October 2004

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear Brother Knights,

Over the years I have been very impressed by the general quality of the Catholic men in the Knights of Columbus. However, as our recruitment efforts have become increasingly difficult, I have noticed that we might either dismiss some candidates as hopeless or on the other extreme quickly accept men without adequately exploring their qualifications. While we have particular problems because of the changing dynamics of our local parishes and communities, all the councils with which I have been affiliated have faced similar trials and temptations in membership.

Just in the last couple of years, I know of an unbaptized man who inadvertantly took the first degree and another poor man who was dismissed from a degree when it was learned that he was divorced and married out of the church. The council that submitted their names and the persons who helped fill out the Form 100s must accept the bulk of the blame and embarassment that this entails. When I was introduced at a council meeting as a chaplain, one of the men casually asked me how many children I had? I thought he was joking, but as I heard him out it became evident that he did not know that Catholic priests were celibate. He presumed I was married and had a family because the other men called me "Father". Was this bewildered man even a Catholic? Before and after we become knights, we must be "practical" Catholics. Do we have members right now in our fellowship who are not going to Church and/or are not married in the Church? Please remember, that while divorced men are eligible, men who are remarried out of the Church cannot lawfully be members without an annulment of previous marriages and the convalidation of the current bond. While they may otherwise be decent men, our Lord would judge these men as living in adulterous and sinful relationships. Given the times we live in, we must also be circumspect with younger men that they are not cohabitating with women or causing other scandals by their dating habits.

Our council is connected to a number of parishes. We really have to get the Round Table going so that we can fill our hall with area men and re-dedicate ourselves to the local community. If we have a good relationship with pastors, we can offer our Form 100's to the respective parishes for review. Pastors often know their people and church records frequently spell out marriage situations that are pertinent. You can pass candidates on to me, but we are not respecting their legitimate pastors by cutting them out of the process.

I was told that one of the men sponsored recently for the fourth degree had license plates that advertised his membership in the Free Masons. This organization is still forbidden to Catholics as having elements of false religion and like all secret societies is condemned by the Church. The code of canon law forbids Catholics to be members. This binds us under pain of mortal sin. I have run into Masons among our numbers in several councils, and it is a disgrace. The Masons are known for their patriotism and charity-- but they have historically oppressed the Church and still seek the destruction, at least in their European branches, of "every altar where Christ is adored". When I was stationed in the city, a member of the council where I was affiliated wore the wrong jewels for a meeting-- the ones from his Masonic lodge! Their rituals and prayers are pagan and incompatible with true Christian faith.

Do not be afraid to ask the hard hitting personal questions. Say something like this to a prospective member: "I do not want to intrude into your personal life, but as a practical Catholic, can I take it to mean that you participate each week at Sunday Mass, that you received Confirmation as a soldier for Christ, that you are a Christian gentleman respecting the teachings and values of our faith, and that if you are in a committed relationship-- you are married in the Church by a priest or deacon?" If the answer is disappointing, do not give up on him. Always let men know that they can see a priest, confess their sins, receive religious instruction, and if need be get help with an annulment and a Church marriage. Stand by these men if they will let you-- be their sponsors for baptism and confirmation-- witness their marriages-- do what has to be done, not simply for K of C membership, BUT to save souls! My offer is still good, I am willing to offer catechetical instructions-- at Holy Spirit Church (on Tuesday nights, preferably)-- even at the Sarto Hall and Bar on Wednesday nights, if such is required for a man to become first a member of the Church and then one of his knights.

Many of our brothers are not very active these days because of distance and advanced age with all its health concerns. How often have we heard guys say, if they were closer they would attend meetings and more events? Well, I think the world of our council, but Columbianism is not served when a majority of men become inactive for such a reason. God bless the men who still make the drive to the council home from remote locations; however, if this is impossible, it would be far better that they transfer and become active in the councils closer to their homes. The fact that so many members have left the area also hampers our membership efforts. Even if you remain affiliated with SPX, please know that it is okay to recruit men for other councils closer to your homes. This should also be the policy regarding your sons and grandsons who live out of the area. Many of you make the long drive for sentimental reasons and because of long and enduring friendships. Your children and their children should be following in your footsteps by taking an active part in their local councils and becoming officers and volunteers.

St. Bernardine in Suitland has a Spanish Mass with 200 plus people in attendance. These are young families with men who would make great Knights of Columbus. (Remember, even our patron Christopher Columbus was in the employ of Spain and spoke Spanish!) Have we even made an effort to recruit these men? Get out the Spanish Form 100's, call Fr. DePorter and get to it-- now! Our pastors can give us guidance about good candidates in their parishes and they can then become the nucleus of further outreach, particularly in the African-American community. Certainly these are difficult days for the Church and we have many men, even among baptised Catholics, who are poorly informed about their faith. If candidates need supplementary religious formation, if there are marriage and moral questions to resolve, I am here for you and we can work these things out. Never turn a man away without us exploring the options. The Knights of Columbus offer catechetical studies and informative booklets on the faith. We should have a rack here in the hall with some of these useful resources made available from Supreme.

Spell out the benefits to being a Knight of Columbus and let candidates know how it has impacted upon your life. Members get Columbia Magazine, that not only keeps us informed about the order elsewhere but seeks to reaffirm Catholic faith and to edify with inspiring stories about how the Knights of Columbus make a difference. We have a hard-working insurance agent, a man who is on everybody's membership team. Tell the story about Father McGivney, and how the K of C was established, not only to give fellowship to Catholic men, but to protect their families, particularly their widows and children. The Insurance program is a wonderful expression of this effort and is one of the best in the nation. We do so much to take care of others, but we never neglect our own. Each council has particular benefits and volunteer activities. Fill the newsletter with news and publish calendars way ahead of events. We are privileged to have a wonderful hall. The benefits of membership here at St. Pius X are real and tangible-- this is what we have to express to others and to remind current members.

The women in your lives, particularly wives and daughters, should also encourage membership, and tell others how happy it makes them that you are knights and true Christian gentleman. If we live up to all that we say we hold dear as knights, then our men should be the most courageous of patriots, the most devout of believers, the most faithful of husbands, the most responsible of parents, and the most charitable of friends.

