Thursday, December 31, 2009

The 50th Run of the Silver Rose

From the Supreme's website:
After Hand-Off on the Mexico-US Border, the Final of Leg of the 50th “Running of the Silver Rose” Begins.

Laredo, TX – Three silver roses were exchanged on the International Bridge on the border between the United States and Mexico, on Thursday. It is the first in a series of events sponsored by the Knights of Columbus to commemorate the 50th running of the silver rose and the 478th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12.

The “Running of the Silver Rose” began in 1960 as an initiative of the members of the Columbian Squires, the youth arm of the Knights of Columbus. The roses, symbols of unity among the peoples in the Americas, are also symbols of the pro-life movement of which the Knights is heavily involved. The program’s devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe stems from the fact that she is considered the patroness of the pro-life movement.

The roses began their journey in Canada last May, and spent the last six months traveling throughout the western, central, and eastern corridors of North America, with Knights of Columbus from Canada to Mexico carrying them from destination to destination.



On the morning of December 10th, runners carrying the roses began the final leg of the 50th “Running of the Silver Rose.” Their journey will conclude in Mexico City at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday where the roses will be presented to Our Lady.

Each part of the bouquet has an important meaning. The five roses (one of the three is a bouquet of three roses) represent the five decades in which this tradition has been in place. The seven guides carrying the roses represent the sacraments of the Catholic faith and the ways to approach God. The thorns represent all the efforts and sacrifices of the Columbian Squires and Knights of Columbus along the way. And the strong stem represents faith.

Also in attendance at these events is Monsignor Eduardo Chavez, postulator for the cause for canonization of St. Juan Diego to whom Our Lady appeared on that fateful day in 1531. Msgr. Chavez recently co-authored a New York Times best selling book with Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson entitled: Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love, which reached number 6 on the bestseller list this August. (For more information on the book, visit guadalupebook.com )

Last August, the Knights of Columbus also sponsored the first ever International Marian Congress devoted entirely to Our Lady of Guadalupe this summer in Phoenix, AZ. The congress was preceded by the Knights’ 127th annual convention and was followed by the Guadalupe Festival which brought more than 20,000 faithful to the Jobing.com arena (For more information visit mariancongress.org or guadalupefestival.org).

For more information on the history and origins of the “Running of the Silver Rose” as well as more detailed information about this weekend’s events, please visit runningoftherose.org.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

PIUS XII (CONT'D)

One of the greatest and most exhaustive documents I have come accross which completely exonerates Pope Pius XII from the slanderous and libelous accusations which have been cast against Pius XII by communists and their fellow travelers over the course of the last forty years is this piece written by Monsignor Stephen M. DiGiovanni, H.E.D.

See link here: http://www.catholicleague.org/pius/piusnyt/bio.htm

I strongly suggest that everyone read it in full. You will be shocked at just how false the whole notion of "Hitler's Pope" is. Msgr. DiGiovanni documents how of all sources, the New York Times, between '45 and '60 chronicled just what Pope Pius XII did during the war years to combat nazism throughout the world and save as many Jewish lives as he could while at the same time not recklessly endangering the lives of Catholics in occupied territory. Afterall, the Catholic Church alone lost more than 3 million souls during the Holocaust. Pius XII was nothing short of a hero. In short, the idea of "Hitler's Pope" was first maliciously invented by the Soviets during the '50's as a means to deligitimize the Church in the Soviet's attempt to spread its tenacles around the world and solidify its control of Eastern Europe. The more you actually learn about Pius XII the more you realize that Western liberal elites like that smear merchant Cornwell have done nothing more than pick up where the Soviets left off in order to deligitimize Pre-Conciliar Catholicism.

Natus est nobis Salvator Mundi!


May this post greet each of you this Christmas season with all the love and kindness that God has bestowed in us through His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Even in the darkness and gloom and despair of the times, let us not fall victim to the desolation of secularism.
Let us remember why we celebrate Christmas: Natus est nobis Salvator Mundi! The Savior of the world is born! Though we are all sinners, especially me most of all; God has never once abandoned us. Yet we abandon Him, on a daily basis. I know I do. May He give us the grace not to focus on the secular giving of gifts but rather the sprititual giving of our hearts to God, and our helping hand to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and most importantly to our priests. Let us pray that God provides us with holy seminarians that will become holy priests, that he restores the priests we have to their steadfastness in leading the faithfull according to the true teachings and traditions of Holy Mother Church and that he keeps them of sound mind and health to fullfill their ordained mission on earth; the care of our souls. Let us also pray for the continuing worldwide propagation of the Tridentine Mass and hope for the conversion of our protestant brethren and especially the muslims. Lastly let us ask for the strength and courage to stand alongside our Holy Mother Church and defend Her daily, and to withstand the assaults of Her enemies; God's enemies, so that on the day of our testing we shall not flinch but look evil in the eye and wield our knightly swords beheading that which is evil!
May God's blessings be present with you all. Merry Christ's Mass!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Christmas Parade in Dunn

Here it is folks, the moment we all have been waiting for. The Christmas Parade! Without further delay here are the pictures.



Putting the finishing touches on her before setting sail!

waiting for the parade to start, lined up and ready to go!





