Grand Knight’s message — March 2016

Brother Knights, Ladies, and families,

Being present, truly present. Modern society, with its hectic pace and plugged-in technology, provides for us the means of distracting our attention (that of our minds and hearts) from what is truly here in front of us. Not coincidentally, we are also quick to claim that modern society, its hectic pace and plugged-in technology as an excuse for being distracted.

How often do I find myself distracted from what is here and now? Maybe I am stuck thinking of something from the past; either worried about or eagerly anticipating something to come; stressing about that task I was supposed to have gotten done. Worry, stress, regret — all causing me to lose focus from whatever it is I am actually supposed to be doing: getting actual work done, listening in class, a conversation with a friend, being fully engaged at Mass.

In the Gospels, we read about Jesus’s life as a series of encounters — always it is a personal connection, a personal relationship when He speaks to others. Jesus always was and is truly present to others, and he challenges us to do the same. In the Blessed Sacrament, He is Truly Present, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. In this Lenten season, let us pray that we can reflect that True Presence to others — by being there for our brothers and sisters, especially those most in need. We are called to a continual journey of conversion and to share the faith.

As we approach the coming Holy Week and the Easter Triduum, let us turn away from the distractions and remember our Lenten “homework assignment”: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll read about lots of activities that have taken place since our last meeting and the many upcoming programs. I want to highlight just a few in particular:

The upcoming weekend, March 12/13 is our spring membership drive.
On Wednesday, March 16 at 7:30 PM in the parish hall, we’ll be having our Council’s spring social. We are bringing in, as special guests, the recently arrived families from Syria and Iraq. We will have just a very brief program, but have otherwise reserved most of the time for mixing and mingling, with light refreshments provided. All Knights and Ladies are welcome!
On Thursday, March 17 at 7:30 PM in the parish hall, we’ll be holding our spring First Degree Exemplification where many of the men from these families are going to be initiated into the Knights of Columbus, along with the candidates from our membership drive. All Brother Knights are encouraged to attend — let’s give these men a warm welcome into our Order!

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 20. The Knights will be involved, as usual, in the solemn Good Friday Services. May the remainder of Lent be a prayerful and peaceful time for you and your families, as we prepare to journey with our Lord Jesus through his Passion, death, and resurrection.

Fraternally yours,

Bro. Jeremy Sit
Grand Knight