Thank God Mary was able to see beyond herself, to take the risk, to trust in Gods Providence and to gracefully grasp the possibilities of the glorious impossible that God asked of her through the angel Gabriel. Thank God she was the one who became the bearer of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank God Mary said yes to birthing the one who would lead us to building up the kingdom of justice and righteousness for all God’s people.

Because of her ‘yes” through Mary hope was given to God’s people in a time of hopelessness; hope that in her finally the long awaited Messiah would be born. Her “yes” echoes through the ages. We too receive that hope through Mary today, in our own time, a time that is not without it’s own hopelessness. Mary expressed her hope in the beauty of a song that we know as the Magnificat. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” she sings after saying yes to Gabriel. What glorious words of acceptance of God’s desire for her.

How might Mary’s song become our song? How can we say yes to God’s invitation to be God’s hands in this world?

When we sing Mary’s song in seemingly hopeless places and circumstances, we ourselves become bearers of God, bearers of hope. When we say yes to God we become pregnant with hope. We incarnate that hope in places where hope seems impossible. Just like Mary did. Where can you and I sing her song today?

No one said being theotokos (God-bearer) was easy and without considerable sacrifice. It wasn’t for Mary. It will not be for us. But if it were easy God wouldn’t ask.

Thank God Mary said “Yes”.

Fr. Valentine Rebello
Chaplain,
Bellmore Knights of Columbus

Dear Brothers and families,

Well, March certainly came in like a lion in the Bellmore area this year with a Nor Easter blowing hurricane force winds on the March 13th threatening to cancel our annual St. Patrick’s Day party. But our party went off without a hitch thanks to Brother Patty Neville, PGK and his committee. Everyone in attendance, who braved the high winds, heavy rains and downed trees in the area to attend the party were treated to traditional Irish music, dance, corned beef and cabbage and potatoes. The kitchen staff did a wonderful job and thanks again to Patty Neville, PGK for running yet another successful St. Patrick’s Day dance. Well done Patty!

Congratulations to our newest second degree brothers, Steven Hein and Angelo Buonomo, when you see them please introduce yourself and congratulate them on successfully completing the second degree exemplification.

On Sunday March 21st our council sponsored its second blood drive of the Columbian year. We had a successful day with 44 pints of blood being donated during the course of the day. Thank you to Brothers Joe Camillery, PGK, Jim Turzilli, PGK, Frank Mazzara, Joe DeFino, Bob Tepe and John Balestriere for all your help ensuring the day ran smoothly.

On April 3rd our council will once again be hosting its annual Children’s Easter Party starting at 10 AM in the main Hall. All are invited and we may even be treated to a special appearance from Peter Cotton himself.

Our monthly Vegas night was moved from the first Friday of the month to April 9th. We only have three Vegas nights remaining before the summer break, so come on down and lend a hand. Remember all of the proceeds from our Vegas nights go directly to charity.

German Night, our last but certainly not the least of our ethnic dinner dances will be held on Friday night April 16th starting at 7:30. A traditional German meal will be served and we’ll be entertained by authentic German dancers throughout the evening.

On April 22nd at our second general membership meeting we will be hosting a 1st degree exemplification in Bellmore. If you know of any Catholic gentlemen who would like to join our order simple help them fill out a form 100. There is no better place to make your first degree then in your home council. If you don’t ask them to join, who will?

Sunday April 25th is the annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This day is an opportunity for all brother Knights to raise awareness of the need for men and women to say “yes” to their vocations. Especially if one is called to the Priesthood or religious life. As Knights, we know the difference what one good Priest can make. Raise awareness and get involved.

The great gift of Easter is hope – Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love, which nothing can shake.
To all of my brother Knights and your families I wish you a very Happy and blessed Easter.

