Meet seminarian Adam Royal

There is a nice profile of Adam Royal, one of Holy Family Council's supported seminarians, in the latest edition of the East Tennessee Catholic.  Adam is one of three seminarians who receive spiritual and financial support from Council 6099 through the Knights of Columbus RSVP program.  Last year, the council donated $3,600 to our supported seminarians to help them cover cost-of-living expenses as they continue to follow God's call to service in the Church.  Click here to read the article online.

Bishop Stika responds to unjust HHS mandate, encourages action

Bishop Richard Stika issued a response to the recently enacted mandate by the Department for Health and Human Services that will require religious employers to fund and provide drugs and procedures that explicitly violate the teachings of the church.  The response, which was read in all parishes in the diocese on Sunday, February 5, follows

"Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I write to you having just returned from my Ad Limina visit with Pope Benedict XVI who shares deeply the concerns that I and all the U.S. bishops have regarding a matter that calls for our steadfast prayer, solidarity and action. On January 20th, the federal government cast aside the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and essentially stripped Catholics and citizens of any faith of our Nation’s first and most fundamental freedom—our religious liberty."

Click here to read more of the Bishop's letter.  Read the stance adopted by the Knights of Columbus here.

TAKE ACTION NOW!  Follow this link to the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference website to see a video by Archbishop Timothy Dolan and to send a letter against this unjust mandate to our local congressmen and state senators!  If we don't fight for our own religious freedom, who will?  Take responsibility!  Take action!

Coats for Kids Update

We've learned that the last 600 coats collected during last year's Coats for Kids drive have been delivered for distribution to the Salvation Army in Chattanooga.  Once again, thanks to the efforts of area Knights, more children and families at least have a coat to keep them warm this winter.  Thanks to the 6099 Crew that took care of three Wal Marts and Hardees locations and a bunch of dry cleaners for the months of November and December, picking up and delivering coats to be distributed to those in need. 

Final report meeting for Coats for Kids will be held in February at the hall.  Stay tuned for time and date!

Support Pro Life with a Pork Loin for your Pigskin Party!

The Pro Life Pork Loin Sale is rolling around again just in time for Super Bowl Sunday! Beautiful, grilled five-pound seasoned pork loins, perfect for your party, are available for sale for only a $25 donation to the council Pro Life Fund. Clarence Bodnar is in charge of the sale this year. You still have time to order yours before Saturday.   Call the hall at 899-9989. Also, help will be needed on Super Bowl weekend to season and grill. E-mail Clarence to let him know you can help and when.

"First, they came for the Catholics..."

Here's a take from Michelle Malkin in National Review on the latest encroachment upon religious liberty.

"It’s about time all people of faith fought back against this unprecedented encroachment on religious liberty. First, they came for the Catholics. Who’s next?..."  Click here to read more.

TAKE ACTION!  Click here to read how you can take action against this attack on the Catholic Church and religious freedom.

Saluting -- and Supporting -- our Veterans

As we remember veterans who have served our country this month, take a moment to read how the Knights of Columbus have supported the military throughout the history of the order.  Click here.

Light Up for Christ on December 6

Yes, you're going to be busy over the holidays this year, so take some time up front to slow down, and take a bit to focus on the Reason for the Season!  Come to the 5th Annual Light Up for Christ Celebration December 6 at 7pm, at the Hall.  Chef Steve will prepare a great Chili Bar and the Ladies Auxiliary will provide a selection of delicious Holiday desserts!  There will be entertainment and activities for the kids as well.  And don't miss the official lighting ceremony of the Council tree and grotto at 8pm, done in conjunction with Knights of Columbus Councils the world over!  Everyone welcome. Everything free!  Bring the family and your friends for some pre-Christmas fun and get ready to celebrate!  Keep Christ in Christmas!  Click here to see pictures from last year's event.

6099 Collecting Coats for Kids

Holy Family Council 6099 is among five councils in Districts 14 and 15 that will again in the Coats for Kids Drive, sponsored by NewsChannel 9 and Wal Mart. Organizers of the promotion have a goal to collect at least 4,000 coats, which will be donated for children and adults in need who may not be able to afford coats for the winter. The Knights of Columbus are full partners in this event, and will act as the sole volunteers picking up coats from participating sponsors and cleaners.

Last year, the program brought in more than 3,000 coats and made a substantial impact in peoples lives. The following story is from a Salvation Army social worker:

"(After) picking up 25 coats earlier in the day, we were able to give 12 away within an hour after pick up. We assisted a family of 17 for utility assistance. They have 15 children and were in need of coats, so this could not have come at a better time!! I can't thank you enough for bringing so much joy to the family we assisted today. What perfect timing!!! "
That's what it's all about! This promotion continues through the end of the year. Look for posters, and TV announcements with the Knights of Columbus logo!

Golf Tournament a Success!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the John Knight/Don Cole benefit golf tournament on September 10 at Brainerd Golf Course. Thanks also to our sponsors who made the tournament possible.  More on the results of the money raised for the Notre Dame scholarship fund as we find out.  In the mean time, check out some photos from the event!

Council Officers Elected for 2011-12

The council approved a new slate of officers for the 2011-2012 fraternal year at the June business meeting. They are:

Elected Officers:
Grand Knight - Corky Evers
Deputy Grand Knight - Wayne Collins
Chancellor - John Vanucci
Warden - Tom Smelas
Recorder - Steve Horten
Treasurer - Earl Riecke
Advocate - Ray Fox, Jr.
Inside Gaurd - Willie Mahn
Outside Guard - Chuck Laplante
Trustee (3 year) - Victor Williams
Trustee (2 year) - Mike Doyle
Trustee (1 year) - Clarence Bodnar

Appointed Officers:
Chaplain - Fr. Gilbert Diaz
Financial Secretary - Ron Schleifer
Lecturer - Carl Labbe, Sr.

Congratulations to those elected and appointed and thanks for your service to the council.

Congratulations Knight, Family of the Month

Congratulations to Holy Family Council's Knight and Family of the Month for May. Knight of the Month is (now) Father Doug Owens, a 6099 Brother Knight who completed his seminary studies and was ordained to the priesthood on Memorial Day Weekend. Congratulations, Fr. Doug!

Family of the Month goes to John and Sharon Vanucci, tireless workers for the council and Ladie's Auxiliary, as well as for St. Stephen's parish. We thank all of those who go above and beyond to support the Order and the Church!

Council helps new mothers and babies in need through Ladies of Charity donation

Grand Knight Victor Williams presents a check for $1,200 to Pat Wright, director of the Ladies of Charity Layette Program. The program provides baby clothes, care items and more for new mothers in need. The funds donated from the council's Pro Life Fund to the program will provide essentials to dozens of mothers and babies. The council has distributed almost $3,000 to Pro Life causes in this fraternal year.