Mid Year Message from the Grand Knight

Mid Year Message from the Grand Knight

Brothers,

I want to start by wishing you all a Healthy and Happy New Year, and I thank you for being a Knight.

This past year brought us a devastating pandemic, the reactionary and seemingly never ending lockdowns ordered by health and government officials, the mandated masks and social distancing…and yet despite all efforts to combat it, the widespread infections seem inevitable. We are currently experiencing a spike in the spread of COVID-19, ironically at the same time the vaccines are being distributed throughout the country.

I so want to say things are looking up, and yet we all have family and friends that may have recently been infected and have suffered the horrendous symptoms, and sadly some have died. God bless their souls. But there is real reason to hope, and the future looks brighter with the vaccine now available.

My first six months serving as your “virtual” Grand Knight have been interesting and challenging. I have to commend you brothers for the ease with which you moved into virtual meetings. But also for the fighting spirit that so many of my brother Knights have displayed by staying engaged and being willing to continue to do the acts of charity the Knights are known for in our community.

In the first half of Fraternal Year 2020-2021 we implemented the Supreme Council’s “Faith In Action” model for our service programs, which now all fall under the categories of Faith, Family, Community & Life.

We’ve added the new FAITH programs area under the guidance of Deacon Al Evans, SK, who has been expertly leading us through the inspiring Into the Breach video series. David Dybala, PGK, graciously agreed to take the lead as our new FAMILY programs director and brings his creativity, love and respect of families, and a deep sense of commitment to our community. SK Dan Murphy, PGK, remains as our solid COMMUNITY programs Director even as he splits his time between Texas and Michigan. Our LIFE Director and the cornerstone of our Pro Life endeavors is still SK Michael Moloughney, who is devoted to praying the Rosary in front of the PP facility in Dallas every Saturday morning.

Our Knight Hands program, founded and still led by Allen Reitmeier, has not stopped lending a helping hand to neighbors in need and continues to be a tremendous source of inspiration and satisfaction to those of us who participate in any of the nearly 400 projects completed since its inception.

I will not be able to mention by name in this short letter everyone of you brothers who deserve to be singled out and recognized for your efforts, but kindly allow me to offer my deep appreciation and gratitude for the commitment that all our brother Knights make to the founding principles of the Knights of Columbus, that of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

A few thoughts on the path forward into 2021:

• Let us continue to be an active council despite the difficult circumstances we are dealing with.
• My challenge to all our Directors and Committee Chairs: Invite other brother Knights to join as members of our committees, grow your committees, so that we may expand the number of Knights who form the core group of this council.
• Virtual meetings will continue for the foreseeable future until further notice.
• Let us continue to support our brothers in need with charity and prayers.
• The annual Lent Fish Fry’s are coming up soon and so is the baseball season with our concessions fundraisers. Please be ready to lend a hand.

There’s much work to be done in the next three months and the next six months. And while there may be unforeseen challenges in the path ahead, may the principles and values of the brotherhood of the Knights of Columbus serve as our guiding light.

Vivat Jesus.

Jorge Ruiz, Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 8157
214-215-8451