March 2007

Grand Knights Message:

I would like to first start off by apologizing for missing the February newsletter. Sometimes time flies and before you know it, it is a little too late.

Recapping some of the events for the month, on February 3^rd, the district held their 2^nd Major degree this year. This time it was at Fr Lynch council in Clawson. Again, it was nice to see approximately 60 candidates making their 3^rd degree. We also held our Annual Blue Mass to honor and thank the men and women of the area police and fire departments. Our council also earned an award at the State Chaplains tribute dinner for reaching our membership goal by the end of December 2006. As of last count, we are at 200% quota and we are still climbing. Many thanks to Frank Roche and the membership committee for their hard work for helping us reach our goal.

At our Blue Mass on February 25th, Monsignor Easton spoke of “shortcuts.” Shortcuts may be easy and convenient, sometimes they work out just fine, but other times we may miss things, or get lost or end up at a “dead end.” As I listened, I started to reflect how “shortcuts” are a part of all of our lives and we take them all the time; at work, at home, driving, & purchasing things. Sometimes we take the “shortcut” and we end up spending more time recouping from the shortcut, than what it’s worth. During Lent let us pray that we all realize the “shortcuts” in our lives and hope we can tell the difference as to when to take a shortcut and when we shouldn’t.

Vivat Jesus!

John Iannotti, Grand Knight

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills

PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!!

March Meeting CHANGES!!

Due to scheduling conflicts with the Parish, there will be NO MEETING ON MARCH 13^TH.  The meeting scheduled for March 27^th will be in the Youth Room of the Church. Regular meeting nights and location, (Shrine Conference Center) will resume as normal in April. Please make sure all Brother Knights are aware of these changes for March.

Soups On!

On Monday March 12^th our Council will be holding our annual Soup Supper with the Religious Formation students. A variety of soups will be offered at a very reasonable price, $2.00 per person. Soups on from 5:00pm – 6:30pm at the Shrine Grade School cafeteria. Proceeds will be donated to assist Catholic Relief Missions and National Shrines adopted Mission Dolosrosa in Ecuador. If you are planning on attending, contact John Iannotti at 586-731-1779, Tony Recchia at 248-398-3196 or Mark Palmer at 248-588-3469, so a “head count” can be established.

Help is NEEDED!

The South Oakland Warming center is in need of help from March 4^th – March 17^th at Berkley Community Church. Help is needed in all areas as over 100 homeless come and stay for a hot meal and a warm place to sleep. Our council  helped with this last year and we are looking for volunteers to help again this year.  To volunteer to help, please contact Brother Knight Randy Husaynu at 248-321-8487. Any amount of time you can give is appreciated.

Annual Mentally Impaired (MI) Drive

Our annual MI drive is fast approaching. This year the drive will be held the weekend of March 30^th – April 1^st…no fooling. If you have a needy organization to split the proceeds with, contact Grand Knight John Iannotti at 586-731-1779. Sign up sheets are now available on the website: www.kofc12408.com and by contacting John Iannotti. This year we will have 2 pick up and drop off locations, our Treasurers, Matt Kennedy’s, residence at 3331 Coolidge and at the Shrine Conference Center. Hours are: Friday at Kennedy’s house 7am-Noon & 4pm – 10pm; Conference Center Noon - 6pm. Saturday Kennedy’s 7am – Noon & 2pm – 10 pm; Conference Center 8am-10pm. Sunday Kennedy’s house  8am-10am; Conference Center 8am-10pm

Right to Life

The annual Right to Life dinner will be on Thursday March 15^th at the Burton Manor. Our council has purchased a table for $500.00. If you are planning on attending, tickets are $25.00 each which means if we fill up the table, the council’s cost will be $250.00. Contact our Financial Secretary ASAP if you are planning on attending.

