THOUGHT OF - Catholic Union of Texas, The KJT · April 10 Discounted Splashway Season Pass Deadline ... the Omni Houston Westside July ... Joe Landsfeld, Society #35, Ennis,

GO GREEN!

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INSIDESociety HappeningsPages 11-17

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER•February 7, 2015Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tourney

•February 10, 2015February 2015 KJT News Deadline

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus

one day so I never have to live without you."

~A.A. Milne

Volume 47, No. 193 www.kjtnet.org January 2015

NEWS The Official Newsletter of the Catholic Union of Texas

(Continued on page 3)

STATE OF THE UNION MESSAGE

2014 Was A Year Filled With Significant Events

CHRISTOPHER L. URBANKJT State President

MONTH DAY EVENT

February 7 FAOT Scholarship Bowling Tournament

March 1 KJT Scholarship Applications Due

April 10 Discounted Splashway Season Pass Deadline

April 25 KJT State Family Day

May 2 Join Hands Day

May 31 Catholic School Tuition Grant Forms Due

June 14 Flag Day

June 30 Officer Member Recruitment Application Deadline-1st Period

July 1 Seminarian Scholarship Applications Due

July 1 KJT Youth & Teen Summer Camp Applications Due

July 26 KJT Annual Summer Youth Camp Starts-Ends July 29

July 29 KJT Annual Summer Teen Camp Starts-Ends August 1

September 13 KJT State Taroky Tournament

October TBD 8th Annual KJT State Golf Tournament

December 11 Deadline for Statewide Charity Project Donation

December 31 Officer Member Recruitment Application Deadline-2nd PeriodW.K. LEONARD

By DaviD M. WaGner,KJT STATE VICE PRESIDENT

In 2014, KJT welcomed five repeat winners and two first time winners to the KJT Stars. We congratulate our 2014

award winners and look forward to honoring them at our upcoming SDOR meetings.

W.K. Leonard earned the Number One Star spot for 2014. He ended the year with 13 issued life insurance applications, over $8,100 in adjusted annualized premium, and $277,000 in life insurance volume. W.K. had six previous trips to the Stars, with this

2014 STAR AWARDS

Leonard Grabs #1 Spotbeing his first time to take home the #1 spot. In addition to taking the top spot in the Star award standing, W.K. also qualified for multiple other incentives and contests throughout the year. He has done an excellent job representing La Marque Society #119 and overall the KJT. We look forward to what W.K. and Society #119 will accomplish

By the t ime you read this, 2015 will be well on its way but I would like to wish everyone a

Happy New Year nevertheless! 2014 was an action-packed year with our 41st KJT General Convention and KJT’s 125th Anniversary both taking place.

We hope to get back to a sense of normalcy this year but it always seems like there are new challenges facing us every year! With that, I would like to thank all of our members, our hard working society and district officers, insurance representatives, Home Office staff, state directors and officers for all that you do during the course of the year.

41st KJT General Convention and 125th Anniversary

KJT had a couple of big events during 2014, the first being the 41st KJT General Convention at the Omni Houston Westside July 24-26 in Houston. The delegates of the convention voted for 11 changes to the by-laws. The two most notable changes include: 1) Any member eligible to serve as a delegate at a general

convention is eligible to apply as a candidate for a specific director position of the Union and must file for candidacy with the State Secretary between February 1 and April 1 in the year of the general convention.

(Continued on page 2)

Page 2 Catholic Union Of Texas News January 2015

President's State of the Union Message . . .Continued from page 1

Human Interest Stories Involving KJT Members An expert in a specialized field?

A special child and their circumstance?Community or workplace achievements?

Person with exceptional talent?Dedication to charitable works & volunteering?

Fishing & hunting adventures? Story of first responders' special efforts?

Chili or barbecue cook-off winners? Service in the military?

Unknown interesting KJT history tales?Please submit articles for our NEW

Human Interest Story Section!

2) The State Board of Directors may assess and collect state membership dues. The local societies may assess and collect local membership dues. The State Board of Directors may assess associate member fees. The board subsequently voted to suspend charging membership dues effective January 1, 2015 and voted to change the state associate member fee to $10 per year beginning on January 1, 2016. In order to get all associate members on a January billing schedule dues have been waived for associate members for 2015. This by-law change left the decision of whether to charge or not charge local dues up to the individual societies.

KJT turned 125 years old on July 4, 2014. A celebration

was held in October in order to celebrate this milestone, as we were busy preparing for the convention on the actual date of the anniversary. Many KJT members from across the state joined us in Sealy for a two-day celebration beginning with the State Golf Tournament on Saturday morning, a dinner and dance on Saturday, Mass at Immaculate Conception on Sunday morning and the weekend culminated with a brunch and bingo games. A big “thanks” to Society #80 for hosting us during the weekend!

Happy 100th Dime Box!Speaking of anniversaries,

August 1, 2015, marks the 100th anniversary of the chartering of

Society #76 in Dime Box. We look forward to celebrating with Society #76 later this year and would like to thank the past and present members who have made this anniversary possible.

Statewide Charity DonationsWe once again reached our

goal of $30,000 in donations for our statewide charities! Thanks to all of the societies, districts and individuals who contributed to the fund for a total of $33,402.93. The Religious Retirement Fund, the Seminarian Education Fund and Camp For All will again be our three charities for 2015.

2015 ProgramsKJT’s programs for 2015

remain relatively unchanged although we have added a few new items. Please refer to www.kjtnet.org and the KJT News for details on the various program events as the dates draw near. You can also find information regarding the deadlines and dates for important events in the chart on page one of this issue.

W e h a v e a d d e d a f e w new twists to some of our programs.

College Scholarships – We will now offer 15 or more scholarships between $600 and $1,000 in our scholarship program. There will be a new grading rubric used, which will give members who do not live in Texas or near an active KJT society the opportunity to qualify for a scholarship as well.

Catholic School Tuition Grants – The Board of Directors has authorized up to 100 - $100 tuition grants for students who are in grades K – 11. This is an increase of 50 grants from previous years.

KJT Teen Camp – We’ve seen the long faces of kids leaving their final year of the annual KJT Summer Youth Camp so we’ve come up with a new way for them to have fun . . . KJT Teen Camp! This camp will

take place directly after youth camp from July 29–August 1 at the same location as youth camp. We will be taking 40 campers for this pilot year of the program to see how it works out.

KJT Kruise There wi l l be no KJT-

sponsored cruise in 2015. As there are limited destinations in the Caribbean, our cruise directors thought it best to sponsor a cruise every other year. We are exploring avenues to sponsor a Czech Tour Pilgrimage and will have more details if this program comes to fruition.

January and February are always extremely busy with end of the year reporting and district meetings; however this is a signal of a new year and new challenges ahead. Our officers, directors and Home Office team look forward to working with and serving our members and local society officers during 2015. I ask God’s blessings on the KJT and its members as we strive to continue to provide our fraternal service to make this world a better place and use the talents and gifts that He has given us to help meet the needs of those who are less fortunate.

January 2015 Catholic Union Of Texas News Page 3

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in Texas and U.S. by KJT News, 214 E.

Colorado, P.O. Box 297, La Grange,

Texas 78945. Periodicals Postage Paid

at La Grange, Texas and at additional

mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send

address changes to include entire zip

+ 4 code to KJT News, P.O. Box 297,

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(USPS 585–040)(ISSN 0896–338X)

K J T News

HEAVY HITTER AWARDS

Hostas, Landsfeld, Pokorney, Leonard Strike Silver

KJT COOKBOOK SNEAK PREVIEW

KJT COOKBOOK SALE!

Looking for the perfect gift for family and friends?

Look no more ... "Cooking with the KJT"

is the ultimate gift for the chefs on your gift list!

To order, send check or money order to:Catholic Union of Texas, the KJTP.O. Box 297La Grange, TX 78945

Please send me ___ copies of

Cooking with the KJTSALE PRICE$10.00 plus $3.00 shipping/handling per book for general delivery ($13 per book)

SPECIAL BUNDLE SALE PRICE3 books for $25.00 plus $4.00 shipping/handling ($29 for 3 books)

Enclosed is my check or money order for $________

Mail books to:

________________________________________________ Name

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W.K. Leonard Grabs #1 Star Awards Spot . . .Continued from page 1

in 2015. Congratulations to Mr. Leonard for being the best of the best!

E a r n i n g t h e s e c o n d place Star award in 2014 was Ronald Hostas , Seymour Society #59. This is Ronald’s first trip to the Stars award list. In 2014 Ronald accounted for 12 applications, over $5,700 in adjusted annualized premium, and $980,000 in life insurance volume. Congratulations on a great year Ronald!

