Grand Knight’s Message, March 2010

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