St. Mary's Newsletters Archive - Fr. Jenkins

Vol. 10, No. 1 - July 1994: Knights & the New Universal Catechism.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / As you probably know, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is finally available in English. I am confident that all of us receive this news with great enthusiasm and hope. Many of the faithful have long endured confusion as to the real message of Catholicism in the modern world; now, alongside the Bible, we are gifted by the Church with a wonderful guide into the immutable teachings of Christ. This is only the second such catechism ever offered for the universal church, the previous one being issued after the Council of Trent. Despite critics who argue that it is only for bishops, priests, and catechists; it is really a work for all of us. The prologue states, "It will also be useful reading for all other Christian faithful" (#12). Even the Evangelical minister Pat Robertson recommended it for his viewers. Copies will be sold through the parish and I would trust that every Knight, as a devoted believer in Christ and in his Church, will quickly purchase copies for himself and his family. This book will be a most useful tool, a weapon in the arsenal of faith, for the holy Knights of Columbus who fight indifference with loyalty, despair with hope, ignorance and bigotry with truth, treason with patriotism, immorality with virtue, and secularism with faith. The catechism addresses organizations like our own in a section entitled, Life in Christ, exploring the person's role in society: ". . . the creation of voluntary associations and institutions must be encouraged on both national and international levels . . ." (#1882). Such socialization "develops the qualities of the person, especially the sense of initiative and responsibility, and helps guarantee his rights" (#1882). Such a definition is at the heart of what we are about. We know that together we are stronger than any one of us alone. Knights love and defend their families, their Church, the honor of God, and those marginalized and oppressed, like the pre-born. As always, I am very proud of you. / Your Servant in Christ Jesus, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 10, No. 2 - August 1994: Do We Really Know Our Namesake, Columbus?

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / As Knights of Columbus, I sometimes wonder if we give enough thought to our namesake? While not brushing aside his failings, do we defend him as one of us, a man who put his Catholicity foremost in his life? Movies picture him as a daring wayfarer with James Bond morals; school textbooks dismiss him as a misguided sailor who neither discovered North America nor located an alternate route to the Orient; most historians characterize him as an opportunist motivated purely by personal gain; and certain Indian groups castigate him as but the first of a long line of oppressors and slavers (with Indian support it should be added). During his 500th anniversary, protests forced many celebrations in his honor to be canceled and there is a move in some quarters to abolish his holiday as politically incorrect. If the foibles of Columbus showed he was a man of his time, his courage and faith convictions continue to make him a man for the ages. / In Columbus' day, Moslem expansion was seen very much like the Communist threat during our Cold War. The Ottoman Empire was swallowing up all of Christendom. Columbus was in the center of battle as the Spanish Christians reclaimed city after city. Finally, the followers of the Crescent were reduced to one city. When the triumphant Spanish army processed into Grenada, a great silver cross was raised over the Alhambra, and Ferdinand and Isabella knelt in the city square, giving thanks to God who after 781 years had evicted Islam from Spain. The date was January 2, 1492, and Columbus was there with them. Soon thereafter, Christopher Columbus asked the crown for support in finding a new route to India, so that they too might know Christ. This desire of his to be a missionary for the Lord has been purged from the books and instructions in our schools, falsifying history for the sake of humanistic separation of Church and State! He writes: "And Your Highnesses, as Catholic Christians and Princes devoted to the Holy Christian Faith and the propagators thereof, and enemies of the sect of Mohomet and of the idolatries and heresies, resolve to send me, Christopher Columbus, to the said regions of India, to see the said princes and peoples and lands and the disposition of them and all, and the manner in which may be undertaken in their conversion to our Holy Faith, and ordained that I should not go by land (the usual way) to the Orient, but by the route of the Occident, by which no one to this day knows for sure that anyone has gone . . . ." In future newsletters I hope to continue in sharing my reflections upon Columbus. With the new catechism in hand [hint], we may also be armed to spread the faith! / Your Servant in Christ Jesus, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Source Book: Columbus & Cortez, Conquerors for Christ by John Eidsmoe. (Green Forest: New Leaf Press, Inc., 1992).

Vol. 10, No. 3 - September 1994: Columbus & His Faith-Filled Family.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Continuing my reflection upon Columbus, it must also be said that he exemplified the love and responsibility toward family that is a hallmark of the men in this order. He met his first wife while attending Mass at the Convent of the Saints in Lisbon. The daughter of one of Portugal's leading families St, Dona Felipa Perestrello consented to be his wife in 1479. Before her death in 1485, she bore him one son, Diego. Showing that he was a man who put his heart before social class, his second wife was a peasant woman of Cordova, Beatriz Enriquez de Harana. Their child Ferdinand was born in 1488. While this second marriage was never questioned in his day, his bitterest enemies challenged it some 72 years later after all his male heirs became extinct. It is not until the Council of Trent that church marriage records became truly reliable. The assault upon his good name proved unsuccessful. He treated his new wife and son well, was a good provider, and in his will was generous not only to them but to the brother and cousin of Beatriz, making them officers of his fleets. Both of his sons became pages in the royal court and served their father in the New World. Since faith was the center of his family's life, Ferdinand and Diego traveled with their father to Hispaniola where the Spanish crown gave twenty-one year old Ferdinand the responsibility of setting up churches and monasteries on the island. / Columbus was not only a man who handed down the faith by transmitting it to his children; he also made them missionaries of Christ. Doing so, he fulfilled the Lord's mandate: "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (Mt. 28:19). What does this say to us? Primary in the evangelization effort of the Church is the family. Prayer is our most precious treasure as witnesses for the Gospel. The spreading of the Good News begins at home and in the local church. The message which is preached is one of salvation and the need to actualize the kingdom which is already breaking into our world. The kingdom, which is not yet perfectly realized, is reflected in our love, justice and forgiveness-- the antithesis of sin. If Columbus can be faulted for his toleration of slavery; we find upon closer inspection, a man of contradiction at odds with all oppression. We are called to make Christ present to this and to future generations. This in itself denotes liberation from the forces of sin and weakness which would oppress and enslave us. Columbus and his family wanted to share their Catholic faith with the whole world-- and the Church's mission for the redemption of all peoples is a constitutive component of her call to preach the Gospel. By drawing more people to Christ and to the Church, we can also hope to expand our numbers of holy Knights of Columbus families. / Your Servant in Christ Jesus, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Source Book: Columbus & Cortez, Conquerors for Christ by John Eidsmoe. (Green Forest: New Leaf Press, Inc., 1992).

Vol. 10, No. 4 - October 1994: Columbus' Christian Motivations with the Indians.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / The missionary character of the Church is an integral element of the Church's identity. As such, it must be a mark of the Knights of Columbus. Reviewing our great explorer's journal, we find a testimony of his drive to draw souls to Christ that is deceptively absent in modern textbook histories and classroom portrayals:

October 12, 1442 - . . . I, in order that they might develop a friendly disposition towards us, because I knew that they were a people who could be freed and converted to our Holy Faith by love than by force, gave to some of the red caps and to others glass beads, which they hung on their necks, and many other things of slight value, in which they took much pleasure. They remained so much our [friends] that it was a marvel . . . I believe that they would easily be made Christians, because it seemed to me that they belonged to no religion.

October 16, 1492 - . . . I don't recognize in them any religion, and I believe that very promptly they would turn Christians, for they are of very good understanding.

November 6, 1492- . . . I maintain, Most Serene Princes, that if they had access to devout religious persons knowing the language, they would all turn Christians, and so I hope in Our Lord that Your Highnesses will do something about this with much care, in order to turn to the Church so numerous a folk, and to convert them as you have destroyed those who would not seek to confess the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And after your days (for we are all mortal) you will leave your realms in a very tranquil state, and free from heresy and wickedness, and will be well received before the eternal Creator, to whom I pray to grant you long life and great increase of many realms and lordships, and both will and disposition to increase the holy Christian religion, hitherto you have done.

