The Claverite - Knights of Peter Claver
Transcription
The Claverite - Knights of Peter Claver
Volume 100 • Winter Issue 2013-14 • www.kofpc.org Black Catholics from Across U.S. Pack Cathedral for Convention Mass T h e K n i g h t s o f P e t e r C l a v e r, I n c. 2 Claverite The A Catholic fraternal magazine published by: The National Council Knights of Peter Claver and National Court Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Approbation The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond Archbishop of New Orleans F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Supreme Knight Vertelle A. Kenion, Supreme Lady Grant A. Jones, Executive Director Debra Frazier, Assistant Athanase Jones, Publisher Liaison Sarah Jane vonHaack, Editor KPC Public Relations Group, contributing The Knights Of Peter Claver Founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 1909 Headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana All items intended for publication in The Claverite Summer 2014 issue must be submitted by March 3, 2014. Please send your news items to claverite@kofpc.org. Text Submissions: • Please send the text of your news submission in a Word document. • Include your Council or Court number at the top of the page. • The text of your news items should be no more than 200 words each. • Up to three news items will be considered per Unit. • Please do not submit a PDF, scan, fax or handwritten material. ONLY ELECTRONIC TEXT DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Photo Submissions: • Please send photos as an attachment to the email (as a jpeg file). • DO NOT insert the photo into the Word document. • The photos should be at least 300 dpi. • Up to three photos with news items will be considered per Unit. • Photos that are out of focus or too small will not be printed. “TRUST IN GOD” is our password “ONWARD” is our war cry Pictured is: (left) Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, (right) F. DeKarlos Blackmon at the KOC Supreme Convention in San Antonio, Texas. 4 Message from the Supreme Knight 6 Message from the Supreme Lady 7 Message from the National Chaplain 9 Feature Story 10 Special Report – Poverty 12 District News 22 Holiday Message 23 2013 Award Winners 24 National and Junior Convention Photos 28 District News 35 4th Degree News 37 Junior Division News 41 Emerging Leaders’ News 46 2012-14 National Council and Court Board of Directors 47 Privacy Policy On the cover: Open since 1864, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is the largest Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Its brownstone structure is ranked among the most beautiful and architecturally perfect structures in Philadelphia and the United States. Attending the 2013 4th Degree and Ladies of Grace Awards Luncheon in Philadelphia, PA, (l-r) Auxiliary Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of the Archdioceses of New Orleans, LA; Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of the Archdioceses of Philadelphia, PA; F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Supreme Knight; and Vertelle A. Kenion, Supreme Lady. 99th Annual National Convention July 25-30, 2014 Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel and the Mobile Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center 4 Knights of Peter Claver Message from the Supreme Knight F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Obl.S.B., Supreme Knight and Chief Executive Officer message from the supreme knight M y Dear Brothers and Sisters, During the 98th annual Convention of the Knights of Peter Claver in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I delivered my annual report, which recounted the various activities of the Order during the year. On behalf of the National Council Board of Directors, I conveyed our goals and priorities of business operations, programs, and activities to more effectively meet the needs of our membership and the communities in which our Order functions. tenure as National Chaplain. It is expected that the committee would draw not only from his work, but also from the Order of Christian Funerals concerning core Catholic beliefs about death and the Paschal Mystery of Christ. The Biennial National Convention of the Junior Knights and Junior Daughters was a beautiful expression of the richness our Order has to offer young people. Held in Indianapolis, the Junior National Convention brought together young people who conducted themselves in an exemplary manner as they engaged in spiritual renewal, business sessions, competitions and social events. I was particularly impressed with the camaraderie of the Juniors and the leadership they communicated to the membership. I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Junior Supreme Knight and the Junior Supreme Lady on their reelection. On behalf of the National Council Board of Directors, we congratulate them and all other officers on their election as leaders of our youth division. I would be remiss if I did not again offer my sincere appreciation to the Indianapolis Host Committee and the Philadelphia Host Committee for a job extremely well done in hosting this year’s conventions. Communications and Marketing Committee Wake Ritual Revision Committee As a result of the need to update the Wake Ritual, I have appointed a committee to present a new ritual – abrogating previous editions – in an effort to enable subordinate units to gather with the community to pray for the deceased and to support, in faith, hope, and love, the grieving family and friends. The basic charge of the committee is to provide rubrics and instructions to enable each ceremony team to pray the ritual correctly, with the dignity due the Order and the Faith. As you know, Bishop Joseph Perry of Chicago revised the ritual during his Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations The Second Vatican Council recommended that parochial communities further vocation awareness. In an effort to create a more “vocation-conscious” culture, and to provide an atmosphere in which all eligible people may carefully consider Holy Orders or religious life as a possible calling for themselves, I have created a Joint Board Committee on Vocations. The chair of this Joint Board Committee is William T. Everette, Jr., National Advocate. We have spent the last few years collaborating with various religious, secular and governmental organizations and agencies, and we are continually working to increase the presence of the Order nationally and internationally. I have charged the Communications and Marketing Committee to develop a comprehensive marketing plan in cooperation with the Executive Director; aid in the review of any promotional materials in support of the Order; and design new media for sharing information about the Order, its goals and objectives and its work in the community and society. The chair of this Joint Board Committee is Renita Lloyd-Smith, Deputy of the Western States. Family Expansion As stated in my annual report in Philadelphia: “For the reason that it is imperative that we increase the presence of the Order, we must develop an even more aggressive expansion and retention plan by increasing social and networking events among the six divisions of the Order. When concentrating on expansion, we must recruit new members – for each division – and retain and reclaim our existing members.” While we praise God in thanksgiving for the expansion we have realized, we must press on doing more to expand. I am hopeful the great work initiated by this committee not only meets, but exceeds our potential, as we must do everything in our power to bring every eligible Catholic man and woman into our ranks, and seize every opportunity to establish Junior Branches and Junior Courts. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 5 Pro-Life Activities Phillips, Sr., and Arthur C. McFarland, for their support and encouragement in this regard. This election has drawn public praise from the membership, our Past Supreme Knights, and Supreme Ladies and the hierarchy – most notably, Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre of New Orleans and Bishop Martin D. Holley of Washington D.C. This election is a great testament to the relevance of the Knights of Peter Claver in the universal Church.” As you may know, the International Alliance of Catholic Knights has 15 member orders, with a combined presence in 27 countries. It was founded in Glasgow, Scotland, in October 1979 to advance mutual cooperation between member orders and to help expand Catholic knighthood, the alliance’s website says. It is a Vatican-recognized association of the Catholic faithful. The Knights of Peter Claver and the Knights of Columbus represent the United States in the alliExecutive Director ance. Past Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips and the Knights The National Council Board of Directors hired Grant A. of Peter Claver hosted the InternaJones, previously Deputy of the Gulf tional Council Meeting in 2009 in Coast and Interim Administrator in New Orleans. “While the responsibilthe National Office, to the position of Executive Director. Jones brings an ity for the implementation Conclusion established working relationship with of many plans rests with During a plenary session of the Nathe staff of the National Office, the tional Court, I stated: “Being the SuNational Council Board of Directors the Supreme Knight, topreme Knight is never without chaland the National Court Board and the gether with the National lenges. However, the challenges are membership of the Order. His experinot limited to this role, but to every Council Board of Direcence and vast knowledge of organileadership role in any organization.” zational management, personnel and tors and the Executive I went on to say, “It is my prayerful convention planning will be invaluDirector, broad participahope that people see they matter to able in helping to move our Noble me; they are special; they are human Order forward, as he directs the action in the development beings endowed with the dignity of tivities of the staff of the National Ofof goals and objectives God’ s creation; and they are entitled fice in administering the business of to love, respect, and attention.” supporting subordinate units. by the Supreme Lady and Let each of us continue to move the National Court Board forward in hope while always seeking Deputy of the Gulf Coast is essential and imperative to introduce change and/or criticism In accordance with Article II, Secconstructively for the good of the tion 2 of the Charter, Constitution to our success.” Order. While each Claver must have and Bylaws (2011), and in light of a place at the table, each of us must the confirmation of Grant A. Jones speak appropriately and respectfully about issues of concern. to the office of Executive Director, it became necessary for I encourage each of you to read your respective minutes from me, the Supreme Knight, to appoint a replacement to fill the the National Council and National Court in Convention beunexpired term of office. I appointed Leonard V. Stiell, Past cause there is much happening in the Order. Finally, on behalf Deputy of the Gulf Coast, to carry out the duties expressed of the entire Claver family, I offer heartfelt congratulations to in the Charter, Constitution and Bylaws until the biennial our own Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre on his recent appointelections are conducted at the Gulf Coast District Conferment as the Ordinary of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by ence in 2014 in Jackson, Mississippi. our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Soon after having become the Supreme Knight, I created a Pro-Life Activities Committee to teach respect for all human life from conception to natural death and organize for its protection. As a result of the desires of the Joint Committee in Convention, we have further created a Joint Board Committee that will function throughout the year. Tasked to develop educational material on pro-life issues, conduct educational campaigns in the Order, circulate information on critical issues and create opportunities to meet the needs of pregnant women, children, persons with disabilities, those who are sick or dying and all who have been involved in abortion, this committee is being led by Gene A. Phillips, Sr., Past Supreme Knight. As stated by various media outlets and at the National Convention, “the International Council of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights has elected me as its Deputy President. I am grateful to my worthy predecessors, Gene A. With every good wish, F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Obl.S.B. message from the supreme knight Deputy President of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights 6 Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Message from the Supreme Lady Vertelle A. Kenion, Supreme Lady G message from the supreme lady beautiful gifts. 