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

September 17, 2003

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

Opening Prayer:  State Chaplain Bishop Thomas Flanagan.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Recognized VIPs: Former Past State Deputies, State Officers, Clergy, and former Chapter Presidents were recognized.

Recognized first time visitors.

Minutes.  Secretary Mike Nishimuta published the minutes on the Chapter Web Site at http://kc.texascomputerhelp.com.   The minutes were accepted as printed.

Treasurer’s report (Wayne Pipes):

The beginning balance was $ 856.68 as of July 31.

Expenses

Income

The account balance is now ($978.13), and the chapter holds a CD with a term of 180 days valued at $7000 maturing on 9/25/03.  The chapter voted to approve the treasurer’s report.

Chaplain’s Report. The Chapter Chaplain, Bishop Thomas Flanagan thanked the Fourth Degree Knights who participated in the Basilica. The retreat  planning is doing well, we look forward to your attendance. Today's Psalm says "I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart." There is nothing more important for our families and brother Knights than to give appreciation. You can never say "Thank You" too much.  This is especially important for Grand Knights. Two weeks ago I was at the funeral of  Ted Fieres from St Vincent de Paul.  It was a terrifying and treacherous day with lightning and rain. When we arrived at the shelter, it had reduced to a drizzle, and when we started the service, it was utter peace and tranquility. That moment of his burial was how he lived. A simple man, a kind man, a peaceful man, and isn't that what the Knights are all about.  Together we can do a tremendous amount. As we go through this year, don't take any member for granted, remember to give them appreciation and thanks - it's the only way they will know. I encourage this in any organization, because it is amazing how much people appreciate being appreciated. I give thanks to the Lord for you.

President’s report - Chapter President Ken Martinez. No Report.

Chapter Committees:

1.  Habitat for Humanity and Golf Tournament - Bob Von Lehmden.  We began construction on our on Friday, Sep 12.  The current build is going well - a reminder that this Friday is the day for District Deputies, State officers, and anyone else who can help. The location of the work site is 514 Miracle Lane.  We are committed to six weeks of Fridays and Saturdays beginning Sep 12.   John Rutkoski has taken care of getting us some T-shirts, these are for sale for $5 and we encourage you to wear them at the Habitat build.

The Golf Tournament Committee has started meeting. Brother Reggie Thorpe from Council 786 was introduced and he addressed the group. Reggie is a professional event coordinator who has run many successful Golf Tournaments for charity. We want to take this golf tournament to the next level. Next year we would like to build two houses. We have about 50 councils in the area, and only a few are involved. We are working on a title sponsor. We'd like to ask each Council to send a representative to the planning committee. We'd like to make this one of the biggest charity events in the City. 

Next planning meeting for the Golf Tournament is Monday, Oct 6 at 7 pm Holy Spirit Church in the school library.

The date of the Golf tournament has been changed to April 12, due to a conflict with the NCAA Final Four game.

2.  Website.  Secretary Mike Nishimuta reported on the Chapter website, available at http://kc.texascomputerhelp.com. Please review the web pages, especially the list of Councils and submit any corrections to Mike at mike@nishimuta.net.  There is also a web site for the Bishop Flanagan Golf Tournament at http://sagolf.org. The userid is “john” and the password is “paul” for the private section. 

3.  Publicity Committee.  Greg Tatum reported that handouts from the diocesan meeting are available and a draft of the Archdiocese directory is available for review and correction.

4. Pro-Life Committee.  Brother Earl Mills reported. Deacon Allan Fitzpatrick asked me to pass on information regarding the Pro Life Chain.  Sunday, Oct 5, between 2 and 3 pm. This year our group will start forming the chain between San Pedro and Loop 410, 2 miles inward from 410. You can meet at the intersection of Richter and San Pedro. He asked me to show you two of the posters people will be carrying. One says "Abortion Hurts Women" and the other says "Abortion Kills Children." We are studying the Catholic Catechism at St Dominic's and you are all welcome to attend Wednesdays, 7 pm. 

5.  Retreat – Bishop Tom Flanagan, the Retreat Spiritual Director, encouraged all who are interested to attend.  The annual Chapter Men’s Retreat is 26-28 September at Camp Tecaboca. The cost will be $75 before Sept 13, $80 afterwards.  Chaplain Bishop Thomas Flanagan will be the Spiritual Director, and David Trevino and Deacon Dr. Ernesto Garza, MD, will be the retreat leaders.  Retreat is open to all, not only Knights.  The Theme of the Retreat is “He Touched Me.” Please contact Deacon Garza at 492-1679 or David Trevnio at 828-0657, or email rddegza@sbcglobal.net or dtrevino1@satx.rr.com

6. Special Olympics. Brother Don Small.  We will be holding a Bowling event 13-15 November at Bandera Bowl, beginning at 9:30 am each day.  We need help on the lanes. I received a letter from Chick O'Connor thanking us for raising $120 by selling pins. Please keep Chick and his wife in your prayers, they have been sick.