If men from various races and cultures should flood our council, will this not change things? Sure it will, but we should not be afraid of change as long as the essentials remain the same. It is time to pass the torch. We do not want the fire to flicker and die out. We cannot pick up the council home and move it elsewhere, that would be disrespectful of the new generations of Catholics who live and worship here. It is a time of transition and we should not resist it, no matter how long we have had things our way and no matter how many memories we have about how things used to be. You know that I also grew up here in Forestville and attended Mount Calvary with my family each week. I remember Fr. Pete and his support for you. I remember the rows of knights at Mass with their swords raised. I remember my late Uncle Tom who considered his membership in the Knights as one of the most important and worthwhile achievements of his life. My brothers swam regularly at the old pool. My mother used to bag and recycle aluminum cans after your activities. We came to your fundraisers and always looked upon you as our friends. You are still my friends and I love you dearly.

Yes, changes are coming, and already many of our beloved members have embraced eternity. Where they have gone, we are all going. This should not cause us fear, but rather we should be filled with hopeful expectation. The Knights have been, and always will be, servants of Almighty God. People have come to know the love and mercy of Jesus Christ because of you. Faithful to God and Church, loyal to Country, and always a good neighbor-- the Lord will certainly say to our men, "Come to me, O good and faithful servants." You have done much good and have provided resources for the future, but our true treasure beyond measure is Jesus. May we eagerly invite new men into our council and into the Knights, while always insuring that we all practice what we preach.

God bless and keep you all,
Father Joseph Jenkins

September 2004

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear brother Knights,

When I called the Archdiocese of Washington to ask whether or not a priest could be compelled to give communion to a Catholic pro-abortion proponent, the person on the other end had to admit that he was not sure. Years ago I recall a scandal along these lines with Virginia Representative Jim Moran in the Arlington diocese, who, although married out of the Church, would come up, baby in his arms, and dare the priest to withhold communion. One priest, who did not want to give him communion, took a lot of heat-- much of it from the diocese. The recent statement from the American bishops is certainly pro-life, but may inadvertantly leave conscientious priests in the terrible no win situation of trying to obey lawful authority in avoiding conflict and yet desiring to protect the Eucharist from sacriledge and to preach without compromise the Gospel of Life. Coincidentally, Moran went into a heated tirade against Rev. Michael Dobbins, pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish, recently, when the priest refused to recognize at Mass another pro-abortion politician (not Catholic) who was running for mayor in Arlington. Instead, he permitted a associate priest, Fr. Bryan Belli to preach against the sin of abortion and the harvesting of stem-cells from murdered unborn children. Moran threatened them, saying that what they had done was unethical and illegal. Here is a case in point where the bishops' strategy of a dialogue "without teeth" seems inadequate. Moran did shout a backhanded compliment: "You priests are closed minded!" Yes, I suppose we are sometimes, but only because we have sought to put on the mind of Christ.A dozen young people from colleges across the country walked from Augusta, Maine to Washington, DC in "Defense of the Catholic Church" and to spread the message that you cannot be Catholic and pro-abortion. Nevertheless, while many have applauded young people for taking up the "right to life" cause, this group of remarkable Crusaders were banned from speaking in churches by several dioceses like Philadelphia and Baltimore.The American Life League ran a series of stinging ads challenging the American bishops and Cardinal McCarrick to enforce canon law and to protect the Eucharist from sacrilege when pro-abortion politicians and others (who have made such "public" stands) take it upon themselves to receive holy communion. The young people have shown no spite or anger, only sadness that the nation's shepherds have largely chosen to remain on the sidelines. One priest remarked that the ads in protest were so severe that the American Life League owed Cardinal McCarrick and the leaders of the Church an apology. However, others thought that these good men should at least have shown the same respect and hospitality to the young marchers for life as they have in the past to the high profile anti-life politicians.While they were able to find lodging in the city, my parish (Holy Spirit Church) had offered them a place to stay if needed, thanks to the generosity of parishioners. They attended 9:00 AM Mass on Friday, July 30 and were invited to say a few words afterwards-- an invitation that no other Washington pastor made. (It must be stated, to his credit, that despite the tension with the A.L.L., Cardinal McCarrick did not formally forbid the young people to speak in his churches. Nothing the young people said violated the archdiocese's rules against participation in partisan politics-- they did not name politicians by name, did not tell people for whom they should vote, and spoke with respect in regard to the Church's shepherds.) Following the celebration, a reception was held in the Parish House were the young people had a hearty breakfast and got to meet parishioners. Also in attendance were Reginald Grier, a parishioner, a Knight of Columbus at Fletcher Council and volunteer member of the archdiocesan Office for Black Catholics. [His sister is the past Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York and a EWTN regular, Delores Grier.] John Stakem, a Knight of Columbus from St. Pius X Council, and past parishioner was present, too. John Stakem and Joseph Markauskas are long-time pro-life volunteers and are involved with the local pregnancy center. Joe and Betty Markauskas had even offered to give the young people housing while in town. We were very pleased that the director for the Forestville Pregnancy Center was present, Chyllene McLaughlin, along with her assistant. We wanted to communicate to these young people that they were not alone. Holy Spirit Parish, the Knights of Columbus, and the Pregnancy Center in the larger pro-life community, were very much behind them. May God bless them for their sacrifices and may their witness bear fruit. On April 23, 2004, Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments, authoritatively explained at a press conference in Rome that unrepentant pro-abortion “Catholic” politicians should be denied Communion. Relying on Canon 915, which specifies that "[t]hose...who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion," Cardinal Arinze put it succinctly: "If they should not receive, then they should not be given." Last month I quoted Cardinal Ratzinger's letter on the Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion in its entirety. Twice now I have asked The Catholic Standard to publish it to no avail. Speaking from the Congregation on the Doctrine of the Faith (Holy Office) he gives us the perspective of the universal Church: 5. Regarding the grave sin of abortion or euthanasia, when a person’s formal cooperation becomes manifest (understood, in the case of a Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws), his Pastor should meet with him, instructing him about the Church’s teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist.6. When “these precautionary measures have not had their effect or in which they were not possible,” and the person in question, with obstinate persistence, still presents himself to receive the Holy Eucharist, “the minister of Holy Communion must refuse to distribute it” (cf. Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts Declaration “Holy Communion and Divorced, Civilly Remarried Catholics” [2002], nos. 3-4). This decision, properly speaking, is not a sanction or a penalty. Nor is the minister of Holy Communion passing judgment on the person’s subjective guilt, but rather is reacting to the person’s public unworthiness to receive Holy Communion due to an objective situation of sin.The Knights of Columbus is a non-partisan organization. However, while not endorsing candidates, we can discuss the issues they raise. Senator John Kerry is a Catholic. Nevertheless, his position regarding the unborn is very disappointing. The Dubuque, Iowa Telegraph Herald gives a recent quote from the senator: "I oppose abortion, personally. I don't like abortion. I believe life does begin at conception." Nevertheless, Planned Parenthood has given him a 100% rating for his pro-abortion and partial birth infanticide voting record. He even opposed parental notification legislation. It is hard to figure and we must pray for this wayward son of the Church.

