All posts by Fred Struck

Hello, My name is Fred Struck. I live in Sacramento California. I am a member of St. George Melkite-Greek Catholic Church where I am know as Reader Fred. I have been the Reader at St. George's since 1988. I am also a Past Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus Sacramento Council 953.
Grand Knight

Grand Knight’s Message April 2012

GRAND KNIGHT’S MESSAGE

To my Worthy Brothers and their Loving Families;

As we celebration Easter, it’s important to remember the sacrifice made by our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Through his death we have an opportunity for eternal life. What we do with this opportunity is dependent on us. Some people don’t do a thing, and it is those souls (among others) we pray for, that they may hear God’s call. Others hear a call of service… through vocations, or through organizations such as the Knights of Columbus.

When the Gulf of Mexico was hit by hurricane Katrina, the K of C immediately donated 10.6 million dollars to help the victims and their families. Eventually more than 46 million dollars were donated (from the Knights) within months of the tragedy. The K of C was primarily responsible for the opening of catholic schools 6 months before the first public school was opened. These figures are only the monetary donations and do not include the countless volunteer hours from Brother Knights and their Families. It’s information such as this that makes me proud to be a Knight.

Our organization is strong and steadfast. Our foundation is built on the principles that have carried the Knights through the centuries. It’s these core values that call us to help others and It’s these same values that help help us do God’s work. Please keep in mind that Christ died and rose so that we may live. Let’s live in his spirit and do his works for each other.

Some quick notes:

  • FREE DINNER MEETING -THURSDAY APRIL 12th
  • special thanks to Sir Knight Dale Edwards for a fun-tastic Irish night.
  • A Great presence at our 40 days for life witness
  • Please “like” our Facebook page: Knights of Columbus #953

Coming up:

  • Saints & Sinners golf tournament 4/26
  • Garage Sale at the hall 4/28-4/29

Saint John Vianney – PRAY FOR US
Father Michael McGivney – PRAY FOR US

Ricardo Saldaña
Grand Knight council 953

Youth

Basketball Free-throw Contest Results

Council 953 again this year conducted the basketball free throw contest at three area schools: St. Marys, Sacred Heart and Holy Spirit. The total students that participated was 290 this year. These are boys and girls ages 10-14. It took a few hours at each school to go through all of these students. I really appreciate the Brother Knights that volunteered this year to help run the events, especially since I was hobbled quite a bit by a broken left foot. The helpers were: Dick Cutting, Floyd Wells, Ricardo Saldana, Steve Mills. I feel like I am leaving someone out, so please accept my thanks and apology if I have. We will do it again next year.

Dale Edwards, Youth Director

Pro-Life

Culture of Life Report April 2012

Culture Of Life Report

40 Days for Life – Spring Vigil recap
Thanks to those of you who participated through prayer, fast & witness during the spring prayer vigil of 40 Days for Life. I’d especially like to thank those Knights and family members who came to the sidewalk on March 24th. We had (5) Brother Knights and (1) family member come to the sidewalk where we prayed together with several others who had gathered as well at the Women’s Health Specialist abortion business at 1750 Wright Street.
Internationally, vigil participants know of 668 babies were spared from abortion because of the peaceful, prayerful presence of the people participating in the 40 Days for Life vigils. Also several more abortion business workers quit their jobs after speaking with 40 DFL vigil participants
Even though the spring vigil concluded on Palm Sunday, please don’t stop praying, offering fasts and witnessing for the end to the destruction of innocent and distinct human lives.
To learn more about 40 Days for Life, visit www.40daysforlife.com/sacramento and www.40daysforlife.com.

Religious Liberty / Health Care Mandate
Brothers and families, you may have noticed that the mainstream media has for the most part stopped covering the religious liberty issue as it regards the health care mandate. And, in fact, when they do, they are continuing to call it a “debate over contraception.”
Excuse me. Let’s be really clear about what this is about: it is not about contraception and never has been. Not one of the US Bishops has made any call to make contraception illegal. This is about the government telling religious institutions that they must violate their deeply held beliefs and pay for services that they deem to be immoral.
Now the Supreme Court has heard arguments on the legalities of the Health Care Law and if it were to be thrown out then the mandate will go with it. However it is imperative that we continue to communicate to our elected representatives that this is the government overstepping its bounds. This must be communicated time and again even when we are certain they disagree with us. Also, letters to the editors, comments to news articles and internet forums are helpful too.
Don’t give up this fight. And if you’re still on the sidelines, it is time to get in the game. Go to www.usccb.org/conscience and www.stophhs.com for info and the latest updates.

