8332),
Erik Nooren (967-5115)
or Field Agent, Scott
Peters, 335 Merrit Ln,
Lincoln, CA
871-0582
[email protected]
THE PALADIN
Page 3
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS INSURANCE
FIELD AGENT SCOTT PETERS
Common LTC misconceptions
As Baby Boomers have reached retirement years,
long-term care (LTC) insurance products have gotten
more public attention, but they’re still not well
understood, especially when it comes to how to pay for
care.
For example, many Americans believe that
Medicare pays for long-term assistance with the basic
activities of daily living — but it doesn’t. It applies only to those who have been in
the hospital 72 hours and are diagnosed as requiring ―skilled care.‖ Medicaid
covers care only if and when the person has gone through a ―spend down‖ and has
no other means to pay for it. Not a good situation to be in.
Another common issue is that Boomers think they can wait to buy LTC.
Unfortunately, this could be a financial devastating choice. What happens if you
suddenly become ill or uninsurable before you have made this purchase? Again,
not a good situation. Waiting to buy will also increase the cost of the premiums
you pay. Consider this example. If you buy a Knights of Columbus Comprehensive
Long-Term Care policy for yourself with a $200 daily benefit, lifetime benefit
duration and 30-day elimination period at age 40, your annual premium will be
$739.20. The total premium paid by age 85 will be $33,264. If you decide to wait
to buy the same policy until you are 60 years old, your annual premium will be
$2,374 and the total premium paid by age 85 will be $59,350. That’s a difference of
more than $26,000. (This example is for comparison purposes only.)
Personal service is crucial in choosing LTC policy options, and for adjusting
them as necessary. Group LTC may indeed be a viable option for you, but as your
Knights of Columbus agent, I can help you compare the details so you can make
an informed decision. To contact me with regards to any of your insurance needs,
please call my office at (916)871-0582 or email me at [email protected]
FRATERNAL REPORT….JOHN O’DONNELL, CHAIRMAN
At our October Planning meeting, one of the items discussed was the
presentation at our business meetings of our Sick and/or In Distress, Deceased
List. Due to recent lengthy meetings, there was discussion to bypass the reading
of the list (see the insert to the left). I disagreed as did Fr. Ted. If I do read and
then pray for those on the list, I need your help. I have purged the list as best I
can; many of those removed from the list are now well. Please contact me for
any updates, including new names.
I have heard from Jan Yarnot regarding the status of Brother Richard.
Richard is not doing well and is in hospice care. I have also heard from Brother
Gene Gobbo who reports his grandson, Daniel, was admitted to UC Davis
Medical Center with elevated blood pressure. Tests are being performed
LADIES NIGHT OUT, PGK RICHARD SCHULTZ, COORDINATOR
Our next Ladies Night Out comes the week after Thanksgiving, Tuesday,
th
November 29 . It will be a new venue for us, but an old landmark in Sacramento,
Sam’s Hof Brau on Watt Ave in the Country Club Lanes parking lot at El Camino.
We have the back room reserved. Most of you know already but a reminder, you
order at the front, lots of hot food and sandwiches, drinks and dessert. You may
want to hold off on the Turkey unless you didn’t get your fill on Thanksgiving Day.
Any questions let me know at 965-5306.
November 2011
THE PALADIN
Page 4
MEMBERSHIP….DON HARMATA, PGK, DD, DIRECTOR
Please see our Worthy Grand Knight’s message. With everyone’s help we can not
only get bigger and better as we move though this year and beyond. Much more importantly we
must be more involvement. You my ―younger‖ Brothers are our future. Speaking of the future we
welcome our youngest member, Austin Hansen, into our council. Welcome Brother.
FAMILY OF THE MONTH…….JERRY MARENICH, CO-CHAIRMAN
Congratulations to the Todd and Gwen Wilson Family
Our September 2011 Family of the Month.
Todd and Gwen and been married for forty-four years and have been
members of St John the Evangelist Parish for more than forty years, where their
daughters, Michelle and Tiffany, attended St John’s Parochial School. Todd and
Gwen have a closely knit family and they believe strongly in the Catholic Church,
actively promoting the church’s principles, and are active in their parish and other
religious organizations. They have been members of a Bible Study Group for
twenty-nine years. Both are members of the Parish Adult Enrichment Committee.
Todd is a convert to the Catholic Faith, having converted in December
2003, and annually attends a men’s retreat at Christ the King Retreat Center.