President Bush is a born-again Methodist who has taken a lot of criticism for the war and for his capital punishment stand; nevertheless, he has sought limits on the use of stem cells from aborted babies, has opposed use of federal funds for abortion and has ceased U.S. bank-rolling of the United Nations' population control program. He also opposes same-sex marriage efforts. (Coincidentally, his brother Jeb is a Catholic convert and a Knight of Columbus in Florida.) As I said, we do not take sides, but our policy was very strained with the thunderous welcome given President Bush from 2,500 Knights at the recent convention. "Four more years!" delegates to the convention roared as Bush entered the hall and embraced their leader, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. President Bush spoke for 35 minutes without mentioning his opponent. As a nonprofit charitable organization, the Knights are forbidden by tax laws from making political endorsements. But Anderson gave Bush a warm welcome, thanking him for "supporting the right to life of unborn children" and "restoring moral integrity to the office of the president." A dozen senior prelates were in the audience for Bush's speech, including Cardinals Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington, William Keeler of Baltimore, Edward Egan of New York and Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "The Knights are soldiers in the armies of compassion. You're foot soldiers. You've heard the call," Bush said. "You have a friend in this administration. You have somebody who wants to work with you to change America for the better."

Whatever, the outcome of the election, I know that the Knights will continue to defend the dignity and sanctity of human life.

Peace brothers,
Father Joseph Jenkins

August 2004

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear brother Knights,

The installation went off very well and I look forward to a wonderful year again as your chaplain. Welcome to Fr. An Vu (from Holy Family) who joins our council; he will be a wonderful addition for spiritual and pastoral guidance to the members of our Order. I am especially happy that our Grand Knight is dedicated to creating a Parish Round table so that there might be better communication and participation with the local parishes we represent. Given that so many of our members live out of the area, this is long overdue and I suspect it will earn us much goodwill from the pastors and new candidates to Columbianism.

Given that the clergy abuse scandal has come home to Mount Calvary in charges against Fr. Lavin and now to Holy Spirit in allegations against Fr. Benham, I would ask your continued prayers-- for the victims of abuse, for the men charged, and for the priesthood in general. Pray for good and holy priests. Holiness, cander and charity will get us through these difficult days.

While our Order avoids partisan politics, I would like to share with you the letter from Cardinal Ratzinger (the Pope's right-hand man) that has been so much in the news. It is appended verbatim to this message. Copy it and share it with others.

Fraternally yours in Christ,
Father Joseph Jenkins

Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion. General Principles

by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

1. Presenting oneself to receive Holy Communion should be a conscious decision, based on a reasoned judgement regarding one’s worthiness to do so, according to the Church’s objective criteria, asking such questions as: “Am I in full communion with the Catholic Church? Am I guilty of grave sin? Have I incurred a penalty (e.g. excommunication, interdict) that forbids me to receive Holy Communion? Have I prepared myself by fasting for at least an hour?” The practice of indiscriminately presenting oneself to receive Holy Communion, merely as a consequence of being present at Mass, is an abuse that must be corrected (cf. Instruction “Redemptionis Sacramentum,” nos. 81, 83).

2. The Church teaches that abortion or euthanasia is a grave sin. The Encyclical Letter Evangelium vitae, with reference to judicial decisions or civil laws that authorise or promote abortion or euthanasia, states that there is a “grave and clear obligation to oppose them by conscientious objection. [...] In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to ‘take part in a propoganda campaign in favour of such a law or vote for it’” (no. 73). Christians have a “grave obligation of conscience not to cooperate formally in practices which, even if permitted by civil legislation, are contrary to God’s law. Indeed, from the moral standpoint, it is never licit to cooperate formally in evil. [...] This cooperation can never be justified either by invoking respect for the freedom of others or by appealing to the fact that civil law permits it or requires it” (no. 74).

3. Not all moral issues have the same moral weight as abortion and euthanasia. For example, if a Catholic were to be at odds with the Holy Father on the application of capital punishment or on the decision to wage war, he would not for that reason be considered unworthy to present himself to receive Holy Communion. While the Church exhorts civil authorities to seek peace, not war, and to exercise discretion and mercy in imposing punishment on criminals, it may still be permissible to take up arms to repel an aggressor or to have recourse to capital punishment. There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia.

4. Apart from an individuals’s judgement about his worthiness to present himself to receive the Holy Eucharist, the minister of Holy Communion may find himself in the situation where he must refuse to distribute Holy Communion to someone, such as in cases of a declared excommunication, a declared interdict, or an obstinate persistence in manifest grave sin (cf. can. 915).

5. Regarding the grave sin of abortion or euthanasia, when a person’s formal cooperation becomes manifest (understood, in the case of a Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws), his Pastor should meet with him, instructing him about the Church’s teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist.