Coming in third place on our Star awards list was Eugene Maroul. This is Eugene’s 14th year being a Star. He accounted for over $2,800 in adjusted a n n u a l i z e d p r e m i u m , eight issued life insurance applications, and $770,000

RONALD HOSTAS

EUGENE MAROUL

in life insurance volume. Congratulations to Eugene on another stellar year!

Rounding out the Star award winners list is fourth place, Joe Landsfeld, Society #35, Ennis,

18 time winner; fifth place, Frankie Joe Cernosek, Society #42, Holman, two time winner; sixth place, Ernest Bezdek Sr., Society #31, West, 15 time winner, and seventh place,

Jeannie Arellano, Society #141, Georgetown, first time winner.

We are very proud with the efforts that all of our Stars put forth in 2014.

Without their dedication

and efforts, our goals would h a v e g r e a t l y s u f f e r e d . Congratulations to all of you and we look forward to seeing which one of you will take the top honor in 2015!

By DaviD M. WaGner,KJT STATE VICE PRESIDENT

The Heavy Hitters is an incentive that measures the sales r e p r e s e n t a t i v e ’ s production based on

adjusted annualized premium and the number of applications that are sent in. It rewards those representatives that not only submit a lot of premium, but those that also submit a fair number of applications throughout the year. The four designations are Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Ronald Hostas, Joe Landsfeld, Raymond Pokorney and W.K. Leonard each struck Silver in 2014! Each Silver qualifier needed at least 12 issued applications and $2,500 adjusted annualized premium. Each one of our Silver qualifiers will receive a check in the amount of $250.

T h e B r o n z e c a t e g o r y welcomed five winners in 2014. Jeannie Arellano, Ernest Bezdek Sr., Frankie Joe Cernosek, Margaret Holik and Eugene Maroul all qualified for our

Bronze designation. Each Bronze qualifier needed at least six issued applications and $1,000 in adjusted annualized premium. Each one of our Bronze qualifiers will receive a check for $100.

Congratulations to all of our 2014 Heavy Hitter winners

and we look forward to a very successful 2015!

Society #84 Thanks all For Bake Sale

SuccessSociety #84 of El Campo held

a Benefit Bake Sale Fundraiser on Saturday-Sunday, November 22-23 after the Masses in the front of St. Phillip’s Church. The bake sale benefitted the Religious Retirement Fund and also the St. Phillip’s Catholic School. Members donated various home baked items including cheese rolls, poppy seed rolls, strudels, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, cakes, breads, pies as well as monetary donations. The bake sale was a huge success. Thanks to the parishioners of St. Phillip’s as well as members of El Campo Society #84 for making this project a great success.


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TOP PRODUCERS

Ellen ZdanskySociety #72, Corpus Christi

•November 2014 New Application Producer – 119

months •November 2014

New Member Producer – 116 months•December 2014 New

Application Producer – 120 months

•December 2014 New Member

Producer – 117 months

Joe LandsfeldSociety #35, ennis

•Fourth Place November 2014 Top Producer

•Fourth Place December 2014 Top Producer

W.K. LeonardSociety #119, La Marque•First Place November 2014

Top Producer•First Place December 2014

Top Producer•November 2014 Application

Leader•November 2014 Premium

Leader•December 2014 Application

Leader•December 2014 Volume Leader

•December 2014 New Application Producer – 2 months •December 2014 New Member


Mildred MachacekSociety #20, Shiner

•Eleventh Place November 2014

Top Producer

Dan StavenaSociety #139, Bay City

•Twelfth Place November 2014

Top Producer

Eugene MaroulSociety #107, abbott

•Third Place November 2014 Top Producer

•Third Place December 2014 Top Producer

Daniel LevSociety #90, rosenberg

•Tenth Place November 2014 Top Producer

•Tenth Place December 2014 Top Producer

Tammy PlanteSociety #102, San antonio•Fifth Place November 2014

Top Producer•Sixth Place December 2014

Top Producer

Frankie Joe CernosekSociety #42, Holman

•Seventh Place November 2014 Top Producer

•Seventh Place December 2014 Top Producer

Victor Janak IISociety #56, Houston

•Ninth Place November 2014 Top Producer

•Ninth Place December 2014 Top Producer

Ernest Bezdek Sr.Society #31, West

•Eighth Place November 2014 Top Producer

•Eighth Place December 2014 Top Producer

Ronald HostasSociety #59, Seymour

•Second Place November 2014 Top Producer

•Second Place December 2014 Top Producer

Deborah CurreySociety #130, elgin

•Fifth Place December 2014 Top Producer

•December 2014 Premium Leader

Consult not your fears, but your hopes & dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you have tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.

--Pope John XXIII

Kevin HostasSociety #59, Seymour

•November 2014 Volume Leader


Welcome New MemberSt. Augustine Society #129

of Schulenburg is proud to announce its newest member – Riley Tribble – born June 20, 2014, daughter of Sean and Carmela Prihoda Tribble of Angleton.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TOP PRODUCERS

Sue WatzlavickSociety #20, Shiner

•November 2014 Application Leader

•December 2014 New Application Producer – 2 months •December 2014 New Member


Jeannie ArellanoSociety #141, Georgetown

•December 2014 New Application Producer

– 2 months •December 2014

New Member Producer – 2 months

Another Wonderful Member Benefit!

While the KJT has had the ScriptSave prescription drug discount card for many years, ScriptSave now has some

additional savings opportunities for our members.

Vision CareSave 40% off the retail price of frames, save on lenses

and lens options (a complete pair of glasses purchase is required), 15% savings on conventional

(non-disposable) contact lenses, 15% off the retail price of LASIK and PRK Vision Correction Procedures, $5 off

eye exam with dilation, $10 off contact lens exam. No limits on usage and savings at over 13,000 locations

including both private practice providers and optical retailers such as LensCrafters, Target Optical, Sears

Optical, JC Penney and most Pearle Vision locations.

Hearing Care15% savings on over 70 hearing aid models at 1,400

preferred providers. FREE, 10-step hearing evaluation to diagnose the extent of hearing loss. Beltone's exclusive

BelCare Aftercare Program offers members lifetime cleanings, inspections, adjustments and service for any Beltone hearing instruments purchased at any Beltone

location throughout the United States.

Daily Living ProductsActiveForever.com offers a wide selection of assistive daily

living aids at guaranteed low prices! Cardholders receive a 10% discount.

If you would like to take part in the ScriptSave program and you don’t have your original card that was sent out

at the inception of the program, you can contact us at [email protected] or you can call the office at 800.245.8182 to get your discount card.

Additionally, you can go to www.kjtnet.org to download your card. All household members of a KJT member

may take part in the program.

FRATERNAL ACTIVITY MANAGER REPORT

Share Your 2015 Plans With Me . . .

MICHAEL REZNICEKKJT State Fraternal Activity Manager

As your Fraternal Activity Manager I would like to extend a Happy New Year to all.

I know that with the beginning of a New Year we all look forward

to a Bigger and Greater year than the previous year. With this in mind, remember “Fraternalism Is Alive” as described by State Vice President David M. Wagner in the November/December KJT News.

As your Activity Manager I encourage all societies to share with me some of your past activities as well as your plans for 2015.

Societies can contact me at [email protected] with your thoughts and ideas or if you need help with ideas.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve your society and May God Bless you and your family!

PREMIUM CHALLENGE

Nine Sales Reps Answer ChallengeBy DaviD M. WaGner,KJT STATE VICE PRESIDENTAt the beginning of the year, the KJT agency force was challenged

to write $3,000 in Life Premium for 2014. Several agents answered the call and achieved the goal in front of them.

The KJT Home Office would like to recognize the following agents who rose to the challenge and submitted at least $3,000 in Life Premium:

Deborah Currey, Donald Dusek, Ronald Hostas, Victor Janak II , John Kana, Joe Landsfeld, Eugene Maroul, Raymond Pokorney and W.K. Leonard.

We congratulate the nine agents who made the cut, Thank You! In 2015, we will once again challenge our agents to reach the $3,000 Life Premium mark.

W.K. Leonard Is PacesetterBy DAVID M. WAGNERKJT STATE VICE PRESIDENT

The Pacesetter Award is an award that was i m p l e m e n t e d i n 2002 to reward those representatives that

sold $12,000 in premium for the year and 12 applications. Repeat winners could qualify with $2,000,000 in new coverage or $7,500 in premiums along with a minimum of 12 insurance applications issued during the year.

W e c o n g r a t u l a t e W . K .

Leonard for qualifying for the KJT Pacesetter Award in 2014. He will receive a KJT Pacesetter Ring for his achievement. We congratulate W.K. for his efforts and look forward to his 2015 achievements!

Proud grandparents are Michael and Donna Tribble of Alvin and James and Carolyn Prihoda of High Hill. Equally proud great-grandparents are Paul and Virginia Munfinger of Angleton.