Todd and Gwen also attend the couple’s retreat on New Year’s Eve at the same center. Todd is a member of a
Catholic Men’s Club and a member of St John’s St Vincent de Paul Conference, where he volunteers more than four
hours of his time every Wednesday morning at the Parish Food Locker distributing food to the needy of the area. Todd
was also a member of a two-member team that made house calls to those less fortunate, to assist them in fulfilling
their needs. Gwen serves as Eucharistic Minister to the sick of the parish and works in the St John’s Bookstore. She
is also a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Christian Women.
Brother Todd has been very active in council activities since joining the Knights of Columbus and our council
on February 29, 2004, having served in the role of Worthy Warden, Outside Guard, Co-Chairman of Family Activities,
and has coordinated the Annual Family Ice Cream Social at Leatherby’s. He received his Fourth Degree and is now a
member of Christ the King Assembly. He has taken part in many of the council and assembly activities, including
pancake breakfasts, the sale of fireworks, the annual Intellectual Disabilities (ID), Drive, and Christ the King’s Annual
nd
rd
Festival. During past 2 and 3 Degree Exemplifications hosted by Council 4970, Todd was a member of both
Exemplification Teams, taking on the role of one of Guards.
Todd retired in 2001 after thirty seven and a half years of employment with the California Department of
General Services. Gwen retired in 2004 after twenty two years of employment as a high school teacher within the San
Juan Unified School District. Their daughter Michelle graduated from the University of California at Davis, and is
married to Thomas Tyndall. Both serve as Intelligence Consultants in the US Army Reserve, stationed in Arlington,
Virginia, and both have been serving in Afghanistan since January of this year. They also served in New Orleans,
following Hurricane Katrina. Tiffany is married to Luis Padilla and they reside in Thousand Oaks, California. Tiffany is
a graduate of University of San Diego, and received her Master’s Degree from San Diego State University. She now
serves as a Political Consultant. They have a daughter Sarah.
Todd and Gwen enjoy the opportunity to travel, to attend Sacramento Kings games (where they have been
season ticket holders from the start), and events at the Music Circus/Broadway Series. Todd is also a member of
SIRS Branch 127 and a long time member of the Carmichael Elks Club.
The members of Arden-Carmichael are very proud of the Wilson Family, and are indeed fortunate to have
them as members.
2011 St. Ignatius 2011 Events, Advocate Adrian Torres
1) Sunday, November 13th, 8th grade Spaghetti Dinner
2) Saturday, December 3rd - Breakfast with Santa - 8:00 am -1:00 pm
November 2011
THE PALADIN
Page 5
BISHOP GALLEGOS MATERNITY HOME... “PROJECT STOCKING”…MARTY CONDON, CHAIRLADY
This summer has pointed out to me how important Project Stocking is!
My family is preparing for the birth of our first grandchild, with all the joy, fun and
excitement that includes. We were visiting with the other ―in-laws‖; when the kids called to
announce the sex of the baby, she will be a lovely little girl. (I’1l show you the ultra sounds) Of
course that started a new round of silly and serious, ―Name the Baby‖ among the
grandparents Think most of the young women, at the maternity home, have no one who cares
who they are or what they have named their babies.
Later when I was in Florida to care for my dad after four-way by-pass Surgery. He is
doing remarkably well, but even in the hospital the cycle of life and the family continued with the
visit of the ―almost parents‖ visiting their grandfather. And three generations admiring the baby
bump. For me it was great to see the way my son would caress his wife and baby, and the building of the excitement
of the coming delivery. He says he’s going to buy the baby a pony and her great grandpa bought the stuff to make her
a set of cowboy booties.
Think how sad and unloved any mother would feel without that support and love and shared excitement, not
looking forward to your family women coming to support the birth and the post delivery care, only facing the worry of,
where they will live after their time at the home runs out, or the deep sadness of giving their child to strangers.
We have asked these women to do the RIGHT THING AND CARRY THEIR BABIES TO TERM. This is our
small challenge to show them somebody cares, at the holiest family time of the year by showing them a happy
Christmas. Give to Project Stocking, which is this council’s Christmas blessing.
Council 4970 has taken the responsibility of providing Christmas to the expectant moms for approximately the
last 20 years. Last year the Council gave over one thousand dollars, through your donations for the Home. I know that
our personal finances are on the ―Iffy‖ side. BUT please be as generous as you can. The list of items needed for the
Home include:
1) A stocking full of ―Personal Hygiene‖ items for each resident mother (currently about 20). The cost per stocking
is about $20.
