Greg Searle – Page 8 – Council 10910 Knights of Columbus

2004 – 10910, A Council in Crisis

It was eleven years ago and in the Summer of 2003 that the State Deputy and many state officers joined the council for their monthly meeting. It was a time when few council members wanted to assume the office of Grand Knight.

Council members sat on one side of the the room as State Commander David O’nofrio sat at the Grand Knight’s chair and reminded the council of its history, contributions to the state, and potential. We had hosted many events, hosted a state mid-year meeting, and co-hosted a State Convention. He reminded us of what we have done during our ten year council life. He then asked the question, “Will no sir knight stand up to take the leadership role of the council as Grand Knight?”

The council chamber was still. This writer remembered well the thought of the bible verse,

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:9

Many of the seasoned officers and past grand knights watched and listened for an answer from the members, yet the room remained still. They knew that the solution must come from the members or junior officers. If our council was to survive, we needed council participation.

It was now a question of our faith. Our faith as Catholic gentlemen. “Whom do we serve? Is that not why we are Knights of Columbus?” We are building church and serving our local priests and parish families. If we did not continue our mission, what would be the impact on the parish and the community?

Then it happened. A chair moved and one sir knight stood up and raised his voice. He said that he knew little about leading a council, but with the help of other knights and past grand knights, he would give it a try. He would served as Council 10910 Grand Knight. The voice was that of Bill Jackson.

All in the chamber looked at him. The State Deputy looked back at him standing there alone. One solitary Sir Knight readied himself for the challenge. Soon, other voices of support were heard. “I’ll help you,” said one past grand knight. Then another voice, and another. The still room became alive with enthusiastic support and offers of help.

A lesson taught to all became our battle banner. Many threads make a cord, many cords make a rope. There is strength in unity and sharing the load. Together we are strong and all things are possible.

Thus began ten years of expansive council life. Those then years are chronicled here on this web site. You can read about them and reflect on the thousands of volunteer hours of knights before you who have built our council. We have so much to be thankful for, to be proud of, and to pass on to the men of our church and parish.

We are once again at a cross roads. Our council has many men with great talent and much to offer. We ask that you reflect in prayer as knights of old. Listen quietly and answer, “Here am I. Send me!” You will not be alone. He will guide you and give you strength.

– Lee Heavlin, Past Grand Knight and Past Regional District Deputy – East

Follow Bill Jackson’s crusade by visiting our 2004 web site archives.

Isaiah6:9

Newsletter

The Making of a Sir Knight

The Fourth Degree is the pinnacle of the Knights of Columbus. It is a special group of men who want to promote and display patriotism, be even more active in their church community and the knights, and to take on the hardest challenges facing Catholic men and families

They form honor guards, provide support for special and Bishop’s masses, raise funds for special projects, visit hospitals, visit VA hospitals and veterans, lead parades, and attend events that promote and honor Life.

All members of the Fourth Degree must be a member of a council before joining a local assembly of Fourth Degree Sir Knights. Of course, a candidate must be a member of his council’s Third Degree.

On February 28, a Fourth Degree Exemplification ceremony is being held for
brothers who are third degree can become part of our Assembly upon
completing this patriotic degree.

It takes place in Fayetteville at St. Patrick’s Church and starts at 10 am.
Candidates need to be there by 9:30 to check in.

If any brother knight wishes to apply, the local assembly will get an application to them throughout this week into the weekend, ending on February 22nd.

The Assembly’s Faithful Navigator, Jim Boyd, can be contacted directly at 919.932-9440 at home or 919.863-4811 at work.

Lenten Fish Fry Returns

We’re back! The Knights of Columbus members have put together another outstanding series of Lenten Fish Fries for the Friends and Family Hall. Everyone is welcome to join in and enjoy a great fried fish dinner.

We’re back! The Knights of Columbus team has put together another outstanding series of Lenten Fish Fries for the St. Thomas More Church Friends and Family Hall. Everyone is welcome to join in and enjoy a great fried fish dinner.