6. When “these precautionary measures have not had their effect or in which they were not possible,” and the person in question, with obstinate persistence, still presents himself to receive the Holy Eucharist, “the minister of Holy Communion must refuse to distribute it” (cf. Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts Declaration “Holy Communion and Divorced, Civilly Remarried Catholics” [2002], nos. 3-4). This decision, properly speaking, is not a sanction or a penalty. Nor is the minister of Holy Communion passing judgement on the person’s subjective guilt, but rather is reacting to the person’s public unworthiness to receive Holy Communion due to an objective situation of sin.

[N.B. A Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil, and so unworthy to present himself for Holy Communion, if he were to deliberately vote for a candidate precisely because of the candidate’s permissive stand on abortion and/or euthanasia. When a Catholic does not share a candidate’s stand in favour of abortion and/or euthanasia, but votes for that candidate for other reasons, it is considered remote material cooperation, which can be permitted in the presence of proportionate reasons.]

July 2004

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear Brother Knights,

We are well into Cicada Summer and we have a new shepherd in the archdiocese. Martin Holley will be ordained an auxiliary bishop on July 2. Martin and I were classmates, although he was ordained a priest a year after me in 1987. He spent two years with me at Theological College at Catholic University. He finished his studies back in Florida where he subsequently ministered. Martin was our star basketball player on the school team, Sons of Thunder. The year he played, the seminarians beat the lawyers for the school title. Martin was not one for cold weather. The first time he saw snow, he excitedly ran out the front doors of the residence into it. He said it looked like white beach sand. No sooner did he enter the snow that he turned and ran back into the house. We did not see him again until it thawed. Martin was so nostalgic for the beach that he placed a blanket on the floor of his bedroom and poured different colored sands upon it. Then he would turn on the radio, rest upon the sand, and dream of warmer days. I am sure the new bishop is enjoying the Washington summer. But, I reminded him, the cold is never far away. Please keep him in your prayers as he begins his new ministry.

I know that many of you share my grieving over the late President Reagan. When I was a teenager, I regularly listened to his inspiring radio shorts about our country, chronicling her history and values. One of my most cherished possessions is an autographed book of his speeches. While his father was Catholic, and he had a deep respect for the Church and counted many priests as friends, his mother did not raise him in the faith. Nevertheless, he shared many of our values, particularly about human dignity, the right to life, and the right to freedom (particularly against the dark spectre of communism). Along with Gorbachev, Thatcher, and "his friend" the Pope, he did much to change the world. As Knights, we prize patrotism and pray that we will truly be that nation "under God" that shines as a light set upon a hill for all craving freedom and justice. Along with a few friends, I went down to the Mall and stood in line from 1:00 AM to 5:30 AM to pay my respects to President Reagan. May he rest in peace.

On a tour of Oregon, the Pope took a couple of days off to visit the mountains for some sightseeing. He was cruising along the campground in the Pope-mobile when there was a frantic commotion just at the edge of the woods. A helpless tree hugger, wearing sandals, Hawaiian shorts, and a "save the whales" T-shirt was struggling frantically, thrashing around trying to free himself from the jaws of a 10 foot grizzly. As the Pope watched horrified, a group of loggers came racing up. One quickly fired a 44 magnum into the bear's chest. The other two reached up and pulled the bleeding semi-conscious tree hugger from the bear. Then using long clubs, the three loggers beat the bear to death and hauled it to their truck. Immediately the Pope shouted and summoned them to come over. "I give you my blessing for your brave actions!" he told them. "I heard there was a bitter hatred between loggers and environmental activists, but now I have seen with my own eyes that this is not true." As the Pope drove off, one of the loggers asked "Is the bait holding up okay, or do we need to go back to Portland and grab another one?"

Turning to something serious, those of us who are in pro-life work take to heart the words of Cardinal Francis Arinze who said that a Catholic politician who supports abortion rights "is not fit" to receive the Eucharist. Let us pray for a conversion of hearts and minds in our leaders to the Gospel of Life.

Fraternally yours,
Fr. Joseph Jenkins

June 2004

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear Brother Knights,

By the time you read this the cicada should have come and gone (not so bad fried, but removed the wings first), the state convention will be history, and the hot summer weather will be upon us.

One of my pressing concerns is that the council will remain as active and alert to pro-life concerns as in the past. Now that poor health has taken John Marcus out of the picture, I feel obliged to do what I can to keep everyone informed about threats to life.

I am saddened by news that Georgetown University has been involved with experimentation upon the stem cells of aborted children. Hopefully some action will be taken by the Archdiocese and/or the Jesuits to remedy the situation. The business about holy communion and pro-abortion politicians has been very much in the news, too. I mean no offense to those whom I owe obedience and respect; however, I would have trouble giving the sacrament of life to those who are public advocates and facilitators for the culture of death.

Many organizations have compromised on the dignity of human life. The NEA has taken a pro-abortion stand and took an active part in the recent march of shame in Washington, DC. All Catholic teachers who are obliged to join this union should enact the conscience clause and refuse to pay dues. Money given them goes to support the murder of babies-- ironic, since you would think teachers would safeguard future generations to enter their classrooms. The NAACP has made abortion part of its mission mandate. We need a new organization to fight for racial and ethnic justice that does not condone perverted lifestyles and abortion. I cannot understand how any faithful Catholic could belong to that group today-- they have lost their soul. Even an organization like the Girl Scouts is not exempt from wrongdoing. Many councils nationwide are using Planned Parenthood personnel and materials to form our young girls in a sexual revolution that condones abortion and lesbianism.

If any of our members have kids or grandchildren in the Girl Scouts, I would urge you to explore the status of local councils. The State of Maryland Girl Scouts this past April at the Baltimore Country Club in Roland Park offered the Distinguished Women's Award to Willarda Virginia Edwards, M.D. (a pro-abortion doctor and advocate for the NAACP) and Sayra Wells Meyerhoff, Esquire (a pro-abortion lawyer, politician and advocate). They state at their webpage that "The Distinguished Women's Award Reception was a great affair, where our Girl Scouts had the opportunity to introduce their new career mentors and speak about their experiences. This prestigious award honors women that exemplify the ideals of ethics, leadership and character that each Girl Scout strives to achieve." How many of these girls come from Girl Scout councils sponsored by churches where parents and ministers are ignorant of the pro-abortion role models and the radical feminist agenda? What kind of ethics are we talking about. Unlike the Boy Scouts, their oath no longer requires a mention of God.

