KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Ontario State Bulletin FALL 2023
Christopher Columbus
TABLE OF
CONTENTS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
04 EDITORS MESSAGE 06 JULY DISTRICT DEPUTY MEETING IN OTTAWA 10 FAMILY PILLAR : FOOD FOR FAMILIES 11 FAMILY PILLAR: FAMILY OF THE
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FAITH PILLAR: FATHER MCGIVNEY FEAST DAY
MONTH 12 COMMUNITY PILLAR: ALLISTON POTATO FESTIVAL 13 STATE BURSARY WINNERS FOR 2023 14 NEWS ON MEMBERSHIP
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STATE DEPUTY VISITS NORTHERN ONTARIO
NEW 92-YEAR-OLD KNIGHT!
Between September 8 and 26, 2023, State Deputy Bruce S. Poulin, accompanied by Membership Information Officer no. 2, Ron Hutt, spent 18 days visiting members of the Knights ...
92-year-old Ken Holychuk wanted to become a Knight of Columbus member before he died, so today District Deputy Ron Frank signed Ken up as an emember, shared the ...
GROWTH 15 LIFE INSURANCE MONTH 16 PASSING OF BISHOP MARCEL ANDRÉ GERVAIS 17 EXCEPTIONAL YEAR FOR THE SQUIRES! 19 LET’S PLAY BINGO 393 Rymal Rd., West, Suite 201, Hamilton, ON, L9B 1V2
Comments welcomed at stateoffice@ontariokofc.ca
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
OntarioKofC.ca
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EDITOR'S MESSAGE By: Bulletin Editor, Marcel Gauvin
Valued Members, Welcome to the Autumn Ontario State Bulletin. The State Office and many councils have been active all summer. The State Office and State Board have staged a very successful District Deputy meeting in Ottawa, preparing for the new Columbian year. Attendance at the meeting almost tripled from the previous one. Many councils raised funds with golf tournaments, and barbecues. Always mindful of the Blessed Father McGivney Feast Day, on August 12, members joined in celebrations across the province. I will shave my beard and mustache on the 1st of November to participate in the Movember project sponsored by Brother David Fisher, Ontario State Men’s Health Chairman. I encourage every Knight to participate in this life-saving endeavour. Our team is called: Knights of Columbus Ontario and you can either setup your own Council Team or donate directly to us on the Movember site. Vivat Jesus!
s c i t s MembershipStati
Membership Intake for Q1 of this fraternal year
2012-2023 2023 11-year average Actual 214 365
2023 Goal 390
The following Councils have already reached 100% or more of their fraternal year quota. These Councils will get the opportunity to select a fabulous prize from KnightsGear, marking their place as Ontario’s Top performers in Q1. Congratulations! Council 8950 = 180% Council 6161 = 120% Council 11053 = 100% Council 17484 = 100% Council 13345 = 100%
Council 1812 = 140% Council 17725 = 120% Council 14446 = 100% Council 14749 = 100%
Council 9873 = 120% Council 17273 = 100% Council 1844 = 100% Council 9005 = 100%
Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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Are We There Yet? By: Bulletin Editor, Marcel Gauvin
Between September 8 and 26, 2023, State Deputy Bruce S. Poulin, accompanied by Membership Information Officer no. 2, Ron Hutt, spent 18 days visiting members of the Knights of Columbus in northwestern and northern Ontario. In all, the two-man team covered 4,677 kilometers and two time zones. In between photos of the Nickel in Sudbury, the statue of a Goose in Wawa, the Terry Fox Monument in Thunder Bay, the Polar bear express statue in Cochrane and the flying saucer in Moonbeam, the two-man team completed many business sessions for the Good of the Order. In fact, more than 30 Councils were visited, including the members from Father Brunet Council 3198 - the most northern Council in Ontario. Also, on the list of councils to visit was that of Father Lacombe Council 2806 in Kenora – the most Western council in Ontario. For the curious, the most easterly council is Ontario Council 755 in Cornwall, and the furthest South is Francis J. Clarke Council 5350 in Kingsville. Three Diocesan Associations were revived and restructured, three potential future District Deputies were interviewed and five potential hockey players for our team that is scheduled to play against the Flying Fathers on April 27, 2025, at the Jim Durrell Centre in Ottawa submitted their names for the try-outs. The State Deputy brought back three pages of action items to help our brothers north of Ottawa who welcomed the two-man team with open arms and open hearts everywhere the State Deputy’s tour took them. Truly the cardinal virtue of Fraternity is alive and well within the Order in Ontario! Left Image: Flying saucer in Moonbeam, ON
Right Image: Grotto in Schreiber, ON
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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2023 District Deputy Organizational Meeting – Ottawa, ON By: Nicholas Quadrini, DD82
