Nativity of Our Lord Council No. 14658nativitymonroe.org/uploads/3/0/8/5/3085743/may_2016_newsletter.pdf · Nativity of Our Lord Council No. 14658 185 Applegarth ... We’ve weathered

Nativity of Our Lord Council No. 14658 185 Applegarth Road Monroe Township, NJ 08831 Editor: Paul Pittari

The Sword

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Volume 8 Issue 5 www.nativitykofc.com May 2016

Nativity Council Officers

Chaplain Rev. Edward Flanagan Grand Knight Bill Tronolone

Dep. Grand Knight Edward Visinski

Chancellor Bill Werkmeister, Sr.

Recorder Frank Macchiaroli

Financial Secretary John Vergano

Treasurer Stephen Tumminia

Advocate Len Edson

Warden Chris Murphy

Lecturer Bob McGee

Inside Guard Len Caglianone

Outside Guard Lou Russo

One-Year Trustee Bob Macchiarola

Two-Year Trustee Paul Pittari

Three-Year Trustee Bob Pladdys

District Deputy 63 Scott Williams

Train'g & Mbrship Chair, Joseph Sabella PGK, PFN, FDD

Insurance Agent David Imbriani

Rel. Rights Chairman Fred Catelli

Nativity K of C Calendar for 2016

May Schedule Monday, the 2nd —

Officers’ Meeting at 6:30 PM Business Meeting at 7:30 PM

Monday, the 16th — Spaghetti and Meatball Social and Recruitment Meeting at 6:30 PM ■

Grand Knight’s Message Dear Brothers, Can you believe it’s May already! The lawns are green, the flowers are up and some of us are playing golf. It’s a time that we start running into people that we might not have seen during the winter, it just feels good being able to walk outside around the house.

Those of us who were able to attend the business meeting in April heard about all the events that we are planning for in the coming months and also planning for new leadership that will continue to make our Council one of the best in New Jersey.

We also hear on a daily basis how the world is just upside down, you can’t put on the TV without negative news even in our political arena. It sure makes for a tough way to go through the day, we just say to ourselves – what is this world coming too!

Because of this it’s easy to forget all the good that is in the world – the work we do and the feelings we have for all those that come into our lives. The world as we know it really isn’t too bad – whenever I get a little down about things, I remember The Serenity Prayer, and it’s a prayer that helps put things into prospective –

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

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I know that my Brothers have the courage to change the things they can, that’s why those that we help appreciate our organization so much. Enjoy the spring. You deserve it! God Bless you always, Brother Bill Tronolone, Grand Knight ■

Brothers’ Birthdays Our Council has Brothers who will be celebrating their birthdays this month of May. Happy birthday to:

Deacon John Bertrand Kenneth Koehler Jack Fiore

Bonifacio Sigue, Jr. Joseph Currenti Lee Mottola

Stephen Molnar Ray Tucholsk Ini Udom

William Evans Joseph Farinola Jack Balzano

Frank Macchiaroli Gerard Noonan John Olexsak

Matteo Damiano Patrick Amabile Edmund Regn

Arnold Suriani William Medina ■

Chapter 4 Meeting Dates for 2016 (Editor’s Note: Our Former District Deputy, Joseph Sabella, is asking that we have at least one representative from our Council in attendance at the following Chapter 4 scheduled meetings a shown below in Brother Bill Hoffman’s message below.)

Worthy Brothers, The following are the Chapter 4 meeting dates for the upcoming Columbian Year. All meetings are on the 3rd Friday at 8 PM unless otherwise indicated. Chapter 4 Vice President, Richard Skrocki, will chair the event.

Thanks to all the Councils that stepped up to be our hosts.

Fraternally, Bill Hoffman, FDD, Chapter 4 V.P.

May 13th (2nd Friday at 5 PM), location TBA in Wildwood Crest, N.J.

June 17th - Pro Life Mass (6 PM) at Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway, followed by light dinner/business meeting at Piscataway Council #11017, St. Frances Cabrini Church Hall

