Greetings Brother Knights:

When is the last time you observed a 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree

ceremony? Was it when you took your last degree? There is no doubt that you don’t remember a word that was said

when you took your degree. I know that I don’t. If my as-sumption is correct, I encourage you to consider attending

a degree ceremony not only witness the changes made to

the ceremonies but also to listen to the great messages they contain. A good date to start is to join us on March 8th

at Saint Philip Neri where a 2nd degree ceremony will be held beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Speaking of degrees, I want everyone to welcome our new members who took their 1st degree on February 3. They are Matthew Stockton, Joseph Sandora,

Frank Hartman, and Ryan Cunningham. On February 17th, Jeff Hardin took his 1st degree at Our Lady of Grace. Let’s show them what brotherhood means by

remembering our four core principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

These principles are the foundation for all of the good works we do.

I want to thank our Membership Director, Paul Turevon, along with Knights David Grchan, Peter Bachini, German “Sal” Saldarriaga, Art Durazzi and Ron

Cray for the help given at the Open House held on January 26. Seven pro-spects attended the meeting resulting in the five new members as noted

above. Let me not forget to mention that our new Field Agent, Bradley Bardon,

who came all the way from Columbia, joined in the activities to support us.

Member’s dues are the life blood of our council’s charity programs. The council also must pay State and Supreme per capita. So please, if you are in the ar-

rears keep your dues current. If there is a reason, such as, sickness, unem-

ployment, etc., let either myself or the Financial Secretary know and we will work with you.

For those of you who are unable to attend our meetings or be involved in even

one event, you are missing the fulfillment of your desire to become a Knight of Columbus. Perhaps you can start by supporting the Council sponsored Fish Fry

being held on Friday, April 4th. It is never too late to support your church,

community and council. Vivat Jesus!

Theron Simpson Jr. Theron Simpson Jr., Grand Knight

GRAND KNIGHT’S MESSAGE MARCH 2014

THE DIOCESE OF CHARLESTON – FACTS

Of the 4,394,300 state population that 184,378 are Catholics or 4.2% of the population.

There are 28 diocesan and parochial elementary schools with 5,598 students. There are 2 diocesan high schools with 1,182 students. There are 2 private high schools with 582 students. The diocese is served by 155 priest. 81 of who are diocesan priests and 38 of

them are relgious. There are 163 permanent deacons, 23 religious brothers and 136 religious sisters.

There are 92 parish churches and 24 missions. Received into full communion in the church in 2012 were 404. There are 5 deaneries: Costal, Lowcountry, Midlands, Pee Dee and Piedmont. 11 religious orders of men serve in the diocese. 22 religious order of women serve. Baptized were 3,324 infants, 518 youth and adults for a total of 3,842 682 couples received the Sacrament of Matrimony. There were 1,186 deaths.

Source: Friends of the Oratory Newsletter, February 2014

Canonization for Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXII

Father Dan Pisano from St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellsburg, WV, will be the Spiritual Di-rector for a 10 day Pilgrimage to Italy from April 23 to May 2, 2014 to attend the canonization of our two beloved Popes: John Paul II and John XXII. The itinerary includes 4 nights in Rome, 1 night in San Giovanni Rotundo, and 2 nights in Assisi. Visits to Monte Sant “Angelo,” Lanciano, Loreto Cascia and Montecassiono are included. Cost is $2,850 per person. Packages includes round-trip from most east coast and Midwest cit-ies, Superior tourist class hotels, all fees, Escort-ed guides, and daily breakfast and dinners. For information and brochures, contact John Tagnesi, toll free 1-888-544-4461 or jtag1964@verizon.net

From the Church Committee Barry Kane, Committee Chair The committee announced the following plan designed to incorporated more spirituality into the council meet-ings: March – group discussion on the gospel April – guest speaker May – article discussion led by the Lecturer June – evaluation Additionally, several Knights have volunteered to act as the Lecturer at the following council meetings: March – Ken Knighten April – Joe Avampato

NEWS TO NOTE

THE GUARDIAN | MARCH 2014 | PAGE 2

MARCH 2014 1 First Annual SC Catholic Men’s Conference, Columbia, SC 3 Council 12366 Members Meeting at 7:00 p.m. 5 Ash Wednesday 17 St. Patrick’s Day 21 Assembly 3149, Fort Mill, SC 4

th Degree meeting at 7:00 p.m.

22 2nd

and 3rd

Degree, Council 9475, Mt. Pleasant 23 Knights of Columbus – Day of the Unborn Child 29 Founder’s Day 31 Council 12366 Officers Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

APRIL 2014

1 Catholic Advertising Fund Levy 4 Council sponsored Fish Fry at SPN beginning at 5:00 p.m. 7 Council 12366 Members Meeting at 7:00 p.m. 13 Palm Sunday 18 Good Friday 18 Assembly 3149, Fort Mill, SC 4

th Degree meeting at 7:00 p.m.

20 Easter Sunday 26 SC State Convention April 25 – 27 – Myrtle Beach 28 Council 12366 Officers Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

MAY 2014

5 Council 12366 meeting at 7:00 p.m. 11 Mother’s Day 12 Feast of the Ascension 16 Assembly 3149, Fort Mill, 4

th Degree meeting at 7:00 p.m.

