Community, Council

Tootsie Roll Drive Results

On Nov. 8th & 9th, the Council conducted its annual “Tootsie Roll” Drive after the masses at St. Mary’s to raise funds for the intellectually disabled. The event was a success, raising $635.00, thanks to the volunteers who greeted the departing parishioners with tootsie rolls and accepting their donations. They are: Al Piccardo, Adam Struck, Bryan McKrell, Larry Schneider, Mike McVean, Keith Schiele, Terry Corcoran, Alex Kachmar and Dale Edwards. And thanks to two of our members who agreed to make themselves available if needed: Bill Sheean and Bob Willet.

Again, thanks to all.
– George Mills

The Council also held the annual Tootsie Roll drive after all masses at Sacred Heart on November 15th and 16th. Thanks to all who helped at Sacred Heart as well. Our efforts there raised an additional $360.00.

Insurance

Holiday Review

Merry Christmas!

This is the time of year to look back and be thankful for all your blessings. Then, look forward and count all your opportunities. When one looks back at memorable blessings, they are a direct result of sound decisions and positive actions. God provides to those who “pray and do something.” Planning ahead, making decisions and moving forward with confidence produces “blessings.” Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Long Term Care Insurance are financial products that are blessings when they are needed.

  1. Please take time to think about these questions:
  2. If your last paycheck was your last paycheck, what resources could your family count on to assist you?
  3. Is your retirement financial planning diversified enough?
  4. Do you understand how your Life Insurance works from your employer and from that big commercial company?
  5. When was the last time an agent reviewed your policy making sure they are meeting your needs?
  6. Do you know anyone who needed Long Term Care services but did not have the means to pay for it?
  7. Does it make sense to “buy Term Life Insurance and invest the rest” if you do not invest?
  8. Do you have substantial financial assets which might create an estate tax problem?
  9. Is your Trust and/or Will up to date?
  10. Does your Life Insurance have descriptive words in the title, such as, Variable Premium, Universal, Variable Life, Group, or Accidental? What do they really mean by these terms?
  11. If you live past age 65, as most of us will, how much life insurance will you need into your 80’s. What about inflation and increasing medical costs?
  12. Do you believe that small sacrifices today pay big dividends in the future?
  13. What is your financial legacy and how do you want to be remembered?

Last but not least:
What do you think a widow would prefer a hug and condolences or a hug, condolences, and a check?

Fraternally, Your Brother and Field Agent,
Marco Manrique
CA LIC 0I39878, FA16570
(707) 301-1783
marco.manrique@kofc.org

Pro-Life

Culture of Life Report for December 2014

Brother Knights,

We should not forget what has brought us together as Knights; as we are the defenders of the Catholic Church. Therefore, each of us has the responsibility to act individually and as a group to protect the “culture of life” of our Church.

When we choose to engage actively in the present moment and appreciate God’s gift of life, we open the door to a deeper relationship with Christ. This awareness and friendship with Jesus can open our eyes to how he may be inviting us to accompany others in their suffering and show them his love. As we continue our pilgrimage on earth together, let us hold fast to God, who is the source of all true compassion.

Take a moment to reflect that our acts are generated from acts of love.

John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Remember that St. John Paul II called on all Catholic faithful to bear witness to the Gospel of Life and to build the “civilization of life and love”. In keeping with this mission and our Order’s Catholic principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus stands strong in its conviction that every human life is a gift of God, endowed with certain inalienable rights—the first among these being the right to life. Even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, we believe that human life is sacred and inviolable, and ought to be defended with maximum determination.

Let us stand together in this mission of nurturing a culture of life. I leave you with this prayer:

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life, and for the lives of all my brothers and sisters. I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion, yet I rejoice that you have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son. I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. Today I commit myself never to be silent, never to be passive, never to be forgetful of the unborn. I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement, and never to stop defending life until all my brothers and sisters are protected, and our nation once again becomes a nation with liberty and justice not just for some, but for all, through Christ our Lord. Amen!

God Bless,
Hector Garcia
Culture of Life Director

Council, Events, Family

Christmas Potluck Dinner

The Council’s Christmas Potluck will be on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014.  All Brother Knights and their families are invited.  The hall and bar will open at 5:30PM and dinner will be served at 6:30PM.  There will also be an attendance drawing and one lucky member will win $50.00.  The Council will provide a ham for the potluck.

We will be showing, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Please go to the event calendar page to register for this event

Also, we would ask that you bring an unused baby item for a donation to the Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home. Some suggestions are:

  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Formula
  • Bottles & nipples
  • Baby Toys
  • Onesies
  • Receiving Blankets
  • Baby washcloths
  • Baby soaps
Council, Grand Knight

Grand Knight’s Message, November 2014

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

Community, Council, Events

German Night

[flagallery gid=7]This year’s annual German Night was once again a great success. As always, Tom Nulk did a fantastic job organizing this event and making an enjoyable evening for all who attended. Many thanks to Tom and all who those who helped him. We are pleased to report that over $1,600 was raised!

St. John Vianney, Pray for Us.