December 2005

Dear brother Knights,

A woman told our Lord, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you.” Jesus corrected that "Blessed is the one who hears the Word of God and keeps it." Mary received the Word and gave it birth, not only physically but by the quality of her discipleship. She was the first disciple of her Son. She is now the spiritual mother, not only of the Redeemer but of all the Redeemed.

Mary held her child at Bethlehem and again at the Cross. Like a high priestess she holds her Son's body as a sin offering for a fallen world. She cooperated with her Son in the very work of redemption, suffering her own vicarious martyrdom in witnessing the passion of her Son. What real mother cannot feel her child's pain? Jesus came into the world through Mary, and on the level of grace her Son still comes to believers through her maternal mediation.

The early Church defined her as the Theotokos or the Mother of God. Some objected, but this title did not make Mary into a goddess, rather this simply girl, wholly immaculate, both virgin and mother, was a creature like us. But she was honored not for her own sake but to preserve the identity of her Son. Who is Jesus? He was born of a woman and so he must be a man. Mary is called the Mother of God and so Jesus must also be a divine Person. At the end of her life she was assumed body and soul into heaven by the power of her Son. This mystery reminds us that the resurrection is not a one time event but that we too will one day be restored body and soul. We will see God and know his joy with all the angels and the saints, forever.

Jesus at the Cross gives us his Mother. Jesus loved his Mother and we are called to love her in imitation. This is not negotiable. Some of the Popes have even gone so far as to say that Marian devotion is crucial for a genuine Christian faith and for the gift of salvation itself. Certainly the late Pope John Paul II saw himself “personally” dedicated to Mary in such terms, if not so for others. His motto was TOTUS TUUS meaning, “Totally Yours.” It was directed, not to Christ, but toward the Virgin Mary. Mary is not in competition with her Son; rather a relationship with her makes an orthodox Christology possible and a personal faith complete. The late Father Jelly, a Dominican priest, claimed that even Protestants who otherwise disavow Mary might have an implicit devotion to Mary because of the love and faith they have for her Son, Jesus. Mother and Son are never separated. You cannot fully love one without also having a relationship with the other. However, such a disjointed appeal to Mary is not sufficient for the Catholic. Indeed, this might be the particular reason why someone like C. S. Lewis, this and the malady of quaint English snobbery, refused to make the move to Roman Catholicism.

Mary is the Queen Mother of Christ the King. We are all invited into the royal household of God. The Bible called believers, “saints”. Later this word would come to apply to those who had run the race and had received their crown, the righteous souls of heaven. Mary is the Queen of the Saints. This title also says something about our necessary relationship with her. Christ has given her something of his own authority. Her intercession is chief among all the saints. It is for that reason that we so often appeal to her in hymns and in prayers like the Hail Mary and the Hail Holy Queen. Each of us has to ask, have I regarded her as a loving Mother? Do I give her even as much respect and honor that I would give an earthly monarch or the most profane celebrity? If Jesus is King and Master of my life, can I truly say that Mary is my beloved and merciful Queen? Chivalry is always the response that a soldier or a KNIGHT for Christ would offer to Mary.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is the Presentation scene in the temple, Luke 2:22-38. Notice that even here there is the balance of a prophet, Simeon, with a prophetess, Anna. Although Simeon blessed Joseph and Mary, he addressed himself directly to Mary, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Just as the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a sign of his loving sacrifice to pay the price for our sins; so too, the Immaculate Heart of Mary is imaged with a sword or dagger piercing the heart. This is a reminder of her participation with her Son. She cooperates with him in the act of our redemption, even though Jesus is uniquely our Redeemer. While Jesus is the head of the Mystical Body and we are the body, some authorities would speak of Mary as its neck. What they were trying to say was that while Jesus remains our unique Mediator, Mary gave him birth and continues on the level of grace to give birth to her Son in others. She is truly our Mother, not just figuratively, but in a spiritual and real sense. She is the window to heaven. As she says in her Magnificat, her very being “magnifies” the Lord and makes him present.

Our prayers and petitions to Mary signify the fulfillment of prophecy. No physical knife or sword stabbed Mary directly. When Christ was pierced, she was herself violated. She suffered for and with her Son but also for the many new sons and daughters who would orchestrate the passion by their sins. Her role as the Mother of the early Christian community has blossomed so that millions of believers have invoked her aid and “the thoughts of many hearts” have truly been revealed. This prophecy is spurned by Protestant churches or explained away. It only makes sense in the context of Catholic faith and practice.

