Grand Knight's Report:

Dear Brothers:

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

Greetings, Brother Knights and faithful readers…

Spring is in full swing now, both for the world in general and more to the point, for the Council. As both the calendar and the Fraternal year are progressing, we seem to be getting more involved again. Which like the promise of spring, lives new hope to everything we do. We have made decisions to disperse more of our funds, and in return we seem to be reaping a little more. And isn’t that the way it goes? Isn’t that the promise we received?

As I sit and write this, this time in Suffolk, Virginia, the Council pulled off another venture, by serving a catered breakfast at the same time the we held the regular monthly breakfast. And the guys in the kitchen are getting really good at this… I wasn’t even there, as I was boarding an early flight out here. But from all reports they did their usual spectacular job. And so we fed a lot of people, made a lot of happy people, and will make even more people smile when we think about how that money will be spent for Charity.

This coming weekend as I write this we are holding our Annual Major Degree on Sunday, May 23^rd. It is really great that we are hearing from so many Councils around the state that will be bringing candidates for the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Degrees. Not so good that we are not having a lot of new candidates from our own Council for at least 1^st Degree. We do have some going up a degree or two, so that is a good sign. But it again appears that the function will go down as a success, another achievement for Membership Director Rick Kendzior.

And the Friday and Saturday before our Ladies Auxiliary held their first Annual Yard Sale.. and knowing them it was also a huge success… another new charitable fund raiser for us. So these events are now ‘past’ as you are likely reading this…

But as always, more to come! On Sunday, May 30^th, St. Thomas the Apostle will be holding their Confirmation, so the 4^th Degree Assembly Honor Guard will be there at the noon Mass to escort Bishop Doran and the Confirmandi as they process into our beautiful church. But for many of us, that is the second Mass of the day as the 9:00 A< Mass that day is another of our 5^th Sunday Memorial Masses, where we gather as a Council to celebrate ALL of our Brother Knights, living and deceased.

Then the following Tuesday brings the Business meeting and the election of Officers for the coming Fraternal Year. Plan on attending that and showing your full support for Grand Knight Elect Vince Esposito!

The following weekend is the Annual Polish Dinner, once again chaired by Worthy Warden / Chairman Mike Jasinski. There will be prep work done starting Friday morning around 9 AM, and then the major work done all day Saturday. I will be part of the Friday team as I will be working another fund raiser on Saturday in the city. But I trust there will be many of you there throughout the day and evening on Saturday to see that the dinner is the usual Council 3880 success.

June The 15^th is the Installation of the new Officers and the Dinner.

A few days later is the Annual Clergy Appreciation dinner hosted by Brother Mike Chmiel.  This has always been well received by the Clergy of our Deanery, and I encourage ALL Brother Knights and spouses to attend. It not only is a great show of faith to our clergy, but the more that attend the better off financially for us. Mike always does a great job, but with more of us attending, and maybe sponsoring a member of the Clergy, it helps the bottom line. And this year Mike has a new venue for the dinner. It will be held at Benedict’s in beautiful Downtown Crystal Lake.

Just like attending the Major Degree. Are YOU a First or Second Degree member?  

3880 … the greatest Council in the Knights of Columbus!! Come and be proud…let’s help each other help everyone else!    

Peace, and see you around

Vivat Jesus! 

John Stefani
Grand Knight,
Fr. McCormick Council 3880
jstefani44@aol.com

Deputy Grand Knight's Report:

Dear Brothers:

The Lord be with you, and with your Spirit. Just one of the “new” responses and prayers that will be implemented in the near future by the Church. Taking the literal translation of the Latin Mass the Church is trying to go back to the basics. We who are old enough to remember the Latin Mass and responses also remember going through the motions of the Mass but not really feeling the Mass. Then came Vatican II and reform. The Latin was slowly turned into the vernacular of the country where the Mass was being said. The parishioners were finally let in on the meaning of the Mass and the veil of mystery was lifted. The Mass over the years was changed to add contemporary music.  Baptismal and Funeral rites were altered.  Sanctus bells were put away because the congregation was now paying attention to the Eucharistic prayers and can see the Elevation of the Host because the priest was now facing them. 

In the back of the minds of the old people, meaning the one who remember the Latin Mass, was the thought that maybe the reform had taken away the Catholic identity. We of course had not gone as far as Wesleyan reform but we were feeling sort of bare boned.  We kind of missed the Gregorian chants, Latin language songs such as Agnus Dei, Panis Angelicus and O Sanctissima.  Maybe just maybe there could be a happy median between all Latin and pushing Protestantism. 

