HENNEPIN PROVINCE

JURISDICTIONS OF MICHIGAN AND OHIO

Fourth Degree

Knights Of Columbus

PROVINCE GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

Sterling Heights, Michigan

October 2, 2010

V.S.M. George A. Dann called the meeting to order at 1: 03 P.M.

Opening Prayer by Rev. Father Andrew Czajkowski – Provincial Friar 

Pledge of Allegiance lead by Provincial Marshall SK Herb Stacer

Roll Call

Provincial Staff:

The chair will entertain a motion to accept the minutes of the Provincial General Business Meeting from last year.

·         MOVED   -   SUPPORTED   -   APPROVED      

1.      George A. Dann VSM

Ø  I am looking for your support.  I received marching orders from Supreme at the Supreme Assembly meeting.

Mission Statement

“There will be one Fourth Degree.  It will be part of the Third Degree Knights of Columbus, not apart from it.  It will have one uniform, one drill manual and one exemplification ceremony.  There needs to be a concerted effort to get younger members into our Color Corps, the visible arm of the order.  Our Color Corp must not only claim to stand in defense of our Church and Order, but they must look physically capable and prepared to do so if they were called upon”.

Ø  The theme for my term of office is still “In Service To God And Country”.  We are here to serve.

Ø  We are the Patriotic Degree and that means that we need to do more for the veterans who have valiantly served and are serving this nation.  We are Knights who proclaim that we stand for Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.  We are Catholic men, 1.8 million strong who proclaim that we stand ready to defend our Church and her Priests and Bishops.

Ø  The Knights of Columbus – not Third Degree – not Fourth Degree, but rather 1.8 million Catholic men prepared to demonstrate to the world that we are united “In Service To God and Country”.

Ø  What can we do?  We can continue to serve at our veterans facilities.  We can expand the scope of what we are currently doing.  If your Assembly is not participating in veterans’ affairs, then you need to ask your Faithful Navigator how your Assembly can get involved.  Talk to your District Master.  He has Representatives and Deputy Representatives in place.  They would love to hear from you and will seek your help!

Ø  “In Service” means sometimes doing those things that we don’t enjoy, such as reports.  You must report on time and fill those reports out completely and correctly and have them in on time.  Such reports as your Assembly Audits, this year you will send my copy to your Master and he will send me that report or a corrected one.  Report of Officers Chosen and your Fraternal Surveys are vital to the continued success of our order.  Don’t forget the Civic Award and the Patriot Award.  Presentation is vital to success.

Ø  If your Assembly doesn’t send in its Reports of Officers, your Assembly won’t receive valuable information from Supreme.

Ø  Your District Masters will be following these matters closely.  I have stressed how important this is to me and I will be monitoring them and you.

 Ø  You must follow the chain of command – resolve your differences at the Assembly level.  If you don’t get satisfaction there, go to the Master.  If he cannot resolve the problem, he can bring it to me and then if I can’t resolve it, I will contact Supreme.  I will not respond to your problems unless they are signed and dated and you follow this procedure.  Do not contact Supreme directly.  Debbie Marone is the secretary to the Supreme Master and she can answer most questions.  Her answers may not satisfy you but they are given to the best of her knowledge.  If you are not satisfied with her answers or they are not what you expected or are not happening fast enough to suit you, don’t shoot the messenger.  Insubordination or disrespect to Debbie is not something I recommend.  The Supreme Master has stated that he will have a zero tolerance for this type of behavior.

 Ø  “In Service To God And Country” means that you don’t get to decide if you approve of what a particular Priest is doing or saying.  In solidarity with our Priests and Bishops means just that.  You are Catholic and you don’t get to choose what part of the Church’s teachings you like or dislike.  If you cause a conflict with a member of the clergy you are subject to immediate dismissal from the order.  Insubordination and disrespect will not be tolerated.

 Ø  I am stressing to District Masters that we need to do a better job of communicating.  If you don’t have an Assembly Newsletter, get one started.  Make sure if you are communicating with Supreme you send mail to Supreme and not to the Supreme Master’s home address.

 Ø  Make use of the relatively new publications out – Drill Manual, Protocol Booklet and Rules Governing the Fourth Degree.  Competition for District and Provincial newsletters, as well as, Sir Knight of the year will continue for the Province and District.  There will be a point criterion this year for both awards that will total 100 points.

 Ø  Supreme is still working on an updated website for the Fourth Degree.  The things that can be done are amazing.  Navigators, Comptrollers, and Financial Secretaries will be able to track and update data on line.  Some of this will be in place by November, 2010.  More information will be coming from Supreme.

 Ø  By now you all should have witnessed the new Fourth Degree Ceremony.  It will be the only ceremony along with one uniform.  If you attend and exemplification, you will see the difference right away.  I was Staff Captain for Michigan District Two for years and I can tell you this new ceremony exemplifies the principles of the Fourth Degree in a much clearer and orderly manner.

 Ø  Membership:

 ·         The new goal for Assemblies is to make up 25% of your Councils membership.

