BUSI NESK S NAM E

Knights of Columbus Vineland Council # 2531 * www.kofc2531.org

KNIGHT WATCH
In Service to One, In Service to All.
Volume 1, Issue 1 Sept./Oct. 2011

Special points of interest:

Grand Knight reports on Knights enthusiasiam. St Augustine of Hippo Knights on the March Activates & Dates Program Director asks for 1%. Birthdays! Council and Assembly Officers.

Grand Knight Report

Brothers All, The summer is quickly passing us by, it seems that only last week I was filling out the slate for new officers and here it is our Installation is less then 2 weeks away and a fine group of officers the membership vote upon. I want also to thank all those Brothers that stepped up to the plate and chose there duties as Service Program Committee Directors in our council. Brother Jim Garton is now our Programs Director taking over for Albert Karwowski who did a grate job for the years he had it. Brother Jim with his organizational skills along with the others Brother chosen, we have found ourselves to be a very enthusiastic group of men wanting to make a difference in the council and with this enthusiasm we hope to draw new members in, and for the brothers in the council to help with our programs, for the public to see the Knights of Columbus not, with just our hands out wanting a donation but to let them see that, we are doing something in their Communities, for the Church and with our Youths. We have a lot of really good ideas planned, were starting up the newsletter again thank you Dave DeCasien, were working on a Live Nativity in which we will need all the help we can get to build the different stages and volunteers to help that night, Phil Quinto. Poster & Essay Contest, handled by our Youth Director Kirk Herman. Soon will be the Polish American Annual Dinner we will need help with that also. I'm only touching the surface of the things that are to come and we have many more that will be brought up at our council meetings this coming year, a lot of good ideas and all I ask is not to let them circle around in your head, let them be known and if the Committees can work with them let then know so we can put it to work. Vivat Jesus, Patrick Sweeney, Grand Knight Council # 2531

Inside this issue:

Back to Basics by Rev. Lawrence E. Polansky NJ State Knights of Columbus Retreat Weekend. Fourth Degree Report. Catholic Q&A: Did Jesus ever commit a sin? Live Nativity planned for Christmas. Health Care Law violates Catholic Conscience. Obituary: Sir Knight Peter Konopatski, Jr 1

Back to Basics I
How many of you remember the pamphlet they gave you when you were first learning about the Knights of Columbus? Well, Id like to begin this column with a look back at that pamphlet and the information it shared with the prospective member. It might be a good way to reflect on the reasons why all of us are Knights. The Vision of Father McGivney Led by the quiet, unassuming curate of Saint Marys Parish in New Haven, Connecticut, a small group of men established the Knights of Columbus in the church basement early in the spring of 1882. The priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, saw clearly that both Catholics and the Church faced serious problems in the last half of the nineteenth century such as antiCatholicism and ethnic prejudice, under-employment, lack of social standing, and sometimes the early loss of the breadwinner of the family. To resolve those problems, Father McGivney conceived the idea of an organization of

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Knights of Columbus Vineland Council # 2531 * www.kofc2531.org

Back to Basics I (continued)

Catholic men who would band together: * To aid one another in times of sickness or death, by means of a simple insurance plan, so that their wives and children would not face abject poverty. * To strengthen themselves and each other in the Catholic Faith. * To strengthen families and family life. * To be a strong pillar of support for their priests and bishops. * To be of service to Church and community by coming to the aid of those most in need in society. They called themselves Knights of Columbus Knights to emphasize chivalrys ideals of charity and support for Church and state, and Columbus as a reminder that Catholics had been the backbone and bulwark of Americas growth and greatness from the very beginning. The State of Connecticut officially chartered the Order on March 29, 1882. Its founder, Father McGivney, and those first Knights dreamed of the day when there would be a council in every parish in Connecticut. Little did they know that their small group would grow into a global organization of more than 1.6 million members in nearly 12,000 local councils in 13 countries: the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Cuba, Virgin Islands, Guam, and Saipan. Rev. Lawrence E. Polansky

