The

nightly News

Knights of Columbus | Holy Ghost Council 4977 | www.koc4977.org | September 2017 Chaplain: Father Thomas Rzepiela District Deputy: Leroy Dziewulski Grand Knight: Bruce Alesi Deputy Grand Knight: Bob Novak ___________________________________________________________________________________ Advocate: Rick Deyhle Chancellor: Thomas Nicholas Inside Guards: Bill O’Brien, Jim Schroedl Outside Guards: Jim DeGuilio, Matt Chambers Warden: Layne Gabiner Trustees: 3 year: Jim Arns Sr., 2 Year: James Arns Jr., 1 Year: Jack McCarthy Financial Secretary: Dea. John Breit Treasurer: Conrad Bertz Recording Secretary: Tony Nix Lecturer: Bill O’Brien Officers Meeting: First Monday of the Month, starting at 7:00 pm Business Meeting: Second Monday of the Month, starting at 7:00 pm

Grand Knights Corner Dear Brother Knights, Well, summer is over. The kids are back in school. I also know many of you were busy last month getting kids off to college. This is truly an emotional experience. It’s hard to let go but best for our children as they seek a life for themselves. Of course, you will always be there to love and support them. This month we are focused on our biggest fund raiser of the year; the I. D. drive. The tootsie rolls are delivered and ready to go. Be sure to pitch in. The money we raise goes to local charities that help intellectually disabled children and adults. Here is a list of the organizations that we helped last year: Anixter, Clearbrook, Countryside, Kirk Center, Little Angels, Little City, Little City Boy Scouts, Mount St. Joseph, Special Olympics, St Theresa REACH, St Thomas GIFT, Gigis House, NW Special Recreation, Benedictine University Sunday Recreation, Elite Stars

Sunday, September 24th at Palatine Hills Shelter by the Lake from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. All are welcome to attend with their families, including non-Knights who helped with the I. D. drive or are simply interested in joining our council. We will have our membership drive in October for both parishes. Start to identify candidates who you think might be interested in joining our council. The most effective way to get new members is to give them a personal invitation. Also coming in October is a blood drive on the 15th and a pancake breakfast on the 29th. See you there! I look forward to your continued support. You can reach me anytime at [email protected] or 630-661-0169. We have a lot of work to do but let’s have fun doing it. Vivat Jesus

Bruce A. Alesi Grand Knight

Thank you to all of you who take time from your busy schedules to support this effort. Don’t forget that we have an I. D. Drive picnic scheduled for Lead Me, Guide Me, Lord

Chaplain’s Corner

Knight of the Month – July 2017

The month of September means the return to school and all of the academic activities and programs for the families, school, and Church Ministries. September is also the month of remembrance of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. I hope that you are praying for the 2977 people who died in those attacks. Pray also for their grieving families. Greg Crider was the July Knight of the Month recipient for his work and participation at many of our June and July events. Our heartfelt thanks and congratulations goes out to Greg!

This September has also brought the hurricanes to our Southern brothers and sisters. Harvey and Irma were not kind to many people, as they caused damage, destruction, and loss of everything. I hope you are praying for them every day.

Give the Gift of Life at the Knights of Columbus October Blood Drive

Rev. Thomas R. Rzepiela, Pastor St. Thomas of Villanova Church 1201 E. Anderson Drive, Palatine, IL 60074-4155 847.358.6999 [email protected]

The Knights of Columbus Holy Ghost Council 4977 Blood Drive is on Sunday, October 15 from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Lower Dolan Center of St. Theresa Parish, 455 North Benton Street, Palatine, IL. Give the Gift of Life! Just one pint of blood can save a life! Walk in, roll up your sleeve, sit for a few minutes, and become an honorable donor! Registration / Appointment: 877-543-3768, use code A216