This meeting took place from July 21-23, at the Weston Hotel in Ottawa and was an opportunity for Knights of Columbus leaders from across the province to gather, learn from State Officers and Directors about the role of District Deputy, and finally, be formally installed by the State Deputy in front of family and friends. His Grace, Archbishop of Ottawa-Cornwall Marcel Damphousse (Ontario’s State Chaplain) and His Excellency Bishop Bryan Bayda (Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada) and Ontario’s First Associate State Chaplain. Both bishops joined us for the duration of the DD Organizational Meeting, including as concelebrants for the installation mass and as guests for the installation banquet dinner on Saturday evening. Our weekend began on Friday evening with the Opening Ceremonies and diner welcoming the Knights and their families to Ottawa. The Provincial Marshall and Fourth Degree colour party provided ceremonial duties as we honoured our flag and country. Throughout the evening, we were reminded of our brothers who have passed on through the Fallen Brothers’ table, a new initiative instituted under the Poulin administration. As providence would have it, on Friday night, as the table was being set up for the opening ceremonies, we received word that Past State Deputy Paul Crawford had passed away earlier that day. We were honoured to have Arnold Lazure, a member of the Mohawk First Nation in Kahnawake, Quebec join us to offer grace in Mohawk and present a statue of St. Kateri Tekakwitha to State Deputy Bruce Poulin. This statue is on loan to the State Council for the next two years, dedicating the work of all Ontario Knights and the tenure of the State Deputy to St. Kateri’s patronage. The evening also featured a speech from Jay Sanko, a Brother Knight from Ottawa who is proudly working with councils in his community to support veterans and their families. The evening ended with a presentation of the Hector Laurin Sword to our Worthy State Deputy. Born in 1872, Hector Laurin founded the English-language newspaper “The Echo” in Hawkesbury, later serving as the town’s mayor and charter member of Council 2183. His historic sword (received upon his fourth degree in 1922) was donated to our State Deputy by Christine Hudon and the Laurin Family. Saturday’s agenda was busy, for both our incoming District Deputies and for our ladies. Following an opening prayer and address from our State Chaplain, the DDs heard from Mark McMullen, Vice-President of Membership and Marketing at Supreme. He discussed the challenges the order is facing with recruiting and re-engaging our members, along with our responsibility as leaders to inspire our Grand Knights, develop effective plans, and communicate often. Following Mark’s presentation, we heard from our State Deputy who outlined the “Quebec + 1” strategic action plan, with the aim to exceed Quebec’s membership numbers by the early 2030s and bring about a revival both within the Church and the Knights of Columbus. Following this presentation, the incoming DDs enjoyed a full day of training on a wide variety of topics, including effective communication, programming, membership, and how to encourage Faith-In-Action programs within our councils. The afternoon consisted of presentations on the State Lottery program, the reorganization of Diocesan Associations and the insurance program. Highlighting the afternoon was a presentation on work underway to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus in Ontario, led by PAC (Provincial Area Committee) Director Brother Claude Poirier. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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2023 District Deputy Organizational Meeting – Ottawa, ON con’t
Meanwhile, the ladies enjoyed a fulfilling Saturday of activities organized by Lady Zoye Poulin the wife of our State Deputy. The morning started with a boat cruise along the Rideau Canal, with the ladies and their families enjoying some scenic music from retired members of the Ottawa Police Service. Many of the ladies commented that the cruise was the highlight of their day! Following the boat tour, the ladies enjoyed lunch together with keynotes from both Bishop Bayda and Supreme Vice President Mark McMullin. The afternoon wrapped up with some time shopping and exploring the Rideau Centre, next door to the Weston Hotel. Saturday continued with Mass and the Installation of District Deputies at the Notre Dame Cathedral. The ceremonial, was steeped in Catholic and Knights of Columbus tradition, with the blessing of the jewels of office, recognition of Immediate Past State Deputy Marcel Lemmen for his service, the swearing-in of officers, and the investing of the jewels of office. It