STATE DEPUTY MESSAGE for SEPTEMBER

Worthy Brothers,

As we enter the third month of our Columbian year, I want to thank all of you for the fast start, you have taken to heart our state motto this year: “I will show you my faith through my works”, James 2:18.

My Icon this year is of St. Bernadette praying to Our Lady of Lourdes in the grotto at Lourdes, France. In September we have liturgical feast days for the Most Holy Name of Mary (September 12) and Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15). September falls during the liturgical season known as Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection.

As we grow the Order, so we also increase our ability to be the defender of our Catholic faith and to help others. We have no less than a moral obligation than to offer every Catholic man the opportunity to join our ranks and experience the faith formation we have experienced and become better Catholic Christians, better husbands and better fathers. The emphasis is on using online e-membership to bring new Brothers into the order, get them exemplified and get them into the Council. Every Council should have at least one exemplification before the end of September. 

Our program of the month for September is, “INTO THE BREACH”, This program is designed to deepen our members’ spirituality and formation to combat crisis of religious faith in our world. Knights of Columbus councils will institute men’s study groups to read the apostolic exhortation Into the Breach. Into the Breach is a perfect faith formation option for Cor. The world needs courageous men to witness to Jesus Christ and the Knights of Columbus has started the Cor initiative to do just that. The State Council is encouraging all Councils to establish an Evangelization and Faith Formation Director and instituting Cor parish wide for the men in the parish.

October’s program of the month is the “ID DRIVE” which is dedicated to improving the quality of life, learning and mainstream employment for children, teens, and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Let’s keep making a difference in people’s lives! Go forth and do the good works of the Knights of Columbus. 

Amen and God bless you all. Mama Mary Pray for us!

Fraternally,

JIM LARSON
State Deputy 2024-2025

STATE CHAPLAIN MESSAGE FOR SEPTEMBER

Dear Worthy Knights,

I am writing this letter on Labor Day weekend. Many schools just started the new academic year. Some of our own children or grandchildren were too. We all feel their excitement. They can be a good reminder for us to be excited for our mission as Knights in our own council. We are called to be Knights of Prayer and Service. We are called to be Knights of the Eucharist. In this last year of the three year National Eucharistic Revival. We want to stop by more frequently to the adoration chapel or attend one or more daily mass.

Our Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly shared in the Supreme Convention that before he gave a speech at the recent Indianapolis National Eucharistic Revival, the 60,000 Catholics gave a standing ovation. They know each brother Knight embodies prayer, Eucharistic devotion and service.

At the Supreme Convention that I attended with some of our California state officers, I was touched by the report about Ukraine. We have raised more than $23 million to aid Ukrainians. We have contributed more than 280,000 food boxes, coats and generators. The Knights of Columbus has partnered with expert organizations to train local, civilian minesweepers to clear landmines and other unexploded ordnances that threaten civilian populations and that are now contaminating nearly one-third of Ukraine. 

Thank you brothers for all OUR good works. We know our fuel is Jesus Christ. I invite you to refuel our spiritual tank by going to “KofC Family Retreat” at Santiago Retreat Center in Orange County on Friday to Sunday, October 4-6. On Saturday morning we will join the Pro-Life Mass and Walk for Life of the Orange Diocese at Christ Cathedral. Bring your family and friends to be refreshed by Jesus himself. Hope they can be a Knight after attending this retreat. Please register as soon as you read this message. Remember “Early is Easy”. If you struggle for a retreat registration fee, please contact your Grand Knight, retreat house, state deputy or me. We will try to help out. Click the graphic below to register.

God bless. Hope to see you at the KofC Family Retreat!

Vivat Jesus!

REV. BUDI WARDHANA
State Chaplain 2024-2025

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