Good Friday Liturgy April 2, 2021

Despite Good Friday’s Central nature in the heart of Christianity, attendance at services remains low. Putting their faith into action, the Knights of Columbus in Chapel Hill, NC will encourage participation through a promotional campaign that educates their parishes on the vital importance of Good Friday. The liturgy of the Lord’s passion and death reminds […]

Despite Good Friday’s Central nature in the heart of Christianity, attendance at services remains low. Putting their faith into action, the Knights of Columbus in Chapel Hill, NC will encourage participation through a promotional campaign that educates their parishes on the vital importance of Good Friday. The liturgy of the Lord’s passion and death reminds families of the suffering Jesus endured through his passion and resurrection, thereby opening the gates of heaven for each of us.

Setting an example for their community, the Knights of Columbus will be attending Mass at St. Thomas More in Chapel Hill, NC from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm (bilingual).

Please Spread the Word!

Council 10910 in Chapel Hill, NC is one of 17,000 Knights of Columbus Councils that make up the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in 1882 to assist working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, today the approximately two million members of the Knights put their faith into action through a broad range of charitable causes locally, nationally and internationally with financial contributions and hands-on service.

40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life is an innovative pro-life campaign that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and 40 days of grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods, for example: […]

40 Days for Life is an innovative pro-life campaign that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and 40 days of grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods, for example: Jesus in the desert, Moses on Mt. Sinai and Noah after 40 days of rain. It challenges everyone to ponder the meaning and value of the inalienable right to life from the prenatal period to the elderly, those with disabilities, the impoverished, and the underrepresented factions of our North Carolina communities. Since the first coordinated campaign in 2007, 40 Days for Life has reached 950 cities in 64 countries. 2021 marks the 10th year that a spring campaign for 40 Days for Life has been held in Chapel Hill.

The 40 Days for Life started on February 17, 2021 and will go until Sunday March 28, 2021. This will be daily from 7am to 7pm outside the Planned Parenthood. Please park along Cosgrove Avenue off Sage Rd. across from the entrance to Lowe’s and UNC Health Care. Be aware of No Parking signage. Parking at the Grace Church is allowed anytime from 7am to 7pm except on Sundays and after 5:30pm on Wednesdays.

If you want to participate note the following restrictions:Invite a friend or family member to spend a few hours each week praying in front of Planned Parenthood.

  • To get directions and schedule time on the vigil calendar, register on the local website:
    40daysforlife.com/chapel-hill. You can also get more information about the national campaign, daily
    intentions, devotionals, and daily updates at the national website: https://40daysforlife.com/.
  • Signs displayed can be no larger than 24 x 24 inches.
  • In Chapel Hill, you do not need a permit to pray in the public right of way. However, the Chapel Hill Police
    Department (CHPD) asks to be notified if 10 or more folks are there at the same time. Please notify CHPD Watch
  • Commander at (919) 612-8240. For problems while praying in front of Planned Parenthood do not hesitate to
    call 911.
  • Remember the vigil is not a protest but a peaceful, prayerful presence to end abortion and protect the right to
    life of the unborn. We are advocates for the unborn and not protesters. For more information, see the
    “Statement of Peace”.

Statement of Peace

(all participants must agree)

I, _____________ , I testify to the following:

  • I will only pursue peaceful solutions to the violence of abortion when volunteering with the 40 Days for Life campaign.
  • I will show compassion and reflect Christ’s love to all Planned Parenthood Clinic employees, volunteers, and customers.
  • I understand that breaking the law or acting in a violent or harmful manner immediately and completely disassociates me from the 40 Days for Life campaign.
  • I am in no way associated with Planned Parenthood, its affiliates or any abortion provider.

While standing in the city right of way in front of Planned Parenthood, Chapel Hill:

  • I will not obstruct the driveways or sidewalk while standing in the public right of way.
  • I will not litter the public right of way.
  • I will closely attend to any children I bring to the prayer vigil.
  • I will not threaten, physically contact, or verbally abuse Planned Parenthood Clinic employees, volunteers, or customers.
  • I will not damage private property.
  • I will cooperate with local authorities.
  • If I am a minor, I will participate in 40 Days for Life only in the presence of or with the written permission of a parent or guardian.

For questions and to get updates and notices about the Chapel Hill campaign email:

Stations of the Cross During Covid-19

by James Davisson February 20, 2021 KofC Paul J. Trageser Council 10910 Stations of the Cross Photos by: James Davisson, Worthy Financial Secretary On February 19, 2021, the council held the first stations of the cross for the parish during lent 2021. During lent the council traditionally puts on the Fish Fry at the same […]

by James Davisson

February 20, 2021

KofC Paul J. Trageser Council 10910 Stations of the Cross

Photos by: James Davisson, Worthy Financial Secretary

On February 19, 2021, the council held the first stations of the cross for the parish during lent 2021. During lent the council traditionally puts on the Fish Fry at the same time as stations of the cross. This year things are a bit different with the need to socially distance and wear masks. Although things were different this year we still had a large turnout with approximately 30 to 35 people who attended. Most of whom were Knights, but others were members of our parish community, and the Catholic Daughters.

One of our newest Knights Jacob Curly carried the cross with pride while Jim Ferris our Warden helped ensure that he could follow along with the reading. Jim Boyd one of our Trustees’ and Past Grand Knight planned and coordinated the event. Jim Boyd would read much as he does during Mass when he reads from the lectern. His voice echoing throuth the church while providing that sense of calm and comfort during these more challenging times.

