For the Greater Glory of God - New York State Council

For the Greater
Glory of God
Empire State Bulletin
Official Publication of the
New York State Council Knights of Columbus
Organized February 3, 1896
Vol. 52 Issue 2
April 2014
A Message From Your State Deputy, Carmine V. Musumeci
Dear N.Y.S. K of C Family:
Well we have just
completed the first nine, and are
primed by the stretch run.
The highlights you will
find in this edition of the ESB,
are the great programs and
events which we have worked on
this year.
We had a fantastic turnout at the Pro-Life Mass at the
Cathedral, followed by our
March 19 presence in Albany,
with Catholics at the Capital.
Many new faces were seen at
these events, and it is most
encouraging to see the number
of clergy also in attendance. In
particular, at the Albany rally,
one of our newest Councils,
St. Finbars #15728 of Brooklyn,
was highly visible and lead by its
GK/Chaplain, SK, Fr. Michael
Gelfant. A proud day indeed!
The Bishops of the State and
the Catholic Conference was
enormously grateful for our
sponsorship and partnership.
We have also see all the
four N.Y. Districts complete very
well attended exemplifications
of the Fourth Degree, in the past
two months. I was honored at
the 2nd N.Y. District and was
astounded at the turnout class of
106 new members.
Equally proud is to have
presided over the 3rd Degree at
Fordham University, with the
fully re-activated Jack Coffey
Council #6077.
The membership team,
top to bottom, have helped
institute or reactivate seven
councils thus far.
We are
thankful for the time and talent
they have brought to the job of
growing our Order! Liaison and
Senior G.A. Richard Malek and
his top field agent for the
yeoman’s job of re-forming
St. Joseph the Worker Council
#1805 in mid-state. It is a tale
of great perseverance and
achievement.
As I write this note,
N.Y.S. has just surpassed 2000
new members for the fraternal
year with 2 1/2 months of fine
weather to go! Our active
recruiting, new council formation,
and relentless retention efforts
poised to give us our best net-net
numbers in years. Thank you
all for reversing the curve, and
growing N.Y. again!
So on this beautiful spring
day, in the words of Hall of
Famer, Ernie Banks, “why don’t
we play two?”
See you at the 119th
Convention.
AMDG
Carmine V. Musumeci
Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney
God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest,
Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the
generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son,
Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the
Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may
continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Father Michael
J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now
present (make your request here). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Visit the New York State Council
Website for up to the minute
information! Let us know
how you like it!
http://newyorkknights.com/
If members of your
council are not
receiving the Empire
State Bulletin, please
send their e-mail address to
esb.staff1@gmail.com with a
subject of ESB - add me to your
list. Help us share our news with
all of New York State.
Highlighted In This Issue
State Deputy’s Message
1
Table of Index
2
Catholic School Support
3
See you on the Golf Course
at the Convention!
4-6
Special Olympics Event
7
Membership & Forms Report
8-12
Americanism
13
Prayers
14
Council Activities
15-22
Staff of the New York State Council
Contact the Editor
23
Find us on Facebook
Knights of Columbus
New York
Page 2
Let’s
find
them,
recruit
them,
and
introduce
them
to
a
wonderful
life
as
a
Knight!
The good
news in
education.
Page 3
See you on the golf course!
Page 4
Page 5
The New York State
Council
Knights of Columbus
will be celebrating their
119th Convention at the
Villa Roma in Callicoon, NY on
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday,
April 24, 25, & 26, 2014!
We look forward to seeing you!
