Program Director Message
Tony Ransick, Programs Director 2022-2023
My California Brother Knights,
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us put our Faith into Action! I can’t help but borrow our call of service and duty in reflecting upon our mission for this year. As we continue to “Rise Again” from the momentum we gained during the fruitful leadership and programs shepherded by IPSD Noel Panlilio and past Program Director Jim Hart; to the fray of boots on the ground moving “Siempre Adelante, Nunca Atras” with energy and enthusiasm inspired by California’s missionary friar St. Junipero Serra, and revived by our State Deputy Rene Trevino. I am humbly honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve you and our State in the role of Programs Director for the 2022-2023 Columbian Year.
As you look through this guide to help plan and coordinate programs for your parish community, I hope that you will gain a sense as I do, of how fortunate we are to have so many amazing and talented leaders throughout the California Knights. It is also my hope that you will take time to pray for these men who gladly step “Into the Breach” with you and me daily promoting and providing a personal witness of our Catholic faith. For as we know, we have a mighty God who hears and answers our prayers. Each brother Knight that you see listed is eager to help you and your council be successful in implementing our Faith in Action Programs.
Have you noticed that men are joining our order at historic numbers this year? These new brothers are joining for many of the same reasons that both you and I joined; because they want to perform acts of service and they want programs that will help them grow in their faith. They know what the Knights are about and are eager to participate, but they need support and guidance. Fortunately, we have a support team that can help you and your council in that mission. Moreover, our Programs Team has created an extra incentive this year for councils to run Faith in Action (FIA) programs by recognizing a council each month that reports their programs using the online 10784 Form reporting process. All councils who provide a program and report that program using the 10784 Form will be automatically entered into a monthly $100 raffle. We will also be continuing the “Program of the Month” this year, each month focusing on an appropriate activity based on both the liturgical calendar and our own calendar of events. Running our programs well and meeting the needs of our new members will ensure success for our Council and for our parish community, as well as keep our new members highly engaged.
Finally, remember our commitment to our youth and comply with the requirements of the Knights of Columbus Safe Environment program. There are council officer and director positions that must complete this training and certification, some also require a background check. These trainings are all online and can be completed using any internet connected device; and they must be completed within 30 days of your appointment to a key leadership role. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly reminds us that “Ensuring a safe environment for the children, young people and other vulnerable persons we serve is a crucial obligation for Knights of Columbus leaders.” Once again, I look forward to moving forward with you in our faith and our mission together as California Knights. “Siempre Adelante, Nunca Atras!”