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

October 15, 2003

Opening Music was provided by the trio of Erik Rabe, Pete Barrera and Mark Sanchez

Opening Prayer:  Archbishop Patrick Flores gave the opening prayer.

Recognized VIPs: Archbishop Flores, State Deputy Ken Otte, Special Assistant to the State Deputy, Former Past State Deputies, State Officers, Clergy, and former Chapter Presidents were recognized.

Special Presentation. Bishop Flanagan and Chapter President Martinez presented a check for $45,000 to Bill Winscott from Habitat for Humanity for the construction costs of the house which was finished last fall. This money was raised from the Bishop Flanagan Golf Tournament in 2003.

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Kenneth Martinez at 7:45 pm

Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

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 $ 978.13 as of August 31.

Expenses

Income

The account balance is now $3,382.13, 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.

Correspondence. We received a letter of appreciation from the Basilica of the Little Flower for our assistance in the veneration of the Tilma of Tepayac.

Chaplain’s Report.  Chapter Chaplain  Bishop Thomas Flanagan reported on the need for Seminary Housing at Assumption Seminary. 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. All Grand Knights, please share this with your Councils and bring it up for a vote, and vote with your heart.  Assumption Seminary is doing the right thing - educating collaborative ministers - priests who are capable of serving the church in Hispanic and multi-cultural settings and priests who are spiritually formed for a life of joyful service to God's people in the Archdiocese of San Antonio and in the dioceses in which they live. We also remember the 25th anniversary of the Papacy this evening. For more information contact Fr Brown at 734-5137 or Rudy Escamilla at 435-6852.

Special Presentations. The Texas State Deputy, Ken Otte, came down from Austin to receive our Diocesan donation to the State Charities. Our Diocesan Deputy, Freemon Sattelmaier, did a lot of legwork.  Ken Otte spoke to the District Deputies following the meeting, but addressed the many Grand Knights in attendance. The year is going by quickly, and it is the only 100th anniversary of the Texas State Council, it won't come again. Our diocese has joined the small group of dioceses who have made or exceeded their annual goal, and helped the State exceed its goal. For this year, we are asking for a little bit more. We are asking you to recruit our replacements now, so they can be trained in our traditions. We are in the middle of a recruiting blitz.

Texas State Deputy Ken Otte made the following presentations:

• A Medeiros Fellow to Archbishop Flores in the name of Bishop Popp.

• A $500 check for the Blessed Sacrament Academy

• A check for $1000 from the State Charity Board for the Seton House.

• Check for $56,230 to the Diocese from the Knights of Columbus as his portion of the State Charity Drive.

Bishop Flores auctioned a cloth printing of Our Lady - the winner was Henry Gonzales Deputy GK of St Jude. Then he reminded us of the Gospel from last Sunday, and how the Lord spoke to us about giving away our possessions, and how much the Knights are unselfish in their giving. The point of the Gospel is not to be poor, but to share our wealth.  "Whatever you do unto others, you do to me."

Presentation of Check to Habitat for Humanity

Ken Otte, along with Diocesan Deputy Freemon Sattelmaier and Chapter President Ken Martinez made a presentation of a check for $45,000 to Bill Winscott of San Antonio Habitat for Humanity. This check pays for the house which was built by members of the Archdiocese. The house will be dedicated on November 22.

Chapter Committees:

1.  Habitat for Humanity and Golf Tournament - Sam Szalwinski  reported that the House Blessing is scheduled.

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. Clergy Appreciation Dinner. Ray Neumann passed out business cards advertising the Clergy Appreciation Dinner, and asked us to give them to our Clergy, and personally invite them. We will be asking for your participation.  Right now the dinner is scheduled for Feb 8, 2004. Their is a possibility that the date and location could change.

4.  Retreat – Charlie Carvajal reported on the  annual Chapter Men’s Retreat which was held 26-28 September at Camp Tecaboca.  

5. 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.    Brother Lonnie reported on a retreat for Columbian Squires this weekend sponsored by the San Fernando Council.

6. Fourth Degree Report:  Master Ken Boone reported that at the Exemplificiation on Oct 4 we welcomed 105 new Sir Knights, including 2 Priests.  He also told us of a  PFC George Perez, who was wounded in Iraq and will be in hospital for several months. His family is in New Jersey. If you you can, please visit him at  BAMC  room 751.

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.

New Business:  We are collecting donations of cash, sodas, cups or liquor for an Oct 28 event celebrating the Priesthood and Vocations. Council 9463 will furnish the manpower for the bar. Contact Mike Urrutia 734-0167 or Chris Vasquez 735-1219 if you have donations.

Speakers

Jerry Janecka reported 1845's are still coming to him. If you have questions regarding retention,  contact Jerry. No more withdrawals on a Form 100.  The individual must write a letter to Supreme to receive a suspension.

Bob Stegge, DD 36 requested that we support the anniversary Mass for the Catholic Daughters of America. The San Antonio chapter is celebrating its 45th anniversary along with the 100th anniversary of the Catholic Daughters of America.  There will be a mass Saturday,  Nov 15, at 10:00 am with lunch to follow at St Peter's Prince of the Apostles. Requesting Fourth Degree Knights in Regalia - show time 9:15 for 4th Degree. Lunch $10. 

Mike Morrison reminded us of the  Major Degree in Kerrville this Sunday.

Tom Vargas reported that the Mass at San Fernando Celebrating the Priesthood and Vocations is Oct 28 7 pm.

Ed Higgs, Council 6358 St Monica in Converse. There will be a special mass Sunday 2 pm Mass, celebrated by  Bishop Zurick,  to honor the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul.

Russell Arnsberry Council 8065 - reported that St Matthews holds a  1st Degree on the third Saturdays, 9 am. 8:30 show.  

Victor Ledezma, Council 8738 thanked us for our prayers in his near death experience.

Ken Otte reported on the new License Plate that is in development. A form to request one was in the latest issue of the Texas Knight. Visit the Texas Department of Transportation site. The plate will have the full color logo of the KC, and at the bottom, in blue letters, "In God We Trust."  They will cost $30, or $70 if you want a personalized plate. Show your membership and support and order one.

Host District Deputy.  DD Joe Steiner was recognized and thanked everyone for attending. "Let's Keep doing what we're doing."

Host Grand Knight Brother Roy Laredo was thanked, and he presided over the raffle.

Next meeting will be November 19, 2003 St Brigid 11596

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

December 17, 2003 Our Lady of the Rosary 3345

January 21, 2004 Immaculate Conception 4140

March 17, 2004 St Patrick 8067