Welcome to our great fraternal family!

Did You Know?Research shows eating just

under a cup of mixed berries daily for eight weeks can increasse levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Try blueberries, red raspberries and strawberries.


MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Society #129 Couple Celebrates 50th AnniversaryBy JAMES PRIHODA

The children of James and Carolyn Prihoda h o n o r e d t h e i r parents on Saturday, November 22 with a

50th Anniversary Celebration and Public Open House. Family relatives began arriving at 11 a.m. with a catered meal of grilled chicken breasts and side dishes being served at noon.

At 1 p.m. the children showed a “50 Years of Marriage” video they had prepared. After the presentation the Anniversary Cake was cut by the honorees, shared between them and made available to the rest of those in attendance. Each one of the children made a different

cake to enhance the palate of attendees.

At 2 p.m. the celebration was open to the community and parishioner well-wishers. Those that attended were provided meat and vegetable plates, chips, dips, as well as the anniversary cakes and various refreshments.

Music was provided by D.J. Pepe starting at 11 a.m. and continuing till 6 p.m. James and Carolyn carried out the traditional first dance to a waltz. Everyone in attendance enjoyed the socializing, visiting and reminiscing till 6 p.m. when the party moved to St. Mary’s Catholic Church to participate in the Anniversary Holy Mass

intention and renewal of vows at 6:30 p.m.

Almighty God blessed the event with a beneficial rain during the complete afternoon till prior to the Mass.

Carolyn Agnes Wick and James Charles Prihoda were wed on Sunday, November 22, 1964 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin (St. Mary’s) Catholic Church in High Hill at the 9 a.m. Mass. That day was very warm with a very strong dry cold front sweeping through the area by 10 a.m. The reception was at the parish hall with a noon meal, socializing all afternoon, evening meal at 5 p.m. and concluding with a dance at the K of C Hall in

Schulenburg with music by the Johnny Holub Band.

The couple was blessed with 17 children (11 girls and six boys) in 20 years and they sadly lost their fifth daughter at the age of seven years of age. She had three major heart operations between three and five years

of age. She was a student at St. Rose Catholic School before she passed away.

The Prihodas and most of their family, which is one of the biggest KJT families in the state, are members of Society #129 in Schulenburg. Congratulations Carolyn and James!

Carolyn and James are pictured with their 42 grandchildren. Not present and missing from the photo are two grandsons who are military deployed, a granddaughter-in-law and three great-grandchildren.

The children of Carolyn and James Prihoda are first row (left to right) Joseph, Matthew, parents Carolyn and James, Gregory, Patrick; second row, Marianna, Joanna, Carmela, Michele, Andrea, Lisa; back row, Anthony, Sara, Vivian, Juliana, Theresa and Samuel.

The whole Prihoda Family pictured at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

The Prihoda’s Anniversary Cake baked and decorated by Shantelle Prihoda and a partial view of all of the children’s cakes.

First Dance!

Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty, just and true are your ways, O king of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed” (Rev 15:3-4)

Father Bob KnippenbergState Spiritual Director


Attention all Texas Fraternal Bowlers and Fans,

Make plans now to be in New Braunfels, Texas

on Saturday February 7, 2015

and join in the fun and excitement of the

11th Annual Fraternal Alliance Of Texas

Bowling Tournament Cheer on your society’s bowlers Make it a date!

As they compete for the coveted Special Valentine’s

Golden Fraternal Cup! Day Auction items

Silent auction, raffle and tournament proceeds benefit and door prizes

The Fraternal Alliance Of Texas Scholarship Fund. will be awarded!

Gift items for the No outside food

Silent auction will be or drinks, please.

Greatly appreciated! Great in-house

No alcohol allowed dining!

Saturday, February 7, 2015 – 12 Noon

Please make sure that your registration materials are received by January 30, 2015

Fiesta Lanes in New Braunfels

Fiesta Lanes – 1202 Huisache Avenue (Behind HEB) – New Braunfels, Texas

$20 Entry Fee Per Person

Please see back of this flyer for complete tournament guidelines and entry form.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

REVEREND ROBERT E. (BOB) KNIPPENBERG

KJT State Spiritual Director

God Is The Master Teacher Who Orders All Things Sweetly

A former parishioner recently sent me a copy of an op-ed piece from the Wall Street Journal

(December 26, 2014) by Eric Metaxas entitled “Science Increasingly Makes the Case for God.” Mr. Metaxas concludes his article thus: “The greatest miracle of all time, without any close seconds, is the universe. It is the miracle of all miracles, one

point in myriad ways equally accessible to her classroom filled with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, God appeals to man according to each of his faculties. So, while mystical revelation may make the occasional guest appearance in Biblical literature (2 Cor. 12:2), the normative mode of revelation spans the full breadth of human experience, ranging from prophetic callings to miraculous healings (Ex. 3:1-22, Isa. 6:6-9, Mark 8:22-26).

So, rather than zapping

all brains with an intuitive knowledge of his existence – an act that would risk dehumanizing the object of his love in a certain sense – God chooses to enter the sanctuary of each individual heart in a manner that is profoundly personal and distinctly human. He is the master teacher, the perfect pedagogue, who orders all things sweetly. And so, far from being a strike against God’s goodness, the economy of revelation is tailor-made for human maturation.

that ineluctably points with the combined brightness of every star to something – or Someone – beyond itself.”

In the minds of some, what was once thought to be an argument against the existence of God actually shows the deep wisdom of God’s chosen manner of making himself known. Revelation is not addressed to mere minds, but to embodied persons. God, like every good communicator, takes into account the audience and shapes his message accordingly. In standard theisms, God addresses us as embodied souls that come to the knowledge of truth in stages, in a kind of sacred history. Within that history he uses everything in his power to communicate well to the chosen object of his predilection. He employs theophanies and angelophanies. He uses prophetic instruments. His revelation is rife with analogy, metaphor, parables, and imagery. Just l ike a good 2nd grade teacher who communica te s the same

KJT GRANT PROGRAM

St. Joseph Catholic School staff member Sherry Pavlicek accepts a $500 KJT Home Office Catholic School Grant presented by Society #13 President Robert Hybner.


Tournament Guidelines 1. Must be a member, at least 16 years of age, in good standing of one of the fraternal organizations participating in the

Fraternal Alliance Of Texas. Challenge is open to bowlers and non-bowlers. 2. Teams will consist of five members-any combination of men and women. Although teams are encouraged, individual

entries will be accepted. You do not have to have a full team to enter the tournament. Lodges are encouraged to enter multiple teams.

3. Winning organization will be determined by pin fall. The total pin fall for each organization will be divided by the total number of participants for that organization to determine an average for the three games bowled. The organization with the highest average will be declared the winner.

4. Each participant must bowl three games. 5. If a participant is a member of more than one fraternal society, he/she must decide which organization that he/she

is bowling for before bowling. 6. Awards will be presented to the top three males and top three females for high series and high game. 7. Cost will be $20 per person, or $100 for a team of five bowlers. 8. Registration is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with the tournament beginning at 12 noon. 9. Walk-in will be accepted from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the day of the tournament, provided lanes are available. 10. Teams will be assigned lanes at check-in table on the day of the tournament. 11. Any questions about the tournament should be directed to Tournament Coordinator Chester Jenke (210) 413-3053

or email: [email protected]

Entry Form Name___________________________________Male______Female______Lodge____________________ Address_________________________________Bowling for (Fraternal)_____________________________ Name___________________________________Male_____ Female______Lodge____________________ Address_________________________________Bowling for (Fraternal_____________________________ Name___________________________________Male______Female______Lodge____________________ Address_________________________________Bowling for (Fraternal)_____________________________ Name___________________________________Male______Female______Lodge____________________ Address_________________________________Bowling for (Fraternal)____________________________ Name___________________________________Male______Female______Lodge____________________ Address_________________________________Bowling for (Fraternal)____________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mail entry form and $20 entry fee per bowler to: FAOT Bowling Tournament c/o Chester Jenke 211 Cottonwood Lane Seguin, Texas 78155

Deadline is January 30, 2015. Make checks payable to FAOT (Fraternal Alliance Of Texas)

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

Czech Republic Prime Minister, Governor Perry Visit WestBy GEORGIE NORS

The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Bohuslav Sobotka along with Governor Rick Perry and other

state and local officials took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new West Sokol facility on Thursday, November 20. This was another milestone in the city’s rebuilding process.

Also at this event, West resident Raymond Snokhous was honored by the government of the Czech Republic for serving as Honorary Consul

General of the Czech Republic for the State of Texas. He held this title for more than 20 years and is retiring.

After the groundbreaking event, Ray and his wife Clarice hosted the honorary guest at their home for a reception.