Dr. Edwards is the National Health Advocacy Director for the NAACP. Note this resolution in her Health Policy Resolutions Book: "WHEREAS, on April 25, 2004, thousands of pro-choice supporters will gather in Washington, DC for the March Against Fear to demonstrate their support for the right to choice, and WHEREAS, a woman denied the right to control her body is denied equal protection of the law, a fight the NAACP has fought for and defended for nearly 100 years, and WHEREAS, many other organizations of women of color have endorsed the March, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP adds its endorsement and support for the March Against Fear and urges all who believe in equal rights to attend on April 25, 2004 in Washington, DC." I recorded the business off CSPAN. The entertainment begain with a song mocking the Catholic Church. A poor priest who said his rosary on the sidelines, Father Ryan, was cursed and spat upon. Vulgarity and foul language was exhibited throughout. This is the evil face of the pro-abortion movement. Now the Girl Scouts honors one of its supporters.

Meyerhoff is a distinguished member of the infamous Women's Law Center of Maryland. Supposedly fighting for the rights of women, this organization recently supported bills SB 354/HB 615 that would have permitted pharmacists to give out "emergency" contraception. They opposed SB 457/HB 772 that would have required a physician to provide actual notice to a parent or wait 48 hours after constrictive notice to a parent before performing an abortion on a minor.

It is enough to make you sick. I am proud that the Knights of Columbus remain staunchly Catholic and pro-life. I have a limited number of tee-shirts (with a four month old baby in the womb detailed in color). Around the photo it says, "Do you really believe this isn't a baby? Abortion is homicide." The shirt is not gross, but shows a beautiful baby that is vulnerable under current law. I am asking a $5 donation to cover my cost. Let us not be afraid to show everyone where we stand.

God bless you in all your noble efforts and know that you have my deepest respect.

Fraternally yours in Christ,
Father Joseph Jenkins

May 2004

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear Brother Knights,

May is a special month this year for many reasons. Regarding my small parish, Bishop Olivier will be offering Mass and the sacrament of Confirmation to my teenagers on Pentecost Sunday, which obviously, is also the annual feast day for the parish as well as the birthday of the universal Church. We usually have a little picnic afterwards and you are all invited. We will also have our Maryland State Convention again in May and I hope to spend the weekend with all my friends in the Knights. I will be going down with my brother and staying at a friend's condo just a few blocks from the hotel. May 17 will be the 18th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. Last year I spent it quietly with the Knights on the Eastern shore.

Yes, I sure do hope May is an improvement over what has been a difficult year. A few treasured parishioners have passed, as well as Knights; I spent New Year's in the hospital after burning my hand (trying to cook); the car broke down twice (after a rat made a nest in the engine); the basement of the parish house leaked badly and because of this and mold we are looking at extensive and expensive repair efforts; and I took three plus weaks to get over respiratory illness that plagued me through the latter part of Lent into Easter. I have my worries and you have yours, but we have each other for support and prayer.

While we pray for many of our members, I would ask all our guys to keep John Marcus in their thoughts. Many have remarked about how hard it was to see certain scenes of Mr. Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, and yet, for me, the most difficult thing to witness of late was John's passion in the hospital. He has not been well for awhile, suffering from kidney trouble and emphysema and who knows what else. Often he would offer the rosary on Saturdays outside the local abortion clinic, no matter how difficult for him. Now the SE parlor of death is closed. This is a victory for John and the many other friends of life. This must be a consolation to him in his current struggle. However, we must pick up where he left off. There is still much to be done and children to be saved.

May is a special month dedicated to Mary. Many parishes will have crownings of statues depicting the Blessed Mother. As the world awakens from its winter sleep, let us remember our Blessed Mother who gave us the Lord of Life, her Son. Every day we should say our rosaries, asking for her prayerful intercession, and pledging ourselves to God's service as his Knights.

Fraternally yours,
Father Joseph Jenkins

February 2004

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear brother Knights,

My parish is a lot like our council, filled with dedicated people but with a rapidly rising older population. I have recently buried a few devout parishioners and good friends. It seems that the names of the deceased is also growing longer for our K of C necrology. We do not like to look upon death. We run away from it. Our departed loved ones are dressed and painted to look as much alive as possible. Wakes before funerals have grown shorter and sometimes there is only an hour or two of vigil before the final services and burial. No one seems to know what to say. “She looks really good.” But she is dead. “It is a handsome suit he is wearing.” But, it is a half-suit, pinned to the cushions. “She was a good mother.” Death has stolen her from us. “I like the way they did her hair.” Actually the chemo made her bald and it is a wig. “He looks so at peace.” Yes, but what about us? “We will miss him.” Then why did you never visit while he was still alive? “God bless him and you.” Well, that is sure a turnaround from the curses you shouted not long ago. “I can’t believe he is really gone.” That must be why you are suing for a part of his estate. Before the service or Mass begins, a number of people head for the door. They have done their part. The book has been signed, flowers and a card sent, a few quick handshakes and words of lamentation. Someone begins to cry. No one knows what to do. Can they get her to stop? We all have to get through this, get it over, and go home. We do not like to face our own fear, the certain prospect about which we always divert our attention— our loss and the truth about mortality. Some day, we will be the ones in the boxes surrounded the flowers. The urns will contain our ashes. It is against this truth and fear about death that we celebrate the Easter mystery.