2) A gift certificate for each resident mother.
3) A priority for the Home itself, i.e. renewal of the repair contracts on the sweepers (about $120). The residents of
the home are not the most careful persons, and sweepers tend to break and need servicing, which is included in
the rental contract.
4) Every year there seem to be some ―TRUE BELIEVERS‖ in Santa Claus (younger children) who need to have
not only their stocking, but also a small gift of their very own.
Every donation helps, no matter how large or small. We are tentatively thinking of delivering Council 4970's gifts
between December 19 and 22, depending upon Lenore’s and the Council’s schedules.
CHRISTMAS PARTY…PGK LOREN WALLIN, CHAIRMAN
WHEN:
WHERE:
COST:
MENU:
CONTACT:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 6:30 PM
ST. IGNATIUS PARISH CENTER
$10 PER ADULT AND $5 PER CHILD (6-14 YRS), 5 AND UNDER FREE
HAM, AU GRATIN POTATOES, SALAD, VEGETABLES, ROLL AND DESSERT
LOREN W ALLIN (723-2970) FOR RESERVATIONS OR E-MAIL: [email protected]
Join us for good food, great company and, of course, the Jolly Old Fellow himself. Santa will again make
a special appearance! So bring a wrapped gift with your child’s name on it so Santa can personally deliver it.
Please contact me in advance with the number in your family (and friends) that will be coming. We encourage all
members to attend this annual and festive family get-together. Hope to see you all there!
November 2011
THE PALADIN
Page 6
CHAPLAIN’S CHAT – CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD – FATHER TED WROBLICKY
Take a trip around the world without leaving Sacramento! Attend the Christmas
Around the World Festival, which features the cultures and cuisines of Armenia, Egypt,
Ethiopia, Greece, the Middle East, Russia, and Ukraine. This event, now in its twentieth
third year, will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the
Greek Orthodox Church Hellenic Center, Alhambra Blvd. and F Street in Sacramento.
Enjoy international foods, baked goods, and Christmas rummage. Admission is free.
Additional parking is behind the Center.
Sponsored by the Eastern Christian Women’s Association of
Sacramento, the following faith communities will be represented at this
event: Elevation of the Holy Cross Orthodox Church; Greek Orthodox
Church of the Annunciation; Holy Trinity Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox
Church; Holy Wisdom Ukrainian Catholic Church; St. James Armenian Apostolic Church; St. Mary
Coptic Orthodox Church; St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church; St. Stephen Orthodox Church;
and Virgin Mary Antiochean Orthodox Church.
For more information call me or Barbara at 486-0632 www.holywisdomsacramento.org
ADVOCACY FOR THE CULTURE OF LIFE…DIRECTOR JOHN MIZERAK
I again thank all Brother Knights and family members who
supported both the Life Chain (see picture left) and 40 Days for
Life (Photographer Sarah Maizland took gorgeous photos of
our 40 Days for Life Mid-Way Rally last month, two of which are
shown below). Each year I believe we make an impact by our
participation. Each day we come closer to the truth. It may take longer than you or I
are around, but with the help of the Holy Spirit we will succeed.
Jan England warns us in a story of the apathy with a crushed
Chinese child. After the child was crushed under the wheel of a van
three times, it is the old Samaritan story of 18 people passing by.
Hospital assistance after such severe injuries was not healing. Is this
treatment of female babies a prelude to greater apathy everywhere in
the future?
In Memphis, Tennessee - "A girl yelled at me for just standing
there on the sidewalk, because she said I didn't understand these
women's situations," said Stefanie. "I just smiled ... and said I would
love to talk to her." To Stefanie's surprise, the girl got into a conversation with her."She told me it was not a baby at
two weeks," Stefanie said. "I explained to her the baby has distinct DNA like no
other person. But if I had not just kept smiling and being sweet to her, she would
have driven off."
Later, a woman and two men showed up with a homemade sign that
suggested God had no place in a discussion of abortion. Women could choose
whatever they want, the woman said. "So obviously we are bothering them by
being out there," Stefanie said. She tried to talk to them, but they just got angry
and walked into Planned Parenthood. Stefanie just kept smiling.
She said one of the other prayer volunteers "feels that these people
heard what they needed to hear -- and we had planted a seed."
A Heads Up: The 8th Annual Walk for Life – West Cost will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012 in San Francisco.
