Mrs. Flubberback, Mr. Cummerbund, and Little Suzy Snodnose

My priest friend and I were continuing the conversation that we have been having for some time now and he posed the following:

The biggest complaint that modern liturgists lodge against the pre-Vatican II Mass is that the congregation was not in "full, conscious, active participation." This usually means that they came in late, left early, didn't understand Latin, sat in their pews like bumps on a log and did private devotions, such as the Rosary to occupy their time. Their body postures were not always uniform, some sat while others knelt and so on.  

After Vatican II with the emphasis on a narrow interpretation of what "full, conscious, active participation" meant, and the priest now facing the congregation which made it possible for him to see what was happening out there in front of him, the priest and deacons now acting as policemen would chastise the congregation if they weren't in lockstep with a narrow, sterile view of full conscious, active participation. And on top of that the priest introduced his own peculiarities into the liturgy, such as asking everyone to hold hands at the Lord's Prayer, turn and greet everyone at the beginning of Mass and the like.

Now, since I am more of a traditional minded priest, even when celebrating the OF Mass facing the Congregation, I do get disturbed by what I see happening in the congregation if I find it distracting or not in lockstep with what the books tell the people to do. I use to go ballistic when I saw people holding hands at the Lord's prayer, or the charismatics holding hands high at the singing of hymns or at the Gloria and Sanctus or the congregation motioning back to me when I extended my arms to greet them and they did the same when responding, "and also with you." 

[...]

 So should priests give a flip over what the congregation is or isn't doing, such as standing at the Eucharistic Prayer when everyone else is kneeling, or kneeling when the reading are read when everyone else is sitting, or raising their hands in ectasy like charismatics are prone to do which is clearly not prescribed by "read the black and do the red."

To me (being a trained liturgist), this is a very interesting post.  It really speaks to a couple of big misconceptions and I think shows the inaccuracy of the liberal mindset (read: I am not calling Father a liberal, but rather commenting on the point he is making).

It is said of the TLM, "This usually means that they came in late, left early, didn't understand Latin, sat in their pews like bumps on a log and did private devotions, such as the Rosary to occupy their time. Their body postures were not always uniform, some sat while others knelt and so on."

It is observed of the Novus Ordo, "Now, since I am more of a traditional minded priest, even when celebrating the OF Mass facing the Congregation, I do get disturbed by what I see happening in the congregation if I find it distracting or not in lockstep with what the books tell the people to do."

To me (after a cursory reading), this shows that things really haven't changed with the "aggiornamento."  To me, this shows that the liberal liturgist has failed in his re-imagined view of "full, conscious, and active participation."  The traditional liturgist holds the obverse view.  The authentic understanding of "full, conscious, and active participation" doesn't mean active participation, but rather it means actual participation.  Participatio actuosa, not participatio activa.

Father echoes what the traditional liturgist knows and promotes (read: what I have been advocating since day 1), "Their body postures were not always uniform, some sat while others knelt and so on."

My response to that statement is quite simply, "So what?"  Is it a sin to sit during the consecration (or in some places kneel)?  No.  There is usually a valid reason why, in the TLM someone is not kneeling, but that is of little consequence AND if it is a "willy nilly" reason, the faithful will usually take care of the faithful, in short, they will offer the fraternal correction (not so much in the Novus Ordo, though...curious).

What this comes down to is simple.  The traditional understanding of worship is a very personal one.  How one worships is never more important than WHY one worships.  So, if Mrs. Flubberback is in the back row praying her rosary and Mr. Cummerbund is halfway up the epistle side meditating on the stations, and little if Suzy Snodnose is following along in her hand missal intently, who is participating more?  The liberal would say that none of them, but the traditional liturgist would say that all of them are, because they are all uniting their minds, hearts and souls to the salvific action on the altar in an unbloody way to the life of Christ.  And isn't that what worship is?  To unite one's soul, mind and heart to God?

So, Mrs. Flubberback doesn't stand, but sits...why?  Did she just have a knee replaced?  Is she lazy?  Does she have back problems?  Who cares.  So, Mr. Cummerbund kneels through the whole Mass, is he pietistic?  Is he repenting for something?  Does he like to kneel?  Who cares?  Is little Suzy kneeling, and sitting, and standing?  Maybe, but that is because she's following along with her missal, but...who cares?

What the faithful should care about isn't what those persons are doing, but rather that they, themselves are uniting their whole mind, soul, and heart to God.

If the liturgist is more interested in making the faithful into little ersatz-clerics, through hand positions and uniform actions 100%, then the liturgist has missed the point of worship.  The faithful don't respond and "act" because everyone else is doing it, but because it is an ejaculation of love for God, the Father.  To do it for any other reason is quite simply, participatio activa.