2014 District/State Conferences (Senior and Junior Divisions): reetings my Claver Sisters, • Western States – April 24-26, Albuquerque, New Mexico, MarThank you for your hard work! The riott Hotel 2013 National Convention has come • Central States – May 2-4, Nashville, Tennessee, Airport Marand gone and I thank you for your riott Hotel thoughtfulness, kind words and the • Junior State Conference – June 13-15, St. Louis, Missouri, Campus Facility • Gulf Coast District – May 2-4, Jackson, Mississippi, Jackson Words cannot express how much I appreciate the commitment Marriott Hotel and dedication each of you exhibited in your service as chairpersons, • Junior Conference – March 7-9, Jackson, Mississippi, Jackson advisers, consultants, committee members and members of our Marriott Hotel Noble Order. I also would like to give thanks • State of Texas – May 2-4, San Antonio, Texto Gracious Lady Rebecca James for serving as as, Hilton Airport Hotel Parliamentarian. It was truly evident that we • Texas Junior State Conference – March 7-9, “We must grow our were all prepared to conduct the business of San Antonio, Texas, Hilton Airport Hotel effectiveness through the convention from the beginning to the end • Northern States – April 10-13, Bloomingnumbers as well as our in a timely and professional manner. ton, Minnesota, Crown Plaza Hotel & Suites Special thanks to the National Court • Junior State Conference – June 19-22, imagination.” Board of Directors for your commitment of Bloomington, Minnesota, Crown Plaza Hoservice and to Esteemed Past Supreme Lady tel & Suites Consuella Broussard for her continued support and wisdom. • Louisiana State – April 25-27, Shreveport, Louisiana, Hilton On behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary, I extend thanks to Bishop Shreveport Hotel Shelton J. Fabre for his spiritual guidance and the time he spent • Junior State Conference – June 20-22, Lafayette, Louisiana, with us in our meeting chamber. Holiday Inn Holidome Hotel Lay Board Members, Brother Paul H. Ledet, Jr., and Lady Please accept my heartfelt appreciation for the invitations to variCandace Procter are commended for coordinating our conven- ous events. However, it is not always possible to accept due to prevition workshops and I thank each of the facilitators (State/District ous commitments, but I want you to know I am with you in spirit. Deputies) for a job well done! A CD containing the information I thank God for each of you, the National Court Board, National presented at the workshops was provided to each Grand Lady in Council Board and the office staff for all that you do and will conattendance and, upon request, a copy is available to Grand Ladies tinue to do for our Noble Order. We are indeed stronger when we who were unable to attend the convention. work together! We must continue to work harmoniously as Knights, Ladies, Guided by our principles of friendship, unity and Christian charJunior Knights and Junior Daughters in spreading Claverism ity, I pledge to serve and represent the Ladies Auxiliary to the best throughout our respective communities and the nation, if we are of my ability, always aware the image of our Noble Order is of the to survive as a strong and viable organization. utmost importance. I commend Junior Supreme Knight Creighton Guillory and JuI challenge each of us to emulate the love and care for one annior Supreme Lady Kyleigh A. Chevis for their adoption of the Can- other, as St. Peter Claver exhibited for his fellowman. We are “KPC cer and Sickle Cell Programs, respectively. They have had huge suc- Proud!” cesses with their programs. We must give them our unconditional Your Sister in Christ & Claverism, support and love. I assure you they will continue to make us proud. Additionally, I enthusiastically endorse Junior Supreme Lady Chevis’ Adopt-A-Lady Program and encourage each Grand Lady with a Junior Court to embrace the mission of the program in preparing our Junior Daughters for future leadership in the Ladies Vertelle A. Kenion Division of our Order. Supreme Lady The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 7 Message from the National Chaplain Bishop Martin D. Holley, National Chaplain wounds.] Then we can talk about everything else. Heal the wounds, heal the wounds … And you have to start from the ground up. The most important thing is the first proclamation: Jesus Christ has saved you. And the ministers of the Church must be ministers of mercy above all.” As my episcopal motto says, “His Mercy Endures.” Let us strive each day to be instruments of Jesus’ Divine Mercy and spread His words and deeds of mercy to a broken world in need of healing. Pope Francis finally states in his inaugural homily: “For believers, for us Christians, like Abraham, like St. Joseph, the hope that we bring is set against the horizon of God, which has opened up before us in Christ. It is a hope built on the rock, which is God. To protect Jesus Pope Francis is the first pope to be with Mary, to protect the whole of creelected from Latin America and it was ation, to protect each other, especially “And now, we take up this the first conclave to be held in the age of the poorest, to protect ourselves: this journey: bishop and people. social media. In the new supreme ponis a service that the Bishop of Rome tiff’s apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi (To is called to carry out, yet one which This journey of the Church the City and the World), he stated, “And all of us are called, so that the star of of Rome which presides in now, we take up this journey: bishop hope will shine brightly. charity over all the Churchand people. This journey of the Church “Let us protect with love all that God of Rome which presides in charity over has given us! I implore the interceses. A journey of fraternity, all the Churches. A journey of fratersion of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, of love, of trust among us. nity, of love, of trust among us. Let us Sts. Peter and Paul, and St. Francis, Let us always pray for one always pray for one another. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may accompany for the whole world, that there may be my ministry, and I ask, all of you to another. Let us pray for the a great spirit of fraternity.” pray for me. Amen.” The pontificate of whole world, that there may With these words, Pope Francis bePope Francis was now underway. Let be a great spirit of fraternity.” gan his pontificate. As we approach the us now follow the lead of the Pope as end of this Year of Faith, we are remindhe follows and encourages the Divine – Pope Francis ed of the words of Pope Francis in his Mercy of Jesus, to a world in need of first encyclical letter, Lumen Fidei (The love, healing and reconciliation. Light of Faith), that, “the transmission of faith not only brings It is my prayer that we become an instrument to share the light to all men and women in every place; it travels through message of Divine Mercy to all we meet. time, passing from one generation to another.” May God bless you and Our Lady of Rosa Mystica protect you It is through your service as Knights and Ladies of Peter and your family in the mantle of her maternal care. Claver that you have, for so many years put your faith into action through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. In I remain, other words, each of you live out the “New Evangelization” Sincerely in Christ, For His Mercy Endures, by applying the “social Gospel” teachings in our contemporary world. Pope Francis, in his interview in America magazine, puts it this way: “The thing the Church needs most today is the abilMost Rev. Martin D. Holley ity to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful: I see Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, D.C. the Church as a field hospital after battle. [You have to heal National Chaplain message from the national chaplain M y Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, for the first time in our life-time, we have experienced the resignation of a pope, and then, on March 13, 2013, the election of our new pope by a conclave of 115 cardinals: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who has taken the name, Francis. On March 19, 2013, the Inauguration Mass was held in St. Peter’s Square for the official start of Pope Francis’ pontificate. 8 Most Shelto Rev. n name J. Fabre d Bish of Hou op m Thibod aaux Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier photographer at Bayou Catholic of the Dioceses of Houma-Thibodaux Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre installed as Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre as bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. Supreme Knight F. DeKarlos Blackmon remarked, “Bishop Fabre has faithfully served the particular churches of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. He has been a great supporter of our Noble Order, and I can attest that he is a remarkable pastor of souls.” The Supreme Knight received the news of Bishop Fabre’s appointment from the Vatican Information Service while in Gambia for the meeting of the Biennial Council of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights, and finished his comments by stating, “On behalf of the whole family of Claverism, I offer heartfelt support and prayers for Bishop Fabre.” In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Fabre auxiliary bishop of New Orleans, where he was ordained to the episcopacy in February 2007. Until now, Bishop Fabre had been the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Bishop Fabre serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on African American Affairs of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and is a native of New Roads, Louisiana. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org Source: CatholicPhilly.com, by Lou Baldwin, a freelance writer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania I t was possibly the most elegant gathering of Black Catholics in the history of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Almost 1,000 Knights and Ladies of the Knights of Peter Claver filled the grand old cathedral on July 21, 2013, for the opening Mass of Thanksgiving as part of their 98th annual National Convention, the first to be held in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 1986. Most other events took place at the Downtown Philadelphia Marriott Hotel. “The entire Church of Philadelphia rejoices with you as you come for your assembly in our city,” said Bishop Timothy C. Senior, the principal celebrant of the Mass, representing Archbishop Charles Chaput, who was on his way to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day. “We are blessed to have you for this 98th annual Convention and Supreme Assembly of the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver. Your Order is a great blessing to our parishes and churches; our schools and other ministries. “In Philadelphia, the city of St. Katharine Drexel, we treasure the great blessing of racial diversity and ethnic diversity because diversity in our Church enriches everyone’s life in the community.” Joining Bishop Senior and other clergy on the altar were Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre, Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans, and Very Reverend William Norvel, Superior General of the St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart (Josephite Fathers). “What a joy it is to be here, to renew old friendships and make new friendships, and to share with one another our desire to serve the Lord and to serve His Church,” said Supreme Knight F. DeKarlos Blackmon. “I’m pleased with the turnout,” said Supreme Lady Vertelle Kenion, who came from Charleston, South Carolina. “We have a very full week of workshops here. We have Knights, Ladies, Junior Knights and Junior Ladies. Our mission is to serve the Church, as well as members of our organization.” “It was a beautiful Mass, with an excellent homily by Bishop Senior. I’m happy to see all this great gathering of the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver. We are blessed,” said Deacon Bill Bradley, Director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Black Catholics and himself a Knight. There are approximately 10 Councils and Courts in the greater Philadelphia area, according to Deacon Bradley. feature story Black Catholics from across U.S. pack Cathedral for Convention Mass 9 NUN CHATS WITH MAN OUTSIDE NEW YORK SOUP KITCHEN: Sister Mary Maloney, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, chats with "Brother" Guy Hargett after Hargett ate lunch at the CHIPS building in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, New York. I CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz special report 10 Poverty in America n September 2012, the U.S. Census Bureau released the report “Income, Poverty and Health Coverage in the United States 2011.” To say the figures were troubling is an understatement. In 2011, the report indicated that a staggering 46.2 million people (15 percent of the U.S. population) lived in poverty (and every indication is that these numbers have continued to grow). The percentages were even higher for the following groups: children (21.9 percent), African Americans (27.6 percent), Hispanics (25.3 percent), the disabled (28.8 percent) and women (16.3 percent). Additionally, according to a July 28, 2013, report by Hope Yen of the Associated Press, 4 out of 5 U.S. adults struggle with joblessness and near-poverty for at least a portion of their lives. How has this happened in the “land of prosperity”? How can such poverty exist side-by-side with such incredible wealth? The Centre for Social Justice (based in England) has