January 22: If you can't go to the March for Life, here's the next best thing

From Americans United for Life, check out this virtual way to add yourself to the March for Life this Friday:

"Last Friday, we launched the first Virtual March for Life to make sure your voice is heard as the real March for Life kicks off this Friday, January 22nd, here in Washington, DC. If you are unable to join fellow Americans in Washington, DC you can still stand and be counted by going to VirtualMarchforLife.com now.

"It's very easy to do and will only take seconds. Go to this website, choose an avatar for yourself and then we will place “you” in front of the U.S. Capitol building alongside other Americans marching online.

"With a health care bill that includes taxpayer funding for abortion hanging in the balance, this is an important, historic opportunity to get the attention of politicians in Washington. In this critical moment, every American must be heard regardless of where you are. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are coming to Washington, DC to join the most important March for Life in history, and you can be there through the Virtual March for Life!"

Why cook for Super Bowl Sunday? Order your PRO LIFE Pork Loin now!

The 10th annual 6099 Pro-Life Pork Loin sale is on! You can get a barbequed boneless pork long hot off the grill in time for the game on Super Bowl Sunday! Only $20 for a prepared pork loin, with gravy for $2 and, a new offering, MASHED POTATOS for just $2 and fried chicken strips for $3. You can place your order on the signup sheets available after each Mass at OLPH and St. Stephen's, or you can call Clarence Bodnar at the hall at 899-9989 and leave your order.

Orders can be picked up on Sunday, February 7 (SUPER SUNDAY) between 12n and 5p at the hall. While you're there, pick up some fresh-baked desserts by the Ladies Auxiliary! ALL proceeds benefit the Holy Family Council Pro Life Fund. Tell your friends to order one (or more!) and SUPPORT PRO-LIFE!

Notre Dame Scholarship Applications Available

Are you an active Brother Knight in good standing with the council? Do you have a child eligible to attend Notre Dame High School? Then you should apply for the Holy Family Council Notre Dame Scholarship program. One student will recieve a $3,000 merit-based scholarship ($750 annually, based on good academic standing). Click here to download the application form. Deadline for application is March 31.

From the Agency Department | Fraternal Compass

Looking to learn about the advantages of fixed annuities, or looking for a career change? General Agent Daniel Schachle brings you the latest edition of Fraternal Compass magazine online. Click here to check it out (Adobe PDF).

Also, if you're feeling a little more than beat up lately from the ups and downs of the stock market, you may be interested in a guaranteed tax-deferred annuity from KofC Insurance. Click here to learn more.

From Supreme Council: Information on Haiti Relief

To All Knights of Columbus:

In an effort to come to the aid of the people of Haiti, who are suffering a humanitarian catastrophe of huge proportions in the wake of Tuesday evening's 7.0 earthquake, the Knights of Columbus has today sent an immediate contribution of $50,000 to Catholic Relief Services, and we invite Knights to make contributions through the Supreme Council so that we can maximize the impact of the funds raised, and document the amount donated in this tragedy by members of the Order.

Donations by individual Knights can be made on line, and this feature should be available on the Supreme Council website (www.kofc.org) by later this evening. Checks should be made out to Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. and mailed to 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510. Please write "Haiti Earthquake Relief" on the memo line of the check.

Contributions will be used to provide assistance wherever it can have the most immediate impact, and where the need is greatest.

We ask all Knights and their families to also offer their prayers for the victims of this terrible disaster.

You're invited to Light Up For Christ December 1st!

You and your family and friends are invited to the third annual LIGHT UP FOR CHRIST event. Hosted each year by Holy Family Council, "Light Up" celebrates the true meaning of the Christmas season before the rush begins. The event will be held at the Council Hall, 7615 Lee Highway, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1.

Enjoy caroling, a chili and fixins’ bar, hot chocolate and holiday treats to get into the spirit of the season along with a candlelight blessing service and Christmas tree lighting ceremony. You'll also hear Christmas music selections from singer Mary Catherine McConnell. The event is free! Donations of canned food items will be accepted for the Chattanooga Food Bank. Invite your family and friends and get into the spirit of the season!

Click here to relive some memories of last year's Light Up event!

Thanksgiving: a Catholic Holiday!

Neat take on Thanksgiving from the blog of a converted former Anglican priest:

"The history books will tell you that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the pilgrims in 1621. Not true. An interesting bit of trivia is that the first American Thanksgiving was actually celebrated on September 8, 1565 in St. Augustine, Florida..." read more

Dressing up the Grotto

Several intrepid brothers of 6099 were up early last Saturday doing some serious beautification work on the Holy Family Grotto in front the hall. Guys improved the walkway, planted new bushes down either side, and topped it all off with the addition of two live 6-foot fir trees on either side (perfect for Lighting Up!). It was an all day project, but when you look at the pictures, you'll see that the effort was well worth it. Thanks to all of the guys who were able to pitch in and get 'er done!

Must-read stuff from the Bishop of Providence

Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, RI, writes a TERRIFIC response to public statements by Congressman Patrick Kennedy regarding the Magisterium and abortion. This is an excellent treatise by the bishop on exactly what it means to be Catholic. Click here and take notes!

The Bishops, a congresswoman and the IRS

Here's a little note from a congresswoman regarding the bishops fight against abortion funding in healthcare. This'll boil your coffee. Click here.

Fight not over on healthcare abortion amendment

There's a lot of metaphorical high-fiving among pro-life advocates regarding the so-called Stupak amendement in the recently-passed house version of a national healthcare bill. But, as this article makes clear, the battle on that front is far from over.

6099 on call for Newschannel 9's Coats for Kids

6099 is among five councils in Districts 12 and 13 participating in the Coats for Kids Drive, sponsored by NewsChannel 9, Wal Mart and First Tennessee. Organizers of the promotion expect more than 8,000 coats 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, acting as "Knights on call" to pick up coats from participating sponsors and cleaners.

We're already having an impact in peoples lives, according to the following story 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, newspaper ads and TV announcements with the Knights of Columbus logo!

Thanks to the following Brother Knights of 6099 who are "ON CALL" for Coats: Ray Bertani, Chuck LaPlante, Richard Smith, Willie Mahn, Jon Parkey, Moe Rivers, Allen Greenwell, Jim Costello, Warren White, Ray Fox, Jr., Corky Evers and Mike Lucas.