was also extremely special to have the new Deputy Supreme Knight from the Province of Ontario (Arthur Peters) in attendance for this special occasion. Following the installation, each DD was presented with a blessed combat rosary, graduation certificate, baldric, and lapel pin, embolic of the offices to which they were called. We concluded our Saturday with the installation banquet dinner, where newly installed district deputies, their families, and guests from across the province joined the State Board to celebrate all that had been accomplished over the course of the weekend. Led by our Master of Ceremonies Worthy State Secretary David Gelinas, attendees listened to several guest speakers discussing future challenges facing the order and families in the Province of Ontario. Following these presentations, WSS David led the invited guests in the singing of the 2023 Ontario Regional Songs. Similar to the Supreme Convention’s well-renowned States Dinner, each territory (group of districts) was assigned a song based on geographic area, ranging from Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” (Territory #3 Peterborough-Belleville), to Ottawa-born Paul Anka’s famous “Put Your Head on my Shoulder” (Territory #2 Ottawa). The State Deputy also got in the fun, joining the MIOs and DDs in singing their territory’s song. Sunday began with a final roll call and workshops for the DDs focused on the Squires and the new COR faith evangelization program. Attendees also heard from Worthy Deputy Supreme Knight Arthur Peters and Worthy Vice Supreme Master Joe Matthews. An anonymous survey taken following the final session indicated that the vast majority of the District Deputies found the training sessions informative, clearly defined, and a valuable way to learn about their responsibilities. Following the short morning session, several attendees joined a bus tour of the St. Kateri Shrine in Kahnawake, ending a successful District Deputy’s Organizational Workshop. My Brother District Deputies and I are humbled to be appointed by the State Deputy to serve as DDs for this fraternal year. As leaders of the order in Ontario, we’ve been entrusted with the important responsibility of developing Catholic men to be leaders in their councils, parishes, and communities. While we learned much at our organizational meeting, it’s time for us to put these skills to the test by supporting our council leaders. The real work begins now. Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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Faith Pillar: Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney By: S. K. Joe Mathews, Vice-Supreme Master
On Sunday August 13th the Fourth Degree helped celebrate the Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney at Our Lady of Grace Shrine and Rosary Path at Marylake in King City.
This event was attended by Knights, including our State Deputy, family, friends and parishioners and we began the day with Sunday Mass at the Shrine. This was followed by going to the Rosary Path, which is the world’s largest living rosary that is 1. 5 km long and extends over 20 acres. At the Rosary Path we held the special prayer hour for the Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney which is built around the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. We also made this prayer hour available live-stream on Zoom for anyone who was unable to attend this event. At the conclusion of the prayer hour, we finished the day with a picnic on the grounds of the Marylake Shrine. More information on the Shrine and the Rosary Path can be found at Marylake Shrine of Our Lady of Grace and The Rosary Path at Marylake. 09
Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
Family Pillar: Food for Families By: Robert Bentley
It’s not a crime to be poor and be in great need but it is a crime to stand by and do nothing while our brothers and sisters and their children and some of our seniors are in great need today. In today's world, there are so many reasons a person ends up at a food bank, looking for help. Times have changed, the cost of living has increased exponentially since Covid hit us and unfortunately, the wages have not. Homeless people on the street are growing every day and a new saying “The working poor “has come to be used now. The definition of working poor is when you can’t make enough money to live a basic normal life and you must seek aid to survive. This is where we the Knights of Columbus come into play, as we in unity, follow in the steps of Jesus and band together to help as many people as we can with no regard to where they came from or how they got where they are today. This help can be given in two ways, by raising money and or collecting food to assist the food banks and feed hungry people, with no questions asked. How do we