October 2019

Worthy brother Knights,

October is here and some Parishes host Rosaries to honor Mary.  These are wonderful opportunities for Families to come together and share their Faith.  Have you thought of meditating on the Rosary? Meditate on one Prayer a week this month from the Rosary, and discuss with your family what they hear or feel when they meditate on the words.  Pay special attention to what others might be hearing or seeing.  Everyone has something to learn and teach each other.  Our Holy Fathers Saint Pope John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have showed us how important praying the Rosary is - not only to each of us - but to the whole world.

It’s also time to be talking to your Parish Priest/Council Chaplain about your “Keep Christ-in-Christmas” activities.  Order your Poster kits now so they will be ready for distribution when the time is right.  Contact your District Deputy, so he knows you are conducting a Poster Contest. That way if more than one council in the District holds the contest, a District winner for each age group will advance to the State Judging.

Remember to Complete your Safe Environment Training As Soon As Possible.

Remember that we are to be the light for our family.  Show them how much you love your Catholic Faith.   Talk with your Brother Knights about conducting a Family Rosary Night. As we approach the holiday seasons, conduct a Helping Hands Project, help out in a soup kitchen, or pass out food that you have collected to families in need at a food pantry.  NCYC is approaching and will be in Indianapolis again this year on November 20-23.  Indiana councils have a wonderful opportunity to help out with a Food For Families project that weekend involving NCYC.

• The money must go to buy food
• $500 and 100 man-hours from the Knights is required to get the 2 credits.  The man-hours can include planning, fundraising, and facilitation work at NCYC.
• Each council will need to submit their own Food for Families Refund and Plaque Application (#10057) and Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784)
• NCYC will need to send us one letter acknowledging the K of C contribution. Each council can include a copy of the letter with their application.
• If a council gives less than $500 or 100 man-hours, the activity will count for 1 credit.

Remember that Mary was the first person to say Yes to God and her Son Jesus.  Without Mary, God’s New Covenant never would have happened.  But as we get closer to Christmas, we should also remember Joseph.  Joseph’s dream to not divorce Mary before the marriage was part of the whole plan God had set before us. Is now not the time for us to recommit ourselves to the Holy Family?  This is part of our Faith, and a part of our own families.  Mary believed in the Word of God, then why would we not believe NOW?  Consecration to the Holy Family is now and ever shall be a part of our Faith Life.

November and December are months that seem to be more devoted to our families.  Thanksgiving is spent looking back at the Blessings we have received over the past year.  Christmas is enhanced by giving gifts to the ones we love to show them just how much they truly mean to us.  Also, remember to give thanks to God for what he has done for your family and the ultimate Christmas gift that he gave to you and your family so long ago. Make this time of the year a time for Family Events.  Decorating your Parish, setting up the Nativity Scene, Lighting of a Council Tree, but always remember to “Keep CHRIST-in-CHRISTmas”.

“Faith In Action”, make your Council and Family React to Our Catholic Faith by giving them some great Daily Bread in programs that will have an impact for a lifetime.

• Consecration to the Holy Family (Required for Star Council)
• Food for Families (Featured & 2 Credits toward Star Council)
• Family of the month/year
• Keep Christ in Christmas
• Family Fully alive
• Family week
• Family Prayer 
• Good Friday Family Promotion

Remember these items that need to be done throughout the year.  Again The Family of the Month Program by your Councils Family Director & Committee should pick a Family each Month by filling out Supreme form (1993A) and turn it into the State Family Director (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Supreme.  Never Forget Deceased Brothers and Family Members should be reported (using form IN-DB1) to the State Family Director as well to your DD, so that they can be remembered during State Masses - especially at the State Convention.  Help them to be Remembered with the Perpetual Memorial Society which provides us a way to remember and pray for Family, Friends, and Loved Ones.  Anyone is welcome to enroll by filling out State form (IN-PMS1).  If a single donation is equal to or more than $200.00 a Knight’s of Columbus Commemorative Cross will be shipped to the donor's address.  Donations are put into the Christopher Fund and then the earnings from the account presented to the Indiana Bishops on an Annual Basis.

The State Soccer Challenge is October 20th at Guerin High School. If you don’t have plans on this day, please make a trip and support the girls and boys as they show off their skills.

Last month I talked about the little prayers that can make a miracle.  My family could use a few prayers/Rosaries for my Father-in-law. He is fighting liver cancer.  I know several of us have had this nasty experience in our families and we have to pray for each other doing this time.  He is going to Indiana University Medical in Indianapolis for a consult about an experimental treatment.  This is more than just me in need of your prayers, but the Knight that got me to join.  Keep Gordon in your prayers this month. He thanks you and we thank you!

Strengthen Our Families and Revitalize Our Parishes.

Ryan Borden

State Family Director

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