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Is not far away

Knights of Columbus St. Helena’s Council 7965

Knightly News Chaplain Fr Lenin Naffate

D.D. # 43 Greg Thompson 863-0601 Grand Knight Roger Pritt 241-9911 Dep. Grand Knight Hector Maydon Jr 843-2087 Chancellor Greg Martin 413-7271 Treasurer Rodney L Boatright 912-4521 Financial Secretary Art Martinez 632-0957 Recorder Steve Dvorak 656-4722 Warden Roland Castro 657-6835 Advocate Ricardo Moreno 380-1032 Inside Guard Jon P Garcia. 284-8492 Outside Guard Chris Dunleavy 870-8771 Trustees 1st yr Wayne Borgamnn 657-2445 2nd yr Edward C Moreno 863-6839 3rd yr John Polhemus 251-9675 Lecturer Vacant Insurance Agent Chris Randazzo 210-494-2330 (office) 512-757-4642 (mob)

Greetings Brother Knights, I wish to thank everyone for the out pouring of support at the funeral services of our long serving pastor, Msgr Leo Dolan. All the pallbearers were knights of our council, and many others played a role in the services, and more importantly showed love by staying in contact with him as his health failed. At last our nation has completed a contentious and bitter national election. I pray that we will unify as a nation, and pray that our new president will be guided by wisdom and compassion to serve all our citizens. As citizens, we should live our faith and practice empathy. We may have differing political opinions, but I am gratified that we keep the needs of our community foremost as we work together to improve our parish and neighboring community. At Thanksgiving it is so important that we show by word and deed our appreciation for our many blessings. Let us be guided by our Lord’s call for love and mercy. Appreciate the love of our families and make a conscious effort to reach out to someone who may not have a loving family or who may have experienced loss. Be grateful for a peaceful community and appreciate the contributions that others may make. Appreciate that we live in a nation at peace and help to build harmony by living our faith and practicing mercy. A few upcoming projects are worthy of our attention and support. Our second Taco and Menudo breakfast is this Sunday. Come out and help, especially after 10 am Mass. Don’t forget to donate blood at the same time. Our Family Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, Dec 10. I invite everyone to come with your family and especially children and grandchildren. This year we will be including some children recommended by the People Helping People Project. In January, our Squires Circle will host a state gathering. They are very self-sufficient, but they will need some support. We will have an update on our building fund raffle; we will involve our entire parish and we will need help to sort raffle tickets for distribution. Finally, keep our February Super Bowl BBQ project in mind; we will be asking for donations – especially briskets. Ask how else you can help. See you at our next meeting on Tuesday, November 22. I realize we are all involved in preparing for the holiday, but we have important issues and we will not meet again until January. We will keep the meeting short and there will be no conflicts with Spurs or football games! Your Brother in Christ, Roger Pritt Grand Knight

Please submit any newsletter articles to r.siller@sbcglobal.net no later than the 3rd Monday of every month. If you want your article published, then please e-mail me. Robert Siller /editor

November 2016

Taco/Menudo Breakfast – November 20 Council Meeting – November 22

Family Christmas Party – December 10

2 MONTHLY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

November 2016 18 – Heartland Party 20 – Taco/Menudo Breakfast 22 – Council Meeting

December 2016 9- Brookdale Bingo 13 – Officer Meeting 16 – Heartland Party 18 – Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser 27 – No Council Meeting

January 2017 10 – Officers Meeting 24 - Council Meeting

********************************************************************************************** MONTHLY RECURRING EVENTS

Council Officer Meetings (Dolan Center, 7pm) – Dec 13 Jan 10 Feb 14 Mar 14 Apr 11 May 9 Jun 13 Council Meetings (Dolan Center, communion 6:30; business 7 pm) – Nov 22 Dec (none) Jan 24 Feb 28 Mar 28 Monthly Adoration, every first Tuesday, from 8:00 - 9:00pm, St. Helena’s Blessed Sacrament Chapel Scheduled Adoration - Monday through Friday 9:00am – 9:00pm. Knights should schedule one hour each week to spend time in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at St. Helena’s Taco Breakfast – Third Sunday of each month. 6:45am to 1:00pm Heartland Nursing Home - 3rd Friday, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, Heartland Nursing Home, 1 Heartland Dr. off of Stahl Rd.

