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January 2004
VOLUME XXVIII ISSUE 7
Contents . . .
Grand Knight's Message
What a year we have had...a lot of events, six Seminarian Scholarships, a very successful Pro-Life program, and we certainly proved ourselves as the "go to" guys for St. Peters what with the last minute cooks for the Parish PicNic and the October fest. This has also been a year of Catholic Life set-backs. A minority of transgressors painted all of our priest as potentially evil, and then after this broad stroke of defamation by the press, states pass laws to recognize same sex marriage, and the Pope becomes a target for ridicule as a doddering old man. IT IS TIME WE FIGHT BACK...NOT WITH MONEY, NOT WITH JUST TALKING. WE AS KNIGHTS MUST TAKE A STAND. Our armor is prayer, our sword is devotion and our offense is action. If your able to attend and March for life on January 22nd DO IT, attend the Eucharistic devotions, attend Lenten devotions, pray the rosary and speak out as a true Catholic gentleman in defense of our faith, church and clergy any time and any place.
Rick Allison, GK
Chaplain's Message
The needles are falling off your tree (if it's still up). Now we're hunkered down waiting for Spring. It is in our day to day lives that our faith is most important. Works of faith, hope and charity provide us a way to look in the mirror and see the life of Christ in us. The birth of Christ means that we are free to worship God in purity and in accordance with His Will in all the events of our lives. There is cause for rejoicing here. Persevere in these cold months knowing that a warm spring is on the way. In January we remember the carnage of abortion. Participate in the March for Life, either by marching and/or praying. If we trust in God and in the truth we will prevail.
The Peace of Christ, born of Mary, be with you.
Fr. Thomas LaHood
District Deputy Report
by Joe Feakes
Wow, where did 2003 go? It seems that because we spend so much of our time planning for the future, when the future arrives we are surprised. Indeed, the future is now (you do remember Coach George Allen). Well, speaking of planning, it's not too early to think of how you can get involved in your council's activities in the upcoming fraternal year. If there is a certain committee you would like to join, or even chair, make that known to your Grand Knight. If you have an idea for a new project, or a suggestion concerning a current one, speak up. We need and welcome all input.
One of the most significant events of the year is fast approaching. The annual March For Life is scheduled for January 22. Please make every effort to participate some way in the March itself or in one of the many other activities around the state which will celebrate the most important gift of all--life. You need only to listen to the news or open your morning paper to become aware of the many individuals and organizations that display and promote a blatant disregard for human life. The tide is turning, albeit slowly, so we must continue to make our beliefs known.
It is not too early to begin planning for the March membership blitz. If you know of a potential member talk to him soon about the advantages of becoming a Knight. Make sure he gets to an admission committee meeting so that when March comes around everything is in place for him to join.
One final reminder, keep in touch with those members of your council who may not be able to attend meetings or other council functions due to illness, age, or problems with transportation. These men and their families are the foundations upon which our councils and programs have been built.
On behalf of our District Warden, Yen Le, and our wives, Lynn and Nu, I wish you and your family a happy and prosperous New Year.
Vivat Jesus!
Are You Pro-Life . . . . Everyday?
Chancellor's Corner
by Bill Gulban, Chancellor Council 6793
Healthy Life for Knights
Tea drinking cannot be undone following my last month's article on coffee. The simple tea drink fights cancer, heart disease, cold and cavities. You know that green tea is good for you. But did you know that green and black tea help ward off many types of cancer, fight heart disease and colds, even prevent cavities? A Chinese emperor first touted the health benefits of green tea more than 4,000 years ago. Here's what the latest scientific research shouts...why tea helps. Green and black teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves contain catechins, antioxidants that block the action of free radicals (harmful molecules). The most powerful catechin is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A study conducted at the University of Shizuoka in Japan showed that the antioxidant power of EGCG in green tea was200 stronger than that of vitamin E, another antioxidant. Green tea is made from fresh, young leav3s, which are steamed right away tom preserve catechins and then dried. Black tea contains about half the catechins as green tea because it undergoes more processing before leaves are dried. Specific health benefits of catechins found in tea include...Reducing risk of certain types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, breast and digestive tract. In a University of Minnesota study of more than 35,000 women over eight years, those who drank two or more cups of green or black tea daily had 10% lower risk of developing any cancer than those who seldom drank tea. Reducing heart disease by blocking the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. A four-year study conducted at Harvard Medical School indicated that participants who drank 14 cups or more of green or black tea weekly had a 44 % lower death rate after a heart attack than people who didn't drink tea. Fewer colds and other illnesses. Tea prevents free radicals from undermining the immune system.