Every funeral Mass is a miniature Easter service. As Knights we "remember death" and acknowledge that it is only against the backdrop of death that Easter hope and joy makes any sense. Perhaps as our society pushes death out of common everyday consciousness, we also negate or cloud the mystery of eternal life in Jesus Christ? I suspect that many people pretend that they will live forever. Doctors become their high priests, using their craft to save their lives. Nevertheless, their ministrations will ultimately fail. Thousands of people have their heads or whole bodies frozen in cryogenic containers in the hope that some future technology might revive them and grant immortality. Serious research in aging has concluded that the brain switches on a death hormone that causes the human body to decay and die. A number of scientists think they might be able to shut it off and grant people a perpetual youth. If developed, such technology will probably belong exclusively to the rich and powerful. We can trust that such benefits will be kept from the so-called rabble of a world deemed overpopulated. Tyrants and dictators could hope to oppress their people for hundreds of years. Methuselah would be reborn. Already scientists are predicting that it will be possible to create cloned replications of ourselves and that it may be possible to download the personalities and memories of people into ageless electronic brains with artificial bodies. It sounds like science fiction, but so do space rockets and desktop computers.

While we can master science, the danger here is that science might master us. Some possibilities lower the human person to the level of flesh or of the machine. The soul is dismissed and man tries to save himself apart from God. Narcissism has never known such a golden age as our own.

We do not want to die. This is a basic human desire. We want to live and to be happy. As in our other desires— for drink, for food, for companionship, etc.— so too this desire is part of our makeup as creations of God. Divine design mandates that natural desires can be fulfilled; God would not have given us a supernatural yearning for life beyond the grave without some way of achieving that ends. The Christian revelation on this is centered upon the person of Jesus. The other theme that comes to the fore during Easter is that of reunion. Jesus ascends to the Father, not to leave us orphaned but to make himself more present to believers everywhere in his Mystical Body, the proclaimed Word and the living Sacraments. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father as our advocate and great Mediator.

Let us keep the faith and recruit many more men to serve the Lord after we are gone from the veil of tears.

Fraternally yours,
Fr. Joseph Jenkins

February 2003

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear Brother Knights,

We find ourselves in that short portion of "ordinary time" in the liturgical calendar between the Christmas season and Lent. Of course, in terms of our discipleship and the celebration of our faith, no time is truly ordinary. Every moment is a special grace-filled opportunity for holiness of life and charity. We walk with the Lord. Both the sanctoral list of the Church and the civil calendar give us cause for reflection during February. Although stripped of formal holiday status, we celebrate the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln. Both were truly great men. Fearful that the French would aid the Confederacy during the Civil War, Lincoln put his past biases aside and asked Archbishop Hughes of New York to intervene with them on the behalf of the Union. This was no small matter and could have affected the outcome of the conflict. Washington was desperate during that legendary winterat Valley Forge. The Continental Congress was bankrupt. Washington appealed to his dear friend, anda devout Catholic, Charles Carroll. Later, Washington would write that had Carroll not sent supplies and food, the revolution would have ended that winter. We remember Washington and Lincoln, not forgetting that the Catholic contribution has always made a difference in the land of the free and the home of the brave. All Knights of Columbus are faithful Catholics and patriots.

This month we celebrate as Christians the PRESENTATIONOF THE LORD (2), HOLY NAME SUNDAY (9), OUR LADY OFLOURDES (11), and the CHAIR OF PETER (22), as well asan assortment of important saints. Our Lord is acknowledged as the long-awaited Messiah. We also proclaim him Savior and Lord. We are not ashamed of our Christian faith and the saving name of Jesus. All men and women are invited to know and to call upon this name. Our efforts at evangelization and recruitment are important in this effort. We should also be cautious not to take the name of God in vain. This harms our souls and damages our standing as Christian gentlemen. We also remember Our Lady and her promises at Lourdes. Mary continues to give usher Son and allows us to know his healing touch. The papal feast draws our attention to the Holy Father and the Church that our Lord established. We are preserved in the truth by the guiding hand of God's Spirit and the ministry of the apostles. We are living during the time of a great Pope and all would do well to study his words and imitate his submission to God.

Peace to you all,
Fr. Joseph Jenkins

January 2004

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear brother Knights,

Here it is January again, the month we march for life in Washington and put up marchers for the night. The annual Archdiocesan Youth Rally and Mass for Life will be held January 22 at the MCI Center, 601 F Street, NW (Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro). The rally, featuring performances by the hip-hop and rap-singing Fr. Stan Fortuna, recording artist and composer Steve Agrisano and the dynamic "Who Do You Say I Am?" Band will be at 9:00 AM. The Mass, celebrated by Cardinal McCarrick, will be at 10:00 AM. All are invited, young and old! (I will probably be there, only trouble is, I hate rap.) I guess it is my penance for the babies!

That same evening, we will have our priest appreciation dinner. It is something for which the priests really look forward each year. Make a special effort to invite personally our local pastors. We need priests and the clergy have no better friends than the Knights. Please continue to keep Father George Golden (Mount Calvary) in your prayers. His cancer has returned and he might lose a kidney. I would also ask you to pray for the recently deceased clergy: Rev. Edward B. Pritchard (Nov. 10, 2002); Rev. Msgr. Robert O. McMain (Dec. 20, 2002); Rev. Msgr. Louis W. Albert (Dec 23, 2002); Rev. Mr. Thomas Beall Ricker, Jr. (Dec. 31, 2002); Rev. Canice Treacy (Jan. 6, 2003); Rev. Paul R. Holden (March 16, 2003); Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Grodavent (May 25, 2003); and Rev. Matthew J. Siekierski (Aug. 3, 2003).

Another announcement is the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Mass. It will be held Friday, January 17, 7:00 PM at the Church of the Nativity in Northwest Washington. Bishop Olivier will be the principal celebrant and homilist. The Mass will feature the Archdiocesan Mass Choir. The theme will be "40 Years and Marching . . ." in honor of the 40th anniversary of the March on Washington.

The Office of Family Life and the Pope John Paul II Institute are co-sponsoring To Follow Christ: The Vocation of Marriage and Family. The January 31 conference is designed to present an overview of Pope John Paul II's vast teaching on the theology of marriage and family life and offer practical advice and guidelines on how to implement this grand vision at parish and diocesan levels. Stanislaw Grygiel, a friend of Pope John Paul II for more than 50 years, will speak on how the family saved Polish culture during the Nazi and Soviet occupations.

