Bishop Ackerman Council 5453

Take Action for Religious Freedom

Dean Adams — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 04:15:31 +0000

The Knights of Columbus stands with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in opposition to the recent decision by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to force Catholic employers including hospitals, universities, and charities to provide health insurance that covers contraception and sterilization.

The new rule from HHS gives Catholic institutions until August of 2013 before it begins forcing insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive methods and sterilization procedures, including several drugs that induce abortion. The mandate will force individuals and groups with religious or moral objections to purchase and provide such coverage. More information is available on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan of New York, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said, “never before has the federal government forced individuals and organizations to go out into the marketplace and buy a product that violates their conscience. This shouldn’t happen in a land where free exercise of religion ranks first in the Bill of Rights.”

The U.S. bishops are urging all Catholics to let their elected leaders know they want religious liberty and rights of conscience restored and the administration’s contraceptive mandate rescinded. Answering the call, the Knights of Columbus is asking every member and his family to take immediate action.

Please send a message to your elected representatives in Congress by visiting the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment Action Alert. Urge them to co-sponsor the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179 / S. 1467), bi-partisan legislation would ensure that federal mandates do not violate the deeply-held moral and religious convictions of our citizens.

Religious freedom is, as Pope Benedict XVI has said, the “most cherished of American freedoms,” and the “first of human rights.” No persons or institutions should ever be forced to act in a manner contrary to their moral and religious beliefs.

Acknowledgements: Knights of Columbus - http://www.kofc more...

The Rosary Devotion Needs Your Help

mmadden — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:57:27 +0000

The Rosary Devotion began several years ago and stemmed from a conversation that I had with Fr. Andrew Athapilly. In the conversation, Fr. Andrew talked about how other countries viewed the U.S. During the conversation, Fr. Andrew made some very good observations.

The first observation was that we as American’s make time for all sorts of things from sports to cars and everything else in between, but when it comes to God, in his words “We have no time.” Thinking about the statement he made, I felt proud to be part of an organization centered on God.

Fr. Andrew went on about his second observation which was our nation was becoming or has become a God less Nation. Every time you turn around, someone is going to court to remove some aspect of religion from our society. Whether it “In God We Trust” on our money, or prayer in our schools, the core values that our country was founded on are under attack. Some Middle Eastern people believe this also and wouldn’t mind removing us from the face of the earth.

After some conversation, Fr. Andrew threw out a challenge to the Knight’s of Columbus and me to start a rosary devotion first at our council and then maybe inspire other councils to do the same. So we did that and it has become a very peaceful time for meditation and prayer. June Kocsis made some beautiful depictions of the mystery of the Rosary and we have gotten some great comments from those who attend.

There is however a serious problem with the Rosary Devotion. It’s missing you! I know that people are busy and might attend other devotions in there parishes, kids have games, and sometimes, life just gets in the way. However, I also feel that more of us could step up to help. Several members have stepped up on numerous times to cover extra spots that were vacant. I feel that with as many members as we have in our council, this shouldn’t be an issue and I’m that with everything this council has done, we can handle this issue also.

So this is what we need. We need two members every hour at the hall to pray the Rosary. The Rosary Devotion is held on the first Friday and Saturday of every month. The times of the Rosary are from Friday at noon till the following Sat. at noon. The next devotion will be held in February on the 3rd& 4th. You should try to select a time or an hour that you can make regularly. This is only a once a month event. Call Darlene Rechtin at 859-817-1103 or e-mail her for a time drechtin@msn.com.

Let’s show everyone where we stand!

Times that need to be filled for the upcoming Rosary Events are Friday 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 11pm, and Sat. 4am.

Let’s book them up!!

Fraternally,
Mike Madden, WGK
m.madden@kofc5453.org

Update** The K of C Super Bowl Party!

Dean — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:18:11 +0000

Update** The Superbowl Party will start at 6PM and run until the end of the game.

——————–

Hey everyone come on out to our Council Super Bowl Party. This party will be open to family and friends. Children are welcome. We our having a Kook off before the kick off. It will be judged in three areas, appetizer, main course, and desert. If attending please bring some form of to food to share. There will also be games so get ready for a good time. If you have any questions feel free to contact Josh Hillenbrand @ 859-912-3649 orhammiewankel@hughes.net. See ya there!

Record breaking streak extends to eleven years

Dean — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:59:33 +0000

Record breaking streak extends to eleven years.

The Knights of Columbus is truly a remarkable, one-of-a-kind organization, and our insurance program continues to show its strength and stability in spite of economic turmoil. In fact, 2011 marked the eleventh consecutive year of growth in many categories. This accomplishment illustrates the faith our members have in the products and services we offer to protect their families.