In a 2002 report, researchers in two medical universities in Japan confirmed reports that catachins in green tea extract inhibit the growth of the influenza virus. Scientists at the Health Science center of New York University reviewed this literature and concluded that green tea enhances immunity.
Building bone density. One study of more than 1,000 participants indicated that drinking two or cups of tea a day for at least six years strengthened bone density. Preventing cavities by blocking growth of Streptococcus mutans, bacterium associated with dental plaque. Tea contains enough fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. Aiding digestion by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
How much tea? Aim for four cups of green tea or six cups of black tea daily. Expensive teas may taste better, but they don't necessarily provide more health benefits. Brew tea for three minutes to ensure the release of antioxidants. Longer steeping only produces more tannins, which taste bitter. Iced tea yields the same benefits, but antioxidants degrade in time, so drink the tea soon after brewing. Tea contains less caffeine than coffee-up to 30 mg per cup of green tea...up to 90 mg for black, versus 160 mg for brewed coffee. People who are sensitive to caffeine may prefer decaffeinated tea. The process that removes caffeine from tea does not interfere with its health benefits. Herbal tea has long been touted for helping to fight heart disease and cancer. But recent now indicates that herbal teas made out of dried citrus fruit contain a high acid content that will dissolve tooth enamel. If you drink citrus teas have no more than three cups per day, and drink it with meals. High salivary flow produced when eating helps neutralize acids. Rinse your mouth with water after each cup.
This article is supported by the research and authorities of the The Bottom Line, and Food and Nutrition tips by University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter.
Announcements From The Chancellor
Pancake and Sausage Day 2004
Mark your Calendars!! On Saturday, February 21, 2004 Father Peter Paul Maher Council along with the Lions Club of Olney, will again sponsor the 28th Annual Pancake and Sausage Day. The usual "All You Can Eat" breakfast will provide the Council with the major source of funding for our annual College Scholarship Program. The full page flyer elsewhere in the Newsletter gives all the details.
Two important reminders:
FIRST: Council Members will be needed to work the dining room from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This will be done in two shifts of 7 am until 11 am, which includes set up and then the 11 am until 3 pm shift which includes take down and clean up. Many hands will make for light work. Contact Grand Knight Rick Allison at 301-260-7950 to volunteer.
SECOND: A very important source for the success of the event is the Advertisements in the Program Booklet. Information is on the flyer. Contact Brothers Vince Pistolessi at 301-871-3334 or Bob Caron at 301-774-6951 with your ad. Remember that two complimentary tickets are given with each Ad.
Christmas Raffle Results-2003
Fr. Maher Council decided earlier this year that the raffle would be conducted to support the Seminarian Fund of the Fr. Peter Paul Maher Knights of Columbus Charity Corporation. The Charity Corporation allowed Bill Ketter to run the raffle. Since the raffle was run by the Charity Corporation to benefit the Seminarian Fund, one-half of the cost of participating in the raffle ($5.00) would be tax deductible since it was destined to go into the Seminarian Fund. The other one half ($5.00) was destined to go to the raffle prize fund and was therefore not eligible to be deductible.
The 2003 Christmas Raffle was very successful as the Council sold 230.raffle tickets. This made $1,150.00 available to the Seminarian Fund. The sale of 230 raffle tickets was excellent when compared to 2002 the raffle sold 185 raffle tickets. The 230 tickets this year were purchased by 187 members and widows while in 2002, 145 members and widows purchased 185 raffle tickets. This year it was an increase of 42 members and widows participating and an increase of 45 tickets being sold.
The members are always encouraged to purchase the raffle ticket sent them but they are also told that if they do not want to participate in a raffle they are encouraged to make a donation to the Seminarian Fund. What usually happens is they pay for the raffle ticket and they also make a donation.
