October 2004 News Letter

Important Dates to Remember

Prayer Corner  (click here for more information)

Grand Knight's Message

Brother Knights and Families,

In recent years there has been controversy surrounding the celebration of the holiday that honors our Order namesake. For some it is Indigenous peoples day and others, Italian Achievement Day. It's also called Discoverers Day or Pioneers Day. Traditionally though, the day has been known as Columbus Day. It is one of 10 federal holidays proclaimed by the United States and only one of two that honors a man, the other being Martin Luther King Jr. Some scholars and political activists have been fanning the flames of conflict between those who celebrate Columbus as a great explorer, the man who "discovered" America and those who see Columbus as being responsible for introducing imperialism, slavery and disease in the New World. To those politically correct, Columbus Day is an occasion to be mourned. Despite this din, Columbus Day is still celebrated to "commemorate” the Italian navigator's landing in the New World on October 12,1492 and has been since as far back as 1792. In 1937 it was President Franklin D. Roosevelt who proclaimed October 12th as Columbus Day and in 1971 it was President Richard Nixon that declared the second Monday of October a federal  holiday. Our New World has recognized this explorer's achievement by naming country, district, city, song, river, street and monument after him. For us as Knights, Christopher Columbus’ belief and destiny to spread Roman Catholicism to the Indies has proliferated the Faith, much to the benefit of everyone here and around the world. The positive outcomes of Columbus’ journey are irrefutable. The fact remains that misery; strife and bloody conflicts were already just as much a part of the New World before Columbus as they were following his visit. Today they are almost nonexistent in this hemisphere. In reality, the attacks of the unenlightened on Christopher Columbus are just as much attacks on western culture and civilization as they are on Columbus himself. For all undeniable problems that followed Columbus journey, the voyage also heralded enormous incredible benefits. To see those dreams and how they have become reality, one only need to look at our own American experiment. Our nation has become a beacon to the world. Where would we be now had it not been for Columbus’ journey to the edge of the world? It was Columbus journey that opened these shores to ideas, religious freedom, thinkers writers and inventors. It is our home. With all its’ inadequacies and fallibilities, "Columbus” is still the gem of the ocean. We honor Columbus, our namesake with this Ode of respect. God bless you all this Christopher Columbus holiday and may the true spirit of Columbus and the love of our Blessed Savior help you though your day

Vivat Jesus
Gerard J. Magner
Grand Knight

Tootsie Roll Charity Fund Drive October 8, 9, 10 and 11, 2004

CHARITY BEGINS at Home. That is why our council needs the 110% support of members, wives and teenage children on October 8, 9, 10 and 11 as the council mans intersection stores and our church in Malden in support of our fundraising activities to support the mentally retarded and learning disabled. This is a drive in which several thousands of dollars can be raised to support those that need our help, simply by giving away TOOTSIE ROOLS in hope of monetary donations.

Lecture George Menni PGK-FDD

My Worthy Brother Knights, May I share these few words with you-- Always Worth The Reminder------On How We Treat Others----- One night, at 11-30 pm. an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama Highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she was desperately in need of help. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car that came along. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a great hurry, she thanked him, and requested his name and home address prior to being whisked away by the cab driver. About a week later there was a knock on the door of the young man who had assisted the woman. To his surprise a giant console TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read--THANK YOU for assisting me on the highway the other night when so many kept driving by. The rain drenched not only my clothes but also my sprits. Then you came along; it was indeed a gift from GOD --BECAUSE OF YOU I was able to reach the hospital to be at the side of my husband before he passed away.  Forever-Grateful Mrs. Nat King Cole. The young man in this story was a Knight on a visit to his parents. WHO ELSE BUT! My Brothers, until the next newsletter May God enrich each of you and your loved ones with LOVE, HEALTH and PEACE. 

Fraternally Yours,
George Menni PGK-FDD.

New Collection Baskets,  Brother Thomas Heerter

We have resumed selling tickets to raise money to procure new collection baskets for the various local parishes. In order to do this a 50/50 raffle will be held at the first meeting of each month (you do not need to be present to win!!!). The proceeds from the raffle are dedicated for this worthwhile project. If you wish to participate in this council project, it is easy. The monthly newsletter will have 3 raffle tickets with it. The tickets are 1 for one dollar and 3 for two dollars.  Simply sign the tickets and mail them and a check to the council.                                        Malden Knights of Columbus P.O Box 244 Malden, MA  02148

Certain members may just wish to donate to this cause. Please write donation on the memo section of the check. I thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you will join us in serving the local parishes. The winner for September was PKG Jim Bocelli. Just think, next month it could be you! We are in the process of purchasing eight baskets for Saint Mary’s and Immaculate Conception.

The Patriotic Degree

Another degree open to members of the Knights of Columbus is that of the Fourth (or Patriotic) Degree. On February 22, 1900, the first exemplification of that degree was held in New York City. The ritual added patriotism to the three original principles of the order. Charity, Unity and Fraternity. Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups called assemblies. Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree members in the local council and remain in good standing. Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious function, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus organization.

 Prayer for the Canonization of FR. MichaelMcGivney   - August 12,1852-August 14, 1890

God our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of the Christian Family life and to lead the young to the generous services of their neighbor.

Though the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body, which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast.

 We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Our Father-Hail Mary- Glory be to the Father:

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