Holy Family Knights Café Our brothers at Holy Family Parish, Council #11981, have a breakfast once a month and you are welcome to attend anytime. The Knight's Café is open after the 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 AM masses on Sunday, once a month. They typically start serving breakfast at 8:45, 10:15 and 12:15 PM, respectively. Hope to see you soon! Dates of our Knight's Cafe for the fraternal year 2017 - 2018: Sunday October 1st Sunday October 29th Sunday November 19th Sunday January 28th Sunday February 18th Sunday March 25th Sunday April 22nd Sunday May 27th Sunday June 24th

Prayers for requested for the following Brothers and other individuals – Renee Foose, Angela Killagrew, Stacy Ann Musselman, Boni Quiaoit, Bob Madsen, Marcy Weckler Barr, John Bush, Ron Swizeral, Tim Downey, Diana Hoffman, Tom Harvey, Doug Klien, Donna and Jerry Slania, Phil Pollizie, Frank Karuth, and Fr. Ron Lewinski.

Check out Our Facebook Page Something to Think About this September Shared from the Book:

All Council #4977 members are encouraged to check out our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/kofc4977 You can also search for "Knights of Columbus Holy Ghost Council #4977" on Facebook. Give it a go and let us know what you think. Thanks!

Reflections from Pope Francis An invitation to Journaling, Prayer, and Action

90. Spread Goodnes Goodness always tends to spread. Every authentic experience of truth and goodness seeks by its very nature to grow within us, and any person who has experienced a profound liberation becomes more sensitive to the needs of others. As it expands, goodness takes root and develops. If we wish to lead a dignified and fulfilling life, we have to reach out to others and seek their good.

Raising Awareness About Life Insurance

Pasta Palooza 2017 Check Presentation

By Pierre Zermatten - your Council's Field Agent

Each September has been designated as Life Insurance Awareness Month. Like most awareness-raising campaigns, Life Insurance Awareness Month was created because there is an overwhelming lack of understanding of life insurance, its uses, its benefits, and its variations among the general public. Each year, the Life Insurance Market Research Association (LIMRA) puts out the results from a recent survey, and unfortunately, the numbers they report continue to be discouraging. A recent survey found that more than 75 percent of people polled did not have a personal financial advisor, even though 68 percent of them said their opinion of the current economic conditions was somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable. In other words, a majority of those surveyed were uncomfortable with the economy and the uncertainty it brings, yet they did not seek professional assistance. Maybe they spoke with their friends and family. Maybe they hoped the instability would go away on its own. Maybe they did not know to whom to turn. If you fall into this category, please remember that as a member of the Knights of Columbus, you have a full-time, professional agent you can call your own. My primary responsibility is the care and service of your family’s life insurance, retirement and long-term care needs. I’ll answer your questions because I want your decisions to be informed ones. I want to help. Another LIMRA statistic said 43 percent of people did not buy life insurance because they worry about “making the wrong decision.” Talk with me, your agent, and, afterwards, you’ll understand that the only wrong decision was not purchasing sooner to protect your family’s future. You can reach me at 847-323-0914. Fraternally yours, Pierre Zermatten

Pictured left to right: Fr. Matt Jameson, members of STS Lift, Grand Knight Bruce Alessi, and Past Grand Knight Jim Arns, Sr.

The Knights of Columbus Holy Ghost Council #4977 presented a check to the St. Theresa Lift Youth Group as part of a donation from the proceeds of our recent Pasta Palooza event this past July. After the mass in which the youth group organized and served as lectors, members of Lift were on hand to receive the award, including Fr. Matt Jameson, associate pastor of St. Theresa, Nancy Brinkerhoff, and Maureen Ross.