Consider the following 2011 achievements.

• During 2011, the Order issued more life insurance than ever before in our history: $7.9 billion.

• Our total insurance in force reached a new high of $83.5 billion. To put this remarkable number in perspective, consider that at the end of 2000, we stood at $40.4 billion.

• The Order introduced a new disability income insurance product in April. Called Income Armor, this addition to our portfolio is designed in the spirit of Father Michael J. McGivney, and can provide a steady stream of income in the event of a long-term injury or illness.

• We finished the year with more field agents serving our members than ever before. Still, as our membership continues to grow, new agent candidates are always in demand across the U.S. and Canada. The ultimate goal is to have all of our members served by a dedicated, full-time agent, and, if you know someone who may be interested in becoming an agent, please contact us.

• The Order’s assets under management reached a new high, exceeding $18 billion.

• During 2011, we celebrated four exceptional months that were in the “best ever” category. Records were set in May, August, October and November.

• Nearly 20,000 new retirement annuities were issued to our members and their families in 2011.

• Our A++ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best was reaffirmed and there continues to be no more highly rated life insurer in North America.

• As the costs of long-term care continue to rise, members and their spouses continue to turn to the Knights of Columbus to help them prepare for this expense. Our agents can show you how this product can protect the assets you’ve worked so hard to accumulate.

• Our number of associate members becoming insured members continued to grow, showing more of our brothers availed themselves to our products. We hope this trend continues and that more members understand the value of owning our products.

Take pride in the success your organization is having in fulfilling the vision of Father McGivney by caring for the financial security of our members and their families. Remember, today is a great day to meet your agent to discuss coverage or review the policies you already have with us. If you don’t know who he is, please visit www.kofc.org and click on “Find an Agent.” You’ll be glad you did.

Knights of Columbus | Abortion in America

Dean — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:47:55 +0000

Knights of Columbus | Abortion in America.

The Knights of Columbus-Marist Poll found that 79 percent of Americans say that they would not allow abortion after the first three months of pregnancy. 51 percent would only allow abortion – at most – in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother – or would not allow it at all. The numbers have held up over time as well and are almost unchanged from two years ago.

See the full poll results here.

K of C Mourns the Death of Past State Deputy George M. Schrode

Dean Adams — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:43:37 +0000

George M. Schrode Sr., 90, of Alexandria, passed away on January 21, 2012 at Brookdale Senior Living Center, Kenwood.

George was a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, Alexandria, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist minister, usher and past president of parish council. He was a graduate of Newport Catholic High School. He was a US Navy veteran of WWII. He was a graduate of Xavier University with a BS in Business Administration. He was a past Chairman of the Xavier Living Endowment Fund for Northern Kentucky. He was a Financial Analyst for over 30 yrs at General Electric in Evendale, OH and was the recipient of the prestigious Community Involvement and Leadership Award from GE. George was a Kentucky Colonel and received the Citizens Service Award from the Campbell County Fiscal Court.

He joined Bishop Mulloy Council #1301 Knights of Columbus in the early 50′s serving as Grand Knight in 1957.He served as Kentucky State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus in 1966. He was a member of the Bishop Flaget Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus of Northern Kentucky. He was instrumental in bringing the International Knights of Columbus Convention to Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. George was the Kentucky State Newspaper Editor and State Charities Chairman for 30 years. He received the first Charles J. O’Connor Award from the Kentucky State Council in 1977 which is the highest award a member of the Knights of Columbus can receive. He served as the Kentucky Executive Secretary for six years and was the original State Pro-Life Chairman for the Kentucky State Council. In the 1990′s George transferred to Fr. Kehoe Council #1764 in Ludlow and started the Annual Diocesan Clergy Outing to honor all bishops, priests, seminarians and deacons of the Diocese of Covington which just celebrated its 10th. year.

George was well liked and had the respect of all the members of the Knights of Columbus in the State of Kentucky and the International Knights of Columbus in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1985 the annual Northern Kentucky Knights of Columbus Degree Program was held in his honor.

George was born October 4, 1921 in Newport, KY to Frank Schrode and Lillian Seimer Schrode. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary D. (nee Erb) Schrode. George is survived by his Son, George (Debbie) Schrode Jr. of West Chester, OH, Daughters, Connie (Bruce) Henderson of Cincinnati, OH, Mary Ellen (Paul) Rinklin of Brookville, IN, Ann (Marty) DuKorn of Blanchester, OH, Beth (Jim) O’Leary of Fayetteville, NC, Janet (Ed) Kammerer of Cincinnati, OH, Melinda (Randy) Poe of Union, KY, Jennifer (Todd) Gosney of Carnation, WA, 20 Grandchildren,1 Great Grandson, and his Brother, Frank Schrode of Taylor Mill, KY.