The answer is simple, Father.  Turn around, celebrate Mass ad orientem and don't worry about things that you cannot control.  You can't control Mrs. Flubberback, Mr. Cummerbund or little Suzy Snodnose, but you can control the "black and the red."  Your role is clear.  You are the mediator between the worship and God, the Father.  You are Christ at Calvary, in an unbloody way.  Your action (not acting, please note the very important difference) is precise and it is calculated.  The red is there for a reason, it isn't a suggestion, it isn't a guide, it is a rule (or law).  The black is there for a reason, it isn't a suggestion, it isn't a guide, it is a rule (or law).  I can guarantee you 100% (with the exception of perhaps your childhood bully) that no one is making faces toward your back and I can certainly guarantee that nobody is going to stab you in the back (unless you have a liberal liturgist).

To answer your last paragraph...NO.  Priests should not give a flip as to what the congregation is doing.

Proper Adoration and Proper Worship

It was recently said by an acquaintance who is from another parish,

I have watched our school children stand to receive Holy Communion at our school Masses and this year, I have watched them kneel to receive. There is a big difference and what is being conveyed to these children when they kneel is that something out of the ordinary is happening when they receive our Lord in Holy Communion and that they should fall to their knees in adoration! Isn't this what Pope Benedict is saying by insisting that people kneel when he distributes Holy Communion?

My response to that is;

It is what the Holy Father is saying, but isn't it sad that it has come to this?  Isn't it sad that proper adoration is out of the ordinary?

When we talk about the crisis of faith, it all comes down to that.  It all comes down to the fact that we have lost the ability to properly adore and worship God the Father, through the Son, from which the Holy Spirit proceeds.  When we catechize,  THAT is the crux of the new evangelization.  THAT is the key to bringing Catholicism back.

When we ask ourselves about the Mass, when we ask ourselves about Vatican Council II, we must ask does the reformed Mass convey proper adoration and proper worship based upon 2000 years of the Church?  Does Vatican Council II convey proper theological, philosophical, and Catholic thought based upon 2000 years of the Church?

We can argue about the form of the Mass and we will, we can argue about the Council and we will, we can argue about theology, philosophy and Catholic identity, and we will.  What it all comes down to though is proper worship and adoration.  If we understand those two things above all others then we understand the Church, not the Church since 1965, but the Church since her inception.

Please Go To Confession

As we come close to Christmas and a new year in Holy Mother Church, I am reminded of a plea that was made to us while in college.

"End the year right, go to confession."

On the heels of that, when we came back from Christmas break, either for J-term or to start the new semester, we hear this plea;

"Start the year right, go to confession."

I know that for the vast, vast majority of Catholics, the idea of going to confession is one of nostalgia.  Thoughts like, "Oh, that is nice, but it is what was done years ago..." or "I'll go soon, but just not now...," but those thoughts are wrongheaded.  We need confession.  We need confession.  We need confession.  The idea behind it is so simple.  Go, confess your sins, make a firm resolution to not do them again and then live your life.  Easy peasy.

But it isn't.  Sin is hard.  It is hard to confess, but it is harder to stop.  Why?  Because 9 times out of 10, it feels good to sin.  It is that guilty pleasure that you don't have to tell anyone about.  It is that knowledge that you got away with something and it is just your knowledge.  The reasons are infinite.  But that is the hard part, they become a habit and that habit becomes something which very hard to break.

Sure, it's easy to talk about porn, or sexual deviancy, or something really salacious, but in reality those aren't the sins that are the hard ones (oh, they can be...), the hard ones are the small sins that nick away at the soul.  The disobedience to parent, spouse, friend, boss, etc...  The occasional missing of Holy Mass.  The white lie that doesn't "hurt anyone."  Those are the tough ones.  Those are the sins which eat away at Christian dignity and our striving for holiness.

We need confession.  Why?  Because it is a way to hold ourselves accountable for our actions.  We budget our money right?  Why?  To hold ourselves accountable to our debtors and to save.  The concept is exactly the same.  When we go to confession we hold ourselves accountable to God and we are saved.  The priest hears the confession and the priest gives absolution, but the priest at that time isn't just Fr. Bob or Fr. Whomever, but he is also Christ Jesus.  He is persona Christi.  The absolution doesn't come from a man, it comes from Christ through a man.

Once one gets in the habit of going to confession, it is easy.  It is easier to go to confession than just about any other sacrament.  And there is something liberating about it.  As an example, I will share my confession habit:

I go to confession either weekly or bi-weekly (It depends on circumstances), but never longer than a month, without going.  99% of the time I don't have a mortal sin to confess, but it doesn't matter because if we are aware of it all sin must be confessed.  So, I go in and I confess it.  I don't mince words and I don't look for emotional counselling (if Father wants to counsel for more than a few seconds, I'll make an appointment).  I NEVER go face to face.  The priest doesn't matter.  He is there to hear the confession, he is not there to hold my hand or to look empathetic or to be a friend.  I don't mind (actually, I do expect) a stern penance and I always make a firm resolution to amend my life.  It isn't always easy to fulfill, but I do it.

As a Catholic, I'm going to ask YOU to start going to confession again, if you've stopped.  It is the most liberating sacrament and it is a way for you to deepen your friendship with God.  It has worked for me and if you look to EVERY SINGLE saint, you'll find that it worked for them too.

Please go to confession.