After the events in West, the Prime Minister was honored with a recept ion by His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic and Mrs. Petr Gandalovic and Mr. and Mrs. Brian Vanicek, at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza in Dallas. The Sixth Floor was

the Museum honoring John F. Kennedy, who was shot and killed from this location. The guests were invited to tour the sixth floor and see all the events that led to JFK’s death and events that followed. After viewing the Sixth Floor Museum, the guests were invited to a reception on the Seventh Floor. The Prime Minister spoke briefly in Czech, with an English interpreter. Guests were treated to Czech beer and wine, and finger foods, and lots of kolaches.

B r i a n V a n i c e k , S P J S T

President, was named Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic to the State of Texas. At the reception he was congratulated by Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and Czech Republic Ambassador to the United States Petr Gandalovic . Mr. Vanicek spoke of this honor bestowed on him. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister and his group could

not stay long, as he had another engagement to attend.

Brian Vanicek presented flags to the many organizations that were present. These flags were flown at the State Capitol on Czech National Day, Wednesday, October 28.

State Director Robert Nors and his wife Georgie were present to receive the flag for the KJT.

Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic to the State of Texas Brian Vanicek, SPJST President, presented State Director Robert Nors (left) with a flag that was flown over the State Capitol on Czech National Day.

KJT GRANT PROGRAM

yoakum Society #13 President Robert Hybner presents a $500 KJT Home Office matching grant ßcheck to Pastor St. Joseph Catholic Church Very Rev. Matthew H. Huehlefeld, J.V.


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www.SplashwayWaterpark.com

By Kevin Kana,KJT STATE SECRETARy-TREASURER

The Board of Directors m e e t i n g o f t h e Catholic Union of Texas, the KJT, was held at the Home

Office in La Grange on Tuesday, November 18. State Spiritual Director Fr. Bob Knippenberg offered Holy Mass for all

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTSenrolled in the KJT Memorial Foundation.

State President Christopher L. Urban welcomed the board members and distributed the agenda that would be followed. The roll call indicated that all directors and officers were present.

A l l f i n a n c i a l r e p o r t s , i n v e s t m e n t r e p o r t s a n d marketing reports were accepted as presented.

Edward Mire of Rudd & Wisdom in Austin was approved as the new KJT actuary.

In addition to the youth camp for ages 9-12, another camp

was also approved for ages 13-15. The KJT will also continue to offer college scholarships, Catholic School tuition grants, and society matching funds grants, etc. in 2015. The three statewide charities for 2015 will continue to be the Religious Retirement Fund, Seminarian

Education Fund and the Camp for All.

The State Family Day has tentatively been set for Saturday, April 25 at the KJT Activity and Fraternal Center near La Grange. More information will follow in later issues of the KJT News.

Th e C z e c h o s l o v a k F o r e i g n I n s t i t u t e announces the study tour for 2015 (June 28

to July 19). Group participants will be housed in dorms of the Agricultural School at Suchdol with double occupancy rooms sharing a bath. The dorm is situated in the northwestern part of Praha, linked to downtown by bus and subway. Three meals a day will be served featuring authentic Czech cuisine.

The program tour will include in addition to Czech language classes tours: Cernin Palace, Mala Strana, Old Town and the Old Town Hall, the Prague Castle, Strahov, Valdstejn Garden, Vysehrad, Vrtboská Garden (a Baroque garden), walk across the Charles Bridge; tour of Karlovy Vary and a visit to the Reliquary of St. Maurus tour of Château Becov; and a tour of Trebechovice Nativity Scene Museum; Babiccina Valley – the site of Bozena Nemcova’s novel, Granny, and ending with a boat ride on the Vltava River.

For more info contact:Thadious Polasek

Email: [email protected] Czech Summer Study Tour

730 County Road 230 Schulenburg, Texas 78956

(979) 561-7571(979) 562-2207

Czechoslovak Foreign institute

Announces Czech Summer Study

Program For 2015

Did You Know?If women could grill outside

every day, 66.2% would often, 28.8% sometimes, 3.6% rarely and 1.3% never.


75 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP

Diamonds Of The KJT

State Director Margaret Holik presented a 75-year membership pin to Joseph Koudela from Hillje Society #48. Pictured are his wife Isabel Koudela and son Steven Koudela, president of Hillje Society #48. State Director Holik presented the pin at the society’s annual Christmas party.

Joseph Koudela Receives 75-Year Pin

State President Christopher L. Urban presents a 75-year membership pin to Liz Kahanek for her father, Adolph Svoboda. Adolph had been a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Society #63 in Smithville. He passed away in March 2014.

State President Honors Pin Receipt

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

La Grange Member To Begin Law Studies In Houston

Amber Lutringer was presented the 2014 Fraternal Alliance of Texas Scholarship by State Director Margaret Holik.

FAOT Scholarship

COLLIN MICHAEL WEYAND

Co l l i n M i c h a e l W e y a n d o f L a Grange received h is Bache lor o f Arts degree from

the Nelson Rusche College of Business at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches on Saturday, December 13. He will begin his Undergraduate

Law Studies at South Texas College of Law in Houston in January 2015. He is the son of David and Sandra Weyand and the grandson of Doris and Lambert Lidiak from La Grange and April and Harley Weyand of Nechanitz. Collin is a lifetime member of Society #46 in La Grange and was a 2010 scholarship recipient. Congratulations Collin!

Society #14, BryanEmily Michelle Luza

Society #20, ShinerGlenda Katherine Nevlud

Kayla Elizabeth Nevlud

Society #28, GrangerMary Labaj

Society #31, WestCatherine Marie Kolar

Society #35, EnnisJohn Kyle Long

Society #40, East BernardSarah Ann Conaway

Evelyn Theresa KramrShannon Marie Rother

Society #43, WiedFrancis Joseph Supak II

Society #100, CaldwellDeborah Anne BeranDominic Ernest BeranJennifer Marie BeranAndrea Judith WildeJeffrey Chad Wilde

Society #115, VictoriaChristina Michelle Kubenka

Diana Marie KubenkaDonald James KubenkaTerry Eugene Kubenka

25-Year Membership

December 2014

Did You Know?43 versus 62 is the percentage

of Boomer versus Millenial women who said that their parents had taught them about finances when they were growing up.


KJT GRANT PROGRAM

On Sunday, October 19, Yoakum Society #13 along with the Home Office (Matching Grant) sponsored a Breakfast Taco Sale. The crew (above) managed assembly line fashion producing delicious breakfast tacos. There were three tables with posters each at the exits of St. Joseph Church. Members and junior members (shown in photos below and at right) successfully sold all the breakfast tacos at two Masses.

State Director Ellen Zdansky and Corpus Christi Society #72 President Rosalie Bohuslav presented Father Tomasz at St. Thomas More Church a check for $1,706 for the 2014 Bake Sale and Matching Grant. This is the 10th year that Society #72 has been doing this Matching Grant for St. Thomas More. Father Tomasz has always been very appreciative of the society’s support.

State vice President David M. Wagner, La Grange Society #46 Vice President, made a check presentation to Debbie Greene. This is a Society #46 and Home Office Matching Grant funds donation for the SHOCK group at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for their bake sale held in conjunction with the society’s Fajita Dinner Fundraiser.

Society #3, HostynMatthew C. Stavinoha

Society #4, AmmannsvilleTimothy W. Stavinoha

Society #16, WallisMichael W. BergenHerman J. Bilski Jr.

Society #20, ShinerAugust C. Kubecka

Society #27, TaylorDavid L. ElliottJames C. Elliott

Society #38, MoultonPaul A. Panus

Society #40, East BernardBenjamin S. Svoboda

Society #46, La GrangeKenneth Wayne Ryza

Society #56, HoustonRandall L. Kallus

Society #57, CycloneRonald A. Mihatsch

Society #59, SeymourKeith E. Graves

Society #68, WeimarJames E. Michalke

Society #81, PothMark W. Ender

Society #101, DanburyGregory A. Lubojacky

Society #102, San AntonioAndrew J. Bily

Society #112, AustinWalter L. Bartosh Jr.

Allan W. Bartosh

Society #115, VictoriaKenneth L. Brand

Society #121, Katy-Spring Branch

Stephen P. Stancik

50-Year Membership

December 2014


RemindeR . . .Please note that articles

and photos for the KJT News can be mailed to: KJT News, P.O. Box 297, La Grange, Texas 78945, or can be sent via e–mail to [email protected].

Dead line for articles, photos and ads for the News is the 10th of every month. We welcome and appreciate your interest in KJT journalism.

SOCIETY HAPPENINGS

Society #48, HilljeRobert Volek

Date of Death: 08/05/2014Age 65

Society #48, HilljeCyrill Babik Sr.