New Jersey State Knights of Columbus Retreat Weekend

Dear Brother Knights, Please join us this year for our Council Retreat. SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE Where God and Sea Come Together. San Alfonso Retreat House is a Redemptorist Spiritual Center situated on eight beautiful acres along the New Jersey coastline. San Alfonso offers guest rooms for 150 retreatants, a large chapel, spacious meeting rooms, a reading room and a religious article and book store. Overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean and featuring outdoor shrines, a prayer garden, expansive green lawn, serene and beautifully appointed chapel and comfortable accommodations, San Alfonso has been "Holy Ground" for thousands of lay people, priests and religious for over 80 years. This is truly a place to experience the presence and action of God in your life. Weekend Retreats: Friday 4pm Dinner: At 6pm Departure: After Lunch on Sunday Donations Weekend Retreats: $175; other retreats as specified When October 21-23. 2011 For information please contact Brother Albert Karwowski 794-3884 or Brother John Davis 692-5452.

A Few Words About The Newsletter.

Brother Knights, I hope you will find this edition of the newsletter both informative and enjoyable. Since this is my first attempt at doing a newsletter, I want you to know that I am open to your suggestions and ideas. While this first edition is for September/ October, moving forward I would like to do a monthly edition beginning in November. If you have anything you would like to contribute please have it to me by the 15th of the month preceding publication. Please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached by phone at 609-432-4733 or you can e-mail me at mrdave59@comcast.net. E-mail is easier to work with when it comes to including any written articles for the newsletter. Again, I hope you like the newsletter and let me know if you any suggestions. David L. DeCasien Lecturer and Council Activates Chairman

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Insurance Matters
Did you know that about 50% of households in the US & Canada have no individually owned life insurance? Why dont people buy life insurance:? * 74% list cant afford the coverage as a major reason. * 52% say is that they cant decide what to buy. * 50% agree its a good idea but put it off until tomorrow. * 43% worry about making the wrong decision. If a client cant decide what to buy, I will conduct a needs analysis, which helps identify goals and objectives while considering your budget, at no cost. We offer term insurance, permanent insurance, or a mix of both. We believe a combination of these products can solve all personal protection issues. Putting the purchase of life insurance of can be costly, and I recommend against that. You get older and premiums go up, and you run the very real risk that your health can change. A negative change in your health can cause your costs to increase, or cause you to be denied coverage all together. Delay can be disaster. For those who worry about making the wrong decision? Well, I can help. You can trust me. I know what to look for and what to recommend. A conversation with me can help erase your doubts. Chuck McCann, PGK 856-373-3980 Charles.mccann@kofc.org

The Fathers of the Church

St. Augustine of Hippo
(November 13, 354 August 28, 430), He was a Latinspeaking philosopher and theologian who lived in the Roman Africa Province. His writings were very influential in the development of Western Christianity. In his early years he was heavily influenced by Manichaeism and afterward by the NeoPlatonism of Plotinus. After his conversion to Christianity and baptism (AD 387), Augustine developed his own approach to philosophy and theology, accommodating a variety of methods and different perspectives. He believed that the grace of Christ was indispensable to human freedom, and he framed the concepts of original sin and just war. Augustine developed the concept of the Church as a spiritual City of God (in a book of the same name), distinct from the material Earthly City. His thought profoundly influenced the medieval worldview. Augustine's City of God was closely identified with the church, the community that worshipped God. Augustine is a saint and preeminent Doctor of the Church.

Fourth Degree Report

Monday August 29 there was the Installation of Officers for the Vineland & Millville assemblies at our hall at 7PM. Officiating at the ceremony was our Worthy (Second District Master) Andrew Lipenta. The Polish National Association has requested the 4th Degree Color Corps be present for the Flag raising ceremony at Vineland City Hall on Sept. 18th at 10.30AM. Our Worthy Master Andy Lipenta will ask the Philadelphia Master permission for our color corps to march in the Pulaski Day Parade on Saturday Oct. 1st. Our assembly has 3 candidates for the 4th Degree Exemplification second week in November in Eatontown NJ. Beginning of September there will be a Faithful Navigators Meeting. SK Albert Karwowski requested 2 flags (that have flown over our nation's capital) from Congressman Frank LoBiondo to be presented to our Worthy Master Andrew Lipenta. FN Mario D'Addato stated he wanted to categorize all activities in 3 groups: Church, Community and Patriotism. FN Mario D'Addato stated that we should do more for our veterans locally. Mario congratulated SK Albert on the concise, informative, and illustrated newsletter. Fraternally, Mario D'Addato FN elected.