Thoughts on Election Day and Our Duty

We are a week away from election day.  Time is short and we have an obligation as citizens in the United States to vote.  It is one of our most basic freedoms.  The fact that we can vote and have a direct impact on how the electoral college will vote makes each vote vitally important.  As Knights of Columbus we have a duty to be patriots and good Catholics, voting is part of that proper understanding.

However as Catholics in America, NOT American Catholics, we must vote with a properly formed conscience.  We cannot support a candidate who is opposed to the principles of Catholic thought.  We must vote for those things which are in harmony with our faith.  If that candidate does not exist, we then must vote for the candidate which most perfectly embodies those things.

The most important issue we face in this election cycle is not the economy.  The most important issue we face in this election is not foreign or domestic policy.  The most important issue we face in this election is the right to life and the pursuit of happiness.  However that happiness must be rooted in God, the Father.  We cannot lose sight of what it means to do His will.  While we are imperfect beings, we must strive to become perfect.  We see this in the Incarnation of Christ Jesus, for God did so love the world that he did send his only begotten Son.  Christ Jesus is the perfect model for imperfect beings.  And this is all achieved through guidance from the Holy Spirit.  Please understand clearly, the Church is the embodiment of Christ Jesus glorified and we must forge a way which is complementary to Him Who Is.

As we prepare to vote in this election we must choose first to put someone in office who most perfectly embodies Catholic thought.  That is our duty as Catholics in America.  We cannot, nor should we expect to do any less nor should we expect any less from any other Catholic person in America.

I recently read an article that I would like to share with you.  It is written by Arland K. Nichols.  Arland K. Nichols is the Director of Education and Evangelization at Human Life International. He is the executive editor of the Truth and Charity Forum.

Election 2012 is upon us. Many are calling it the most important election in their lives. The candidates and supporters have routinely emphasized that the Presidential candidates, their platforms, and their voting records are complete opposites. The two main parties in the United States have extremely different visions on nearly every issue of importance. And so, as is the American way, the campaign spin machines and the rhetoric are ramped up in anticipation of November 6.
How do we cut through the rhetoric so that we might become aware of and guided by Catholic principles and priorities? In answering this, we must be aware that it is virtually impossible to address election related matters without being accused of partisanship. Even Bishops face this accusation when they, for example, speak out regarding the primacy of life, marriage, and religious liberty. It remains, however, that we must sift through the nonsense and vote responsibly.
I suggest taking a step away from the political scene in the United States to consider the teaching of the Universal Church. In 2002 the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) issued a Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding The Participation of Catholics in Political Life in which the Church provides Catholics in democratic societies around the world principles that are a sure and non-partisan guide. Surely, the CDF is immune from claims of loyalty to either the Republican or Democratic parties?
Recalling the example of Saint Thomas More, the first point of emphasis made by the Congregation is that our politics cannot be separated from morality. In this we must refuse to compromise. We must each vote in conformity with our well-formed Christian conscience, bringing to the social realm the moral precepts found in natural law. We are not necessarily called to bring religious precepts, but moral precepts that are common to all human beings and binding on all.
The abiding concerns of the CDF in this document are cultural relativism, the disintegration of reason and rejection of the natural moral law in favor of passing cultural and moral trends, and the marginalization of Christians from the public square. Noting that “moral anarchy” and the “oppression of the weak by the strong” is the inevitable consequence of these trends, the Church calls Catholics to actively participate so as to uphold the dignity of all persons (6). A democracy can only succeed if it is rooted in a correct understanding of the human person. “It is respect for the person that makes democratic participation possible” (3).
With this as the backdrop, the CDF distinguishes between “temporal questions that God has left to the free and responsible judgment of each person” and “non-negotiable ethical principles, which are the underpinning of life in society” (3). On the temporal questions, the Church claims no expertise in providing “specific political solutions” (3). While the CDF does not list specific examples of such temporal questions, these are understood to include economic policy, immigration law, and methods of providing healthcare.
The CDF prioritizes the “non-negotiable ethical principles” upon which democracy must be based. Quoting John Paul II, the CDF first addresses direct attacks on human life and notes that we “have a ‘grave and clear obligation to oppose’ any law that attacks human life…it is impossible to promote such laws or to vote for them.” In the context of its discussion concerning such attacks on life, the CDF reminds us that “a well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program or an individual law which contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals” (4).
The CDF then highlights abortion, euthanasia, experimentation on embryos, and “modern forms of slavery” as evils about which we may not compromise. Additionally, it stresses goods that must be protected: “monogamous marriage between a man and woman,” “the freedom of parents regarding the education of their children,” religious freedom, peace, and “the development of an economy that is at the service of the human person” (4). The above evils, without exception, may never receive support from a Catholic voter. The goods must always be pursued, though how that is accomplished will vary depending upon the political situation and the common will.
Limiting acts that “attack the very inviolability of human life” is the highest priority in the formation of consciences of Catholic voters, and “the Catholic commitment becomes more evident and laden with responsibility” when we face political candidates that support policies that offend “moral principles that do not admit of exception.” As we vote on November 6, we must be very clear on the positions taken by the candidates on the issues, and we must discharge our responsibilities according to the principles taught by the Church.