Society #43, WiedMartin J. Pustka


Society #102, San AntonioAnton Svatek


Society #28, GrangerDorotha Mokry


Society #40, East BernardBernard Orsak

Date of Death: 09/14/2014Agae 83

The members of the Catholic Union of Texas, the KJT, wish to express their sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of the departed members who are listed below. May their souls rest in peace.

November 2014

IN MEMORIAM OF OUR

DECEASED MEMBERS

Society #90, RosenbergRaymond Macha Sr.


Society #111, DallasKatheryne Gilligan


Society #14, BryanErnest Kubin


Society #16, WallisJoe Minks


Society #68, WeimarEugene Anders


Society #54, Fort WorthJohn Frank Kubala


#126 neW BraUnFeLSBy Bernice Martini

A kolache bake sale was held Saturday and Sunday, October

25 and 26 after all Masses at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels.

New Braunfels Society #126 staged this fundraiser. All funds

from the sale were donated St. John Paul II Catholic High School to help further Catholic education.

Students from St. John Paul II who helped were Joseph Gagnon, Trey Rompel, Joey

Participating in the Society #126 bake sale fundraiser were front row (left to right) McKenzie Van Geffen, Society President Bernice Martini, Gregory Gorman, Principal Andrew Illiff; back row, Joseph Gagnon, Society Treasurer Ray Martini, Trey Rompel and Joey Gloria.

Gloria, McKenzie Van Geffen, Gregory Gorman, Lauren Gilman and Fabius Bascon.

A check for $1,100 was given to Principal Andrew Illiff at their school Mass on Wednesday, November 5.

Principal Andrew Illiff introduces Bernice and Ray Martini at Mass on Wednesday, November 5 who were representing Society #126 helping further Catholic education.

Holy Family Society #133 of Missouri City officers are shown giving a donation check to Fr. Sunny, Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Missouri City for the “Growing Together in Christ Building Fund.” At the presentation are (left to right) Al Janda, Margaret Slanina, Fr. Sunny and Harvey Koudelka

#141 GEORGETOWNBy Bernice Ermis

The Georgetown Society #141 meeting was held at the home of Treasurer Larry and Pat

Those attending the Society #141 meeting were Society Chaplain Msgr. Louis Wozniak, Pat and Bernice Ermis, Larry and Pat Gregoire, Jeanette and Rick Nemec, Dan and Virginia Berto, Gary and Daphne Gentz, Lillian Naizer, and State Director Thomas Arellano.

Gregoire’s house on Friday, October 10.

President Pat Ermis called the meeting to order. Chaplain Msgr. Louis Wozniak led the group in prayer. The Pledge of

Allegiance was said after which they voted on the collecting and paying of dues and they decided to not do it this year and think about it to see if they wanted to do it next year.

The members discussed the upcoming St. Helen’s Festival on Sunday, October 19. As part of the festival, a bingo is held on Saturday night. The group will be selling ice cream at the bingo again. They also will host the ice cream booth again this year. HEB donated the ice cream to the society, so they did not make it this year. The proceeds of the sales from both events go to St. Helen’s Catholic Church Fall Festival.

They enjoyed Sloppy Joes and baked beans along with many sides and desserts brought by the guests.

President Pat Ermis appointed a committee to select nominees for the coming year. They will be elected at the December m e e t i n g a n d C h r i s t m a s Party. Jeanette Nemec, Virginia Berto and Bernice Ermis are on the committee. State Director Thomas Arellano presented Pat Ermis with his 75-year membership pin assisted by his wife Bernice Ermis.


SOCIETY HAPPENINGS

Members of Society #139 in Bay City “joined” other Holy Cross Catholic Church parishioners for a work party in February 2014 to “spruce up” around Holy Cross Catholic Church. Shown are (left to right) Charles Hahn, Richard Tweedle, George Scheel, Thomas Pivonka, Gus Svatek, John Bucek, Lee Baca, Richard Bernsen, James Engbrock and Gene Koudelka. Not pictured is Larry Browning.

Killeen Society #128 recently met at the St. Joseph School Cafeteria for one of its yearly potluck dinners. Dinner was served at 6 p.m. and afterwards an update on the society and the results of the Fest-of-All held on the St. Joseph Grounds was given. A check was presented to the St. Joseph School. This donation is given yearly. State Director Thomas Arellano gave an update at the state level. His wife Jenny was also present. New officers elected for the New Year were President Marilyn Stefek, Vice President James Wiley, Secretary Mary Jo Hall and Treasurer Carol Daude. A little rain fell early Sunday morning, October 12 on the day of the Fest-of-All but it still turned out to be a very successful event.

enjoying the Fall Festival at Sacred Heart Church in Elgin are Elgin Society #130 members Society President Artie Monson, Katelyn Cowan and Society Secretary Deborah Currey. This KJT booth supports the Religious Education fundraiser.

Holy Cross Catholic School in Bay City held its annual Veteran’s Day Program on Wednesday, November 12. Bay City Society #139 Secretary/Treasurer Vincent Nemec and his wife Cynthia donated 200 flags in honor of their daughter Airman 1st Class Stephanie (Nemec) Soares who is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force (also a former student at Holy Cross), and in memory of Charles R. Nemec who served in the U.S. Army and Edward L. Dorotik Sr., who served in the U.S. Air Force. The Holy Cross School Choir and the 6th grade students are shown waving the flags during the program. Society #139 and Holy Cross School wishes to thank Cynthia and Vincent Nemec for their donation!


Georgetown Society #141 held its annual Christmas party and election of officers. The committee appointed at the

Those in attendance at the Society #141 annual Christmas party were front row (left to right) Quinn, Laney and Tristan Arellano, Cayden Hinderman, Ryan Close; second row, Bernice Ermis, Elizabeth Meyer, Daphne Gentz, Rhiana Close holding the society’s newest member Julian Close, Maddie Arellano, Jeanette Nemec, Shirley Revering, Msgr. Louis Wozniak, Pat Gregoire, Virginia Berto, Monica Rychlik; third row, Pat Ermis, George Marusak, Clarence Meyer, Gary Gentz, Thomas Arellano, Jeanie Arellano, Larry Gregoire, Dan Berto, Rick Nemec, Bill Revering, Lillian Naizer and Albert Rychlik.

October meeting presented a candidate to replace the outgoing Secretary Daphne Gentz. Rhiana Close will start her duties at the first meeting of the year on Friday, January 16. All of the other officers were

elected by acclamation. Patrick Ermis will remain the president, George Marusak as v ice president and Larry Gregoire as treasurer. Msgr. Louis Wozniak will remain as the society’s chaplain and Bernice Ermis will continue her duties as the group historian.

The dinner consisted of chicken, meat loaf and sausage, along with side dishes and desserts donated by all of the members. Thirty-one members were in attendance. They listened to Christmas carols, and then held a drawing for the six poinsettias, which were the table centerpieces.

#122 FreePOrTBy James Mikes

St. Joseph Society #122 of Freeport met on Tuesday, November 18 at St. Jerome’s Father O’Malley Room in Clute. This was the fourth quarterly meeting of the year. President James Mikes opened the meeting with a prayer.

The society will no longer be collecting local dues from members effective January 1, 2015, just as the Home Office will no longer be collecting state dues from members effective January 1, 2015. Election of officers took place and all current officers were elected by acclamation. The local churches of St. Vincent de Paul were given a charity donation. A donation was given to St. Jerome’s Parish for use of the parish hall during the society’s 50th anniversary celebration. A gift was given to Chaplain Father Jim Lynes for Christmas.

President Mikes and a few members went out to the Gulf Coast Cemetery in Clute and placed new flowers on the grave of Irma Green. Irma was the cook at St. Mary’s in Freeport for many years. This was the society’s Join Hands Day project. The meeting closed with prayer for deceased members.

Did You Know?Sleeping in a chilly room – 68

degrees – can aid weight loss. Cooler temps increase your level of brown fat, a good-for-you fat that burns calories to generate heat and keep you warm through the night.


Society #72, Corpus ChristiMarion E. Peterek


Society #4, AmmannsvilleErnest J. Mazoch


Associate Members

Society #4, AmmannsvilleDorothy Srubar


Society #114, TempleLeonette Entrop


Society #111, DallasJohn W. Becan Jr.


Society #111, DallasGeorge J. Montgomery

Age 88

Society #72, Corpus ChristiMarione E. Peterek


The members of the Catholic Union of Texas, the KJT, wish to express their sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of the departed members who are listed below. May their souls rest in peace.

December 2014

IN MEMORIAM OF OUR

DECEASED MEMBERS

Society #20, ShinerTimothy Effenberger


Society #79, HungerfordEmil F. Petter


Society #56, HoustonFlorian Demny


Society #35, EnnisRaymond T. Burch


Society #43, WiedMatthew Pustka Jr.