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Membership Incentives for Councils & their Members
NEWEST - Supreme Council - Double (or more) Bonus for Recruiters - April 1st through June 30th, 2014
* 1000 VIP Points for Recruiting one new member
* 2000 VIP Points for Recruiting two new members
* 6000 VIP Points for Recruiting three new members
* 8000 VIP Points for Recruiting four new members
* 2000 additional VIP Points for each new member recruited above four
- UPDATED Supreme Council – Officers Challenge
* 26,000 VIP Points if a council recruits 13 new members regardless of the proposer (between 7/1/13 and 6/30/14)
and the council completes and submits to Supreme the 'Supreme Officers Challenge Form' available at
http://www.kofc.org/un/en/resources/membership/oc_form.pdf
NEW - NY State Council - Submit the Columbian Award Application form SP-7
to be received by Supreme no later than June 1st
* 500 VIP Points for each GK, FS and Council Program Director whose council submits their SP-7 so it is recorded as received
by Supreme no later than June 1st, 2014, well before the June 30th deadline. Worthy State Deputy Carmine is looking for 100% of
our active councils to earn their Columbian award. Now is the time for the Grand Knight, FS and Council Program Director to
start drafting your council's Columbian Award application form SP-7! The attached file 'Ideas to complete Columbian Award
Appl SP-7' can be used to help complete the SP-7. If you need more help, your DD, the State Program Director and the
State Membership Director are ready to help every council fully complete this form so they can earn their Columbian Award.
The Columbian Award Application form SP-7 can easily be completed online using Internet Explorer using the online form found
at:
https://www.kofc.org/un/en/officers/forms/council.htmlSP
Please make sure the state copy is addressed to: NYSProgramDirector@gmail.com .
- NY State Council - "Catch Up! ... First Degree, Per District, Per Month"
* 500 VIP Points for each GK and Council Membership Director whose council hosts one 1st degree between 10/1/13 – 6/30/14,
plus 1500 additional points for each additional 1st degree since 7/1/13
NEW - Supreme Council – Star Council VIP Points
For the fraternal year 2013-14 ending on June 30th, 2014, your council will receive:
* 4,000 VIP Points for earning Star Council
* 8,000 VIP Points for earning Double Star Counci
* 16,000 VIP Points for earning Triple Star Council
These points are in addition to the plaque for the council and the lapel pins for the Grand Knight, Council Membership Director,
and Council Program Director.
* 5,000 VIP Points additional for every level above Triple Star Council
- NY State Council – Retention Incentive (7/1/13 – 6/30/14)
* 4000 VIP Points for each council who saves 66% or more of members listed on forms 1845, Follows All Retention procedures AND
ends the year (6/30/14) with a Positive Net Membership.
Thank You for all you do for our councils, our parishes and our order!
Have a Blessed Triduum and a very Happy Easter!
Ed Willie
Membership Director
516-628-3215
"One Member, per Council, per Month"
“One First Degree, per District, per Month”
Resulting in…
“One Star Council, per District”
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Americanism
Knights often think of Americanism or Patriotism in conjunction with the Forth Degree of our
order. However, Americanism is something important for all Knights of Columbus. It has
often been said that programs is the backbone of our councils – if you want something done,
build a program for it. This is exactly what many councils throughout New York State have
done and are doing. This is especially important this year. On Flag Day of 1954, the words
“Under God” were added to our Pledge of Allegiance, mainly through the efforts of the
Knights of Columbus. Let’s all make a concerted effort throughout this year to share this
Americanism fact.
I’d like to focus on two councils and what they have done for Americanism:
St Bernard’s Council 14269 program of Americanism is alive and well. They started a
Patriotism program where council members raise funds to fly the American flag on every
block of Bergen Beach Brooklyn, Mill Basin and old Mill Basin Brooklyn. They start every
year about May 17th (Armed Forces day) and by Memorial Day has the flags set up
throughout the neighborhoods. They run fund raising for Wounded Warriors, children of
Americans serving in the military, even honoring fallen heroes in local knights of Columbus
with wreath laying ceremonies on Veterans Day. They also honor our Boy and Girl Scout
troops. The officers of this council also wear our American flag and our fourth degree
emblems on our council shirts and jackets with pride. We make it our business to have a
large contingent of men from our council march in the K of C Annual Fourth of July parade.
