Lessons from Mexico

With religious freedom and the Catholic Church once again under assault in this country, it's worth noting that the Knights already have a history of resistance to religious oppression, which created several saints --through martyrdom-- among priests and brothers of the Order.  Supreme Knight Carl Anderson draws compelling observations from the persecution of the Church in Mexico during the 1930s in this article.

For some historical context, check out this great article about the Feast of the Mexican Martyrs (May 21). Note, the article is down the page a couple of entries.

Recognize this guy?

Sure you do! It's brother Ray Powell, a member of 6099, brother of Rick, and pursuing his vocation to the priesthood at Sacred Heart Seminary in Wisconsin.  He is also one of the benefactors of the council's SOS (Support Our Seminarians) program, receiving a $100 stipend each month to help defray his living expenses.  He's one of the reasons we crunch aluminum cans!  Read a short bio piece on him in the East Tennessee Catholic.

Latest on HHS Mandate "Compromise"

The so-called compromise on the HHS mandate dictating violation of Catholic conscience does not end the argument, and, in fact, only heats it up.  You need to keep up so check out these articles: 

• Six more things you need to know about the updated mandate from the Catholic Bishops Conference
• Check out this opinion piece by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, who postulates the mandate as one battle in a two front war
• George Weigal discusses the administrations attempt to dictate who speaks for Catholics in this country
• Conrad Black predicts that this mandate may actually spark a very deep and abiding culture war in this country

It's not over! Follow this link to the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference website to see updated information on the new HHS proposal. 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!

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!