17 2nd

and 3rd

Degree, Council 724, Columbia 19 Council 12366 Officers meeting at 7:00 p.m. 26 Memorial Day

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THE GUARDIAN | MARCH 2014 | PAGE 3

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

1 Perry Merk 3 Dennis O Connell 7 Lawrence Dwyer 12 Albert Aikins 14 German “Sal” Saldarriaga 16 Bernard Calderone 18 Thomas Murawski 24 Kristofer Deberry

THE GUARDIAN | MARCH 2014 | PAGE 4

REFLECTION – BE A COURAGEOUS CATHOLIC by Brian Williams

As Catholics we are all given opportunities to evangelize others. Sometimes God may place in our path a non-Christian who needs to hear the saving message of the gospel. Other times it may be the anti-Catholic who we encoun-ter and have a chance to educate on what the Church actually teaches. Then there are those moments when the person requiring evangelization is a fellow Catholic who, either through igno-rance or disobedience, is in desperate need to hear the truth of the faith. These are the times which require courageous Catholics. The Opportunity to Evangelize Most of us have experienced these wonderful evangelization opportunities. Unfortunately, too many have been wasted opportunities as fear of offending others prevents us from sharing the truth. In what ways do these moments often mani-fest themselves in our routine, run of the mill, everyday life? Maybe it is a family member or Catholic friend who casually references that they rarely go to Mass anymore. Or you may

have a Catholic friend who has been going to the Evangelical church lately because his non-Catholic wife and children

enjoy the music better there. It might be a conversation with a family member in which they disclose that they are con-tracepting within their marriage, or possibly considering sterilization. Finally, you might find that you are the only Catholic in a small group when someone erroneously states that Catholics “do not believe in the Bible”. In these instances far too many Catholics look for the quickest way to exit the conversation or to change the subject. This is the farthest thing from courageous Catholicism. Ultimately our responsibility to evangelize others, even our fellow Catholics, is motivated by charity and mercy. The Spiritual Works of Mercy The Church identifies the following actions as spiritual works of mercy:

•To instruct the ignorant •To counsel the doubtful •To admonish sinners •To bear wrongs patiently •To forgive offences willingly •To comfort the afflicted •To pray for the living and the dead

Evangelization is not optional. When God puts before us an opportunity to “instruct the ignorant” or “to admonish sinners”, we must rise up to the task. We must be bold in proclaiming the truth. It is because we are a people of hope that we cannot dismiss a soul as lost or simply choose not to engage in dialogue. I have previously blogged on the New Evangelization and the Gospel of Nice. Prevalent these days, with both laity and clergy alike, is the belief that to offend someone, even with the truth, is the greatest “sin” one can commit. Far too many Catholics presently see the entirety of the faith represented in two simple principles: He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. (1 John 4:8) Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye… You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Mt 7:1-5) This point of view therefore argues: “If God is love and if we shouldn’t judge then how do we dare challenge the beliefs, or admonish the behavior, of our Catholic brothers and sisters?” After all, who wants to be a self-righteous hypocrite? Of course this is a complete misunderstanding of our responsibility and calling as Christians. While our Lord instructs us not to judge or condemn another person, Saint Paul clarifies: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. (Col 3:16) Be a Courageous Catholic! I have been blessed these past six years with a very holy pastor at my parish. One constant refrain that we have contin-uously heard from Father over the years is, “Always speak the Truth, with charity.” As we are called to practice the spiritual works of mercy, we cannot “opt out” of instructing the ignorant or admonishing the sinner who God has placed in our midst. As said before, it is uncharitable not to share with them the fullness of the truth that comes to us through the Catholic Church. As Saint Peter counsels: Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you. (1 Peter 3:15) Are you ready to defend to anyone you encounter the reason for your hope? Afterall, that is evangelization. Are you ready to instruct a family member or friend in the truth so that they may have an opportunity to escape from a life of sin and to know our Lord, who came “that they may have life, and have it abundantly”? (John 10:10) Be a courageous Catholic for our Lord and His Church! Brian Williams is a member at St. Ann Parish in Charlotte and a Core Team member of the Catholic Men's Fellowship of the Carolinas. He has a passion for the liturgy and authors the weekly blog "Liturgy Guy - Life, Liturgy, and the Pursuit of Holiness." You can find the article above along with other posts at http://liturgyguy.com/

PHOTOS OF NOTE

THE GUARDIAN | MARCH 2014 | PAGE 5

NEW FIRST DEGREE COUNCIL MEMBERS L – R, Frank Hartman, Ryan Cunningham and Joseph Sandora

NEW SIR KNIGHTS Sir Knights Ron Cray and Jaime Cayo who took their 4

th Degree on February 15, 2014

Open house attendees

NEW COUNCIL MEMBER Dan Hamilton, DD, congratulates new council mem-ber Jeff Hardin after taking his 1

st Degree at Our Lady

of Grace on 2/17/14

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Council Meeting – Monday, March 3, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. 2nd Degree Exemplification – Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. at SPN Council Officers Meeting – Monday, March 31, 2014 at 7:00 pm Fish Fry – Friday, April 4, 2014 at SPN at 5:00 p.m.

SICK & BEREAVEMENT Please inform one of the Council Officers when Knights and their families are in need of our prayers or help. Please pray for Brother John Dugas whose mother, Virginia T. Dugas, recently passed away.

MOVING? CHANGING PHONE NUMBER OR E-MAIL ADDRESS? If you are changing any of your contact information: address, telephone number, or e-mail address, be sure to inform the Financial Secretary, David Kucinski, at (803) 396-9905 or e-mail: kufarm@aol.com. We do

IMPORTANT DATES AND INFORMATION

THE GUARDIAN | MARCH 2014 | PAGE 5

House • Deck • Driveway • Porch / Patio

Pressure Wash