As we view the month of December, our Fraternal Year is almost one-half.  We in the District ask you now, have you taken a look at your Assembly and asked, “How are we doing with the plans, programs, and activities that were laid out by the Faithful Navigator in July?”  Is it time to make a course correction or to step it up a notch?  There is still time to have an outstanding year.  I know you all can do it.

 

We celebrated the month of November as the month of Thanksgiving, but more than that it was a month of Remembrance.  It was the time of remembering.  Remembering and praying for all the souls gone on before us.  For the Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree, November was very special.  Many of the Assemblies and Councils held Memorial Masses for our fallen brothers and family members.  Many also held special Veterans’ Day Events or took part in local parades.  The purpose is not only to remember our veterans but to thank them.  Every Veteran (and any man or woman in active service) should hear two things when he returns from service:  “Welcome Home.” and “Thank you.”   The types of activities shared during the November set a great prelude for the month of December.  Other than shopping, exchanging names, decorating the home, we have a very special reason to prepare for.  Advent (from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming") is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, in other words, the period immediately before Christmas.  During the celebration of this season, may you experience the grace of God and love of others to add to your remembrances.

This year at Christmas, we encourage you to make it, first and foremost, a special feast.  Make your peace with God by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).  Receive the Lord in Holy Communion to attest to your firm belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Gift of the Eucharist.  Next begin the New Year reconciled with God and determined to worship Him every Sunday.  Pray for and embrace those that may have strayed from the Church or have been away for a while. We ask you to bring a friend or family member to join you in the Presence of God when you are gathered in prayer at your church.  Enjoy the special gatherings and social events during December, but remember that Jesus is the Reason For the Season.

In all of the joy we may have, Christmas in many cases is a difficult time for our military men and women to be separated from their families.  It can be even more difficult for families of disabled or deceased veterans.  As Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus, ask the Mother of our Savior, Mary to protect and watch over our Service men and women and their families now and at all times.  Ask her to protect our homeland and to continue to keep it One Nation Under God.  God Bless you, your family, and America during this very special season.