Our Lady of Victory Council # 13127 has developed a moving memorial service that they
conduct before each meeting is opened. The Grand Knight reads aloud a touching poem
that recognizes the heroic events of responders at the 9/11 disaster. While he reads the
poem, the Deputy Grand Knight lights red, white, and blue candles on a floral centerpiece.
The candles remain lighted throughout the meeting. If that doesn’t make you proud to be an
American citizen, I don’t know what will.
If these don’t fit your council and you are still looking for new ideas – contact me, I have
many good ideas that are tries and true.
DAVID L. CLARK
10 Moreau Way
Plattsburgh, NY 12903
(518) 563-0050
kralcevad@hotmail.com
Msgr. Morris Dwyer Council # 255,
Plattsburgh, NY
NYS K of C Chairman, Americanism
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Prayer to End Abortion
Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life, And for the lives of all
my brothers and sisters. I know there is nothing that destroys more life than
abortion, yet I rejoice that you have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your
Son. I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. Today I commit myself never
to be silent, never to be passive, never to be forgetful of the unborn. I commit
myself to be active in the Pro - Life Movement, and never to stop defending life.
Until all my brothers and sisters are protected, and our nation once again
becomes a nation with liberty and justice
not just for some, but for all.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life
www.priestsforlife.org
Prayer For Vocations
Heavenly Father, bless your Church with an abundance of holy and
zealous priests, deacons, brothers and sisters. Give those you have
called to the married state and those you have chosen to live as single
persons in the world, the special graces that their lives require. Form
us all in the likeness of your Son so that in Him, with him, and through
Him we may love more deeply and serve you more faithfully, always
and everywhere. With Mary we ask you through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Vocations Committee
Supreme Council
Knights of Columbus
Page 13
Members of the
Patchogue Knights of Columbus #725
pose with the
Guest of Honor at their
Annual Easter Bunny Breakfast
held at their Council Hall on April 12th.
Article and photo submitted by Michael Boehm, Grand Knight.
Page 15
Albany Council 173 Knights of Columbus
375 Ontario Street, Albany, New York 12208
(518) 489-2879
Poster Contest: Drug and Alcohol Abuse Awareness
The three City of Albany Catholic Elementary Schools submitted a combined total of over fifty
entries in a poster contest sponsored by Albany Council 173 Knights of Columbus on the topics of
Drug or Alcohol Abuse Awareness. Each entrant was recognized with a certificate of participation.
Judging was performed by a panel of three high school students consisting of –Meagan Leonard,
Elizabeth McLaughlin, and Elizabeth Stenard.
Erica Leonard served as team coordinator and score compiler. PGK Jim Byron served as contest
coordinator.
Each participant received a certificate. In addition, gift cards were awarded to the theme winners
and school finalists.
Council 173, District 64, and Capital Conference Winners by Age Division and Theme are:
8 - 11 Year old Division Theme and School Winners:
Drug Awareness
Samantha Paul
All Saints Catholic Academy
Alcohol Awareness
Alexander Layton
Mater Christi School
School Winner at Blessed Sacrament School:
Anthony Davis.
The posters of the theme finalists were forwarded for judging at the State Level.
Pictured at the Council award presentation are:
Photo 1: .Mrs. Teresa Ewell, Principal Mater Christi School, Alexander Layton, Sister Patricia
Mary Lynch, Principal Blessed Sacrament School; Anthony Davis; Ms. Traci Johnson, Principal
All Saints Catholic Academy; and Samantha Paul.
Photo 2: Judges Elizabeth McLaughlin,
Elizabeth Stenard, and Meagan Leonard
with coordinator Erica Leonard.