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Knights of Columbus Vineland Council # 2531 * www.kofc2531.org

Ask a Catholic a Question.

Q: When Jesus was on earth in human form, did he commit sins like other humans? A; Jesus never sinned. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, Following the holy Fathers, we unanimously teach and confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: the same perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity, the same truly God and truly man, composed of rational soul and body; consubstantial with the Father as to his divinity and consubstantial with us as to his humanity; "like us in all things but sin." (CCC 467) So how did he, in his humanity, keep from sinning? He submitted his will completely to the will of his Father. Christ possesses two wills and two natural operations, divine and human. They are not opposed to each other, but cooperate in such a way that the Word made flesh willed humanly in obedience to his Father all that he had decided divinely with the Father and the Holy Spirit for our salvation. Christs human will does not resist or oppose but rather submits to his divine and almighty will. (CCC 475)

If you have a question concerning our Catholic faith please feel free to email it to: mrdave59@comcast.net

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror. He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like. James 1:22-24

Knights on the March!

Activities and Dates. Mark your calendars! 2011

* Polish-American Dinner: Sunday, Sep. 18, 2011 12pm 5pm. * Support of Red Cross Blood Drive: Monday, Sep. 19, 2011 St. Isidores Church 130 pm -730 pm. * Council Membership Drive: Sunday, Sep. 25, 2011 * 1st. DEGREE CEREMONIES: Thursday, Sep. 29, 2011 * Family Rosary Rally: Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011 3pm (Our Lady of Fatima Cistercian Monastery, 564 Walton Ave, Mt. Laurel, NJ.) * Statewide Membership Blitz Participation: Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 * Honorary Dinner: Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011 2pm * State Council Retreat: Oct 21-23, 2011 (San Alfonso Retreat) * March for Life Fundraiser: Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (Roast Beef Sale) 11am to 2pm * Pro-Life Bulletin Board: Nov. 2011 * Memorial Lighting of Candles & Prayer: Tuesday, Nov 1, 2011 (Light candles in honor of deceased) 7pm Parish and Knights Council Hall * Christmas Parade Float: Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011 5pm 7pm. Rain Date: Nov. 27, 2011 * Collection of Food and Coats: Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 * Live Nativity at St Isidores Church: Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 (Rain Date) * * * * * * * * * Monument For Life: Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 Bells For Babies (State): Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 March for Life: Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 Super Bowl Party: Monday, Feb. 5, 2012 Seminarian Letter Writing From Council: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 Palm Crosses: Mar. 2012 National Basilica Trip: Apr. 2012 (Tentative) Statewide Membership Blitz Participation: Saturday & Sunday Apr. 14-15, 2011 Drive for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: Saturday, Apr. 21, 2012

2012

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Program Director Report

As Council 2531s new Program Director and Community Activities Chairman, I would like to share a few of my thoughts and vision for the coming year. However, before I share these things with you I wish to thank our Worthy Grand Knight for allowing me the opportunity to serve the council in this capacity and his promise of support for the efforts of our program committee, the activity chairs and myself. After several meetings, our Program Committee was able to formulate a calendar of events and activities for the current Columbian year. These events will make a positive impact on our council, our relationship with the church, our council family members, area youth and the community. I am convinced that just a few months into our program calendar, our community and church will view us an organization of Catholic men that are making a difference. However, our council is not our building. Our council is not just the officers or those who frequently volunteer to help out. No, our council is YOU. With few we will accomplish little, but when each of us that have pledged our support to the Knights of Columbus and the principals of this organization unite together, we have the potential and the catalyst to see great things happen. I know we have a lot happening in our lives and we all have multiple obligations. I know tomorrow is never promised to us, but do you want to finish out the year knowing that God blessed you with 8,760 hours and you applied very little of that time to the Knights of Columbus? Can you share at least 1% of those hours for one or more council activities? I challenge our full roster of members to renew their commitment to the Knights and pledge to get involved. We need your talent, skills, and insight. Unlike other organization, our work has eternal significance as we work for the Glory of God, the promotion of Christian values and the assistance of our fellow man. Will you take up the challenge and make a difference this year? If so, I would love to hear from you. Call me at 856-4981240. Jim Garton Program Director and

Council 2531 is sponsoring a First Degree Team. If you would like to be part of the team please contact Grand Knight Patrick Sweeny at 856982-6826 or SK Albert Karwowski at 856-794-3884.