We must come to understand one thing.  When we vote, we must vote not only for our own good, but also for the good of all mankind.  We cannot compromise on those things which bring about evil.  If a candidate seeks to promote abortion, euthanasia, experimentation on embryos, and a disregard for life, we must not vote for him.  As I said above, if there is no perfect candidate, then we are obliged to vote for that candidate which seeks to limit the evil to the greatest extent.

I am not telling you how to vote.  But I am saying that to vote against those things which are either Catholic or open the possibility to proper Catholic action is to improperly act upon one's conscience.  The choice belongs to each one of us.  We can choose the good or we can not choose the good.  It is a simple choice, but it is not an easy choice.  We must make it, though.

Humboldt 4th Degree Exemplification 10.13.2012

Photos from 4th Degree Exemplification at St. Teresa's in Des Moines, October 13, 2012.  Congratulations Sir Knights, Lenny Paterson, Tony Luft, Andy Milam, Mark Haack and Chris Haack.

Reflections on a 4th Degree Exemplification

Yesterday, I was exemplified into the 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus.  It was a moving experience and while I cannot divulge the ceremony itself, nor would I want to, I can reflect upon the exemplification and  what it meant to me, as a Catholic and a Knight.

Archbishop John Ireland made the following remarks in 1907, at a Knights gathering, "The layman must give his strength, his time, and his energies to advance and promote the honor of the Church." His Excellency went on, "...one of the most unfortunate things for the Catholic Church in America has been the tendency of its members to to hold aloof from non-sectarian movements for the general good.  Take an active interest in the general affairs.  Do not give the impression that Catholics are a separate body -- that we seek to isolate ourselves.  We have done this too much and too long." He continued to the Knights, "...not to wait for your bishop and your priest to take the initiative, to do things yourself, as you have done but do them in greater measures."  Archbishop Ireland concluded with a reference to the Knights of Columbus as "the elite Catholic laymen," who should be models of citizen activism and leadership in the "good works of the private soldiers of the Holy Church."

As I was going through the process yesterday, I was reminded about what it means to be a faithful American citizen.  That I should hold certain truths to be self-evident.  That I should promote and support religious liberty and proper religious tolerance.  These attitudes were manifest in 1907 and they have been perpetuated until today.  I think that His Excellency's words are important.  We must take the lead in promoting patriotism and Catholicism.  There is no disconnect if done properly.  We must be Catholics in America, but we are in America.  We must promote Catholic thought as it applies to our great country.  We are part of the "great secular experiment."   As Catholics we have the ability to bring our views to the forefront, just as the Protestant does.  As Catholics, we have the ability to protect the freedoms which we have, in a totally unique way, because they don't exist anywhere else in the world.  As Archbishop Ireland requests, we can be models for good citizenship.

As I think about the Declaration of Independence, I do know and I do accept that there are certain things which are truths held to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  Those things apply to a Catholic as much as they do to a Protestant or a non-Christian or the Orthodox.

As a 4th degree Knight, I know that I can be a Catholic in America.  I can understand that my faith and patriotism are not at odds, but when approached correctly make me a stronger person.

To the Sir Knights exemplified yesterday, CONGRATULATIONS!
To the Sir Knights who exemplified us yesterday, THANK YOU!
To the Sir Knights whose ranks I have joined, IT IS AN HONOR!

Vivat Jesus!

Council #8592 Knights Exemplified yesterday:

Christopher Haack
Mark Haack
Tony Luft
Lenny Paterson (and)
Andy Milam

How to Deal with Supporters of Abortion

9 quick responses:

1. Talk about the NORMAL situation:  don’t be bogged down by specific situations.  The answers are not different, but they are more involved and take more time.  Invite them to discuss later one on one, then MOVE ON!
2. What is Abortion?  The deliberate killing of an innocent unborn human being.  It is homicide, by definition.
3. The Reason for Abortion?  Convenience.  An abortion takes place in nearly all situations because the child is not wanted.
4. A Woman has a Right to do what she wants with her own body.  Correct.  BUT the child in her womb is not her own body.  It is a separate body and has a distinct genetic make-up.
5. Because the child relies on the mother for sustenance, that does not give the mother a right to kill the child. Disabled persons and the elderly and infants are reliant on others for sustenance, is the right to kill them morally acceptable?  No.
6. A fetus is not a person.  Yes it is.  All scientific evidence points in this direction.  The genetics point to this, the only difference is the “issue of development.”  An unborn child is not as well developed as an infant who is not as well developed as a child, who is not as well developed as a teenager, who is not as well developed as an adult. Should we be allowed to kill newborns or teenagers?  No.  Therefore the logic doesn’t stand up.
7. When does the fetus become a person?  Make them prove it to you.  No line can be drawn except at conception.
8. Abortion is carefully considered, therefore it is acceptable.  No.  That is irrelevant.  Just because someone carefully considers murder doesn’t make murder acceptable.
9. It’s a personal choice, “I don’t agree….but…”  Yes it is a personal choice, but not all personal choices are acceptable.  Are evil personal choices ok?