Bingo with Alzheimer’s Patients – 2nd Friday, 2:15pm, at Brookdale, 14595 Nacogdoches Road

Pancake Fundraiser – Dec 18

The Council will hold a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, Dec 18. We will be selling two large pancakes and two sausage links for $5. More information will be provided at the November Council meeting. DK Hector Maydon is project chair.

First Taco/Menudo Reaps Big Sales After a full accounting, FS Art Martinez reported that the council cleared a net proceeds of $680. Actual revenues were over $800, but included nearly $170 for supplies for the menudo. Menudo ran out by the end of the 10 am mass crowd. We still plan to serve after noon mass, so we will prepare an extra amount of menudo. Bro Roland Castro will serve as menudo chef.

Final Blood Drive This Sunday! Bro Juan Paniagua, our Health Director, informs us that St. Helena's last blood drive of the year next blood drive will be Sunday, November 20 from 8:45 a.m. To 1:30 p.m. in the Dolan Center parking lot. We need as many pints of blood as we can get. Please roll up your sleeve and donate the gift of life! Donors will receive an official blood drive t-shirt and a Shipley's doughnut (Thank you Shipley's at Nacogdoches Rd.). God bless you and thanks for your support. For information contact: Juan Paniagua "The Count" at 210-381-7203 Juan reminds us that we the close of the Jubilee Year of Mercy on November 22. Consider your gift of a blood donation as a form of mercy. Your effort can save a life.

Christmas Party Planning Firms UP Party coordinator, Bro Steve Dvorak reports that members have stepped up and volunteered all the turkeys and hams needed for the party on Dec 10 in the Dolan Center after 5 pm mass.. With meat items taken care, members are asked to bring a side dish to serve at least 8. Bro Eddie Moreno will again be Santa If you want him to give your child/grandchild a gift please bring a wrapped and tagged gift. The party marks a change as we are expanding the guest list to include some children suggested by the Parish People Helping People Project. Steve says “Bring your family, especially kids and grandkids, and plan to have fun, food, and music.”

Major Degree Opportunity for First Degree Members

FS Art Martinez invites all first degree members to consider advancement in the Order by attending the next 2nd and 3rd Degree Ceremony before January 1. There are opeinings for up to 20 at the next event nearby in New Braunfels. Contact: Art Martinez (210-632-0957) or Bro Charles Schley (210-232-7718).

Super Bowl BBQ Coming Up GK Roger Pritt reminds us that our Super Bowl BBQ is coming up Feb 4, 2017. The Council has our freezer in the Dolan Center and will be available for members to bring a donated brisket after this weekend. Check prices at local grocers and Sams and Costco for bargains. We will need a lot of donated briskets.

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3 Squires to Host State Convention

DGK Hector Maydon reports our Squires Circle will host a Mid Year State Convention the weekend of Jan 13 – 15. Meetings will convene in the Dolan Center. Attendees will be staying at local hotels. Council members will be asked to help with the preparation of some meals. More information will be provided at our meeting next Tuesday.

Insurance Agent Briefs Council Bro Chris Randazzo, our KC Insurance Agent, briefed attendees at our October Council Meeting on various insurance and financial products offered by the KC Insurance. Most of us are aware of the excellent KC life insurance policies, he can also meet other needs for

annuities, and insurance for long term care as we age. All products are provided at very competitive rates. Members can count on top notch service from an Insurance that has been recognized for maintaining the higest ethics in the industry He also reminded us that KC Insurance donates much to charity and funds many projects in support of the Pope and the church and funds the cost of our monthly Columbian Magazine. Contact Chris at 512-757-4642 to set a meeting to become informed about KC Insurance products. Few of us take the time to fully research issues related to our families financial security.

Council Bingo Funds Benefit St Vincent de Paul

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The Council donated $2,000 from Bingo Earnings to St Vincent De Paul Food bank of St Helena's Parish. These funds enabled St Vincent to provide for over 1400 families during the course of the year. The presentation was made at St Helena's Parish Hall on October 6th, 2016 by Bro. Tony Razzino Bingo Chairperson and to Leroy Myer St Vincent of DePaul President and St. Vincent member Manuel Flores. (Pictured (left to right) Flores, Razzino and Meyer)

SICK OR IN DISTRESS Include the following members and their families in your prayers:

