To my Brother Knights and your Families; 

           Right off I want to thank all the Brothers and their families who supported our multiple efforts last month.  I especially want to offer my heartfelt thanks to Teri Montaldo for leading our planning effort for our very successful
Blue Mass on the 17th. We are truly fortunate for the hard work and dedication from the Montaldo family that helped
produce such a memorable event.  It’s no surprise that we chose them as Family of the Month for September.  The
solemn event of the Memorial Mass for Brother Marty Bergen was another event I was very proud to be associated
with - my sincere thanks to all who participated.  You made a positive impact on Jennifer Bergen and her family. 
She conveys her sincere appreciation and is keeping us all in her prayers. To that end – remember that as Knights
we carry an obligation to assist her in her needs. Finally, congratulations to Brother Darin O’Neal, our Membership
Director, for the absolutely awesome layout and organization of our recruiting effort during the Ministry Fair on
September 20 & 21. Due to the great enthusiasm demonstrated by all those who came out to talk to our brother
Catholic parishioners, we potentially grew our Council by 21members, which include 5 transfers and 16 applicants
for membership.  Finally, I want to acknowledge Brother Jim Kelly (our Knight of the Month) for his coming through for on of our families in need, helping them successfully resolve a potentially serious legal issue.      

I apologize for the delay in the letter and survey I promised you last month; however, you will soon be receiving the correspondence outlining my goals for our Council for the upcoming year and beyond.   Additionally, I will provide you a list of questions that I would like you to ponder and answer in preparation for a telephonic survey, assisted by your Service Program Directors, which I intend to conduct by the end of this month.   The purpose of this survey is to gauge your perceptions regarding the Knights of Columbus, in particular our Council, how we are serving the community, how we are meeting your expectations, any ideas you have on what we might be able to do, or not do, to increase your participation, gauge your commitment and where your interests lie and overall any ideas on how to improve our Council.   I also want to verify administrative and contact information for each member.  This is very important for the Council, so I ask you to please participate and respond to the phone inquiries by your Brother Knights.   

 
A reminder that our theme and primary focus for this month is...

  “Building for the Future”

Here are my highlighted events for this Month (listed in order of priority):

1.       Family Pot Luck Social OPEN HOUSE (Friday, October 17; 6:30 pm) at the Church Multi-Purpose Room.  
This is also being billed as a Membership Open House for both the Knights and the Columbian Squires, 
but is also going to feature a very important presentation regarding the Columbiettes Organization, 
which is a Knights-sponsored ladies’ auxiliary.  At the request of our Faithful Chaplain, we are orchestrating 
this very special presentation featuring Ms Dale Szgurzynski who will speak to any interested ladies about 
this unique organization and how this ministry could benefit our Church. 

2.       First Degree Exemplification (Sunday, October 18; 9 am) promises to be one of our largest yet.  We expect 
from 10-15 Candidates from our Council alone to participate in this degree and several others from sister 
councils.  Please make an effort to come out and support our new members in an equally large show of unity!  
Please note the degree begins one hour earlier than usual).  Additionally, our Columbian Squires Investiture 
Ceremony occurs at the conclusion of our Degree.  Please consider staying and supporting these fine young 
men who represent our future.

3.       3rd Degree Exemplification Ceremony (Saturday, October 11; 12pm) at St Clement in Plant City.  Candidates 
report at 11am with the degree commencing at noon.   I highly encourage 3rd Degree members to attend and 
support our Brothers as they advance to full Knighthood in our Order 

4.       Faith & Morals Program (Wednesday, October 15; 7 pm) at the Church Multi-Purpose Room, on the topic of 
Budgeting in these tough economic times, being presented by Brother Tom Cummings III.   This is truly an event 
you will not want to miss. 

5.       District Soccer Challenge (Sunday, October 12; 1 pm) at the BAYSL Soccer Fields at JC Handley Park, Providence Ave. 

Please continue to ask yourself why you joined the Knights of Columbus and get involved. Without exception – the Brothers and Families who participate in the life of the Council and our service to our Parish and Community never regret the love and spirit that emanates from the time we spend together – whether it be sweating while completing some difficult but worthy project for someone in need, or enjoying each other’s company by sharing laughs, meals and spirituality at church and social events.    You and your family are what Father Michael J. McGivney thought about when he founded this great Order.   It is so important in these days that we develop a foundation of faith and commitment to our God, our Church and our families…and what better organization has proven it’s worth in this very endeavor.

VIVAT JESUS!

Julio  

The Knights of Columbus
St Stephen Council 14084

An
 ‘Active Council’
where every member contributes;

 

‘Families are at the core’
of what we do and who we are; and together we will strive to

‘Grow Spiritually’

as better Catholics, and in that knowledge become the true and effective
 ‘Defenders of our Faith’.  

Visit Our Website at www.kofc14084.org