St Thomas More Church Chapel Hill – Council 10910 Knights of Columbus

Installation of Officers

July 21st, 2021 – Paul J. Trageser Council 10910 welcomed its new officers for the fraternal year. The ceremony was held in the main sanctuary of Saint Thomas More. In his opening statement, Retired Grand Knight Bill Jackson extended his “warmest congratulations, assurance of continued cooperation, and prayerful wishes for a most successful administration” to […]

July 21st, 2021 – Paul J. Trageser Council 10910 welcomed its new officers for the fraternal year. The ceremony was held in the main sanctuary of Saint Thomas More.

In his opening statement, Retired Grand Knight Bill Jackson extended his “warmest congratulations, assurance of continued cooperation, and prayerful wishes for a most successful administration” to the incoming Officers.

Fr. Scott opened up the ceremony in a prayer to imbue the Officers with wisdom to exercise their authority with justice and charity, humility to acknowledge the possibility of error, and dedication to the practice of Christian principles, just as Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney was.

The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited, calling to mind the Order’s tenet of Patriotism.

State Warden Joseph McCarthy (filling in for District Deputy Chris Kremer, who is serving in the National Guard) congratulated the retiring Officers for their job well done, and expressed his confidence in the incoming Officers to enhance the Order’s proud name.

Fr. Scott then blessed the ceremonial medals which would be bestowed on the officers.

Under direction from State Warden McCarthy, the Officers raised their right hands. They promised to uphold their honor as Knights, specifically to obey the laws and rules of the Order, to be good Catholic gentlemen, to protect the sanctity of the family, to continue to faithfully serve the Church, and to uplift those in need, among other such deeds.

The officers were then invested with their medal of office by either their wives or by District Warden Eric Garrison.

When all had received their medals, State Warden McCarthy reminded the new Officers that they stood in the shape of a cross; this, in turn, should remind them to live out the tenets of the faith and put them into action.

Grand Knight Kleiman thanked the outgoing officers for their hard work. “Our focus is on our community,” he said. “We’re going to do everything in our power to be good men and to lead by example.”

Fr. Scott closed out the ceremony in prayer, invoking God’s help to fulfill the mission of the Knights of Columbus.

Chris Kremer received the Fraternity Award, State Officers Award, and the Columbian Award. Bill Jackson accepted them on his behalf.

The officers for the Council’s fraternal year are as follows:

Grand Knight – Greg Kleiman

Deputy Grand Knight – Michael Orezechechowski

Financial Secretary – James Davisson

Warden – Jim Ferris

Recorder – Colin McNeil

Treasurer – Steve Travers

Advocate – Bryan Feger

Trustee – Jim Boyd

Trustee – Gil Montoya

Trustee – Bill Jackson

Inside Guard – Lee Hevlin

Outside Guard – Michael Pacilio

Play Ground Work Day July 24, 2021

July 24th, 2021 – The playground at Saint Thomas More Elementary School saw a major renovation. The Knights of Councils 10910, 3390, and 17125, as well as some wives and friends, worked hard to render the area as safe and clean as possible for the returning students. Some Knights shoveled the sand out of the […]

Some Knights shoveled the sand out of the old sandbox and spread it throughout the playground, while the wooden frame was demolished. Others removed some old metal play structures and the old astroturf around the rock-climbing wall. Still others installed poles for shade canopies and the rest built a pit for Gaga ball, a variant of dodgeball.

Braving the late July heat for eight and a half hours, the Knights relied on each other to get the job done. The professional result is a testimony to charity, unity, and fraternity.

Fish Fry Fundraiser Week 1

This is the first week of three weeks Captain John’s Dockside is offering a percentage of sales to our council. For more information about our event please use the link provided to check out the page with all the details and menu. 10% of sales of orders over $20.00 qualify! Don’t forget to mention “KNIGHTS” […]

10% of sales of orders over $20.00 qualify!

Don’t forget to mention “KNIGHTS” when you place your order.

Details

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: 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.

Planned Parenthood

1765 Dobbins Dr.

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Grace Church

200 Sage Rd

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

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:

Submit a form.

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:

Pray

There’s Work To Be Done

It’s July and we have already passed the July 4th Holiday and all of the family excitement. However, our Catholic Family needs our attention. The new “council year” starts with our July 17th meeting. You are encouraged to attend,

It’s July and we have already passed the July 4th Holiday and all of the family excitement. However, our Catholic Family needs our attention.

The new “council year” starts with our July 17th meeting. You are encouraged to attend, especially if you do not attend on a regular basis. We often talk about “the ten percent.” That’s the ten percent of any group that can be counted on to make the group work. But, just imagine if we could get 25% or 50% of our members to step up and make things possible for members of our parish.