Meaning of the Emblem

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS EMBLEM

 The emblem of the Order dates from the second Supreme Council meeting of May 12, 1883 when it was designed by James T. Mullen who was then the Supreme Knight. 

The emblem contains a shield mounted upon a Formee Cross.  The shield is associated with medieval knights.  The Formee Cross represents a traditional artistic design of the Cross of Christ through which all graces of redemption were procured for mankind.  This then represents the Catholic spirit o the Order.   

Mounted on the shield are a fasces standing vertically and crossed behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword.  The fasces, a bundle of white birch rods, is symbolic of authority which must exist in any tightly bonded and efficiently operating organization.  The anchor is the mariner’s symbol for Columbus, patron of the Order.  The sword was the weapon of the knight when engaged upon an errand of mercy.  The shield expresses Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action and with the letters K of C, it proclaims this specific form of activity. 

The red, white and blue in the background of the shield and the foreground of the Cross of Malta are the colors of our country.  Red is the symbol of hope, of calm tranquility under God and of confidence in the protection of our country.  White is the symbol of nobility of purpose, of purity of aim and of crucible—tried ideas to be carried out. 

The ecclesiastical symbolism in which red becomes the reflection of the drips of Christ’s redemptive blood shed upon Calvary, and of the martyr’s blood shed in the defense of the faith 

Red is the symbol of Faith, of belief in Christ, in the Redemption and in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.  White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God’s Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God has for man and the overwhelming affection which God has for each individual.  White is the symbol of Christ-like charity.  Blue is the color of Our Lady’s mantle in which she wrapped her  beloved Son through Whom came salvation to a sinful world.  Blue is the symbol of hope.

Officer Roles in the Council

Officers Responsibilities

	Grand Knight - The Grand Knight is the top ranking officer of the Council. He oversees all of the Council's activities and is elected by the members of the Council. Some of his duties include presiding over meetings, countersigning orders and checks, reading vouchers and notices relative to the Fourth Degree. His jewel is an Anchor which is suspended from a purple ribbon. The Anchor is indicative of Admiral Christopher Columbus and has also been a variant form of the Cross for centuries. The Grand Knight's ceremonial officer robe is royal purple. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe and a purple mantle with white roll collar.
	Chaplain - The Chaplain provides spiritual guidance and direction to the Council. The Chaplain is selected by the Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight and the three Trustees on an annual basis in accordance with the rules of the Bishop of the diocese. His jewel is  the Isabella Cross in silver and blue suspended from a black ribbon. The Chaplain's Ceremonial Office Robe is black with black trimming and a yoke with white projecting collar. The cincture is black with silver fringe.
	Deputy Grand Knight - The Deputy Grand Knight is second ranking officer of the Council and is elected by the members of the Council. He shall preside in the absence or inability of the Grand Knight. His jewel is the Compass, also known as the Compass of Virtue, suspended from a purple ribbon, with the four main points representing Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The 32 points around the outside of the compass represent the virtues which a man can possess. The compass is an important tool in navigation. The Deputy Grand Knight's ceremonial officer robe is royal purple. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe.
	Chancellor - The Chancellor is the third highest ranking officer of the Council and is elected by the members of the Council. The Chancellor shall assist the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight in the performance of their duties and shall take charge during the incapacity or extended absence of both. He shall exercise a special interest in new members and members who are sick or in distress. His jewel is the Skull and Crossed Bones on the Isabella Cross and is suspended from a black over white ribbon. The Crossed Bones remind us of our immortality. The Chancellor’s ceremonial officer robe is black robe trimmed with white. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe and a black mantle with white roll collar.
	Recorder - The Recorder keeps the minutes of the meeting and the historical records for the Council. He is elected by the Council members. In the absence of the Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, and Chancellor the Recorder will run the meeting. Also, he is responsible for the correspondence of the Council as directed by the Grand Knight. The Recorder's jewel is Crossed Quill Pens suspended from a white over yellow ribbon. The Quill pens are symbolic of his record keeping functions of the Scribe. The Recorder's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with black. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe.
	Financial Secretary - The Financial Secretary handles all of the financial transaction record keeping. This includes issuing and collecting bills, issuing membership cards, etc. The Financial Secretary is appointed by the Supreme Knight and is compensated in a manner approved by the Board of Directors. His jewel is the Quill Pen (record-keeper) and the Key (money, safe-keeping, and secrecy) crossed and is suspended from a white over yellow ribbon. This symbolizes his record keeping functions of the financial matters of the Council. The Financial Secretary's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with black. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe.
	Treasurer - The Treasurer is responsible for the funds of the Council as is elected by the members of the Council. His duties include such functions as maintaining bank accounts and issuing checks based on receipts turned in by the Financial Secretary. His jewel is Crossed Keys, which represents responsibility for the safe keeping of the funds, suspended from a blue ribbon. The Treasurer's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with black. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe.
	Lecturer - The Lecturer is responsible for the entertainment at the Knights of Columbus meetings and functions. He is selected by the Grand Knight on an annual basis. His jewel consists of the Scroll over the Lyre suspended from a white over blue ribbon. The Scroll and Lyre represent Literature and Music. The Lecturer's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with national blue. He wears a blue cincture with silver fringe.
	Advocate - The Advocate is the Chief Legal Officer for the Council as is elected by the members of the Council. His jewel consists of a Scroll and Sword suspended from a yellow ribbon. The Scroll represents the legal literature and law and the Sword represents his authority to enfore those Laws. The Advocate's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with golden yellow. He wears a yellow cincture with silver fringe.
	Warden - The Warden assures that all members at meetings possess the current membership card and is elected by the members of the council. He is custodian of all Council property except funds and is in charge of properly setting up the Council Chamber. He directs the activities of the Inside and Outside Guards. His jewel consists of Axe bound by Fasces and is suspended from a red over black ribbon. Guards or protectors of Roman Magistrates generally carried the Axe and Fasces as a sign of Authority. The Warden's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with scarlet. He wears a scarlet cincture with silver fringe.
	Inside & Outside Guards - The Inside and Outside Guards each have the same symbol for their jewel. They are in charge of security at the meetings and are to assist the Warden as needed. The jewel for the Guards consists of an Crossed Axes and Key, representing their authority as sentries at the door, is suspended from a white ribbon. The Guard's ceremonial officer robe is grey with a yoke, trimmed with black. He wears a black cincture with silver fringe.
	Trustees - There are three Trustees in each Council, titled as 1 Year Trustee, 2 Year Trustee, and 3 Year Trustee. They oversee the financial transactions of the Council, review all bills and financial reports and audit the Council's financial records semi-annually. Their jewel is the Crossed Key and Sword, which represents their financial authority, is suspended from a green ribbon. The Trustee’s ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with green. He wears a green cincture with silver fringe.
	District Deputy - The District Deputy is the representative of the Supreme Knight and the State Deputy and is responsible for the supervision, growth and expansion, and general care and well-being of the councils assigned to his district. His responsibilities include ensuring that his councils follow the Order’s laws and rules, promoting effective membership recruitment and retention programs, identifying and developing new council locations, assisting councils to conduct relevant service programs, and monitoring the general financial and social health of the councils in his district. The District Deputy is directly reportable to the State Deputy for all activities within the district and fulfills the very important communication link between the State and Supreme Councils and local councils. The duties of the District Deputy are many and varied. The District Deputy is responsible for the supervision of the councils in his district and for the enforcement of the laws and rules of the Order. It is his duty to see that council officers understand their duties and responsibilities. He must ensure that all council officers, especially the Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer, follow the proper procedures in the collections of funds and ensure the council officers understand and follow the proper billing procedures of the Notice of Intent to Suspend retention program. He shall install the officer’s of each council in his district and present any awards to the council at an appropriate ceremony or occasion. He should ensure that councils conduct active year-round membership recruitment programs and that councils have an active retention committee. He should assess potential new council development sites and promote the Order’s insurance program. He shall ensure that each council is offering active community, council, church, youth and family programs. The District Deputy has the power to declare an office in a subordinate council vacant in the event the officer fails or refuses to perform the responsibilities of his office.

