Atta-boys for April

For extra effort this month, let's give these Brothers an atta-boy and many thanks for going above and beyond the call of duty: Bill Wood, Christian Evers, Al Squillante, Bo Smith, Corky Evers, Tom DeMatteo, Walt Vamprine, Steve Horten and Mike Doyle.

Council 6099 Supports Chattanoogans for Life

Holy Family Council 6099 was well-represented at "United We Stand", the recent fundraising banquet for Chattanoogans for Life. The keynote speaker for the evening was Fr. Frank Pavone, founder of Priests for Life, who gave a very dynamic presentation. Fr. Pavone was also the recipient of the 2008 Knights of Columbus Brother Cajetan Award for pro-life advocacy, named for the late Alexian Brother and Brother Knight who was a well-known advocate for life and other causes. The award was presented to Fr. Pavone by Council 6099 Pro-Life Director Tim Bodnar (pictured with Fr. Pavone).

CLICK HERE to see pictures from the event. See Father Pavone's YouTube page.

Ironic American fact: The government does totally protect some lives. Did you know you can go to federal prison for destroying the eggs of a giant Sea Turtle? Think about it!

Interesting tidbit of papal diplomacy

Apparently, when traveling by air back to Rome, the pope composes telegraphs to heads of state as he flies over their countries' airspace. To read them, click here.

First Friday Fish Fry to start May 2

Council 6099 will begin holding a parish-wide fish fry at OLPH on the first Friday of every month, starting Friday, May 2 in the Parish Life Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. You can get a hot fish dinner and all the trimmings for just a $5.00 donation!

Proceeds from the donations will benefit the Wheelchair Foundation, a charity that buys more than 10,000 wheelchairs a month and distributes them to those in need around the world through several partners, including the Knights of Columbus.

Click here to read about the Foundation's partnership with the Knights and watch a special video about their work. STAY TUNED for more info about the FFFFs!

Two updates from Supreme Council

1) KNIGHTS TO PROVIDE TRIBUTE TO HOLY FATHER AT YANKEE STADIUM MASS: Supreme Council will present a plaque to commemorate Benedict XVI's mass at Yankee Stadium. Click here for more info and picture of the plaque.

Something you didn't know: The Knights of Columbus owned the property where Yankee Stadium is located up until 1953. How cool is that?

2) BENEDICT XVI UPHOLDS VEN. FR. MICHEAL MCGIVNEY AS AN EXEMPLARY AMERICAN PRIEST: This was mentioned as part of the homily at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Click here for more information and a link to the complete text of the homily.

Something you didn't know: Pope Benedict XVI has a pilot's license and flies the papal chopper whenever he makes the trip to Castel Gandolfo. Again, how cool is that?

Food for the Poor Auction fundraiser a success!

Members and families of Coucil 6099 had quite a good time for a very good cause on Friday, April 18. The council held a special spaghetti dinner and "gag auction" fundraiser for Food for the Poor, one of the council's primary charitable benefactors. More that 50 attended the event which raised $719. Ron Schleifer (pictured) acted as the auctioneer for the evening and had everyone rolling in the aisle! Click here to see pictures from the event.

One of the missions of Food for the Poor is to build houses for families in need in countries where subsistence living is, sadly, the norm. Council 6099 has raised enough funds to build three houses for families, directly changing the lives of the families we help for the better. Find out more about Food for the Poor.

Thanks to Community Director Mike Doyle for organizing a great event and to everyone who attended and purchased something, no matter what it turned out to be!

Battle Hymn - Watch and be inspired!

The welcoming ceremony for the Holy Father was just incredibly American. I thought it captured exactly the essence of what the Knights of Columbus are about, particularly the rousing rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic by the U.S. Army Chorus and Band. Here is a video of it. The image isn't great, but you can still see a great representation of Worthy Sirs, and the sound brings it home. CLICK HERE and turn it up!

B16 - Great Speech, Great Day in America

In case you missed it, Benedict gave an AWESOME talk to the U.S. College of Bishops this evening. To see a good summation of the key points of the speech, click here. Our own Vann Johnston (formerly of DoK, now Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau) was featured presenting one of three questions directed to the Holy Father.

Hopefully you were able to catch the official welcoming ceremony at the White House. It was truly very inspiring, very American. Again, awesome speeches. Click here for more. Click here for a slide show. Fourth Degree was well-represented, it appeared.

"The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility toward the less fortunate. It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one’s deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate. In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good." --Benedict XVI

Welcome New Knights!

Holy Family Council welcomes the following new Brother Knights to 6099:

Davy Corbett, Neil Jackson, John Laliberty, Oliver Puselja, Matt Schultz, Anthony Simms, Al Squillante

These seven Catholic gentlemen were inducted at the first degree exemplification held last Sunday at the Council Hall. Fourteen new Knights were inducted, witnessed by an impressive crowd of observers that included representatives from four councils, two District Deputies, the State Deputy and the state Program Director.

There will be one more First Degree exemplification this fraternal year, so there is still time for YOU to recruit a new Knight! Have you talked to any Catholic gentlemen you know about becoming a Knight? If not, why not? Don't you want your friends to experience the same benefits you get from being a Knight of Columbus? Recruit someone today!

George Bush - Closet Catholic?

Here is an interesting story in the Washington Post today regarding George W's openess to considering Roman Catholic doctrine in his decision-making. The fact that he's surrounded himself with Catholic advisors is telling. Argue the points of authenticity all you want, but the article is an interesting read.

To read it, click here. You may have to create an account, but it's free and takes about 30 seconds. It's worth the trouble. You may also appreciate reading some of the Post's coverage of the Pope's visit. You'll find plenty to agree and disagree with.

Council 6099 enthrones the Sacred Heart

Officers, members and families of Holy Family Council 6099 gathered for a Sacred Heart Enthronement ceremony at the Council Hall. Father Gilbert Diaz of St. Stephen's Church presided over the ceremony. Members and guests enjoyed a reception following the ceremony.

The Tennessee State Council of the Knights of Columbus has encouraged all councils in the state to enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus in halls and meeting spaces in this fraternal year to proclaim our devotion to and reliance on the infinite mercy of God.

CLICK HERE to see more pictures from the event.