Support our Troops

Assumption Grotto Council is conducting a Care Package Drive for Easter for our troops overseas. Items they are collecting range from non-perishable food and snacks, to powdered drink mixes to personal items to toiletries. If you would like to help or donate items or a monetary donation, contact District Deputy Jeff Stawasz at 248-561-3170, or Frank Roche at 248-435-4717.

Feeding the Poor for Easter

On Monday April 9th - the day after Easter - the Knights and the Squires are teaming up to provide a hot lunch meal to the homeless & poor of Southwest Detroit. Volunteers are needed from 10:30am - 1:00pm at All Saints Church (I-75 at Springwell). We are looking for designated drivers, cooks, and servers. All Saints Church has an efficient system already established and the Knights are stepping in to fill the volunteer positions on this particular day. This charity effort promises to be a moving and meaningful experience for all volunteers. Knights of Columbus members and their families are encouraged to help with this special project.

Please Contact Joe Chase
248 589 2448 or  josephrchase@sbcglobal.

The “Great Grape”

Our council will once again donate a basket for auction at the State Convention in Mackinac May 24-26. This year the theme for the basket is “Grapes”. We are looking for donations of grape items: wine, jelly, kool aid, raisins, juice, etc…anything made with grapes. Contact John Iannotti at 586-731-1779 if you would like to donate anything or bring it to an upcoming meeting. The basket must be complete and turned in to the District Deputy by April 15^th.

Congratulations to:

 February Knight of the Month: Bernard Issa

February Family of the Month: Frank & Debbie Roche

Congratulations to our newly Exemplified Sir Knights to the 4^th Degree

Congratulations to Sir Knights John Burg, Joe Chase, and Chet Ostrowski for being exemplified in the 4^th Degree on Saturday March 3^rd at the Sterling Inn. Pictured with them is  State Treasurer Thomas Marcetti and other newly exemplified Sir Knights from Bishop Gallagher Assembly #0482.

4^th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference

It is that time of year again for the annual Catholic Men’s Conference. The event will take place on Saturday March 24^th beginning around 7:00 am at the University Of Detroit Callahan Hall. Contact our Chancellor, John Snyder for more information 248-588-8741.

Fraternal Benefits Night

On Tuesday evening April 24^th our council will be holding an Informational and Fraternal Benefits night This event is open to family members and anyone interested in the Knights of Columbus. If you have anyone in mind, please let our Warden Larry Kehoe (248-547-1404) know so invitations may be sent out. Benefits of  being a Knight change all the time, so this is a great chance for you and your family to understand what is available through the Knights of Columbus. The program will begin at 7:30pm in the Conference Center.

News submissions are invited from all our Brothers, Officers, Directors and

Committee Chairs to be included in our newsletter.

Address all information to:    

Giovanni Iannotti, 43962 Leonardo Dr., Sterling Heights, MI 48313

(586) 731-1779     (586) 731-1792 FAX    Email: gmiannotti@comcast.net

Advertising / Circulation

Brian H. Malover

Malover Ink, Inc.

330 E. Maple Rd., Suite I

Troy, MI 48083-2706

(248) 616-0990   Fax (248) 616-0303

Email:  maloverink@aol.com

Council  Meetings

(Be Aware of the New Location of our Meetings)

With the demolition of Seton Hall and the construction of our new parish center,

our meetings are now held in the new Church Conference Center.

North of the church in the commercial strip center, across Northwood Blvd. Near Ya-Ya’s Chicken.

Park in the Northwood parking lot and enter thru the rear of the building.

Meetings are the 2^nd & 4^th Tuesday of the month

At 7:30p

 U

Our Little Flower

Published by

 Knights of Columbus

National Shrine of the Little Flower

Council No. 12408

A Parish based Council

2123 Roseland

Royal Oak, MI 48073

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When you visit www.kofc.org, our official website, spend some time on the insurance portion of the site.  This will help keep you well versed on this fraternal benefit offered to all members.

 Vivat Jesus

Send comments or questions to the web page editor, admin@kofc12408.com.