Working Together: Pro-life signage becomes joint project in Humboldt

HUMBOLDT – New pro-life signs were recently installed on the north and east sides of Humboldt to present motorists a life-affirming message as they enter and leave the city.
The process for getting the signs began with Bruce Reimers after he travelled to Emmetsburg and saw similar signs. In time other pro-life signs were placed in Manson and that led them to contact the Knights of Columbus who were responsible for the signs in that community.
Reimers took information back to his church, Zion Lutheran Church LCMS.  They got on board with the idea, but wanted to share the project and cost with the Catholic Church as well as the other ecclesial communions in the area.
According to Andy Milam, pro-life chair of the St. Mary's Knights of Columbus #8592, they fully supported the concept and quickly decided that they would support it in any way they could.  Eventually, the cost was shared completely between St. Mary's and Zion Lutheran.
“This process has been a great example of interreligious dialogue.  Zion Lutheran and St. Mary's have a common goal and that is to protect and make aware that the unborn are innocent and have a right to life,” he said. “There is no disagreement or theological difference on the concept.”
From a Catholic point of view, Milam said they look at this as continuing the Catholic mandate that all life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death. He referred to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life."  (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2270)
He also cited: "Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law: You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish." (CCC 2271 and  Didache 2,2:SCh 248,148)
Because this work is so important, Milam said that is what motivated the Catholics and Lutherans to work together on this project “because some issues should be based on our common heritage as Christians.”
The Knight said that the morality of this joint action is simple to understand – no one has the right to take the life of an innocent person. He stressed, the unborn child is innocent.
Milam called it a joy to work with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
“We hope that going forward we will be able to collaborate again on programs which promote proper interreligious dialogue,” he said.

First Sunday

As a gentle reminder to the Knights....please wear your KC shirts this weekend.  It's the first Sunday of the month!  Thanks.