Jim Lynch hopes to use the Constitution’s preamble on liberty and posterity to better our Walk this year. For more
information in regard the walk or to any pro-life issue please contact me at 332-5511 or [email protected]
As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, I would like to leave you with this thought: There are
only two people who have offered to give up their life for you and both were volunteers:
Our Lord Jesus Christ for your soul; An American soldier for your freedom. Let us all
give thanks and show our gratitude for the men and women who have and continue to
serve this nation in the defense of our freedom. Raymond Warriner, Major, USAF
(retired)
November 2011
THE PALADIN
Page 7
CORPORTION NEWS…..JIM LEET, PRESIDENT
th
Our Corporation Meeting is set for Tuesday, January 17 at OLA’s Seton Hall at 7:30 pm. All brothers and
their wives are invited. Don’t forget our ladies are voting members of the Corporation. A proxy form will be included in
next month’s Paladin in case you can’t make it. Election of officers and some of our Directors will be held, and our
budget will be presented and approval requested. Our budget will be around $20,000 so it’s important for you to offer
your thoughts and direction.
CHRISTMAS SEALS…PGK MILT DAMORE, CHAIRMAN
We have sent out our KofC Christmas Seals to those of you on our mailing list.
Prayerfully we hope you will consider a donation which will again go toward our
Seminarian support program. The letter enclosed with the sheet explains the
background and details of the program. If you need more seals or want to discuss this
worthy effort please call me at 482-5618.
PANCAKE BREAKFASTS (2)
Our last two breakfasts this calendar year are coming up in December. The first will be on Saturday (yes
rd
Saturday), December 3 at St. Ignatius ―Breakfast with Santa‖. We will do the breakfast cooking and the parish will do
the rest. A great program has been scheduled. We need your help since about
300 are expected. Show time for us is 7 a.m. in the Parish Center.
The second breakfast is very similar in that the parish and school will
have other programming along with the breakfast. This will be held on Sunday
th
December 11 in the Our Lady of the
Assumption Parish Hall. This is our
biggest with over 600 served last year.
We’ll need you a little earlier than the
one at St. Ignatius, so we need you at
6:45 with the breakfast crowd coming
in about 8:30 a.m.
For more
information or to volunteer, call our
Council Director Michael Langer at
[email protected]
REMEMBER WHEN?
348-3343
or
email
him
at
November 2011
THE PALADIN
Page 8
INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE….PGK CHUCK CUNY, CHAIRMAN
As we wrap up another drive for Camp ReCreation, I am both a little disappointed but still enthused
as ever. Regardless of our proceeds we are helping those who need our help. Early results indicate
slightly lower donations, around $6000-$6500 compared to last year’s $7000. We are all suffering through
this terrible economic slump. Although it was wonderful that volunteers came out to support the program,
especially our students, there are so many of our Brothers who didn’t respond at any of our requests,
written, email or on the phone. Our first principal is Charity.
It was nice of Kathi Barber from Camp ReCreation and two of the attendees, Billy Adams and Chris
Fry visit our Bel-Air store on Manzanita (see below). What a wonderful experience for those who were on
that shift to talk first hand with folks who are recipients of our work.
November 2011
THE PALADIN
Page 9
CHUCK’S CORNER – THE PERCEPTION OF SIN - PGK CHUCK CUNY
While sins in the extremes are either trivial or serious, people’s perception of the start of sins varies considerably.
The Bible and the Church gives us a great array of sins. First we have
Moses’ Ten Commandments with idolatry, profanity, irreligiosity, parental neglect,
stealing, lying, adultery, lust, covetousness and envy. Then we have Saint Paul’s
epistle giving us a more complete list with ―adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, sedition,
heresy, envy, murder, drunkenness, reveling and such like". Then, courtesy of Leo
the Great, we have the seven deadly sins of wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and
gluttony.
Now, courtesy of Pope Benedict XVI, we can add to the list the modern
seven deadly sins of pollution, genetic engineering, excessive wealth, inflicting poverty, drug use, immoral experiments
and human rights violation. I’m sure we could add to the list more menial sins such as superstition, consumerism,
hedonism, complaining, apathy, anxiety, depression, etc.
The real issue is how we apply this array of evils in our lives, which makes us the kind of Christian we are.
The devil is, of course, in the detail where you would expect him to be. Where is our perception of wrath, between
irritation and rage, greed between treat and extravagance, sloth between lethargy and indolence, pride between vanity
and haughtiness, lust between yearning and arousal and envy between desire and resentment?