do this you may ask. Well, we can put on events in our church and community to raise money, and through our program “Food for Families”, we donate to the Food Banks for them to operate or we through our parishes ask our fellow Catholics to help those in need with donations of food, by telling them of the need out there and that we should live our faith and love and help our fellow human beings, without any criticisms. For that, the Knights of Columbus will reward the Councils, by giving any council a rebate. To qualify for the rebate, a Council must either donate $500.00 or 1000.00 lbs. of food to a Food Bank; then fill out the documents (we will supply you, with proof of their gift) and submit them to the Supreme Office. Let's not pretend our community doesn’t need help, let's open our eyes and hearts, be aware of the needs of others “Walk in the footsteps of Jesus” and make a difference in their lives and ours and our children's through our actions our children will learn. Finally, it is not a Crime to be poor but it is a moral crime to ignore the needs of our fellow humans around us when in our small way we can ease their burden. Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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Family Pillar: Family of the Month By: Kris McKeown On behalf of the Ontario State Council, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the Ontario State Family of the Month for July 2023, as chosen by the Supreme office: Todd Noftall and Family from Council 11525 St. Joseph Highland Creek.
At time of publication, a photo of the Noftall family was not available for print. The attached photo is a stock image
Congratulations to you, and may you continue to strive to emulate the blessed model set forth for us by the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The deadline to submit your September nominations for Family of the Month is October 15th. Use the Fraternal Programs Report Form 10784 (Form Invitation (kofc.org)). Nominations submitted by October 15 will be entered into a draw for Ontario State Family of the Month, chosen by Supreme. If you miss the deadline, still submit the form to get credit for the completing the program. Once you are done, you can print a copy of the form for your records, and to send a copy to familydirector@ontariokofc.ca Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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Community Pillar: Alliston Potato Festival By: Richard de Faria The Alliston Potato Festival is a volunteer organization that holds a festival in advance of the fall potato harvest to celebrate Alliston’s community’s agricultural roots that date back to 1972. The focus is on showcasing our community, supporting the community’s needs, and the amazing organizations that help make Alliston such a great place to live. When David Willis planted the seed of having a Potato Festival in the community in 1972, it was supported by the Alliston Rotary Club and the proposal went before the Alliston Recreation Committee of the Town Council as a way for all organizations to work together. The focus of the Alliston Potato Festival in 1972 was a community effort to build a public swimming pool. From that first meeting, the festival has continued to grow. The St. Paul the Apostle Knight's Council 9352 first official involvement was in 1986. A group of Knights including Grand Knight Bill Skelton, along with Brothers Tom Coffin, Tom McDonough, Ed Crotty, and Bruce McCallum served baked potatoes on the main street and at the fairgrounds. Between August 11 and 13, 2023 some 40 volunteers from our council, including other parish members gathered to help provide meals and cold drinks to an estimated 25,000 people who attended the Alliston Potato Festival. The annual event features many family-oriented activities including a baby show, a midway with lots of rides and games, bingo, a marketplace and an outdoor food court, where the Knights food trailer is located. Nearly 3000 bottles of water and soft drinks were sold in addition to more than 500 pea meal bacon sandwiches, over 900 hot dogs, 500 baked potatoes and over 300 potato salads. Council 9352 remains the only not-for-profit organization that is still involved as a food vendor on the main festival grounds. Council 9352 continues every year to improve their booth and equipment. Members of Order in the region are still answering the call and raising funds for their community and their hard work has paid off. Every year thousands of dollars are raised during the three-day event. Profits are then shared with the community through various programs, with the local food bank, as the primary benefactor. The council has also assisted community members who are in urgent need, most recently, a family who experienced hardship due to a house fire.