Article and photos submitted by Jim Byron,
PGK, FDD (518) 438-3290
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Albany Council 173 Knights of Columbus
375 Ontario Street Albany, New York 12208
(518) 489-2879
Catholic Elementary School Support
Preparing Our Youth for Their Future
$6,000 Gift to Education
Albany Council 173 recently awarded grants to the three Catholic Elementary Schools
in the City of Albany as part of its continuing effort to support Catholic Education. This
marks the fifteenth consecutive year awards were made.. These awards are intended to
support or enhance programs not fully covered in the annual school budget. Each
school Principal received a check for $2,000. Albany Council 173 stands ready to
assist in other ways that aid their educational programs.
Pictured at the award presentation are Albany Council 173 PGK Jim Byron,
Ms. Traci Johnson of All Saints Catholic Academy, Sister Patricia Mary Lynch, RSM
of Blessed Sacrament School, Mrs. Theresa Ewell of Mater Christi School, and Albany
Council 173 Grand Knight Adron Butler.
These grants are funded in part through an endowment account with the Albany
Diocese Foundation, which may be used to remember a deceased Knight, relative, or
special intention.
Article and photos submitted by Jim Byron, PGK, FDD (518) 438-3290
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St. Pius X Council supports their parish!
Below is a photo of the new sign that is now in front of St. Pius X Church,
Getzville, NY. St. Pius X Council donation $10,000 to the parish to help
pay for the new sign.
Article and photo
submitted by
Paul Von Der Empoten
St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council
#5911 does it again as they held their annual St. Patrick’s /
St. Joseph’s Night at the St. Anastasia’s parish annex, on Saturday,
March 15, 2014 in Douglaston. The recipients are Mercy Homes
which help developmental handicap young people and also Faith in the
Future which help young people acquire a Catholic Education.
Article and photo submitted by
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.,
516-637-4385
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Staten Island Plays to Win
K of C Free Throw
Staten Island, representing both Assumption Council and Manresa
Council went to West Point with 4 kids. They came home with one
2nd place winner and three STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Their thanks are sent to all Council Coordinators for running their
Council level to make this contest what it is. They also extend their
thanks to Joe Muller PGK Stolzenthaler & NY State Chairman of
Youth, PGK Tim Geary the Youth Coordinator of Assumption Council
and Ed Thatcher of Manresa Council for taking the ride to West Point.
The following kids were the winners:
Pictured are the Staten Island representatives for the K of C Free
Throw Championship up in the Military Academy in West Point NY.
12 year old Robert Mitchell
20 of 25 2nd place, Assumption
11 year old Gianna Samuels
23 of 25 State Champion, Assumption
14 year old Jake Dunn
21 of 25, then double overtime 7/10,
State Championship, Manresa
14 year old Clare Mitchell
23 of 25 State Champion, Assumption
Article and photo submitted by Michael McHugh
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2014 NEW YORK STATE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FREE THROW CONTEST
Richard L. Sheffer State Free Throw COORDINATOR
99 New Turnpike Road, Troy, New York 12182, (518) 235-9372
WINNERS OF STATE FREE THROW FINALS HELD AT WEST POINT ON APRIL 5, 2014 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
GIRL 9
MADELINE HUFFMAN
15
BOY 9
JONATHAN FARSTLER
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
SYRACUSE
12305
79
UPSTATE
BOY 10
BEN CAREY
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
PENFIELD
4618
88
UPSTATE
BOY 11
MIKE DISTEFANO
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
COMMACK
11163
10
LONG ISLAND
HAYDEN PRYOR
MERRICK
6561
18
LONG ISLAND
21
HOME:
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
HICKSVILLE
5723
13
LONG ISLAND
GIRL 10
MICHAELA EICHAS
HOME :
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
HILTON
7707
GIRL 11
GIANNA SAMUELS
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
STATEN ISLAND
1694
37
DOWNSTATE
GIRL 12
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
LINZEE REYES
HILTON
9461
88
LONG ISLAND
20
BOY 12
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
GIRL 13
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
JULIA DELLAQUILA
FARMINGDALE
11227
14
LONG ISLAND
22
BOY 13
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
DECLAN PORTER
CANTON
1059
100
UPSTATE
21
GIRL 14
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
CLAREL MITCHELL
STATEN ISLAND
1694
37
LONG ISLAND
BOY 14
HOME
COUNCIL
DISTRICT
REGION
JAKE DUNN
STATEN ISLAND
2147
36
LONG ISLAND
21
16
91
UPSTATE
23
23
24
22
22
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Our Lady of the Rosary Council N0.4428,
Knights of Columbus in Deer Park, recently donated
$2,500.00 to the Parish of Ss. Cyril & Methodius in Deer Park as part of their
continued Charitable endeavors. The majority of this money was raised from
selling New York State Council Knights of Columbus Charitable and Benevolent
Raffles throughout the community during the year. These raffles raise money
for the Handicap, Special Olympic and other organizations. They also allow
individual councils to raise money to give to charities.