Died Msgr Leo Dolan

Bro-inlaw of Paul Cardenas

Sick

Bro & Daughter of Bro Wes Athey Bro Tino Villarreal and spouse Spouse of Bro Dan Losoya Bro Mark Deleon Bro Jimmy Leos Bro Ramiro Ramirez Bro Ed Greer Bro Jesse Garcia Father of Bro Doug Harrison Bro Carlos Lee Bro David Pleasant Bro John Polhemus & Spouse Bro-in-law of Bro Tony Razzino Bro Noe DeLeon

Niece & Daughter in law of Bro Jesse Garcia Grandson and granddaughter of Bro John Chavez Brother of Bro Arturo Rodriguez

We list names of brothers and family members when we are aware of an illness or death. If you or a family member has a need for prayers, please inform the Chancellor.

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY wishes to: November 2016

Jesse & Irene Garcia - 11/28 - 52 yrs Steven & Teresa Dvorak - 11/10 - 43 yrs John & Maria Norkus -11/12 - 41 yrs Carlos & Zenaida Lee - 11/23 - 38 yrs John & Janie Cavazos - 11/25 - 29 yrs Tino & Michelle Villarreal -11/30 - 25 yrs Pablo & Becky Valdez -11/26 -21 yrs Antonio & Lupe Molina - 11/13 - 20 yrs Orlando & Gail Guadalupe -11/23 - 20 yrs ******************************************************************************************************************

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: November 2016

BROTHERS: Russell Knouse - 11/03 Mario Lamaestra - 11/06 Joseph Ingenloff - 11/16 Martin Casarez - 11/11 Dr. Jesse Moss Jr. – 11/10 Jim Bailey - 11/10 Edward Kellerman - 11/22 Reynald Vela - 11/03 Raul Islas - 11/27 John Dodgen - 11/05 Carlos Lee - 11/22 Richard Ostrander - 11/10

Emmanuel Del Villar - 11/27 Roland J. Castro – 11/20 Raul Gutierrez - 11/06 Jose Cedillo - 11/15 Christopher Wieters - 11/03 Antonio Cardenas - 11/30 Bart Callahan - 11/07 Douglas Thomas - 11/12 Shane Slaughter - 11/05 Juan Rodriguez - 11/13 Ralen Ngiraidong - 11/13 Roger Muniz - 11/23 Christopher M Arocha – 11/13

LADIES: Alma Algermissen - 11/21 Pauline Armendariz - 11/30 Betty Athey - 11/01

Rachel Cortez - 11/18 Helen Knox - 11/01 Inez McCue -11/03 Stacy Schley -11/03 Marilyn Stancombe - 11/17 ****************************************************************************************************

CONGRATULATIONS on Member Years of Service, November 2016

Stephen J Syring – 34 Yrs Tony Angel. – 31 Yrs Dcn Sam Salinas – 24 Yrs Martin Casarez – 23 Yrs Guillermo A Flores – 22 Yrs Daniel Losoya – 16 Yrs Gabe Becerra – 15 Yrs Frank J Perales – 11 Yrs Troy K Morin – 10 Yrs William H O’Connell – 10 Yrs Robert L Meloni – 9 Yrs Tino Villarreal III – 9 Yrs 7 Charles Schley – 7 Yrs Douglas W Thomas – 5 Yrs Cesar Gonzalez – 4 Yrs

Branndon Frail – 2 Yrs Ronald D. Moy – 1 Yr. Edwardo (Lalo) Garcia – 1 Yr.

************************************************************************************************************************ If your name should be included in the above listings, please accept our apology for the oversight. We ask that you contact the Council

Financial Secretary, Art Martinez, so that he can update/correct the data files. Call Brother Art at 210-632-0957; or send mail to 5743 Brambletree St., San Antonio, TX 78247-1350; or send an Email to: iamurchoice@yahoo.com ************************************************************************************************************************

Honorees for October

Knight of the Month Bro. James Estrada

Family of the Month Bro. Roland and Dolores Castro

5 A MESSAGE FROM YOUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY

November 2016

COUNCIL DUES

ALERT!! Year 2017 will be upon us soon. This means the 2017 “MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL” statements will be in the mail around December 15, 2016. The annual membership dues are $24, payable as of January 1, 2017. From the $24, an annual assessment of $6.50 is paid to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council and $8.00 goes to the Texas State Council. Your prompt response in remitting your dues payment will be greatly appreciated.