During the 2002 raffle 41 members made donations in the amount of $912.00. The donations ranged from $5.00 t0 $100.00. This year 37 members made donations amounting to $745.00 and the donations again ranged from $5.00 to $100.00! In 2003 the number of members making donation was down by 4 members and the amount was off by $167.00.
During the 2003-2004 fraternal year Fr. Maher Council will support six seminarians. This will compare to the eight seminarians supported during the 2002-2003 fraternal year. Of the six seminarians we will support, five of them were present at the Council Christmas Party held on Sunday afternoon, December 21, 2003 at St. Peter's parish hall. These five seminarians received their $500.00 check directly from Grand Knight Rick Allison. The seminarian who could not be present was Adam Park and his check will be mailed to him. The seminarians present were; Bro. Matthew E. Lamoureux, Bro. Mark A. Baron, and Bro. John Larson all from the Marians and (Mark) Zhi He Xu and (Paul) Ting Hin Zang (Chinese seminarians attending Catholic University)
Now is probably where we should inform you who the winners were in this year's raffle. Since we had raised $1,150.00 for the Seminarian Fund. We also raised $1,150.00 for the raffle prizes. The winners and the amount they won are as follows:
| 1st | Millard Gomez | $458.00 |
| 2nd | Robert R. Caron | $343.00 |
| 3rd | Donald M. Hemke | $229.00 |
| 4th | Maggie Katherine Scanlon | $114.50 |
That fourth place winner is my youngest granddaughter. I purchase tickets for all my grand children in every raffle the Council conducts.
I wish to convey to the members and widows that I enjoyed being involved with the Christmas Raffle. It has always been one of my favorite activities, maybe because the final result was helping the seminarians. Thank you everyone!
William E. Ketter-Trustee.
Christmas Caroling At Montgomery General Hospital A Big Hit!
The caroling was fun and the hour flew by. The patients and staff of Montgomery General Hospital were very pleased with the caroling provided by our council family. Representing our council were the Schwartz Family Singers, Mary, Michael, James, Kathy and Jim, along with event organizers Steve and Marilyn Goldhammer, Tim Boland, Bill Gulban and Gerry Hemmingson. Please consider joining us next Christmas.
News From Supreme
A Michelangelo Masterpiece Comes to the Knights of Columbus Museum
Creating St. Peter's - Architectural Treasures of the Vatican
The original 1560 study model for Michelangelo's design of the dome of St. Peter's is among more than 100 Vatican treasures being featured at the Knights of Columbus Museum from Dec. 10 through Aug. 31, 2004. The exhibit includes priceless works of art and architecture never before seen in the United States.
See the Knights of Columbus, Supreme Council Web Site for additional details.
Knights Defend 'under God' in Pledge of Allegiance
NEW HAVEN, CT - Stating that the fundamental self-understanding of the United States - from the Declaration of Independence through everyday practices by Congress and the president - is in jeopardy, the Knights of Columbus, which led the effort to persuade President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the U.S. Congress in the 1950s to add the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance, has filed a friend of the court brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of United States of America v. Newdow. In that case, a divided panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declared mandatory recitation of the pledge unconstitutional because of the words "under God."
The opinion of the 9th Circuit Court, the Knights argue, "threatens not only one patriotic rite and one particular federal statute." The opinion "challenges the American principle that fundamental rights are inalienable by the State because they exist prior to the State," the Knights said in their brief.
If reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional because it refers to a nation "under God," the brief continues, "then reciting the Declaration of Independence, which refers to the Creator as the source of rights, is surely cast in doubt." The nation's "self-understanding," the brief concludes, would then be called into question.
The Knights' brief notes that in prior judgments the court has affirmed the role of religion in American life without establishing or endorsing a state religion. Presidents, too, the brief states, have enjoined God in inaugural addresses and other public speeches.
Calling the 9th Circuit Court's decision "at war" with tradition, the brief argues that the Supreme Court should overturn the appeals court's ruling.
The brief was signed by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, who holds a law degree and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, and Supreme Advocate Paul R. Devin, along with Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law Professor Robert Destro. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty filed the brief on behalf of the Knights.