Top Left Photo: Festival Organizer (left to right) Brother Jim Ardito from Council 9352, State Deputy Bruce S. Poulin, Grand Knight Council 9352, Richard de Faria, and District Deputy 99, Ron Frank, take a moment for a mug shot at the event. Top Right Photo: (Left to right) State Deputy Bruce S. Poulin, Brother Randy Walsh, Brother Dick Maguire, and District Deputy Ron Frank are seen here working at the K of C food trailer. Bottom Photo: Some of the more than 20,000 visitors who came to enjoy some good ol' fashion Alliston hospitality during the potato festival.
Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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2023 Knights of Columbus BURSARY WINNERS FORWinners 2023 State Bursary By: Joe Bodnar, Ontario State Treasurer Brother Knights and family, Brother Knights and family, in last year's Autumn issue of the State bulletin, the State Treasurer David Gelinas reported the five recipients from the 2022 State Chaplains annual bursary program. As required by our program rules sec.C(1), here are the five 2023 bursary recipients, in alphabetical order.
Winter Biffert
Martin Bissonnette
Jayden Doleweerd
Kara Murray
James Pin
Council 8092 Our Lady of Visitation Gloucester, ON
Council 755 Cornwall Cornwall, ON
Council 5676 Port Perry Circle Port Perry, ON
Council 2110 Father O’Donnell Amherstburg, ON
Council 7969 Fr. G.M. Warren Stoney Creek, ON
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College Barry’s Bay, ON
University of Waterloo Waterloo, ON
Sheridan College Brampton, ON
University of Windsor Windsor, ON
University of Waterloo Waterloo, ON
On behalf of the State bursary committee, I wish them joy and a fruitful experience during their studies in their post secondary education. May Jesus bring them peace, knowledge, and abundance to their lives as a Catholic student.
The application deadline for next year’s 2023 State Chaplains Bursary program is June 1st, 2024.
Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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Membership Monthly Growth Calendar By: David Fisher, District Deputy 9
Greetings, esteemed Brother Knights, The dawn of the new fraternal year witnessed an auspicious beginning with Brother Marco Marchione, as he became the pioneering member to join our Order in Ontario on July 1, 2023. Not only did he become a beacon of hope and inspiration by joining, but he also swiftly found his esteemed place within his Council. The introduction of the Membership Monthly Growth Calendar has, thus far, not only met our expectations but has surpassed them with vigor and commitment. For instance, under the vigilant guidance of Membership Information Officer 2 from Ottawa, in July 2023 his area realized a commendable 32% membership growth, far exceeding the average monthly growth of 8%. With a similar spirit, MIO 10 steered August to an impressive 12% growth in his area, showcasing our collective strength and unity. Currently, MIOs 4 and 5 are collaborating diligently with the State Council and directors, setting the stage for September to echo similar success stories. But, the inspiration doesn't end there. In the span of merely two months this year, we've embraced 197 new members within our fold, a significant leap of 32% from our 11-year average of 134 for the same timeframe. This is not just a number, but a testament to our undying spirit and the magnetic pull of our shared values. Moreover, the Supreme Council, recognizing our achievements and commitment, has now paved the way for further recognition. A FAST START COUNCIL INCENTIVE program awaits the top ten councils to achieve their membership quota by September 30, 2023. Spearheaded by David Fisher, along with our dedicated Program Director, Denis La Salle, we stand on the precipice of making history. It is with unyielding faith and unity that we move forward, certain that this fast start victory will further solidify our bond and the path we've chosen. Together, let's continue to inspire, thrive, and make every moment, and every new member, count.