Deputy Grand Knight’s Report Vocations – Raffle books are available w our KC directories. Books are $15 each. Each knight has 2 books in their packet and we ask you to sell these books. Our goal is to raise over $3,600 to offer at least 4 scholarships to seminarians associated w our parishes. Thanks to the Bob Smith family and Smith Corcoran for underwriting the expense of print. Thanks to Lou Kittler and his wife Mary for assembling and labeling the books. Right to Life – Got check for $1,000.00. October 7th march for life – 1:00 PM. Trying to build on new date and do more. Need help – be a part of the march, be there in Regalia and in front. Need help after the march to help w/ clean up. Next meeting w/ have update on speakers. ID Drive Update – September 15th and 16th are the dates this year. Validations of stores are covered. If under 18 an Adult needs to be w/ them at ALL Times. Captains meeting at St Thomas tomorrow night – 7:30 PM. Standing invite for Chicago chapters for Sunday the 17th. See Deacon John. We would like to have updates on the charities (+/- 14) that we support with the ID Drive. Mt. St. Joseph which is a healthcare facility for women in Lake Zurich. It is supported by sisters and there are >125 women living there. They do receive state and fed funding. Kairos Prison Ministry – Multi denomination ministry. About 30,000 members worldwide. There is always small miracles. Starting six formation classes for fall. Christopher Club – Tax forms are filed. Hopefully there is conclusion w/ the boy scouts and the space that they have.

August Pass the Can Contributions Include: Crib for the women’s shelter $191.50 St. Thomas food pantry $194.50

Pasta Palooza – $2,500 was raised and shared equally between the parish youth groups. We are presenting the checks to the youth groups after the 5pm mass this Sun 8/20. Our council is ordering a “Big Check” to be used for these type of presentations. Blood Drive – Held August 6th at St. Theresa and believe we meet goal. Past Grand Knight Dinner – November 5th at Gianni’s in Palatine - $25 per person to celebrate PGK Jim Arns, Sr. Retreats – February 24th and 25th, 2018 St. Thomas Update – Golf Outing was July 21st and raised approximately $18,000. Thanks again to our council for again sponsoring the event. Also a supplies drive which is school supplies that needs to be at the school tomorrow. St Theresa Update – Need to track volunteer hours. Rosary on 5th Sunday after 11:30 mass for building a domestic church. Next is October 29th and December 31st. Have booklets that they had out – mysteries. Family Activities – September24th Picnic at Palatine Hills shelter for ID Drive celebration 1 to 5pm. Boomers game happened but there was rain delay. We did sell all the tickets. Update on July 27th Feed my Starving Children. Veterans – Talked about what we do to help the vets. Like purchasing wheelchairs for vets. Really can’t find anything but continue to research. Vietnam vet wall replica will be Sept 28 – Oct 1 at Lake Park in DesPlains. Open 24 hours a day. Collect supplies for returning vets. Any issues please contact Ron Willer. There’s only about 100 days left until Christmas! It’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas Wreath Sales. See attached Flyer for your immediate use.

Upcoming Activities ID Drive Picnic - A picnic will be hosted at the Palatine Hills Shelter by the lake on Sunday September 24th, 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM.

5th Annual Northwest Families March for Life –

October March for Life 2017 – This year’s March for Life will kick off from St. Theresa Parish on Saturday, October 7th, beginning at 1:00 PM. The Right to Life committee is requesting that our 4th degree members in Regalia participate in the March. You are invited to march at the front, near the color guard. We hope Bishop Rassas will also be able to join us. Stay tuned! We could also use your help with help with paper goods and refreshments (water and lemonade in the jugs). Assistance is also needed for cleaning and tear down of the lower Dolan Center around 3:30 PM, following the event. Looking forward to an AWESOME event! Pancake Breakfast – Breakfast will be served from 7:00 AM-12:30 PM at St. Thomas on October 29th, Rally Activity Center. 1st Degree – The next 1st Degree will take place October 30th at St. Theresa, 7:30-9:30 PM, Lower Dolan Center. Communion Breakfast – Mass to be held at St. Thomas November 9th at 7:30 AM, followed by breakfast at Holy Family. Past Grand Knights Dinner – To be held at Gianni’s in Palatine on Sunday, November 5th. Spaghetti Dinner – To be held November 11th at St. Teresa, Lower Dolan Center. Christmas Party – Adult Christmas party to be held December 9th at St. Teresa, Lower Dolan Center. Bake Sale – Bake sale to take place in the St. Teresa gathering area on December 16th and 17th.