Well with the new English translation of The Order of the Mass we maybe getting closer to that median.  I’m not sure what is in store for the music but as for the prayers we’ll be going back to what we used to say before we knew what we were saying because the Mass was in Latin.  Some of the “tweaks” done to the prayers may just surprise you or get your attention on why we changed the words we use now to the new wording. We’ll remember the Confiteor and why the actions we did when saying this prayer.  The Gloria will have some different words but there again maybe we remember Laudamus te. Benedicimus te. Adoramus te. Glorificamus te. (We praise you, we bless You, we adore You, we glorify You. 

We’ll see how this plays out around churches and Dioceses in the United States. Will it play in Peoria? I think it will be a smashing hit.

Vivat Jesus,

DGK Vince Esposito
VPEsposito@comcast.net

(815) 459-6615
1238 Amberwood Dr.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Chancellor's Chat:

Reflection over the last 11 months has brought me to the realization that some of my fellow officers will be moving up to new chairs and others have decided to move to different areas to help our council. These comments, though, are pending the Vote during our June business meeting.

First, GK, John Stefani—thank you for all that you have done, are doing and hopefully will continue and good luck moving into the 3 yr. Trustee, DGK, Vince Esposito—Thanx and best of luck moving forward. Me, I’m following Vince up—good luck to all of us!. Scott Popp—thanx for an excellent job as Recorder. You’ll be a great Chancellor.

Treasurer, Bob Wyman and Warden, Mike Jasinski. I’m sorry you’re not moving forward. I know it was a tough decision for both of you and you’re leaving some mighty big shoes to fill.

Advocate, John Scott—thanx for staying on as our council Advocate. And congratulations to Matt Martin stepping up from Outside Guard to Treasurer, Bob Newport stepping up from Outside Guard to Recorder and Glenn LaBello moving up to Inside Guard.

When elected, good luck to both Mike Bradley and Kevin Scanlan to Outside Guard.

Two excellent officers who are appointed, PGK, Financial Secretary, Steve Haugh and Lecturer, Pat Bradley  - great job.

And our Trustees. We are saying goodbye to PGK, Pat Maguire who ends his three year term and Bob Thomas and Phil Weyna who continue on.

These men are just a few who keep this council moving forward.

Elections are June 1, 2010. Anyone can be nominated from the floor to any of these offices. Good luck to the nominees and let’s continue the traditions of Fr. McCormick Council 3880!

Tim Hicklin

Fourth Degree Report:

Bishop Boylan Assembly 0198
4^Th Degree Update.

Greetings Sir Knights, Brother Knights and family and friends! First of all, at the recent Council meeting, it was reported that at the State Convention it was announced that our Assembly, Bishop Boylan 0198, would host the next local

4th Degree Exemplification in Crystal Lake, this coming October. This pretty much surprised me. One, I knew that Faithful Navigator Jerry Smith and I had agreed to be put on the host list at last November’s Exemplification meeting in Rockford, and two, as the Faithful Comptroller, I have a pretty big part in that and was clueless! So to set the record straight: there WILL be an exemplification in October at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake, but NOT hosted by 0198. We of course will take part in this, and possibly host the evening Mass at St. Thomas. We are on the list to be the host Assembly in 2013.  However, this coming October is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a Sir Knight. It close to home and would afford family members to be there for the evening celebration. It is always great to see children, grown and otherwise be there for their Dad as he stands in acceptance of a rousing cheer and applause in his tuxedo, being honored by his fellow Knights. So, think about it, as I know there are several of you out there who have talked to me in the past about becoming 4th Degree. I have the blue Form 4 on hand, and would love to give you one to fill out. I would be just as proud to Sponsor any member of Father McCormick Council # 3880 who is ready to take the final step to full Knighthood in the Order.

The recent Assembly meeting held a few weeks ago saw us dispersing some funds for a number of charitable and Patriotic organizations. Just as the Principle of the First Degree is Charity, the guiding Principle of the Fourth is Patriotism. We had a presentation a few months ago by SK Gerald Lazalde, of McHenry Council 1288, for something called Operation Bandana. There is a group that makes the camo bandanas, with a Psalm on it, and present them to our military personnel. These have a couple of important features… they provide the usual do-rag function of a head cover with a little comfort under a helmet, are especially useful in a the dessert, AND, have a religious theme in the Psalm being printed on them. A little comfort and a little inspiration. So we donated $200.00 to have them sent in our name to an entire Platoon. There are other levels, but this is a nice entry level one, that we just might want to look at as well.