Bishop Paprocki: Speaking About the Upcoming Vote

This is an important issue for practical Catholics.  We must heed the words of our bishops.  While they may not be infallible statements, they should be afforded all manner of respect and consideration as Catholics.

Bishop Paprocki has a very clear and balanced view of the issues Catholics face in the next election.

Prospective 4th Degree and 4th Degree Knights

Brother Knights,

If you happen to be in the market for a tuxedo, I  have a strong recommendation for you.  Contact Kim at Floral Creations in Humboldt.  She can arrange for a wool two-button tuxedo with cummerbund, bow tie, cuff links and lay down collar for under $200.  It is $160 plus tax and shipping.

This is by far the best deal that I've found and it is good to keep business in town if possible.  If you look in our links section, I have placed her information there.  Please strongly consider Kim for this.  Thanks.

AMDG+

Who is Jesus Christ, To Me?

Today at Holy Mass, Fr. Tigges challenged each and every person to ask and reflect on "Who is Jesus Christ, to me?"

For the Catholic person, this is not a difficult question.  Because we are Catholic, the Church gives a clear, concise and perfect answer as to who Jesus Christ is.

Jesus Christ is God made man.

That may seem like a very simple answer and it is.  But it is the most perfect answer, because it directly, clearly and properly answers the question.  Many will say there has to be more than that.  Many will say that He is this or He is that.  And that is all opinion.  But in essence and in reality, Jesus Christ is God made man.

Some may ask why is Jesus God?  Jesus Christ is God, because He is the only Son of God, having the same Divine nature as His Father.  Some may ask, why is Jesus man?  Jesus Christ is man, because He is the son of the Blessed Virgin Mary and has a body and soul like ours.  Others may ask since Jesus is part of the Blessed Trinity, He must be more than one person, right?  No.  Jesus Christ is only one Person; and that Person is the second Person of the Blessed Trinity.  It gets a little more complicated, but as questions keep getting asked, the answers around Jesus remain simple in answer.  Jesus Christ has two natures: the nature of God and the nature of man.  This is because He is the Son of God and He is the son of the Blessed Virgin.

As we continue to look at who Jesus is, we must understand that Jesus was not always man.  He became man at the time of the Incarnation.  Some will ask, what is meant by the Incarnation?  By the Incarnation is meant that the Son of God, retaining His Divine nature, took to Himself a human nature, that is, a body and soul like ours.  The next question often asked is how was He made man?  The Son of God was conceived and made man by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  When did this happen?  The Son of God was conceived and made man on Annunciation Day, the day on which the Angel Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the Mother of God.  When was Jesus Christ born?  Christ was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Christmas Day, in Bethlehem, more than two thousand years ago.

When we look to who is Jesus, this is the easiest answer.  It is also the most complete.  There is a misconception in today's world that there must be some deep theological and philosophical answer.  That isn't the case.  The best answer is the most simple.  When Catholics look to answer the question, "Who is Jesus Christ, to me?"  He can answer that in solidarity with all other Catholics in the world and say with all confidence and right thinking, Jesus Christ is God made man.

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Religious Liberty...

This week’s look into the Knights of Columbus is understanding what His Excellency, William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore and Supreme Chaplain recently said regarding Religious Liberty.

Archbishop Lori states, “According to the perspective of the administration and editorialists, the Church’s freedom extends only to worship, preaching and teaching. It does not extend to putting its teachings into practice through its own institutions when they hire or serve people of other faiths. But when freedom is reduced to individuals choosing whatever they want, so long as it’s a choice condoned by the government, religious liberty is severely limited…And the Church’s assertion that it is free to run its own institutions according to its own values, even when these are countercultural, is roundly rejected by pundits and power brokers.”

His Excellency’s critique of the current administration is spot on.  Our forefathers spoke clearly and distinctly about our right to be able to function according to our own religious understanding without government interference.  We have been severely challenged in this area by the healthcare mandate which was recently passed.  It affects Catholics in a special way because it defies our teaching and our belief in the immorality of birth control and abortion.

Signs are going up on the 4 main entrances to Humboldt.  They will speak to the importance of protecting life at conception.  Along with Zion Lutheran Church LCMS, St. Mary’s has made a concerted effort through the Knights of Columbus and Women of Spirit (formerly known as the Ladies’ Society) to make it known that we must stand up to the evils of the healthcare mandate in the form of abortion.

Part of our mission of being “In Service to One, In Service to All” is that we must be patriots.  We have the right as Catholics in America to practice our Faith freely and without reservation or fear of reprisal from the government.  We are not only to worship, but we are to live our lives not as American Catholics, but as Catholics in America.  It is our Catholic faith which helps to make us good citizens and good stewards of this great country we live in, not binding ourselves to the secular world first.  Please look to our website, www.humboldtkofc.org  May God Keep you close.

Prayer Requests

Hello All,

I have added a prayer request page in lieu of a guestbook.  Part of the responsibility of the Knights of Columbus is to pray for the individuals of St. Mary's, the parish church, and Holy Mother Church.

If you have any prayer requests that you would like the Knights to pray for, please add them to the board.  They will remain in perpetuity, but they will be offered as soon as they are seen.