identified five pathways to poverty that transcend national boundaries: educational failure, economic dependency and unemployment, addiction, serious personal debt, and family breakdown. The social teaching of the Catholic Church has long highlighted the “preferential option for the poor.” In short, the Church has advocated that preference should be given to the poor and powerless since Jesus taught that each person will be asked on the Day of Judgment what he or she did to help the poor and needy. (Mt 25:31-46) In practice, this means that each person should show solidarity with, and compassion for, the poor through his or her words, prayers and actions. One of the organized ways the Church responds to poverty is through Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities USA supports local, especially diocesan, Catholic Charities “as they provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people each year, regardless of religious, social or economic backgrounds.” By Doug Culp 11 The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org The response of Catholic Charities In response to the growing poverty crisis, Catholic Charities USA has launched the “Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America.” The program is a multi-year, multifaceted approach to alleviating poverty. The goals of the program are: To call upon the government to improve public policies that strengthen and support families. To educate policy-makers and the public about the struggles of those living in poverty and the good work of those who serve them in local communities. To engage those who are most affected by government policies to be active participants in developing solutions to reducing poverty. To work with individuals and organizations across the country to address poverty in our country. “The family is the original cell of social life … Authority, stability and a life of relationships within the family constitute the foundations for freedom, security and fraternity within society.” Catechism of the Catholic Church (2207) The Centre for Social Justice explains that stable, healthy families are at the heart of strong societies. “It is within the family environment that an individual’s physical, emotional and psychological development occurs. From our family, we should learn unconditional love, understand right from wrong and gain empathy, respect and self-regulation. These qualities enable us to engage positively at school, at work and in society. Yet, tragically, half of all children born today will experience family breakdown by the age of 16; this breakdown is particularly acute in the most disadvantaged communities.” Other findings that affirm the relationship between the breakdown of the family and poverty include: • White, single-mother families in poverty stood at nearly 1.5 million in 2011, comparable to the number for blacks. Hispanic single-mother families in poverty trailed at 1.2 million.* • The share of children living in high-poverty neighborhoods – those with poverty rates of 30 percent or more – has increased to 1 in 10, putting them at higher risk of teenage pregnancy or dropping out of school.* • The poverty rate for children living with cohabiting parents is five times that of children with married parents. The poverty rate for children living with single mothers is seven times that of children with married parents.** • Children who grow up with only one of their biological parents are three times more likely to have a child out of wedlock, 2.5 times more likely to become teenage mothers, and 1.4 times more likely to be out of school and unemployed.** • Children who grow up with one parent are twice as likely to drop out of high school than kids with both parents at home.** CNS photo/Jim West VOLUNTEERS SREVE FOOD AT MICHIGAN SHELTER: Volunteers serve breakfast to the needy at a shelter in Mount Clemens, Michigan, Jan. 17. Poverty, joblessness and government deficits have slowed down the economic recovery. * S ource: Hope Yen, Associated Press (7/28/2013) with analysis by Mark Rank being published by Oxford University Press. ** Source: Hunter Baker at American Reform Club tinyurl.com/ARC-poverty (12/29/2005) special report The work of diocesan Catholic Charities across the nation also contribute to the mission of reducing poverty through adoption, housing, family-to-family partnering, pastoral counseling, outreach, student performance enhancement, healthy eating, financial counseling, job training and immigration service programs – just to name a few. For more information or to learn how you can help, visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/. The Breakdown of the Family and poverty 12 The Claverite | Winter Issue 2012-13 | www.kofpc.org district news northern states district western states district = areas where there are no councils or courts central states district gulf coast district state of texas state of louisiana central states district Unit #5 district news Nashville, Tennessee Court #5 celebrated its future leaders and Ladies with the inaugural “Pretty Brown Girl Day” at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Council and Court #5 celebrated this year’s theme of “Recruit, Retain and Reclaim.” They have been blessed to continue to host the annual events in Claverism: Founders Day, Community Health Expo, KPCLA Prayer Breakfast, Junior Retreat, Mothers’ Day Celebration, Vacation Bible School, Blood Drive and Holiday Baskets. They are also fortunate to continue with their theme in Catholic leadership with the following: RECRUIT: Court #5 launched several youth-oriented programs, highlighted by the celebration of our future leaders and Ladies with the inaugural “Pretty Brown Girl Day.” Elevation of (left to right) Sir Knights J. Callahan, E. Palmer, M. Taylor, and A. Shelton from Council #5 to Assembly #28 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Memphis, Tennessee. RETAIN: While they were honored with the conclusion of Sir Knight Sam Sims’ tenure as CSD Deputy, they also saw the installation of Sir Knight James E. Callahan III as the new CSD Financial Secretary at the 2012 CSD Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. RECLAIM: They also welcomed additions to all divisions, including the elevation of Sir Knights J. Callahan, E. Palmer, M. Taylor and A. Shelton to Assembly #28. Unit #5 hopes to extend its theme to fellow Clavers and to welcome everyone to Nashville for the 2014 Central States District Conference. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org Council #150 St. Louis, Missouri St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, in partnership with the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver St. Louis Central Committee, is pleased to announce the formal dedication of the Shrine of St. Peter Claver. St. Peter Claver was a Jesuit priest who was canonized and elevated to sainthood in 1888. He was responsible for the “Catholization” of more than 3,000 slaves who survived the treacherous “middle passage” from Africa. He would meet the slave ships in Cartegena, Colombia, and administer to the slaves both physically and spiritually. Under the auspices of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the celebration and dedication were held on June 23, 2013, at a Mass at the parish. National and District officers of the Knights of Peter Claver, representatives of the Knights of Columbus and other dignitaries joined Auxiliary Bishop Edward Rice for the celebration. Sir Knight Vincent Wallace was asked by the pastor, Rev. Mark McKenzie, to consider using one of the confessionals as a place for the shrine. Through months of planning and hard work, the shrine came into fruition. It is thought that this is the only shrine dedicated in honor of St. Peter Claver, “slave of the Negroes forever,” in North America. 1313 gulf coast district Court #6 Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Court #110 Charleston, South Carolina district news Two members of Court #6 passed away. The Court honored them at the Burial Ritual of the KPC Ladies Auxiliary. Ladies line the entrance of St. Rose De Lima Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The Ladies process to the graveyard. In May, Most Worthy F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Supreme Knight, and Lady Kanobia RussellBlackmon were among the honored guests at the 50th Founders’ Day Celebration and Tribute to Most Esteemed Vertelle A. Kenion, Supreme Lady. Pictured (l-r): Worthy Arthur C. McFarland, Past Supreme Knight; Lady Barbara J. Birds, District Deputy, Gulf Coast States; Supreme Knight Blackmon; Lady Blackmon; Supreme Lady Kenion; Knight Melvin Kenion; and Rev. Henry Kulah, Pastor at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Court #110 charter member Gracious Lady Ruth Duncan (center) was presented the Lillian Magwood Lifetime Achievement Award by Most Esteemed Vertelle A. Kenion, Supreme Lady, and Grand Lady Elease Amos-Goodwin at the 50th Founders’ Day Celebration. Court #110 was named the 2013 Gulf Coast District and KPC National Court of the Year. The Ladies and Junior Daughters gathered after Mass on St. Peter Claver Day Turnout September 8. 14 gulf coast district (cont.) Council #278 received the 2013 Gulf Coast District Expansion Award. Council #278 district news Savannah, Georgia Tevin D. Maxwell and Tyriq D. Maxwell were awarded Council Scholarships for 2013. Both Tevin and Tyriq are members of Branch #278. Tyriq is the former Grand Knight of Branch #278 and Tevin is a former Treasurer of Branch #278. Pictured (l-r): Tyriq D. Maxwell, Arthur Barnwell, III (Council #278 Grand Knight), and Tevin D. Maxwell. Council #278 has been actively spreading the spirit of Claverism through activities such as: participating in the 2013 Chatham County Relay for Life, and collecting more than $1,500 for this worthy cause; assisting their Parish Life Committee (Resurrection of Our Lord) in preparing lunch for both the 2013 Spring Honors Day and Graduates Day and the 2013-2014 Back to School Mass; and participating in the Parish Ministry Fair, where several men of the parish expressed an interest in the Knights of Peter Claver. Unit #301 Atlanta, Georgia Unit #301 celebrated its 25th anniversary on July 26, 2013. The celebration festivities began with a special Mass on July 23, 2013. Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory was the celebrant. Grand Knight Pete Higgins and Grand Lady Sandra Olivari presented a special gift to Msgr. Edward Branch. He was recognized for his recent appointment in the Archdiocese of Atlanta as the first African-American monsignor within the state of Georgia and as an official member of Council #301. The Unit concluded its celebration with a dinner and dance on June 29, 2013. Gulf Coast District Deputy Barbara J. Birds attended the Gala, along with other members of Gulf Coast District Zone 7. Over the years, Court #301 has provided service to the parish and community through numerous acts of service, including: preparing and serving meals for the homeless shelter, interacting with residents; distributing clothing to more than 100 needy recipients annually; providing monetary Book Awards to graduating high school seniors; hosting the annual Graduation Sunday Reception; and hosting the Senior Christmas Dinner and social activities for parishioners ages 80 and older annually. 1515 The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org Council #313 the Gulf Coast District 2013 Grand Knight of the Year. Council #313 was awarded the 2013 Council of the Year. Members of Council #313 honored Rev. Bryan’s request to assist with the demolition of the old cabinets in the rectory of Sts. Peter and Paul Church prior to the installation of new kitchen cabinets. The Knights, along with members of the Men’s Club, installed a ramp with railing to provide wheelchair access to the Parish Center. Congratulations go to Sir Knight Thomas Grant, Sr., Sir Knight Walter R. Leslie and Sir Knight Willie Gude as recipients of awards at the National Convention. Sir Knight Grant received the Gulf Coast District’s 2013 Gold Medal of Merit Award. Sir Knight Leslie was awarded the 2013 Chris Pichon Devoted Service. Sir Knight Gude was awarded the Gulf Coast District’s 2013 Silver Medal of Merit. Unit #313 received the 2013 Millennium Service Hours Award. Atlanta, Georgia Council #313 representatives were actively involved with planning for the 66th Gulf Coast District Conference, which was held at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, Georgia, May 3-5. Congratulations to Grand Knight Willie Gude for being Council #313’s annual Milt Lincoln James Lewis Scholarship was presented to Junior Daughter Jannelle James on St. Peter Claver Day on September 8. Unit #376 Atlanta, Georgia district news The Ladies participated in a Habitat for Humanity project, providing food for the volunteer workers one day and offering a day of labor including exterior painting touch-up, interior painting, installing doorknobs, and bathroom hardware and installing porch and ramp railings. Pictured are (left to right) Norma Sonier, Lady Cynthia Simien, Lady Patricia Matthews, Ms. Clark (homeowner), and Grand Lady Elaine Greene. Council #376 awarded a $500 college scholarship to Junior Knight Nicholas Firmin. He graduated from Druid Hills High School and will attend Georgia State University majoring in nursing. Nicholas has been a Junior Knight for 10 years and during that time has served as Junior Grand Knight, Treasurer and Warden. He participated in numerous KPC and parish community service projects. Pictured above: Nicholas Firmin (center) with Grand Knight J. Colquitt (left) and Junior Knight Commander P. Firmin. Clarence Lott, Jr., died on June 2, 2013. He was the oldest continuously active KPC member in United States. He joined the Knights of St. Peter Claver in 1928 at age 16. Service to the community was always important to him and was reflected in his serving on the boards of the Gulf Coast Rescue Mission and Dearborn Street YMCA in Mobile and Industrial Development for the City of Prichard. He received the St. Peter Claver Inaugural Founder’s Award for 85 years of membership and outstanding service to the Church and the Noble Order. He continued as an active member of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Atlanta and Council #376, participating in monthly meetings up to his death. 