Have a holy Advent and a joyous Christmas!
Father Joseph Jenkins

November 2005

Dear Brother Knights,

Last month I was fortunate enough to attend the K of C Columbus Day Ball with Ron and several other council members. We heard a wonderful defense of our patron Christopher Columbus and the meal was one of the best I could remember. While it would have been more appropriate in last month's newsletter, I read a great reprint article in the LA Times that I would like to share with you.

"To the 'politically correct,' the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America is no cause for celebration. And even before 1992 began, their protests resulted in a significant victory: the naming of an American Indian as co-grand marshal in the 1992 Rose Parade. Parade officials caved in to critics, who denounced the tournament committee when it first named as grand marshal Cristobal Colon, a direct descendant of Christopher Columbus. But the actual target of those critics was not simply Colon; it was Western civilization."

"The politically correct view is that Columbus did not discover America, because people had lived here for thousands of years. Worse yet, it's claimed, the main legacy of Columbus is death and destruction. Pasadena's vice-mayor, Rick Cole, branded Columbus's descendant 'a symbol of greed, slavery, rape, and genocide.' And one Indian leader likened the celebration of Columbus's arrival to a celebration of Hitler and the Holocaust."

"Did Columbus 'discover' America? Yes, in every important respect. This does not mean that no human eye had been cast on America before Columbus arrived. It does mean that Columbus brought America to the attention of the civilized world, i.e., the developing scientific civilizations of Western Europe. The result, ultimately, was the United States of America. It was Columbus's discovery for Western Europe that led to the influx of ideas and people on which this nation was founded and on which it still rests. The opening of America brought the ideas and achievements of Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, and the thousands of thinkers, writers, and inventors who followed. What they replaced was a way of life dominated by fatalism, passivity, superstition, and magic."

"Prior to 1492, what is now the United States was sparsely inhabited, unused, and undeveloped. The inhabitants were primarily hunter/gatherers, wandering across the land, living from hand to mouth and from day to day. There was virtually no change, no growth for thousands of years. With rare exception, life was nasty, brutish, and short: there was no wheel, no written language, no division of labor, little agriculture and scant permanent settlement; but there were endless, bloody wars. Whatever the problems it brought, the vilified Western culture also brought enormous, undreamed-of benefits, without which most of todays Indians would be infintely poorer or not even alive."

"The particular actions of Columbus and his men are irrelevant to the current controversy: Columbus should be honored, for in so doing, we honor Western civilization. But the critics do not want to bestow such honor, and this is the real reason for the opposition to Columbus as the discoverer of America. Their real goal is to denigrate the values of Western civilization and to glorify the primitivism, mysticism, and collectivism embodied in the tribal cultures of American Indians. They decry the glorification of the West as 'Eurocentrism.' We should, they claim, replace our reverence for Western civilization with multiculturalism, which regards all cultures as morally equal. In fact, they aren't."

"Some cultures are better than others: a free society is better than slavery; reason is better than brute force as a way to deal with other men; productivity is better than stagnation and unthinking adherence to tradition. In fact, Western civilization stands for man at his best. It stands for the values that make human life possible: reason, science, self-reliance, individualism, ambition, productive achievement. The values of Western civilization are values for all men; they cut across gender, ethnicity, and geography. We should honor Western civilization not for the ethnocentric reason that some of us happen to have European ancestors but because it is the objectively superior culture."

Of course, a hallmark of true Western culture is the Catholic Church. She is the mother who took the best of a pagan past and refashioned it in the light of human reason and divine revelation. Be proud of your faith and remember those things for which Columbus truly stood: the progress of Western culture and society, as well as the extension of the faith and values of the Gospel.

Fraternally yours,

Fr. Joseph Jenkins

October 2005

Dear Brother Knights,

As I write this message in early September, I know you share with me the shock and concern for the million-plus people who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. It was announced at a council meeting that the first organization to respond, apparently even prior to the federal government, was the Knights of Columbus. The council voted to send $500 to the continuing effort to help and I suspect we will be called upon to dig even deeper in the days ahead. The Knights of Columbus (Supreme) initially made $10,000 contributions to the Knights of Columbus state councils in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. We have 50,000 brother Knights and their families in those states, with about a third having K of C insurance. Supreme has announced the largest disaster relief effort in its history. The Order has pledged a minimum of $2.5 million in financial assistance and will match any funds beyond that donated to the Knights of Columbus Katrina Relief Fund over the next 60 days (starting Sept. 2). Those wanting to make private donations can write to the following:

Knights of Columbus
Charities USA, Inc.
Gift Processing Center
PO Box 9028
Pittsfield, MA 01202-9028
Attention: Hurricane KATRINA Relief

Please also remember the many victims in your prayers and Masses. The archdiocese is even looking for temporary lodging, and so if any members have rooms, apartments, or houses that are available, please contact your local pastor.