November 2, 1492 - . . . And afterwards the benefits will be known, and it will be endeavored to have all these folk Christians, for that will easily be done, since they have no religion; nor are they idolaters . . . and I say that Your Highnesses ought not to consent that any foreigner does business or sets foot here, except Christian Catholics, since this was the end and the beginning of the enterprise, that it should be for the enhancement and glory of the Christian religion, nor should anyone who is not a good Christian come to these parts.
We sponsor so many good things as Knights. I hope that in the days ahead we will also take pride in our many friends, acquaintances, and neighbors who came to know the Lord and membership in the Church because of our invitation. / Your Servant in Christ Jesus, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Source Book: Columbus & Cortez, Conquerors for Christ by John Eidsmoe. (Green Forest: New Leaf Press, Inc., 1992).

Vol. 10, No. 5 - November 1994: Columbus the Missionary vs. P.C. Multi-culturalists.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / I hope that like myself, you took much edification from the words of Columbus that I included in last month's newsletter. Thinking this is a profitable enterprise, I would like to share with you a few more:

December 12, 1492 - [Columbus raised a great cross at the entrance of the harbor of Moustique Bay on the northwest coast of the island of Hispaniola] as a sign that Your Highnesses hold the country for yours, and principally for a sign of Jesus Christ Our Lord, and honor of Christianity.

December 16, 1492 - . . . Because they are the best people in the world and above all the gentlest, I have much hope in Our Lord that Your Highnesses will make them all Christians, and they will be all yours, as for yours I hold them.

December 24, 1492 - . . . Your Highnesses may believe that in all the world there can be no better or gentler people. Your Highnesses should feel great joy, because presently they will be Christians, and instructed in the good manners of your realms; for a better people there cannot be on earth, and both people and land are in such quantity that I don't know how to write it.
For a man who was vilified by certain Indian groups, Columbus seemed to go out of his way to praise their ancestors. He actually thought that they were naturally disposed in temperament to be the best of Christians. I grieve for our children who may never know this positive and religious side of Christopher Columbus. Contaminated by multi-culturalism, even children's books belittle him and those who came after him. An example of this phenomena are the highly acclaimed books by Betsy and Giulio Maestro. The Washington Post succinctly renders their basic thesis: "What was a boon to Europeans was a disaster for those who already called the Americas home and for those brought here by force." In many classrooms, the fact that he brought the true faith is cynically ridiculed in favor of primitive practices subsequently abandoned. Today, ancient pagan and naturalistic religious rituals and beliefs are being blended with Western and Eastern faith by the New Age religionists who have been beguiled into believing that everything is equal. Atheistic secular humanists write off all objective religious truth and suggest that it is a sin for any religion, especially Catholicism, to make such claims. I even know a former priest anthropologist who thinks that missionaries should be banned from contaminating the few remaining unevangelized cultures in the world. When I confronted him about this statement, he admitted losing his faith. May we as Knights remain clear-headed, neither white-washing the past nor renouncing our noble heritage. / Your Servant in Christ Jesus, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Source Book: Columbus & Cortez, Conquerors for Christ by John Eidsmoe. (Green Forest: New Leaf Press, Inc., 1992).

Vol. 10, No. 6 - December 1994: Advent & Christmas, The Pro-Life Seasons.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Ah, surprise, this message is not about Columbus. But, do not fret, I have two more letters planned for next year in my series on the patron of our order. Now, for the matter at hand. I want to wish all the Knights and their families a most holy and joyous experience of the season of Advent and Christmas. Knights have been instrumental throughout the nation in stressing the recovery of the sacred to a celebration that is becoming increasingly secular. Put Christ back into Christmas! Even the last syllable of this word reminds us that its origin is the Lord and his Mass. Our society does not know how to anticipate; it wants everything NOW. Let us not forget Advent or collapse Christmas into a single day. / The introit for the first Tuesday of Advent reads: "See, the Lord is coming and with him all his saints. Then there will be endless day" (Zech. 14:5-7). This song of the Mass emphasizes the "coming" of Christ. In a sense, we become spiritual Jews, waiting with eager expectation for the Messiah. We look to the past and recall with affection when he first came to us as a most humble king, no more than a babe in a manger. The celebration, in turn, expresses the reality of Christ coming to us in the present, by the Word proclaimed, by the Sacrament which nourishes us, and by the gathering of the Mystical Body. Christ lives in us. Just as the radiance of the Bethlehem star breaks through the night two thousand years ago, we need to allow his light to shine through us, leading a lost and bewildered humanity, dispelling the darkness of indifference and sin. We also look to the future. With his second coming, he shall judge the nations and reward his disciples. We pray and hope for the consummation of the world to Christ. Advent is a pregnant time. Indeed, even our readings bring this fact close to home. Combined with Christmas, there is no more pro-life season of the year. / Thursday of Christmastide, the liturgy begins with this entrance antiphon: "In the beginning, before all ages, the Word was God; That Word was born a man to save the world" (John 1:1). At Christmas, the pre-existent Logos or Word, which has taken flesh in the womb of Mary, is born so as to begin the work of reconciliation between God and man. No one knows what the Christ-child exactly looks like. Consequently, we take the likeness of other children and place them in our nativity scenes throughout the world. Every child, born and unborn, is a reflection of the Christ-child. If this is true, then abortion attacks at the heart of Advent and infanticide violates Christmas. It is no wonder that the news is filled with stories of parents who abuse or even destroy their children. When the child in the womb is not safe-- no one is safe. Perhaps it is for this reason that many have allowed commercialism and fantasy to replace piety and devotion at Christmas? It is the reality that Christian faith and a disregard for innocent human life are incompatible. The guilty are reminded of their sins and the rest of us of our neglect. Be a light to the nations-- stand for life and rejoice in the Lord's coming! / May the blessing of the Christ-child be upon you all, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol 10, No. 7 - January 1995: A Letter from Columbus.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / I would like to share with you this month a letter from Columbus to a chief official of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella written after his first voyage. Soak in his faith and deep respect for the native populations. The real man who emerges has a side to him that is often eclipsed today by those critical of him and of European expansion. Imagine he is speaking to us:

. . . I forbad that they should be given things so worthless as pieces of broken crockery and broken glass, ans lace points, although when they were able to get them, they thought they had the best jewel in the world; thus it was learned that a sailor for a lace point received gold to the weight of two and a half castellanos, and others much more for other things which were worth much less; yea, for new blancas, for them they would give all that they had, although it might be two or three castellanos' weight of gold or arroba or two of spun cotton; they even took pieces of broken hoops of the wine casks and, like animals, gave what they had, so that it seemed to me to be wrong and I forbade it, and I gave them a thousand good, pleasing things which I bought, in order that they might be fond of us, and furthermore might become Christians and be inclined to love and service of Their Highnesses and of the whole Castillian nation [Spain], and try to help us and to give us of the things which they have in abundance and which are necessary to us. And they know neither sect nor idolatry, with the exception that all believe that the source of all power and goodness is the sky, and they believe very firmly that I, with these ships and people, came from the sky, and in this belief they everywhere received me, after they had overcome their fear. And this does not result from their being ignorant (for they are of a very keen intelligence and men who navigate all those seas. So that it is wondrous the good account they give of everything), but because they have never seen people clothed or ships like ours. / So, since our Redeemer has given this triumph to our most illustrious King and queen, and to their renewed realms, in so great a matter, for this all Christendom ought to feel joyful and make great celebrations and give solemn thanks to the Holy Trinity with solemn prayers for the great exaltation which it will have, in turning of so many peoples to our holy faith, and afterwards for material benefits, since not only Spain but all Christians will hence have refreshment and profit.

Okay, maybe Columbus was not a saint, but neither was he a devil. I have given you his own words to prove as much. In the next newsletter I will address four of the most serious charges leveled against Columbus. I can assure you it is pertinent. Three years ago, I almost lost a young black man from converting because he thought the affiliation of Catholic men to Columbus was racist and unchristian. I helped him to see otherwise. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Source Book: Columbus & Cortez, Conquerors for Christ by John Eidsmoe. (Green Forest: New Leaf Press, Inc., 1992).

