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

March  16,  2005 - Council 9291

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

Opening Prayer: Led by Fr. Macias.

Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Master Ken Boone

Warden’s Report:  Given by John Godoy.

Recognition of Guests and VIPs.   Barbara Skinner Director of Admission at Assumption Seminary, Fathers Macias from Assumption Seminary and Fr Valdez, from the Diocese of Amarillo.

First Time Attendees were recognized. 

DD Dean Murphy, Host Grand Knight Nello Rosanio and DGK Roy Ball were recognized and members of the host council were thanked for the corn beef and cabbage in honor of St. Patrick's day. All former state committee men were recognized.

Diocesan Deputy Jim Wade recognized newly appointeed District 33 Deputy Bob Von Lehmden.

Minutes.  Minutes of the February meeting were approved as posted on the website.

Chapter Chaplain Bishop Tom Flanagan.  Bishop Flanagan continues to recuperate at Santa Rosa Christus hospital at Babcock. He thanks the Knights for their constant prayers, visits, cards, flowers, and thoughts. He will be needing assistance with transportation after he leaves the hospital. If you are interested in helping, please give your name, phone number, and availability to Rudy Escamilla. Ray Neumann reported on his visit with Bishop Flanagan earlier in the day.

President’s report - Chapter President Mike Nishimuta

We had an incredible Religious Appreciation dinner on February 20. Mike presented certificates of appreciation to individuals who provided extraordinary leadership or assistance. Ray Neumann thanked everyone for the great team effort.

We also provided wine for about 300 religious and clergy who attended a meeting with Bishop Gomez at Our Lady of the Lake on Feb 27. Thanks to Bob Von Lehmden, Rudy Escamilla, Ray Neumann, Jim Wade and Henry Gonzales.   Bishop Gomez indicated he needed to transfer to a local Council. Bishop Tom recommends Assumption Seminary.

Special Guests: Fr. Fred Macias from Assumption Seminary and Barbara Skinner (Creative Civilization) Director of fundraising, and Fr. Valdes from the Diocese of Amarillo.

Father Macias spoke about the only seminary where the number of seminarians is increasing. There have been over 500 men who have been ordained as priests and it has had 12 bishops and it also was selected by the Pope to stay at during his stay in San Antonio. Assumption was the first Seminary which required one full year of internship. Assumption also has the best record of priest staying in the priesthood. Father Frank Macias introduced Father John Valdes who came in from Amarillo, TX.

Mrs. Skinner is the development director for Assumption Seminary. She spoke of the strong feeling she had looking at the room full of Knights, she felt the Holy Spirit in the room. She spoke of the five years of formation for these men who have committed their life to the church. The goal of their fund raising is to build a new dorm. She is looking for three to five years pledges, support for the pollofest, and the gala. The pollofest is in April. The gala is May 11 at 6:30 pm ticket are a $100 each and the tables are $1,000.

Treasurer’s report (Wayne Pipes):

The beginning balance was $1,861.32 on January 31, 2005

 A motion to approve the Treasurer's report was made and seconded. The chapter voted to approve the treasurer’s report.

General Agent:   Absent

Correspondence -  Thank You from Sister Wedelich from the Sisters of St. John Bosco and from the Sisters of the Little Flower and the Sisters of Divine Providence.

Chapter Committees:

1.  Golf Tournament.  We have less than 60 days to go. Bishop Tom donated $2400, and we have new sponsorships from several Councils and Companies. Two remaining meetings will be April 4 and 18 at Holy Spirit church library at 7 pm. St. Brigid Council presented a check for $1200 at the meeting.

2. Habitat for Humanity - Sam Szalwinski.  Habitat has acquire acreage inside 410 near Palo Alto College, this acreage will be a proposed five year building program.

3. Coordinator of Religious. Rudy Escamilla is appointed to this new position to work with Seminary, Clergy, and Religious orders.  

Rudy presented a report on all the events that the Knights have been involved with religious events and supported. He again requested donations of wine and other spirits for upcoming events. On May 27 there will a fund raiser for Bishop Tom at Council 4140. The reason for the funds to assist him to purchase a vehicle which will not require him to bend down when he gets in and out of his car due to his weak back.   Jay Vela from St. Brigid Council who is  heading the event. If your Council plans to attend, please present your checks to the treasurer. He presented a challenge to all assemblies to match the donation of Assembly 2102 to Assumption Seminary.