16 gulf coast district (cont.) Council #379 district news Tampa, Florida Council #379 presented the 2013 Herbert D. Carrington Sr. Scholarship of $2,500 to two recipients following Mass on June 23, 2013, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. Junior Daughter Jessica Ann Johnson (front right) and Junior Daughter Kethia Noel (front left) were this year’s recipients. The scholarships were presented by Knight William B. Robertson, Scholarship Chair (second from right back row) and Grand Knight Thoreau J. Nellum (left front), along with the members of the Council. Court #379 presented the 2013 SFC Wilbert Davis Memorial Scholarship and the 2013 Mother Henriette DeLille Scholarship on May 19, 2013, at the 2013 Graduates Recognition Mass at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. Junior Daughter Jessica Ann Johnson (front left) and Junior Daughter Jean Nwagbuo (front right) were this year’s recipients. The scholarships were presented by Grand Lady Yvonne Nellum (rear right), and Lady Gerri Drummond, Scholarship Chair (rear left). Court #1 Mobile, Alabama Agnes Coleman Ladies of Grace are still about the business of being Gracious Ladies in their Church, community and the Noble Order. Since the last reporting, they have collected and donated toiletries and clothing for Mobile Waterfront Rescue Mission; held the August meeting at California Dreamin’ Restaurant in Baldwin County (to shorten the distance for their Florida members to travel); collected and donated school supplies for the students at Most Pure Heart of Mary; and celebrated Gracious Lady Dolores Battle’s 102nd birthday in August. The Ladies continue to volunteer and serve on their church’s Parish Council, School Board, Bereavement Repast Committee, Fall Festival Committees and CCD classes. They are instructing the youth in their faith St. Vincent DePaul officers and choir members. Several of the Ladies are serving on committee to save the only predominately African-American school (Most Pure Heart of Mary) in the Diocese of Mobile. Chapter members are active in Zone 1, serving as officers and actively participating in the 2013 Conclave. Faithful Navigator Fannie Burden, officers and members lend their support to many worthy causes within their community and when called upon by the National Chapter and the Noble Order. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org Grand Lady Carmen Jenkins (second from left) joined the scholarship award winners at the Court #300 Annual Prayer Breakfast. Award winners (l-r): Beja Turner, Junior Daughter Renae Lee, and Junior Daughter Brianna Brown. Court #300 Atlanta, Georgia Court #300 celebrated its 18th annual Prayer Breakfast in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 10. “This was a joyous event with more 17 than 250 attendees this year,” said to Prayer Breakfast Chairperson Lady Kizmet Charles. The attendees included Unit #300 Ladies, Knights and Juniors, visiting Courts, parishioners, clergy, friends and family. The Prayer Breakfast is the primary fundraiser to support Court #300 service activities during the year. Proceeds from the Prayer Breakfast are used to fund scholarships for college-bound students in the parish. The theme of the Prayer Breakfast was “Celebrating 25 Years and Beyond, As God Orders Our Steps.” Grand Lady Carmen Jenkins explained, “This year marks the 25th anniversary of our Unit. Many of our charter members were present at the Prayer Breakfast celebration, and they continue to be models of Claverism in their service and leadership.” Charter members Janis and Chester Griffin provided spirit-filled entertainment. Msgr. Edward Branch was the keynote speaker and gave a thought-provoking address. In the spirit of giving back, Court #300 awarded $2,000 in scholarships to college-bound students with funds from the Prayer Breakfast. The first place winner of $1,000 was Junior Daughter Renae Lee (Barry University). The second place winner of $750 was Junior Daughter Brianna Brown (Hampton University). The third place winner of $250 was Beja Turner (University of Miami). In the last five years, more than $5,000 in scholarships have been provided to support parish high school seniors. northern states district district news Court #134 Chicago, Illinois The Ladies of Court #134 are working to advance the cause for canonization of Mother Mary Lange, O.S.P. Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, O.S.P. is the foundress of the Oblate Sisters of Providence. Many in the Claver Family have been blessed to be educated by, or cared for by, the Oblate Sisters of Providence. Their mission to serve God and God’s people was evidenced in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, South Carolina and Washington, D.C. Past Supreme Knight Arthur McFarland and his sisters were educated by the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Charleston, South Carolina. Oblate Sisters are now present in Maryland, New York, Florida and Costa Rica. Today, the Oblate Sisters of Providence number 125 Sisters, 20 Associates and 16 Guild members. Prayer for the Beatification of Mother Mary Lange Almighty and Eternal God, You granted Mother Mary Lange extraordinary trust in Your providence. You endowed her with humility, courage, holiness and an extraordinary sense of service to the poor and sick. You enabled her to found the Oblate Sisters of Providence and provided educational, social and spiritual ministry, especially to the African American community. Mother Lange’s love for all enabled her to see Christ in each person, and the pain of prejudice and racial hatred never blurred that vision. Deign to raise her to the highest honors of the altar in order that, through her intercession, more souls may come to a deeper understanding and more fervent love of You. Heavenly Father, glorify Your heart by granting also this favor (here mention your request) which we ask through the intercession of Your faithful servant, Mother Mary Lange. Amen. 18 northern states district (cont.) district news Chicago Inter-Council The Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic has been an annual tradition in Chicago since 1929. It is the oldest and largest African-American event in the United States. The purpose of the parade and picnic is to celebrate the end of the summer and encourage the children into going back to school. On August 10, 2013, more than 50 participants marched. Knights, Ladies, Junior Knights and Junior Daughters attended from across the Unit #134, 149, 154, 158, 176, 192, 236, 361 and 381. The Chicago Inter-Council (CIC) officers led 37 Juniors and 15 Senior members down Martin Luther King Drive. Thanks to Holy Angeles Pastor Rev. Andrew Smith, the KPC Marching Unit was able to be seen on Channel 7 broadcast. A delicious meal was prepared by Knight Willie Lawrence 361 and the Picnic Committee. The marchers were greeted in the park by CIC Vice President Grace Dawson (251), Recording Secretary Guwan Talaiferro (198), and unit #93, 158, 176, 198, 236, 251, 361, 365 and 381. School supplies were donated by CIC members and distributed to the Junior marchers. Thanks to all who made the 2013 Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic a joyous and wonderful event! On September 8, 2013, at St. Martin de Porres Church, CIC came together to celebrate its 60-plus years annual Claver Day Celebration. It was hosted by Council and Court #149. CIC Chaplain Father Antoine Leason delivered inspiring words in his sermon. In attendance were Northern District States Deputy Lena Young, District States Officers, Past National Officers, Past Supreme Officers and all six divisions, as well as NSD Junior President Jasmine Thomas (158) and Mistressat-Arms Brianna Butler (251). Congratulations to Beulah Reed (236) and Michelle I. Tines (176), who were recipients of 2013 Adele Stadeker Award. CIC Committee members (l-r): Knight Joseph Bradfield (176), Lady Lolita Slaughter (365), Lady Elizabeth Travillion (361), Lady Vivian Clark (200), Lady Dr. Tonya Payton Campbell (347), Knight Willie Lawrence (361); (front row, l-r) Lady Dicie Moore (181), Lady Michelle I. Tines (176), and Lady Gloria Johnson (361); (not pictured) Lady Rose Miller Kemp (192), Past National Counselor Diane Asberry (181), Lady Candyce Tines (176), and Lady Thomas M. Johnson (361). The annual Anna Cannon Junior Health Fair, sponsored by CIC and Area Commander Joseph Bradfield and Area Counselor Rose Miller Kemp, took place July 27, 2013. There were representatives monitoring booths for blood pressure, vision, hearing, diabetes, body composition, chiropractic care, and HIV. There were outstanding speakers on strep throat infection, organ donation, health coaching, fitness activities, healthy eating, cellular health and anger management. Thank you for their support and hard work! The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 19 Court #154 Chicago On September 30, 2012, Court #154 celebrated 45 years of active participation in the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. Starting the day with Mass, the celebrants were Rev. Frank Sasso, pastor of Saint Thaddeus Church and Chaplain for the Court, and Rev. Richard Andrus, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Church and Chaplain of Chicago Inter-Council. The day ended with a special luncheon for the members and guest. The guest speaker was Dr. Andre Rawls, a member of Court #347. Her beautiful and inspiring message was totally in tune with the theme of the occasion “Sisters Helping Sisters.” Celebrating with the Ladies were: Northern States Deputy Lena Young, Northern States Secretary Lady Stephanie Inis, Northern States Mother of the Courts Lady Eva Leonard and Past Northern States Deputy E. Annetta Wilson. Court #97 On July 27, 2013, Court #97 held a Reflection Day Program and all the women of St. Rita Catholic Church were invited to attend. The subject of this year’s program was “We Are All Sisters.” The guest speaker, Fay H. Williams, Attorney at Law, spoke on the need for all women to take time for themselves in various ways and how it gives us the fortitude to carry on with a little relaxation in thought and deed. Additionally, she shared with the group several books by black author’s she brought from her collection that would be beneficial, such as Good Choices that Empower Black Women’s Lives, by Dr. Grace Cornish, and Black Women’s Health Book, by Evelyn G. White. district news Indianapolis Grand Lady JoAnn Combs was named CICOA 2013 Caregiver of the Year. CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions is the premier source of information and access to resources for seniors and persons with disabilities living in Central Indiana. JoAnn Fowler Combs has been a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, day-care owner, child-care director, volunteer and Church member. She also is a personal caregiver and has been for more than a decade. Widowed at age 32, JoAnn, while raising her daughter Patrice and son Christopher, provided care for more than 10 years to her second husband and her mother, both of whom took their final breaths in her arms. After her former son-inlaw had a debilitating stroke, JoAnn became his care-giver, as well. In 2006, she took in a sister who is paralyzed and suffers from mental illness. She also started caring for her first mother-in-law, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Today, JoAnn helps both of these women with their personal care needs. 