Vol. 10, No. 8 - February 1995: Response to the Four Charges Against Columbus.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Let us get serious. There are some men who will not join our ranks because of their disdain for Columbus. What are their charges? How can we respond?

Columbus was an inept, harsh, and unjust governor. In hindsight, it is unfortunate that the crown sent him back to Hispaniola as a viceroy and governor instead of upon new voyages of discovery. He was suppose to build a settlement with lazy Spanish gentlemen, gold hunters uninterested in staying, and convicted criminals (including murderers). It is no wonder he was considered cruel and harsh.

Columbus was obsessed with gold. Yes, but so what? His investors had to be repaid, the voyages were expensive, and the royal treasury was exhausted from its war in Grenada. He mistakenly thought the crown was less interested in spreading the Gospel than in foreign treasure. Wealth meant influence and Columbus' ultimate goal was to bring the Orient to Christ so that the Christian lands might unite to repel the advance of the Ottoman Turks and mount a new crusade to free Jerusalem from Muslim control. The fulfillment of these hopes would be costly.

Columbus had no right to claim the Americas for Spain. Many Native American nations did not believe in real property rights in the European sense. Ownership was temporary and consisted in use. Columbus may have been the first person to set foot on San Salvador with the intent of claiming title for his nation. Columbus claimed it, not merely for Spain, but for the Christian faith and the God to whom the Spanish rulers were subjects. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella viewed these peoples and resources as a new responsibility from God.

Columbus made slaves of a free people. Let it be said from the start, slavery is wrong! However, such was not Columbus' original intent. Desperate men sometimes do questionable things. The gold was not as substantial as originally hoped. While slavery was becoming rare at this time, it was considered permissible to enslave non-Christians who were taken in battle. Muslims followed a similar practice. The Spaniards consequently enslaved the combative and cannibalistic Caribs but not the peaceable Arawaks. However, in Columbus' absence this distinction was lost. He thought a brief period of servitude was the only way to civilize the Caribs and bring them to Christ. Queen Isabella was against the idea from the start and forbid it entirely on his fourth voyage. Eventually the Vatican prevailed (1542) and all Spanish enslavement of Native Americans was prohibited. / While not absolving Columbus, I hope these remarks ease the consciences of Knights and provide some groundwork for dialogue if these concerns come up from perspective candidates to our noble order. / Your Servant in Christ, / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins

Source Book: Columbus & Cortez, Conquerors for Christ by John Eidsmoe. (Green Forest: New Leaf Press, Inc., 1992).

Vol. 9, No. 9 - March 1995: The Right to Life March.

Chaplain 's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Let me tell you a secret. I hate the Right to Life March. I hate dealing with proselytizing fundamentalists preying on the many attending Catholics. I am angered by the traditionalists who misuse the event to malign the bishops and the rites of the Church. I am repulsed by baby dolls painted red on crosses. I am sickened by posters of aborted children. I get tired of hearing promises that are so rarely fulfilled. I find serious disagreement with the pressing of people's bodies. I am discouraged by countless memories of frigid days with snow and ice up to my knees. Yes, I hate going to the march. And yet, except for last year when I broke my leg, and I felt guilty then, I have attended every march since 1979. / While in Kentucky for three years, I would travel 12 hours each way just to attend. This year, half-sick, looking like a fool with tissue hanging out of my aching infected ear, I trudged along again in that march for life. I hate it. But, I will march in it for as long as I am able or until the life of every unborn human being is protected by law. I tell you all this not to commend myself, but to inspire us all to a greater devotion and self-sacrifice in this holy cause. Along with several brother knights, their wives, and other committed Catholics, St. Mary of the Assumption was represented in Washington among the thousands who marched for life in January. I know that those who could not attend offered their prayers and Masses on that day for our success in ending the holocaust of 1.4 million children a year in the U.S. As chaplain, part of my responsibility is to admonish; consequently, I will never be content with the numbers we assemble, no matter how good. Let us do all the better next year. Knights are visible with their banners flying high. They help keep things organized as the official marshals for the demonstration. We even attach words, "born and unborn" to the pledge of allegiance. While we have the luxury of traveling only a few miles, others are so dedicated that they journey many hours or even days to get here. I would ask all knights everywhere to schedule the Right to Life March on their calendars RIGHT NOW and to give it the same emphasis as the treasured family vacation. / Considering the political changes in the leadership and majority of the Congress and Senate, it is more important now than ever before that we make our voices heard. Assist the Right to Life committee and lobby our representatives. We cannot afford the sin of omission in this regard. As good Americans, these are our own people dying; some of them might have made good citizens, Catholics, and all flippancy aside, honorable Knights of Columbus. All life belongs to God; we have no right to destroy the unborn innocents. In the wake of recent news about people taking the law into their own hands, we can stand as a witness that the ends does not justify the means. All life is sacred. We would seek to save the child and to convert the parents considering abortion and their doctors to the truth of the Pro-Life movement. This is Christ's way-- this is the way of his Knights! / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 10, No. 10 - April 1995: Penance & Reform During Lent.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / During Lent we realize that we do not deserve such a Savior as Christ. He forgives us even though our sins were the true devices of his passion and crucifixion. Hopefully, we will retain something of the penitential flavor of this season as we enter into Easter and the rest of the year. We fast, not to deny the value of food or its goodness, but to proclaim it as a gift from God. By weaning from our life certain material goods, we might better ascertain through conscientious observance, the greatest good of all, a share in Christ and in his life. Further, many make use of this time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We add to the penance offered by the priest as a sign of true sorrow and to relieve the temporal punishment still due because of sin. We mortify our flesh and practice self-denial, or at least we should. Having recently discussed these matters with a group of young people, such themes almost have no point of reference in many of their lives. This we have to remedy. If the 80's were the ME generation, then perhaps what we experience today is the ME NOW generation? Temperance is a word that many young people cannot even define, yet alone practice. Natural appetites need to be subordinated in obedience to reason and faith. In regards to one's self, it is humility; to food, it is abstinence; to alcohol, it is sobriety; to pleasures of the flesh, it is chastity; to sight, speech, or touch, it is modesty; to sexual activity and flirtation, it is virginity; to anger, it is meekness; to chatter or noise, it is silence; to flippancy, it is seriousness; and to comfort, it is austerity. / As Knights we must set the best example of such self-sacrificing discipline. / It should be noted that while meat is not prohibited on Fridays outside of lent, the guidelines stipulate that some other penance is to be practiced in its place. HAVE WE DONE THIS? Only those who have walked alongside Jesus to Golgotha can hope to share in his Easter joy. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 10, No. 11 - May 1995: Solidarity with Our Priests.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / As I put these few poor words together, I think of the great good you do for others. Just recently, you held a blood drive; for the ancient Hebrews, blood and life were considered synonymous. You have given the gift of life. I am very proud of you. Our Lord gave us his blood so that we might have supernatural and eternal life. You have recognized the value of this treasure as well by your Solidarity with Our Priests campaign. After all, the priests make it possible for us to receive the Eucharist. In this regard, I must add many deep personal thanks. Because of the alleged misbehavior of a few, we have come under ridicule and mistrust. On top of all this, the Walt Disney Corporation (through its subsidiary, Miramax) has made the situation even more trying. / Their release of the movie, Priest, is a clear case of anti-Catholic bigotry. Originally scheduled for opening on Good Friday, it was released earlier due to protests. The film depicts the follies of five priests: one is engaged in a sexual affair with his female housekeeper; another is a drunk; the next one is a psychotic country priest; and the bishop (considered representative) is a wicked man. As for the fifth priest, the portrayal is so profane I hesitate to mention it. According to The Advocate, a magazine for homosexuals, this final priest is shown as a homosexual in "a depiction of gay sex that by all accounts is one of the most realistic ever filmed outside the world of pornography." Can you imagine that such a film would have been released on Yom Kippur about five rabbis? No, but priests are fair game. Robert Peters, president of Morality in Media, states: ". . . this movie attacks the Catholic Church's teachings as the cause of the characters' failings and attempts to undermine the Church's moral authority at a time when the world needs all the moral help it can possibly get." The American Family Association is asking families to avoid Disney's television services, theme parks, and products in protest. You are also asked to write Chairman Michael Eisner, Walt Disney Company, 500 S. Buenta Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521 or call (818) 560-1000 to note your concern and action. / You are Knights of Columbus, defenders of Church, Country, and Family. Such films as this attack not only your priests, but you as well. Please do not be deceived in thinking that such a film is a fluke either. Disney's Miramax Company will soon release another movie, Exotica, in which a customer of a strip-tease club becomes obsessed with a stripper who comes on stage dressed as a Catholic school girl. It seems to me that at least some of the sick people are in Hollywood. Know that your priests will reciprocate your kindness in remaining in solidarity with YOU, too! If not your swords, keep your pencils sharpened! / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 10, No. 12 - June 1995: About Awards & Fatherhood.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / I want to congratulate you on the awards you received at the State Convention. Of course, you and I both know that the good you do is not for honors but to please the Lord and to be selfless neighbors. Having said this, it is nice that our hardworking Ladies Auxiliary won first place; their recognition was well-deserved and very gratifying. It was also fitting that they should be singled out in May, the month we reserve for both the Virgin Mary and for Mother's Day. Without the nurturing, loving, and support of these hardworking women, we would be diminished, indeed. Having just celebrated the Ascension, June will offer us a rapid succession of special celebrations: Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi. Christ ascends to the Father so as to send the Paraclete (the Holy Spirit) and this same Spirit maintains us in the truth and gives the sacraments their efficacy. Christ draws us to his Father. This is a fitting theme in a month wherein we celebrate Father's Day. All our holidays, sacred and civic, resonate with the Knights of Columbus who emphasize Family, Church, and Country. Our married men should be the best of fathers, allowing their paternity to show something of our heavenly Father's love and concern for us all. We find this admonition in the catechism itself, "The divine fatherhood is the source of human fatherhood; . . ." (CCC #2214). A father is to be a good family man, exerting authority in the home, viewing his role as vital and important, seeking to provide for those given him. As David Blankenhorn says in his book, Fatherless America: "He aspires to the ideals of paternal tenderness and companionate marriage. He believes that men who lead are men who serve." Those of us who are not married can be spiritual fathers, especially in a society where true manhood and its responsibilities are often minimized and ridiculed. Enjoy the summer! / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 1 - July 1995: The Gospel of Life.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / As you well know, Msgr. Hughes and myself are offering five weeks of homilies on the encyclical, Evangelium Vitae. It would be my expectation that each of our members would acquire a copy, not only to assist them in living holy lives, but to enable them to instruct others regarding the value of human life. The Holy Father is particularly critical of contraception (as the handmaid of abortion), abortion itself, and euthanasia. We live in absurd times. The English medical journal Lancet published an article recently which claimed that the unborn child experiences extreme pain during an abortion and so ought to be given anesthetic. What animal rights activists have fussed about for mice and monkeys is denied to those with real personhood. Fifty years ago, euthanasia was a Nazi war crime, now it is an increasingly actualized proposal of progressives who deal in false compassion. Recent tests of vaccines from the United States being used in Third World Countries have revealed the secret presence of a contraceptive-- what the Clinton administration and the United Nations lost at Cairo, they attempt to regain through clandestine measures. These are but a few news items that make up the "culture of death." I hope we will all be with the Pope in his challenge to supplant it with the Gospel of Life. Admittedly, the word is out that not everyone in the parish is happy about the homilies. So be it. / George Sim Johnson writes in The American Spectator, "The whining and gnashing of teeth the pope has to contend with in this country stems from a widespread frustration at not finding loopholes in the Sixth and Ninth Commandments" (p. 29). Dissenters want to remake Christianity into an undemanding social club. This it will never be. Pray for the Pope, take heed, and spread the message. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 2 - August 1995: No Forum & No Respectability for Abortion Advocates!