7.  Chapter Rosary and Social. (Brother Fred Diaz, GK 7342). The monthly rosary is held on the  3^rd Tuesday of each month at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church downtown, 617 South Santa Rosa, in Church Hall, and we begin at 7 pm.   Attendance is mushrooming. We would like to make this a Chapter function, and Ken has asked me to start a sign-in sheet so we know who is attending. Our fellowship and brotherhood following the Rosary has been wonderful. We begin with prayer, we dim the lights, and we pray from the heart. After the Rosary, we recognize birthdays, then we have a wonderful potluck feast. Catholic TV will begin taping the event for broadcast later. Please bring your friends, your family, and come join us.

Old Business.

Eucharistic Convention. We are still investigating the idea. Deacon Vick is working this issue.

New Business.

Brother Lonnie thanked the Chapter for using the title "Archdiocese of San Antonio Chapter" in our work, instead of "San Antonio Chapter." He asked that we also look at using the $7000 we have in our CD to assist the Councils in the Chapter.

Diocesan Deputy Report

Eddie Garcia brings regards from Freemon. Net Membership for July was -3, for August 41.  Charity was 10% first month, 22% now, and we haven't had our Tootsie Roll drive yet.  Birdies for Charity has raised $400 so far. 18 Councils in 20 different locations have signed up for the Tootsie Roll drive on Oct 4.  Nov 23 Dec 7 still open for a Major Degree if any Council is interested. Oct 4 is going to be a busy day. Recruitment blitz, Diocesan Conference, 4th Degree Exemplification, Archbishop's Brunch for Battered Women's Shelter.

Archdiocese Chairman for the Columbian Squires.  Brother Lonnie Roberts   Lonnie asked DDs and GKs to communicate with their Squire Chief Counselors and report their names, phone numbers to Lonnie. Please have them contact Lonnie at (210)227-7108, mail  1701 Dawson, Apt 2, San Antonio, TX 78202 or email rivetroberts7@earthlink.net.   Dues should be sent to the Bursar, Lance Spencer PO Box 301, Lancaster TX 75146.

Speakers:

Archbishop's Brunch (Bob Von Lehmden). Oct 4 is the date for the Archbishop's Brunch for the Battered Women's Shelter. Last year we netted $50,000.  Westin Hotel downtown. Table sponsors are $500 and $1000.   Silent Auction, Live Auction. We are looking for gifts, and offering a raffle prize of a 6-day trip to the Vatican. Only 200 tickets being sold for $100 each.

Vegas Night. Juan Solis (Council 786). This Friday (19 Sept) we are having a Vegas Night - Night in Hawaii. 24 gaming tables, open bar, all the food you'd like, live auction.

Wild Game Feast. Warren Wier (Council 786) . We have a task force on the homeless and hungry in San Antonio. GK Solis has encouraged us to help the food bank.  On October 3, Council 786 is sponsoring a wild game dinner, with all proceeds going to the homeless effort. We ask you to support this by buying tickets or donating auction items. Holy Spirit Banquet Room, Blanco & Ramsey. Dinner 7 pm. Contact Kelly Compton 277-4400 or Warren Wier 223-2685.

Assumption Seminary. Rudy Escamilla (GK 4140).  Fr Gerald Brown, SS, the President of Assumption Seminary has asked our Council to help with the problem of lack of dorm space at the Seminary. We are enrolling 10 more students in January and need to raise $120,000 to build more bedrooms and bathrooms. We have permission from the city to but up 16 new bedrooms behind Stuebben Hall. Contact Fr Brown at 734-5137 or Rudy Escamilla at 435-6852.

Thanks from GK Fred Garcia (Council 6833).  On behalf of the Community of the Little Flower, we want to thank the Knights for their assistance  in ushering the 28,600 people who visited the Tilma of Tepeyac during two days, and the Fourth Degree for providing an honor guard. Special thanks to Master Ken Boone, who was in at 4:30 every morning and stayed until after midnight. 

Host District Deputy.  DD Antonio Rodriguez was unable to attend.

Host Grand Knight Marcos Villalon was thanked, and he presided over the raffle.

Next meeting will be October 15 at Council 5262, St Vincent de Paul.

The sick and in distress were remembered.

Closing Prayer. Bishop Flanagan led us in prayer

Meeting  Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Brother Mike Nishimuta

Future Chapter Meetings

October 15, 2003 St Vincent de Paul 5262

November 19, 2003 St Brigid 11596

December 17, 2003 Our Lady of the Rosary 3345

January 21, 2004 Immaculate Conception 4140

March 17, 2004 St Patrick 8067