Brother Knights,

We reach the turning point in our councils Columbian Year, accomplishing much over the past six months. Yet three significant events remains, the Crab Dinner, Pasta for Life, and our beloved Irish Knight. We have an immediate need of Knights who can cook our corned beef and cabbage, plus other Irish victuals. The remaining Leprechaun duties will be easily assigned. As they say, “many hands makes for light work.” Yet we need able Knights to make the work light.

This brings me to membership. If there is someone in your parish or circle of catholic friends that would be a good addition to our council, invite them to our Thursday dinner. If they ask what we do, tell them we serve God by helping his church, our fellow man, and our brothers knights. To help process new applicants in a speedy fashion, we will be having 1st degrees in January, March, and April.

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

Brother Knights:

As we enter into Advent, it is a time for reflection, preparation, prayer, and family. I wish each member and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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

Brother Knights:

Where has the time gone? It just seems like yesterday that I and my Brother Officers were sworn in at the PGK / Old Timers dinner. Alas, November 2nd, All Souls Day, brings our departed family, friends, and brothers to mind. At the memorial service today, the names of the recently departed were read. As I type this, I recognize that one day, my own time on this earth will end and my name recited. Did I heed the call found within the 1st degree? Did I do enough to warrant the words “good and trusting servant, share in your masters joy?” I know there are many ways one can contribute, but we should feel blessed that our humble little council, regardless of its own peculiarities, gives us the opportunity to participate and make another’s life a bit more bearable. I look forward to those opportunities in the coming months and know that they do in fact make a difference.

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

Brother Knights:

“Struggle” is an apt way of describing this month’s message. No, it does not define my efforts in finding an underused euphemism, but people and events that have come to my attention. Struggle describes Holy Family Church and Mt. Shasta Council 2599 in Weed California, which burned to the ground by a fast moving forest fire. Struggle describes a plea for help by a Catholic prison chaplain who had all his state funding cut off unannounced. Struggle describes those suffering from Intellectual Disabilities, who benefit from our Tootsie Roll fundraising. Yet, as Knights, we come to their aid, lighten their burden, and make part of their struggles our own.

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

To My Brother Knights and Their Families:

Hot August Nights is a great way to describe the bevy of activities, past, present, and future. I want to thank Bryan McKrell for organizing the Council Picnic on July 12th, which was fun and relaxing. Coming up shortly are St. Stephen’s Pg Roast on the 3rd, the Steak Dinner on the 9th, Zippy Buns on the 17th, and Mexican Knight on September 20th. I encourage any new Brother Knights to volunteer; even one hour is helpful. As they say “many hands makes for light work.”

The officers have established the following goals/challenges for the year: 1. Membership, member involvement and sunshine. 2. Greater service hours and charitable giving. 3. Quarterly “Fun” Knights. 4. Hall Improvements.

Speaking of “The Hall,” it is here for our benefit, and there is no better way to help than making their Steak Dinner a success. I am grateful for our Hall Board, because without their dedication, raising funds to meet our charitable goals would be much more difficult.

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