Thanks for this important apostolate.

4th Degree Exemplification

Knights of Columbus

Fourth Degree

IOWA DISTRICT - FATHER PADILLA PROVINCE

DES MOINES EXEMPLIFICATION

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2012

St. Theresa Parish

1230 MERLE HAY ROAD, DES MOINES, IOWA

HONOREE – STATE DEPUTY JOSEPH RAMIREZ

Registration - School Gym 12:45 – 1:35 PM

Exemplification 1:45 – 3:45 PM

Photo Opportunity 3:45 – 4:00 PM

Equipment Teardown 4:00 – 4:20 PM

Mass 4:30 – 5:30 PM

Knighting - Church 5:30 – 5:45 PM

Social 5:45 – 6:30 PM

Banquet 6:30 – 9:00 PM

Now is the time to begin recruiting candidates for this exemplification. This class in the
central part of Iowa provides easy access for all Third Degree Brother Knights. Let us
continue to grow the Fourth Degree by adding new members and new assemblies like we
have over the past several years.

The exemplification fee is set at $70 by Supreme. It provides the candidate with a Fourth
Degree pin, social baldric, class certificate and banquet ticket. It also covers the fee required
by Supreme. The candidates are required to wear a black tuxedo, white tux shirt with
regular collar, black cummerbund, black shoes and socks. The Military, Police and Fire
Personal are allowed to where their formal uniform.

Any Third Degree Knight is eligible to join the Fourth Degree if he has been a First Degree
member of the Knights of Columbus for six (6) months. Just complete a Fourth Degree
Membership Document with all signatures (candidate, proposer, financial secretary, faithful
navigator and faithful comptroller). Send the document and a check for $70 (plus any
additional banquet tickets @ $18.00) made out to “Pat O’Keefe, Master” and mail to:

Francis E. Schlueter

District Secretary

452 NW 70th Place

Ankeny, IA 50023-9536

All Fourth Degree members are urged to attend the banquet to show your support for the
new members. Order your tickets from Francis at the above address with your check
payable to “Pat O’Keefe, Master.” For additional information, call Pat at 515-253-0551 or
Francis at 515-289-1877. Banquet Ticket Deadline – October 8, 2012

Don’t delay; we need you NOW to replenish those who have gone before us and move
forward with even greater acts of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

A Prayer...

In your prayers for the next few days, please keep our Grand Knight, Dick Danielson in your prayers.  He had an episode today and was taken by EMS to Rochester, MN.

It is our hope that Dick's recovery is swift!

Ave, Pater, Gloria.

Pro-Life Stance

This week’s look into the Knights of Columbus is a look into a very important position that the Knights have and that is the Pro-life issue.  The Catholic Church is very clear in her teaching about what the  Catholic person is to accept regarding this most important issue of our time.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that all life is sacred from conception to natural death.  There are many facets to this, not just the two major issues that most latch on to, abortion and the death penalty.

The Church teaches regarding life, “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2270)

The Knights are very clear and consistent with Holy Mother Church when speaking of the human person, we understand that the right to live is something that God freely gives and that we are participants in.  That is why the term procreation is used.  Because God freely gives this gift to human persons, we have the obligation to maintain that dignity throughout our lives and to defend it as we would defend anything that God gives to us.  

As we (Catholics) continue to look into the issues that face our day, we must come to understand that by protecting human life we are acting in a truly free and liberating manner.  We are opening the door to fully accepting the gifts that God gives to us.   This has been a clear and consistent teaching of the Church from the beginning of the Church until today.  As such, we Catholics (from the smallest child to the most prominent Catholic in the land), are bound to accept and defend this teaching as a matter of faith and morals.  In other words, this is an infallible teaching of the Church and necessary for our salvation.  For further reading please refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church #2258-2330.  May God keep you close.

Andy Milam

1 Year Trustee

Council 8592

Introduction

Greetings St. Mary’s Parishioners,

My name is Andy Milam.  I am a Trustee with Council #8592 St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus.   The Knights will be posting to the bulletin regularly about various activities and events coming up, as well as some history and spirituality of the Knights of Columbus.  I hope that you will find the posts to be informative, entertaining and educational.

The motto of the Knights of Columbus is “In Service to One, In Service to All.”  That really does embody what the Knights are all about.  We are charged with serving the parish of St. Mary’s, but we are also charged with serving Holy Mother Church.  We accomplish this in a number of ways, most visibly through our service efforts as well as our participation in life of the parish, both fiscally and spiritually.

We can’t do this alone though.  We need men who are willing to join the Knights and keep our membership growing.   It may sound a little strange to hear this, but it is not an overbearing commitment, but it is one of the most important commitments a Catholic layman can make.  In no other way can a Catholic layman promote Catholic values and Catholic virtue in a more visible way.  Please consider joining the Knights of Columbus.  You can talk to any Knight and they will be able to help you with information.

Over the next weeks, I will be posting on the history, the example and the spirituality of the Knights.  We are here to serve you and we are here to serve Holy Mother Church.  May God Keep you close.