Assumption Seminary Gala - May 11 at the River Center Marriot. Bishop Tom Flanagan will be the honoree.

4. Couple's Retreat. The Couples retreat will be held on April 8-10 2005 at Camp Tecaboca near Kerrville.  The theme of the retreat is "Have I told you lately that I love you." The cost per couple is $155 before March 26 and $165 after March 26. The point of contact is 493-2784 or email jglo50@yahoo.com. Details Here.

5. Trustees. Audit of finances is still pending and changes to bylaws are pending for recommended changes.

Old Business. 

Ad for State convention is $225 for a full page. Motion was made, seconded  and passed to purchase an ad.

New Business.

District Deputy Bob Von Lehmden reported on the Knights at the ballpark will be at 6 pm on Sunday July 17.   He requested that each council get their ticket buyer together and deal directly with the Missions. Last year there were over 250 Knights at the ballpark.

Hospitality for State convention coming up May 13-15 in Houston. There will no banquet on Friday night.   San Antonio has not only the best but also the loudest suite. Our budget in the past has been $1,200 and this year should be for more due to not having a Friday night banquet. Council 7770 has volunteerd to take the lead on the hospitality room.

Diocesan Deputy Report -   Jim Wade.  

This past week there was meeting of all Diocesan Deputies meeting in Austin and they were still talking ab0ut the great religious appreciation dinner, and how to import the kind of enthusiasm we have here in San Antonio.

The basketball free throw championship had over 100 participants with the final 10 moving on to State Championship and our 13 year old boy from Council 6409 won first place in the State with 25 out of 25.

The Tootsie Roll Drive will be on the 9th of April.  Twenty six councils are participating.

Silent Auction - Jim requested that each council donate at least one silent auction item. Spread the word, get excitement going in your council to attend.

The State Convention will be a great time for all of us to attend an Astro's game.

Fourth Degree.  Master Ken Boone. The 30th of April in Boerne starting at noon and should be over at 4:30 pm with Mass at 5:30 and the dinner will begin at 6:30 pm. The Cost will be $85 and the banquet will $30.  Ron Gay will be the guest speaker. Ken is still missing several forms 1728.

State Directors and Committee Reports:

Council Growth: Jerry Janecka.   No report.

All Council Active: Mike Urrutia.  All Councils Active is a program to get every Council to recruit someone. He reported that there are 10 districts that have met their council goals for the year and 8 who are at 80% of their goals. He thanked everyone who is working on this.

Church Liturgy: Joe Lopez.   No report.

Education and Training: Ken Martinez.   Absent.

Awards/Reports & Forms Chairman:  Given.

Retention: No report.

Special Olympics.  Absent.

Guest Speakers:

Doyle Beilstein with Blessed Sacrament Council 7016 for the Freedom Gala $50 each 300 ticket Saturday July 2 with dinner for two,  beer wine and dancing and a possible
$5,000.

Softball tournament - Dr. Rafael Galaviz of Council 4140 mentioned Sunday April 10 at 10-am Rusty Lions fields for the softball tournaments. Just bring those who want to play softball.  Contact him at rosiegalaviz@msn.com with the entry fee of $60 per Council or $6 per player if you have less than a full team.

Angel Perez showcased some red vests to be used for the  Tootsie Roll Drive at very reasonable prices.

A Major Degree was announced at St Ann Council 8436 on April 24 starting at 7:30 am at 701 Fredericksburg Rd. Cost of the meal is $5. Contact ADD Angel Perez at 210-684-9180.

District Deputy Dean Murphy led us in a rousing rendition of "Tura-Lura-Lural" in honor of St Patrick's Day.

The Next meeting will be Apr 20, Council 10181, St. Joan of Arc.

The sick and in distress were remembered.

Closing Prayer was led by  Deacon George Vick and the meeting of 76 brother knights was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Brother Louis Benavides, Council 7770, Chapter Secretary