NEW 92-YEAR-OLD KNIGHT! By: Ron Frank, DD99 92-year-old Ken Holychuk wanted to become a Knight of Columbus member before he died, so today District Deputy Ron Frank signed Ken up as an e-member, shared the video Exemplification with him, and requested that he be accepted into St. John Albion Council 16227 in Caledon East. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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SEPTEMBER IS LIFE INSURANCE AWARENESS MONTH By: Mike Mullin, General Agent Mullin Agency
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. It’s the one month each year that the life insurance industry coordinates a campaign aimed at educating folks about the importance of life insurance and helping them get the coverage they need. Christopher Kauffman, the historian, spent several years at the Supreme Office and at the Museum, researching the book that he wrote on the 100th anniversary of our founding. That book, Faith and Fraternalism, notes on page 35, “…he [Fr. McGivney again] spent his energy in promoting the insurance feature…his emphasis on business was his pastoral concern for the social and financial security of the family.” Fr. McGivney lived both the social and the financial insecurity of a desperate family, with the breadwinner suddenly taken, that had to be supported. He left the seminary to work and support his mother and siblings. As a pastor, he didn’t want other Catholic families to find themselves in such a predicament. That, and uniting men of faith, was the impetus for establishing our Order. Everyone who joined in those first years was insured; that was part and parcel of being in the organization. Now every member has a choice. I’d like every member to know what we do, and how we do it. Here’s the process I use when I meet with families: 1.
Discover – Identify their current insurance situation and financial goals
2.
Gather Data – Collect facts & figures based on their current situation
3.
Analyze – Conduct an Insurance Needs Analysis (Input data, run calculations, identify shortfalls)
4.
Recommend – Propose appropriate KofC products to help them meet their needs and goals
5.
Implement – Work with them to implement the product solution they select (take the application, etc.)
6.
Periodic Review – Review regularly (at least annually) for changes in their needs and goals and make
appropriate recommendations based on those changes This is a painless process. But it can help any family, at any age, determine if they have blind spots in their coverage. It can help you avoid the pain of being underinsured. With a variety of life insurance products we offer, we can help find solutions that fit within almost any budget. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to buy life insurance…I want to buy what life insurance can provide: protection from the risk of a significant change in lifestyle for the survivors, including not being able to stay in the house where they want to be of not being able to give your daughter the wedding she’s been promised, or a child the college education he or she has been promised and much more. What does life insurance provide? Peace of mind. That’s where I can help.
Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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Funeral of his Excellency Marcel Gervais By: Bulletin Editor, Marcel Gauvin Sir Knights of 4th degree districts 1 and 6 jointly paid tribute for the funeral of the Most Reverend Marcel André Gervais former Archbishop of Ottawa.
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Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
Last columbian year was an exceptional year for the squires! By: Warren P. Fernandes, Chief Counsellor, St. Dominic Savio Circle No. 5217, Rexdale
Brother Knights, We certainly hope everyone had a lovely summer! We know some of the squires have a very busy summer ahead and are invested in Summerdaze or other summer camps, full or part time jobs, summer school or just enjoying their well-deserved time off! Last columbian year was an exceptional year for the squires! It was the most successful year in the history of our circle! At the squire's convention in June, our circle won some prestigious awards including being elected as the top circle of the year across Ontario! That's right, the St, Dominic Savio Circle 5217 is the recipient of the "Circle of the Year", for 2022-23! Also, our circle won the Spiritual Event of the Year with our Don Bosco movie night! Please see the list of some other awards as well. To cap that off, two of our very own squires were elected to positions on the State Squires Provincial Board! We are proud to say that the new Provincial Chief Squire of Ontario is our very own Samuel Lacobazzi! We are also proud to say the position of Provincial Deputy Chief Squire was elected as our very own Calum Persaud-Watton! Two of our very own squires will now be in charge of running the province of Ontario and all of the hundreds of these distinguished Squires across all the circles! Here is a list of the other awards this circle captured at this year's convention: Circle of the Year- St. Dominic Savio Circle 5217 Spiritual Event of the Year- Don Bosco Movie Night Squire of the Year runner-up- Aidan Persaud-Watton Top squire recruiter of the year- Aidan Persaud-Watton Provincial Board Member of the Year recognition- Sam Iacobazzi Provincial Board Member of the Year recognition- Calum