Abp. Elder Council are once again humbled and grateful for the amazing turnout and hard work by the parishioners of St. Gertrude. This morning’s installation of the Crosses of the Innocents went so smoothly and quickly due to all the wonderful volunteers. Also, a special thank you to our Worthy Chaplain and Pastor of St. Gertrude, Fr. George Schommer, O.P., for his support, leading us in prayer, and bestowing a blessing upon all involved. Finally, a special recognition again should go to Brother Knight, Larry Sendelbach. Larry provides us with all the crosses, signs, equipment, and knowledge for creating this powerful memorial.
Vivat Jesus!
Fr. George Schommer, O.P. prays with and blesses the volunteers
My wife Debra and I have been parishioners at St. Gertrude since 2014. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Knights will not be able to share their personal stories before Mass this year so I will do my best to share the meaning of becoming a Knight in written word. I can personally attest that joining the Knights of Columbus has enabled me to deepen my faith and make me a better man.
I have been a Knight for three years and my only regret is that I did not join sooner. It was something I always wanted to do but there were always the demands of the job, business travel, and family obligations that prompted me to conclude “maybe next year”. Three years ago, I realized something was missing and if not now, when? I stopped by a table to learn more about the Knights of Columbus after Mass. What I quickly learned was that there was a true brotherhood based on faith, aligned values, support systems, and the flexibility to engage at the level that is right for you.
Today, I am the Chancellor for Archbishop Elder Council and I have enjoyed the enriching experience of being part of an organization of Catholic men dedicated to building a bridge back to faith and service. That is the mission of the Knights. We develop and support:
Faith through weekly Adoration, completing the Five First Saturday’s Marian devotion, and praying the rosary together.
Family events like our Christmas party, Chili Cookoffs, and making delicious pancakes!
Communities through soup kitchens, programs for our Veterans, and launching the “Leave No Neighbor Behind” Program with food and blood drives at our Parish.
Life by installing 4,000 white crosses on the parish lawn, collecting money in baby bottles to donate to Old St. Mary’s Pregnancy Center, and our latest ultra-sound initiative.
If you are searching for a way to put your faith into action during these extraordinary times, please stop by our table after Mass on September 26 and 27 or go to the Knights of Columbus or Elder Council websites to learn more – www.kofc.org or www.elderkofc.org
(LtoR) Districy Deputy & Elder Trustee Mark Kosobud, PGK Tom Hahn, PGK Bob Stucker, GK Phil Motz, Deputy Grand Knight Pete Marcello, and Treasurer Bill Shefcik.
Worth Grand Knight, Phil Motz, and Elder Council Officers present PGK Bob Stucker, with a plaque and ball cap in fraternal gratitude and appreciation for his service as our Council’s Past Grand Knight. Thank you Worthy Brother Bob!
On Monday, July 27th, Abp. Elder Council hosted a Blood Drive for Hoxworth Blood Drive at St. Gertrude Church. Once again, St. Gertrude Parishioners, the brothers of Elder Council, and our family and friends really came through. Hoxworth set us up with 51 appointment slots. We had 38 scheduled appoints and 32 people giving blood (28 whole blood donations and 4 Red Cell donations). This was a huge success for our Council, Hoxworth Blood Center, and most importantly, those in need of blood. Abp. Elder Council is doing our best to leave no neighbor behind. Vivat Jesus!
