Minutes of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Chapter, Knights of Columbus

August 18, 2004 - Blessed Sacrament Council 7016

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Mike Nishimuta at 7:00 pm

Opening Prayer: Led by Deacon Joe (J.D.) Jorgensen.

Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Master Ken Boone

Warden’s Report:  Given

Guests.  Were recognized. 

First Time Attendees were recognized.

Host Grand Knight Eddie Caballero Council 7016 was thanked and all members of the host council were thanked.

Guest Speaker Ester Carrasco-Geffere with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. She is the  director of the money management program. She is looking for volunteers who will work with seniors and those who are over their head in debt. Also asked for referrals of anyone who is in need of this free program. Ester can be reached at 293-1009.

Minutes.  Minutes were approved as published on the chapter web site.

Treasurer’s report (Wayne Pipes):

The beginning balance was $861.48

  The chapter voted to approve the treasurer’s report.

The Chapter Chaplain is in Ireland. We pray for his safe travel.

President’s report - Chapter President Mike Nishimuta

Reported that the Diocesan Conference was a success and that 22 councils paid their dues which is a good start and he thanked the councils who paid.

Also, the website will be maintained for the the diocesan chapter, as well as the Texas State website (http://www.tkofc.org) . He requested that any changes in the e-mail address be noted to the secretary or the him.

Correspondence -  None

Chapter Committees:

1.  Golf Tournament - Mike Nishimuta. The Golf Tournament has a goal of raising $45,000 for the construction of our next house.  This year the tournament will be two events. The first event will be May 1 which will consist of a silent and live auction and dinner.  The actual golf tournament will be May 2, Monday, and the leading site is Hyatt Hill Country Resort. Reggie Thorpe is leading a dynamic team which will put together these back to back events. The Hyatt will bring our tournament to a new, upscale level, and allow us to increase the number of players and potential income. The dinner and auction on May 1, Sunday, will allow us to involve those who are not as interested in the golf but want to help raise funds for this worthy event.  The next planning meeting is at Holy Spirit church on Monday, Aug 30 at 7 pm. See our golf tournament website at http://golf.texascomputerhelp.com.

2. Habitat for Humanity - Sam Szalwinski.  Last week Jim Wade, Sam Szalwinski and Mike Nishimuta met the family we are starting to build for: Monica Hernandez, who has four boys.  If you have been fortunate enough to see the family at the house blessing, and know their gratitude, it will keep you involved. We are beginning our next house on Friday, Sep 17.  The location is just north of the Nelson Wolf baseball stadium, off Old Highway 90.  The Chapter has six weeks of Fridays and Saturdays committed. Brothers are especially needed on Fridays.  In our Council we are inviting our families, our Parish members, anyone. It doesn’t have to be just Knights.  Besides construction, there are support roles in providing food and drink for the workers and many light tasks.  Squires have been designated to do the landscape on Nov 18.  See the building schedule and more at http://golf.texascomputerhelp.com/house.htm

3.  Mens Retreat - Paul Martinez is co-chairman for the Chapter Men's Retreat September 24-26. The theme is "the Holy Spirit is my past, My present, My future. The cost is $75 before Sept 13 and $80 after. You do not have to be a Knight to attend. Please invite your sons, brothers, fathers, church members. Next planning meeting is Monday 7 pm Red Roof Inn on Houston Street downtown. See more information here.

4. Clergy Appreciation Dinner. It is scheduled for February 13.

Old Business

Project Moses Dedication.  Vice President Henry Gonzales thanked all councils and knights who attended the dedication.

New Business

Guadalupe House Lawn Care Director is Rose Orosco. They do not have a lawn mower and need a council or two who are interested in doing this service on a rotating bases. The Volunteer Coordinator is Mary Spaeth (husband PGK 4315). Council  3345 is coordinating Knight volunteers. Please contact Mike Nishimuta at 601-1373 if your Council can help.

Archbishop Flores will host a conference of Texas-Mexican Bishops Wednesday /Thursday, Sept 1-2. There will be 45-50 Bishops and Priests.  The chapter has been asked to support:

• Provide bar at Mission San Jose Wed 7:15 pm through dinner.

• Provide bar at San Fernando Cathedral Thur 7:15 pm through dinner.

• Small transportation requirement.

Rudy Escamilla will be in charge of the manpower needs for this Conference. Each council is requested to provide a bottle of wine, liquor or cash for providing the services for the Bishops. DD 36 Bob Stegge provided a challenge donation of $20 and 3 other DD's responded. Excess liquor or funds will be used for the Clergy Appreciation dinner in February.

Diocesan Deputy Report -  Brother Jim Wade. Made some annoucements.   Each Grand Knight should develop a plan to recruit early and all councils should attempt to become a star council. The Toosie Roll Drive will start on Oct 16. All moneys go towards the councils Charity goal.

State Directors and Committee Reports

Council Growth: Jerry Janecka.  Thanks to each of the DDs and GKs who helped make Texas Number 1 for the past two years. We don't plan on letting down.

Forms Chairman: Ken Boone.  Forms 185 need to be submitted to State, Supreme and DD. If submitting by email, make a copy before you transmit.  August 1, form 365 due. DD needs to submit forms for dormant Councils.

Fourth Degree. Ken Boone.  New Supreme Master is Joseph P. Schultz. The Fourth Degree Exemplification will be Oct 2 in Victoria at Holy Family at 704 Mallette Drive. Also Ken Boone has been reappointed for another two year term as Master.

General Agent  Richard Gaona spoke about the new program on membership that will be handled by the  individual agents and the agents will determine the length of the program with their councils.

Retention: Don Smallwood reported.

Special Olympics.  No Report.

Guest Speakers:

Squires. Brother Lonnie Roberts requested all Grand Knights to get involve with their squires or to form a squire circle. He also requested for the chief counselor to send him a roster of their circle. AT 3306 Willowwood Blvd, 78219 or email robertsrites3@tom.net.

Richard Gonzales major degree at St Vincent DePaul at 7 p.m. on Sept 19.

Fred Garcia Council 6833 is requesting 30,000 signatures to bring the movie of Saint Therese of Lisieux to San Antonio.  Information is also at http://www.theresemovie.com  Council 6833 will host a Baile Ranchero Dance on Saturday, Aug 28 starting at 7 pm $8 pre-sale and $10 at the door.

Arthur Cisneros Council 8436 will be having a Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday Aug 29 starting at 11 am until 2 pm at St. Ann's.

Host District Deputy George Terrell thanked the hosting council.

The Next meeting will be Sept 15 Council 6833,  Little Flower Parish.  905 Kentucky Ave. 

The sick and in distress were remembered.

Closing Prayer was led by Deacon George Vick and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Brother Louis Benavides, Council 7770, Chapter Secretary