Pictured Left to Right: Our Lady of the Rosary Officers, Paul Coppola, PGK,
John Lazar, PGK,FDD, Hank Theiling, PGK,FDD, Carmine E. Soldano,GK,
Msgr. Robert Clerkin, Pastor of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Parish, Nicholas LaSorsa,
DGK.
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Our Supreme Director Art Harris was proud to have had the
honor of recently presenting Bishop Salvatore Mantano,
Rochester, his vestments which were a gift from our
Worthy State Deputy, Carmine V. Musumeci.
We wish him the best with his new assignment.
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EMPIRE STATE BULLETIN
Knights of Columbus
New York State Council
359 Route 111, Bldg. 1, Suite 2
Smithtown, N.Y. 11787
Delivered
via e-mail
Register Now!
STAFF OF THE NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL
State Chaplain……....................His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan
Honorary Chaplain Emeritus…....His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan
Senior Associate State Chaplain………..Rev. Father Brian McWeeney
Associate State Chaplain………..…............Most Rev. Gerald T. Walsh
Associate State Chaplain……………...…Rev. Msgr. Donald J. Sakano
State Father Prior of Youth………………….Rev. Father Dennis Nikolic
State Deputy……………..……………...….……...Carmine V. Musumeci
State Secretary………………………………..……Dr. Charles Robinson
State Treasurer…………………………………...….……John G. Joseph
State Advocate………………..………………………...……Frank Bagley
State Warden…………………………...…..…………...Robert Weitzman
Secretary to State Deputy.……………………………….........Pat Torney
Chief of Staff……………….……………..………...…....Kenneth Latham
Warden to State Deputy………………………………James McCue, Sr.
Admin. Assistant to State Deputy..….....………....James M. Thompson
Major Events Coordinator…………………...Anthony “Sonny” Mangone
Counsel to State Deputy……………………..…….…...James J. Connor
State Membership Director……….………..…………….Edward J. Willie
State Program Director……………...……..……..……….Gary Leonardo
State Youth Director………………………………....……..… Joe Mueller
State C&B Director……………………..…..….……Pierenzo A. Colosso
State Training Director…………………………......Michael A. Stephany
State Grand Knight Training Director...…………….Richard J. Ditrio, Jr.
State Ceremonials Chairman……………………....James. A. Foy, PSD
Admin. State Coord. Diocesan Relations……...…………Jerry Connolly
Admin. State Coord. Ext. Fund Raising……………....Rocco D’Erasmo
State Photographer……………………………………...Justin Musumeci
ESB Editor………………………………………………....John G. Joseph
Web Master………………………….…………...…….…..Thomas Boslet
State Logistics Chairman………………….……….………..James Smith
Insurance Liaison……………………………..…..………..Richard Malek
A message from
the Editor:
We want to share the good
work of our Order with
everyone! Kindly submit
your article to me by the
15th of each month
and it will be in the next
Empire State Bulletin.
Please send articles to
esb.staff1@gmail.com.
I look forward to
hearing from you.
John G. Joseph, PGK, FDD
New York State Treasurer
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