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

Jun 21,  2006 - Council 7770 , St James

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Mike Nishimuta at 7:30 pm

Opening Prayer:  Pray was lead by Bishop Tom Flanagan.

Pledge of Allegiance:

Warden’s Report:   Worthy Warden Roy Ball reported 87 members present.

Recognition of Guests and VIPs: All Former State officers, directors and committeemen, former chapter Presidents were recognized

First Time Attendees were recognized.  There were eight first time attendees.

Host District Deputy: Eddy Garcia

Host Grand Knight: Rudy Meras

Host Deputy Grand Knight: Pedro Wolf

Minutes.  Minutes of the May meeting were approved.

Chapter Chaplain Bishop Tom Flanagan.    Wednesday night I was asked about being a priest for 50 years. A young man said that he had no idea of what it would be like to be alive for 50 years. I also received  a message from a nephew and he did not understand how anyone could be in the same job for over 50 years. Bishop Flanagan shared when he join the priesthood he was assigned to a parish in Weimer, Texas that was November 3, 1956 as the assistant pastor. He was introduced to the GK of the parish and six week later he was being inducted into the knights.

He also shared a story of a Jesuit who took care of the sick during the black plague. He shared with us his confirmation at Prince of Peace where he confirmed 49 candidates and baptized 7 individuals. One of the people was a knight who had just been elected as warden for the council at the age of 24. He reminded all of us to encourage  the young men in our parishes to be knights and the role of those of us is to bring these men along. He shared that when there is challenge on the table to remember that the brothers will take care of it.

Election of Officers Ken Martinez was selected to run the elections since the two trustees are running for office.

• Nominees

  President - Rudy Escamilla. Brother Escamilla was elected by acclamation.

  VP - Doug Harrison. Brother Harrison was elected by acclamation.

  Treasurer - Louis Benavides. Brother Benavides was elected by acclamation.

  Secretary - Brother Henry Gonzalez nominated Jim Miller from Council 13041 as Secretary. Brother Miller was elected by acclamation.

President’s report - Chapter President Mike Nishimuta reported that there have been some exciting things that have happen in the past month.

• Jubilee Mass for Archbishop Flores – thanks to Rudy for organizing refreshments
• Jubilee Mass for all Diocesan Jubilarians
• Jubilee Masses for Bishop Flanagan – Thanks to St Vincent de Paul and St Brigid and all Fourth Degree for their great support.
• Today's Catholic
• Priest Martyrs of Mexico

Treasurer’s report (Wayne Pipes): Brother Pipes shared how his knowledge of the goodness of the brothers knights as they shared their riches for those in need. He thanked all of us for his four good years as Treasurer.

The beginning balance was $ 2,055.95 on April 30, 2006.

Accounts Payable:

• $147.69 for Liquor for Jubilee Events to Rudy Escamilla

• $192.00 to Today's Catholic for Advertisement

General Agent:  Absent

Report from the convention: State Education and Training Director Ken Martinez

Correspondence -   None

Chapter Committees:

1.  Golf Tournament.   Rusty League gave a financial report.  There are extra bags, shirts, hats and items for sale. There will be an appreciation dinner for those who worked on the committee at Buffet King on 1604 Tuesday, Jun 27 at 7 pm.

2. Habitat for Humanity -  Henry Gonzales. We'll give them a down payment of $10,000.  Henry attended the Faith Builders Lunch. The house construction will begin on September 8, 2006 for thirteen weeks until October the 28. He requested the assistance of the DDs and all newly elected GK to provide the support in manpower, food and drinks. The site is near Palo Alto on the Southside on Aragon Street.

3. Coordinator of Religious Activities. Rudy Escamilla

The knights helped provide transportation for three VIPs and and refreshments for Archbishop Flores' Jubilee and the Jubilee for all clergy in the Diocese.  I especially want to thank St. Vincent de Paul who really made the Knights look good and St. Brigid's did an outstanding job. Two visitors from Supreme said that of all of the cities that they go to that this is the most hands on. We need someone to continue to be the coordinator of all of the religious activities and the Archbishop knows that the knights are there.

Angel Perez was recognized for handling the relics of the priests. Arrangements were already made but Little Flower came through for an additional showing.

4. Men's Retreat.  

5. Trustees.   Audit in June, report in August.

Old Business. None

New Business.

Diocesan Deputy Report -  

Need a Host Council for the State Golf Tournament in Mid-September.  Northcliff and Northern Hills Golf Course. May be 14-18 Sept.  As of June 20 we are still over $11,000 short of making our charity goal. Tonight we are going to present Bishop Flanagan three checks St Gerard High School, St. James the Apostle, St. Phillip of Jesus catholic schools for $1,000, $500 and $500 respectively. The Diocesan conference on Saturday July 22 will begin at 8 am with registration. We are looking for a location to host the Diocesan Conference. Brother Wade mention that he has been reappointed for another year as the Diocesan Deputy. There are eight new DD appointed and there have been some realignment of councils due to the requirement of the DD home council must be in the district.

District 28 is conducting a round robin diocesan softball tournament this Sunday. July 23 will be our night at the Missions. Also DD are requested to provide manpower to help with the priest house at Canyon Lake.

Fourth Degree.   No report.

State Directors and Committee Reports:

Council Growth:  

All Council Active:  

Church Liturgy: Joe Lopez.   

Education and Training: Ken Martinez.  Brother Martinez gave the report on the State Convention. All of the Bishops spoke about giving compassion on the immigrant. The ladies project came to an end this year they raised $30,000 for annuities for priests.  The project was ask the parishes to donate money for the priest annuities. Many awards programs. San Antonio had a first Council 4140 for their community program to raise $11,000 for unborn children. Another Council 7613 got first in council program raise over a million dollars in outreach. Charity awards winner, membership awards and many other awards were recognized. Council 7613 also received first place for their newsletter. Texas was again first in the order with a 15% increase in membership.

Awards/Reports & Forms Chairman:   No report

Retention: 

Special Olympics.  Absent.

Guest Speakers:

Fred Garcia from Little Flower Council 6833 they have sweepstakes of $10,000. The cost of the sweepstakes is $100 on June 25th from 4-6pm.

Earl Mills spoke on the Allied Catholic Women center. They saved 52 babies in the last year but in doing so they incurred debts of $14,000. The knights from his council are helping to raise the money for this great organization.

Doyle Beilstein,  Blessed Sacrament Council 7016 is having a sweepstakes cost $50 for a grand prize of $5,000.

Cliff Estes says we are $400 short for the Cardinal Medeiros fund for making a presentation to  Archbishop Gomez.

The Next meeting will be July 19, St Mary Magdalen. It will be an open meeting (spouses invited) for the installation of officers. Dinner at 7:30 pm.

The sick and in distress were remembered.

Closing Prayer was led by Bishop Flanagan  and the meeting  was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Brother Louis J. Benavides, Council 7770, Chapter Secretary