Group shot!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Cutting down excuses via Tradition

The Mass explained










The Beauty of Tradition





Such Beauty and splendor. Vere dignum et justum est.


Gratias a Dominus, pro Motu Proprio "Summorum Pontificum" et Papum Nostrum Benedictum XVI


EXULTATE!!!!!!! JUBILATE!!!!!!!!!!
Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Benedictum XVI,
Dominus conservet eum et not tradat eum in manus inimicorum suorum.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thanksgiving Day



I noticed this sign the other day posted by our lost brethren. It made me think of the Holy Eucharist and Holy Mass. That indeed is something that we as Catholics should be thankful for. It is my understanding that protestants "celebrate" the remembrance of the Last Supper. However they do not partake of the full benefits that we as Catholics are quite privy too, if we are in a state of grace. They ignorantly deny His Real Presence. This "community thanksgiving dinner" is what we Catholic's call the Holy Mass. Convert and experience the Real Presence. Then you shall see the way, the truth, the light: Jesus Christ. And upon completion of conversion you too can share in the 2000 year tradition and graces only found in Holy Mother Church. Why settle for a fake. Would you waste your money on a fake Rolex or a fake BMW or Mercedes. Nope! I would rather invest in something real and tangible like the Catholic faith because when your soul is on the line, you might want to be right.


The Holy Mass is the highest form of worship. It is the sacrifice of Calvary renewed. One mass gives God more praises and thanksgiving, make more atonement for sin, and pleads more eloquently than does the combined and eternal worship of all the souls in heaven, earth and in purgatory. The Tridentine Mass especially, although it is often scoffed at because of its use of Latin. People freeze and get scared. They only have to learn enough Latin to understand whats going on. I mean that's why a Missal was produced. You can buy one for personal study, or use the church's. It may seem overwhelming, but it is so beautiful. More that than touchy feely, holding hands during the Our Father, desecration of a mass: Novus Ordo. In the words of my fellow Traditional Catholic, the Caveman:


"This Mass (Tridentine) goes back 1,500 years. You can't get much more traditional than that. This is the Mass whose roots, the words of Consecration itself, goes all the way back to the exact words used by Sts. Peter and Paul when they preached in pagan Rome.





This is the Mass that inspired Catholic Warriors to defend Christendom at the Battle of Lepanto, the Battle of Vienna, during the Holy Crusades, etc. This is the Mass that strengthened centuries upon centuries of martyrs as they were led away to be beheaded, burned or have their guts slit open and their insides ripped out... all for the high crime of being Catholic."








In the Holy Mass, it IS Jesus Christ, God as well as Man, who is our intercessor, our Priest, and our Victim. Jesus is truly present in body, soul and divinity. In about the 700th year of Our Lord, in a monestary, a priest of the Order of St. Basil was celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Tridentine form. He had been suffering from the recurring doubts concerning the mystery of transubstantiation (the changing of the bread and wine to the body and blood of Christ). After he spoke the solemn words of consecration the host was suddenly changed into a circle of flesh and the wine transformed into blood. Many verification of this miricle have been performed. the most recent was in 1971 where in a detailed medical and scientific terminology the conclusion was held that: the flesh was indentified as striated muscular tissue of the myocardium (heart wall) having no trace whatsoever of materials or agents used to preserve the flesh from decay. Both the flesh and blood were found to be of human origin and classified as type AB. This is the miracle of Lanciano. The relics are in Church of St. Francis, Lanciano Italy.




We as Catholics have the benefit of attending mass everyday of the week for as long as we have priests. Unlike the protestants who cut themselves off from the benefits of the Mass. Let us pray for their conversion, and for the souls of those in purgatory. Nobody would think about them, but they are there. I bet if they could they would assist in the conversion of their protestant family members, for their sake and the sake of those living outside of the graces of Holy Mother Chuch. I'm sure we haven't heard this enough but we need to pray for our priests, and for our future priests the seminarians. We need more Holy, devout, traditional priests to serve the Tridentine Mass.


Thanksgiving although it is known as a federal holiday is not a holiday. Since 1621, when the Plymouth colonists and their native neighbors shared their first thanksgiving feast, people have gathered to give thanks. Thanksgiving is the very first national "holiday", proclaimed by President George Washington in 1789 as “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. President Abraham Lincoln revived the Thanksgiving tradition during the Civil War. He asked God to “heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union. A Holiday refers to a Holy Day of Obligation in which Holy Mother Church mandates that we are obliged to attend Mass. Let us this year show our thanks to God for all that he has provided for us, and shall continue to provide for us. Let us pray for our servicemen overseas, or nation, and its political leaders that they shall make decisions that are just but also morally adventageous. Especially from a Catholic standpoint. Most importantly let us be thankful for being Catholic and being able to worship via Holy Mass in the Latin rite.



Thank You God for giving us priests that are dedicated to the propogation of the Tridentine Mass! Provide us with an abundance of priests of like dedication.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Dunn's annual Christmas Parade

This Year Council 9001 invested in constructing a float for our "Keep Christ in Christmas" progam where we participate in the City of Dunn's Christmas Parade. THE PARADE WILL START AROUND 3PM ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 5TH. WE WILL BE FLOAT NUMBER 35.
We are treating you to an inside peak on construction and launch of our 'Santa Maria'. Enjoy. Those interesting in viewing the parade will be able to see from the church parking lot!




