Next Meeting

Date:   Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Time:   7:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . doors open at 7:00
Place:  St. Matthias Parish Hall

Activities and News Since Last Meeting

·        Welcome New Members

Alan Pastyrnak Jr who lives in Marlboro and attends St. Rose of Lima in Northboro.
Domenic D’Alessio

·        Maynard Project

Thanks to Deacon Chuck who spearheaded the effort to perform some household repairs for a family in need in Maynard, and all the Knights who rolled up their sleeves and pitched in, especially the ones with technical expertise:  Mike Bleecker handled the carpentry; Dale Dolesh took care of the electrical; and Chris Lundberg oversaw the plumbing, which included him bringing in another helper from one of his contacts.

There is still the outside fence and front steps to address, and possibly a window replacement and front door lock, so we expect to be back for one more Saturday.

Programs and Upcoming Events

·        Raffle Tickets

We get “assessed” a number of raffle tickets to sell, and in our case, we need to sell 10 books or get dinged a penalty.  That shouldn’t be tough.  So bring some $20’s tonight and at least we’ll have a chance at winning some prizes.  Also the Council keeps $5 per book, so it’s a fund raiser for us.

·        Coffee and donuts after Mass

Mike Wells is interested in re-instituting a coffee and donut session once a month after Mass at each of the three churches.  We got this going a few years ago, but Covid killed it.  It was a very effective way of promoting our activities, achieving visibility in the parishes, and recruiting new members.  If you are interested in helping out, we’ll discuss it tonight.  Ideally, I’d like to see a “captain” for each parish.  The Grand Knight has a giant 40-cup Coffeemaker and four vacuum pump dispensers, and all kinds of other equipment, so all we have to do is buy a can of coffee, cream, sugar, etc., and a few dozen donuts and we are ready to set up.

·        Outreach

We received an inquiry from a social worker helping a patient in Marlboro which I reprinted below.  I think this expenditure is over our heads (especially with our $500 bylaw limitation), but I reached out to St. Vincent dePaul in all three parishes to see if they would want to join in.  We can discuss tonight.

·        Safe Environment Program / Protecting God’s Children

Both the Archdiocese and our Supreme Council are becoming more and more diligent about getting our members trained and certified in the programs to protect children, eliminate abuse, and avoid liability.

If you are a council officer or a program leader (Family, Faith, etc) please make sure you are up to date with your two-year renewal of the KofC Safe Environment program:

https://www.kofc.org/en/safe-environment-program/index.html

I just did mine and it took a little over an hour online.  Even if you aren’t presently an officer or program leader, you should do the program anyway and be prepared in case you need to step in.

If you are volunteering anywhere in a parish where you may come into contact with children (ushering, collecting, lectoring, extraordinary ministering, singing, playing the organ (how many organists can there be?), then please also register for the in-person Protecting God’s Children program.  Log on here:

https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_list2.cfm?theme=0

and you can view upcoming classes and register online.  I did mine in Westford (just up I-495 a few exits) on a Saturday morning and it was about 2 hours and had free coffee.  And also useful and productive.

·        First Concern

We have word from Megan Paradis that the Grand Opening ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing of the Ultrasound machine will be May 4^th at 6:00 p.m.  See copy of the invitation card reprinted below.

Other News and Meeting Agenda Items

·        Heather Short

Our departed brother Phil Short’s wife Heather enrolled in the Fine Mortuary Academy and just finished her first year with a scholarship and seat on the Dean’s list.  Good news to hear, and we are happy that Phil’s professional legacy will be sustained in the family.  We wish Heather success.  With luck, within another 12 months she will be a licensed Funeral Director.

·        12 months of free membership

Tell any of your friends or neighbors interested in joining, use the QR code below to join online and use the promo code “BlessedMcGivney” for 12 months of free membership.

·        Prayers / Intentions:

Mike Gibson’s mother Leslie flew to Florida to visit Mike’s sister for Easter and wound up in a hospital.  Please remember her in your prayers.

Special thanksgiving this month going out to Andy Tivnan this month, who will celebrate the one-year anniversary of his heart transplant next month.  There will be a family celebration your worthy Grand Knight plans to crash to ensure things don’t get out of hand.

Deacon Elcio has transferred out to Council #87 Coeur de Leon in Framingham, in anticipation of being assigned to St. Tarcissius in June.  Good luck, Deacon Elcio, and thanks for helping Council #81 be strong and vibrant and helping us reach into the Portuguese and Brazilian communities.

Mike Fallon reports his son Craig remains stable.

No word from Deacon Chuck where he will land in June, so keep him in your prayers for a good assignment and smooth transition.

·        Other business?

If you have an item to add to the next meeting agenda, please let me know.

News?

If you have any news to report, email GrandKnight@kofcmarlboro.org.

See you all tonight.

Vivat Jesus.

Mike Tremblay
Grand Knight

——– Forwarded Message ——–

From: Sarah Porell
Subject: financial assistance

Message Body:
Hi – I am social worker in primary care at Newton Wellesley. I have a patient who is from Marlborough, grew up in the Immaculate Conception Parish and is now living back in Marlborough in a sober shelter house. He has come incredibly far in his recovery from alcohol addiction and tending to his health. He has outstanding court fees that are preventing him from getting benefits and a job. He is in need of $4800, paid directly to the court. Would Knights of Columbus being able to help him with any -of this? Thanks! Sarah Porell 617-631-2238