·         We need to work to establish new Assemblies – one Assembly for four councils.  The idea that starting new Assemblies will hurt the old ones is simply not true.  No matter how big the Assembly, you still only have a small percentage of the membership active.  If you divide that Assembly and create new ones you will have more active members and many men will welcome the opportunity to be a charter member.

·         I have challenged the Masters to achieve a 10% increase in membership this fraternal year.  Having two exempts reduces the cost and makes the opportunity to join easier.

·         If you do not have assist teams in your Assembly, then you need to form them.  There should be someone speaking about the Fourth Degree at every Third Degree meeting.

·         We must strive to replace the men who have been called to their eternal reward.  We need new and younger Sir Knights to take over for those who have gone before us.

Ø  I have asked the Masters to make sure that your Assembly meetings are conducted correctly and that the Assembly Chamber is set up correctly.  Part of what makes us successful, are sound procedures that have proven over time to work.  You should be dressed properly and the proper respect given to Assembly officers.  Remember to follow the proper order of business.  I will be conducting surprise Assembly visits.  Remember that resolutions start at the Assembly level then get forwarded to the Master.  It will then become part of the business at the next district meeting.  It then goes to the VSM for advancement to the Provincial meeting then on to Supreme.

Ø  Remember how important our right to vote is.  Support “Get Out The Vote” projects.  It is not difficult to get a Civic Award.  You are probably already doing the work you just need to report it.  You must submit a Civic Award application.

 Ø  You should have someone in your Assembly with flag protocol knowledge.  Supreme has Flag Manuals on hand.  If you are not a member of the Color Corp, then please join.  You too then can be a part of the “Window the public witness our good works through”.  There should be only one Color Corp Commander dressed at any Assembly function.  There is an official Flag Pin.  I will now read Memos from Supreme regarding this.  Along that line, I will tell you that Supreme has met with all of their catalog suppliers and are trying to standardize what they sell to us.  Review your Honor Guard and make sure that they look clean and sharp – get rid of old regalia.  Miniature jewels can be worn.  Please follow the Drill Manual.  What pins are to be worn with regalia is up to the Master of the District!

Ø  It has become a practice in some areas to say “Born and Unborn” after the Pledge of Allegiance.  This is not part of the pledge.  There was a resolution presented to the Supreme Convention this year by the Ohio jurisdiction and it was rejected by the delegates on the floor.  I want to thank all of you for supporting the Fourth Degree project on the Incarnation Dome in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  The cost was one million dollars.  The Fourth Degree was asked to raise $500,000 of this and the Third Degree was asked to raise $500,000 also.  The Fourth Degree as of June 30, 2010 raised $447,000.  The project will close soon.  There were 13 different resolutions presented at the Supreme Assembly Meeting.  I will read the resolutions as well as the recommendations to the Supreme Board of Directors.

 Ø  An IRS memo was read and Master of District #2 Dennis Henderson was asked to present the information.  Master Henderson had a copy of the memo for review after the meeting.

 §  In order to maintain Council and Assembly exempt status, Form 990 must be submitted annually.  There is a 990 Form on-line, a 990 EZ Form and a 990 Long Form.

§  If Form 990 is not submitted, you will lose exempt status after October 15, 2010.         

§  Information is available at www.irs.gob/charities/article/oo..ieequals225889.00.html       

Ø  According to Section 245 of the Charter/Constitution and Laws, no alcohol will be allowed at meetings.  Also, there should be no alcohol consumed before meetings.

 Ø  Memo was read regarding a new project – JFK memorial.

 2.      State Treasurer of Ohio – Ken Girt

Ø  Greetings from the State Deputy and fellow State Officers of Ohio.  The State Advocate of Ohio, Bob Collins is here with me this evening.

Ø  Thanks for the invitation and warm hospitality.

Ø  The information presented today regarding Form 990 was sent to all District Deputies and Navigators in the state of Ohio for their attention and action.

Ø  All Councils and Assemblies in Northern Ohio were asked to contribute towards a memorial walkway for the veterans at a cemetery.  It was dedicated on September 26, 2010 and blessed by the Diocesan Friar.

Ø  All Councils and Assemblies in the state of Ohio are encouraged to participate in ceremonies regarding the veterans.

Ø  Looking forward to spending time with all my brother Sir Knights at the banquet this evening.

3.      Master of Michigan District One – Cliff Wasmund

Ø  I am the new kid on the block and looking forward to this fraternal year.

Ø  One exemplification was held already in District #1

Ø  Another exemplification is scheduled for next March 5, 2011

4.      Master of Michigan District Two – Dennis Henderson

Ø  I am starting the first year of my second term and wish to thank my fellow Sir Knights of District #2 for recommending me to be their Master.

Ø  Three examples were cited of Assembly and Color Corp participation in non customary functions that had a positive impact on families and the community.  The Fourth Degree was very visible and touched the hearts of many lives forever.    

5.      Master of Michigan District Three – Vern Miron

Ø  Relayed how the Gospel of Matthew helped so many people in so many ways.

Ø  Explained how the Gospel touched him and moved him to be a stronger leader in the Knights of Columbus, Church and Community.

