A Message from Grand Knight Nick Kleinhaus

A Message from Grand Knight Nick Kleinhaus

My brother Knights, as I assume the duties of Grand Knight, it seems appropriate to introduce myself to those of you who don’t already know me, and share something of the goals that I have for my time as your Grand Knight. I joined the Knights of Columbus in the year after I graduated from The Catholic University of America. I took my Major Degree shortly thereafter. Later that year, I took a job as a Knights of Columbus insurance agent. This was my full time occupation for two years. As a field agent I had the opportunity to observe six different councils in action, to see what they had in common, and what separated them. A few years later I volunteered to take on an officer’s position in our council. First I was Chancellor, then Recorder. I have served three terms as a Deputy Grand Knight. I am excited at this chance to lead our council at this time. These are interesting times for our council, which has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years. As the council has grown, I believe that the need for those with leadership responsibilities to communicate to the broad base of the council has grown as well. Fortunately our communication apparatuses, our council website, e-mail list, and monthly business meeting are up to the task.

When it comes to the management of our financial resources, the council has created a spending plan for the revenue we anticipate earning over the course of our fraternal year. It numbers in the tens of thousands of dollars. It is my intention to share the actual expenditures as compared to the spending plan from time to time.

Our council has a great many charitable and fraternal activities. We are active in our community through events like cookouts for cancer survivors, emergency medical first responders, and residents of St. Joseph’s retirement community. We are the cornerstone of parish life through pancake breakfasts, fish frys, and setting up for the fall festival. We are active as a council with corporate communions, awards banquets, and First Degree ceremonies. Every Knight I know joined the Order so that he could participate in such activities. If your schedule has not permitted you to take part in the activities of our council in the past, or if you have focused on other avenues for being of service, I hope you will look anew for an opportunity to be active with the Knights of Columbus. Check out our website or come to the meeting on the first Tuesday of every month and I am sure you will find something that excites your desire to make a difference in the lives of others. And if you have an idea for a program that Council 8157 could add, please bring it to my attention. I look forward to working with and for each of you this fraternal year.