Fraternally,

James Mikowski
Grand Knight

Dear brothers and families,

Our February Vegas Night was our most successful Vegas night of the Columbian year. Not only because of the amount we raised for our charitable endeavors but we had some extra help from the membership that night. Thank you all who took the time to help us that evening. Our next Vegas night will be held on March 19th. That is a scheduling change so please mark your calendars and plan to join us on the 19th. No experience is necessary.

The nominating committee was formed at our first meeting in February seeking officers for the 2010-2011 Columbian year. If you are interested in taking a leadership role in your council or have questions about what the responsibilities are of each officer you can speak with any of the current officers or anyone on the nominating committee.

On February 7th Father Peter surprised the congregation by announcing Bishop Murphy’s decision to replace him as Pastor of St. Barnabas Church. As many of you are well aware Father Peter has been the Pastor here at St. Barnabas for the past 16 years and came to us at a very difficult period in the annals of St. Barnabas. Subsequent to Father Peter’s announcement a “Town Hall” meeting was held in the Holy Family Chapel at St. Barnabas on February 18th, which was hosted by Bishop, Joseph Dunne, and Msgr. Brian McNamara, from the Diocese of Rockville Center. The purpose of this meeting was to inform Bishop Murphy’s representatives of the strengths and weaknesses of the parish as a whole so they could make an informed decision on the best replacement for Father Peter. I am very happy and proud to say a large group of brother knights were in attendance that evening and most of them were called upon to speak. All of my brother knights spoke of Father Peter’s virtues, character, kindness, love and dedication to our faith and parish. The overwhelming theme of each and everyone who spoke recalled their personal relationships with Father Peter and of their love and affection for him along with an appeal to Bishop Murphy that he reconsiders his decision. Thank you again to all who attended! Lets pray are voices were heard.

I would like to thank and congratulate the bar chairman, Bill Pollock, for a very successful Super Bowl party which was held in the lounge. The food was fantastic and a great time was had by all who attended. Great job Bill!

I would also like to congratulate and welcome our newest members to Bellmore council, Louis Massimillo and Marco Morales, both of whom successfully completed their first degree exemplification on February 17th at Our Lady of Island council.

On March 6th come on down to the lounge at 9 PM and join us for the annual Irish warm up. Patty Neville, PGK leads us in traditional Irish music and song. An entertaining and fun night is guaranteed. There’s no better way to prepare for our St. Patrick’s dance the following Saturday on March 13th!

On March 21st from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM our council will be hosting a second blood drive for the Columbian year. The New York area always suffers a shortage in the blood supply during this time of year so please find the time to donate a pint of blood and “give the gift of life”.

On Founder’s Day this March 29th, we celebrate the anniversary of our order and the legacy of our founder, The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, and the contributions of our brother Knights since 1882. We also prepare for an even greater future as we live out the vision of our founder who gathered a group of men from St. Mary’s parish for an organizational meeting on October 2, 1881 and later incorporated the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882.

In conjunction with Founders Day, on Monday March 29th, Bellmore Council will be hosting a membership Drive. In order to keep our order thriving and strong new members are always in need and welcomed. Why not ask a relative, a neighbor, or simply ask a gentleman you regularly see at mass to attend our open house. We will be more than happy to speak with them and discuss the benefits of joining the world’s largest male Catholic fraternal organization.

Lent is all about remembrance. It’s a 40 day period when we remember Jesus’ journey to the cross. His journey to the cross began in the wilderness. He was tempted far beyond what any of us will face. And what was His weapon? The Word. He knew God’s promises because He was the Promise. He was in the Father and the Father was in Him, so He could quote chapter and verse and send the enemy packing.

He fasted to show that “man does live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” He showed us that we are more than bodies, and more than our bodily wants. Our spirit must be fed also. We can fast–from food, TV, anything that could become a distraction from spending time with the Father, anything that keeps our hearts from the true Source of Life.

Lent is also like communion every day, “Do this in remembrance of me”. We remember His body and blood shed for us. He came to give us life, both now and forever. We cannot forget that we were ransomed, that we were bought for a price. It cost God something–His Son. Anytime we think that we’ve done something great, or achieved some goal, and think we’ve accomplished it on our own, we forget Him. We need grace every day. We need to remember His life, His suffering, His death, His victory. Through mercy, His victory becomes ours.