Society #79, HungerfordJanet A. Miculka


Society #121, Katy-Spring Branch

Francis M. DornakDate of Death: 11/14/2014

Age 69

Society #20, ShinerDennis Machert


SOCIETY HAPPENINGS

#31 WESTBy Georgie Nors

West Society #31 held a meeting on Sunday, November 9 after the 7:30 a.m. Mass.

President Michael Kraemer called the meeting to order and led the opening prayer and the

Pledge of Allegiance. Robert Nors and Isabella Kidwell won the attendance prizes.

Robert Nors reported that after one more check, the society will no longer receive money from dues.

Sherry Pavlas reported she sent a get-well card to Bill

Grimm and Ernest Bezdek, and a sympathy card to the family of Jerry Grones. Thank you cards were read from Ernest and Evelyn Bezdek for the CEFT Enrollment for their anniversary, and from the State President Christopher L. Urban for the money sent for the Religious Retirement Fund.

Robert Nors stated that Ernest Bezdek is in the eighth spot in the KJT Stars.

This year’s menu for the Christmas Party would be pork loin, sausage, potatoes, gravy and green beans. Members are asked to bring either a salad or dessert.

Cathy Kraemer stated that on Thursday, November 20, the Sokol would have their groundbreaking ceremony. The Prime Minister and the Consul from the Czech Republic would be in West. It will be a big event. She stated that they were asking for donations for coffee and kolaches that would be served afterwards. The society donated $50.

The KJZT members asked for a donation to the Food Pantry. Instead of money, it was decided to ask the members to bring a nonperishable food item to the Christmas Party, along with a dessert and a door prize, if desired. Cathy Kraemer stated that she could put it on the postcards that she was sending out to members.

The youth will meet with the KJZT youth to practice for the upcoming Christmas program. Sandy Kidwell stated that more Youth Club members are needed, as some are too old and are in college and some too young. Michael Kraemer and Marvin Cepak won the door prizes.

Sherry Pavlas led the closing prayer.

#119 LA MARQUEBy Melba Reznicek

Society #119 of La Marque held its final meeting for 2014 in November to prepare for the upcoming year of 2015. Election of officers was held and members of the society voted to re-elect the officers of 2014 to uphold the same positions. Officers for 2015 are President Michael Reznicek,

Vice President Mandy Reznicek, Secretary/Treasurer Melba Reznicek with W.K. Leonard as Sales Representative and Fr. Paul Chovanec as Society Chaplain.

One of the topics in discussion was when to begin the collection of the dues, which the society had previously agreed upon collecting, and whether the society would prefer to begin collecting the dues in 2015 or defer collection until 2016. It was decided to defer the dues until 2016 in order to get all members on the same billing cycle with hopefully minimal confusion.

Next on the agenda was the setting of meeting dates for 2015. The meetings will be: March 8, June 14, September 13 and November 8. Meetings will be held in the small conference room of the Queen of Peace Parish Life Center in La Marque at 1 p.m. with a covered dish meal unless otherwise notified. Additional meetings may be

planned throughout the year as needed. The majority of upcoming events for 2015 will be discussed at the next meeting in March. The KJT Fall Expo and Craft Show was discussed and it was decided to keep it on the second Saturday of October in conjunction with the matching grant program. The date for this event will be Saturday, October 10. Society #119 will also be hosting Hospitality on Sunday, March 29 and the Christmas Party will be on Sunday, December 13.

On Monday, December 14, Society President Michael Reznicek with Vice President Mandy Reznicek, Secretary/Treasurer Melba Reznicek and Sales Representative W.K. Leonard presented “Cookie” Mendez with the matching grant check for Queen of Peace acolytes’ vestments. The society also presented Fr. Chacko Puthumayil with a donation check for the Queen of Peace Church.

La Marque Society #119 officers for 2015 are (left to right) Vice President Mandy Reznicek, Secretary/Treasurer Melba Reznicek, President Michael Reznicek, Society Chaplain Fr. Paul Chovanec and Sales Representative W.K. Leonard.

The Sealy KJT Society is offering scholarships to the most qualified insured member applicants graduating this year from high school, who enroll in an institution of higher learning or vocational trade school within six months from date notified of scholarship award. To be eligible, the applicant must be an insured society member of Society #80 for at

Society #80 Offering College Scholarships – Application

Deadline March 16least one year prior to March 1 of the current year.

Scholarship applications may be obtained from Secretary Bernice Stolarski, 979-885-6786, or by going to our website: http://www.sealykjt.org/.

Applications must be returned by Monday, March 16, 2015, to Larry Kuciemba, President Society #80, 227 Main Street, Sealy, Texas 77474.


SOCIETY HAPPENINGS

#115 viCTOriaBy Barbara Yanta

Victoria Society #115 met on Sunday, November 30 in Our Lady of Victory Cathedral Meeting Room. The election of officers was held with Lawrence Yanta being elected president and Robert Stryk was elected vice president for two-year terms by acclamation. Secretary Barbara Yanta and Treasurer Joe Pustka received extended

terms to run through 2015. A lengthy discussion about meeting places was held. The 2015 meeting dates were set for January 18, May 24, August 30 and November 29.

The KJT/KJZT joint Christmas meeting was held at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral Cafeteria followed with a chicken strip and covered dish dinner party on Sunday, December 7. Door prizes were awarded.

victoria Society #115 officers for 2015 are Vice President Robert Stryk, Treasurer Joe Pustka, Secretary Barbara Yanta and President Lawrence Yanta.

in conjunction with Christmas festivities, Yoakum Society #13 youth and members presented a skit entitled “Sights, Sounds and Symbols of Christmas.” Shown seated (left to right) are Isabel Maldonado, Paul and Jordan Bludau; standing, Hanna Bordovsky, Trinity and Dorothea Harper, Constance Chomout, Brianna Mayfield, Lillianna Bludau, and J.C. and Stella Maldonado.

Society #92 of Damon held its Annual Christmas Meeting, Social and Food Drive on Saturday, December 6 at the CCD Building. The meeting began with a prayer. Canned goods were collected for the local needy families. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a potluck supper. It was a great turnout.

Pflugerville Society #132 celebrated Christmas with a barbecue dinner and a challenging exchange of gifts that tested established friendships. But there were a lot of laughs and hugs to go around. The highlight of the festivities was Santa visiting with the children and listening to their Christmas wishes. (Above) Isaac Spangler is admiring Santa and telling Santa all the good deeds he did during the year. Isaac is the grandson of Fernando and Dianna Barbosa. (Below) Annie on left and Daisy on the right are enjoying their visit with Santa. Annie and Daisy are granddaughters of Herb and Liz Thweatt. Craig Romick was recognized for his two-year tenure as president of Society #132. Treasurer Frank Thomas and Secretary Alice Bosquez were also presented with a certificate and a gift for their work. Job well done! Society #132 donated $425 to Saint Vincent DePaul.

#129 SCHULenBUrGBy James Prihoda

St. Augustine Society #129 of Schulenburg met on Sunday, December 14 at the home of James and Carolyn Prihoda for a Christmas Social beginning at noon with a boneless chicken vegetable stew prepared by

James Prihoda. Fifteen families attended to enjoy the meal and social prior to the 2 p.m. meeting that followed. President Matthew Prihoda opened the meeting with prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The financial report for the society showed a very prosperous fundraising year.

Communications were read which showed three new member transfers and the annual report forms being received. Election of 2015 officers was held and by unanimous vote remained from the previous year – President Matthew Prihoda, Vice President Patrick Prihoda, Secretary Joanna Rogers and Treasurer James Prihoda. The membership status showed one new member for 2014 with two candidates making applications.

Habitat for Humanity’s request for volunteers to help on the 2015 home was tabled due to a delay in Habitat’s starting timetable till spring. Secretary Joanna Rogers presented bills for the youth pool and social party expenses.

The youth Christmas caroling party was set for 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 21 at the Regency Nursing Home. The youth were busy making cards to handout to the residents at this time.

T h i s w a s f o l l o w e d b y the membership making contributions to the Home Office Religious Retirement Fund and to the Seminarians Fund, St. John CCD and St. Rose CCD programs and Christmas monetary gifts to Pastor Rev. Tim Kosler and Assoc. Pastor Rev. George Kunnath, St. Rose, Schulenburg and St. Mary’s, High Hill.

The membership discussed the Matching Grant Turkey Shoot and set the date for Sunday, April 12 as the first Sunday in April is Easter Sunday.

They approved requesting Matching Grant funds for the benefit of the Schulenburg Historical Museum restoration, roof repairs and addition. The members also approved participating again in the Schulenburg Sausage Fest to be held on Saturday, March 28. James Prihoda was appointed to check about sponsorship information for the Sausage Fest Activities that will be FREE to the public. They also discussed doing Join Hands Day activities with the community at the Schulenburg Historical Museum.


