Grand Knight's Report:

Dear Brothers:

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. . . . If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.1Cor 12:12, 26-27.

I thank the many members who attended, physically or in thought, our appreciation dinner.  Congratulations to Matt Martin Family for their continued hard work at a few of our dinners, as well as their work with Fr. Alfredo and the mostly Hispanic worshipers, and the energy of their dancing daughters.  We all rejoiced with the Knight of the year, Bob Wyman.  He is usually the first and the last in the monthly breakfast kitchen, as well as the donut Sundays.  Space prohibits inclusion of their many, many more efforts.  Clearly a dozen Knights could have been so honored, and I am so happy to have been inspired by each of you.  And Thank You for a Fourth Degree ring, and starting a new, hopefully, tradition.  I have every confidence that your next Grand Knight will merit a ring for every finger.

Still coming, this year, but over by the time you read this, will be the Clergy appreciation dinner and the State Convention.  We may have one more first degree if the potential candidates confirm.  Be sure to attend the June3 meeting for details on the July 4^th GALA weekend.  I think We will need every body, spouse and friend to work at least one shift each of the 4 days.

Thoughts for the month:

1. Worry ends where Faith Begins.

2. ASAP=always say a prayer.

God bless and protect you all. 

Vivat Jesus!

Steve Haugh,
Grand Knight
k284@mc.net

Deputy Grand Knight's Report:

Dear Brothers:

From the messy, cluttered desk of your Worthy Deputy Grand Knight….

Greetings, Brother Knights and faithful readers!

It IS Spring! And with the warm weather, life springs eternal. It is a time for rejoicing in the re-birth of the earth as things turn green with new growth. And pride is all around us. pride in what our God can do to the dark, cold, damp and brown earth. And its inhabitants.

I have a LOT of pride right now. Personally and in our Council. On the home front, my ‘baby’ has graduated from college! Was that a quick 22 ½ years that has flown by? Yeah, it really did fly by. Last week we had the honor of attending two ceremonies. On Wednesday evening she graduated from Honors College and the University of Illinois at Chicago. UIC has grown from that little ‘circle’ college at Maxwell Street downtown into one of the top research universities in the country. I think they said they now rank in the top 5. So for her to graduate from the Honors College was something special. Listening to her accomplishments certainly made her parents pretty proud that night. But then the next night was the actual graduation ceremony from the University. We were already well aware that she had been chosen to give the “Student Response” as it was officially called. It means she gave the final speech of the evening addressing the assembly with her views, memories and goals for life after school. So we sat with pride as she was part of the entourage on stage with the all the dignitaries. And then right before her speech all three of us were stunned as she was presented the Dean’s Award. To have the Dean talk about all that she has contributed, outside of her studies, to the college really made you swell with pride and choke up at the same time. And then her speech. Well, she had written it over the past few weeks and was ready to go with it. But then while she was home over the weekend, she decided at the last minute she really didn’t like it. So a couple of nights before she was home and up late, talking on the phone with a couple of close friends late into the night and early morning having them listen to her new ideas and the talk took shape in her mind. Needless to say, the talk blew the socks off of the audience, and those on the dais, and the applause was sweet music to our ears. What a way to end another phase of hers and our lives.

And then a few days later we had the Annual Appreciation Dinner. It was disappointing in the very light turn out, but that was everyone else’s misfortune who was not there. The GK did us all proud with a great event. Knight of the Year was presented to Brother, Sir Knight, Bob Wyman!  Bobbie seemed genuinely surprised. Which is part of the reason he deserved it. I have had the pleasure of watching him grow into such a great asset to this Council, our Parish and the Knights in general. “Doing a yeomen’s job” as the old saying goes, does not do justice to all that he does for us. Congratulations, Bobbie, you got it because you deserved it. And I was proud when the GK had some very flattering words to say about me, which even surprised my wife!!! lol! And he presented me with a beautiful pair of Knights of Columbus emblem cuff links which I will wear with pride. But then we turned the tables and presented him with a Past Grand Knights ring, which really took him by surprise. But he earned it with all that he has done for us these past two years. It will be a tough act to follow. But it was deserved, Steve, and it was my very easy job to be standing right behind you. It was interesting to note that you did not miss one meeting in all that time, just as you never failed us in leading in whatever came our way. Thanks!

Peace and see you around.

Peace!

John Stefani,
Deputy Grand Knight
jstefani44@aol.com

Fourth Degree Report:

Bishop Boylan Assembly 0198 4^Th Degree Update.

Greetings Sir Knights and Worthy Brother Knights of Council 3880 and all of our faithful readers!

At the May business meeting of the Bishop Boylan Assembly, the nominations for officers for the upcoming year were announced. I am going to be the Faithful  Comptroller one more time (well, at least J ) but even cooler, Brother, Sir Knight Mike Jasinski has been nominated for the office of Scribe. Which is the 4^th Degree version of the Council’s Recorder. Thanks, Mike, for volunteering! Another nice addition at the meeting was the appearance of Brother, Sir Knight Steve Bright. Steve was the one behind over 20 of us taking our 4^th Degree a number of years ago.