20 northern states district (cont.) Unit #266 New Haven, Connecticut district news • G rand Lady Sheila Jewell, Vice Grand Lady Edith Rawls, Lady Muriel Curry and Lady Saundra Stephenson attended the National Convention in Philadelphia, along with Grand Knight Dan Santos. • Several members of the Council and Court assisted with the church picnic in August. • The Knights and Ladies attended Mass on September 8 at St. Martin de Porres in celebration of St. Peter Claver Day. (photographed at right) • Upcoming activities include a luncheon to recruit Junior Daughters and Junior Knights, a bake-less cake sale, a walk to combat hunger and a Holiday Bazaar. • A monetary donation will be given to a sickle cell walk-a thon. Unit #298 Columbus, Ohio The Senior and Junior Council and Court #298 participated in several joint events in the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, during the summer of 2013. In June, they attended and turned out at the Inter-regional African-American Catholic Evangelization Conference in Columbus. Then, they turned out at the June 30th retirement Mass of their sponsoring chaplain, the Very Rev. G. Michael Gribble, who retired after 32 years of service to the priesthood (photo at left). In 1988, Father Gribble celebrated the installation Mass of the newly formed St. Cyprian Council and Court at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Columbus. For the past 25 years, he served as Court Chaplain and presided over the installation of new Court officers. August was time for food and fellowship at the annual cookout. They commemorated St. Peter Claver Memorial Day with a turnout at St. Thomas the Apostle Church and presented a monetary donation to the parish. At each major turnout, a presentation of a monetary donation is an ongoing tradition in support of parishes in the Diocese of Columbus. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 21 Court #181 Chicago, Illinois On June 29, 2013, Pastor Gregory Rom, Grand Lady Evelyn Slater and 31 members and friends of St. Felicitas Church, sponsored by Court #181, participated in the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s 28th annual Hunger Walk, one of the largest fundraising events in Illinois. The registration and kickoff rally took place in Soldier Field. Chicago Bears lineman James “Big Cat” Williams and ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders greeted the walkers of all ages. Approximately 15,000 walked along Chicago’s lakefront then enjoyed food and entertainment. The principal sponsor for the 28th annual Hunger Walk was McDonald’s Corp. The Greater Chicago Food Depository has a network of 400 food pantries in Illinois and partnerships with several programs to feed children and families, such as Healthy Kids Market with the Chicago Public Schools, which serves 2,500 needy families each week, in addition to other initiatives of feeding America’s poor. The Ladies of Court #181, Junior Daughters, Junior Knights and volunteers man the St. Felicitas’ Food Pantry every third Saturday of the month. There has been an increased need in our community for supplemental food – and the Court hopes it is playing a small part and doing God’s work. Court #364 Washington, D.C. Council #362 Newport News, Virginia Council #362 and Assembly #37 celebrated St. Peter Claver Day at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Newport News, Virginia. district news Court #364 continued to “Serve with a Heart Like Jesus” at the 2013 graduating class of Living Wages. Living Wages is a community-based, nonprofit organization that provides adult education in southeast Washington, D.C. The objective of the program is to enable lifelong learning that ensures a living wage. The Living Wage class of 2013 graduated 39 men and women from its GED programs at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Court #364 was proud to provide the hospitality at a reception in honor of the graduates and more than 200 family members and friends attended. 2222 2013 award winners Brother Craig Guillory Sacred Heart, Council #31 Lake Charles, Louisiana State of Texas Brother John Eaglin St. Peter the Apostle, Council #238 Channelview, Texas Brother Christopher Pichon Father Timothy J. Sullivan, Council #138 Fresno, Texas Gold Medal Winner Msgr. John Cisewski of St. Raymond, Council #78 2013 award winners 2013 National Claver Family of the Year Charles Bright and Deacon Charles Bright, Unit #261 Denver, Colorado 2013 Knights of Peter Claver Award Winners 2013 Gold Medalist Brother Thomas Grant, Sr. Sts. Peter and Paul, Council #313 Atlanta, Georgia Msgr. John Cisewski St. Raymond, Council #78 New Orleans, Louisiana 2013 Silver Medalists Northern States District Brother Eric M. Labat Barrett-Newell, Council #279 Chesapeake, Virginia Gulf Coast District Brother Willie M. Gude Sts. Peter and Paul, Council #313 McDonough, Georgia State of Louisiana Brother Anthony T. Collins Bishop Harold Perry, Council #293 New Orleans, Louisiana Western States District Brother Wilfred Bocage St. James the Apostle, Council #358 Henderson, Nevada Central States District No nominees submitted Council of the Year Winner Holy Cross, Council #284 Austin, Texas Grand Knight of the Year Winner Grand Knight Derek Phillips Holy Cross, Council #284 Austin, Texas Sister Sylvia Thibodeaux, S.S.F. (Non-member) Submitted by St. Katharine Drexel, Court #59 New Orleans, Louisiana 2013 Silver Medalists Northern States District Lady Diane T. Asberry St. Felicitas-Saint Ailbe, Court #181 Chicago Lady Michelle I. Tines St. Martin de Porres, Court #176 Chicago Central States District Lady Ophelia Wilson Tekakwitha, Court #68 St. Louis, Missouri Gulf Coast District Lady Louverta Cherry Our Lady of Lourdes, Court #84 Moss Point, Mississippi State of Louisiana Lady Charlotte Crayton Little Flower of Jesus, Court #160 Monroe, Louisiana James A. Coleman Sr Commander of the Year Award Brother Warren J. Washington, Jr. Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Council #72 Houston, Texas Chris Pichon Award Winner Brother Walter Ray Leslie Sts. Peter and Paul, Council #313 Stockbridge, Georgia 2013 Ladies Auxiliary Award Winners 2013 Gold Medalists Lady Marie Jacqueline Monroe St. Lucy, Court #79 Church Point, Louisiana Non-Member Gold Medal Winner Sister Sylvia Thibodeaux, S.S.F., was nominated by St. Katharine Drexel, Court #59 of New Orleans. Pictured is Supreme Comptroller Gail Barnes-Johnson receiving the award on behalf of Sister Thibodeaux. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 2323 State of Texas Lady Linda Ridley Holy Cross, Court #284 Pflugerville, Texas Lady May Walker St. Mary of the Purification, Court #159 Houston, Texas Western States District Lady Aline Heisser-Ovid St. Brigid, Court #259 Inglewood, California Gold Medal Winner Lady Marie Jacqueline Monroe of St. Lucy, Court #79 Lady Yvonne Hill Jackson Wilfred B. Ricard, Court #116 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Lady Francine M. Collins St. Rita, Court #36 New Orleans, Louisiana Junior Daughter Counselor of the Year Lady Lydia Price St. Albert the Great, Junior Court #306 Los Angeles Financial Secretary of the Year Lady Inez Simpson Our Lady of Guadalupe, Court #110 North Charleston, South Carolina Grand Lady of the Year Grand Lady Theresa ToussaintGrevious St. Paul, Court #351 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year! – KPC/KPCLA Board of Directors 2013 award winners Lady Stephanie Bernard St. Theresa, Court #11 Lafayette, Louisiana Gold Medal Winner Sir Knight Thomas P. Grant, Sr., of Sts. Peter and Paul, Council #313. The award was accepted by Grand Knight Willie Gude. Court of the Year Our Lady of Guadalupe, Court #110 Charleston, South Carolina 2013 convention highlights 24 The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 2525 2013 convention highlights 2013 convention highlights 26 The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 2727 2013 convention highlights 28 state of louisiana Council #8 district news Opelousas, Louisiana (l-r) National Advocate William T. Everette, National Treasurer Omar Jones, Grand Lady Elinor Nacoste Eaglin, Grand Knight Alfred R. Dupree, Jr., Most Reverend Dominic Carmon, S.V.D., Most Worthy Supreme Knight F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Obl.S.B, Lady Kanobia Blackmon, Deputy Supreme Knight James K. Ellis, National Lay Board member Paul Ledet and National Director General Tilmon D. King. Council #8 had the distinct pleasure of honoring one of its oldest members, Sir Knight Lawrence Zacharie, Sr., with 55 years of service to the Nobel Order. Brother Zach (as he was called in the Council) was a true pioneer and was instrumental in the building of Holy Ghost Catholic Church and Holy Ghost School with his talent in cement finishing. With a commitment to Church and community, Brother Zach joined the ranks of the NAACP in the 1950s. He encouraged members of the local trade school to help assist blacks with voter registration. His bravery was exhibited by assisting in the organization of secret meetings for workers who may be in danger. Brother Zach was honored with a plaque for his contribution to the advancement of justice for blacks during the Civil Rights Movement and was the sole survivor of the original members of the NAACP in his community. One of the proud moments in Brother Zach’s life was being a member of the honor guard for Pope John Paul II and receiving the Gold Medal of Merit. Most Worthy Supreme Knight F. DeKarlos Blackmon presented the KPC Commendation to Grand Knight Alfred Dupree, Jr. On November 17, 2012, Council #8 celebrated 100 years of dedicated service to the Knights of Peter Claver. Opelousas has the distinction of being home to the first council in Louisiana established on November 17, 1912. The Principal Celebrant for the Centennial Mass was Most Rev. Dominic Carmon, S.V.D., Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of New Orleans, Louisiana. Concelebrants were Rev. Jaison Mangalath, S.V.D, Pastor of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Rev. Siprianus Ola Rotok, S.V.D., Acting Associate Pastor, and Deacon Charles Richard. All other participants were Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary, Junior Knights and Daughters. The Centennial Celebration then moved to the Opelousas Civic Center, where our fabulous program took place. The celebration was equally eloquent to our state conferences, but on a smaller scale. The celebration may serve as an example for other councils and courts nationwide planning events for 500 to 600 people. Building rental $950 (with discount); decorations $918.09; food and accessories $2,052.84; band $1,500; music for Mass $550; programs for church and ball, banners, stamps, invitations $603; flowers for the church $105; labor $0. The total cost for the event was $6,678.93. Thank you Steering Committee members: Grand Lady Elinor Nacoste Eaglin, Lady Cecilia Dautrieve, Lady Dorothy Lastrapes, Lady Amilda Charles, Lady Carolyn Thomas, Lady Mary M. Taylor, Lady Mary Davis, Lady Gloria Martel, Lady Debra Reed, and Lady Katrice Brown. Thank you cooks and kitchen staff: Knight Alfred Dupree Sr., Knight Carl Breaux, Sr., Lady Mary Ann Lastrapes, Mrs. Gloria Dupree, Mrs. Darlene Breaux, and serving staff who were all Ladies Auxiliary. 29 The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org Court #21 New Orleans, Louisiana Pictured (l-r): Lady Anna Everette, Financial Secretary.; Lady Iona; Lady Ester Lawless, Recording Secretary.; Lady Loretta Davis-Gaines; Lady Sheila Vernell, Outer Guard; Lady Jeanne Lee; Lady Tina Roby, Grand Lady; Lady Shirley Barra, Vice Grand Lady; Lady Gail Watson, Immediate Past Grand Lady; Lady Joan Alberts, Treasurer; Lady Jacqueline Everette-Williams; Lady LaClaudia Everette. (Not pictured): Ladies Bettina Buval, Mollie DeSalle, Keisha Gaudin, Aida Gray, Tokiwa Johnson, Diane Lacy, Merline Lundy, LaVergne Pierre, Kim Polk, Carlyn Smith, Eunice Smith, Bernadette Tyus and Angel Varnado. Court #91 Alexandria, Louisiana Unit #125 New Orleans, Louisiana Unit #125 celebrated 60 years on April 28, 2013. The Anniversary Mass was celebrated at St. David Catholic Church in the lower Ninth Ward. The celebrant for the Mass was Rev. Godwin Akpan, S.S.J., who stood in for Very Rev. Oswald Jules Pierre, S.S.J., pastor of St. David. A banquet immediately followed at Jolly’s Restaurant & Banquet Hall. Honorees were Brother Calvin Young, Charter Member; Brother Royce Williams, Knight of the Year Award City-wide; Lady Elaine Jackson for 55 years of service; Lady Shirley Moses for 25 years of service; and Lady Joyce Mumford for Lady of the Year Award from the Court. Our Noble Order challenges us to be of great service to each other, the Church and the community. As we move forward, we are encouraged by those from our past to give more, do more and seek more. district news The Ladies celebrate Lady Bertha LeGras’ 71 years of service. A celebration of Lady Bertha LeGras’ 71 years of service was held at St. James Catholic Church. Photographed above are (l-r) Sir Knight Herbert Jones, Lady Bertha LeGras, Grand Lady Millie Price, and Rev. Remigius Owuamanam, S.M.M.M., Pastor. 30 state of louisiana (cont.) Unit #144 Shreveport, Louisiana district news Family of Chad Babers along with Father Andre McGrath, Grand Knight Tim Ford and Grand Lady Barbara Moran. The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary held their annual Senior Recognition Program on May 26, 2013, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Tim Ford, Grand Knight of Council #144, awarded scholarships to Chad Babers and Sean Woodfork. Both young men were members of the Junior Knights. (l-r) Area Deputy Paul Desselle, Mark Johnson, Melvin Edwards III, Cedric Pinkney and Area Deputy Tim Ford. Council #144 added three new members to its rosters at an initiation held on August 24, 2013, in Alexandria, Louisiana. District V Area Deputies Paul Desselle and Tim Ford initiated Mark Johnson, Melvin Edwards III and Cedric Pinkney to the Noble Order. Court #338 Unit #206 Lafayette, Louisiana Installation of officers in January 2013 in the newly rebuilt church of Our Lady Queen of Peace. The church was destroyed by fire in April 2010. The Knights and Ladies Auxiliary purchased furniture and glass double doors for the church. Houma, Louisiana • The Court: Issued the second annual $500 Lady Rita Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship to high school senior Junior Daughter Brianna Travis, who graduated from Ellender Memorial High School in May 2012. She is attending Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. • Participated in its annual Thanksgiving food drive and was able to donate nine boxes to the Terrebonne Good Samaritan Food Bank. • Provided donations of $100 to the Haven Shelter and $75 to the MS Foundation in name of one of our members who has MS. The Court also sent cards with monetary donations to its members who are ill and shut in. • Held fundraisers selling mugs of coffee, tea and hot chocolate on Mothers’ Day and raffled New Orleans Saints basket on Fathers’ Day. During the holidays, it sold Christmas mugs of hot chocolate. • Recruited and initiated three new members to Senior Court in 2012 and, in 2013, will initiate three new Juniors and reinstate four Juniors. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 31 Unit #394 New Orleans, Louisiana Court #394 spent three weekends during Lent visiting the residents of St. Margaret’s Nursing Home in New Orleans. Each weekend, the Ladies provided light refreshments for the residents and played Bingo with them. Winners of each game received prizes and the residents also received door prizes. The residents of St. Margaret’s were treated to an Easter Party the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Each resident received an Easter care package from the Ladies. The residents truly enjoyed having the Ladies visit with them. Reminded of the generosity shown to New Orleanians during the recovery from the devastation of Katrina, the Knights and Ladies of Council and Court #394 banded together to spearhead a second collection at Our Lady of Guadalupe/International Shrine of St. Jude earlier this year to assist the victims of the massive tornadoes that plowed through the Oklahoma City area. The Knights and Ladies, along with other contributors, were able to send $2,219 to the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. The Ladies Auxiliary donated $200 out of its treasury to assist the tornado victims. Our Lady of Guadalupe/International Shrine of St. Jude was the only parish to make a contribution to the victims of the tornado. The Unit received a letter of gratitude from Archbishop Oakley of Oklahoma City: “I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and concern shown by your good people at this time of such great loss in the tornadoes and storms that ripped through our state. Your generous donation in the amount of $2,219 has been received with profound gratitude. Your gift will make a difference. Thank you for helping to bring healing and hope to those who are suffering.” Court #393 In June 2014, Court #393 honored all of the altar servers from Holy Trinity Parish for their outstanding service. They were awarded according to their years of service. Pictured (first row): Lady Tamarica Trent, Jon “Terrinee” Lewis, Rev. Albert G. Nunez, Chastity Boyance and Grand Lady Sharolyn Boutte; (second row): Torian Cain, Marcus Fruge, Hallie Boutte and Melvishia Edwards. district news Washington, Louisiana During June 2014, Court # 393 honored Rev. Albert G. Nunez for his 10 years of service at Holy Trinity Parish. He was honored with an award, donations, and a reception following Sunday Mass. In May 2013, Council # 393 honored Brielle Readore of Holy Trinity Catholic Church for being valedictorian of her eighth-grade class at Washington Elementary. Pictured with her is Knight and Mayor Joseph Pitre, Rev. Albert Nunez and Grand Knight John F. Boutte. 32 state of texas district news Houston Inter-City Councils & Courts The Houston Inter-City Councils & Courts (HICC) annual St. Peter Claver Day Celebration 2013 was hosted this year by St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, and Council and Court #138 in Houston, Texas, on September 8, 2013. Most Rev. George A. Sheltz, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston, was the celebrant of the Mass and Deacon Michael Jenkins was the homilist. Many Councils and Courts from Houston and the surrounding area were in attendance. After the Mass, HICC hosted a reception in the parish hall. HICC President Lady Norma Woodson presented the Paul A. Stiner Award to Sir Knight James K. Ellis, Deputy Supreme Knight of Council #159. Brother Ellis is the Immediate Past State Deputy of the State of Texas and has been very active with HICC. The Della Brooks Award was presented to Lady Norma Duhon of Court #231. Lady Duhon is serving as the Lady of Prayer of HICC and is Vice Grand Lady of her Court. She also is the Immediate Past HICC Mardi Gras Queen. Congratulations to this year’s award winners. Court #89 Fort Worth, Texas Ashten Newton was the recipient of the 2013 Florida Johnson Scholarship in the amount of $1,000, which was sponsored by Court #89. Ashten has been accepted at Indiana University Southeast, where he plans to major in education, then pursue a master’s degree in coaching and athletic (front row, l-r) Delores Newton (grandtraining. His career mother), Ashten Newton, Lady Sonia goal is to become a McClendon (Chairperson); (back row) Jodi and Vernon Newton (parents) college basketball coach. He is a graduate of Saginaw High School. The scholarship is named in honor of Mrs. Florida Johnson who was a Charter Member of the Court. She devoted countless hours in service to Our Mother of Mercy Church and the KPC for more than 59 years. She served as a Christian role model for many young men and women in the Fort Worth community. Cadet Corps pictured with Knight Claude Platte (right) and Lady Erma Platte (left) in front of the original Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. The Our Mother of Mercy School Captain Claude Platte Cadet Corps was initiated by School President and Knight Michael Barks on September 1, 2012. It was named in honor of Tuskegee Airman Captain Claude Platte, an alumnus of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School and member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church and Knight of Council #89. It is the first cadet corps in the Diocese of Fort Worth. The purpose of the Cadet Corps is to develop fundamentals of self-discipline, integrity and a sense of responsibility, as well as practice those attributes that are essential in a leader. Cadets are required to maintain a high level of academic achievement and be of good character. They are also involved in numerous community service activities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 33 Court #151 Houston, Texas Twelve debutantes made their debuts at the 10th biennial St. Monica Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #151 Presentation Ball on July 27, 2013, at the Houston Northwest Crown Plaza Hotel. Court #151 has raised more than $150,000 in scholarship funds over the past 10 years and has presented 77 young ladies into society. These 12 young women were presented in a formal ceremony under the Chairmanship of Lady Gwendolyn Berry and Co-Chair Lady Sharon Slyde: Bria Adams, Me’Leeza Comeaux, Michaela Como, Billis Gordon, Daijanique Greer, DeJia’ Gunter, Zarissa LeBlanc, D’Andrea Lee, Ashleigh Rogers, Keyin Scott, Chelsey Spiller and Taylor Spiller. Senior visitation is how the Court stays connected with their homebound members. They had a marvelous time fellowshipping on their “Girls Day” sharing inspirational stories, good food, laughter, great music, songs and prayer. Lady Nan Arceneaux is the chairperson. Pictured (center) is Lady Doris Woodard with (l-r) Lady Athena Adams, Lady Dorothy Leday, Lady Betty Williams, Past Texas State Deputy Nan Arceneaux, Lady Kimberly Fleeks, Lady Claudette Johnson and Junior Daughter Kayla Clayton. Houston, Texas Pictured (center) is Lady Stella Chambers with (l-r) Lady Katrina Chambers, Junior Daughter Shynese Gunter, Lady Donna Anumudu, Lady Betty Williams, Junior Daughter Ashleigh Rogers, Lady Athena Adams, Vice Grand Lady Carolyn Williams, Past Texas State Deputy Lady Nan Arceneaux, Lady Stephanie Woods, Junior Texas State Conference President Dejia Gunter and Chauncey LeBlanc Edwards, Jr. During a visit to St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, Most Supreme Knight DeKarlos Blackmon posed for a photo with members of Unit #152. Legends Awards Luncheon – April 27, 2013 – Houston, Texas. Honoring Meritorious Lady of Grace – Martha Gardner. Court #152 Attendees: Gracious Lady Hope Gloria, Gracious Lady Marsha Fontenot, Vice Grand Lady Ivy Vallee, Sir Knight James Fontenot, Gracious Lady Martha Gardner, Grand Lady Gwen Kelly and Gracious Lady Rebecca Jackson. At the Taste of the World Annual Tea, Lady Iris Glover (left) and Lady Dolores Broussard represented the Italian group. district news Unit #152 34 state of texas (cont.) Ladies and Knights with the Unit’s 2013 National Awards. Unit #284 district news Austin, Texas The Knights and Ladies Council and Court #284 attended the 98th National Convention in July in Philadelphia and were recognized by receiving National Awards (listed on pages 22-23) and the National Grants listed below: • Human Development Grant – $593.93 for the Blackland Community Center • 2 Sickle Cell Grants – $646 each for children with sickle cell disease • Sickle Cell Grant – $646 for the Austin Sickle Cell Foundation • Soaring High Grant – $1,335 for the 21st Century Learning Center at Texas Empowerment Academy • 4th Degree Ladies of Grace received $263 for Holy Cross Religious Education Program The Knights and Ladies of Council #284 and Court #284 were recognized at the 83rd Texas State Conference in Houston, Texas, Good Neighbor Awards in May by receiving the following State Awards and Grants: • State of Texas Council of the Year • State of Texas Court of the Year • State of Texas Grand Knight of the Year – Derek Phillips • State of Texas Grand Lady of the Year – Linda Ridley • Holy Cross Council Knight of the Year – Jerry Wallace • Holy Cross Court Lady of the Year – Linda Ridley • 2nd Place – Membership Court #284 Expansion Award • M.M. Hopkins Award Winner – Lester Johnson (State of Texas Knights Division) • Education Award Recipient – Holy Cross Religious Education Program • State of Texas Human Development Award Recipient – Austin Blackland (Neighborhood Center to assist the needy with food) • Emerging Leaders Book Drive (Holy Cross donated more than 1,000 books to the book drive, which was the most in the State of Texas. The books were donated to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Houston, Texas.) • KPC 100 Club Grant Recipient – Austin Dell Children’s Hospital – $2,300 Council #341 Baytown, Texas Council #341 presented the Vernon Bernard Memorial Scholarship of $750 to Nicholas Jacob Williams (center). Presenters were committee member Joseph W. Singleton (left) and scholarship committee chair Samuel Davis (right). Nicholas is a graduate of St. Thomas High School in Houston, Texas. He plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in accounting. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 35 4th degree news Assembly #50 Assembly and Chapter #11 cation to his community and the Church and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and bless him throughout his priestly ministry. Congratulations to Markas Cunningham for becoming the 2013 National Junior Knight of the Year recipient in the Northern District. Markas has worked hard and is very dedicated to the KPC. From his hard work and dedication, he was appointed and served as the Parliamentarian for the Junior National Convention, a position he was proud to hold and served to his fullest potential. Markas is a senior at Detroit Cristo Rey High School in Detroit and is looking forward to becoming a Senior Knight and an Emerging Leader in the future. In the meantime, he is continuing his quest to get Other young men into the Order. Good luck in your future endeavors! Chapter #20 The Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary reestablishment of Chapter #20 Mother Teresa Exemplification took place at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church on May 13, 2013, in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Ladies met at the parish hall, prayed together, shared a meal and attended Mass. 4th degree news History was made in the Archdiocese of Detroit, with the first ordination of a black priest in nearly 20 years. Benedictine Brother Gregory-David Jones, a native of Detroit, became Father GregoryDavid Jones on July 20, 2013, at St. Mary’s in Redford. The Sir Knights and Ladies of Grace of Assembly and Chapter #11 were in attendance for this auspicious and august occasion. Father Jones celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Benedictine Monastery on July 21, 2013. The Mass was attended by many of Father Gregory-David’s friends, some of whom traveled hundreds of miles. During his homily, Father Gregory-David thanked all those who provided prayer, support and encouragement along the road leading to this moment. Assembly and Chapter #11 would like to thank Father Gregory-David for his unselfish dedi- Congratulations to the new Grand Assembly #50. The officers are Faithful Navigator Jimmie Jones, Faithful Captain Steven L. Gregory, Faithful Comptroller Wayne A. Crumbley, Faithful Purser Eddie Glass, Faithful Scribe Robert Cooper, Faithful Steward Michael McCaskill, Faithful Pilot Donald L. Sanders, Faithful Inner Sentinel Steve Ashford and Faithful Outer Sentinel Walter Harrold. The Most Supreme Navigator James A. Neal and other National Officers were present. • Twelve Gracious Ladies from Chapter #17 are in the progress of having a Grand Chapter, as well. Of Gracious Ladies, four have been 4th Degree since 1997. The Gracious Ladies of Chapter #17 made them feel welcome. • On August 25, 2013, the 4th Degree Ladies celebrated their annual Christmas Party in Omaha, Nebraska. