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he Silver Rose Prayer Service held last evening was a resounding success, with nearly 60 people in attendance. The event showcased a powerful demonstration of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity, with almost 30 Brother Knights from the Elder Council and Councils in the Cincinnati Archdiocese actively participating.

Brother Mark Kosobud began the evening with an impactful introduction, setting the tone for the service. Subsequently, Brothers Jim Swift, Phil Motz, Bill Shefcik, Kevin Graham, Rick Bissonnette, and John Leventis guided the parishioners in praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary. Finally, Brother John Mullan engaged the congregation in reading the New Testament.

Fr. Luke and Br. Gregory upheld reverence throughout the prayer service. Fr. Luke delivered a powerful homily about ‘two lives in the wombs’, Our Lord Jesus and the Forerunner, John the Baptist, who changed the world. Christopher Holman’s musical contribution, particularly the rendition of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was truly magnificent.

Lastly, several Knights from other councils who attended the event commended the participation of the priests, a deacon, and the music director. The Silver Rose was a focal point, with numerous attendees taking pictures with it. Several parishioners considered the event inspirational and thanked our council for hosting it.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to all the Brothers who played a vital role in guiding the parishioners before and after the service and then stayed to clean up afterward. A special thanks to Denise Motz and Barbara Swift for their invaluable contribution in cutting and serving the cake during the social gathering that followed the service. Lastly, a big thank you to Worthy Brother Ed Geiser, who generously spent the evening photographing the event and humbly declined to be in any of the pictures. Brother Ed, you truly captured this special evening.

Abp. Elder Council hosted a blood drive on Friday, June 07. Below are the results of the drive:

• We had 22 volunteers try to donate blood.
• We collected 23 units (including red cells).
• Our goal was 38 units.
• 69 potential lives were saved.

During our June business meeting, our Worthy Faith and Community Director, Brother John Leventis, discussed his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve the goal. Thank you, Brother John, for giving it your all.

Thank you to the eight Brothers who donated blood. Your donations made a significant difference.

If you could not donate, but plan to donate at a Hoxworth Center, please remember to use the code SEQ. St. Gertrude and the Elder Council will receive credit for your donation, furthering our impact on the community.

Jim Hook and I had another good day at the Serenelli House. See attached pics that can be posted to our web site.

We plan to have an extra workday next Wednesday, April 24. Start close to 9:30, finish before 1. No lunch to be provided.
We want to get the drop ceiling installed in the lower level.

Jim and I are planning to help along with one of the “Regulars”, Tony. If a couple more folks attend, we could maybe make some progress upstairs as well.

We recently held another successful Top Golf fundraiser, attended by over 50 of our Brothers, friends, and family. The morning was filled with healthy competition, fun, and the spirit of Brotherhood. Our Worthy Chaplain, Fr. John Paul Walker, O.P., blessed all the attendees and prayed for those who will receive the wheelchairs.

Due to other commitments, Fr. John Paul could only stay for about 45 minutes, but he came anyway to offer blessings and support to the Council. He even hit a few golf balls, reverting to his college form.

The event was a great success, and we want to acknowledge the hard work and effort in planning and executing it. To our Worthy Treasurer, Brother Dale Walczak, and Worthy Brother Mark Holland, we cannot thank you enough for everything you did to make this event possible. The Brothers of the Elder Council TRULY APPRECIATE you.

Worthy Brother Dale hasn’t provided the final figures yet, but he has informed me that we have raised over $2,000. This surpasses our target of $1,500 to purchase 10 wheelchairs for the Global Wheelchair mission, a significant contribution that will provide people in need with the gift of mobility.

I want to thank all our sponsors: Ferrari’s Little Italy, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Pella Windows, Rug Gallery, Sterling Cut Glass, Volz CPA, and Woodward Construction. Your generous gifts and donations helped us raise funds for this noble cause, and we are truly grateful for their support.

The Rise and Shine breakfast was delicious, and there was plenty of food for everyone to enjoy. The competition ranged from professional golfers like Team Sodergren to Fr. John Paul’s Knuckleheads. I want to thank my teammates, Worthy Brothers David Brecount and Jim Hook, who were gracious enough to tolerate my enormous handicap. Thank you for practicing the virtues of patience and kindness.

Team Sodergren, led by our Worthy Brother Andrew, was the clear winner of the tournament. Not only did they win the team award, but Andrew was also the winner of the Putting Contest, and another team member won the Longest Drive – displaying their true golf prowess. It may be fitting to say, “Break Up Team Sodergren,” as it was once said about the great New York Yankees.

The attached pictures from the event are courtesy of Brother Mark Holland.

Thanks to everyone for their support!

Precious Blood Assembly Faith Captain Dale Bottoms Presents Chalice to Transitional Deacon and Seminarian Matt Montag

Worthy Brothers, one of the benefits of being a Knight of the Fourt Degree is that upon your death, you can have your name inscribed on a chalice that is bequeathed to a priest or parish. This is a good way to be remembered and prayed for at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Last month, in memory of Richard “Dick” Wysong, Precious Blood Assembly gave a Chalice with his name to Seminarian Matt Montag who will be ordained this May. Matt, and his dad Al, are members of Abp. Elder Council. Dick Wysong served as Past Grand Knight of St. Michael Council, Past Faithul Navigator of St. Isaac Jogues Assembly, District Deputy, Community Chapter Secretary and Vice President, Master of Southern and Western Ohio Districts, and was a Charter Member of Precious Blood Assembly. He was also a recipient of the Cincinnati Chapter William Rieckelman Award as Greater Cincinnati Knight of the Year for 2010.