You may have already seen some great pictures in this edition of the Worthy Grand Knight, Steve and myself in Regalia at the beautiful dedication of the statue of the Blessed Virgin on May 17^th. Sir Knight Jasinski also had his regalia now, and although he was there in tux, some other events caused him to get there a little late to dress. But I can not tell you how proud and happy that I am that we now have at least four of us that are able to provide an Honor Guard.

This coming Saturday, May 24^th, the parish will have it’s annual Corpus Christi procession (which is usually on Sunday, but the Monsignor wants to do it on Saturday evening instead this year). The Grand Knight and I have provided the Honor Guard for the past several years, and I think it would be spectacular if we can do it this year with at least four of us! And that is not even taking into account Sir Bright’s awesome sword salute and chapeau removal all at one time.  Did you get to see that in person? I have never seen it before… is he talented or what??? Sir Punda, if you had gotten a picture of that, the bidding for the negative would still be going on!!!! lol

Well, with the elections coming up soon, and the installation next month, not too much else is going on right now for the Assembly. It does not look like we will be doing many parades, as the trailer we used is gone, although we may have some opportunities coming up… stay tuned for more!

Please visit our web-site as well for additional info. http://www.maxpages.com/bba198

Peace!

SK John Stefani,
Faithful Comptroller,
Bishop Boylan Assembly 0198
Jstefani44@aol.com

Membership Report:

First Degree News

 The April blitz is nearly over and the response has been non-existent.  The council has no new form 100s from any currently active member.  With close to 300 members, one would think that there would be at least a 1% response (3 new candidates).

The council needs to do better if we hope to survive in the future.  There is still time to contact that one last person you know who would be a perfect candidate for the K of C.  Stay tuned for the next 1^st degree..

All current knights should attend to show their support for any new candidates and see what is new within the council. For membership information; please contact Bill Bransley at 815-793-3595.

Bill Bransley
Membership Director
wbransley@parker.com

Crystal Lake Gala

Crystal Lake Gala!!!

Well, this is getting interesting, to say the least. With all of the controversy over the 2008 Crystal Lake Gala, a little more behind the scenes jockeying is taking place. I don’t have all of the answers as this is written, but want to bring everyone up to speed on it. Please be sure to read the minutes in this issue, as there should be more in there. And PLEASE watch your e-mail, there should be running updates on this. I will not be in town for the June meeting because of work, but will pass along the most current info at that time. The Gala this year is being held over four days instead of the usual three. And we are being asked to do this for less money. Which comes out to considerably less for the extra time involved. With the holiday actually falling during the event, being held July 3-6, it will be a very busy and long weekend. And we, and I, have a problem with that. this is and has been a major fund raiser for us the past few years, but I feel that we are being taken advantage of by the Gala Committee. A feeling that is shared by the Lions as they will be pouring beer this year, again for the extra day, but also again at a cut in pay, as it were.

I presented to the Council at the May Business Meeting that we need to re-consider even doing this. It was gratifying, yet also very challenging, to hear 99.9% of the members who stood up give me full support for making the decision to do it this year or not.

I am working towards finding a happy resolution for both parties. Our ‘payment’ from them has been cut over that last several years, yet they are making record amounts of money on the Gala. Kind of like the price of gas keeps going up, yet the gas companies are posting profits in the billions. We need some evening of the playing field here.

I don’t want the Council taken advantage of, yet I don’t want to see us lose more potential income. So keep your fingers crossed, and if it turns out we do the event, please come out and help!

So keep tuned to the Council e-mails that Tim sends out. 

Peace, DGK John.

For questions or to volunteer, 1 815-679-6596 or jstefani44@aol.com

Clergy Night:

Clergy Night 2008 is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2008.  The Clergy Night 2008 Committee is still being formed, with Mike Chmiel again serving as Chair.  The work of the Committee will likely involve the acquisition of door prizes and the coordination of sponsors. 

Clergy Night 2008 will likely follow the format of the last two years, where the event would begin with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by introductions at 7:00 p.m., a buffet dinner at 7:15 p.m., and door prizes at 8:00 p.m.  With no increase in price for at least two years, the price may increase to $30 per person so that all of the expenses (and guests) of the event can be covered.  Sponsors will likely be sought to cover the cost of the dinner, the bar, wine for the tables, and door prizes.  Once again, golf will be available through the Club but will not be officially linked to the event.

Subject to final approval by the Council, the Chair is recommending that the event be held on June 26th, with hopes that a continued increase in numbers will provide for the event being annually set for the last Thursday in June.  The end of June works to cover clergy prior to moves to new assignments which largely take effect at the beginning of July, as a thank you and farewell.  Also, the timing serves to welcome clergy who have been newly assigned to the McHenry Deanery.