Choose Love; Choose Life! Join families, churches, and individuals as we give joyful witness to the sanctity of all human life. Saturday, October 7th, beginning at 1:00 PM. Gather at St. Theresa Church, 455 South Benton, Palatine, IL for song, prayer, and inspirational speakers, including: Pro-life hero Joe Scheidler (Pro-Life Action League) and David Smith (Illinois Family Institute). Walk down the sidewalk of Northwest Highway with beautiful Life-affirming signs to the plaza at Hicks Road (1/2 mile) to share the love of LIFE. 2:15 PM: Rally at the plaza with more songs, speakers, and prayer.    

FREE refreshments back at St. Theresa following the march (Courtesy of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary) FREE buttons and bracelets to take with you to share the message Wear YELLOW to this celebration of Life! All Faiths Welcome!

Contact: Maria Goldstein at [email protected] or 847-651-4877 Sponsored by: West Families for Life, St.Theresa/St.Thomas Respect Life, Relevant Radio, and local churches. www.NorthWestFamiliesforLife.weebly.com

Please help support our 2017 Vocations Raffle Program! The objective of this statewide raffle is to provide the financial resources to assist in their education and personal expenses. Every seminarian, religious brother or young novice or oblate entering a seminary or convent today has yearly personal expenses of approximately $4,000.00 (car insurance, clothing, textbooks, automobile maintenance, etc). The council's portion of the proceeds from the raffle will be used for our own Vocation Support Program. As in the past 19 years, from the proceeds of this raffle, donations to offset our seminarians and oblates expenses will also be made by the Illinois State Vocation Support Group in the name of our council. If you have not already done so, please return your completed raffle books and payment by Saturday, November 18, 2017. The Grand Prize drawing will be held at the Illinois State Council's Mid-Winter District Deputies meeting in Normal, Illinois in early December. If you have not obtained your raffle books with the KOC Membership Directory this past August, please contact me at the number below or see me at the next general meeting and I can provide them to you. Each book of raffle tickets has a total value of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) and contains 15 raffle tickets. Upon receipt of your return, the council will retain our portion of $9.00 per book and send your stubs (with cover attached) and our remittance of $6.00 per book to the Illinois State Council K of C Charities Inc. "State Vocations Fund".

I have received many donations from our members to date, so if you already submitted your donation, we thank you! We are asking all fellow Brother Knights to rally behind our future clergy to support this worthwhile raffle. If you require extra raffle books, please do not hesitate to contact me. Remember, "IF IT WERE NOT FOR A FORMER SEMINARIAN, FR. MICHAEL J. MC GIVNEY, The KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS WOULD NOT BE THE GREAT CHARITABLE FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION WE ARE TODAY," VIVAT JESUS! Fraternally yours, Tom Nicholas Chancellor, Vocations Director KOC Council #4977 847.496.4430 [email protected]

Choose Life Yard Signs Available

COMPLETED BOOKS should be mailed to me with both your completed book and payment. Mr. Thomas Nicholas 188 E. Cedarwood Ct. Palatine, IL 60067 Or bring them with you to our next KOC General Meeting this Monday, October 9th at 7:00 PM.

Any Knight wishing to display a yard sign that promotes the March for Life this Oct. 7th, email or text Tom Mullen and he will plant one in your front lawn. [email protected] or 847 980-5797. Also see attached flyers for your use. Last two pages of the September Knightly News.

Council Service Contacts

Council Service Contacts (Continued)

Please make note of the individuals responsible for various activities within our council. In the event you have any questions related to any of these activities, please reach out to this individual and copy the Grand Knight on all emails. Doing this will help avoid duplication of efforts and inconsistent messages going out from the Council. Thank you!