SOCIETY HAPPENINGS

#112 aUSTinBy Sarah Vitek

A joint KJT #112/KJZT #93 Christmas party was held on Saturday, December 6, the Feast of St. Nicholas, at St. Louis Wozniak Hall. The party had a different theme and format this year.

It was exciting for all the youngsters and others young a t hear t . E i leen Ros ipa l coordinated the enjoyable event, with assistance from the officers of both societies.

After a delicious meal prepared by St. Louis’ own school chef, Felipe Carvajal, the activities began. Throughout the evening, Bernard Tupa and his daughter Jessica provided entertaining and listening music. There was a craft corner for the young children, additional games and activities for ages 11-17 and then more games, drawings etc. for ages 18-100, including 50/50 and a silent auction.

The highlight of the evening was a re-enactment of the nativity presented by Florence Neal. All the young actors were so eager and enthusiastic about being in this production. After the Nativity program, Rev. James Misko, Pastor of St. Louis Church, told the story of St. Nicholas, at which time St. Nicholas appeared and handed out sacks of gold coins to the children.

When the young children registered, they were given a letter to fill out to give to St. Nicholas. Fr. Misko then asked the children to bring up their letters and present them to St. Nicholas. Each child received a stocking filled with fruit, nuts and candy.

The members were happy that their Chaplain, Rev. Matt Iwuji, Pastor of St. Albert The Great, was able to join in. A big thank you to all who came, participated and enjoyed the fun-filled evening.

The Three Wise Men are bringing their gifts to Baby Jesus during the Society #112 Nativity program.

austin Society #112 President Kenneth Klanika presented Rev. Matt Iwuji, the society chaplain, with a token of appreciation on behalf of the members at the joint KJT/KJZT Christmas party held at St. Louis Parish on Saturday, December 6.

Rev. James Misko and St. Nicholas with the children during the Society #112 Christmas party.

One of the games the children participated in regarding St. Nicholas’ visit during the Society #112 Christmas party.

Frydek St. Stephen’s Society #29 elected their officers for the 2015 year. They are (left to right) Reporter Doris Sodolak, Treasurer Diane Sodolak, President Shane Eschenburg, Secretary Justin Eschenburg, Vice President Val Eschenburg and Youth Director Emily Eschenburg.

#29 FryDeKBy Doris Sodolak

St. Stephen’s Society #29 at Frydek met on Sunday, December 14 at 11:30 am at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. President Shane Eschenburg opened the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

P r e s i d e n t E s c h e n b u r g reported on the KJT 125th

Anniversary held in October in Sealy. Society members participated in the Kolache Eating Contest with Danielle Eschenburg taking first place in the adult division. Other activities were enjoyed and a nice day was had by those that attending.

Thank you notes were received from graduate Trey Bartholomaus for his KJT

Scholarship and from the Patrick Chalupa family.

The society lost a KJT member, Emily Zapalac, and a card will be sent to her husband Sylvester. A Mass was offered for KJT deceased members on Saturday, December 27 and one for the living members on Saturday, January 3.

The society remembered its clergy – Fr. Thuy Quang Nguyen, Deacon Jerome Losack and Deacon-to-be Paul Franek with monetary gifts at Christmas time.

The annual KJT breakfast will not be held in 2015 due to Confirmation scheduled in March. However, the annual fundraiser of the VISA gift cards will be offered in conjunction with KJZT #29. Only 200 tickets will be sold at $20 each with the winners of each ticket receiving a $200 gift card.

All officers were re-elected for 2015. Namely, President Shane Eschenburg, Vice President Val Eschenburg, Secretary Justin Eschenburg, Treasurer Diane Sodolak, Reporter Doris Sodolak and Youth Director Emily Eschenburg. Following the meeting, a Christmas Party was held. Fried Chicken and an assortment of veggies and desserts were enjoyed. Everyone received a door prize at the end of the afternoon.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

FOR MEMBERSThe KJT asks members to

always check their certificates

to note whether they have the proper

beneficiaries designated.

Did You Know?No one in the country loves

chicken wings more than Carolina Panther fans. Panther devotees order wings 26% more often than the average U.S. resident.

SOCIETY HAPPENINGS


The youth Group of Corpus Christi Society #72 participated and enjoyed decorating Christmas cookies from the kitchen of President Rosalie Bohuslav at the society meeting on Sunday, December 7 (above). Each youth received a $10 Christmas gift. Shown with the youth holding their $10 gift were (left to right) President Rosalie Bohu-slav, Secretary Kara Johnson a n d S t a t e Director Ellen Zdansky (a t right).


On Sunday, December 7, several members of Georgetown Society #141 met with the 2nd grade Religious Education class at St. Helen’s Catholic School to perform a youth project.

The students were each given a stand up card to color and then attached a candy cane to it. The members, teacher and

assistant teachers helped the students do their project.

Afterward, State Director Thomas Arellano gave a short talk to the students about the KJT and what the organization does.

They enjoyed a snack of goldfish and cookies donated by the group. They were also given an additional candy cane to take with them as they left for the day.

Tristan arellano, daughter of State Director Thomas Arellano, shows off her project to Georgetown members.

Society #141 members helping the students decorate their cards.

Shown are those who helped the second grade class with a candy cane project – front row (left to right) Virginia Berto, Assistant Teacher Ramona Zelasko, Mary K. Marusak, Pat Gregoire, Bernice Ermis, Teacher Betty Elliott, Assistant Teacher Lauren Estrada, State Director Thomas Arellano; back row, Daphne Gentz, Jeanette Nemec, Rick Nemec, Gary Gentz and Larry Gregoire.

#72 COrPUS CHriSTiBy Kara Johnson

The meeting of Corpus Christi Society #72 was held on Sunday, December 7 at Moravian Hall.

President Rosalie Bohuslav opened the meeting with a prayer, followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. She then welcomed all new members and guests and recognized that today was Pearl Harbor Day.

State Director Ellen Zdansky r e p o r t e d o n t h e 1 2 5 t h Anniversary Celebration. She said it went great; there was a good turnout. Next year’s State Family Day will be moved back to springtime.

Rosalie Bohuslav announced the society had its annual Bake Sale at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and raised $1,201. With the Matching Grant, the society will give a total of $1,701 to the church. She announced the society would be holding a bake sale on Sunday, February 8 at the Moravian Hall Shareholder’s Meeting; this will serve as an additional fundraiser for the society to be able to uphold its yearly donations, since we are no longer collecting local dues.

Meetings for 2015 will be held March 1, June 7, September 13 and December 6.

The society is still collecting items for the Ronald McDonald House and Women Shelter, so please donate what you can.

Yearly donations to the State Charities were discussed; it was decided to donate $1,200.

Officers for 2015 will be President Rosalie Bohuslav, Treasurer Kara Johnson, Vice President Rosalie Williams and Secretary Connie Williams. Bud Duplessis thanked all the officers and volunteers for everything they do.

State Director Zdansky stated that it is now easier to join the KJT and get insurance. And there are no longer any dues. She then wanted to thank everyone for helping continue the success of the KJT. Father Tomasz wanted to let everyone know how much fun he had at the bake sale and for all the help in getting the community together and to be proud of all that the society is doing.

Corpus Christi Society #72 presented Chaplain Rev. Tomasz with a monetary Christmas gift and a KJT insulated mug at the society meeting on Sunday, December 7. Presenting the gifts from the members of the society were (left to right) Secretary Kara Johnson, President Rosalie Bohuslav, Rev. Tomasz and State Director Ellen Zdansky.

a $10 new Member Bonus was presented to Debbie Mladenka at the Corpus Christi Society #72 meeting on Sunday, December 7. At the presentation were (left to right) President Rosalie Bohuslav, Darren Mladenka, Debbie Mladenka and State Director Ellen Zdansky. This makes 100% family participation for the Mladenka Family. Congratulations!

Charlie Kalinec wanted to thank members for recognizing his family last meeting with their 75-year membership pins.

Margie Kalinec, Frances

Rudolph, Sue Yaklin and Mary Wyckoff all received special prizes during a drawing for bringing in their reminder cards.


Color the "VALENTINE'S DAY" picture and mail your entry in by FEBRUARY 13 to be

eligible for a drawing of three $5 cash prizes. Children must be ages 2-8 to enter and arelimited to 2 wins per year.

HURRY AND GOOD LUCK!(If you have more than one child in your household wishing to enter the contest, please feel free to make copies of the picture. Must be a

KJT member to enter contest.)