Subject to final approval by the Council, the Chair is recommending that the event be held at Cary Country Club again due to the continued hospitality experienced there.

Subject to final approval by the Council, the Chair is recommending that the format for the event be the same as before, where all appeared to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Cary Country Club, the selection offered through the buffet-style dinner, and the opportunity to select from among a variety of door prizes, including shirts, books, beverages, and gift cards.

Last year, the other councils of the McHenry Deanery were invited to attend.  This year, the other councils should be invited to attend again as clergy from throughout the Deanery will be invited.  To the extent any other council or person sponsors any of the items noted above, that council or person will be noted as a sponsor at the event.

Last year, the priests, sisters, and deacons of the Deanery were invited to attend with fantastic results. deacons will likely be invited this year as well.

If you would like to join the Clergy Night 2008 Committee, or if you would like to offer any comment, suggestion, and question, please contact the Chair at chmielmike@aol.com or at Post Office Box 2425, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60039-2425.

April/May Thoughts:

Upon many requests, I provide that which was supposed to be my May letter, abridged to delete irrelevancies.  Anybody want to teach me about computers, E-mail etc? 

Complete article available upon request.

*And Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.  For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.”  Luke l: 46-48.*

When I was in 2d grade my sister was in 8^th.  She and all the eldest girls in my school wore lovely white lace on May 1 for Mary’s May Day Parade.  They needed a cute little boy in tight white stockings that went up to bulging shorts that just barely covered his butt, and a pillow with a feather in it on his head.  That was the first time I was drafted.  I begged my dad to stop it, but he said it would be good practice to do what I was told in case I ever got married.  I spent the next 12 years planning to be a priest.  No, you can not see the picture.  No, I have never worn socks or panties like that again.  Dad didn’t even come to the procession, as he said he’d be laughing too hard.

The point is May Day and the entire month was dedicated to Mary.  I don’t know if it still is as I don’t recall seeing anything recently about it.  I have noticed that quite a few Knights don’t know the Memorare.  Sure, it is not technically part of the Rosary, but is on Kevin’s tape.  I will make copies of it for you, and we will recite it to open and close our May meeting.  Please consider coming to the May rosary at 7:30 P.M, before our meeting, on May 6.  If you don’t show I may punish you by sending you a picture of me in second grade on June 1.

2 recent articles in the Observer caught my attention.  The first concerned the drop in U.S. Catholics, except for immigrants.  I am puzzled by the low numbers below the Mason Dixon line, rising above 10% in the “Bible belt” only in Georgia, Louisiana and Texas.  Why aren’t we the Bible Belt?  As Fr. Corapi says, it’s time to take it back!

The second was the “Major step forward in the Canonization of Fr. McGivney, when Pope Benedict approved a decree of “heroic virtues.”  I’ll bring that article to the next meeting.

I was very pleased at our last social.  I sat in the corner hearing confessions, but watched all the members just talking, in groups of 3-5, switching places to visit with others, just like a family get together.  Thank you, my brothers.

State Kamporee is June 6-8, see me for details.

Thought for the month:  Why is it so hard to hit a curve ball in baseball, but so easy in golf?

God bless and protect you all. 

Vivat Jesus.

Steve Haugh,
Grand Knight
k284@mc.net

Monthly Breakfast:

This started out looking like it was going to be pretty good, even at all three masses, but the final tally showed that we really fell short. This was a surprise to all of us.

We had total sales of $737.00 and total expenses of $490.66, for a net to the Council of $246.34.

If this is broken down, it means we served about 165 people. Not very many. I normally blame the lower net on food costs, eggs in particular. Eggs have gone from less than 4 cents each to over thirteen cents each in the past 18 months .. in the past 8 months they have gone from less than $15.00 for a case of 15 dozen to $23.86, or about double.

We at the breakfast have been talking about this for several months, and I have been hesitant to do it, but the time has come to raise our prices. We currently charge $4.50 for our regular menu items, and $5.00 or $5.50 for the special menu items. We also have a family plan. There are also Senior discounts on all the meals. These have to be raised and we will put out notices that beginning with the June 22^nd breakfast, all prices will be raised by $.50. That really isn't much, it means that for an average breakfast, we will realize an additional $80. ­$90. in gross.

 My main concern is the continual decrease in attendance. We could look to changing the menu, but we have added to it over the years, adding additional meat items, additional omelets, a variety of breads, etc. We continue to provide boxes of cereal at no extra charge, yet if you help with the family shopping, or just go and ask your wives, cereal prices have risen dramatically.

 I don't believe that cutting the offerings will increase the attendance. Maybe it would be just the opposite. Maybe the prices need to be raised to more accurately reflect our costs. But I have been in charge of the breakfast for almost a dozen years, and we have always looked at it as both a community event of fraternal fellowship with our parish family, and, to a lesser degree, a fund raiser.

 I really don't want to charge 6 or 7 dollars a meal, but that could be an option. And, hey, the food is worth that!

DGK John