Training Day for Teddie!


Gerald sneaking off to the laser guided saw.


She may not float, but it's looking good!


profile shot


Day 2 of construction. 2 coats of Dark Oak stain, and a high speed sail with a Crusader Cross. Almost ready to set sail and bring a lot of Catholicism to the streets of Dunn.


Day 3 of construction. Wheeling her out and starting up!


Custom made sign, by Frazzee's Trophy shop in Dunn. The one stop shop for all your creative designs. Quality work!


Added some wave accents!


Profile of finished paint job.


Testing out the flag pole and pulley system! HAHAHA! We won't fly this flag during the parade. Ladies and Gents we WILL fly the Vatican flag on this vessel. That's right! Even though we will probably still get confused with the triple k's. Or the Three musketteers.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Poland Defends Right to Keep Crucifixes in Schools



Friday, November 13, 2009
from Fox News:

WARSAW, Poland — Heavily Catholic Poland has joined the Vatican in criticizing a European court ruling against the display of crucifixes in Italian schools.

Polish President Lech Kaczynski said his country will never agree to remove crosses from its schools.

The Nov. 3 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights does not require that Poland remove the crosses that hang in most public schools. It could, however, eventually force a review of the use of religious symbols in government-run school across Europe.

The decision touched a nerve in Poland, where religious symbols were banned from public buildings under communist rule but embraced with the return to democracy 20 years ago as an expression of national sovereignty.

During Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday in Warsaw, Kaczynski said that "nobody in Poland will accept the message that you can't hang crosses in schools."

"One shouldn't count on that. Perhaps elsewhere, but never in Poland," said Kaczynski.

Lech Walesa, the pro-democracy dissident and former president — himself a believer who often wears a pin of St. Mary on his lapel — also defended his country's right to display a symbol central to the nation's Christian heritage.

"Minorities must know their place," Walesa said on Thursday during an interview with a TVN24 television station. "We must respect minorities but also protect the rights of the majority."

About 90 percent of Poles are Catholic, and regular church attendance today remains much higher than in more secular Western Europe.

Poles' strong identification with the church goes back centuries but in recent decades has been strengthened by Polish-born Pope John Paul II, who led the church for 27 years until his death in 2005.

The Vatican has also denounced the European court's ruling.

Go Poland! If only we could collectively tell Mr. Obama the same thing. We want change alright, just not the social-nazi-ism that he is trying to give us. There is one thing he will learn, don't mess with the Vatican!

Supreme Knight Receives Rome’s ‘Lupa Capitolina’ Award

This just in from Supreme's website:

The mayor of Rome bestowed a prominent honor on Supreme Knight Carl Anderson in recognition of the Order's long-standing contributions to the city.

In honor of nearly 90 years of service by the Knights of Columbus in Rome, the city honored the head of the Order with its ‘Lupa Capitolina’ award October 28.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson received the award from Rome’s mayor, Giovanni Alemanno, Wednesday, October 28.


“I am honored to receive this award from the City of Rome for the great work the Knights of Columbus have done there for nearly a century,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “As both the ,‘ eternal city’ and the center of the Catholic Church, Rome has a special place in the hearts of the Knights of Columbus, and we look forward to another 90 years of service in this great city.”

The Knights have been active in Rome since 1920, when a delegation of Knights led by the then Supreme Knight James Flaherty met with Pope Benedict XV. The Pontiff encouraged the Knights to expand their work in Rome.

Later that decade, the Knights opened several recreational facilities use by the youth of Rome. An additional facility was opened in the 1950s.

Today, the Knights continue to operate four of these facilities, which are regularly used by the young residents of Rome. In 1965, the grounds of one of the facilities was donated by the Order for the construction of a papal audience hall, where the pope regularly receives pilgrims visiting the Eternal City.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veterans Day

We here at Council 9001 would like to honor our veterans. Those that died to keep this country free from tyranny. Those who gave their lives so that we can in turn stab them in their backs and undo the very thing they gave their lives up for. Thank you Mr. President for attempting to make the sacrifices that my brother warriors made many years ago null and void, with your sympathetic political correctness mumbo jumbo. Or as you would have it your muslim call to prayer.
We pray for the souls of the 14 victims killed in Ft. Hood by the Muslim Terrorist Nidal Hassan.
They are:
Capt. John P. Gaffaney, 54, of San Diego, Calif., assigned to the 1908th Medical Company, Independence, Mo.

Capt. Russell Seager, 41, of Racine, Wis., assigned to the 467th Medical Company, Madison, Wis.

Staff Sgt. Justin Decrow, 32, of Plymouth, Ind., assigned to the 16th Signal Company, Fort Hood, Texas.

Sgt. Amy Krueger, 29, of Kiel, Wis., assigned to the 467th Medical Company, Madison, Wis.

Spc. Jason Hunt, 22, of Tillman, Okla., assigned to the 1st Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Spc. Frederick Greene, 29, of Mountain City, Tenn., assigned to the 16th Signal Company, Fort Hood, Texas.