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship, exchange of gifts and games. Overall, it was a great day. • The Knights and Ladies hosted their 12th annual Sickle Cell Golf Outing on September 7, 2013. • Court #308 hosted “Pink Day” for breast cancer awareness, October 6, 2013. They asked all to wear pink on that day. 36 4th degree news 4th degree news Chapter #39 Chapter #9 The Ladies of Chapter #39 donated, prepared and served breakfast on April 27, 2013, at the Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Fisher House. The Fisher House is “a home away from home” for family members, care-givers and loved ones of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. This is an ongoing outreach for the Ladies. The annual awards ceremony of Chapter #9, Fourth Degree Division, was held on April 13, 2013, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Financial scholarships were awarded for pursuit of academic endeavors for the year 2013. The recipients are (l-r) Ivy Beauregard Scholarship Award Recipient Ladaya Deavis James ($200), Junior Grand Lady from Court #351; Constance Butler Scholarship Award Recipient Raven Renee Price ($300), Junior Court #116; and Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott Scholarship Award Recipient Samantha Catherine ($200), Junior Court #12. Chapter #39 celebrated its anniversary on August 18, 2013. They were graced with the presence of Assembly #12, Assembly #11, National Treasurer Marie Johnson, Northern States District Deputy Lena Young, Adele Stadeker Chapter #12, Sts. Monica and Luke parishioners, family and friends, and Honorable Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of Gary, Indiana. Rev. Mark Webber gave the homily. Photographed above: Honorable Karen Freeman-Wilson and her husband and members of Chapter #39. 37 The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org junior division news Juniors of #97 Indianapolis Akailah Shepeard, a seventh grader at Fall Creek Valley Middle School, the Junior Daughter Junior Vice Grand Lady and first-time attendee came in second-place in her division in the talent show for dancing at the Junior National Convention. Juniors of #110 Juniors of #376 Charleston, South Carolina Three of the six Junior Daughters of Court #110 who participated in competitions at the 2013 Junior Conference in July were winners. Pictured (l-r): Vernesia Moore earned third place in essay writing; Leigha Cox won first place in the poetry competition; and Callia Cox won first place in science. Nickolis Benford, an eighthgrader at Eastwood Middle School, Northern States District Junior Sergeant-at-Arms, and first-time attendee, came in second-place in his division in the Science Fair at the 2013 Junior National Convention. Atlanta, Georgia The Juniors of Court #110 community service projects in July included preparing On-the-Go Meal Kits for parents at the Ronald McDonald House. In August, the Juniors served a lasagna dinner they cooked for residents at the Ronald McDonald House. The meal included a salad, rolls, and dessert. Pictured (l-r): Sieanna Harris, Leigha Cox, Vernesha Moore, Callia Cox, Teonna Breeland and Chyna Reese. During the weekend of April 26-28, 2013, Junior Knights joined with Junior Daughters for a retreat at Georgia Red Top Mountain Recreational Park. The group departed Friday evening and returned for Mass on Sunday morning. The teens lodged in two cabins on the lake for this weekend outing and were supervised their Junior Knight Commander and Lady Counselor. The teens enjoyed social, spiritual and fun activities. junior division The Juniors from Branch #97 and Court #97 enjoyed themselves at the banquet at the Junior National Convention. They participated in the Spelling Bee, Arts & Crafts, Essay Contest and the Talent Show. It was a wonderful experience for most, as it was their first time attending a Junior National Convention. Pictured (front row, l-r) DonElla Dixon, Nickolis Benford, Marissa Bardo, Akailah Shepeard, Joe Michael Wills, Ashlee Wyatt and William Wills; (back row, l-r: Kennedy Phillips, Xavier Wills, Braylan Guynn, Devin Smith and Lacey Jones, Jr. 38 junior division news (cont.) Juniors of #121 Los Angeles Juniors of #151 Houston, Texas Juniors of #162 Los Angeles junior division 2013 biennial Junior National Convention Western States Junior Daughter Award Winner: Gabrielle Dancy of Junior Court #162. Gabby is the Junior Grand Lady and an honor student at Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles. Junior Knight William King of Junior Branch #121, the newly elected Junior Deputy Supreme Knight, is the first junior to hold a national office from the Western States District. He has served the Western States District Knights of Peter Claver as Junior Grand Knight of his Branch, President of the WSD Junior Conference and on the CJBC Executive Board. William attends Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles. Juniors of #172 Pritchard, Alabama Juniors of #151 held a Teen Summit, inviting members across the state of Texas and youth in every community. It was a huge success. They had more than 100 people participating with open hearts to learn about all of the issues hindering our communities, affecting the world as a whole today and imprisoning our youth. Among those who showed, a young man, age 17, was able to open up and tell the group his own personal experience with the life obstacles he has faced. Counselors were able to empower him by offering the concept of creating a support system in assisting him through life challenges, resource information and clear healthy alternatives in making good life choices. Next summit will be in 2015. Planning will start in January 2014. Juniors of #171 Jackson, Mississippi The Junior Daughters of Court #171 participated in a religious retreat April 19-20, 2013. The retreat was held at St. Moses the Black Monastery located in Raymond, Mississippi. This year’s retreat focused on developing a stronger relationship with God, as well as loving one another. They also participated in Race for the Cure on April 13, 2013, in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, to promote breast cancer awareness. Juniors of #220 Los Angeles Junior Court and Council members (l-r): Junior Daughter Katherine Tinsley, Junior Knight Devin Swann, Junior Daughter Maderia Harris, Junior Daughter Kennedy The Quiz Bowl Team comprised of Junior memMcCaskey, Junior Knight David Sylvester, Jr., Junior Daughter Rachel Waller, Junior bers from Units #121 and #220 finished a very Daughter Chelsea Hubbard and Junior Knight Ernesto Coleman. honorable fourth place at the 2013 biennial Junior National Convention. The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 39 Juniors of #278 Savannah, Georgia Juniors of #300 Branch #278 with Grand Knight Malik Walker, Commander David Wilson and Assistant Commander Darrell A. Jordan Atlanta, Georgia Juniors of #313 Atlanta, Georgia Branch #313 continues to engage in services and activities that have a positive impact on the lives of others. The Junior Knights collected schools supplies for St. Peter Claver Regional School for incoming students. Junior Knights collected shoes and funds for the District’s Soles for Souls Project. They also collected toiletries, which will be delivered, along with the brown bag lunches, to the Seven Bridges, which is home for many of Atlanta’s homeless. Fifteen juniors from Branch #313, along with chaperones and parents, attended the Junior National Convention. Congratulations go to Damain Evans, the 2013 Junior Grand Knight of the Year. The Gulf Coast District’s Debate Team won first place. Junior Knights Evans, Willard, James and Griffin were members of the Debate Team. Deputy Junior Grand Knight Nigel Sapp won second place in the Spelling Bee for the age 13-14 group. In the Passion Play, Maurice Hagan plays the role of Jesus and Tyrese Small and Cody Brown are apostles. Branch #278 continues to be actively involved in activities in the parish and community, including: participating in the 2013 Savannah Deanery Revival; volunteering at the American Second Harvest Food Bank by separating food for the various agencies of the food bank and preparing Brown Bags for distribution to the elderly of the community; and participating in the Resurrection of Our Lord Church Ministry Fair. Juniors of #306 Compton, California A “Job Well Done” to Junior Court #306! The achievements of #306 Juniors are a testament to Junior Counselor Lydia Price, who also was named Counselor of the Year. Awards received at the 2013 biennial Junior National Convention: • Junior Daughters Chidi Oduma and Tonna Nnabue tied for first place in the Essay Contest (age 15 and up). • Junior Daughter Rashida Garcia – First Place, Essay Contest (age 10-12) • Junior Daughter Natalie Taylor – Third Place, Spelling Bee (age 7) • Junior Daughter Adaeze Oduma – First Place, Singing Contest (She performed “It’s a New Day.”) • The Praise Team (Tonna Nnabue, Adaeze Oduma, Rashida Garcia, Tamaira Lampkin, Natalie Taylor and Obiajuju Oduma) – First Place, Talent Show (They performed to “Order My Steps.”) junior division Unit #300 Ladies and Junior Daughters worked together in the annual Back to School drive. Pictured are Junior Daughter Counselor Brandi Collins, Junior Daughters Caitlyn Jones, Dasia Evertsz, Jade Evertsz, Brittany Jones, Alana Buffor, Chantell Brown and Junior Daughter Assistant Counselor Lisa Bufford Every year, when August rolls around, Court #300 knows it’s time to prepare for school. For the past 12 years, the Ladies of Court #300 have donated school supplies for all the children of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. The Ladies Activity Committee scours the websites of the various school districts in the metro Atlanta area to get an idea of the supplies needed for the new school year. The Ladies solicit the assistance of the Junior Daughters to get the bags packed. This past August, 52 primary bags and 81 bags for secondary students were distributed after each of the four Masses. This activity always allows the Ladies to bond and engage with the Junior Daughters. 40 junior division news (cont.) Juniors of #284 Austin, Texas Junior Branch and Junior Court #284 participated in the 20th biennial Junior National Convention. Junior Daughter Olevia Owens and Junior Knight Jason Okereke had the following accomplishments: Junior Knight Jason Okereke (left) and a friend junior division Junior Daughter Olevia Owens (left) Juniors of #351 Baton Rouge, Louisiana On June 29, 2013, Junior Daughters of Court #351 teamed up with Team Crestmark (Crestmark Bank) to assist the Society of St. Vincent de Paul with their Bags of Hope Pro- Juniors of #379 Tampa, Florida Junior Daughter Counselor Lady Gerri Drummond and Junior Daughter Court #379 have been actively increasing membership. These are the newest members of the Noble Order (l-r): Elois Hannah, Merline Lamour, Julia Kamga, Kassie Ihedoro, and Marqueline Cenatus. These five young ladies were initiated on June 15, 2013. • 1st Place in Dance – Junior Daughter Olevia Owens • 1st Place in Poetry – Junior Daughter Olevia Owens • Submitted $200 in donations for the Pennies from Heaven Project gram. The volunteers pictured at left prepared 600 brown-bag suppers which contained a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, snack and drink. The brown-bag suppers were distributed to the needy in the Baton Rouge area. After preparing the sandwiches, the young ladies learned about how the needy in the community depend upon these simple meals. This community service project made them more humble, appreciative and aware of how blessed they are. After the young ladies completed the project, they were privileged to return to a place they call home; home with the comforts of preparing and sharing a decent meal with a family where there is a variety of food selections and choices. On the other hand, the less fortunate do not have this luxury. They also learned it is necessary to cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to them, continuously giving thanks to God, and the importance of helping those in need. Volunteers from Court #351 Junior Daughters included: Ariel Skinner, Dominique Seals, Ladaya James, Rochelle Franklin, Sydney Brown, Junior Daughter Counselor Lady Myrtis Rogers, Junior Daughter Assistant Lady Mary Martin, Lady Amanda Skinner and Lady Debbie James. 