Fraternally, Joseph L. Sabella, Former District Deputy ■


Your Shield of Strength

Brothers, As the economy begins to shake off a half-decade of turbulent times, the Knights of Columbus is celebrating 15 consecutive years of insurance business growth. We’ve weathered the storm when others haven’t, because it’s not our first. We’ve weathered the storm when others couldn’t, because we know how to navigate. We’ve weathered the storm when others made costly mistakes, because we don’t take on unnecessary risk. Our strength is undeniable. More members than ever before see it, and are using our shield to protect their families. Are you? If you need life insurance – and chances are you do – why would you look anywhere else? Let us be your shield. Did you know that the Knights of Columbus is one of the largest life insurers in North America? The Knights of Columbus has surpassed $100 billion of insurance in force, and is a member of the Fortune 1000. Did you know that the Knights of Columbus consistently earns the highest possible ratings for its ethical business practices and sound investment strategies? A.M. Best, a global leader in the rating and analysis of insurance companies, has given the Knights of Columbus their highest financial strength rating (A++, Superior) for 40 consecutive years. There is simply no more highly rated insurance company in North American than your Knights of Columbus. And, last year, the Knights of Columbus was named a “World’s Most Ethical Company” by the Ethisphere Institute. Did you know that providing financial benefits for members was the reason that Venerable Father Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus? Our founding charter from 1882 makes it clear, the Knights of Columbus’ primary goal is “to render financial aid to its members and the beneficiaries of members.” Did you know that the Knights of Columbus offers a full, top-quality product line of life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, and retirement annuities? We have products and solutions to fit your family’s needs and budgets. I am available to provide a complementary, comprehensive analysis to assess your situation. Did you know that there are a number of products and services that you may be eligible for, just for being a Knight?

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Food Pantry Brothers, This month's food pickup at Nativity will be scheduled for Tuesday, May 10th. If Grand Knight Bill Tronolone attends, the pickup will be done before Mass. Delivery to the Pantry will still be after the Mass All are invited to lend a hand as we have been moving about 500 pounds of food each month, which has been donated through the Nativity Food Drive. Thanks for your help and keep us in mind. Call me at 609-409-8285 if you have any questions about this charitable assistance program. Thank you, Brother John Vergano, Financial Secretary ■

Whether it’s our family fraternal benefits program, our survivor benefits, or our Personal Planning workbook, there are a lot of ways that the Knights of Columbus Insurance program can benefit you and your family. There might be quite a bit that you don’t know about Knights of Columbus Insurance and about the fraternal and financial benefits of your membership. Join the hundreds of thousands of your brother knights who use our shield as their protection. Contact me today to find out more. Brother David Imbriani — 732-521-6125 Council Insurance Agent ■


Spaghetti and Meatball Social Meeting – Recruiting Drive Brothers, On Monday, May 16th, the Council will be hosting a Spaghetti and Meatball Social Meeting downstairs in the Nativity’s Father Congdon Hall. In addition to our Brothers and their wives, we will be inviting prospective members of the parish who may want to get more information about joining the Knights of Columbus. The event will start at 6:30 PM. If you know someone, who may be interested in joining us, now is the time to invite him and his wife to attend this meeting and see what the Knights are all about. Peace, Brother Paul Pittari, SWORD Editor ■


Faith and Hope Brothers, Those of you who were fortunate enough to attend Mass on Holy Saturday not only participated in a spectacularly well-choreographed event that encompassed the entire attendance reaffirming their Baptism vows, but also, witnessed a family embracing Catholicism, being Baptized, receiving First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. A truly meaningful sermon was beautifully executed by Deacon Bob that centered on the word hope and its underlining importance throughout the events depicted in the Bible. It was this sermon that has leads me to ask you the question, how do you associate your religious beliefs? Do you believe it’s your faith in God that carries you through life, or do you just hope things will work out for the better? Webster’s dictionary defines Faith as: 1. Belief in God or in the doctrines of teachings of a religion. 2. Belief that is not based on proof. 3. Belief in a system of religious belief. (The Jewish religion) 4. Belief in loyalty or giving fidelity to a person, group or promise. Hope on the other hand is defined as: 1. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out well. 2. To look forward with desire and reasonable confidence that all will be good. 3. The hope of winning. Deacon Bob brings to mind the story in the Hebrew bible whereby God commands Abraham to offer his son Isaac us as a sacrifice, and that it is Hope that gives him the strength to travel up the mountain, to prepare the pyre, bind his son and bring up the knife, ready to strike. Was it hope, blinding faith or trust in God’s righteousness that gave him the strength to complete the command? Deacon Bob contends that is was hope that contributed to his commitment, like Jonah’s courage to withstand the darkness, while he was within the whale, and to Noah’s determination to continue building the Ark despite all the disbelievers. There are 50 illustrations of faith in the Bible and 17 relating to hope. Of course, both faith and hope are often appropriate adjectives, but for different reasons and circumstances and neither can be used exclusively, nor can we forget the word that may cauterizes the underlining cause for faith… loyalty. Faith and loyalty form an inseparable bond. Hope and loyalty do not. “Hope?” You should not hope. You should know. In the Apostles Creed it says, that, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.” This is not a muttering of hope. It is a declaration of faith, loud and clear.