Persaud-Watton Recognition Award as Convention co-chairman- Joshua Dinshaw Provincial Board Area Chairman of the Year runner-up- Warren Fernandes Firstly, thanks have to be given to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who motivates, inspires and guides us through the Holy Spirit! All of the work we do is for the greater glory of God! We can't say enough of how proud we are of these squires for all of their hard work and dedication to making last year so special! It was so heartfelt that even one of our counsellors got emotional during our last business meeting. Thank you to our Chief Squire Max Almonte for leading this circle to its great lengths this year, his endearing devotion and commitment to his peers were outstanding and certainly attested by his strong leadership qualities. Unsurprisingly, Max was re-elected as Chief Squire for 2023-24! Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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Last columbian year was an exceptional year for the squires! con’t
A very special thank you goes to Fr. Prior Father Jim Berning! Fr. Jim has already left the parish permanently and is in his new assignment in Chicago. Our circle would not be where it is today if it wasn't for all of his sacrifice and commitment to the squire's program over the last 7 years! Thank you Father for being a mentor, a friend, a counsellor, a brother and a father to all our squires. Words cannot express how much we will miss you and thank you for everything you have done for us. We are certainly thankful that the Lord blessed us with you for the last 7 years! Another special thank you goes to our now Past Grand Knight Pat Loduca! Thank you Pat for all of your support of the squire program over the last 3 years! Thank you for all your kind words, your time, your devotion and fortitudinal support! Thank you for inspiring us and thank you for guiding us and having all the brother knights support us, whether it be financially, mentally or emotionally. We know that some of these squires are already looking forward to their next potential calling to become a knight. Lastly, there are no squires without counsellors so thank you counsellors who give up their time to support and mentor these young squires. Thank you Dominic Peresso, Steve Azzopardi, Chris Timson, Joshua Dinshaw, and Mark Watton! And of course, thank you to all the parents who trust and devote their squires to this program. The squires can be quite an inspiration but they will only get out of it what they put into it, so for the squires who aren't as active as they should be, we hope they can find the time this coming business year to be as active as they can. Let us keep in prayers Fr. Jim on his new assignment and for his ailing mother in Houston—Pat Loduca, Dominic Peresso and Fr. Kelly on their current health and well being. Finally, our end-of-the-year slideshow is attached here: Squires2022-23Slideshow.pptx This is a Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow presentation. In order for this slideshow to play properly with the music and everything, you MUST have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer or other device. Download and save this presentation to your computer. Then open the slideshow and go to the slideshow tab and select "play from the beginning". If you don't have Microsoft Powerpoint then it may not play properly or at all. But if you have another device, phone, tablet, etc that does have PPT then I suggest you open it there. Enjoy the slideshow and have a safe and blessed new Columbian Year! God Bless!
Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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Let's Play Bingo! By Anna Kocmarek Many Councils host bingos in bingo or church halls. Some run TV bingo or radio bingo. Now we have Convention Bingo! Every member who registers at the Convention will receive 2 bingo cards.One Convention Bingo card to play at the Convention and one Bulletin Bingo card to take home and play when the summer, fall and winter bulletins come out. That’s four chances to win $200. Convention Bingo – Completed!!! Game 1 - Congratulations to Michael Lobsinger from Council 1431 in Kilroy who had fun playing bingo at the convention and won $200. Bulletin Bingo – Game 2 = Spring Bulletin- closed – no winners! Game 3 – $400 prize!!! Let’s Play!!! Use the same card as game 2 - 10 Bingo numbers will be drawn and posted in the Fall bulletin. If you have one line or 4 corners, email Anna at anna@ontariokofc.ca letting her know that you have a winning card. Please include the red card number found at the top of your card as well as the number found under the free spot. Bingo can only be claimed for 2 weeks after the bulletin is published. If we have multiple winners, they will share the $400 prize. If we have no winners, then the $400 prize will carry over to game 4 in the Winter bulletin. Please don’t dab... use bingo chips, coins or cheerios to mark the numbers. Ani and Liane from the State Office have drawn 10 numbers. I-16; O-66; O-68; G-55; G-54; G-49; B-5; N-36; G-60; B8. Game 4 – use the same card as game 3 and same rules as game 3.Numbers will be found in the Winter bulletin. If we have no winners, the prize will carry over and be drawn at the 2024 Convention.
Vivat Jesus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | ONTARIO STATE BULLETIN |FALL 2023
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