Ø   Stated that we need more leaders in our beloved Order and Church.

6.      Master of Michigan District Four – David Gibson

Ø  His message was RECRUIT – RECRUIT – RECRUIT.

Ø  Has an exemplification scheduled in Mt. Pleasant on October 16, 2010.

Ø  Do your patriotic duty and vote

Ø  Have your Assemblies provide rides for the voters to vote in this very important and critical election.

7.      Master of Ohio District One – George Bodajlo

Ø  I am starting my second term as Master and would like to introduce my staff.

Ø  Ohio District #1 is alive and well.

Ø  Ohio District #1 has two state officers in the district (State Treasurer – Ken Girt and State Advocate – Bob Collins)

Ø  District #1 has 33 Assemblies and 11 Assemblies do a monthly newsletter.  Communication is very important.

8.      Master of Ohio District Two – Richard Tabler

Ø  I am in my first year of my first two year term.

Ø  Recognized his team for assisting him in his first year.

Ø  Has an exemp scheduled for October 20, 2010 in Sandusky and three priests will continue their journey to knighthood.
 Another exemp is scheduled for March 4-7, 2011 in the Toledo diocese and one on April 15-17, 2011 in the archdiocese of Cincinnati.

9.      Master of Ohio District Three – Charles Giametta

Ø  Thanked everyone in the audience for helping him be the Master that he is today.

Ø  Has an exemp scheduled for November 11, 2010 and another one scheduled for March 25-26, 2011.

Ø  Had an opportunity to start a new Assembly.  Twenty new Sir Knights were brought into the Order.

10.  Master of Ontario District Five – James Farrand

Ø  I wish to thank Vice Supreme Master George Dann for the invitation to this Provincial Meeting.

Ø  I came for two reasons – one to fraternalize with all of you Sir Knights and the other reason is to learn everything that I can from this week-end.

Ø  God bless Canada and God bless the United States of America.

11.  Former vice Supreme Master – George Mallison

Ø  Stressed what the Supreme Knight stated – there is only one way to dress and that is in UNIFORM!

Ø  Make us all proud – Vivat Jesus!

12.  Vice Supreme Master Cardinal McGuigen Province – Natale Gallo PSD

Ø  Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

Ø  Thank you for the kind welcome.

Ø  Your congeniality is great!

Ø  All of your work is great!

Ø  I am very impressed with all of your training classes.  It was amazing how well the material was presented and how attentive the classes were.

13.  Vice Supreme Master of Fr. Louis Hennepin Province – George A. Dann PSD

Ø  When I go to exemps, I have to evaluate the degree teams.  Therefore, do the best that you can do.  We are all volunteers.

Ø  A letter was sent to each Navigator and Comptroller regarding this Provincial Meeting.  A cost of $500 was incurred to insure adequate communication.

Ø  I wish to thank my staff for all of their hard work.  I have complete faith and trust in them.

Ø  Thank you for all that you do, thanks for coming and looking forward to seeing all of you tonight at the banquet.

Ø  Questions and/or comments?

o   Have Masters attend Major Degrees and talk about the Fourth Degree or have a member of the staff do it.                      

o   A liaison has the same authority as a Navigator and should be allowed to speak at a Council meeting.  State Deputy Tom Marcetti wants to know if any Grand Knight refuses a Navigator or liaison to speak.

o   The election of Assembly Officers should occur between May 15 and June 15.  It is OK if it is plus or minus a few days.

o   All veterans of the armed forces were asked to rise and show our Canadian friends that we fought together with the           Canadian armed forces to win the World Wars.

o   When the Consecrated Blessed Sacrament is exposed and adored, all head gear should be removed.  Transporting the   Consecrated Blessed Sacrament does not require head gear to be removed.

o   Pins – all pins for the Color Corp should be the same.  Everybody should have the same pin or remove them all.  If           possible, provide extra pins so everyone is the same.

o   Former Master Walter Winkle of Michigan District #1 is recognized as the Provincial Honoree this year.  His biography    will be read this evening.  Walter’s wife, Lady Karen will lead us in singing the national anthems for Canada and the United States.

o   Immediately following dinner, we will have the Potato Chip raffle and the Ladies raffle followed by the Banquet Program and the entertainment for the evening.

 14.  State Deputy of Michigan – Thomas Marcetti Sr.

Ø  Greetings from my fellow State Officers of Michigan.

Ø  We need to recruit new members.  We suspended 1700 members and lost 1500 to death.

Ø  What is ironic is that we hardly suspend any 4^th Degree Sir Knights.

Ø  We need to step forward and share the vision of the Fourth Degree and grow the Fourth Degree in the states of Michigan and Ohio.

 15.  District Friar of Michigan District Two – Msgr. George Michalek

Ø  Thank you for all that you do for the church and the enthusiasm in your faith.

Ø  Also, your support of the seminarians is greatly appreciated.

Ø  Closed the meeting with a prayer.

 Meeting Adjourned at 3:25 P.M.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Robert L. Krauseneck

Provincial Secretary