Visitation 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Alexandria Funeral Home, Alexandria. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 am Thursday, January 26, 2012, at St. Mary’s Church, Alexandria, Kentucky, with Rev. James Egbers, officiating. Burial will take place in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Alexandria, Kentucky.

Memorials are suggested to the Bishop Flaget Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, c/o Vocations for Seminarians, 102 Thomas St., Florence, KY. 41042, Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220, or St. Mary of the Assumption Church 8246 East Main Street Alexandria, KY 41001.

Online condolences can be given at www.dmefuneral.com .

UPDATE – January Mass/Social

Dean Adams — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:34:32 +0000

** UPDATE **

This Monday, January 23, has been declared a Day of Prayer and Penance For Life by the Bishops of the United States. We are offering penance for the millions of violations of the dignity of human persons committed through acts of abortion, and prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. Bishop Foys has asked that this Day of Prayer and Penance be honored throughout our Diocese with Eucharistic Adoration in all parishes, and with a Holy Hour for Life in ten parishes throughout the Diocese. Immaculate Heart of Mary will be one of the ten parishes.

As a result of this, the Mass/Social at our Hall is cancelled. In its place, everyone is asked and encouraged to attend the Holy Hour at IHM which will begin at 7 PM, led by Msgr. John Schulte, pastor of All Saints Church in Walton.

Thank you!

The next Mass/Social will be held at the Council Hall on January 23, 2012. Mass will begin at 7:30 PM and Social Time will follow the Mass. Families and guests are welcome and invited. Please join your brothers and their families in the celebration of the Mass.

Greetings by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State

Dean Adams — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:01:36 +0000

Greetings by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State.

Remarks by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State December 6th, 2011 on the occasion of dedicating the Largo Cavalieri di Colombo.

“The members of this Foundation have shown (us) the laity vocation of the witness of the Gospel, within the Church and in society in general, accepting the particular challenge that Catholic laity finds itself having to face. In the first place, they have demonstrated their willingness to assume the tasks (commitments) of each baptized person and to be a witness of the fundamental position required from every Christian, whether consecrated or lay, that is to say, our full, absolute acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and the decision to follow him as (our) Head (Leader) and Master.”

Acknowledgements: From Columbia Magazine and the Knight more...

Rosary Devotion Update

Dean Adams — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:02:41 +0000

The next monthy Rosary Devotion will be held February 3-4 at Acree Hall, on the grounds of IHM Parish in Burlington, KY. The devotion starts at 12 noon on Friday and runs for 24 hours until 12 noon, Saturday. Please contact Darlene Rechtin, president of the Ladies Auxilliary, for more information. Brother Knights and their families are asked to volunteer as prayer leaders for a one hour time period during the devotion. Family members and guests are welcome. You are welcome to come and pray for as long as you wish during the 24 hour Devotion.

The Rosary Devotion is a prayer ministry of Bishop Ackerman Council 5453 of the Knights of Columbus. We have been offering the Devotion monthly for over 3 years. Prayer is a powerful instrument for affecting our world for the better. As Knights, the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin holds a special place in our hearts. We encourage all members of the Council to take part in this ministry of prayer for our families, our communities and our world.

Memorial Scholarship

Dean Adams — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:04:15 +0000

Knights of Columbus

Memorial Scholarship Program

For School Year 2012-2013

Information for Applicants

Click for ==> Scholarship Packet 2012 – 2013

Bishop Ackerman Council 5453 of the Knights of Columbus will award a Scholarship to an outstanding 8^th grade student who will attend Saint Henry District High School beginning in the fall of 2012. This Scholarship, which we give annually in Memory of a Departed Brother Knight, is for $1000 per year, renewable annually for up to four years (total of up to $4000). This year’s Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of Brother Kenneth Hill, PGK.

A student is eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:

1. An 8^th grade student

2. A practicing Catholic as understood by the Roman Catholic Church

3. Will attend St Henry District High School as a Freshman in the Fall of 2012

4. One of the following:

a. A student at one of three parochial elementary schools in Boone County(IHM, St. Paul, St. Joseph Academy)

b. Member of a family registered as Parishioners of IHM, St. Paul, or All Saints Parishes.

c. The child or grandchild of a member of Bishop Ackerman Council 5453 of the Knights of Columbus.

The Scholarship is competitive and is based on evaluation of 5 criteria:

Academic merit
Financial need
Essay on the Value of a Catholic High School Education
Participation in volunteer/service activities (Church, school, community)
Letter of recommendation from principal or pastor