A Blessed Easter to all of you and your families. May you experience the peace of God within your hearts as we celebrate once more the victory of God in Jesus Christ.

Fraternally,

James Mikowski
Grand Knight

Dear brothers and families,

Bellmore council finished up the calendar year 2009 with much fanfare with  our annual New Years Eve Party chaired by “Mr. Reservation” Jack Falci, PGK.  From what I was told the dance floor was packed all night and everyone danced till the wee hours of the morning and a great time was had by all who attended. Jack, thank you and your committee for your planning and hard work ensuring this party was a success.

January 9th was a very busy day at our council as we brought a close to the Christmas season by taking down the Crèche we set up in town back on the Thanksgiving weekend. Brothers John Ferrante, Tom Borst, Joe Cunningham, John Mahon, Ken Karchinski, PGK, Kevin Coleman, PGK braved the cold weather and joined me in breaking down the Crèche. We were all treated to a very special breakfast prepared and cooked by Brother Joe DeFino back at the council, which we all enjoyed. Later that day Bellmore Council participated in the annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Challenge. Youth Co-Chairmen Rob Saylor and John O’Leary ran the event with the help of brothers Kevin Coleman PGK, Ken Karchinski, PGK, John Weber PGK and Joe Cunningham. Twenty two children participated in the annual event which was held in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School gymnasium. The winners at the council level will move on to the District level scheduled to be held on February 6th. Congratulations and good luck to all of our winners.

Bellmore council welcomed brother, Anthony Coscia, who attained his first degree in our order when he completed the first degree exemplification we hosted at our meeting on January 14th. Congratulations Anthony and welcome to the Knights of Columbus and to Bellmore council.

Our council honored our immediate Past Grand Knight, Mike Fiore, on January 16th with the PGK’s testimonial dinner. Mike was honored for all of his hard work and dedication during his year as Grand Knight. On a personal note I would like to thank Mike for a job very well done. Mike and I attended numerous meetings outside of the council together and saw firsthand his hard work and dedication to Bellmore council. Thank you Austin Cannon, PGK, Jack Falci, PGK and your committee for making the testimonial dinner a memorable occasion for Mike and his family.

On January 17^th I was joined by 15 members of our Knights of Columbus family for the annual Pro-Life Mass bus trip to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. We were treated to a beautiful and inspirational pro life mass celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Dolan. Thank you brothers Steve Amante, Joe DeFino, Tony Ferro, PGK and Mike Fiore, PGK for all of your hard work preparing breakfast and lunch for all of us who attended the Mass.

Looking forward to February, our monthly Las Vegas night will be held on the 5^th starting at 8 PM.

The council Super Bowl party held in the lounge is the best deal in town for $25.00. The doors open at 6 PM and YES I will be making my buffalo wings again this year. If you haven’t tried them yet, make this the year. The sign up sheet is in the lounge.

Our annual Polish Night/Valentine’s Dance will be held on Saturday night February 13^th from 7:30 to 11:30 PM only $35.00 per person. Contact John Bloniarz or Joe Sostack for more information and for reservations.

Brothers, our council will soon be forming its nominating committee for the 2010-2011 Columbian year. It’s never too early to start thinking about a new and rewarding experience. Consider becoming an officer of your council or joining one of the numerous service committees. You can speak with any of the current officers to learn more.

When tragedy strikes, as it did on the morning of January 12^th in Haiti, we are reminded that this is a moment when all of us are called upon to love the neighbor we do not know…We can do it with prayer. If we do nothing else, we need to pray for the people of Haiti. Pray for the lost, the orphaned, the widowed, the homeless and the helpless. Pray for the students who were killed at the seminary. Pray for the rescue workers who are facing new challenges every day. Prayer goes a long way…..Pray it reaches the people of Haiti.