Pfc. Aaron Nemelka, 19, of West Jordan, Utah., assigned to the 510th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas.

Pfc. Michael Pearson, 22, of Bolinbrook, Ill., assigned to the 510th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas.

Spc. Kham Xiong, 23, of St. Paul, Minn., assigned to the 510th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas.

Pvt. Francheska Velez, 21, of Chicago, Ill., assigned to the 15th Combat Support Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas.

The unborn child of Francheska Velez.

Mr. Michael Cahill of Cameron, Texas., a civilian employee on Fort Hood.

Whether you, Mr. President want to admit it or not. Islam has no part in the founding of this country. Catholicism has deeper and stronger roots, and beat out protestants sects long before they ever attempted to set sail on the high seas. The Spanish and Portugese fleets were already here before they knew what hit them. And what do you suppose they brought with them on those ships? Thats right, priests. Good ole Catholic Priests that converted many natives to Catholicism. There were no muslims anywhere in the foundations of this continent, nor in this country. This is a Christian nation despite your fantasy that it is a "muslim nation".



God bless our Armed Forces.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Upcomming event: Christmas Parade and Seminarian dinner

On saturday December 5th council 9001will participate in the City of Dunn Christmas parade! The float is under construction. Help us to keep Christ in Christmas and bring a lot of Catholicism to the streets of Harnett County.

Since Holy Father proclaimed this the year of the priest; on december 12th the council will have a seminarian appreciation dinner. We will honor our future priests and show them we care. Tickets will be sold by knights this month at each mass. The cost is $7.00 the menu will consist of spaghetti and salad. We will also receive payment at the door. The dinner will take place after the 5:30pm mass. Proceeds will fund the seminarian scholarship (RSVP) to assist them financialy. If you would like to know more about our sponsored seminarian Brennan Buckler please see our Chancellor of vocations Eddie Sopp. Please help us show our support to our future priests.

All Souls Day

Father Celebrating Mass of All Souls















Please pray for the Soul of my grandmother Guadalupe Aguilar who just passed away on All Saints Eve.




For all the souls of the faithfully departed;

REQUIEM aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Fathers For Good

Fathers For Good

Posted using ShareThis

Knights Celebrate Fifth Anniversary of Pro-life Retreat Center with New Stained-glass Window


From Supreme's site:

The Knights of Columbus, together with the Sisters of Life, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of the dedication of Villa Maria Guadalupe, an international pro-life retreat center.

In addition to a votive Mass to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a new stained-glass window of the Virgin of Tepeyac was unveiled and dedicated.

Located in rural Stamford, Conn., Villa Maria Guadalupe is a collaborative effort of the Knights of Columbus and the Sisters of Life. Dedicated Oct. 20, 2004, the Villa Maria sponsors a variety of retreats and events in an effort to build and foster a Culture of Life.

Its mission is to be a place of healing, hope and renewal for all who seek to know and live the Gospel of Life.

John Cardinal O’Connor, former archbishop of New York and founder of the Sisters of Life, had a longing for such a retreat center. As a champion of the unborn, he sought the creation of such a facility where the true love and peace of Christ could be sought and experienced, away from contentious and political dimensions that often characterize the pro-life movement.

The rest, quiet and prayer at Villa Maria Guadalupe strengthens retreatants, deepens their spiritual lives and helps them to more fully be “people of life and for life.”

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

R.S.V.P

REFUND SUPPORT VOCATION PROGRAM
Our council not only supports our seminarians with motivational things like letters, phone calls and kind words of encouragement and appreciation, prayers for his devout vocation and steadfastness to the truths of our faith. Every year we help with a little gift of good ole American greenbacks as well. We show our support of the R.S.V.P. program sponsored by Supreme and we always invite our seminarians over for the holidays like around Christmas and surprise him with a donation from the council but also from our own pockets. We pool our money together and give him an additional gift on top of the $500.00 from the R.S.V.P check. We are glad to have them serve at Mass, and treat him for his special sacrifice to the Diocese. In short he returns back to his studies recharged and ready to one day be called Father.

We will be planning future events to help raise money in support of vocations, so keep tuned in!