The next meeting, on Wednesday, June 9th, will be election of Officers for the upcoming Fraternal Year. Brother SK Dan O’Connell joins me on the list of nominees this year as the Scribe. Thanks for the company, Dan. Sadly, Brother SK Mike Jasinski, who has so aptly served the past couple of years as Pilot and Scribe, has found it necessary to drop out of the chairs for business reasons. As usual and expected by those who know him, Mike did a great job in both positions, and especially as the Scribe in seeing that the minutes where once again published and distributed, something that fell by the wayside a few years back. But knowing Mike he will still show up and be around and of course show up constantly in his Regalia for as many Honor Guards as he can make. But when you see him, thank him for his time in the chairs, and give Dan a pat on the back for stepping forward.

Next up for the Honor Guard will be at the Confirmation at St. Thomas on Sunday, May 30th at the noon mass.

Hope to see even more of you at the Assembly meetings, and please talk to me or Mike or Dan or Steve or Steve or any of the other 30 plus Sir Knights in our Council about becoming a 4^th Degree Sir Knight! 

Check out the updated webpage when you can.

http://www.maxpages.com/bba198

Give me a call or send an e-mail 815 679-6596  KofC0198Comptroller@live.com  
or grandknight@kofc3880.org

Peace!

SK John Stefani,
Faithful Comptroller,
Bishop Boylan Assembly 0198

Membership Report:

What a Major Degree we had Sunday, May 23,2010, the feast of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit must have moved 13 people to complete their 1st Degree and well over 50 people finishing their second and third.

The First Degree team from Fr. McCormick Council 3880 started off the exemplification followed by John Paul Degree Team.

The event was superbly run and Membership Director, Rick Kendzior, should be commended for a superhuman effort.

It is unknown when we held a Major Degree that so well attended.

Last, but not least, Thanks to GK, John Stefani and Fr. McCormick Council for serving and cleaning up. It was a wonderful Chicken Dinner that capped off the day perfectly.

Our council welcomes in new brothers Mike Bakalar and Dennis Faulds who joined brothers Ken Pearson and Paul Cuchna in completing their journey to full Knighthood.

 For more Membership information please contact Rick Kendzior at membership@kofc3880.org or (847) 669-6780.

Pro-Life Report:

Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer

President, Human Life International 

Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer (EYE-ten-our) became president of Human Life International in December 2000. Human Life International is the world's largest pro-life organization with affiliate offices and associates in eighty countries around the world. In nine years of service to this unique mission Fr. Euteneuer has traveled more than one million miles as a pro-life missionary and has visited fifty-seven countries.  Recentlty he wrote the following about the political life of our country:

Anyone who has watched national politics closely in the past year and a half has seen a panoply of aggressive political moves that are reported about in hostile terms. There are government "takeovers" of huge industries, public officials "moving against" businesses and individuals, court decisions "striking down" statutes and executive initiatives "attacking" fundamentally sane institutions and plans. Even in times of war, I don't think we have ever had such violent social and political maneuvering in our public life. The worst aspect of it is that all the rapaciousness is directed inward. If we were laying waste the enemies of the innocent citizens of our society in the same way we are consuming our own healthy institutions, how different our public life would be! The current hostile initiatives are nothing of the sort, however. They are essentially demonic takeovers of sacred institutions by the pagans who hold the reins of power.

Let me be clear: I am not saying that our public officials are demons. I am saying that they are acting like demons. Demons lie, cheat and steal - obsessively. It is their nature. Once the demons rejected God, they fell into a dark world devoid of love and dominated by the ethic of the survival of the fittest where "might is right". The human beings that serve them act in much the same way when they implement their agendas and policies. Whenever they are in control of institutions or governments, they lie, cheat and steal. In their minds, they are right because they have the might - and to the victors go the spoils.

But what did we expect, really? Our nation elected unabashedly pagan representatives who are possessed of a tapestry of unclean ideologies who have an almost religious fervor in advancing their control over greater sectors of our common life and economy. The sad part is that these people who govern us are simply being true to their convictions: before the election, they were not abashed in telling us how radical they are, and now we are reaping the fruits of the demonic agenda of the death and destruction that they have brought with them.

I would despair of this situation had I not met so many decent and God-fearing Americans who do not agree with the mainstreaming of paganism into our culture. I have met the virtuous side of America, and it is to these that I write these words of encouragement: be strong! We must be true to the core Christian principles that made this nation great! Be not afraid of the severe conflicts with the pagan world that we will have to endure in the very near future. We are not alone in this battle. There are many more moral and decent Americans than we realize. It's just that the good ones are busy about raising families and keeping the basic fabric of our society intact. They are not the hedonists and manipulators that strive obsessively to control public discourse and institutions. They are there in the background and form the true foundation of our society.

