St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Knights of Columbus Council 14754
Charity, Unity and Fraternity
Knights of Columbus Council 14754
Charity, Unity and Fraternity
 |
| Worthy Grand Knight - Donovan E. White |
|
It is an honor and a privilege to be
installed as Grand Knight of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council for the
new Fraternal Year. It is humbling to walk the path of our Past Grand Knights. Their accomplishments and dedication need to be recognized and acknowledged. Not the least of which are the achievements of our immediate Past Grand Knight Michael Dhanens. He led us with innovation, determination, and vision. Like all Past Grand Knights, we owe him a debt of gratitude and respect for the work he did and the leadership he provided. In the coming year, I look forward to building on Michael’s and previous Grand Knights accomplishments and instituting our own. I appreciate and treasure the advice that I have received from Past Grand Knights and members of this council. I hold the principals of our order, Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, sacred. Here are some examples of how we continue to exhibit these principals. Charity has never been a problem or question for this council. Last year we donated over several thousand dollars to deserving organizations and individuals. We, along with the partnership of the Ladies Fellowship Ministry, have raised an incredible amount of funds through our Fish Fry drive. Our Coats for Kids received generous funding from our parishioners. Members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton also supported Catholic men as they further their vocations in religious life. Our seminarians have benefited greatly. We want to help ensure they have all they need to be successful priests. Our council has contributed monetarily to other causes such as Right to Life, St. Vincent de Paul, K of C Ukraine Support Fund, and the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. We not only open our wallets, but we open our hearts. This council is very generous, and we thank God for blessing us so that we may be a blessing to others. Unity and fraternity are also practiced. Annual events like the St. Vincent de Paul Breakfasts, Roadside Cleanups, Christmas Family parties, Annual Men’s Retreat, 5th Sunday Rosaries, Charter Members Night and Fish Fry’s have brought us together. We will also continue use our monthly meetings and social gatherings to instill in all of us the tenants of Unity and Fraternity. Our extraordinary Pitmasters, led at the direction of Tim Escalante, will continue to make sure we will not go hungry at least once a month! Our pitmasters are the Loaves and Fishes of so many of our ministries and they step up to the plate constantly. I do feel that our social meetings should be true social events with speakers and presentations of interest to our fellow Knights, their families, and members of our parish. Our gatherings should have meaning and purpose. Stay tuned on that. Our events will continue so long as there is life in our council. To remain a presence in all our activities to we need you. We need as much member participation to make these activities possible if we are to be successful. We need to be willing at times to collaborate with other brothers should the need arise. We must always be mindful that 60-70% of our order are gentleman that are unable to continue. We need to consider inviting gentlemen into our order so that we can pick up where they left off. This too is part of unity and fraternity. We are servant leaders. We are the right arm of the church. There is no task too great for us to do especially when Faith is our weapon. When I assess the makeup of our council, I don’t just see “third degree members Knights, or “new member Knights”, or “Charter member Knights” or even 4th Degree Knights. I see Knights of Columbus, the order that was founded by a Priest, a priest who will one day be on his way to beautification. We as a council have a responsibility and duty to each of our brothers and friends. We have a responsibility to the community at large. We have a responsibility to support are pastor. We cannot forget about those brothers who have given their time and dedication to a cause that they believe was worthwhile. I can truthfully say that in this council our fellow brother cares. With the addition to our Fallen Knights committee, we hold true to these desires. I want to make sure that each Knight can serve the ministries in a meaningful and productive way, and this council will continue to that support which leads to the fulfillment of Fr. McGivney’s vision. We are the strong right arm of the church. I leave you with this…it is often said that “when one Knight does something, we all have done it”. Well, I would like to submit to you, “If everyone does a little, nobody has to do a lot”. I want to thank my fellow officers for their dedication, trust, and leadership. Please pray for me and the officers of this council, that we act justly and as catholic gentlemen in all our decisions, and we as a council uphold the traditions of our order with honor and dignity. God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America and the Knights of Columbus. Vivat Jesus! Donovan E. White Grand Knight CY 23-24 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council 14754 |