Rosary devotion before mass

"Say the Rosary every day... Pray, pray a lot and offer sacrifices for sinners... I'm Our Lady of the Rosary. Only I will be able to help you. ...In the end My Immaculate Heart will triumph." Our Lady at Fatima
Our Lady has revealed to several people that each time they say a Hail Mary they are giving her a beautiful rose and that each complete Rosary makes her a crown of roses. T he word Rosary means "Crown of Roses". The Holy Rosary is considered a perfect prayer because within it lays the awesome story of our salvation. With the Rosary in fact we meditate the mysteries of joy, of sorrow and the glory of Jesus and Mary. It's a simple prayer, humble so much like Mary. It's a prayer we can all say together with Her, the Mother of God. With the Hail Mary we invite Her to pray for us. Our Lady always grants our request. She joins Her prayer to ours. Therefore it becomes ever more useful, because what Mary asks She always receives, Jesus can never say no to whatever His Mother asks for. In every apparition, the heavenly Mother has invited us to say the Rosary as a powerful weapon against evil, to bring us to true peace. Each day, through prayer we can drive away from ourselves and from our homeland many dangers and many evils.
In our initiation in this Order we pledged to pray the Rosary, and with good reason. Inspired by the confidence, and trusting in the truths of Holy Mother Church what better way is there for us to pray than by praying the Rosary. There are also a great number of indulgences that are available by praying in a group, especially before Mass and upon praying for the intentions of Holy Father. Our Council has stepped up to the plate and has taken charge in leading our parish and our own families in praying the Rosary; not only before Mass but in our homes, at our jobs.
We have organized a schedule, approved by Father where Knights lead the parish in praying the Rosary at all three Sunday Masses. We have been so successful in leading this Rosary devotion, and we are dedicated to its cause. We pray with such fervor, especially for the Unity of Holy Mother Church and her priests. We as Catholic Gentlemen show our allegiance to the true teachings of Holy Mother Church, and our solidarity to our parish priest and take the lead as an example of our manhood, and ultimately or Knighthood.

Operation L.A.M.B. Tootsie Roll drive

Every year as it comes close to the time to put on our aprons and pass out Tootsie Rolls at our local WalMart we are reminded why it is that we do what we do. Op. Lamb was started in 1974 with its main purpose to raise money for mentally handicapped citizens. Since it's inception it has contributed a substantial amount of money. We spend three grueling days at a time in the sun, sometimes cold. We are greeted by warm smiles by some, sneered at by others and yet even ignored by many as we stand with our collection cans in one hand and our Tootsie Rolls in another.
Even as we are ridiculed by the few we are praised by many who approach us and thank is for helping one of their loved ones who struggles with mental illness. It is in that very moment that new knights are given consolation in what they are doing is good, old knights are re-energized; families are invited to pitch in and share these experiences. The community as well has seen our council at work and for those that don't know us stop by and ask. This leads to us spreading the truths of our Catholic faith, and is a testament to the endeavors of the Order.
With just this one project we are able to do so much and cover so many of our goals and Catholic Knights. We impact the Community, we get our own families involved and we spread the truths of Holy Mother Church. At the end of the day as we rest our weary feet, we are able to sit back and see our good works paid off; the job is never finished however. We are assured that our mission errant was a success, all be it that our council is small and our donations are miniscule compared to others; we make an even greater impact on our community for the sake of the Least of My Brethren, Holy Mother Church and the Order.



TO ALL THOSE WHO DONATED AND SUPPORTED US, THANK YOU!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Pledge victory in federal court

MANCHESTER, NH) - The Knights of Columbus scored an important victory in federal court in New Hampshire on Wednesday, September 30, when U.S. District Judge Steven McAuliffe upheld the constitutionality of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.


Atheist Michael Newdow had filed the lawsuit against the school system in Hanover, New Hampshire on behalf of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, in a case that mirrored his earlier lawsuit against schools in and near Sacramento, California.


As with the California case, the Knights of Columbus sought and received permission from the court to become a "defendant intervenor," allowing attorneys representing the Order (from the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty) to participate directly in the court proceedings.


The California case, argued before a panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2007, has still not been decided. Read the New Hampshire court decision.http://www.kofc.org/un/cmf/resources/Communications/documents/pledge._nhcourt.pdf

Read the Knights of Columbus Fact Sheet about the Pledge of Allegiance and recent litigation.
http://www.kofc.org/un/cmf/resources/Communications/documents/pledgesheet.pdf

Friday, October 2, 2009

OP L.A.M.B.

Since its inception in 1974, the LAMB Foundation of North Carolina has raised over $19 million dollars to assist people with intellectual disabilities.

The LAMB Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity and an entirely volunteer organization named from a quotation from Matthew 24:40: ""…whatsoever you do to the Least Among My Brethren, that you do also to me."

It is also the main charity supported by the Knights of Columbus throughout the state. Each year the Knights, their families and friends stand long hours outside shopping centers where they offer free Tootsie Rolls to all passersby and ask for donations to assist groups that aid those with intellectual disabilities. Their smiling faces and bright yellow aprons have become familiar sights throughout this great state.

Another important aspect of the Foundation's fundraising comes from the generosity of corporate and individual donations.
Thanks to that generosity in 2008 alone, LAMB raised just under one million dollars.

As an all- volunteer effort, over 92% of the funds raised go directly to program funding. 85% of the total donations is given to local charities and the remaining 15% is distributed by the Foundation to regional entities assisting those with intellectual disabilities.

Come and support us! We will be at Walmart in Dunn this weekend 10/2-4/2009. Stop in donate and get a free Tootsie Roll!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tribunal Submits Additional Information About Reported McGivney Miracle to Vatican

Officials of a supplemental Tribunal constituted by the Archdiocese of Hartford have formally sent a new report to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The tribunal – a panel tasked with gathering additional testimony – interviewed additional witnesses, including several medical doctors, about the circumstances of a reported miracle attributed to Venerable Michael McGivney’s intercession. The report was signed and presented to Archbishop Henry Mansell on Sept. 22 and was affixed with the seal of the Archbishop of Hartford. The Postulator of the Cause, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, travelled from Rome to Hartford for the occasion. The event was held in the chapel at the Chancery of the Archdiocese and was attended by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, other Supreme Officers, relatives of Father McGivney and archdiocesan officials.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Knights of Columbus to Promote Volunteerism in 9/11 Tribute

The Knights of Columbus, one of the nation's most active volunteer service organizations - and the world's largest lay Catholic organization - will air a unique 60-second 9/11 tribute ad during NBC-TV's broadcast of the inaugural game of the NFL's 2009 season on Thursday night, Sept. 10.