Live Nativity
As Christmas draws closer our vision of becoming closer with the church is becoming a reality. We have planned for December 11th a live nativity. This will consist of a walk through live interactive scenes; the last scene will be the nativity. All acting will be done by the children of Bishop Chad elementary school and the CCD children. This event is being held by the Knights of Columbus with joint effort from the Parish. The event so far is called A Journey to Peace. Once the walk is completed all will enter St. Isidores church for a Christmas concert. This is becoming, and will become, a fantastic event that will not only impact the church, but will bring the Knights of Columbus the recognition which it deserves. I really hope that all the Knights will be able to attend to see the wonderful things that we are doing. We are always looking for assistance. We need things built, lights to be strung and much more. If you think you can assist in anyway please let us know, so that we may get you on our list. Phil Quinto, Chancellor and Church Activates Chairman

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Knights of Columbus Vineland Council # 2531 * www.kofc2531.org

NJ State Religious and Civil Rights Report

In the last Congress, when representatives asked for time to read and discuss the Health Care Act, the Speaker told them they would have to pass the bill and then they could find out what was in it. Well we are finding out. The Health and Human Services Department has now ruled that under the Health Care Law, insurance companies are required to include in their coverage as part of preventive care, birth control and drugs that can cause abortions. This rule violates the conscience rights of Catholics and religious groups by forcing them to pay for insurance that covers birth control and abortion. It eliminates the rights of conscience of Catholic hospitals, universities, and healthcare providers. The USCCB sharply criticized the Obama administrations preventive services mandate saying it requires health plans to cover female surgical sterilization and all drugs and devices approved by the FDA as contraceptives, including drugs which can attack a developing unborn child before and after implantation in the mothers womb. Its now more vital than ever that Congress pass the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act to close the gaps in conscience protection in the new health care reform act, so employers and employees alike will have the freedom to choose health plans in accordance with their deeply held moral and religious beliefs, said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities. Contact Senator Frank Lautenberg: http:// lautenberg.senate.gov/contact/ index1.cfm, and Senator Robert Menedez: http://menendez.senate.gov/ to express your outrage and demand that they support Respect for Rights of Conscience Act HR1179. David L. DeCasien Lecturer and Council Activates Chairman

"As soon as worldly people see that you wish to follow a devout life they aim a thousand darts of mockery and even detraction at you. The most malicious of them will slander your conversion as hypocrisy, bigotry, and trickery. Saint Frances de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life.

A Very Happy Birthday to Our Brother Knights!

JOSEPH J ARCIDIACONO TIMOTHY E BARBER PERRY D BARSE JOSEPH M BATTESTINI FRANK BRUNO ROBERT FANUCCI GEORGE J FORGEN SAMUEL J FRIEDMAN TIMOTHY P GILBERT COSMO A GIOVINAZZI CHARLES J GIRARD 10-31-1945 09-07-1943 09-06-1953 10-01-1923 09-26-1931 10-29-1940 09-08-1965 09-21-1990 10-12-1959 09-01-1942 10-28-1937 09-16-1947 09-12-1945 10-09-1949 ANTHONY LO BIONDO GEORGE A LODS JOSE A LOPEZ THOMAS V MARIANI THOMAS J MC TAMNEY RAFAEL A MEDINA FRANCIS M MILEY GLENN A NICHOLS THOMAS E PIERCE LLOYD C RONCHETTI REV JAMES P RUSH KARL W SCOTT REV JOHN JOSEPH TUMOSA MICHAEL A VALLETTA 10-07-1923 09-30-1942 09-08-1945 09-03-1967 09-22-1947 10-05-1978 09-17-1969 10-05-1956 09-15-1943 10-29-1918 09-20-1945 09-17-1937 10-03-1942 09-17-1927

1st Degree Ceremony on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 8pm. The Virtue of Charity.

GEORGE M HOGAN JAMES J JESSICK ALLEN W KLEEFELD

A Little Catholic Humor!