In time, the proper spiritual leadership will emerge which will bind us together and form us into a fighting force called the Church Militant - the only spiritual force that can truly resist the hostile spiritual takeover of our nation. Let us not forget, however, that we must get down on our knees and beg, plead, and implore God to restore our once-great nation to its grandeur. We will not see the dawn of a renewed nation without prayer and sacrifice. The momentum of righteousness, consisting of all the humble goodness taking place at the grass-roots level of the Church and society, will eventually build, and we will take back our nation - not only at the ballot box but above all in the hearts and minds of all those who love God and are doing their best to love their neighbor. We will then be able to cast out the unclean spirits that are destroying everything that we hold sacred, and society will once again be governed by righteous men. For such an end we place our deepest hope in Christ, our true and only Savior!

PGK, Phil Weyna
Pro-Life Chairman

April Monthly Breakfast:

April Breakfast Report!

The Monthly Breakfast’s just keep on rolling. April was no exception. Well, this was the first month in the last 5 that we did not gross over $1,000.00, but we only missed by less than $90.00, so all in all a good day. Well, a weird day… the 7:30 mass was much better than usual, but after the 9:00 AM mass, people seemed to have disappeared in droves.. this was probably the smallest turnout for a 9 o’clock mass I can remember. But then, the crowd after the 2 10:30 masses just about made up for that.

Expenses ran a little higher as we had been depleting the inventory the last couple of months so had to do some re-stocking. But we were still able to realize a little over $300.00 in profit for the Council, so we are staying above our budget goal for the year.

We continue to get new diners and new workers showing up, and had a few ‘volunteer’ servers who are looking to earn some credit hours for Confirmation.

Going forward, the May breakfast will be interesting… for the second time this year, we have been asked to hold a ‘catered’ breakfast downstairs here during the regular breakfast upstairs. This will be for the St. Thomas choir. They are hosting a farewell event for a long time accompanist, and decided to do it with a breakfast after the 9 AM Mass. So we will once again set-up downstairs, hoping the Worthy F.S. will again head that up, and serve a buffet of scrambled eggs, hash browns, pork sausage, bacon, corned beef hash, croissants, juice, etc., for about 40 to 50 people. We are giving a special discounted price to the choir members, but any guests or family members will pay a slightly higher cost. So we will make a profit off of this. Okay, and here was the kicker on this breakfast… I was out of town on business that day!!! However, I have no fear that the Breakfast Crew will not perform to the top of their form.. as usual! We will re-cap this next month.

So, come on out and enjoy, on either side of the wall, or both, as many of you do! Peace!  John

Cheers and hope to see you at a breakfast coming up! 

John 

Wally's World:

I ran across this question and answer quiz. Thought you may find it interesting.

 What U.S. holiday is celebrated on June 14th?

Flag Day. This special day is to commemorate the resolution passed on June 14, 1777 by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, creating the first official flag of the new nation

The Battle of Little Big Horn took place on June 25, 1876. What is it commonly known as?

Custer's Last Stand. Gold discovered in nearby hills caused an influx of white prospectors into Native American territory, causing the tensions that led to the battle.

This comedic actor was born on June 16, 1890. Who was he?

Stan Laurel. Born Arthur Stanley Jefferson in Ulverston, Lancashire, England. Laurel became the skinny half of the first great motion picture comedy team

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, on June 28, 1914, led to the outbreak of World War I. Where did this event take place?

Sarajevo. Franz Ferdinand was the son of Archduke Charles Louis and nephew of Emperor Francis Joseph

Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926. What was her birth name?

Norma Jean Mortenson. Norma Jean Mortenson later took her mother's name, Baker

D-Day, June 6 1944, was the day in which the Allies stormed the beaches of Normandy. What was the name given to the entire cross channel attack operation?

Operation Overlord. Under the supreme command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Operation Overlord heralded the liberation of France and subsequently the end of the war in Europe.

This prominent political figure was shot on June 5, 1968, and died the following day, June 6th. Who was it?           

Robert F. Kennedy. Former U.S. Attorney General, Robert Kennedy was campaigning for the presidential nomination, when he was murdered in Los Angeles.

Which controversial figure died on June 4, 1989?

Ayatollah Khomeini. Khomeini returned to Iran, from exile in Paris, to spearhead the Islamic Revolution.

Another event made news headlines across the world on June 4, 1989. What was it?

2000 troops began the Tianemen Square crackdown. Troops crushed what was known as the Tianemen Square democracy movement. Casualty figures were not released by the authorities.

On June 15, 1991, a volcanic eruption on the Philippine island of Luzon caused widespread damage and loss of life. What is the volcano called?

Mount Pinatubo. Mount Pinatubo erupted after over 400 years of inactivity.