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / I cannot tell you what a great solace it is for me to be associated with such a fine group of Catholic men. This comes at a time when the length and breadth of my words at Mass for life and against the evils of contraception and abortion have incurred some resistence. This is not to say that there has been an absence of good fruit. Several have told me that it all needed to be said. My thoughts also turn to a moment of special mercy and hope for a woman long-suffering over the termination of her unborn child's life. She admitted that unless I had hammered in the message, she would have continued to ignore the call for healing. Thanks be to God! / In addition, it should be reported that a letter I wrote to The Catholic Standard on June 15th has continued to have repercussions. In line with many American bishops, it is my position that advocates of abortion, homosexuality, and the like, should not be given a forum in Catholic institutions. Consequently, I was aghast to find a color picture in the paper of D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton at Trinity College's commencement exercises and an article recommending her propaganda for a failed administration. It remained silent about her anti-life and anti-family record. Having chastised the newspaper and school, the editor counter-responded in a July 6th editorial and this in turn was applauded by a Bethesda woman's extended letter to the editor on July 20th. The point of contention raised was not that she gave a talk about the city's financial crisis; but that, it was offered at a supposedly Catholic institution and that she was given an honorary law degree. Her radical feminism was rewarded! Commentary should have immediately made clear that her pro-abortion, pro-homosexual/lesbian, pro-condom-giveaway stance nullified anything constructive she had to say. Of course, this nonsense is going on all the time. / At the recent 50th Anniversary of the CYO, the first speakers were the governor of Maryland and the Prince George's county executive, both avidly "pro-choice." This might be good news to a kid who can dribble a basketball, but God save the child in the womb-- he or she has no friend in these men. If we stuck to our guns, embarrassed these people as the Pope did the President in Denver, maybe the fight against abortion would already be won? Flattering such personages, while taking a few safe pot shots against abortion elsewhere, is not enough. / The editor noted a similar controversy over Mother Teresa's meeting with Mrs. Clinton. Saintly women like Mother Teresa may not be politically astute. Others should have protected her from being used by the Clinton pro-death administration. [Web Master: A year or so later, Mother Teresa made up for it at the Congressional Prayer Breakfast!!! God bless her!] I find particularly offensive the editor's line, "She inspired Mrs. Clinton to do something to save innocent lives from abortion." What? A minor piece of property that will house 12 people is hardly a national mandate against abortion! It is only lip-service. My dear Knights, we are at war and the murder of one-and-a-half million babies every year are its casualties. We must not collaborate UNCRITICALLY with the enemies of life and decency. / We have many allies. My original letter [with one line deleted] brought me a host of positive calls and correspondence from such organizations as the trustees of Trinity College (who are fighting for the school's Catholic identity), the Catholic League, and the Christian Coalition. / Let your voices be heard. Make sure your schedules are clear for January's Pro-Life march. And even when you say the pledge of allegiance at a secular event, shout out without hesitation the addendum to the petition for liberty and justice for all, "BORN AND UNBORN!" / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 3 - September 1995: Teaching the Faith.