May my love for you always reflect God’s love.  May your goodness always reflect God’s goodness.  May the Holy Spirit unite us, and may Mary keep us close to her immaculate heart. May every blessing from heaven be yours always.

Fraternally,

James Mikowski

Grand Knight

Dear brothers and families,

I hope you all had a very blessed and joyous Christmas and found some time with your families and loved ones to reflect on the miracle of the birth of Jesus and to give thanks for our many blessings. I would also like to wish you and your families a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

I would like to thank brothers John O’Leary and Rob Saylor for all their hard work on the Children’s Christmas Party. We had over 70 members, children, and grandchildren in attended and a great day was had by all! Santa stopped by for a visit with the children for some last minute requests before he headed back home to prepare for his busiest night of the year.  John Weber, PGK provided the entertainment for the children, and with their help he performed his rendition of the 12 days of Christmas.

I would also like to thank Mike Fiore, PGK for all of his hard work planning for our Members Christmas party and ensuring it was a big success, which it was. Everyone in attendance had a great time. Thank you Mike!

The first half of our fraternal year is in the books and we start our next six months as ambitious as ever. I am asking all of my brother Knights for your help in making all of our sponsored events a success and plan to attend at least one of them. I know we are all busy and have other obligations with work and our families, but to ensure the continued health and growth of our council and order, we need the help of all of our members. If your a new member or haven’t been down to the council for awhile, consider joining us at one of our council or fraternal functions and get reacquainted with your brother knights. If you only have a few moments to spare, consider helping with an hour or so at one of our “Vegas Nights”. All the money we raise goes directly to charity. No experience is necessary and your help is greatly needed.

Looking forward to January. Our first event for the new year is our monthly “Vegas Night” on Friday night January 8th beginning at 8 PM.  Our next two events take place on Saturday January 9th. We’ll be taking down the creche from Bellmore Village at 9 AM and later that day at 4:00 PM we will be hosting the Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw Challenge at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton gymnasium.  January 14th is our first regularly scheduled council meeting of the month and we will also be hosting a first degree that evening.

On Sunday, January 17th our council  will participate in the annual Right to Life Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. This Mass will be the first Right to Life Mass celebrated by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan. This Mass offers our members an opportunity to join together with other Knights of Columbus  Councils from around the state in a faith-filled expression of our concern for the unborn. The bus will be leaving the council at 8 AM. Please contact me asap if you are interested in attending as the bus fills up quickly.

The 37th Annual March for Life will be held on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 in Washington, D.C. There will be a Mass at St. Barnabas at 5:00 AM and the bus will depart at about 5:45 AM. Sign up sheets are in the lounge. For more information contact Pro-Life Chairman Hank Holzwarth, PGK, or myself if you would like to participate.

Our next 5th Sunday Communion Breakfast will be held on Sunday morning January 31st. The mass at St. Barnabas will begin at 9 AM with the breakfast immediately following at our council. There is no doubt that this mass is an excellent opportunity to join together as Catholics, brothers and families in a truly inspirational setting, thank God for his blessings, and enjoy each other’s friendship. Corinthians 12:12 reads;
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.  Join me brothers, as knights of Columbus members, as one body at Mass. The cost for the communion breakfast is always free and all are always welcome.

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.  Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives… not looking for flaws, but for potential.  ~Ellen Goodman

The Bible tells us that it was God who formed us in our mother’s womb. And when He formed us, He placed within us the highest possible potential: theosis, union with God. Part of man’s tragedy is that this great potential remains only a potential and is not fully developed. Man is indeed a frail creature, but he is endowed by God with great potential. All of us are born equal. Our job is to outgrow equality by reaching out to achieve our potential in Christ. Join me brothers and let us together reach our potential and lets see what we can do as Catholics and as members of the worlds largest Catholic fraternal organization. There is greatness in us all!

Fraternally,

James Mikowski,
Grand Knight