St. Mark Council News

Official Publication Knights of Columbus Council 12654

St. Mark Catholic Church, Huntersville, NC

August 2005

http:/www.kofcncstmark.org

Grand Knight’s Beacon Light

Our Council business meeting was held on August 1, and that was followed shortly thereafter with a First Degree ceremony on August 6.  Our new District Deputy, Ed Kane, attended both of these meetings and had a chance to hear and see our Council at work.  Are these St. Mark Knights gatherings work, or are they a heart-warming way to spend some quality time wrestling with the many tasks our council undertakes? Let's think about that. The meeting was well attended when you consider the time of year.  Many of our Brothers, officers, and directors were away or involved in other church functions; yet, we still had many Brothers in attendance.  To me, that says a lot about our council.  At a time when churches throughout the nation are losing their members, we have been blessed to be able to continue to grow ours.

That brings us to the First Degree ceremony.  We had five wonderful new members join our Council. Each of these members has attended several of our meetings and expressed a sincere interest in helping us meet our objectives, primary of which is to grow our fundraising resources. They are fine examples of the gentlemen who join the Knights -- gentlemen who aren't afraid to give of their time for the things they feel so strongly about: their families, their church and their God. Is it work?  Not to me. To me, it is the best way to make myself very proud of the group of Christian gentlemen we call the St. Mark Knights of Columbus.

Please check your schedules and allow time for involvement in the many activities we have on our schedule.  Next up, we have a request to provide Knights to prepare the food for the Seminarian gathering Monday night the 15 at Bishop Jugis' residence from 6-8 PM.  Then we have the first annual Knights Family Picnic on August 27.  We have been trying to have one of these for several years now, so let's have a great showing.  Also, we have the Fall Golf Outing, the Italian Night Dinner, the Parking Lot Garage & Novelty Sale, the Chicken Barbecue Sale, the Christmas Tree Sale, the Parish Bazaar etc. etc. all coming up sooner than you think.  We need volunteers, and we need to start planning now! 

By the way, our Worthy District Deputy Kane did announce that we made Star Council again this year.  You cannot do any better than that!  Let's keep it up. GK Ed Keller.

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Upcoming Events
August 15, 6-8 p.m.	Seminarian Gathering – Bishop Jugis residence in Charlotte
August 27, 10 am-3 pm	St. Mark Council Family Picnic at Patterson Farms in Mooresville
September 12, 7:30 pm	St. Mark Council September Business Meeting
September 23-24	Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte

August 1 Meeting Notes

Grand Knight Report: St. Mark Grand Knight Ed Keller gave a brief report on the NC Knights State Organizational Meeting July 22 and 23. Keller said the meeting focused on membership growth and Seminarian support. State officials suggested that Seminarians be provided not only with funding, but also with care packages that recognize their sacrifice in the arduous work of preparing for the Roman Catholic priesthood.

Committees need support of members: Keller also asked that St. Mark Knights give their full support to the Council’s new Committee Directors. He asked that St. Mark Brothers seek out Sean McSweeney, Youth Committee, Sergio Mirando, Church Committee, and Andy Kopchinski, Family Committee, and offer to get involved in upcoming activities.

Knight and Family of the Month

• Warden Kevin Csehoski is the July St. Mark Knight of the Month. Brother Csehoski was recognized for his faithful work in the kitchen providing food and refreshments for Council meetings and special occasions such as First Degree ceremonies.
• Larry and Sarah Miller (and children) are the St. Mark Council’s Family of the Month. Brother Larry Miller and his wife Sarah were recognized for their hard work on behalf of last month’s Vacation Bible School at St. Mark.

Treasurer’s Report: Income for July was $256. Expenses were $2,600, including a $2,000 payment to LifeTeen for Steubenville Atlanta Transportation.

Report of Auditors and Trustees: St. Mark Council financial statements are in “perfect order,” according to the Auditors and Trustees.

Membership Committee: Membership Director Mark Conter reported on the upcoming First Degree Ceremony scheduled for August 6. Brother Conter also identified a need for St. Mark Knights to learn the roles involved in the Council’s First Degree Team. (The First Degree Warden role needs to be filled immediately, and Conter would like back-ups for the remaining positions.) Contact Conter at markAconter@aol.com if interested.

Church Committee: Church Director Sergio Miranda encouraged Knights to get involved in the Men’s Bible Study starting up this Fall at St. Mark Church. Watch the Church Bulletin for details. Miranda also encouraged Knights to attend the Rosary that is said every Tuesday evening at 7:15 p.m. Finally, he suggested that Brother Knights set aside the 15^th of every month to say a Rosary at home with the family.

Greeters needed: The St. Mark Welcoming Committee needs to add more "greeters" to the current group. Individuals, couples and families are welcome. All it takes is a few minutes once a month before and after the Mass you attend. For more information about this Ministry stop by the podium after Mass or Contact Patty Malyszko, Welcome Committee, St Mark Catholic Church at 704-608-2299 or pattymlm@aol.com.

Community Committee: Community Director Mark Vincent is relocating to South Charlotte. St. Mark Council recognized his contributions with a standing ovation.

VBS and Cop on Top Recognition: Recognizing St. Mark Knights who helped with Vacation Bible School, Michael Soos thanked Brothers Marty Brennan, Ray Marr, Chris O’Keefe and Larry Miller for help breaking down tables after evening sessions. Additionally, he thanked Knights who helped with the recent “Cop on Top” event benefiting NC Special Olympics, including Jim Lotito, J.C. Peloqin and Kevin Csehoski.