What’s needed? Well there are over 100 ministries in our parish. There are also outside services agencies (non-Catholic community groups that we support) depended upon their Catholic neighbors. This includes Porch and the IFC…among others.

Why not attend our council meeting tonight and see your friends and neighbors at work. They will be happy to see you and look forward to working with you on a parish or Knights of Columbus program or project.

Oh, I forgot… We have new officers. They are the core of our Council. Many have served before and some have served as a Grand Knight or Faithful Navigator. You might think that they would take a break. Nope. Most will keep on giving because it is what needs to be done. But, I digress. I promised a list of Council Officers. Just click on this link or select “Officers” in the banner above: https://kofc10910.org/officers/

See you tonight.

Joe Acciarito

p.s. If you are looking for information about the Knights of Columbus, you are welcome to call one of us. In fact, why not give a call to Joe Acciarito at 919-428-3620. Joe is quite active in our Council and has served in our Membership Committee. He’s one of the smiling faces that are our “greeters” at the 9:15 Sunday mass.

Bishop Burbidge Tries Hand at Bocce

Brother John Aluise, Council 10910, St. Thomas More Parish, Chapel Hill, provides instruction on the game of Bocce to Bishop Burbidge, formerly the Bishop of the Raleigh Diocese, who was attending the St. Thomas More Church’s 75th anniversary at the annual parish festival.

Bishop Burbidge Bocce Brother John Aluise, Council 10910, St. Thomas More Parish, Chapel Hill, provides instruction on the game of Bocce to Bishop Burbidge, formerly the Bishop of the Raleigh Diocese, who was attending the St. Thomas More Church’s 75^th anniversary at the annual parish festival.

Council 10910 conducts a Bocce game, including participants from the Special Olympics, to raise funds during the festival to add to its Operation LAMB Tootsie Roll campaign.

Jerry’s New Year’s Day Pig Picking – That’s 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 almost FIFTY years as their way to thank friends and join together for the new year.

Everybody chips in to get the job done. Here knights pull pig for charity.

If you know Jerry, you are invited. If you don’t know Jerry, then it is time to learn about a wonderful person in our Knights of Columbus that has made it his personal mission to do something for others ALL THE TIME without expectation of something in return.

The Pig Picking Event is on January 1st. We gather at about 1:30 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.

LAMB Volunteers Needed

We are above all family and it is to our family and extended community family that we reach out to help and to ask for help. We can do great things for the less fortunate in our town, but we can do even more with the help of the parish and local community. We need everyone’s help now to support Operation Lamb at seven local sites on October 11, 12, and 13th.

We need everyone’s help now to support Operation Lamb at seven local sites on October 11, 12, and 13th. If you are a knight, a college student, an at home dad, a grandparent, a business leader, a local church (any church) community service person, or just a person with some free time, we can use you to fill 148 two-hour stations at local stores and food markets. No experience needed.

We provide the on-site training, give you the candy to pass out for free, and a canister to collect donations. We do not sell our candy. We give large Tootsie Roll candy bars to everyone we see. We expect nothing. We let the Holy Spirit take over from there.

We have been doing this in North Carolina since 1960 and have raised over $21 million dollars! Where does the money go? It stays here in our town. We support the Arc of Orange County, Special Olympics, and other groups who serve our children and adults with special or intellectual disabilities. There are no administrative costs. Our council provides for that. You provide the time, the smile, the handshake, and the encouraging word.

Are you ready to volunteer? Contact John Aluise at 919-967-3882 or email him at: aluise1942@bellsouth.net

To learn more about Operation LAMB and the Operation LAMB Foundation visit their website. Corporate donations and sponsorship are welcome. Tell them that the Chapel Hill Knights of Columbus inspired you to do more. Learn more

Defending our Religion

Are you proud of your family? Your Catholic family? Are you an advocate? An apostle? Do you share your faith with others?

We are all missionaries. We, the Knights of Columbus, are very proud of our church and we seek to share our love for our church and community by serving others.

Share the joy with others!

Take time out each day for prayer. Be thankful for your blessings and ask for help in serving others. Read a passage from the bible and think about it. Share the good news with others. Talk to other men of the church and ask them to join you in the Knights. Encourage others to join the patriotic Fourth Degree.

How do we build our church? One act at a time. Brick by brick we add structure to our parish and make it a welcoming home for non-Catholics and returning Catholics. Evangelize.

Need help? Want to learn more? Why not check out what others are saying as they defend our religion. Learn more. Visit Defenders of the Catholic Faith.