Fr. Kenneth St. Hilaire,
State Chaplain
August 2020 It’s not infrequently that people try to pit science and religion against each other, as if people who are scientifically minded should have nothing to do with religion, and people who have religion should regard science with grave suspicion. Granted, there are many people for whom these are apt descriptions. They insist on a sharp divide between the realms of science and religion. Some see the discoveries of science as a contradiction of their understanding of the Bible. Others say they’re too intelligent to subscribe to any religion. ::Sigh:: Dare I suggest that scientists be open to religious belief, and religious believers be open to the progress of the sciences?
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Kim Washburn,
State Secretary
Brothers, This message will be short. Most of you know I have been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer and have many challenges ahead. It’s a little frustrating right now, but prayers please. Look for more details in the next Second Edition. Things EVERY man should know and be concerned about. We are being misled. I know you guys are concerned, and I am VERY grateful of that, but my time is limited and explaining all of this hundreds of times, is just not possible. I will try to keep everyone informed over Steve Snell’s Second Edition. Our PayneWest liability insurance premiums have went up significantly from $1.20 to $1.35 per member.
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Greg Mahoney,
State Treasurer
August 2020
Brother Knights, We finished Fraternal Year 19-20 with money in the bank. That’s a good position to be in. We realized some savings because the Annual Meeting in May was conducted through a virtual platform. Councils will have some savings this year as Supreme per Capita Assessment is suspended for Fraternal Year 20-21 due to the pandemic. Use those savings smartly to help those in need.
Keep up the good work through the Leave No Neighbor Behind Program. Council leaders should engage with pastors to determine how best to support Masses and keep parish facilities open and safe. Brainstorm new ideas on how to raise money outside the usual group settings.
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Tom Williams,
State Advocate
August 2020 My brothers,
How goes the battle?
I want to cover some administrative topics this month, one of which is to help you understand the relationship between the forms you submit and the Safe Environment Program compliance.
Two of the most important forms you submit at this time of year are the “Officers Chosen for Term Report” Form 185 and “Service Program Personnel Report” form 365. These forms are used to identify the men filling the positions that require Safe Environment training - if your Council has not submitted the forms then Supreme does not know the men filling the positions and whether or they are SEP-compliant. As of 7/26, 14 Councils have not submitted Form 185 and a whopping 68 Councils have not submitted Form 365.
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Dr. Scott Hulse,
State Warden
August 2020 When was the last time you spoke with a brother Knight? Does your Council have a phone tree to keep members informed about Council operations and functions, virtual or otherwise? Is your Council conducting officer and social meetings? How are you and your brother Knights going to establish and maintain safety protocols for the time when in-person meetings can safely occur? I recently participated in a ceremony transferring custody of the Silver Rose from the Washington State Council to the Oregon State Council. The site for celebration of the Mass and Eucharist, attended by twenty brothers and family members, that preceded the exchange was set up to conform with social distancing guidelines. Most participants arrived with their nose and mouth covered and initially stayed at least six feet apart. There was an ample supply of hand sanitizer.
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Bob Baemmert,
Immediate Past State Deputy
August 2020
Hi Brothers,
When I was a kid, I remember how excited I was when the Milwaukee Braves’ first game of spring finally arrived. My best friend and I would hop on our bikes and ride down to Milwaukee County Stadium for the big event. We would buy a bleacher seat for seventy-five cents and we would sit in left field behind Henry Aaron. Peanuts and hotdogs were on our menu, and I often think of how happy we were back then. With the sixty-game baseball season about to start this year, I am starting to feel that same excitement.
My buddy and I filled our summers with playing baseball on the Park and Recreation League and when we were not playing ball, we were riding our bikes all over town.
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