Scene: New York City, man is going to jump off the building. Up rushes good Irish cop. Cop yells up to the man "Don't jump! Think of your father" Man replies "Haven't got a father; I'm going to jump." The copy goes through a list of relatives, mother, brothers, sister, etc. Each time man says "haven't got one; going to jump." Desperate the cop yells up "Don't jump! Think of the Blessed Virgin" Man replies "Who is that?" Cop yells "Jump, Protestant! You're blocking traffic!"

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Obituary: Peter Konopatski, Jr.

Peter Konopatski Jr., 74, of Vineland passed away on Friday evening, Aug. 26, 2011, at home surrounded by his loving family after an extended illness. Pete was born and raised in Peckville, Pa. and was a 60-year resident of Vineland. He was the son of the late Veronica (Konnick) and Peter Konopatski Sr. Before retiring in 1997 with 35 years of service, Pete was employed as the regional supervisor for the N.J. Department of Transportation. Pete was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was a member of the St. Padre Pio Parish, East Vineland. Pete is a member of the Knights of Columbus, was a past Grand Knight of Council 2531 and a member of the Color Guard in Assembly No. 654. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia (Ieropoli); five daughters and sons-in-law, 10 grandchildren, one greatgrandchild. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111; or to the St. Padre Pio Shrine, P.O. Box 203, Landisville, NJ 08326.

Pizza Hut Fundraiser Main & Chestnut Avenues April 25, 2012 5pm to 8pm

Hall Rental Information

Having a party, reception, or meeting? Our hall can accommodate up to 90 people. We have a full kitchen, chairs, tables, male & female bathrooms, and paved parking. Our building has just been renovated and the heating and air conditioning systems have just been updated for your comfort. You will find that our hall is one of the most affordable in the area. However, we do book up fast, so submit your reservation request or questions to the following email: kofchallrental@yahoo.com Deposit: $300.00 deposit (refundable once cleaned inside and out and there is no damage.) Cost: $475.00 for a 4 hour rental. We allow 2 hours prior to the party to setup. No party to exceed 12 AM (midnight.) Capacity: 90 persons.

Council and Assembly Officers

OFFICERS OF VINELAND COUNCIL # 2531 Grand Knight: Joseph P. Sweeney Chaplain: Father Lawrence Polansky Deputy Grand Knight: Kirk Herman Chancellor: Phil Quinto Financial Secretary: Albert E. Karwowski Recorder: Frank Szynal Treasurer: Alan Kleefeld Advocate: John Davis Warden: George Hogan Inside Guard: Charlie Salanitro Outside Guard: Tony Johnson Trustee 1yr: Clem Lachowicz Trustee 2yr: Mario D'Addato Trustee 3yr: Frank Bouno Lecturer: David DeCasien BISHOP JOHN CARROLL ASSEMBLY # 0654 (4th Degree) Navigator: S.K. Mario D Addato Comptroller: S.K. Albert Karwowski Friar: Father Lawrence Polansky Assembly Commander: S.K. Joseph Sweney

Council # 2531 meets every 1st & 3rd Tues at 7:30 PM

In Service to One, In Service to All. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS VINELAND COUNCIL # 2531

Type address here or use Mail Merge (under Tools) to automatically address this publication to multiple recipients.

1803 N. East Ave. Vineland, NJ 08362 Phone 856-696-0037 www.kofc2531.org

Join Us! Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism!

From the moment of our founding in 1882, charity has been the first principle of the Knights of Columbus. We are men of faith and men of action. Last year alone, in addition to raising and donating more than $151 million to charitable needs and projects, Knights volunteered more than 69 million hours of their time to charitable causes. We undertake these acts of charity because we see those in need through the eyes of faith. Moreover, in the Knights of Columbus, we approach these acts of charity together. Pope Benedict XVI calls this the practice of love...as a community. Our charitable activities encompass an almost infinite variety of local, national and international projects. From international charitable partnerships with Special Olympics, the Global Wheelchair Mission and Habitat for Humanity to our own Food for Families and Coats for Kids projects and other purely local charities, the opportunity to work together with fellow Knights and their families is virtually endless. If youd like to be a part of an international organization of 1.8 million Catholic men whose principal work involves helping others in need, we'd like to meet you and invite you to join us. You can call the Knights of Columbus Vineland Council # 2531 at 856-696-0037 or visit our website at www.kofc2531.org VIVAT JESUS!

The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney (August 12, 1852 - August 14, 1890) a Catholic priest and founder of the Knights of Columbus.