ATTENDANCE LOTTERY

Brother Dominic Lawrence, your name was drawn for the October meeting attendance lottery of $30. Your absence increases the lottery to $35 for the November meeting Remember, you MUST attend the Council business meeting to win. Meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month, at 7:00 PM, in the Dolan Center. The next meeting will be on November 22, 2016. See you there.

WE HAD NO THIRD DEGREE MEMBERS THIS MONTH

To ALL 1st Degree Brothers – Let’s start the new year with a bang by having 20 of you step up to the Second & Third Degree of the Order. We have this program every month for your convenience. You will learn more about Fraternal and Brotherhood of the Order. Call FS-Art Martinez at 210-632-0957 or Brother Charles at 210-232-7718 to get you registered and ready to attend. No cost to you.

WE HAD NO NEW FIRST DEGREE MEMBER THIS MONTH

Brother Knights – There are several spiritual men in our parish community who are just waiting for you to call on them to come join us. Some are even wondering why not them. Make their day. Ask 1 man during the month of December to join us. Their answer will surprise you.

(CUT ALONG THIS DOTTED LINE, ENTER DATA AS APPLICABLE, AND RETURN COMPLETED FORM AS REQUESTED BELOW)

2016 ANNUAL SURVEY OF FRATERNAL ACITIVITY The ANNUAL SURVEY OF FRATERNAL ACTIVITY for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2016 is to be submitted to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council before January 31, 2017. Hard copy, (snail mail), recipients of the Newsletter need to cut the completed form from this page and give to Brother Art Martinez at next council meeting, or, if you wish, mail it to him. Email recipients of the Newsletter will receive a separate Email that will have a worksheet which can be easily completed and returned via email. Send by January 15, 2016. Please call 210-632-0957 if you have any questions.

2016 ANNUAL SURVEY OF FRATERNAL ACTIVITY INDIVIDUAL MEMBER WORKSHEET

MEMBER NAME: ______________________________________ Last year, 2015, the Knights of Columbus donated a record high $1.5 billion to charitable and benevolent causes and more than 682 million hours of volunteer community service to aid the less fortunate. To help prepare our Fraternal Survey for the Supreme Council office, please complete the information requested below and return it to Bro. Art Martinez, FS, at our next council meeting, but no later than January 15, 2017. This information will assist us in determining the total number of hours of community service volunteered by our members during 2016. 1. Number of visits you made during 2016 to:

a. Sick - caring for the sick/nursing homes/hospitals ……………………………_________

b. Bereaved - visits of condolence ………………………………………………..._________ 2. Number of times you served as a blood donor during 2016: …………………………._________ 3. Estimated hours of community volunteer service during 2016:

a. Church Activities - service in all Church related activities ……………………_________ b. Community Activities - service in all community related activities ………….._________ c. Youth Activities - service in all youth related activities ……………………….._________ d. Habitat for Humanity – service in all related activities ……………………….. _________ e. Culture of Life/Pro-Life Activities – service in all related activities…………… _________ f. Miscellaneous Activities - service in areas not outlined above ………………._________

4. Number of hours of fraternal service during 2016: Sick/disabled members and their families - i.e., household chores, transportation, and tutoring, counseling, etc. …_________

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ADORATION: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9 TO 9 – SEE YOU THERE!! KC Council Adoration, First Tuesday, 8 p.m.

Knights of Columbus St. Helena Council 7965 12419 Alexandria, San Antonio, TX 78233-5204

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Reflection on The Year Of Mercy and This Election Season.

With God, there are no coincidences, so I find it striking that the Year of Mercy and a critical U.S. election overlap. The Year of Mercy isn’t only about God’s mercy for us; it’s also about our mercy for each other. Sadly, we’ve not been very merciful toward one another-not as a nation, and not even among members of our Catholic family. The insults, snarky comments, bullying, and even threats on occasion have flown. I daresay some wounds have been inflicted that may take a very long time to heal. Post-election, there will be a great deal of healing needed in our country. We’ll have to figure out how to live and work not just among, but with and for each other. It’s easy to forget that our Lord offered his life for all of us, and not just a select few. That includes even our most bitter political adversaries. Will it be easy? Absolutely not. But it will be necessary. As we move forward, we have to look at one another from the Cross rather than the voting booth. Monica Fitzgibbons, cofounder, De Montfort Music. Excerpt from “How Mercy Can Help America Heal From Bitter Political Season”, Crux News Site, Nov 13, 2016