Congratulations to Father DePorter who celebrated 40 years of priesthood last month. The Lord has assuredly blessed his ministry. He is a good friend to us all.

Have a happy and holy new year, fraternally yours,
Father Joe Jenkins

December 2003

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear Brother Knights,

December is a special month for our Advent preparations and the celebration of Christmas. We remember that the proper posture of the Christian believer is always to be ready for an encounter with Christ. Our worship, moral life, acts of charity, and so much else identify us as kindred to our Lord. Advent stresses for us a two-fold movement: ourselves as pilgrims voyaging to the promised shore and our Lord coming to realize his kingdom. May we KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS in everything we say and do.

The stories of the Advent and Christmas seasons and our many customs and images represent a valuable opportunity to offset the working agnosticism against the truth that infects the younger generation. Christmas is more than Rudolph, Frosty and the Grinch. We find much suffering and evil in the world. There is goodness in people, nevertheless, but it lacks the definition of Christian boundaries and illumination. Perhaps more so than past generations, the young seem to have a pervasive hatred against discrimination. We can work with that. However, without the guidance of Judeo-Christian faith, it leads to a soft tolerance willing to allow almost anything. The only condition is, “do what you want so long as it does not affect me.” The Second Vatican Council urged that the Church engage the world; instead, there is little in-depth engagement with the positions of others. Real communication and involvement with the world will necessitate a dialogue where there will be real resistance. The Gospel of Life is at the center of our Christian holiday message: every child is a reflection of the Christchild. The Gospel shows us what "good" really means and brings to the forefront, the sanctity and dignity of human life.

We live in a time where we will have to re-evangelize and re-catechize our own people. Otherwise, our people who remain Catholic out of habit or duty or status would only be parroting back the message of a secular world and a culture of death. When the substance of faith is replaced with soft tolerance, the missionary is labeled a bigot and the most meager Christian believer is appraised a fanatic. During the seasons of Advent and Christmas there are decorations and rituals that celebrate the core of our faith in the Incarnation. Catechumens begin their journey to Easter. It is also a season for us to reappraise our faith and our willingness to live for Christ. Christ and his saving work: his suffering, death and resurrection— these are the most important truths in all reality. Jesus is born so that he might die. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. These are not empty slogans, but definitions for Christ and his importance for us. While salvation is a mystery, its heart is Jesus the Way. Herod could tolerate no contender to the throne. Later Pilate and his modern day pupils might echo his words, “What is truth?” We know that our Lord came into the world to reveal the face of God. He is also the Life, showing us both the meaning of life and how to live. He gives us a share in his life. These things are neither optional nor disposable. God reveals just how much he loves us.

May we participate in this love and experience his life forever,
Fraternally yours,
Father Joe Jenkins

November 2003

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear brother Knights,

You know well the high esteem in which I and so many priests hold the Knights of Columbus. Recent statements from Cardinal McCarrick and the Holy Father show that they appreciate our Order and wish to do all they can to encourage Catholic men to join and to take an active role in our good works.

The Cardinal writes that the Knights “have been a visible sign of faith in this local Church for more than 100 years, and have a special commitment to promoting charity, fraternity, patriotism and support for the priesthood. I, myself, have been a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than forty years. Our Holy Father recently referred to the Knights as ‘the right arm of the Church.’ The reason is clear. The Knights of Columbus is one of the largest charitable organizations in the United States. Locally, members reach out in so many ways, from volunteering in parishes, supporting archdiocesan agencies such as the Kennedy Institute for the developmentally disabled and always being ready to assist at special archdiocesan events.”

The Cardinal is a realist and knows that not every pastor has been as welcoming as he could have been to our presence and efforts. As an antidote to this confusion and to eradicate such biases, he tells the priests and laity alike, “When you are approached by a Knight or when the Knights conduct a recruitment drive in your parish, I strongly encourage you to give consideration to joining this outstanding Catholic organization. It will open up so many opportunities for you to serve your neighbor and your Church.”

Yes, the Cardinal is quite right that “the Knights are committed to upholding family life and assisting families through insurance programs, fraternal support and other benefits that help keep families strong.” Remember that our efforts to recruit men is not limited to our membership drives and we should always have a Form 100 in our wallets for a prospective candidate.

During an audience in October, Pope John Paul II thanked the Knights of Columbus for their service to the Church. He said, “On this occasion I wish to express once more my deep gratitude for the unfailing support which your order has given to the Church's mission. This support is shown in a special way in the Vicarius Christi Fund, which is a sign of the solidarity of the Knights of Columbus with the Successor of Peter in his concern for the universal Church. But it is also seen in the daily prayers, sacrifices and apostolic works of so many Knights in their local councils, their parishes and their communities."

The Holy Father recalled the many direct ways in which the Knights have assisted the Holy See, particularly in contributions for the restoration of St. Peter's Basilica and their financial support which has made it possible to have the Pope's voice heard worldwide on radio and television. The Holy Father added that the Knights of Columbus sponsored the restoration, completed in July, of two chapels of the Vatican grottos dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as well as of frescos in St. Peter's.

The Pope encouraged the Knights to be faithful to the vision of their founder, Father Michael McGivney, whose cause of beatification is under way, and to "continue to seek new ways of being a leaven of the Gospel in the world and a spiritual force for the renewal of the Church in holiness, unity and truth."

Take pride that we are an important cell in more than 2,000 councils and that we count 1.6 million members as our brothers worldwide.

Fraternally yours in Christ,
Father Joseph Jenkins

October 2003

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear Brothers,

We certainly live during a time of wars and rumors of wars. And yet, has it ever been otherwise? The ancient Jews were told to await a Messiah, the Prince of Peace. The remnant from Israel and Judah largely anticipated a warrior savior. They had been conquered and downtrodden. They had paid a heavy price for their infidelity but God had not utterly turned his face from them. Interestingly, they saw themselves punished for compromising their faith and trust in God; while throughout the centuries, they were mocked by the conquering peoples for their fidelity to the ancient faith and the God of Abraham.

