Gregory S. Mahoney, State Deputy
April 2025
My Brother Knights, This month we celebrate Christ’s great victory over sin and death. Christ’s resurrection at Easter is a triumphant time and points to the truth that God can manifest good from even the most hopeless of situations – death by crucifixion. The Cross has become a great symbol of hope for believers. In that light, I wish all brother Knights and their families a Joyous and Happy Easter!
|In March, two events were a particular highlight for me as State Deputy. The first involved the State Free Throw Championship. State Free Throw Chairman, Ken DeVos, organized two state events, one in the east and one in the west. Both events saw an excellent turnout of young athletes again this year. In the western competition, I was amazed by a 12-year-old boy who scored a perfect 25 out of 25 free throw shots. His throws consistently sailed the basketball right through the center of the hoop without touching the rim. His skill was impressive. I heard from one observer that it was worth attending the event just to watch the boy shoot. State Chairman Ken said this is the first time he has witnessed a perfect score in his many years of running the program. I invited the state champion and his family to our Annual Convention, courtesy of the WA State Council. I hope they can attend. My guess is that we will also have an international champion this year.
Unfortunately, in the past few years council participation in youth events has declined. We must turn this around. Many more councils should be conducting youth programs in their parishes and schools, such as free throw contests, soccer challenges, poster and essay contests. These programs uplift youth and their families in the spirit of good and healthy competition. Parents greatly appreciate events like these. Councils and districts should also send knights to help run state level events and cheer on and support the youth. Next year, let's boost council participation and support youth events on a grand scale. Our youth deserve it.
The second event in March that was spiritually uplifting for me was the Blessed McGivney Relic Pilgrimage that began in Spokane on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, and concluded in Vancouver on March 29, Founders Day. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the planning team, Faith Director Jesse Schossow, Program Director Danno Herrera, Blessed McGivney Guild Chairman Ed Hebert, outgoing Faith Director Tom Pursley, and Communications Director Tim Dunn for their many hours of coordination to make this pilgrimage happen. Many thanks to the host councils and assembly honor guards and to the members and priests who coordinated the details at each location to advance the cause for Canonization of Blessed McGivney. A special thank you to Regional Growth Director Chuck Davlin for bringing the relic to us.
Four Exemplifications were conducted over the course of five days with Blessed McGivney present – special moments indeed. Traveling hundreds of miles, we visited three dioceses, six parishes, three cathedrals, one seminary, and two special request locations. We attended six Masses and held several holy hours to venerate the Relic of Blessed Michael McGivney. Countless prayer intentions were collected and will be brought to St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, CT, and placed at the tomb of Blessed McGivney. Blessed Michael McGivney, pray for us.
The State Convention will open in just a few short weeks. Grand Knights should verify that all registration and credential requirements are completed, and the Council Annual reports have been submitted to the District Deputies. I am happy to announce that Archbishop Etienne will join us at the Saturday evening Awards Banquet. Bishop Schuster will celebrate the opening Mass on Friday evening and Bishop Tyson is planning to attend as well. Supreme Director Alfredo Vela and his wife Rosa, from the great state of Texas, will be the Supreme Council Representatives this year.
Don’t forget -- we will conduct an ASAP Pass the Hat fundraiser at the convention to support the PREPARES programs in each diocese. Last year we raised over $13,000. This year our goal is $15,000. If every council brought a $250 check, we would easily surpass our goal. I encourage every member attending the convention to also make a personal donation to support life and take part in thwarting the evil forces at work in our state. Let’s be On Mission. I look forward to seeing many of you at the convention.
This month, I intend to read about the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian boy who died at the age of 15 from leukemia. He used technology for good and was devoted to the Eucharist. He will be canonized on April 27, 2025. Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us.
Through Him, With Him and In Him –
This is The Way; Walk in It
Vivat Jesus!
Vivat Jesus!
Fraternally,
Gregory S. Mahoney
State Deputy