The dates are February 20, March 13th, and March 27, 2015. Time is 5 pm for doors to open and we keep going until 8 pm or until the fish is gone. But, don’t worry, we often restock with more fish, as needed, to take care of everyone. Cost is $8.

For smaller kids we offer split plates for two. For seniors and light eaters, try our one fillet plate for $7.

There is plenty of free parking and this event is open to everyone. You’ll see cars pulling off the stalled traffic on US 15-501 and heading up our driveway all night. The smell of frying fish draws them in every year and our hospitality to our neighbors brings them back for the second and third fish fry.

We are preparing the food just in time for the crowds to arrive. That means you will see a gentle wisp of steam coming from your delivered-to-the-table plate. Or, if you prefer, we can serve you from our beautiful serving area. We want your dinner to be ready for you when you are ready for it.

You get a generous portion!

In a hurry and can’t stay to eat with friends? We have take out plates standing by and we can fix a plate for one or more. You are sure to see someone carrying out a stack of five or more clamshell plates as they head to a nearby firehouse, home, or fun event with friends.

What is on the plate? We have two whiting fish fillets, hush puppies, coleslaw, french fries, and beverage.

Please also help us promote this family event. You can share this story on your Facebook page and send a link to your neighbors.

Our fish is a fresh as you can get and provided through Captain John’s Dockside Seafood and is prepared at St. Thomas More Church Friends and Family Hall by the Knights of Columbus. You’ll be amazed at how good it is.

If you have a VERY LARGE GROUP, let us know a week before and maybe we can accommodate your special needs.

Don’t forget to share this information with our non-Catholic friends. Everyone likes a fish fry! We welcome the opportunity to open our doors to the community and to share with others our social events. You may spark a renewal of faith and start a friend on a path that leads them back to their church, maybe our church.

New Year’s Day Barbecue

The New Year is fast approaching and brother knight Jerry Pilarski is again hosting his annual New Year’s Day barbecue in the country. The Pilarski’s have been doing this with family and friends for over 47 years as their way to thank friends and join together for the new year.

It’s on January 1st. We gather at about 2:30 to 3 p.m. to be ready to serve and eat at 3:30 pm. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish or dessert to share. Beverages and pulled pig are provided with hush puppies. We will gather for the blessing and eat at 3:30 p.m.

The barbecue is at the Orange Grove 4H Cattle Barn on Orange Grove Road at Dairyland Rd, just above the firehouse. Take NC 54 or Dairyland Rd from Carrboro to Orange Grove Road, then turn right.

St. Thomas More School Honors Veterans

The St. Thomas More School is having a Veterans Day event on Tuesday. Here is what is going on…

Armed Forces personnel are invited to participate in and be honored at a ceremony at the school on Veteran’s Day,Tuesday, November 11th.

Veterans, servicemen, servicewomen, active duty personnel, ROTC students, current and former National Guard personnel are invited.

Guests are asked to arrive at the school between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m. on the 11th. There will be a brief ceremony indoors followed by a flag raising ceremony outside (weather permitting), then coffee and light refreshments. It should be over by 8:30 a.m., although a few teachers may be requesting some participants to visit their classrooms.

St. Thomas More School is located on Fordham Boulevard (NC 15-501) in Chapel Hill. The school address is 920 Carmichael St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Map

Let’s give the children our support! Wear your service identification, military cap or jacket, or anything else you may have to show you served. Maybe you will be invited to “show and tell” in a classroom. It is our opportunity to show who we are as Knights of Columbus.

Oktoberfest Fun

Our 2014 Oktoberfest was fun for all. Great music from the Little German Band and lots of dancing.

We watched German folk dancing and listened to many a tune, then it was audience participation time. Everyone seemed to enjoy the chance to get up and dance or join in a procession around the room and dance floor. Were you there?

A special thanks to the many hands that joined in to decorate, prepare the food, and serve. Have ideas to make next year’s event even better? Share your ideas and volunteer to be part of the organizational team for Oktoberfest 2015.

