Congratulations to the four winners of the Knights of Columbus Council 953 scholarships of $500.00 each. Each of the four winners were from Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Sacramento. The checks were presented by Grand Knight Ricardo Saldana at the Awards Assembly held at the end of the school year. The names of the winners are:
Our Treasurer, Dale Edwards and two members of Bishop Manogue Assembly (4th Degree) did just that. Starting on May 14th they rode from Sacramento to Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Then on May 16th they departed Rancho Cucamonga with about 400 other riders for a 10-day trip across America to Washington D.C. This was the 23rd anniversary of the “Run For The Wall,” an event sponsored by a Vietnam Veterans non-profit organization. The Run was well organized with every day’s route, food and gas stops specified. The Run ended in Washington D.C. in time for Memorial Day. On Saturday, May 26, first time riders on the Run were allowed to ride their motorcycles into Arlington Cemetery to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Run For The Wall riders are the only persons allowed to drive/ride their vehicles into Arlington. On Sunday, Dale and about 1/2 million other motorcyclists participated in the 25th anniversary of Rolling Thunder, an event meant to send a message to Congress to remember all POWs and MIAs from all wars. This event included a several hours long parade of motorcycles around the Washington Mall. The ride home was highlighted by a tour of West Point Military Academy, a National Purple Heart Memorial museum, Niagra Falls, Louisville Slugger factory and museum, and Monument Valley in southern Utah. Dale and his 4th Degree riding companions all returned home in good health and each are making plans for next year’s ride.
Our annual Installation of Officers and our Past Grand Knight/Old Timers Dinner will be held this Thursday, June 21, 2012. We will be installing our officers for the 2012-2013 Columbian Year followed by dinner and a ceremony honoring our outgoing Grand Knight, Ricardo Saldana, our Past Grand Knights and those of our members who have given many years of service to the council, especially those who have achieved significant milestones.
Social hour will begin at 6:00PM, the installation of officers will commence at 6:30PM and dinner will begin at 7:00PM. Our chefs will be Dave Carboni and Tom Nulk who will be preparing barbequed tri-tip,barbequed chicken, salad, side dishes and dessert. Cost of the evening is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 for children under 12 years of age. Be sure to join us for an enjoyable evening of food and fellowship. For reservations, please call the hall at (916) 736-0953 no later than Tuesday, June 19, 2012.
This Knight has been a member of our council since 2010. Besides helping out with various functions and events he has worked with the Dioceses on providing funding to four seminarians, including especially Collin Winn, who came to one of our dinners this year. Coordinating with the dioceses was not easy given the recent turn over in the director of vocations. More recently, he has been gathering information on Supreme’s new program for funding seminarians with the Military Arch Diocese. His dedication and efforts have laid the ground work for other Knights to follow.
It is with great pride to announce Robert Perez as Knight of the Month for June 2012!
Congratulations to the new officers of our Council who were elected at our June meeting.
Grand Knight, Ricardo Saldana
Deputy Grand Knight, Fred Struck
Chancellor, John Sheldon
Warden, Lewis Munoz
Recorder, Andy Thielen
Treasurer, Dale Edwards
Advocate, Richard Cuttng
Inside Guard, Robert Perez
Outside Guard, Darin Hunter
Trustees – 3 year, Matthew Lucien, 2 year, Joe Miceli, 1 year Bill James
GRAND KNIGHT’S MESSAGE
To my Worthy Brother Knights and their Families,
It is better to give than to receive.
Most everyone enjoys gifts. The gift of food can satisfy ones hunger for a day. The gift mobility can offers someone hope, new life and answered prayers. The gift of life can be given by speaking with Mother’s to be, who feel as though they are out of options. The gift of belonging can answer someone’s call to serve, to be part of something larger for the greater good, to be relied upon with fellow Brothers standing in solidarity.
The Knights of Columbus offers ALL these gifts and more. Through our wheelchair mission program we give the gift of mobility. In fact, the K of C have donated over 30,000 wheelchairs over the last nine years. It is estimated that an average of 9 lives are directly changed for every wheelchair donated. Through our loaves and fishes program & donations we offer food for the hungry, an estimated 800 (sometimes more) hot meals EVERY DAY. Through Pro-life events we help speak for the unborn and encourage expecting Mothers to find hope and God’s Love through not only our actions, but the organizations we help support. And through our Council, we offer solidarity in our founding principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism, with all those sworn to serve and protect the Catholic Church and her values.
You can offer this very gift. This gift that was given to us is not ours to keep, it’s meant to be shared. Our council is only as strong as it’s members. Our good works can only continue with brother Knights contributing. I joined the Sacramento council because I had a sense of wanting to do greater good. The Knights of Columbus found me (thank you Brother Dominic), and this council became the vehicle to do more, with fellow Brothers who share the same values. This council has helped me grow spiritually and personally.
To those NOT currently members of the Knights of Columbus… The gift of membership allows empty voids to be filled, it opens doors to life. Christ is knocking on their door and using US as the doorbell. It is our responsibility to answer our call and accept our role. Everyone wants to be part of something alive.
The Knights of Columbus is ALIVE!
We are Living, Breathing and Growing. We are ALL inspired by God. We are all called to serve. Talk to your friend, your co-worker or family member about joining the Knights. Give this gift… of more.
Vivat Jesus!
Ricardo Saldana
Grand Knight Council 953