Turning to another subject, be active in recruitment, but also remember that the men we invite into our fraternity must be "practical" Catholics. This means participating at Sunday Mass, married in the Church or chaste as a single person, and not involved with immoral activities or membership in forbidden and secret societies. A nearby council, with the expulsion of a hard working man who was a Free Mason, learned the hard way about the damage caused when we are not scrutinizing enough. Good people can be hurt.

District Deputy Dale Trott reminded us at a recent meeting about how crucial the Parish Round Table is for our council. If state sees minimal activity and a lack of communication with certain parishes, they might seek to create councils in those parishes and further diminish our reach. I know there was some effort to get the Round Table started last fraternal year, but there really is no more time to waste. The names of the directors from the various parishes should be in the bulletin with their monthly reports. I would be willing to help coordinate the information and talk to pastors if there is some problem. Talking to the parish secretaries who have the church calendars and getting a weekly copy of the bulletins (some of which are online) is a large part of what directors would do. We can then more readily volunteer to help and participate, instead of just sending monetary contributions. It really should not be hard. I think part of the snag continues to be that our participating representation is largely outside our given jurisdiction and is rapidly aging.

Regardless of the many challenges that face us, know that a day does not go by that I do not thank the good Lord for your abiding presence and service in his name.

Have a good October and don't let the trick-or-treaters bite.

Fraternally yours,
Father Joseph Jenkins

September 2005

Dear brother knights,

The kids head back to school this month. I know many councils offer various programs that target the Catholic schools. While our membership is spread throughout Southern Maryland and even further, I think we could do more to make our presence felt among local kids.

The business of squires aside, it seems that we can hardly move forward with that while there are so many other lost opportunities. There are a number of parochial schools and McNamara High School within our jurisdiction. The parishes also have CCD and their own youth programs.

I would recommend a youth director who would communicate the various contests and opportunities open to our youth, like the free throw contests. Flyers need to go out to the schools and blurbs need to be placed in parish bulletins. Here is where church directors and a youth director can work in sync.

Many councils offer essay contests at holiday time, based on the theme of Keeping Christ in Christmas. I have fond memories of this at St. Mary's Council in Upper Marlboro, MD. Given the many ethnic groups that make up our area, we could also be creative about essays, poster contests, and other activities. Some places have written on themes like, "Famous Catholic African Americans" and what it means to be "A Hispanic Catholic in America Today".

Some councils base their scholarships on essays and others upon academic excellence. When I was chaplain at St. Thomas More Council in DC, the grand knight would attend the school awards assembly and present the K of C scholarship ($500) to a worthy Catholic student preparing to attend a Catholic high school. Our squires group there was able to field a pretty good basketball team, too. How many kids have we even entered each year in the sports events sponsored by the K of C?

When I was chaplain of the Dr. Griffin Council in Waldorf, MD, we presented certificates to the altar servers in the various parishes. I guess what I am trying to say is that there are all sorts of possibilities and we need to renew our efforts in this regard. Providing activities for families and honors for children is a wonderful way to publicize the K of C and to recruit the kind of men we want in our order. This also sets the foundation for a squires circle, and if the Queens are willing, for a junior women's auxiliary.

Changing subjects, I have this to share from the Maryland Catholic Conference: "The only way we're going to win any pro-life battles in the Maryland General Assembly is if the membership of the General Assembly changes in our favor. We need pro-lifers to run for office and win!" The Conference is scheduling workshops to help Catholics to consider such public service. For more information, contact Gina Maclean at 410-269-1155 or 301-261-1979. The program is totally non-partisan.

As we get rolling, I look forward to a fruitful and exciting fraternal year.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Joseph Jenkins

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

June 2005 - SPX Council 50th Anniversary

Dear Brother Knights,

Congratulations on reaching your Golden Anniversary!

Given the brevity of human life, I want especially to offer my appreciation to those members who have been with our council for most of its history. Your dedication to the Church and to the principles of Columbianism is a living testimony that you pass on to the coming generations. While many in our membership are scattered, a large percentage are struggling with the trials of sickness and aging, and some of our number have gone home to God— we rededicate ourselves as patriots of our nation and as citizens of an everlasting Kingdom established by Jesus.

Throughout the years, this council has been a source for fraternity and charity. Many have benefited from the generosity of members and all have counted our men and their ladies as good neighbors and friends. Fifty years is a long time— young men and women have become older— children grew up and had children of their own— we have witnessed many changes in the Church and in our society; but, the Knights of Columbus have remained a bulwark in the midst of upheaval and secularity. You have kept the faith.

It is my prayer that this council will have many more fruitful years ahead it. God bless you all!

Father Joseph Jenkins