Mail the picture and your name, age, society #, address and phone number to the:

KJT Home Office, P. O. Box 297, La Grange, Texas 78945

Youth Activity Corner

Brisa Soto, Age 8, Society #46, La Grange John Jaimes, Age 2, Society #4, Ammannsville Sean Rogers, Age 3, Society #129, Schulenburg

Christmas Coloring Contest Winner

I was a young Christian of high ranking family betrothed to a Roman named Valerian. Through my influence, my husband Valerian was converted, and was martyred along with his brother. I, too, was eventually martyred by being struck three times on the neck with a sword. I lived, however, for three days and asked the pope to convert my home into a church. My feast day is November 22 and I am the patron said of musicians. Who am I?

Nov./Dec. 2014 Who Am I? Answer: Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatxzin

Answer the question correctly and three winners ages 9-12 will be eligible for a drawing of a $5 cash prize. Entrants must be KJT

members. Send in form below by FEBRUARY 13 to theKJT Home Office, P.O. Box 297, La Grange, Texas 78945.

Who Am I? Answer: _________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________________ Age: ______

Address: _____________________________ City: ___________________ Zip: _________

Phone: _____________________________________ Society # ______________________

Who Am I?

November-December 2014 Who Am I? Contest Winners

Heath Emmert, Age 11, Society #60, ToursRenae Friesanhahn, Age 9, Society #112, Austin

Jacob Kulcak, Age 10, Society #133, Missouri City

GROUNDHOG DAyMonday, February 2.

FraTernaL aLLianCe OF TeXaS BOWLinGTOURNAMENTSaturday, February 7, Fiesta Lanes, 1202 Hulsache Avenue (behind HEB), New Braunfels, noon.

SOCieTy #72,CORPUS CHRISTISunday, February 8, bake sale, Moravian Hall Shareholder's Meeting.

SOCieTy #29, FryDeKWednesday, Februar y 11, meeting.

SOCieTy #112, aUSTinWednesday, Februar y 11, meeting, Sacred Heart Reception Room, 6:30 p.m.

SOCieTy #141, GeOrGeTOWnFriday, February 13, meeting, St. Rita Activity Center, 6:30 p.m.

VALENTINE'S DAySaturday, February 14.

SWeeTHearT SOiree, enniSSaturday, February 14, KJT Auditorium, 1216 S. Paris St., Ennis, 7 p.m. Get your heart on with Alex Meixner ... from polkas to ballroom to rock 'n rollka! Admission 21 and up, $15, 20 and under, $8, 12 and under free. Guests 21 and up receive four drink coupons with paid admission (excludes import beer and call drinks). Valentine drink specials!

TeXaS CZeCH HeriTaGeAND CULTURAL CENTERvaLenTine'S SOCiaL, DINNER & CONCERTSaturday, February 14, Hanslik Banquet Hall ,TCHCC, La Grange. Social 4 p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m. and concert begins at 7 p.m. Appetizers,


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

drinks featuring local wines, and a delicious beef tenderloin dinner will be served. Enjoy a concert performance by Pianist John Dujka. Donation of $75 per person. Advance tickets by Monday, February 9. Formal evening attire requested. Treat your sweetheart for Valentine's!

CZeCH eX-STUDenTSaSSOCiaTiOn OF TeXaSANNUAL MEETINGSaturday, February 14, Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, La Grange, 10 a.m. E m a i l Ja n e Re y n o l d s a t [email protected] to let her know if you are attending. Light refreshments will be served. Some of the topics of discussion at the meeting will be the expansion of the teaching of Czech in Texas and the digitizing of Texas Czech ancestry.

SOCieTy #28, GranGerSunday, February 15, annual Polka Mass and meal. Mass will be at 10 a.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church with a homemade meal to follow at the Parish Hall. This will be the society's matching grant event.

DISTRICT VII ANNUAL MEETING & FaMiLy aPPreCiaTiOn DaySunday, February 22, KJT Hall, Ganado. Mass at 9 am. at Assumption BVM Catholic Church for living and deceased. Registration at 10:30 a.m. Catered meal. District meeting with a Memorial Service for deceased KJT members, society reports and election of officers. All KJT members, families and children are cordially invited to come share the day with us. There will be fun and food for all. Each society is asked to bring an adult and/or youth door prize, and a donation for the silent auction. Children's activities! Any questions, please feel contact Charles Holik at (979) 578-3226, Frances Toman at (361) 771-5269 or Donald Dusek at (361) 578-6730. We look forward to see you there!

KJT SCHOLARSHIPAPPLICATIONDEADLINESunday, March 1.

SOCieTy #72, CORPUS CHRISTISunday, March 1, meeting.

BeXar COUnTy CZeCHHERITAGE SOCIETy DANCESunday, March 1, Martinez Social Club, 7791 FM 1346 at FM 1516, San Antonio, TX 78220, 2-6 p.m. Music by the Ennis Czech Boys. Admission $8. Everyone is welcome! Refreshments – sausage in a bun and kolaches.

SOCieTy #119, La MarQUeSunday, March 8, meeting, Queen of Peace Life Center in small conference room, 1 p.m., covered dish meal.

SOCieTy #112, aUSTinWednesday, March 11, Annual Junior Hamburger Cookout, cafeteria, 6 p.m.

DISTRICT III ANNUAL MEETINGSunday, March 15, St. Mary's, Hallettsville. The day will begin with a 9:15 a.m. Mass in the church with registration, meal and meeting to follow in the hall. There will be a youth activity.

SOCieTy #80, SeaLy,SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONDEADLINEMonday, March 16.

SOCieTy #80, SeaLyTuesday, March 24, officer's meeting, 6 p.m. and regular meeting/meal, 7 p.m.

DiSTriCT iv FaMiLy DaySaturday, March 28, Old Settlers Reunion Hall, Round Rock. More details to follow!

SOCieTy #129, SCHULENBURGS a t u rd ay, Ma rc h 2 8 , t o participate in Schulenburg Sausage Fest.

SOCieTy #119, LA MARQUESunday, March 29, Hospitality at Queen of Peace Life Center.

MAR2015

FEB2015

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STaTe OFFiCerSRev. Robert E. (Bob) Knippenberg, Spiritual Director

Holy Family Catholic Church2011 Briar Lane, Wharton, Texas 77488-4470

979/532-3593 or Fax 979/[email protected]

Christopher L. Urban, State PresidentP. O. Box 297, La Grange, Texas 78945Business 979/968-5877 or 968-5878

Residence 979/968-5118 [email protected]

David M. Wagner, State Vice PresidentP.O. Box 297, La Grange, Texas 78945

Business 979/968-5877 or 968-5878 • Cell 979/[email protected]

Kevin D. Kana, State Treasurer & SecretaryP.O. Box 297, La Grange, Texas 78945

Business 979/968-5877 or 968-5878 • Cell 979/[email protected]

Philip J. Hundl, State AttorneyWadler, Perches, Hundl & Kerlick,

101 W. Burleson St., Wharton, Texas 77488Business: 979/532-3871 • Residence: 979/253-0908

[email protected]

STATE DIRECTORSRobert Nors

1298 John Nors Road, West, Texas 76691-2531Residence 254/826-3451 • [email protected]

Margaret Hanslik121 CR 193A, Moulton, Texas 77975-4809Cell 361/772-1973 • [email protected]

Ray Pokorney10100 Bennett-Pokorney Lane, Manor, Texas 78653-4706

Residence 512/251-1185 • [email protected]

Thomas Arellano1303 Old Meadow Court, Round Rock, Texas 78665


Margaret Holik1828 County Road 382, Louise, Texas 77455-4160

Cell 979/541-3303 • [email protected]

Ellen Zdansky701 Meadowbrook Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-3020


Larry L. Kuciemba5119 Prairie Creek Drive, Houston, Texas 77084


KJT FraTernaL aCTiviTy ManaGerMichael Reznicek

P. O. Box 297, La Grange, Texas 789453870 FM 949, Cat Spring, Texas 78933

409/771-8101 • [email protected]

KJT NEWS EDITORCynthia V. Taylor

P. O. Box 297, La Grange, Texas 789454403 Bob Wire Road, Spicewood, Texas 78669


214 E. Colorado • P. O. Box 297 • La Grange, Texas 78945–0297979/968–5877 • 800/245–8182 • [email protected] • www.kjtnet.org

JanUary 2015

NEWSOfficial Newsletter of the Catholic Union of Texas

… from Polkas to Ballroom to Rock n’ Rollka!!

Saturday, February 14 at 7 PMKJT Auditorium

1216 S. Paris St., Ennis, TX

Admission21 & up - $15

20 & under - $812 & under – FREE!

Guests 21 & up receive 4 drink coupons with paid admission (excludes import beer & call drinks)

Search for Alex Meixner on youtube.com for some awesome performances!!

Documents

THOUGHT OF - Catholic Union of Texas, The KJT · April 10 Discounted Splashway Season Pass Deadline ... the Omni Houston Westside July ... Joe Landsfeld, Society #35, Ennis,