Chaplain's Message: My Dear Brother Knights, / The month of September is back to school time for the kids and of increased activity for all the rest of us. Please remember that in the midst of all the fundraisers and other responsibilities, to make time for your faith: studying the things of God and prayer. For myself, I have high hopes for the parish instructions in faith and for a bible study. The Knights and their families are cordially invited to attend and help. As I mentioned at one of the meetings, I will be making use of the information booklets on Catholic teachings offered by the Knights of Columbus. Remember, any man who converts to the Catholic faith would probably make a good candidate for our brotherhood. Indeed, our fellowship and emphasis on the good of the family is an excellent complement to our regular Sunday worship at Mass. As for the bible study I will be starting, I must admit the catalyst was the recent loss of one of our altarboys and his older sister to a local Baptist church. He insisted that he wanted to join a bible-based church and thus was being baptized again (repudiating the validity of the Catholic sacrament). He had just been Confirmed, too. I am sick at heart about it. If it gets off the ground, the bible study will explore what we as Catholics hold about the bible -- the book assembled by a council of the Catholic Church-- the book which is the inspired Word of God through the instrumentality of human authors (and all of the New Testament writers were Catholic!). Please pray for all who walk away from the faith established by Jesus himself; pray that they will come home. Again, I would appreciate any possible participation and assistance from the Knights you would be willing to give. Msgr. Hughes and myself are very gratified by your continuing "solidarity with [your] priests." May God bless all of your endeavors in the days and months ahead. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 4 - October 1995: Dedication of Our Memorial to the Unborn.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / It is fitting that our dedication of a memorial to the unborn child should take place in October, the designated pro-life month. The statue depicting the Assumption of our Blessed Mother into heaven includes at her feet, small child-like cherubim, reminding us of the holy innocents lost through abortion. Abortion supercedes God's sovereignty over us. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you" (Jer.1:5). As Knights, we must wholeheartedly confront this crime against God and man. / The Holy Father, (coming soon to Baltimore), makes our responsibility clear. "By virtue of our sharing in Christ's royal mission, our support and promotion of human life must be accomplished through the service of charity, which finds expression in personal witness, various forms of volunteer work, social activity and political commitment" (Evangelium Vitae, no. 87). Continue to pray and work for the unborn. God will bless our charity to groups like the local Pregnancy Crisis Center and St. Ann's Infant Home. The Ladies Auxiliary have been particularly meritorious with their "precious feet" sales and baby showers for the cause. Might we also offer and place "Right to Life" bumper stickers on our vehicles as mobile billboards. Are there ways we can better assist in the referral of women contemplating abortion (Gabriel Project) or grieving after such a tragedy (Project Rachel)? Might we sponsor speakers or show pro-life videos and/or make tapes available in the upcoming Parish Video Rental Program? Already associated with the Legislative Network, can we more forcefully enter the political fight, not only VOTING Pro-Life, but making others AWARE of the positions taken by candidates and fighting pro-abortion legislation? Certainly! Looking ahead, I am sure that ALL OF US have the March for Life marked upon our calendars for January. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 5 - November 1995: Beware of the Lies Taught Our Children!

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / The dedication of our memorial to the aborted children and the blessing of the statue to our patroness, St. Mary of the Assumption, went off very well. All of us, even the unborn, have an eternal destiny. "You [God] clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love; and your care has preserved my spirit" (Job 10:8-12). The unborn child belongs to God and is not ours to destroy. "It was not I who gave you life and breath, nor I who set in order the elements within each of you" (2 Mc. 7:22-23). In early January we can give further witness to our devotion in the March for Life. / For your edification, I would suggest that the readers among you get a copy of Lynne V. Cheney's book, Telling the Truth. She takes exception to the current "politically correct" standards imposed in the study of our history and culture. As Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities from 1986 through 1992, she had to override "a proposal for a television program that charged Columbus with genocide, but portrayed the Aztecs-- who practiced human sacrifice on a massive scale-- as a gentle, peace-loving people" (p. 16). Now that she is out of office, the multi-culturalists have free reign. Citing other examples of revisionism, a California professor seeking tenure was asked if Columbus was a "genocidal imperialist"; and a 1989 New York State education report demanded that elementary and secondary students be taught that the "corruption of the Roman Catholic Church" led to the "negative values" of Europeans and that Columbus' discovery was an "expression . . . of 'White nationalism' designed to justify the exploitation and eventual genocide of indigenous Americans" (p. 43). It seems that in addition to the lives of the unborn, we must also fight for the minds of our children. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 6 - December 1995: Remembrance of Our Dead Unto Eternal Life.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / As I write this message, the parish has just finished its eighth funeral in three weeks. My thoughts linger upon our faithful departed. John Tolson's love and devotion to us was realized many times over. He is already sorely missed. As for Richard McLellan, while he was separated from us by infirmity, I saw him many times with his beads in hand; I have no doubt that he continues to pray for us in the Lord's kingdom. The Auxiliary has lost Ethel Lohmann, a real lady and friend to us all. As for the Griffith family, we are still morning the tragic loss of Agnes and Terry. Nevertheless, while our spirits might be low, we must take stock of the season. It is Advent, the time of year when we become spiritual Jews, awaiting the coming of our Savior. Soon it will be Christmas. For our recently deceased friends and family, the expectation is over. May God purify and bless them so that they may celebrate this Christmas in heaven and see face to face the Lord we recall in sacred signs. It is a season of hope. God does not forget his own. Jesus has assured us of a share in his life. The Christ-child is a reminder to us all that God keeps his promises, first to the Jewish people and then to the whole world. / In early January we will have the March for Life in Washington, D.C. It is fitting that it comes immediately after Christmas, the festival wherein we believe salvation entered the world through a small and innocent baby. All children, born and unborn, are reflections of the Babe of Bethlehem. Let us never forget this or our responsibility as Catholic Christians and Knights to do ALL WE CAN for God's little ones. Keep your calendars clear and, if necessary, your boots ready. This might be the most important thing we do next year. / To each and every one of you, have a Merry Christmas, and a happy and holy New Year. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 7 - January 1996: Important Month for the Right to Life Cause.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Our responsibility in the defense of LIFE weighs heavily upon us this month. January 21st is PROJECT LIFE SUNDAY and all the bishops have asked that we discuss and pray about the evils of abortion and euthanasia that plague the land. Since actions often do speak louder than words, the very next day, Monday, January 22nd, we are all asked to participate in the ANNUAL PRAYER RALLY and MARCH FOR LIFE in Washington, D.C. The parish has provided a bus, all we have to do is FILL IT. I look forward to seeing our many men and their wives walking behind the banner of our council on this most important of days. As I said a year ago, treat this event as sacrosanct as the family vacation or a holiday. If any of our members are not physically up to the task, I am sure that we can get the loan of wheelchairs to assist them. If people can fly all the way from places like GUAM, just for the march, then we can certainly traverse the short distance from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 8 - February 1996: The Murdered Children are Our Own.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / I want to recount to you a situation. Called aside, you are told, "There has been a death in your family." Your breathing stops and your world as well, at least for a little while. "What has happened?" you ask. It is the worst possible news, "Your child was killed today." The shock dams back the tears. In the days that follow, the grieving envelops you and the family. Arrangements are made. Time is taken from work. Everyone understands. Countless prayers are offered to a God who listens, even if he does not seem to care. Friends try to help, but only say the wrong things. You are angry. Promises are made never to forget your little one. Eventually you go on. Such is the pattern I have seen many times, and yet, is it always exhibited regarding the unborn who are murdered through abortion? No. They are our children, not someone else's. They are a part of us. Do we weep? Feel sorrow? Admit our fault in not doing more to protect them? These are questions we must all ponder. / Cardinal Law asked at the Shrine the night before the Right to Life March, "Do we vote for politicians who attack the right to life of the unborn?" If we do, then our hands are dirty with innocent blood. The next day, the Supreme Chaplain at the archdiocesan Youth Mass returned to this same theme and took much solace from the numbers of young people dedicated to the Gospel of Life. How would we measure our dedication? Does abortion stop our world, or is it only one issue among many? I wonder about this because while the parish has some 3,600 members, only 26 of the 32 on the bus were parishioners. This left 14 empty seats. / Throughout the year I made numerous requests for council members to make this march a priority. After all, it is an election year and a large turnout could do much to bolster the pro-life agenda. I want to thank Tom Glynn, Frank Klco, Paul McManamen, Gene Richards, Richard Smith, Julian Souders, Wencil Stanek, Dale Trott, and Mike Wilson for hearing this clarion call. Despite inconvenience and in some cases, financial loss, they put the holy innocents first. I am also appreciative of Linda Trott's participation as a representative of our Ladies Auxiliary. It is my firm hope that those who could not come because of infirmity or age spent the time while the march was in progress in fervent prayer for its success. I must also trust that our hundred or so remaining members also offered supplication and stole a few minutes for Mass in order to make some reparation for the holocaust that destroys our children. Is this too great an indulgence? An idle speculation? May God give success to our every endeavor in the cause of life. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 9 - March 1996: Lenten Preparation for Easter.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Our Lenten preparation for Easter is an important element of our Christian discipleship. Now that the parish video rental program is underway, there are a number of good religious films available for you and your families. The Various lives of Christ are particularly important although I would urge the readers among you to consider a good book on the subject like Archbishop's Sheen's or Francois Mauriac's. The Word Among Us magazine is stocked in the Church and I am formally requesting that each of you get a copy. It follows the liturgical readings with prayerful meditations for the season. As a penitential season I would commend the Knights to insure that they and their families have the opportunity for the sacrament of penance. Further, every Friday of Lent we will be offering the Stations of the Cross, a devotion that reminds us of the dire price Jesus paid for our redemption. Those who walk with Jesus to Calvary can hope for a share in his resurrection. Make room in your life for God and God will make room in heaven for you. / Before closing, I want to take a moment to thank the Knights and Ladies Auxiliary for the good work they do and the support they give the parish. It is true that there are a handful of faces that I see at every event, from breakfasts and dinners to the charity fundraisers and Right to Life activities. Sometimes I fear you are run ragged. The grace of God must literally be your rad and staff. Know that you the deepest appreciation of your priests. Having said this, I would admonish our council brothers and their wives whom we rarely see to lend a helping hand. You are a part of us. We need you by our side. Put your faith into action! / With the fondest respect and affection, / Your servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 10 - April 1996: The Renewed Hope of Easter.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / It is apropos that we find ourselves at the end of the fraternal year, in the season of Easter, and celebrating our Tenth Anniversary as a council. The old passes into the new. The continuing life and vitality of our organization is a testimony to our faith and discipleship. The Knights and the Ladies Auxiliary of Council #9302 are a true family, devoted to Church, Country, and Community. Considering our small numbers, I am constantly amazed and proud of the amount of hard work you do. Regardless of the awards of May, you have earned for yourselves a true treasure in heaven. / The message of Easter is one of renewed hope in Jesus. As stewards and messengers of God, we must bring the Good News to our waiting world. We sing in the sequence Victimae Paschali:

Bright angels attesting,

The shroud and napkin resting.

Yes, Christ my hope is arisen:

To Galilee he goes before you.'

Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.

Amen. Alleluia.

There are still so many needs and so much pain in the world around us. As an Easter People we can allow the Light of Christ to shine into the lives of those who only know darkness. Our endeavors for the mentally handicapped, for the homeless, for the pregnant mothers and for the unborn, for the sick and elderly, for our parish-- all these and more make the healing and mercy of God real. Do not give up the fight. Keep it up. You do make a difference. And, you are very much appreciated. While there may be many PRETENDERS of faith, you are genuine. Thank God for the Knights of Columbus! / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 11 - May 1996: Wise Words from Justice Scalia.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Before I say anything else, I want to wish all the women of our Ladies Auxiliary and our Knights family, a very happy and holy Mother's day. They constitute the heart of the home. Without their love and nurturing we would be incomplete. Let us also remember our Blessed Mother who prays and intercedes for her adopted children. May her grace be ours. / Turning to our own witness, I want to put before you a man who exemplifies what a Christian gentleman is all about, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Every Sunday he packs a church pew with his wife and large family. He has been an uncompromising voice for the unborn. He has transmitted his Catholicism to his children, one of the fruits of which will be his son's coming ordination to the priesthood in Arlington, Virginia. Recently, and the story was even carried by The Washington Post, he offered an ardent defense of religious beliefs against secularist assaults. "We are fools for Christ's sake," he said, "we must pray for the courage to endure the scorn of the sophisticated world." Dabbling in sarcastic humor, he defended Easter: "The wise do not believe in the resurrection of the dead. It is really quite absurd. So everything from the Easter morning to the Ascension had to be made up by groveling enthusiasts as part of their plan to get themselves martyred." Noting that the derogatory word, "cretin," was derived from the French term for Christian, he said, "To be honest about it, that is the view of Christians taken by modern society. Surely those who adhere to all or most of these traditional Christian beliefs are to be regarded as simple-minded." "The worldly wise . . . just will not have anything to do with miracles." Men, we are surrounded by the miracles of God's love, and still some refuse to believe. But, we must not lose hope. Like the good Justice let us stand up for the Gospel and witness to its truth in all that we do. Keep the faith! / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 11, No. 12 - June 1996: Remembering the K of C Legacy on Our Tenth Anniversary.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / The celebration of the 10th anniversary of our council was a resounding success. Having heard testimony to our growth and achievements, I was inspired to review the general history of our order. While many groups have come and gone, or have in some cases changed beyond all recognition, the Knights of Columbus have remained true to the values and needs with which it began. It has always been patriotic from the perspective of unadulterated Americanism and religious from the standpoint of authentic Christianity. Designed to unite Catholic citizens of every national and ethnic origin in a social and fraternal organization, its men have realized at every turn their love of Family, Church, and Country. Long before "family values" became a slogan in popular political rhetoric, it was realized in every Knight's household. When maligning religious personages and tenets became fashionable, the Knights remained uncompromisingly faithful to God and to the Church, pouring out prayers and charity. Although fanatics burned the flag and multi-culturists denigrated the principles that made our country great, our men have always defended her legacy of freedom and justice while not failing in correction when she took a wrong turn as in the abortion tragedy. / Our order bears the name of Columbus, the discoverer of the American continent. The history of our Catholic faith extends back to the Spanish missions of California and the planting of the cross on St. Clement's Island in what would later become Maryland. For many years the Catholic contribution was either ignored or falsified by prejudiced historians or misinterpreted by non-Catholic scholars. Viewing the correction of this happenstance as part of its mission, way back in 1899, the National Convention established a Chair of American Secular History at Catholic University. Education in such matters and in the faith is still an important aspect of our order. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 12, No. 1 - July 1996: Why Did the Knights of Columbus Come About?

