Brother Knights,

I do not know which was longer, the 2014-2015 Columbian Year or the 203 miles I walked in Spain. Council 953 should feel proud at all that we accomplished via unity and fraternity. We hosted five major fundraisers while providing much appreciated charity to the unborn, the needy, the frail, and the church. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of you, Brother Knights.

As for my May pilgrimage in Spain, it enriched my life greatly. I traversed rolling plains, hills, and mountains, while taking in urban, rural, and natural surroundings. I dealt with flies feasting on fresh manure, cows, dust, rain, heat, wind, and cold. I had the benefit of conversing with other pilgrims and long expanses of solitude. I experienced the modern and the ancient, the young and the old. All of this jumbled together on one road, one trail, one way called the Camino, punctuated by yellow arrows and scallop shells.

It is a blessing to have both in my life during the past 12 months.

Thank You and God Bless.

John Sheldon
Grand Knight, Council 953

Brother Knights,

Pilgrimage! “Pilgrimage” you say? Well it is quite simple. In July, I decided to become a pilgrim; boots, backpack, shell, and hat in hand. As you read these words, I will be in Spain and traveling along the Way of St. James, also known as the Camino or French Way. They say you do not know “why” until after three days of travel. They also say God only starts building you back up until after you complete another four. Yet I do not take this journey alone. Several thousand other pilgrims are along the route, forming a special bond. In addition, I carry in an envelope those intentions entrusted to me, by friends, family, and Brother Knights. This joyful burden is completed when I place them at the foot of the reliquary of Saint James the Greater in Santiago de Compestela. I trust that once my journey is complete, I will be a better Man, a better Catholic, and a better Knight.

Buen Camino,
John Sheldon
Grand Knight, Council 953

Brother Knights,

We made it! Well at least that is how I feel. The first 9 months of the Columbian year was a non-stop series of events, all focused on providing charity to those in need, while practicing the principles of unity, fraternity, and patriotism. I am grateful for all those who volunteered and/or participated. Yet, we still have a few opportunities to practice our values before the Columbian Year is complete. This includes a 1st degree (Fraternity), our annual yard sale (Charity), and our PGK / Old Timers Dinner (Unity). I want to thank those who have decided to join the 4th degree (Patriotism) and look forward to seeing you at the exemplification on the 18th of this month.

As we enter into the sacred Triduum, I wish you and your families a Blessed Easter.

Christos Anesti!
John Sheldon
Grand Knight, Council 953

Brother Knights,

As we start our sojourn, let us not forget Lent’s three tenants of fasting, alms giving, and prayer. As Knights, we place these key concepts in action. Our recent fund raising activities help provide “alms” to those who are in need and support the most vulnerable in society. Our “prayer” on the sidewalk provides faithful witness to Life. Our individual “fasting” helps subjugates the selfish to allowing the selfless to emerge. Over the next two months, there will be additional opportunities to place the key principles of Lent and those of our order into action.

Go! Make a difference…
John Sheldon
Grand Knight, Council 953

Brother Knights,

Charity is our principal virtue as Knights. Charity describes our assisting the intellectually disabled, seminarians, under privileged graduates of Cristo Rey, the unborn and their mothers, and a host others. It describes the actions of members who pitch in with council activities; be it fundraiser dinners, hosting parish socials, serving beer, or wearing yellow aprons while passing out Tootsie Rolls. Charity also describes those individuals who donate prizes, place bills in our donation cans, or attend our dinners. I am grateful for all those people who make this collective Charity possible.

Go! Make a difference…
John Sheldon
Grand Knight, Council 953