Tournament Fee requested: Soos requested $200 for an entrance fee for a St. Mark Council team that participated in an August 30 Softball Tournament. The Tournament raised $6,000 for NC Special Olympics.

Old Business

Family Picnic Confirmed: Family Director Andy Kopchinsky confirmed that the St. Mark Knights of Columbus 2005 Family Picnic will be Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The picnic will be limited to Knights from St. Mark Council and their families. Hamburgers and hotdogs (cooked by St. Mark Knights) will be served. Each family should bring its own side dishes and beverages. No alcohol is allowed at Patterson Farms. A covered shelter is available in case of rain. There will be hayrides, a petting zoo and access to playground facilities. The cost is $25 per family. Knights who want to attend should contact Kopchinsky at 76triumph@adelphia.net so he can obtain an accurate head count for the picnic.

Unfinished business

Ed Keller reported that the proposed budget will be ready for discussion and voting at the September 12 Council Meeting.

New Business

Music Ministry Requests: The Music Ministry at St. Mark is asking for a donation of $250 to rent a van to transport equipment to the September 24-25 Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte, or alternatively, if any Knights would be willing to loan a 12-foot trailer or van for the same purpose. The Council will vote on the request at the September meeting. Additionally, the Music Ministry has requested a Knight who is a licensed electrician for the purpose of installing 20-amp electrical service in the Family Center’s south closet. Brother Bob Beck smc@carolina.rr.com is the contact for the St. Mark Music Ministry.

Seminarian Event needs help: Jim Lotito reported that Bishop Jugis is requesting assistance from area Knights with supplying and cooking food for a Seminarian recognition event at the Bishop’s Dilworth residence on Monday, August 15 from 6-8 p.m. Knights who can help should contact Lotito at jllotito@bellsouth.net.

Fourth Degree Report: Chip Marshall has applications for the October 29 Fourth Degree in Durham.

New District Deputy reports: Ed Kane, who took over District Deputy duties from Bob Ladousier, who is now a Regional District Deputy, introduced himself to the Council. Among Kane’s points:

• Invite District Deputies to all events
• When members are not active, be flexible and patient. Being too demanding can force Knights out of the organization unnecessarily.
• Make sure recognition reports are submitted for all events with involvement by Knights.
• Kane’s District will have a minimum of three second degree ceremonies each Fraternal Year
• Knights should read the NC KofC Newsletter, the Tarheel Knight. The web address is http://www.kofcnc.org

The Power of Prayer

Mk 11: 24 - "I give you my word, if you are ready to believe that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, it shall be done for you."

Please keep the following individuals and families in your prayers:

• Randy Balot (upcoming back surgery)
• Anthony Conter, Mark Conter’s father (heart surgery)
• Brother Knight Deacon Ron Sherwood, (hospitalized)
• Walter Richard Froh, Michael Soos father-in-law (surgery)
• Bernice Pugh, Dan Cedrone’s Mother in Law (hospitalized)
• Todd Eavenson’s Father (cancer)
• Elena Mullen, daughter of Mike Mullen (recovering from broken collarbone)
• All relatives of St. Mark Knights serving in the Armed Forces
• All U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines serving in Iraq

Council Contact Information
Grand Knight	Ed Keller	655-8190	edwardkeller@bellsouth.net
Past Grand Knight	Tom McGahey	947-9334	tommcgahey@bellsouth.net
Deputy Grand Knight	Dick Christian	875-1258	dchristian@insouthinsurance.com
Chaplain	Msgr R. Bellow		richard_bellow@yahoo.com
Chancellor	Jim Lotito	948-9015	jllotito@bellsouth.net
Recorder	Mike Mullen	948-7484	michaelamullen@bellsouth.net
Treasurer	Chip Marshall	875-8811	chip.marshall@adelphia.net
Financial Secretary	Jim Bossert	655-8852	sixsigmaguy@aol.com
Warden	Kevin Csehoski	947-2856	kcsehoski@bellsouth.net
Advocate	Marty Brennan	896-6441	Marty.brennan@mmbrennanlaw.com
Inside Guard	Bruce Milstead	892-4578
Outside Guard	James Carter	948-8506	jcarterjr@adelphia.net
First Year Trustee	Tom McGahey	947-9334	tommcgahey@bellsouth.net
Second Year Trustee	Barry McCaa	895-2424	bemccaa@yahoo.com
Third Year Trustee	Jack Clements	992-0789	jacknnan@adelphia.net
Membership Director	Mark Conter	947-8604	markAconter@aol.com
Community/Health Dir	Open
Operation LAMB Dir	Richard Clancey	609-4400
Council Director	Barry McCaa	895-2424	bemccaa@yahoo.com
Family Director	Andy Kopchinsky	655-0949	76triumph@adelphia.net
Youth Director	Sean McSweeney	948-5543	sean.mcsweeney@fedex.com
Church Director	Sergio Miranda	395-9802	smiranda@carolina.rr.com
Pro-life Director	Tony Gagliardo	439-0533	ajgags@aol.com
Insurance Field Agent	Ken Hillberry	938-6795	keinsart@yahoo.com
Coord, Parish Rndtble	Bob Murphy	947-7870	ram316@bellsouth.net
KofC Building Director	Jim Lotito	948-9015	jllotito@bellsouth.net
Web Master	Oscar Bernardo	894-9290	ocbernardo@earthlink.net
Web Master	Chris O’Keefe	988-1655	sandcritta@adelphia.net
Newsletter Editor	Mike Mullen	948-7484	michaelamullen@bellsouth.net
Lecturer	Open
Public Relations Dir	Open