The piece will run during halftime of the 8:30 p.m. ET game, which will feature the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The spot will run in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Dallas.

Recalling the heroism displayed on 9/11, the 60-second spot reminds Americans that "we can still see the best in humanity today," if we "give back."

The spot directs viewers to www.servicetogether.org - a Web site with resources for volunteers and volunteer organizations.

The importance of giving is captured in the commercial through the story of 9/11 hero Capt. Al Fuentes of the FDNY Marine Division. Capt. Fuentes, now retired, was buried in the rubble of World Trade Center for nearly two hours before being rescued by his fellow firefighters.

"What I have been given is another chance," Fuentes recounts in the piece. "I need to, and I will, give back: that is what the Knights of Columbus have always shown me for 38 years."

The Knights of Columbus produced the ad as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks and as a reminder of the importance of keeping their heroic spirit of service alive.

The spot concludes by listing a new Web site, www.servicetogether.org, set up by the Knights of Columbus to help volunteers find organizations that can put their talents to good use, and includes resources to help volunteer organizations work more effectively with the volunteers they have.

"We will never forget the tragedy of September 11, 2001," said Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. "But we also must not lose sight of the heroic giving spirit of that motivated the heroes of 9/11 and those who volunteered in its aftermath. The problems we face today are different from those of 2001, but the need for service to our neighbor remains the same: it is truly, 'the best of humanity.'"

In addition to the game on Sept. 10, the piece will run during NBC's regional coverage of NFL games on Sunday, Sept. 13 in the same cities, and in New York, Dallas and Los Angeles during the PGA tournament.

One of the nation's most active charities, last year the Knights of Columbus donated more than $150 million and nearly 69 million hours of service to charitable causes.

The Knights of Columbus was one of the first organizations to organize a response to 9/11. On Sept. 12, 2001, the Knights of Columbus launched the "Heroes Fund" which provided emergency funding - without red-tape - to the families of fallen police, firefighters and emergency services personnel. Nearly $1.5 million was distributed via this program.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Every Pro-Life American must tell Congress Now!

"Vote against any health care bill

that does not explicitly exclude abortion!"



Health care bills in Congress could create

the greatest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade.



1. Email now: Go to www.NRLactioncenter.com. Follow the simple directions at the bottom of the web page to send urgent messages to your U.S. senators and your U.S. House member. (Messages can be altered if you wish.)

2. Email now: Copy this entire alert into a new email. Email it to all your pro-life friends and relatives.

3. Copy & Distribute: Pass this alert out at pro-life churches and meetings.To download this form, go to www.stoptheabortionagenda.com.

4. Make Personal Contact with Your Senators and Congressmen: Use every opportunity: office meetings, fairs, town meetings, and other public events.

5. Telephone: Call the offices of your two U.S. senators and your U.S. House member (through theSenate switchboard: 202-224-3121 and the House switchboard, 202-225-3121). Give your zip code andyou will be connected to the correct offices.

Give the senator’s or representive’s staff your name and address and tell them to relay a message:

"I urge you to oppose Senator Kennedy’s health care bill (for Senate staff), or the House Democratic Leadership health care bill, H.R. 3200 (for House staff), because it would result in coverage of elective abortion in a new nationwide ‘public option’ health insurance plan, and would allow federal subsidies to go to other plans that also cover elective abortions. I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO OPPOSE ANY HEALTH CARE BILL UNLESS ABORTION IS EXPLICITLY EXCLUDED!

Check for updates at www.NRLactioncenter.com

The human heart begins to beat around 22 days from conception.

There have been more than 40 million abortions in the U.S. since 1973.

national RIGHT TO LIFE committee, inc.

PLEASE COPY AND DISTRIBUTE FREELY.

Back to the Hill: Abortion Fight in Health Care Resumes

Letter from AUL:
Dear friend,
President Obama is turning up the heat on Congress this week with an address to a joint session tonight. He’ll urge the lawmakers to move forward quickly on health care reform which, as currently proposed, threatens the unborn, the ill, and the elderly. It will be the first time that a President has addressed a joint session of Congress that wasn’t a State of the Union, or a traditional first address by a new President, since President George W. Bush spoke on the war on terrorism following the 9/11 attacks.
As we have since the White House’s health care reform efforts began, Americans United for Life Action is responding vigorously to provide the evidence about the anti-life components of the current health care reform proposals.
The AUL Action team is grateful for your support in this ongoing effort to protect life through the democratic legislative process. I invite you to check out our legal team’s “Back to the Hill” guide on our special health care reform Web site RealHealthCareRespectsLife.com to learn what to expect next as Congress considers the health care reform proposals.

