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STATE DEPUTY MESSAGE for MARCH

Dear Brothers in Christ,

Before I get started laying down markers for March, allow me first to offer on behalf of our entire California State Council, our deepest condolences, prayers and consolation for the family and community that continues to mourn the recent loss of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles created an online tribute to Bishop O’Connell, called “A Hail Mary for Bishop Dave,” which includes a digital memorial book and the last homily he ever made. As a State Council, we will continue to remember Bishop Dave in the months ahead as described in this monthly message.

Now that we are in the Lenten Season, this is a great time to reflect on our Catholic Faith. One great way is to recall the groundbreaking Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic men “Into the Breach” composed by Emeritus Bishop of Phoenix, Thomas J. Olmsted. He delivered a prophetic warning that one of the key reasons the Church is faltering in specific areas was that many Catholic men have not been willing to “step into the breach”.

Since His Excellency’s 2015 call to battle, I have been particularly proud to work arm-in-arm with brother Knights who visibly demonstrate “Who we are and What we are”. Not only have we led across the spectrum of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy via our service programs, we also are answering the universal call to proclaim the glory of our Faith as beacons of light in the world. To bring more light into the world, we need to increase productivity and work to back fill our Order.  This brings me to the first topic and challenge:

  1. 1,000 POINTS OF LIGHT: It all begins with the Great Commission given by Jesus to the apostles to“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28: 19-20). “All Nations” should resonate with all of us indicating that our mission is universal and also that we refuse to let up. 1,000 Points of Light is a strategic membership drive dedicated to ushering in a bright future beginning with the goal of bringing into our Order 1,000 new members between March 1 and April 30 in honor of Bishop Dave. It will only require a minimum of 1.5% of our California Knights to invite one new member ‘online or offline’. Let’s Get started planning the activities needed in our chapters and councils to meet and exceed this goal. To honor and pay tribute to Bishop Dave, we are also:

  2. Announcing that His Excellency Bishop Dave is our Honoree for all CUF Exemplifications in the 1,000 Points of Light plan statewide.

  3. Creating a Commemorative Pin and Certificate in honor of Bishop Dave to be made available for the CUF Exemplifications. These will be given to all new members and their proposers.

  4. Other Highlights for March: 

  5. March 29 is The Knights of Columbus Founder’s Day: This marks the day on which Blessed Michael McGivney met with Catholics who shared similar beliefs to form the Order’s first council in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut.

  6. The featured program of the month highlighted in Prayers in the Pew Monthly is the Good Citizenship Essay Contest. In addition in March, get involved with the always entertaining State Free throw contest.

  7. Chaplains’ Challenge to spread devotion to St. Joseph with the Pilgrim Icon Program. Learn more and get involved. Contact our Faith Program Chairman Brother George Bagley at programs@californiaknights.org for more information.

III. Prayers in the Pew Monthly:

Good news, Brothers: The March Prayers in the Pew Newsletter is up on the SitStandKneel site for you to download. [Access it here: March 2023 Edition]. The Lenten season gives us a chance to do some soul searching and ask ourselves how much of our day, our work, our very lives we devote to Him.

In this month’s feature we focus on the Daily Offering, which is a devotional prayer of the Church that serves as a vehicle for our daily consecration of works, prayers, joys and sufferings to His service.

The regular monthly catechetical section is a short teaching on the five Precepts of the Church, which serve to remind us of our natural responsibilities as members of the family of God. Also make sure to avail yourselves of the other features of the newsletter:

  • Saints’ writings, scripture, and teachings from the Catechism on prayer.

  • The Church’s liturgical calendar for March which features the Solemnities of St. Joseph and the Annunciation during the Season of Lent.

  • Our State Chaplain’s challenge to memorize the Daily Offering as a new habit if we don’t already practice it.

Lent is a tough season because of its emphasis on deepened prayer, penance, and almsgiving. But we are Knights, and we rise to the challenge!

As always, though, we stick together and support one another in prayer and fraternity as we prepare for the great feasts of our Faith in Holy Week and Easter.

May the Lord’s blessings be with you and your families!

Rene Trevino State Deputy 2022-2023 “Siempre Adelante, Nunca Atrás!”

120th State Annual Meeting Photos and Video Link: Click here

Statewide online Holy Hour (1st Wednesday of the Month, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM): https://www.youtube.com/c/KofCCaliforniaStateCouncil

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