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / My thoughts race back through history to the time before our order's founding. Some ask, "Why did the Knights of Columbus come about?" It was for the purpose of granting the Catholic men of this country a fraternal order with insurance features in some respects similar to certain non-Catholic societies, but of a character conforming to the requirements of Catholicity. This was a matter of no small concern since the non-Catholic secret societies were not acceptable to Church authorities and yet their benefits made them so attractive that large numbers of Catholic young men were induced into joining them. The Knights of Columbus filled this need and protected their faith. The order spread quickly. Finding strength in numbers, they cooperated for their mutual benefit, utilizing the laws of their country and those of God, and became a force for immense good on the local, national, and worldwide scale. Did you know that several of the founders of the Knights of Columbus were previously joined in a society called the Red Knights? This was a small and locally organized body of young Catholic men in New Haven, Connecticut. These men conceived the idea of organizing the Knights of Columbus. They held many conferences and prepared the rough drafts of its rituals. The first meeting of the new organization, as you well know, was in 1881. It took place in the office of Cornelius T. Driscoll and David Colwell, both charter members of the new movement. Mr. Driscoll, a Yale graduate, was at that time Corporation Counsel of the City of New Haven, and was afterward, in 1899, elected its Mayor. He was also the first Grand Knight of the first organized Council. Daniel Colwell, one of the original 42 who organized the Sarsfield Guard, 2nd Regiment C.N.G., was at the time an officer of the Superior Court of Connecticut. He was first elected Grand Secretary of the Order in 1884 and held that office continuously, being again re-elected in 1899. Like ourselves, they started small but did immeasurable good. / As we begin a new fraternal year with Paul McManamen at the helm, I know that each of you will continue to exemplify what it means to be a Knight and a Catholic gentleman. Many blessings! / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 12, No. 2 - August 1996: Eucharistic Adoration & the Sanctity of Life.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / I would ask that you continue to lobby legislators regarding the heinous presidential veto of the partial-birth-abortion-ban. Prophesies of abortion leading to euthanasia and infanticide have been realized. Prayers are needed now more than ever. / Last month we offered a day of Eucharistic adoration so that we might magnify the fruits of our orations and make some small reparation for the terrible evil befalling the innocent. I was gratified to see many familiar faces. Having said this, I would like to encourage more of our Knights and their families to make use of a holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament. It is exposed at St. Mary's every Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM with a break for the Noon Mass. For those unfamiliar with the devotion, a monstrance containing the host is placed upon the altar, hymns are sung, prayers are uttered, and incense is used to solemnize the worship and to symbolize our prayers rising to heaven. / This devotion is a reminder that just because God is hidden, does not mean that he is absent or distant from us. Veiled in creation, God as creator has breathed life into all things and has infused a soul-- a spark of the divine-- into every human being, born and unborn. God hides himself in his governance of the world and in our lives so that we might give up our selfish wants, imitating the divine in charity and in preserving the dignity of life. The Omnipotent Godhead also hides himself as an embryo, a fetus, and ultimately as a helpless thing in swaddling clothes-- resonating with our own humanity-- needing to be fed, changed, protected-- all the time. And, still more effectively, God hides himself in the Eucharist, the mystery that sums up and exceeds all other mysteries. In a world where men blaspheme and say there is no God, we come to adore and to pledge ourselves to his service. The one who gave us life now holds out to us, eternal life. Keep the faith! / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 12, No. 3 - September 1996: About the Assumption & Our Busy Knights.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Since I assembled my words for you on August 15th, my thoughts are first of our patronal feast day, the Assumption of the Blessed Mother, body and soul, into heaven. Her maternal intercession and cooperation with her Son continues still. She is as we may become. The promise of Jesus and his resurrection is for all who believe and follow him. We may also be perfected by grace and have a share in the new life achieved by Christ. Such is the hope instilled by our faith, and such is the firm trust of all godly Knights. / I want to publicly give thanks to God for our new Grand Knight's successful surgery and i am sure that Paul will be very much in our prayers for a swift and full recovery. The installation went off very nicely and I was most appreciative of the two dinners given me at the reception that followed. I love the Knights! / The Fall is rapidly coming upon us and things will soon be quite busy. I urge our Knights to take an active role in operations and fund raising projects. We are a small council; thus, even the absence of one brother from our active ranks is sorely felt. Alone we can only do so much good; together, the skies are the limit! Befriend and call upon fallen away members. Reach out to friends and neighbors to join our fraternity. Inspire more women to engage in the wonderful work of our Auxiliary. Build bridges-- repair old wounds-- put out the open hand of friendship. I heard remarked once that a guy expressed an interest in the Knights, but he was not Catholic. The ball was dropped. Rather, he should have been invited to explore what the Church had to offer. There is no conflict of interest in bringing someone to the faith and then making a good Knight of Columbus out of him. Instruction classes start in September. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 12, No. 4 - October 1996: The Dilemma of Partial-Birth Abortion.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Alongside our bishops outside the Capitol, a very small but dedicated representative contingent of our order and its auxiliary protested the President's veto of the partial-birth-abortion ban. As of this writing, the House of Representatives had voted to override the veto, but the Senate vote was very much in doubt. As Knights of Christ's Church we must not waver in our resolve for life. The stakes are higher than ever before. Dr. Kevorkian is killing the sick and the aged. Abortion providers are extending their barbarity fro the unborn child in the womb to infanticide. Now a new drug is being rushed through federal evaluations to make possible abortion-at-home kits. / Our own Catholic governor, and I trust he is not a Knight, supports abortion-on-demand. [Web Master: Tragedy of tragedies! I later learned that he was a Knight, even though he wages war against the Gospel of Life and has questionable Mass attendance-- is he really a "practical" Catholic?] Similarly, Senators Sarbanes and Mikulski (another bogus Catholic) promote the Planned Parenthood agenda and even voted in favor of partial-birth-abortion. Let us stop being polite with the enemies of true faith and morals. These people are baby killers pure and simple. Any Catholic who votes for those with such ideas is no different from the quiet collaborators who upheld Hitler's murder of innocent millions, re-categorized as non-persons. / Keep up the good work for the crisis pregnancy center, the shelter, the fund raising for retarded children, the meals on wheels program, and your many other worthwhile endeavors on the behalf of life. The saintly priest Fr. Werefried van Straaten once wrote: "Charity does not consist of fine words. It demands gifts, deeds, sacrifices. It demands a piece of ourselves. It excludes any indifference to the hungry, the persecuted, the sick and the prisoners, with whom Jesus identifies Himself in His description of the Last Judgment." / Our patron, Columbus, bore the name Christopher or "Christ-bearer." Instead of seeing the awaited Lord in every child's eyes, the world sees only an inconvenience to be eradicated. We need to double our efforts to bring Christ to an increasingly pagan society. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 12, No. 5 - November 1996: Voter Collaboration with Sin & About Happier Matters.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Election time is upon us. My conviction stands that voting for pro-abortion candidates is collaboration. Deeper than membership in the Knights, the question is: "Are we democrats and republicans or are we CATHOLICS?" The Gospel of Life will not be compromised. What constitutes accessory to the sin of murder? By our counsel that it is only one issue among many, we minimize the truth that without life, all other issues are irrelevant. By our defense of the evil done we make license a higher value than human life. By our consent we fail to criminalize it as with other homicides. By our participation in the campaigns of pro-abortion candidates and their election, we make them our emissaries in this gruesome business. By our praise and flattery toward pro-abortion politicians we pretend that they really care about our children-- the true poor among us. By our silence, we allow the slaughter to continue unabated. No more, good brothers, no more! / Turning to a happier subject, I would like to offer my most sincere congratulations to Paul and Lynn on their recent marriage. We are all so very happy for both of you. Our Grand Knight and his new bride got married, had a reception, and still had enough pep for the Columbus Day Ball that evening. Few youngsters would have their energy! May God bless and keep you all the days of your lives. / There was a wonderful story by Joyce Price in The Washington Times about how the celebration of Columbus Day is coming back into vogue. She writes: "In 1992, many Americans marked the 500th anniversary of Columbus' landing in the Western Hemisphere by snubbing the Italian explorer and instead honoring the Indians he met." Propaganda dictated to the simple-minded that all Columbus and his shipmates did was initiate "Slavery and the eventual genocide [through imported disease] of millions of people in the Western Hemisphere." This gross exaggeration and PC attitude was realized in many cities with the substitution of Indigenous Peoples Day. That same year, Minneapolis passed a resolution that condemned Columbus. This year, Columbus Day has returned to the calendars in many cities, and places like Santa Cruz have even apologized for previous resolutions. However, we must remain vigilant as South Dakota and other states have not rescinded their anti-Columbus policies. Indeed, in Washington, D.C., we just had a Latino March for Justice. Barbara Coe, chairperson of the California Coalition for Immigration Reform notes: "Columbus Day was specifically chosen, as the more ignorant or illiterate [of the Hispanic immigrants] have been told that Columbus was responsible for 'taking their country away from them.' Although many are totally unaware of who he was, since they've been told to hate him intensely, that's exactly what they'll do." Columbus brought the two hemispheres of the world into contact. His greatest legacy is that he spearheaded the proclamation of the Gospel in the New World. As his Knights, may we ever exemplify that Good News-- the Gospel of Life. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 12, No. 6 - December 1996: A Christmas Poem About My Faith & Home As a Child.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / I want to give you a special gift during this Advent-Christmas season. Instead of my usual letter, I have composed a poem. Although I rate myself as a poor poet, I hope that it will faithfully communicate some of the sentiment and faith which is dear to me as we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth.

Lionel Train at Christmas

Memories awaken to Christmas past,

Oh, the calendar turns ever so fast.

Patched pants for dad, and for mom, no new dress,

Assure Santa will find our poor address.



Pauper's pennies and stamps redeem small toys,

For a family rich with girls and boys.

Chugging 'round the fresh tree, a Lionel train,

Traveling endless circles like life's refrain.



Near the station house is Santa and sleigh,

Loading gifts in his bags for Christmas Day.

Children's eyes open wide to starry sky,

In the hope of reindeer who dare to fly.



Next, 'round the bend is a small house of white,

Just like our own with love ever bright.

The baby nursed in mother's sweet embrace,

Reminds us that God joined the human race.



Further, on our journey, we come to church--

The start and end of our most soulful search.

Huddled next to grandma, against the cold,

We were first to Mass, though least of the fold.