While an act may be evil or at least thought to be evil, which is as good as being evil (or rather as bad as evil),
sinning is more an inclination of the mind. For example, where is the serious Sunday Sabbath sin in, A. shopping, B.
working, C. late or regularly missing Mass? There is often an inconsistency in people’s choice of sin. Some, while
being very obese, would find sumptuously overeating not a sin, but would never be late for Mass. Confessors tell us
the most commonly confessed sin for men is lust, particularly toward those sensuous images that, the harder you try,
the more you think about them. For women, it is envy, particularly toward being like the women that men try so hard
not to think about.
While sins in the extremes are either trivial or serious, people’s perception of where sins start varies
considerably. Those who have a careless attitude toward sin are frowned upon by the pious but it is the scrupulous
ones that are haunted by guilt and crowd the confessional lines. Even with all the above-mentioned sins, there are
some that we have overlooked, namely the sins of the extremes, scrupulosity and presumption. In the perception of
sin, it may be as bad to be overly scrupulous as to be irrationally presumptuous.
Epilogue - While there is a presumption in law that law does not deal with trifles, it is irrationally
presumptuous to think God will forgive anything. It does not help that we have some churches that
encourage scrupulosity and others tempt presumption. Sin may begin somewhere in the middle, but
where we perceive that middle may be something else, for such is the fine art of recognizing sin.
.
Brother Marco Bell, first editor of this version of the Council Bulletin, wanted to give it a name that truly represented what we stand
for. His vision of a Paladin is a Knight in Shining Armor. Paladins are Knights that stand for Good and their cause is always good
in nature. They do so even in the face of adversity, never yielding to stray away from good. The Brothers really liked the new
name and it has become an integral part of our Brotherly culture. The Knights of Columbus do many things that are great and for
many wonderful causes. Marco, who has moved to Florida, knew that we Brother Knights spend many hours working for good
causes, and we do so without a need for recognition of any kind since we truly believe in the Good causes. The spirit of the
Paladin lives in the Knights of Columbus and his belief continues in all of us today. The modern version of Paladins is us Brother
Knights.
Today the Paladin continues to be a monthly publication of Council 4970 of the Knights of Columbus. There are two methods of
circulation, first online at our website, http://www.kofc4970.org. An email announces the availability. This is the preferred method
of circulation since Council costs are minimized. Second is via the mail to those without email and for those with email but prefer
to also receive a hard copy. Circulation is to our membership as well as to our Council widows, prospects, other Councils in the
area, State officers and Committee chairs. We publish all pertinent council activities and actions. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO
CONTRIBUTE AN ARTICLE PLEASE EMAIL OUR EDITOR, BROTHER GENE GOBBO, AT [email protected] OR CALL 916283-5223 FOR FURTHER DIRECTIONS. TO STAY EVEN MORE CURRENT, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT OUR
COUNCIL'S WEB SITE http://www.kofc4970.org FREQUENTLY. Need a Council Roster or read our business meeting
minutes…visit our website. However, you’ll need a password (contact Gene at [email protected] or 916-283-5223).
November 2011
THE PALADIN
Page 10
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
ARDEN – CARMICHAEL COUNCIL 4970
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VOCATION PRAYER: O God, source of creation and love, you invite each of us to serve you through the gift of our
life. May your grace encourage men and women to serve the Church as priests, deacons, brothers, sisters and lay
ministers. Make me an instrument to encourage others to give of themselves and challenge me to do the same. Amen
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2011
1
2
8
11
12
12
19
20
22
24
27
29
All Saints Day
All Souls Day
Business Meeting - St. John Hall, OLA
Veterans Day
Memorial Mass – St. John’s Parish – 11 a.m.
Christmas Around the World – see article
Chapter Meeting, Holy Family Parish
Feast of Christ the King
Planning Meeting - Seton Hall OLA - 7:30 pm
Thanksgiving
First Sunday of Advent – Change in Liturgy
Ladies Night – Sam’s Hof Brau – 6:30 pm
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER 2011
3
4
8
11
13
21
24
25
28
31
Christmas Pancake Breakfast – SI Ctr – 8 AM
Council Christmas Party - SI Center - 6:30 PM
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
Pancake Breakfast, OLA Parish Hall – 7 AM
Business Meeting - St John Hall, OLA 7:30 PM
Beginning of Winter
Parking Lot Detail – OLA
Nativity of the Lord – Christmas
Planning Meeting, cancelled
New Years Eve
Rosary at 7 PM each month prior to our meeting.