There are a lot of myths spreading about health care -- even in the halls of Congress. Just the other day, Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued her “Daily Mythbuster” which ironically spreads the myth that the government will not pay for or subsidize abortion coverage under pending health care legislation. Today, AULA sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi responding to her incorrect claims. Then, on Thursday, we will brief members of Congress and legislative staffers about the elements of the health care proposals that would mandate funding and coverage for abortion.
The following week brings another important meeting: Earlier this summer we sent a letter to the President relaying your concerns about health care reform and requesting a meeting to discuss abortion funding in his plan. The White House has responded to our request, and we will be meeting with two of President Obama’s top domestic policy aides, Melody Barnes and Tina Tchen, on September 17.

At that meeting, I will give the White House our Keep Abortion Out of Health Care petition. If you haven’t already signed it, please visit RealHealthCareRespectsLife.com and add your name to the thousands who have already signed. And remember to send the message to members of Congress too! Our AUL Action site has a form that enables you to contact your legislators quickly and easily.

Thank you for all your support as we work to protect and defend life!

For Life,
Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D.President & CEO

How the Hyde Amendment is Under Attack and Why You Should Care
One of our greatest concerns about the current health care reform proposals is that they would circumvent the Hyde Amendment, which thanks in part to legal efforts by AUL has prevented abortions from being funded through Medicaid.
In the years leading up to Roe v. Wade, Medicaid began paying for abortions as many as 300,000 per year by 1976. In September of that year, Congress passed the Hyde Amendment, which restricted the use of taxpayer dollars for elective abortions. Not surprisingly, the Hyde Amendment was swiftly challenged in court. A four-year court battle over the Amendment’s constitutionality culminated in Harris v. McRae, where AUL’s Vice Chairman, Victor Rosenblum, successfully defended its constitutionality before the United States Supreme Court.

Congress continues to approve the Hyde Amendment each year as a “rider” on the annual appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”). This amendment has prevented the use of taxpayer dollars for hundreds of thousands of abortions.

Nevertheless, the Hyde Amendment -- which is not a statute but requires Congressional approval every year -- remains vulnerable to attack. Pro-abortion lawmakers would love nothing more than to exclude the amendment from the next appropriations cycle, thereby allowing courts to mandate taxpayer funded abortion under Medicaid.

What’s more, pro-abortion lawmakers are finding backdoor ways to use taxpayer dollars for abortion. A prime example can be found in the health care bills currently before Congress: while the Hyde Amendment applies to programs under HHS appropriations, the health care bills will bypass the annual HHS appropriations process to fund new health care spending and entitlements. Because history has shown that where abortion is not explicitly excluded, courts will interpret legislative language to include it, health care reform must explicitly exclude mandates of any kind for abortion and explicitly state that federal funds shall not pay for abortion or for plans that cover abortion.

AUL led the way in the 1970s to stop federal tax dollars from paying for most abortions. Nearly four decades later, the battle rages on. AUL Action needs your help. Ask your elected representatives to demand the explicit exclusion of abortion coverage and funding in the health care bills before Congress. For more in-depth analysis of the Hyde Amendment and the abortion mandates in the health care reform bills, see our legal team’s report on “The Vulnerable Hyde Amendment” at RealHealthCareRespectsLife.com.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Priest padlocked out of Church by idiot parishioners

That is right, the "so-called" Catholic parishioners of St. Andrews in Red Springs protested against their priest, Father Ospina and padlocked him out of the church. Things got so bad the Police Department was dispatched, and Father was escorted away "for his Saftey" In addition to the lock that had been bolted outside the side door, a sign on the glass read, "Iglesia Cerrada hasta que tengamos nuevo parroco. Justicia!!" That translates to "Church closed until we have a new priest. Justice!" Father Ospina has served as priest of the Red Springs church for about a year, and he also delivered the Spanish Mass at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Lumberton and the missionary station of St. Andrew in St. Pauls. Many parishioners say that Father doesn't make time for them. Well sounds to me like they need to be considerate that they are not his only parish, he has quite the work load. If they really want to help, try encouraging vocations and do their part as Catholics.
This is what happens when you forget what being Catholic is. Father Ospina is a good and holy priest, and is trying to give these inconsiderate protestant wanna-be nincompoops a treasure they have forgotten all about. The Tridentine Mass. That's right, the only vehicle that will allow us to be once again universal (ie: Catholic)!

The Vicar General of the Diocese of Raleigh, Monsignor David Brockman, was dispatched with a message for the unfaithful of this parish. The Bishop has shut the parish down, and will decide to reopen it when He wants to. His Excellency will personally celebrate the first Mass when the parish is re-opened. Way to go Your Excellency!

These people are not Catholic, granted I'm no saint, and am prone to sinfulness; but this just cuts the cake! Good thing this didn't happen here at our beloved parish, because the parishioners would have to be escorted away for their saftey, by Yours truly. If my brothers in blue would not take my side, I have a whole Council of Loyal and Catholic Knight's to back up Holy Mother Church. Futhermore we know better, the church is not our's it belongs to God; the priest is the caretaker of the building the same as of our souls. What blatant disrespect. Council 9001 frowns upon such actions and stands up against it.

