August 2005

Dear Brother Knights,

First, I want to congratulate our newly installed officers. Know that I will do all that I can to help you and our council in the coming fraternal year.

Second, as I write this message, my lawn at Holy Spirit is still covered by the 721 crosses that symbolize the number of children murdered through abortion in our country in one hour of an average work day throughout the year. This does not even count those killed by abortafacient contraception. It is truly a national tragedy, and along with St. Philip's and Mount Calvary, I am proud of our Knights who helped with the crosses that remind us of this terrible holocaust and our continued obligation to proclaim the Gospel of Life.

Third, things are ever so busy right now. The Cardinal told us at his birthday party that there will be even more men changing parishes and assignments before the summer is over to better minister in the archdiocese. Please keep the priests in your prayers. Let us welcome Fr. Kevin O'Reilly to St. Bernardine in Suitland and renew our support for Fr. Arnold DePorter who is now at St. Philip's in Camp Springs. Another of our local priests has also faced a move this summer, Fr. Jeff Samaha, from St. Philip's to Holy Spirit. Maybe you had better pray for Fr. Jeff especially since he will have to live with me! It is my understanding that he will continue as chaplain at Southern Maryland Hospital, and may I say he has always proven himself one of our most selfless and dedicated priests, particularly to the sick and dying.

Adding to my business is the work to convert two classrooms into a suite for Fr. Jeff. Many thanks to a fellow Knight, George Floria for helping to make this possible by contracting the job. He is one Knight who says what he means and does what he can. Weaker men could take inspiration from him. At the same time, the parish began the Capital Campaign and I really have to find more time to fulfill this obligation.

Continue to recruit good practical Catholic men and remember as always, that I am ready to give instructions and counsel to men who may need a little help first.

God bless you all,
Fr. Joseph Jenkins

July 2005

Dear brother Knights,

The Dinner Dance celebrating our 50 years as a council was a wonderful success. I have every confidence that you will continue your legacy of fidelity and service to one another, the Church, our Community, and Country. I found the letters from Cardinal McCarrick and President Bush to our council especially inspiring and hope that they can be reprinted for the monthly bulletin.

I know, along with me, you wish Fr. Charles McCann the very best as he leaves St. Philip the Apostle to serve at St. Peter's in D.C. Our prayers go with him. I am also certain that you will continue to support Fr. Arnold DePorter as he leaves St. Bernardine and takes over the reins at St. Philip's Church. Let us also give Fr. Kevin O'Reilly a hearty welcome as he comes to Suitland, letting him know he has friends and support in the Knights of Columbus. This summer will see many transfers and reassignments of priests. If such should be the case for any of your parishes, do not delay in greeting your new pastors and never forget to tell them that you are a member of the K of C. If your priest is not a Knight, invite him to join and walk with him through the degrees.

As I write this I am looking forward to the Mass on June 15 that commemorates the Council's establishment. We do so many things-- fun activities, fundraisers, charities, etc.-- but please, never neglect prayer. The monthly First Saturday attendance at Mass as a council has had dismal numbers. Please try to make the time to participate. If you are too far from the parishes served by the council, consider joining with other knights, maybe even members, and attend your local church on the First Saturday. That way, we might be separated by geography, but joined by the mystery of Christ and the graces of the Eucharist. If you are sick or a shut-in, watch the Mass on EWTN and say a rosary during the time when members are at Mass. That way you can have a spiritual communion with the Lord and with your brother Knights.

Recently, when I was thinking about the various difficulties in recruitment, it seemed to me that in addition to the Form 100, it might be good for our men to pray with a potential candidate. Not only is it a quick indicator as to whether a man is a practical Catholic-- knowing his Hail Mary, Our Father, and Glory Be-- but it is an immediate reminder that the Knights are something more than a charity agency, a fundraising group, an important insurance opportunity, or more profanely, a cheap bar. Supreme offers instructional and prayer booklets that could be given out with applications. We really have to see ourselves as evangelizers-- bringing home the lost sheep and announcing the Good News to those outside the fold. As always my offer stands: find a man who wants to be a Knight and if he is not practical, I will see how we can help him fix his situation; if he is not Catholic, I can instruct, baptize, confirm, and give him holy communion-- and then you can make a Knight out of him. I know our other pastors are willing to help, too.

God bless and keep you all,
Father Joe Jenkins