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New Brother Brothers, On Monday, April 18th, applicant Michael Flynn made his 1st Degree at an Exemplification ceremony held at the Prince of Peace Council (#5903) in Englishtown, NJ. Serving as escorts were Brothers Pat Amabile, Francis Macchiaroli, Ed Visinski and Dave Adams. A week later, Brother Michael obtained his 2nd Degree on Tuesday, April 26th at the Freehold Council (#1672). Accompany him for this Exemplification were Brothers Pat Amabile, Francis Macchiaroli and Ed Visinski. We welcome our new Brother, Michael, and wish him continued success as he contributes to the good of the Council.

Peace, Brother Paul Pittari, SWORD Editor ■

You may be under the allusion that the Apostles Creed is just a prayer. It is not. It is far, far more. If you could only visualize that life as a Christian during those first 350 years after Christ’s death was extremely treacherous. Being a Christian was comparable to being a member of the French underground during the Nazi occupation during WW2. Death was everywhere. You could not trust anyone. The Apostles Creed was a not a prayer. It was a statement of beliefs, a declaration, of faith. It was what they believed the Apostles had taught and they believed true. It was not written down until 394 when being a Christian became legal. The Creed was used to identify, and confirm, that the beliefs preached by other churches, calling themselves Christians were the same as theirs. Many were not. The Creed has remained basically unchanged for over 1600 years, and it should not be changed, now, especially not to appease those without faith and only Hope. As I look around to you, my fellow Knights, I see a group of men devoted to their faith, to their church to their religion and to their family. It is your faith that separates you from the faithless. It is your faith that gives you the strength to stand against wrong when you see it. It is your faith that gives you the strength to fight for what is right and to give support to those in need. You have proven it in the past; and you will prove it in the future. Not because you hope it will happen, but because you know it will happen. You know that your faith is true, your fellows are true and that God will prevail. Thank you. God bless you and your families. Fred Catelli, Religious Rights Chairman ■


Trenton Ballgame 50-50 Raffle Brothers, The evening of our Trenton Thunder, 50-50 Raffle at Arm & Hammer Park loomed cloudy with the threat of possible thunderstorms, but that did not stop our Council team of volunteers from their appointed tasks. However, the weather plus the fact that our day, Friday, April 22nd was the Jewish holiday of Passover, put a damper on the attendance at the game. Still we managed to pick up $201 to support our good charitable causes. We had 17 Brothers and wives in our crew starting with our Grand Knight Bill Tronolone, Past Grand Knight Paul Boccardi and Council Ballpark Organizer, Brother Lenny Caglianone. They were ably assisted by Fran Gatti, Cecelia Macchiarola, and Brothers and wives, Paul and Joan Lundy, Pat and Debbie Amabile, Ed and Sandy Visinski. Also on the team were Brothers Tony Cardello, Bob Peters, Joe Conti, Rich Mato, John Mato and Paul Pittari. It was a great crew. As for the game, Trenton Thunder pitcher, Dietrich Enns threw 5.2 no-hit innings and struck out a career-high 11 batters in a 2-0 victory over the visiting Akron RubberDucks. To cap off the evening, lucky Grand Knight Bill Tronolone managed to retrieve a foul ball that came flying his way. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Peace, Brother Paul Pittari, SWORD Editor ■


Another Sir Knight in the Family Brothers, On Sunday, April 17th, another page was turned in the Sabella family. This was the date that Brother Joe’s son, Michael, became a 4th Degree member of our Order. A proud father was on hand when Michael received the title of Sir Knight, and became a member of the George Washington Assembly #653. Michael joined the Knights of Columbus approximately 10 years ago as a member of Blessed Sacrament Council # 5959 located in Martinsville. He is an active member of that parish serving both as a Eucharistic Minister and usher. Michael resides in Bridgewater with his wife Laurie and their two children Michael and Ava. The day started with a Mass at St. Anne Church, which was followed by the Exemplification of the Patriotic Degree, and was culminated with a reception at the Sheraton Tara Hotel in Parsippany with Mom and Dad in attendance. We wish Michael a world of success in achieving full Knighthood of the Order and hope that he follows in the footsteps of his distinguished father. Peace Brother Paul Pittari, SWORD Editor ■


The Assembly Art Auction for Autism Sir Knights All, Your Assembly conducted their first fundraising event on April 17th, with our "Art for Autism" auction. Though it was not fully supported nor attended, it still proved successful. Participants were treated to over 150 beautifully framed pieces of art in various mediums. Refreshments were provided by Pierre's and the A&S Salumeria. I would like to thank the following Knights who supported this effort with service hours, Bill Werkmeister, Rich Mato, Ray Wuertz, Fred Gabriel, Bob Gleason, Mark Bodnar, Paul Pittari, Bob Peters, Filiberto Costales, Tony Cardello, Paul Boccardi, Joe Bruno, Frank Libecci, Tony D'Ausilio, Stan Slabinski, Ini Udom, Bob McGee, Joe Rugilio, Tom Fochetta, John Vergano, Ed Visinski, Pat Amabile, Peter Marino and Stephen Tumminia We are also grateful to all who donated wine for the mystery raffle. Total proceeds allowed us to present a benefit check to Eden Autistic Services for $2,168. Thank you to all who supported this venture. God Bless, Faithful Navigator, Rich Segally ■