June Facts: Spring ends and summer begins around June 20, 21, or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. It's the time that the flowers are beautiful. It is especially the month for roses. In the Southern hemisphere, winter begins during June, and it brings cold, rainy weather to this part of the world.

Fly our FLAG June 14

Flag Day is observed in the United States on June 14. It commemorates the day in 1777 when the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as our flag. It then had only 13 stars, to match its 13 stripes.

Father's Day in the United States of America falls on the third Sunday of June and is elaborately celebrated with a lot of fanfare. On this particular day, children pay homage to their father and pamper him with loads of treats and gifts. The matchless popularity of Father's Day in USA is due to the fact that it is here that it got its first recognition. Father's Day, as we know today, was first celebrated in 1909, at Spokane locality of Washington, by Ms Sonora Smart Dodd, to honor her single dad, Mr. William Jackson Smart.

It was in 1972 that President Nixon established Father's Day as a permanent national day of observance in America. Eventually, the day came to be observed in many parts of the world. Thus, celebrating Father's Day is entrenched in the tradition of America. Even today, people mark this special day to honor their father and express gratitude for his overwhelming presence in their lives. As a Father's Day tradition, people in the US also offer their good wishes to other elderly males in their families, extended families and neighborhood.

Apart from the real father, Father's Day greetings and gifts are also given to grandfather, stepfather, foster father, uncle or any other man who is like a father figure. Father's Day in America is, therefore, a way of reflecting on the father's role in the life of a child. Due to its importance, this special day is also seen as a time for family reunions and get-togethers. On this day, children who stay away from their families make it a point to visit their dad and spend quality time with him.

Boy and Cub Scouts:

Scouts Explore Illinois, Perform
Community Service

The Troop has been busy with a trip to Galena in April and to Starved Rock in May.  In Galena, we participated in Grant Pilgrimage events and did some sightseeing in the beautiful downtown.  It is amazing how beautiful Illinois is in those parts.

We went on a four-mile plus hike on some very muddy trails in Starved Rock State Park but saw some very beautiful sites.  It seemed like we were not in Illinois anymore with the terrain changes and waterfalls (see photo).  The scouts also got a lesson in local flora and fauna from one of the leaders.

We have a crew leaving for the Boundary Waters in Minnesota in June and Summer Camp is at Camp Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan in Pearson, Wisconsin in July.

The Pack has a very busy calendar coming up over the next few months with several events including Salvation Army Donut Days and A Million Meals for Haiti for community service projects.  They will have their family campout in June and have events planned for all summer.

Thank you to the Father McCormick Council #3880 for your continued support of Pack and Troop 127.

Clergy Night:

Clergy Night 2010 is scheduled for Thursday, June 24, 2010, at Benedict’s La Strata.  The Clergy Night 2010 Committee is still being formed, with Mike Chmiel again serving as Chair.  The work of the Committee will involve the coordination of the event, acquisition of door prizes, and gathering of sponsors.

The end of June works to provide a thank you and farewell for clergy prior to moves to new assignments.  Also, the timing serves to welcome clergy who have been newly assigned to the McHenry Deanery.

The event will be similar to before, with the new venue of Benedict’s La Strata at 40 North Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake offering a change of pace.   Our hosts, John and Sara Pilafas, will provide a sit-down dinner with three menu choices in the relaxed atmosphere of Benedict’s, the inside of which will be reserved for this event.  As before, those who attend will be eligible for door prizes, including books, beverages, gift cards, and the like.

Clergy Night 2010 will begin with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by introductions at 7:00 p.m., dinner at 7:15 p.m., and door prizes at 8:00 p.m.  The price will again be $30 per person.

The Clergy of the McHenry Deanery - the priests, sisters, and deacons of the Deanery – will be the honored guests, along with the spouses of deacons of the Deanery, Bishop Doran and his staff, and the statewide officers of the Knights of Columbus, and will be invited personally as guests of the Council through the mail.  Others will receive invitations through the next newsletter.

Sponsors of the clergy, the bar, wine for tables, and door prizes are welcomed.  Once again, the other councils of the McHenry Deanery are also being invited to attend, as clergy from throughout the Deanery are being invited.  To the extent any other council or person sponsors or donates any item, that council or person will be noted as a sponsor at the event.

If you would like to join the Clergy Night 2010 Committee, or if you would like to offer any comment, suggestion, and question, please contact the Mike Chmiel at chmielmike@aol.com or Post Office Box 2425, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60039-2425.  Or, if you would like to donate or sponsor something for the event, please contact Matt Walker at mwalker@telecomsys.com or (815) 922-5347.