Knightly
News
Address: St. Joseph/ St. Raymond, Columbian Squires Circle #3847 Council #6850, Assembly #2644
P.O.
Box 970, Raymond, NH 03077
Grand Knight’s Message
Brothers,
On Sunday afternoon, November 25th, three of our Brothers were Knighted in the Third Degree following their witnessing of the Degree in Windham. Congratulations to John Nasser, Bob Faust and Michael Cabral.
We are now busy preparing for a joyful Christmas Holiday. The Church grounds have been decorated with lots of beautiful trees, bright lights and Christmas decorations which promise to make for a very cheerful and exciting season. Thank you to all the helping hands that worked several Saturdays to make this possible, especially our Deputy Grand Knight who worked so very hard organizing this huge effort.
I also want to thank the many volunteers who helped provide Thanksgiving dinners for twenty local families who are struggling at this time. On Monday evening, December 17th, we get to do it all over again as we will be delivering Christmas food baskets to these same families. I am so proud to be a part of these wonderful programs helping people in need, as our Founder envisioned it should be.
Mike Annis is busy preparing a float for the Raymond Christmas parade on Saturday afternoon, December 8th is still in need of additional help, as time is running short. Please contact him on his home phone at 895-4713. The Epping manger and Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for the next afternoon, Sunday, December 9th.
Our State Council has informed us that the annual pilgrimage to Enfield, NH for the Christmas lights at the Shrine is Saturday evening, December 8th. Included is Mass, Rosary and refreshments.
For all who have youngsters planning on attending the children’s Christmas party Saturday afternoon, December 22, please contact Mike and Judy Annis at 895-4713 as soon as possible so they can let Santa know how many gifts he needs to prepare.
Rick Cabral as usual, has his Squires all set up and ready to sell Christmas trees again this year after weekend Masses at Church. Very big thanks to Stan Shea who provided the beautiful trees.
Mike Kappler is selling Christmas cards in support of the “Keep Christ in Christmas” program. Anyone needing some beautiful cards please see Mike.
Last, but not least, we have our adult Christmas party coming up on Friday evening, December 21st. We will be gathering in the Church hall between 6 and 6:30PM, at which time a delicious Italian buffet will be ready for our enjoyment. Afterwards, we will begin our Yankee Swap, which is always a fun time. We are trying to hold the meal price at $15.00 per couple. Gifts for the swap should be no more than $10.00 each. Please contact Mike Annis at 895-4713 or myself at 642-8970 as soon as possible so that we can get a rough head count. We want to make sure there is plentiful food for all.
Finally, as I wish you all the very best Christmas wishes, please keep in mind the many less fortunate and lend a hand to someone in need at this very special time of year. Pray for Peace on Earth.
Vivat Jesus,
Grand Knight Dave Biron
2 Kevin Gallagher 6 Michael Colford
6 Richard Pimentel 17 Jeff Luby
19 Nick Petropulos 22 Gregory Theriault
26 Gary Driscoll 29 David Cruz
ACTIVITIES IN DECEMBER
December 1st, First Saturday Mass 8:00AM
December 2nd, Squires’ Sunday Mass 8:00AM, Business Meeting 9:00AM
December 5th, First Degree in Dover 7:00PM
December 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, Rosary Devotion 6:30PM
December 7th, First Friday 7:00AM Through Saturday 7:30AM
/Immaculate Conception Mass 7:00PM, Healing Service 8:00PM
December 8th,Choir Concert, Raymond Christmas Parade & Manger Lighting
December 9th,Business Meeting 9:00AM, Epping Manger Lighting
December 14th, 21st, and 28th, Friday Adoration 7:00AM-7:00PM
December 16th, Pick up food for Christmas baskets
December 17th, Deliver Christmas Food Baskets 6:00PM
December 21st, Adult Christmas Party 6:00PM
December 22nd,Children’s Christmas Party 1-3:00PM
December 25th, Christmas Day
SPECIAL AWARDS
Family of the Month for November 2007--- Family of Tona McCarthy
The Squires have been a busy group. In addition to serving a delicious roast beef dinner during November, the boys have been volunteering to help with the outside Christmas decorating. One Squire who stands out is Shawn Cabral who has been working hard with the Knights every decorating date. The Squires donated a Christmas Basket for raffle at St Joseph’s Christmas Fair. They also helped with delivering Thanksgiving baskets. There will be no dinner in December, but the Squires will be selling Christmas Trees at Church after weekend Masses. Finally, the boys will be helping once again to deliver the Christmas Food baskets on December 17th.
COUNCIL NEWS
The Parish cleanup went well and Fr. Mike was pleased with the results. A Third Degree is scheduled for Nov. 25th in Windham. A request for a donation of a basket to the church fair was received from Carol Alves. If possible, a First Degree will be scheduled for Dec. 9th. Ed Parent is working on a date for the Epping tree lighting. Please tell those you know about the Keep Christ in Christmas card sale being sponsored by our Council. Contact Mike Annis to help with the float for the Raymond Christmas parade. Ron Metevier proposed nominating Fr. Aggie for next years Granite Award.
The Grand Knight reported that NH Knights exceeded the $8000.00 goal for a donation for a new Church in Africa, and the fundraising project is completed.
The Squires dinner went well. There will not be a Squires dinner in December and the Squires will be helping with the Mission dinner in January.
There is a planning meeting for events on the 3rd Thursday each month, please attend if you are running an event and don’t forget your service report afterward.
There is a need for donations for a new lift the Bennis family has to purchase for a van they have. The Council voted to donate $500.00 towards the total cost of the lift, which is $6000.00
FOURTH DEGREE NEWS
The 4th Degree Color Guard has been busy over the past month or so. I would like to thank all members of the Color Guard for the great showing at all the recent events. We received many "Thank-You’s" for a job well done.
Since our December meeting would fall on December 23rd the Sunday of Christmas weekend, the December 4th Degree assembly meeting will be cancelled. Please enjoy the long Christmas weekend with your family and friends.
God Bless
Faithful Navigator
Mark Hausmann
DISTRICT DEPUTY REPORT
The District Deputy reported that State participation by all Councils in this year’s State Ball was disappointing and hopefully will be better next year. At the State Ball, Rich McDermott stated that the film ‘Bella’ is a good Christian film that all Knights should try go to.
THE SERIOUS SIDE
ADVENT PRAYER
Come, long-expected Jesus.
Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours.
Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord
who enlists me in God's own work for justice.
Come, long-expected Jesus.
Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world,
peace in my home, peace in myself.
Come, long-expected Jesus.
Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father's joy.
I seek His will so I can serve with gladness, singing and love.
Come, long-expected Jesus.
Excite in me the joy and love and peace
it is right to bring to the manger of my Lord.
Raise in me, too,
sober reverence for the God who acted there,
hearty gratitude for the life begun there,
and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son.
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ,
whose advent I hail.
Amen.
A LITTLE HUMOR
The sound of laughter ringing through the Church made it impossible for me to continue
playing the organ.”What was going on?” I asked the Pastor afterward.
He simply pointed to the Hymn typed in the Church Bulletin. It read “Sin, choirs of angels,
Sin in exultation.” (Reader’s Digest Dec. 2007)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!