If you want to pray the stations of the cross a link is provided in the button below:

Stations of the Cross Friday

The Council will be leading the Stations of The Cross on Friday February 19 starting at 7pm. Brother and SK Jim Boyd will be leading us. We are in need of someone that is willing to carry the cross to each station. Different this year is that only the cross bearer will be going to […]

The Council will be leading the Stations of The Cross on Friday February 19 starting at 7pm. Brother and SK Jim Boyd will be leading us. We are in need of someone that is willing to carry the cross to each station. Different this year is that only the cross bearer will be going to each station. All other attendees will be in the pews and Brother Jim will lead us through the written script provided by Deacon and SK Bob Troy.

Humor Comes in Many Forms

Laughter is often the result of a joke played on someone.  But what if you sat down with someone with a message for you?  What would you expect?

May 7, 2020

Laughter is often the result of a joke played on someone.  But what if you sat down with someone with a message for you?  What would you expect?

Here is parish priest from way down South.  He shares a message that is worth sharing with you.

When Called By A Panther…

Words of inspiration from our council Trustees John Felten and Bill Lodge “When Called by a Panther, Don’t Anther” When Ogden Nash wrote these words nearly a century ago, he didn’t realize how prophetic they were in our age of robocalls and junk mail. Everybody in the world, it seems, feels entitled to some of […]

Words of inspiration from our council Trustees John Felten and Bill Lodge

“When Called by a Panther, Don’t Anther”

When Ogden Nash wrote these words nearly a century ago, he didn’t realize how prophetic they were in our age of robocalls and junk mail. Everybody in the world, it seems, feels entitled to some of our hard-earned cash.

National CathedralThere is another call we regularly receive, this one from God. It is simpler and more direct, and He doesn’t hassle us. When we take care of our family and children, when we do our job at work, when we participate in Parish activities, we are answering God’s call. The quid pro quo isn’t immediately obvious, but the rewards of taking care of our families, our jobs, and our Parish are tremendous, in this world and the next.

After, family, home, and Church, come the Knights of Columbus. The Knights do a LOT of work for our families and Parish and are indispensible members of our community. St. Thomas More would be a very different place without the work we do.

Right now, the Knights are in a bit of difficulty. It appears that the work associated with several top offices has scared a lot of potential talent away from these important jobs. Make no mistake, these posts are extremely important to our mission, and need to be filled. We are looking for a couple of generous souls who are willing to give their time and talent to helping make the Knights work for everybody.

“Dieu lo vult!” was the cry of the crusaders —“God wills it!” This is also true with the posts of Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight in our Council. Will you be the person who generously steps forward to do a VERY important job? The Knights will be grateful. The Parish will be grateful. And YOU will have the satisfaction of stepping up when you are needed.

Your Trustees, John Felten and Bill Lodge

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.

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.

This Little Light of Mine...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.
 
 

Pope Francis Speaks on Love in Marriage

This is just two days old! It is something that many of you already know. It is what makes our marriages work.

April, 4, 2014

This is just two days old!  It is something that many of you already know.  It is what makes our marriages work.

These are the words for us to share with our children.  “Domani, Domani..”

Late Nite Catechism Returns to Area

Raleigh’s Council 9709 is staging the internationally acclaimed comedy “Late Nite Catechism” on Saturday, March 16, in Clare Hall of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  This is a return of the great show that our council hosted last year.    This is a hilarious comedy that […]

Raleigh’s Council 9709 is staging the internationally acclaimed comedy “Late Nite Catechism” on Saturday, March 16, in Clare Hall of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  This is a return of the great show that our council hosted last year. 
 
This is a hilarious comedy that pokes fun at Parochial School catechism as many of us remember it from our youth.  Why not join and take a tour down memory lane and explore our childhood memories of catechism and Catholic school days.
 
For the Irish among us, at 6:30 before the play there will be a heavy hors d’oeuvres St. Patrick’s Day reception in Anthony Hall of the Church.  That reception has a door charge of $25, which includes your first drink of green beer, wine or soft drink.
 
Council 9709 has already sent you the attached flyer, and you may have seen our advertisement in your Church bulletin, as we sent that advertisement directly to your Church staff member who handles bulletin announcements.
 
The Raleigh council needs our support and asks that some of our Council members join them for the evening.
 
Tickets can be purchased online at  http://storefront.kofc9709.org  or by calling 919-438-0033.  

Getting Back to Basics

Tonight the Friends and Family Hall was filled with about 500 children. It was not the normal St. Thomas More Church students. It was the children of the families not attending our Catholic school.

Tonight the Friends and Family Hall was filled with about 500 children.  It was not the normal St. Thomas More Church students.  It was the children of the families not attending our Catholic school.

It was a wonderful sight.  Young men and women from middle and high schools engaging in a review of the Catholic Mass.  They started the night with the viewing of The Catholic Mass and then with a student game show using one student from each grade to challenge the students’ understanding of the Mass.

All of the students and instructors then moved to the sanctuary to hear Fr. James Labosky, our Parochial Vicar, explain the parts of the Liturgy of the Mass and Liturgy of the Eucharist.  There was a lot to explain and a lot of questions to ask.  The students asked good questions and the session could easily have been three hours, not one.  We are very fortunate to have him with us to lead our children in faith development.

It reminded this writer of the importance of getting back to basics.  We are doing this in our council by offering information on church teachings, programs, and history.  Have you visited our new section on the Catechism?  Learn more

If you are not inspired to learn more, maybe you just need to be reminded of the beauty and sacredness of our Mass. As our Lord said, “Do this in memory of me.”

Mass is celebrated each day in every time zone around the earth. If performed at the same hour, it is the biggest wave of continuous prayer, thanksgiving and blessing traveling around and around, as one.  We join with millions of Catholics around the world to call upon the Holy Spirit to join us.  Watch this video and be inspired, humbled, and thankful.