Current Newsletter

Worthy Sir Knights,

November is a month of many reflections and actions. We open the month with a Holy Day of Obligation honoring the Saints of the Catholic Church as well those who may not have been canonized but whom we believe are with God now. We give thanks for the examples that their lives have given us and we may ask for their intercession in help with our prayers.

The following day, November 2, is All Souls Day. Simply stated, it is a day when we offer prayer and good works for souls still undergoing “Purification” before being admitted into Paradise. These are the elect who left this life in God’s grace and friendship but are imperfectly purified at the time of their death. As Catholics, we refer to this place of purification as Purgatory. On this special day, we remember them and offer our prayers and good works to speed their purification and worthiness to come to the Father.

The Knights of Columbus upholds both sacred days by offering Memorial masses in individual Councils and Assemblies. I consider our Assembly’s Memorial Mass as the most deeply spiritual day of our Columbian year. We invite our members, as well as the widows and families of our departed Sir Knights, to join our celebration of the Holy Eucharistic and offering of individual prayers for those most special to us. We pray for our Brother’s families and loved ones. As the names of each Sir and Lady Knight who are no longer with us is read, we ring a bell as a commemorative honor in their remembrance.

We end the evening in friendship and fellowship with cake, coffee, and memories of our Brothers and Ladies.

Our Memorial Mass will be held on November 18th at 7:00 pm in lieu of a general member’s meeting. Please make an effort to be at this evening of remembrance. We owe this to those who preceded us. One day it will be our names being read.

November 11th is Veteran’s Day. As a Patriotic arm of the Knights of Columbus, we are taught the meaning of Freedom and the battles fought to ensure and preserve it. But do we take the time to recognize and honor those who have laid down their lives for us? In Canada, Nov. 11 is called “Remembrance Day.” If you have 5 minutes, find “A Pittance of Time” by Terry Kelly. Google brings it right up and of the choices offered, I recommend the Official version. It speaks to and of all veterans.

Of course, the most celebrated day of November is Thanksgiving. (Not Black Friday!) I’ve learned that every day I need to be grateful for the numerous blessings that I and my family are given. Despite the challenges of life (and there a lot of them!) each of us have so much to give thanks for. On this unique holiday we can share in God’s great bounty as families, friends, and Catholics. We need to remember to offer praise and thanksgiving first to our Creator, knowing that without His generous mercy, we would have nothing.

Advent is right around the corner and then comes Christmas. As much as the secular world has worked to downplay and deny the Birth of Jesus Christ as the reason for the season, I pray that as Catho-lics we can hold fast to the celebration of the coming of our Savior.

May each of you and your families remain close and truly enjoy every day of this prayerful and joyous season.

SK J. M. “Jack” Haney
Faithful Navigator Assembly 2375
2024-2025