Health Director: George Sokulski, [email protected]

Chaplain: Fr. Tom Rzepiela

Insurance Promotion: Pierre Zermatten, [email protected]

Program Director: Bruce Alesi, [email protected]

Retention Chairman: Bob Novak, [email protected] Mentoring Program Chair Layne Gabiner, [email protected]

Lecturer: Bill O’Brien, [email protected]

Church Co-Director: Dea. John Breit, [email protected] Pierre Zermatten, [email protected]

Culture of Life Chair People: Jim Baur, [email protected] Geniveve Baur, [email protected]

Vocations Chairman: Tom Nicholas, [email protected]

Veterans Director: Ron Willer, [email protected]

Community Co-Director: Colin Schofield, [email protected] John Ward, [email protected]

Field Agent: Pierre Zermatten FIC, MDRT, PGK, [email protected]

Culture of Life Director: Tom Mullen, [email protected] Council Director: Bob Novak, [email protected] Public Relations: Lee Fialek, [email protected] Family Director: James Killigrew, [email protected]

Facebook Administrator: Open position Website Administrator: Bill O’Brien, [email protected] Knightly News Editor: Steve Lundell, [email protected] Knights of Columbus website: http://www.kofc.org

Youth Co-Director: Mike June, [email protected] Matt Chambers, matt chambers [email protected] Membership Director: Tom Nicholas, [email protected] Recruitment Committee: Matt Chambers, matt chambers [email protected] Layne Gabiner, [email protected] Bob Novak, [email protected] Jim Schroedl, [email protected] Pierre Zermatten, [email protected]

Send newsletter articles, updates, and corrections to [email protected]

January 2, 2018 St. Theresa Festle Board Room February 5, 2018 St. Thomas Meeting Room C

Come Join Our Monday Monthly Meetings Please join us for our Monthly Business Meetings the second Monday of each month, 7:00 - 9:30 PM.

March 5, 2018 St. Theresa Festle Board Room April 2, 2018 St. Thomas Meeting Room C

Upcoming Business Meetings

May 7, 2018 St. Thomas Meeting Room C

October 9, 2017 St. Theresa Dolan Center, Lower Level

June 4, 2018 St. Theresa Festle Board Room

November 13, 2017 St. Theresa Dolan Center, Lower Level December 11, 2017 St. Theresa Dolan Center, Lower Level January 8,, 2018 St. Theresa Dolan Center, Lower Level February 12, 2018 St. Theresa Dolan Center, Lower Level March 12, 2018 St. Theresa Dolan Center, Lower Level April 9, 2018 St. Thomas Meeting Room A and B May 14, 2018 St. Thomas Meeting Room A and B June 11, 2018 St. Theresa Dolan Center, Lower Level

Upcoming Planning Meetings October 2, 2017 St. Theresa Festle Board Room November 6, 2017 St. Theresa Festle Board Room December 4, 2017 St. Theresa Festle Board Room

Upcoming 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree Exemplifications The following are parish locations offering 1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees over the coming year:

October 1st, 2017 – 1st degree at 1:00 PM St. Margaret Mary Education Center, 119 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin December 9, 2017 – 1st degree at 1:00 PM St. John Neuman, 2900 E. Main St. (Rt. 64), St. Charles, IL January 28, 2018 – 1st Degree at 12:00 PM Knights of Columbus Hall, 15 N. Hickory, Arlington Hts., IL March 4, 2018 – 1st Degree at 1:00 PM St. Phillip, 1233 W. Holtz, Addison, IL March 25, 2018 – 1st Degree at 1:00 PM Queen of the Rosary School, 750 Elk Grove Road, Elk Grove Village, IL For additional information or to register for any of these degrees, please contact KOC Holy Ghost Council Chancellor Tom Nicholas at 847-496-4430 or [email protected]

October 9

2017