Next we travel to a well-filled inn,

Where hope of salvation did once begin.

Dear Jesus asleep on a bed of straw,

Soon mother's milk will be replaced by gall.



From joyful birth in Bethlehem's manger

To sad Calvary's cross-- e'er the stranger.

With killed infant kin, the world will disown;

Most gentle Jesus, make my heart your home.



The locomotive on its lonesome track

Takes us all forward and yet also back.

Pressing a switch, dad sounds the whistle so,

And kisses mother under the mistletoe.



Our tiny house filled with children's laughter--

The stuff of dreams-- happy ever after.

Chugging 'round the fresh tree, a Lionel train,

Traveling endless circles in life's refrain.

Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 12, No. 7 - January 1997: Need for More Serious Recruitment.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / The Right to Life March is January 22nd and I hope that we can have good representation from the council and from the parish. Please continue to pray and work for those most vulnerable and brutalized, the unborn. / We really must do more serious recruiting of men for our ranks. This is a matter more important than quotas and awards. The Knights of Columbus is one of the few organizations which has not compromised its Catholicity in today's world. If our men are to be true gentlemen, responsible in the workplace and in their families, then they could get no better help than the solidarity of our Knights. Indeed, they NEED us and our society NEEDS us. The Pope has called our brotherhood the STRONG RIGHT HAND OF THE CHURCH. No greater compliment could he have given us. Further, we have to encourage more of our members to be truly active, attending meetings when possible and assisting in the charitable and fraternal activities of our order. The more involved a member is, the more likely he will be retained and molded by our common values. / Having survived the Christmas holidays, may we all have a happy and holy new year. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 12, No. 8 - February 1997: A Month of Love, Bingo, and More.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / February is the month of love-- no, not simply the kind celebrated by valentine's Day-- but, the love which imbues the season of Lent. The liturgical year gives us this holy season as a special opportunity to walk with Christ in his time of trial and supreme self-sacrifice. The Lord embraced his Cross to rescue us from the death and sin which we incurred by the primordial rebellion and our collaboration with it in personal sin. Now, we all live under the spectre of the Cross, knowing suffering as part of the human dynamic and yet also possessing hope in sharing the divine life. St. Valentine knew this message well. Note this traditional petition to the lovers' saint: "God of power and mercy, through Your help St. Valentine has overcome the tortures of his passion. Help us who celebrate his triumph to remain victorious over the wiles of our enemies. Amen." He imitated Christ's martyrdom. Romantic passion may have its place, particularly in matrimony; but the passion of Christ is the greatest love of all. (I certainly hope our married couples do not see their passion as tortures!) / Oh, and by the way, B3! I want to thank all those Knights and the Ladies Auxiliary members for their hard work on the BINGO program. Again, our council has proven its dedication to the parish in this entertaining fund raiser. / Note as well my upcoming Pilgrimage for Life (April 3-8, 1997) to Guadalupe. This miraculous image resulted in the mass conversion of the Indian peoples and the end to their child sacrifice. Today, Our Lady of Guadalupe is hailed as the Patroness of the Americas and the pro-life cause. Indeed, one of the few Knight of Columbus Icons of this image for the state now hangs in our parish church. If you can, I would love to have you join me. Many blessings! / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 12, No. 9 - March 1997: The Easter Victory of Christ.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / Easter brings to our hearts and minds the victory of Christ over sin and death in his resurrection. It was the hope for a share in his life which accounted for the mass reception of the Good News: God is on our side, we are not abandoned. Suffering and death are not the greatest of realities. Rather, the most wonderful power is love. The Father's love restored his Son back to life. Jesus invites us into this personified Love, into the divine life itself. / While we do not see the risen Lord with our physical eyes, our eyes of faith can take note of his healing and real presence. At the elevation of the Host at the consecration, many used to offer the following prayer:

Most adorable Body, I adore Thee with all the powers of my soul. Lord, who hast given Thyself entire to us, grant we may become entirely Thine. I believe, O Lord; help mine unbelief. Most merciful Savior, be Thou my protector; strengthen and defend me by Thy heavenly grace, now, and especially at the hour of my death, good Jesus. Amen.
The one who gives himself to us in communion is the very same Jesus Christ who walked the earth two thousand years ago and who was crucified-- alive-- never to die again. / Take consolation from your faith. Pray earnestly for our brothers and sisters who are sick or facing the spectre of death and who need a taste of Easter. Offer your reception of communion for those unable to attend Mass. And, just as in our "Keep Christ in Christmas" campaign, remind the children of the true reason for this season as well. The Jelly Bean Prayer might help.

Jelly Bean Prayer

Red is for the blood He gave,

Green is for the grass He made,

Yellow is for the sun so bright,

Orange is for the edge of night.



Black is for the sins we made,

White is for the grace He gave,

Purple is for His hour of sorrow,

Pink is for our new tomorrow.



A bag full of jelly beans,

Colorful and sweet,

Is a prayer, is a promise,

Is a friend's small treat.

(Anonymous)

May the blessings of our risen savior be yours, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 13, No. 10 - April 1997: Another Letter Already?

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / It seems like it was only yesterday that I had to write the last chaplain's letter for the newsletter. Time sure flies. Now, the parish secretary, Dale's better half, Linda, is again pestering me for a new letter. What should I say? I have not a glimmer of an idea. Let me see, well, it was sure a warm winter, wasn't it? Yep, sure was. Hum. Bingo is going good; but we could use a few more "fresh" volunteers. I am composing these thoughts just prior to my Pilgrimage for Life to Guadalupe. That should be fun. Of course, if the plane explodes or crashes along the way, that might not be so good. No, that would definitely be a bummer. The council would need a new chaplain as well as a new Grand Knight. Gad! That would be a mess. Poor Shirley and I would be protesting the company we would have to keep in Purgatory. Ah, let us hope that the U.S. Navy is not playing any secret games with their missiles on the day of our trip. What else can I say? Oh yes, the cat bit me to the bone. Deacon Klco brought his dog around and it put the poor feline into such a panic that she cussed and spat words that would assuredly cause the most holy cats to cover their ears. Unable to reach the pooch, she attacked the nearest substitute-- ME! Ouch! Well, I hope all your April showers will indeed bring you May flowers. Keep the Faith. Expand your numbers. Live out the Easter joy. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.

Vol. 13, No. 11 - May 1997: Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Chaplain's Message - Dear Brother Knights, / It is fitting that in the month of May we make special mention of the Virgin Mary. Along with members of St. Mary's parish and our council, some 23 pilgrims counting myself, the recent pilgrimage for life to Guadalupe was a wonderful success. Are we all well-versed with the story of the apparitions and the image? As brief background, while on his way to Saturday morning Mass, 57 year old widower and convert, Juan Diego, had a vision of the Blessed Mother on Tepeyac hill, outside Mexico City. The date was December 9, 1531. She pleaded with him to ask the bishop-elect, Fray Juan de Zumarraga, to have a chapel built on the spot in her honor. In response to the bishop's requirement of proof, on December 12, Mary sent Juan to gather roses on the snow-capped hill. When the humble Indian opened his tilma, the roses fell to the ground and upon the mantle was the image we venerate today. An official copy of this icon, initially circulated throughout the state by the Knights of Columbus, hangs in our parish church. / Those enamored by death could never understand our deep devotion to Mary, Mother of God. She gave life to the Savior and in his Easter mystery, he gives life to us. The Gospel of Life and the destruction of the unborn children are in direct opposition. Note that the image of Guadalupe appears to be pregnant. Mary, who bore our savior, would become the Mother of many sons and daughters in the Americas. Millions of the Indians were converted because of it. Their holocaust of human sacrifices to the hungry pagan gods came to an end. Today, we have to wonder if it is not starting all over again? The recent pilgrimage, armed with petitions from the parish, was a prayerful attempt at reparation for the violations against innocent human life. We pray for the souls of the children and we ask God to give their parents a true conversion of heart and mind. May we all pray for our country and rededicate ourselves to making it a land where life and liberty will be secure. / Your Servant in Christ, Fr. Joseph A. Jenkins, Jr.