Meadowmont Soars

Tom Stoffel is one happy Knight. He is beaming with pride with the great success he has had at Harris Teeter Meadowmont. The Knights were joined by parishioners and parents this year.

Also joining us were athletes or volunteers for Special Olympics, They included Heather Porter, a Special Olympics athlete; Katie Marson and Evelyn (her mother), Special Olympics volunteers; and Tish Barbaro and son Brandon, a Special Olympics athlete.

The bright yellow and red-lettered aprons welcomed hundreds of shoppers and many were most generous. The Special Olympics will be a beneficiary of their generosity.

Tom’s team included brother Knights Bruce Kemper and Tom Heckel. A we had with us Teresa Albin and brother Knight Newton Grant and his son Genji as volunteers. and Heather Porter.

Here are a few of our volunteers in action (their names are shown in the slideshow, click on a photo to view):

Pancake Breakfast Back on Target

Tom Stoffel reported that our pancake breakfast today was a great success. Lots to do, many joined in.

Tom said, “Sincere thanks to the Knights who stepped up to help us pull off a successful Pancake Breakfast today! PGK Bill Jackson, newer Knight Ed Van Duinen and Knight-in-transfer Matt Miller were there at 7 am and took it the distance today, racking up about 6 hours of heaven credits apiece! They all helped out with a number of different tasks, from kitchen to serving to mess hall to cleaning. Brother Matt also proved his prowess on the griddle, serving up some of the softest, no-knife-required pancakes we’ve had. Brother William Boyd helped with a lot of the dirty work, coming all the way from Pittsboro to keep clean plates, forks, and cups ready for use. And Brother Newton Grant cooked up a storm to cover for the big hole left by Matt Raynor’s absence.”

Tom was also very complimentary with others, too. “Much thanks as well to Lisa and Ariana Keeling, who helped with kitchen setup, cooking, and cleanup. And thank God for that, because our regular helper Peggy was missing today too.” and

“Thanks to the usual Knights, Men’s Club and CDA regulars too – Brendan, Dario, Gene K, Gene H, Gene D, David D, Charlotte, Bob, Chuck, Will, Margaret, Seth, Terry, O’Neil, and whomever I may have missed (it’s always dangerous to try to name everyone). We were missing a lot of regulars today, but a lot of people stepped up to help us pull it off.

Special thanks as well to Elizabeth Fixler, who helped us clean up and tear down the hall, and set up for a very large TYM evening session, as we often do. If you see her, please thank her. Even better, visit her religious items store in downtown Chapel Hill – 108 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919) 918-4090. She could use our support too.” Tom wrote.

It takes a lot of people to make a breakfast, dinner, or Oktoberfest possible. These events are “bonding” events in that new long-lasting friendships are forged. How about you? Are you ready to jump in and make our next breakfast an even better success?

Priest Appreciation Dinner – Oct 1

Our priests and deacons work hard all year through. Now is our time to show the Knights of Columbus and our council appreciate them. We will honor them with a formal dinner at DSC06365the University Club Durham on October 1st.

Our priests and deacons work hard all year through. Now is our time to show the Knights of Columbus and our council appreciate them. We will honor them with a formal dinner at the University Club Durham on October 1st.

Put that date on your calendar now and dust off your Sunday suit or Knights Regalia. We are going Uptown for a great dinner.

New to Priest Appreciation Night? Take a look at what we did at an earlier Priest Appreciation Dinner. Learn more

A Journey of Faith

From Lieutenant Dan, to running from an incoming hurricane in North Carolina, an actor’s journey takes him on a special mission to serve. God works on us and leads us to serve. Gary Sinise’s story has some very interesting and inspiring turns.

From Lieutenant Dan, to running from an incoming hurricane in North Carolina, an actor’s journey takes him on a special mission to serve. God works in us and leads us to serve. Gary Sinise’s story has some very interesting and inspiring turns.

“Some 2,000 Knights of Columbus, their families and church leaders were delighted by a surprise encounter with actor Gary Sinise during the fraternal organization’s Aug. 5-7 convention in Orlando…” reported Tom Tracy of the Catholic News Service.

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