Knights of Columbus Elder Council 1195

As brother Knights we face many challenges and opportunities the most important of which is saving souls, beginning with our own.

We are a fraternal organization called to do good works (charity), promote unity, and work together to serve and support of our church and country (fraternity and patriotism).

During our lifetime we’ve seen and been affected by the ever increasing advance of secularization and anti-catholic sentiment among many people especially people in leadership positions and those in the public eye.

With Lent behind us and the Easter season just beginning how did we do this Lent? Were any of your resolutions and works done in the name of the Order? This is what I’d like to reflect on now.

The Challenge:

We live in a society full of promises and promotions. Now-a-days most people are walking and talking ads. There are few items we wear, own or use that aren’t branded in some way for all to see. However, this kind of endorsement is usually not the case when it comes to our faith beliefs and our affiliation with the Church, our parishes, and the Knights of Columbus. When thinking about proclaiming our Christian beliefs, as well as promoting the Knights of Columbus, a statement attributed to St. Francis of Assisi came to mind, namely: “Preach the Gospel and use words if you have to.”

Food for Thought:

The Knights of Columbus and St. Gertrude Respect Life Committee invites the parish to affirm their support of life by supporting the Baby Bottle Fundraiser on behalf of Old St. Mary’s Pregnancy Care Center. Located in Over-The-Rhine and affiliated with the oldest Catholic Church in Cincinnati, Old St. Mary’s provides care and a safe haven for women seeking help with pregnancy concerns.

Bottle returns:

1. Collection boxes are placed in 2 entrances in the church: the side door opposite the Parish center and the entrance by the Mary altar that leads to the parking lot. These boxes will be emptied regularly.
2. Bottles cab be dropped off with Suzy in the Priory or with Jeff Plate in the school.

The Knights of Columbus will distribute self-addressed envelopes with one or two tickets enclosed that we’d like you to sell or purchase. They will be available after all the Masses on March 24 and 25. Tickets are $5 and support various charities of the State Council and Archbishop Elder Council #1195 located at St. Gertrude. The Super Cash Bonanza drawing will be held on Friday, May 25 at the Knights of Columbus Convention in Cincinnati.

The first prize will be $414/month for ten years. Other prizes will be listed in the envelope. You do not need to be present to win. We realize not everyone can contribute, so please do not decrease your normal weekly collection for St. Gertrude Parish in lieu of this opportunity. If you can help, we’d appreciate it. Please put a stamp on the addressed envelope and mail it. For more information, or to obtain extra tickets, please contact Tim Petric at 513-248-4391.

There have been many good things written about the right of Catholics to follow their consciences in healthcare issues. The Knights are thinking that, by having these resources on the website immediately, we can help further the message of the Archbishop and other bishops around the country. The following is a compilation of resources that should help you:

• BULLETIN INSERT from the USCCB
• Archdiocese of Cincinnati Prays for Religious Liberty
• Six Things Everyone Should Know About The HHS Mandate
• Fr. Ezra's Homilies on the Healthcare Issues
• A Forum on Conscience, Liberty and Faith
• Fr. André-Joseph 's From the Pastor 01/29/2012
• A letter from Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr concerning HHS edict
• Statement from Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation
• Open Letter to Congress and the White House
• Letter from the Supreme Knight Knights of Columbus (see attachment)

They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. Mark 1:22

G. K. Chesterton was once lunching with an acquaintance and, as he liked to do, he talked about many things. At some point Chesterton expounded on the relationship between authority and power, saying, “If a rhinoceros were to enter this restaurant right now, there is no denying he would have great power here. But I should be the first to rise and assure him that he had no authority whatsoever” (Fadiman, 117). An ability to compel someone by force or violence is quite distinct from a right to compel someone’s will — it is the difference between the power of a bully and the authority of a parent. Authority does not derive from power, but the other way around.

January 26, 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I write to you concerning an alarming and serious matter that negatively impacts the Church in the United States directly, and that strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith.

The federal government, which claims to be “of, by, and for the people,” has just dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of those people – the Catholic population and to the millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful.

Jerry Trumpey District Deputy for area #10 presented Grand Knight William Malarick with the Star Council Award for 2010-2011. On that same afternoon our Chaplain and Pastor Rev. André-Joseph LaCasse, O.P. at St. Gertrude Parish made his 4th Degree in our Hall in a special Exemplification for clergy. It was a truly beautiful and moving ceremony.