“He himself will be peace.” These words from Micah are true, but the peace of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ is a gift with which we still struggle and misunderstand. Certainly, one dynamic of it is peace between peoples. But, this is not simply a lack of belligerence. The peace of the Good News is radical and all-embracive. We turn on our televisions and open our newspapers and there are almost daily reports of dead soldiers overseas. Everyone is on guard against terrorists and now it looks like North Korea has a nuke that can reach the West Coast. The new millennium is starting to look an awful lot like the old one. The problem remains the same; there can be no true and lasting peace until there is a change in our minds and hearts. Early Christians prided themselves on not resisting aggression. They turned the other cheek and they announced forgiveness to their murderers in imitation of Christ. They also suffered and died in droves. After about three centuries of facing the sword, fiery stake, cross, and wild beasts, believers took up armaments in the service of a would be emperor, Constantine. Their bets proved fortuitous and Christianity would emerge as the privileged religion of the empire. However, as history shows us, such a victory would not guarantee perpetual peace and harmony. Once the word is picked up, it is hard to put down again.

How do we understand peace? Lack of aggression is certainly part of it, as in our desire for security; and justice is a theme we hear much about as well, but how far do we go to achieve the peace we crave? Pearl Harbor and 9-11 have fueled our mistrust. Apart from the politics of late, there is the danger of creating a mentality that perverts a command of Christ, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It becomes, rather, “Do unto others before they can do unto you.” This is not purely a global strategy, but how many people live their lives.

The Jewish understanding of SHALOM or peace is a salutation and benediction of friendship and cooperation. It is an invocation of divine blessing, for health, prosperity, and good standing with God. At Mass, Catholics extend the sign of peace to one another. We are one in the Lord. We are all brothers and sisters who should love and care about one another. Peace is the realization of divine love in our lives. At least these understandings are what should be present; however, enmity, a lust for revenge, and various forms of racism can get in the way. Here is the tragedy. Peace is not simply an enemy staying on his side of the fence. It is about the removal of walls and fences. It is about mutual good will and cooperation.

The peace among nations must also reflect a peace among fellow citizens, in the Church, in our neighborhoods, in our families, and in us as individuals. Should it surprise us that when the world is at war that our small part of it should also suffer unrest? Are there people with whom we refuse to associate? Are there family members who have not spoken for years? Did we get mad at someone and deliberately hurt them? Did someone do this to us? Do we pray for our enemies and try to forgive? Do we look for forgiveness from God so as to live in peace with him? Do we see people different from ourselves— because of race, or language, or culture— as a problem or as an enrichment and opportunity for our Church and brotherhood?

Jesus offers a peace that the world cannot give or understand. The Gospel of Life gives credence to the late Mother Teresa’s words that there can be no peace in the world while we are at war with the child in the womb. October is a special month for the rosary and for the cause of life. Elizabeth hails the unborn Christ as the “blessed fruit” of Mary’s womb and as her Lord. Let us be true men of peace and if need be, a sign of contradiction, to the society around us.

Fraternally yours in Christ,
Father Joseph Jenkins

September 2003

Chaplain's Counsel

Dear Brother Knights,

We have so many wonderful activities, like the recent Crab Feast. Activities of this sort are not frivolous. They are essential in the advancement of fraternity with one another, the nurturing of our families, and our relationship to the larger community and our churches.

I hope my comments last month about the need for directors representing the local churches served by our council will prove fortuitous. It is the best way to keep the lines of communication open and it would do much to help our recruitment efforts. We must show that the Knights and the Catholic presence in this section of Prince George’s County are here to stay. I must also repeat our desperate need for bilingual contact persons and a vigorous outreach to Hispanic men.

Our country needs Patriots, and the men of our Order, especially the Fourth Degree, are living witnesses of how we can simultaneously seek the kingdom of Christ and fulfill our responsibilities as American citizens who love their country. This truth is no where more evident than when we are engaged to protect the dignity of human life, particularly the child in the womb. This is an issue of singular importance; and in lobbying efforts and marches, it is almost impossible not to mention names. However, I would urge our men not to forget that upon many other areas of political life there is a great diversity of opinion and our rules forbid the rancor of partisan politics at our meetings and in our publications. As an example, many American churchmen were on both sides of the issue regarding the recent conflict in Iraq. While the Vatican made good arguments on behalf of peace and dialogue, Michael Novak and other reputable “orthodox” theologians argued that the situation fit the criteria of our “just war” doctrine. The Church, herself, admits that it is the responsibility of the civil authority, i.e. President Bush and Prime Minister Blair, to make such determinations. I mention this concern, because our own prejudices for or against the administration, and the mania in the media to find conspiracies and controversy, may compel us to mistakenly select the wrong forum to express our ideas. Further, we still have men in harm’s way and my own sense of pro-active (and not negative) patriotism would cause me to hesitate in ridiculing our commander-and-chief during such a time. While we might not agree about the means, certainly the deposing of murderous dictators and the restoration of security and justice are themes important to us all.

At the Shrine Mass for the Supreme Convention, Cardinal McCarrick preached on the Book of Revelation and the conflict that has already begun. He said, “Faith and trust in the Lord is the answer to all the problems and all the mysteries and all the evils that swirl around us.” Despite the persecution of the first three centuries and how all the early Popes were martyrs, God’s people trusted in the promise of Christ. Jesus says that he will come back. Like them, we must be “faithful to him who is faithful to [us].” We also look to “the woman clothed with the sun,” a figure for Mary, the Church, and our ultimate salvation. She is attacked by the dragon, but she escapes from one peril to another. And then, there is a Child. “We ask his Mother to keep us with the Lord.” Jesus promises that “He will make all things new again.” While Revelation speaks about the problems facing the Church and describes in symbols and images a terrible conflict, we are also given hope. “God ultimately triumphs and brings us to his kingdom,” as long as we "live as we are taught to live," and do not allow ourselves "to be marked by the sign of the world and of the beast." Our Lord comes to make all things new. May we renew our efforts as Knights and as Catholics in the work that God has given us to do.

Fraternally yours in Christ,
Father Joseph Jenkins