41 The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org Emerging Leaders’ news A word from our National Representatives Northern States District Greetings: My name is Ricky Sassau, I am the Louisiana State Treasurer. I also serve as Junior Knight Commander, District IV Area Deputy and your National Emerging Leader Chair. My goals as chair are communicating on a quarterly basis with fellow District EL Reps, develop a metric to tally junior transfers, and creating a welcoming packet for new Emerging Leaders. For more information contact me at: sasslandscapingservice@yahoo.com Hello All: I’m Christina Jones. I’m your National Emerging Leader Chair (Ladies Division). My goals as chair are developing a National Mentor Program and communicating with my fellow District Emerging Leaders Representatives. For more information, contact me at: ChristinaKJones@yahoo.com Guess the District ... • Read to school children at Holy Spirit/ Our Lady Help of Christians Schools. • Volunteered at the Weaver Gardens home for young unwed mothers. • Donated more than 2,024 books • Participated in the Feeding the Homeless Project, and Brown Bag Lunch Giveaways. • Helped as needed during their State/District Junior Conferences ... Holy Spirit/Our Lady Help of Christians School Service Project: This year’s project consisted of going to an elementary school and reading to different classrooms. The school we read at was Holy Spirit/Our Lady Help of Christians School, located in East Orange, New Jersey. A total of five classes were read to, and six Emerging Leaders were able to attend this project. Participating in this service project, as with others, is always a rewarding experience. As Emerging Leaders we would like to continue the hands-on projects in future conferences and conventions. Western States District (Brother Jordann Singleton and Lady Jere Carmon) The ELs of the WSD organized a toiletry drive in support of ROOTS (Rising Out of the Shadows). It is a young adult homeless shelter in Seattle, Washington. They collected 765 items, including personal hygiene items, first aid kits and gift cards. They also participated in the Revlon Walk with the Juniors. In the future, the ELs will host a recruitment picnic for the Juniors of their district as well as find time to have an EL Retreat for current members. emerging leaders’ news (Brother Nolan Procter and Lady Paige Procter) 42 Emerging Leaders’ news (cont.) Gulf Coast District emerging leaders’ news (Brother Will Jemison & Lady Esohe Asemota) The GCD EL committee met in “And pray in the Spirit Atlanta, GA at the on all occasions with all 66th Annual GCD kinds of prayer requests. Conference. In the area of expansion, With this in mind, be the ELs of the GCD alert and always keep on have taken great praying for all the Lord’s strides to actively be involved in planpeople.” Ephesians 6:18 ning and participating in annual Junior Expansion Picnics. The Ladies have also hosted and participated in local Jr. and Sr. initiations and expansion initiatives. The ELs have also been busy serving the community. Projects they have done include: Serving bagged lunches to the homeless (Junior service project), donating items to battered women’s shelter and pregnancy centers, Soles4Souls (Junior service project), Weaver Gardens home for young unwed mothers, St. Vincent DePaul, Sickle Cell Foundation. Louisiana State (Brother Cursey Calais & Lady Arletta Chambers) The Emerging Leaders of Louisiana have completed several community service projects including Feeding the Homeless, Brown Bag Lunch Giveaways and much more. This year this ELs were very active and participated in numerous ways during Louisiana Junior and Senior Conferences. The served as committee chairs and served in any capacity that was needed. We would like to thank each EL of Louisiana for stepping out on faith and assisting wherever needed. WSD EL Community Service Texas State (Brother Darnell Ozenne & Lady Ashley Pellerin) The Texas State Emerging Leaders met during the Texas State Conference. The Literacy Project is the state-wide community service project conducted every year by the ELs at the conference. This year, they donated over 2,024 books to St. Francis of Assisi School in Houston, Texas. Non-book items donated were then donated to the Junior Na(Brother Leslie Farr & Lady Stephanie tional Convention to be used as door prizes. Colter) “As each has Other books deemed inappropriate for Catholic school distribution were donated to other received a gift, use it The Central States District ELs have organizations in need of reading materials. to serve one another, been involved in many community service Other community service projects that were projects throughout the district. Many of as good stewards of suggested for the future were: School Supthese projects consist of working with youth God’s grace.” 1 Peter 4:10 ply Donation, Angel Tree Project within each in an after-school program setting. Many church, Toys for tots and many more. children in socially disadvantaged neighSuggestions for items to be included in borhoods have responded well to this one-on-one tutoring style. the Junior Texas State Conference are: college fair and openThe ELs also help with the Juniors in requested capacities to be ing the post high school discussion to include all options (i.e. an example of leadership and service to the Junior participants. trade/technical, 2-year and 4-year colleges). Central States 43 44 New Member Directory is Coming! The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary membership is scattered across the country, and even around the world. But, no matter where their lives have led them, Clavers all share the common bond of Catholic faith and fraternalism. That’s why we are working on a new project designed to help connect all Clavers, old and new. This new membership publication will include comprehensive biographical listings with contact information, career overviews and family highlights of our members. Plus, a special section about the history of the Order will help you reminisce as you read about our past and learn what’s in store for the future. To make sure our data is as up-to-date as possible, our provider, Harris Connect, will begin contacting you by email and/or regular mail or by phone beginning in December 2013 to verify that the information we will print is accurate and complete. Harris specializes in alumni and membership publications and the data specifications involved with this type of project. Please help us make this publication full of the latest information about you and your fellow Clavers! Don’t be left out – be a part of our member directory project! New Member’s Only area coming soon to www.kofpc.org Register for online access to the new member’s only section at http://knightsofpeterclaver.org/signup or www.kofpc.org. Once your membership information is verified you will now have access to update your personal contact information, view your current financial status and insurance beneficiary. 45 46 2012-2014 National Council and Court Board of Directors 2012-2014 national council and court Knights of Peter Claver Mr. F. DeKarlos Blackmon Supreme Knight Email: dekarlos.blackmon@kofpc.org Mr. Tilmon D. King Director General Junior Knights Email: tilmon.king@kofpc.org Mr. Gregory Warner District Deputy of Western States Email: greg.warner@kofpc.org Mr. James Ellis Deputy Supreme Knight Email: james.ellis@kofpc.org Most Rev. Martin D. Holley, D.D. Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, D.C. National Chaplain Email: mholley@adw.org Mr. Curtis J. Guynn District Deputy of Northern States Email: curtis.guynn@kofpc.org Mr. Athanase J. Jones, Jr. National Secretary Email: athanase.jones@kofpc.org Mr. Omar E. Jones National Treasurer Email: omar.jones@kofpc.org Mr. William T. Everette National Advocate Email: william.everette@kofpc.org Mr. Paul H. Ledet, Jr. Lay Board Member Email: paul.ledet@kofpc.org Mr. Gene A. Phillips, Sr. Past Supreme Knight Email: gene.phillips@kofpc.org Mr. Leonard V. Stiell District Deputy of Gulf Coast Email: leonard.stiell@kofpc.org Mr. Skip Riley District Deputy of Central States Email: skip.riley@kofpc.org Mr. James A. Neal Supreme Navigator Fourth Degree, KPC Email: james.neal@kofpc.org Mr. Alvin Wiltz State Deputy of Louisiana Email: alvin.wiltz@kofpc.org Mr. Grant A. Jones Executive Director Email: grant.jones@kofpc.org Mr. Ron Mitchell State Deputy of Texas Email: ron.mitchell@kofpc.org Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Mrs. Vertelle A. Kenion Supreme Lady Email: vertelle.kenion@kofpc.org Mrs. Katie Guidry Johnson National Counselor Junior Daughters Email: katie.johnson@kofpc.org Ms. Hilda L. Wiltz Vice Supreme Lady Email: hilda.wiltz@kofpc.org Mrs. Geralyn C. Shelvin Past Supreme Lady Email: geralyn.shelvin@kofpc.org Ms. Debra Gray Bridges National Secretary Email: debra.bridges@kofpc.org Mrs. Cheryl W. Williams State Deputy of Louisiana Email: cheryl.williams@kofpc.org Ms. Marie L. Johnson National Treasurer Email: marie.johnson@kofpc.org Mrs. Renita Lloyd-Smith District Deputy of Western States Email: renita.lloydsmith@kofpc.org Ms. Candace Procter Lay Board Member Email: candace.procter@kofpc.org Ms. Barbara J. Birds District Deputy of Gulf Coast Email: barbara.birds@kofpc.org Ms. Janice M. Gray District Deputy of Central States Email: janice.gray@kofpc.org Mrs. Eva M. Volter State Deputy of Texas Email: eva.volter@kofpc.org Ms. Lena F. Young District Deputy of Northern States Email: lena.young@kofpc.org Mrs. Audrey Woods Supreme Navigator Fourth Degree, Ladies of Grace Email: audrey.woods@kofpc.org The Claverite | Winter Issue 2013-14 | www.kofpc.org 47 MEMBER PRIVACY NOTICE FOR INFORMATION ONLY NO ACTION REQUIRED We respect your right to privacy, and maintain the confidentiality of any nonpublic personal information that we obtain. We treat all your personal information in a confidential manner. We are required to inform you that you have the right to prevent us from sharing nonpublic personal information about you with a nonaffiliated third party for any purpose that is not specifically authorized by law. Your right to prevent us from sharing nonpublic personal information about you with a nonaffiliated third party for a purpose that is not specifically authorized by law is called your right to “opt out” of such information sharing. 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For example, we may give information to: We may also disclose information about you for audit purposes. We will not share your information with non-affiliated third parties for the purpose of marketing their products or services. Our affiliates include, CPA firms, a bank, Actuaries, and may also include non-financial companies. The type of information that may be disclosed may include your name, address, certificate number, benefit amount, payment history and similar data. Special notice regarding consumer reports We do not give consumer reporting agencies any information about you. Any consumer reporting agency that gathers information about you may share this information with others who are authorized to use consumer reports by the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act or by applicable state credit reporting acts. You may obtain a copy of your consumer report by contacting the consumer reporting agency directly. How to tell us not to share this information with our affiliated companies: If you prefer that we not share this information with our affiliated companies, you may direct us not to share this information by doing the following: • • call us at (504) -821-4225 contact us in writing at 1825 Orleans Ave New Orleans LA 70116 How we protect information We require all our employees to protect the confidentiality of your information. Employees may access information only when appropriate-for example, to administer a service. To further protect your privacy, we also maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards within the company that comply with all applicable laws. Dispute resolution Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to our privacy policy, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, with our National Advocate and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Our policy is a pledge – we pledge to protect your information! We pledge to you, our valued member, that the information you have provided us to obtain appropriate insurance coverage will be used for just that purpose and that purpose only. We will not share such information with nonaffiliated third parties. privacy policy State insurance departments, for their regulation of our business; other government authorities; your representative; organizations that perform underwriting or claim investigations; insurance support agencies and law enforcement agencies; any other third party, as permitted or required by law. NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Lebanon Junction, KY Permit #789 Promotional and Gift Items A. 2013 Solemn Opening Convention Mass of Thanksgiving Commemorative DVD $9.99 B. 2009 KPC Hard Cover History Book Genesis of the Knights of Peter Claver $40 Order online at www.kofpc.org IACK Deputy President DeKarlos Blackmon with IACK President David Huppatz. IACK Deputy President DeKarlos Blackmon with Kanobia Blackmon and Supreme Knight James Gomez, Knights of Saints Peter and Paul in The Gambia. Supr e DeKa me Knigh rlos B t F. insta l a c kmo lled Presi as Depu n ty Intern dent of the ation of Ca al All t h o l ic Kn iance See S ight up repor reme Knig s – t on p h age 4 t’s . IACK Deputy President DeKarlos Blackmon with Kanobia Blackmon and Supreme Knight Colin Walsh, Knights of the Southern Cross in Australia.