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Veteran’s Casino Games Brothers, Last year’s Casino Night at the Lyons VA Hospital was such a great success that the recreational staff at the facility has asked us for a return visit on Wednesday, May 11th. This time however, it will start at 2 PM, so instead of being a “Casino Night”, it will be a “Casino Afternoon”. We’ll have a signup sheet at the upcoming Business Meetings for Brothers who wish to volunteer for the event.

Thank you, Brother Jay Bubb ■


Slate of Officers for 2016 - 2017 Term

Brothers,

We will be holding elections for the 2016 – 2017 fraternal year of our Council officers at the

June Business Meeting. Your Nominating Committee, consisting of Brothers Bob Peters,

Kay Wilbur and Paul Pittari, have assembled the following slate of candidates for your

consideration.

Position Candidate

Grand Knight Edward Visinski Dep. Grand Knight OPEN Chancellor Bill Werkmeister, Sr. Recorder Frank Macchiaroli Treasurer Stephen Tumminia Advocate Len Edson Warden Dan Kennedy Inside Guard Len Caglianone Outside Guard Lou Russo One-Year Trustee Paul Pittari Two-Year Trustee Bob Pladdys Three-Year Trustee Tony Cardello

Non-Elected Officers Position Appointed by Grand Knight: Chaplain Rev. Edward Flanagan Lecturer Bob McGee Position Appointed by State with GK Recommendation: Financial Secretary John Vergano

Note that the Deputy Grand Knight’s position is yet unfilled. We are in need of a qualified

Brother to step up to accept that post. The duties of the Deputy Grand Knight are to assist

the Grand Knight in the execution of his tasks, and to conduct the Council meetings in the

absence of the Grand Knight. The candidate assumes the position with the understanding

that he will advance to the Grand Knight’s post upon the latter’s retirement. At that time, the

Brother must have attained the status of at least 3rd Degree.

Therefore, as it stands, the position of Deputy Grand Knight remains open. That does not

mean that we will cease looking for a suitable candidate. So my Brothers, please give this

matter your serious consideration. For the Council to thrive, we must have a continuity of

leadership leading up to the Grand Knight’s position.

Nominations from the floor will be accepted for any position during the election process at

the June Business meeting.

Peace,

Brother Paul Pittari, SWORD Editor ■


Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Brothers, This beautiful prayer to Our Lady of Fatima recalls the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three shepherd children on a hillside outside Fatima, Portugal, between May 13 and October 13, 1917. In it, we ask Our Lady of Fatima to bring peace to our nation and to the whole world through a spiritual revival.

Queen of the Rosary, sweet Virgin of Fatima, who hast deigned to appear in the land of Portugal and hast brought peace, both interior and exterior, to that once so troubled country, we beg of thee to watch over our dear homeland and to assure its moral and spiritual revival. Bring back peace to all nations of the world, so that all, and our own nation in particular, may be happy to call thee their Queen and the Queen of Peace. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for our country. Our Lady of Fatima, obtain for all humanity a durable peace.

Amen. Vivat Jesu, Brother Ray Dunne ■

Calendar Raffle Brothers, Below are the results for our Calendar Raffle to date. Congratulations to our winners and good luck in the remaining weeks to all participants. Brother Paul Pittari, SWORD Editor ■

In Service to one. In Service to all.

Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat.

April 1

$100

#225

April 2 $75

#823 April 3 $300

#531

April 4 $75

#056

April 5 $75

#947

April 6 $75

#578

April 7 $75

#382

April 8 $75

#317

April 9 $75

#649

April 10 $300

#150

April 11 $75

#259

April 12 $75

#634

April 13 $75

#420

April 14 $75

#691

April 15 $75

#640

April 16 $75

#861

April 17 $75

#704

April 18 $75

#576

April 19 $75

#753

April 20 $75

#989

April 21 $300

#352

April 22 $75

#281

April 23 $75

#254

April 24 $75

#723

April 25 $75

#600

April 26 $75

#395

April 27 $75

#836

April 28 $75

#294

April 29 $300

#679

April 30 $75

#443

Documents

Nativity of Our Lord Council No. 14658nativitymonroe.org/uploads/3/0/8/5/3085743/may_2016_newsletter.pdf · Nativity of Our Lord Council No. 14658 185 Applegarth ... We’ve weathered