Visit the 953 Culture of Life blog
If you haven’t checked out the blog, open your browser and head over to:
http://kofc953sacramentoprolife.blogspot.com/

“To claim the right to abortion, infanticide and euthanasia, and to recognize that right in law, means to attribute to human freedom a perverse and evil significance: that of an absolute power over others and against others. This is the death of true freedom: “Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin” (Jn 8:34).” – Evangelium Vitae, 20 – Blessed John Paul II

Dominic Ielati
Culture of Life Director
prolife(at)kofc953(dot)org

Insurance

Different Life Stages, Changing Needs

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS INSURANCE “Your Shield For Life”.

Different Life Stages, Changing Needs

You may have a long-range expense for which you are saving, such as college for your children. You may be concerned about a comfortable, worry-free retirement. You may want to protect your ability to earn a living. You may wonder if needing costly long-term care will deplete your hard-earned assets. You want to leave something for your wife, children, or grandchildren. At some point you may have had all of these needs on your mind. Over time, these thoughts make way for others as your needs evolve, your finances change and you get older. What is important to you at age 20, may not be at 30, or 45, or 65. What is the best way to be prepared for these changes before they happen?

One of the easiest ways to be financially ready for changes that come with different life stages is to meet annually with your professional Knights of Columbus agent, and address the needs that his analysis uncovers. This can help you be ready to face the financial challenges and issues on the road ahead. During that annual visit, I’ll take the time to review your needs, goals, and budget. I’ll update all beneficiaries on your policies and be sure your coverage meets your needs. I’ll recommend a program of life insurance, long-term care,and guaranteed retirement products that will help you rest easy at night. Whatever your needs, whatever your concerns, whatever your stage in life, I can help.

Let’s get together as soon as possible.

Brotherly yours,
Justin F. Tanjuaquio, F.I.C.F.
CA Lic.#: 0C46842
(916) 726-0981
justin.tanjuaquio@kofc.org

Church, Community

4th Annual May Procession

All are invited to come pray at Sacramento’s 4th Annual May Procession , Mass at the Cathedral and May Crowning ceremony! Saturday, May 5, 2012. This glorious public event begins at 8:00 a.m., East Lawn Cemetery, 43rd & Folsom Blvd.; pilgrimage goes 3-miles through the city concluding at the Cathedral. Streets closed by police, Catholic Radio broadcasts event. Do not miss this stupendous public witness to our Faith! Visit www.BringMary.com for all information, videos, etc.

Regards,
Mike Solton

Council, Knight of the Month

Knights of the Month March 2012

Knights of the Month March 2012

We had two Knights of the Month for March, George Mills and Matthew Lucien

George Mills Knight of the Month March 2012
George Mills Knight of the Month

This Knight has been described as “very reliable”. He seems to help with almost every events/project that our council is involved in. He has always said yes when asked to help. If you didn’t see him setting up for anyone of our councils events, by getting raffle prizes, or serving your meals, it was probably because he was attending it as a paying guest. He was a huge assistance to Brother Dominic and myself with past Chili Cook-Offs.

He is an RCIA instructor at St. Mary Parish and also organized a Walk for Life bus from said parish. He has served our council for approx 9 years and is a 4th degree Sir Knight and member of our color core.
His past and current designations include past grand knight, Sir Knight, zippy bun chairman, current financial secretary and is a member of our 1st degree team. He has been a huge help as a resource -to me personally during my tenure as Grand Knight. He is non other than Sir Knight George Mills.

Matthew Lucien Knight of the Month March 2012
Matthew Lucien Knight of the Month

This next Knight is not to be overshadowed by our co- Knight of the month. One Knight said it best by stating that this Brother Knight is “stoutly”. The definition being: having or marked by boldness, bravery, firm and resolute. Solid or substantial. I couldn’t agree more.

Since joining our council back in 2000, This Brother Knight has held many designations with our council PGK, 4 term Former District Deputy, 4th degree Sir Knight, current community director, and is part of our 1st and second degree teams, sometimes- like today DGK stand in.

Some Knights focus their charities or volunteer hours to only their home parish. Not this Knight. In fact, one of the biggest compliments i heard regarding this fellow Knight, is that he has ALWAYS supported multiple parish events and activities, regardless if they’re his home parish or not.
weather it was chairing ladies night for the umpteenth year (i can’t seem get a straight number out of anybody), or working the zippy bun booth, chili cook off, participating in the ID program or Wheelchair program, the list goes on and on.

It is with great pride to announce Sir Knight Matthew Lucien as co- Knights of the Month March 2012!