Letter to the NC State Deputy:

Worthy State Deputy, I am Grand Knight of council 9001 in Dunn, Pepe Aguilar. I am writing this correspondence to inquire if there is anything being done to assist Father Ospina in Red Springs with his current situation. Such actions by (in this case "so- called") catholics and catholics in general is so indignant, that it deserves to be addressed approprietley; which in this case His Excellency has acted accordingly. As knights we are called to be in solidarity with our priests. We must let it be known that we do not tolerate such behavior from our members if any were present during this protest, and furthermore we should offer our support to Father Ospina. My council stands behind Fr. Ospina and every good and holy priest in this diocese, especially ours (Father Parkerson). We would ask that the State Council step in as well to support Father Ospina, and encourage every council especially those in Robeson County, and in St. Andrews parish to stand up for this good and holy priest! If we can not do what it is that we say we must do as knights, then we have failed our faith, Holy Mother Church, and God. Let us take a stand against such an injustice and humiliating act against not only Father Ospina, but against the Diocese, the Bishop, The Pope, and Holy Mother Church and ultimately God. Please respond ASAP, and do not let such a disgraceful action slip by the wayside. The State Council needs to speak out against this, just as His Excellency made his authority be known, so too must we let our courage and solidarity be known.


Cum Sancte Michaeli ad Propugnaculum Sancta Mater Ecclessia Christi,


Response from State Council:

The official stance of the State Council is that "We will pray for Fr. Ospina". The State Council conferred with Msgr. Brockman and was advised to " let the Diocese handle the situation, whereas they are working it out with the parishioners and making them understand that Fr. Ospina is in charge of that parish. As of now there is nothing that we can do, the Diocese has everything under control. We will support Fr. Ospina and we will respond in case of an additional 'sos' signal is sent out."

Although the State Deputy agreed with me that this incident was the most humiliating thing that can happen to a priest, he assured me that if it gets out of hand then the State will step in and offer their assistance.
Council 9001 will remain vigilant and on guard in defense of Holy Mother Church and her priests. Even though this is not the exact message we were all wanting to hear (swords drawn and The Judge cocked back) at least the State Council took the initiative to speak to the Vicar General and is willing to step in, if the situation further deteriorates. Under obedience we shall remain, yet ever watchful and will further assist if anything goes array. After speaking to Fr. Ospina at mass in Wilmington he was relieved and grateful that we support him. I offered him all assurance that we will be of assistance if needed, of which he took great comfort.

God bless and keep Fr. Ospina! St. Michael, Defend us in battle!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Council 9001's Tridentine Silver Rose Service! Pro-Life monument Dedication

The Silver Rose made it to Dunn on August 20th just in time for Daily Mass celebrated by Father Parkerson, in extraordinary form of course! The beautiful pillow was made by the wife of Council 1074, Wilmington's Grand Knight Dave King. Good job Mrs. King! Our Council is proud to have had the Silver Rose and incorporated its meaning with the blessing and dedication of our own pro-life monument. We are also proud to have had the only Tridentine program in the State, thanks to the fervor of Father Parkerson and his ministry of the Extraordinary Form. This event had a multifaceted role for our council. Not only did it show our dedication to the Pro-Life cause, but we show our allegiance to Holy Father’s wishes as expressed in his: Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum Missa Latina. Holy Father states “Up to our own times, it has been the constant concern of supreme pontiffs to ensure that the Church of Christ offers a worthy ritual to the Divine Majesty, 'to the praise and glory of His name,' and 'to the benefit of all His Holy Church”. The Beauty and worth of the Extraordinary form is sometimes overlooked, ignored and assumed antiquated and not conforming to Vatican Two. This is a perception born in error whereas the extraordinary form was always permitted. Council 9001 affirms our belief in Pro-Life, we show solidarity to our priest and to Holy Father, and pledge our lives in service to Holy Mother Church as traditional Catholic Knights of old.


The Rose sat upon the entrance table by the fount, awaiting for service to begin.



Introibo ad altare Dei!

The Consecration




Hoc est enim
Corpus meum.






Hic est enim
Calix Sanguinis
mei, novi et
ætérni testaménti:
mystérium fídei:
qui pro vobis et
pro multis
effundétur in
remissiónem
peccatórum.





Ecce Agnus,
Ecce qui tollis peccata mundi,
Domine non sum dignus,
ut intres sub tectum meum:
sed tantum dic verbo,
et sanabitur anima mea.


Ite Missa Est,
Procesus ad altare






















The rose is placed at the altar, and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin
is said, followed by intercessory prayers for the intentions
of Pro-Life.






Exit the chuch and on to the monument dedication










Father Parkerson leads a decade of the Holy Rosary, before blessing the monument. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Abh-aX75sGE/SaBFe4jmb8I/AAAAAAAAAAw/GQ-gqkKu8Tg/s1600-h/100_0806.JPG







Father Parkerson Blesses the Monument dedicated in memorium to the
Unborn and the Deceased Knights.






Photos of the Rose at the footsteps of the Altar.








Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.



The Next Stop for the Rose is Sacred Heart Cathedral on the 21st.