Arizona State Council Knights of Columbus - Fraternal Year 2019-2020
Brothers,
On September 29, 2019, I had the honor to lead a delegation from the Arizona State Council to Yuma to receive the Silver Rose from a group of Knights from California. Our delegation included: Worthy State Membership Director Bobby Nielsen; Worthy District Deputy #18 Larry Lickfelt; Worthy State Silver Rose Chairman Robert Julien, and me. At St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Yuma, we met the Worthy California State Silver Rose Chairman Jeff Fong, Past San Diego Chapter President Frank Contreras and Worthy District Deputy Gary Hayes from El Centro, California.
Since the day the Silver Rose arrived in Arizona it has made several stops at various councils and parishes around Arizona. Since the first days of the initiative, the Rose of the Knights of Columbus has become a shining beacon of hope within the pro-life efforts of the Knights. The largest gatherings during the Silver Rose’s trek through Arizona was at Tucson and Phoenix for the Arizona Rosary Celebration. In Tucson, the rose was viewed and venerated by about 1,500 attendees to the event at St. Augustine’s Cathedral. The following day nearly 6,000 Catholics venerated the rose at the Phoenix Convention Center. It is always a wonderful moment when the Silver Rose comes to Arizona on its way from Canada to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. For more information on the Silver, please read the article found elsewhere in this issue of the KOCOA.
This past month, the Worthy State Membership Director, Bobby Nielsen and I visited the parish of San Judas Tadeo in San Luis. The pastor, Rev. Abraham Guerrero held a reception for us as we met with him and members of the new council, San Judas Tadeo #17370 that was instituted this past September. Great job Larry Lickfelt, District Deputy #18 and Somerton Grand Knight Jesus Gonzalez!
Brothers, at the beginning of September, the Knights of Columbus launched a pilot program for two new whole life insurance products that are ideal for those seeking affordable, permanent protection that builds cash value and leaves a financial legacy. Arizona is one of four jurisdictions chosen to pilot the new products: Limited Pay Whole Life and Single Premium Whole Life. Both new products offer a guaranteed death benefit as well as cash values with the opportunity for additional growth if future dividends are earned. A full article on these products can be found on the state website under the State Info tab and Immediate Press Releases. You can also contact your local Fraternal Benefits Field Agent for additional information.
On October 15-17, Supreme Regional Growth Director Ray Lopez, Supreme Training Director Ken White, and General Agent Nate Raso conducted training sessions on recruitment. Sessions were held in both Phoenix and Tucson. Discussions centered on the new Supreme Pilot Program.
I have attended many Arizona Rosary Celebrations over the years, but I have to tell you brothers, this year’s celebration touched my soul deeply. Everything came together from altar servers, priests for confessions, Rosary Leaders, fantastic choirs, wonderful presiders, and nearly 8,000 faithful praying the Holy Rosary to Mary under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Supreme Council sent us a film crew and photographer to document the celebration. They intend to send out the video order-wide to encourage them to host similar events in their jurisdictions. Our mother Mary is working her “magic” to convert more souls for her Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Congratulations PSD Larry Costanzo and the co-chairs for Phoenix and Tucson.
Congratulation brothers for conducting a successful membership drive at St. Monica’s parish in Tucson. Special thanks to Supreme Hispanic Membership Coordinator Marty Yzaguirre who led the effort and District Deputy 3 Frank Islas and State Hispanic Membership Coordinator Luis Leyva. A total of 19 prospect cards were taken in during this drive. We have a solid foundation for a Hispanic Council to be formed in this Parish. Great job and many thanks to all who have worked on this project.
On Saturday, October 26, 2019, 11 Catholic men received the honors of the Formation and Knighthood degrees of the Order. One of those exemplified is a priest. This exemplification of the 2nd and 3rdDegrees of the Order took place in Lake Havasu City. The honoree for the class was Former District Deputy Wes Hawkins, Past Grand Knight of St. Mary’s Council #3145 in Kingman. Brother Hawkins served as District Deputy #17 for five years 2012-17. He was recognized for his exemplary work as District Deputy of the Year in 2013.
Just a small reminder that we are about to enter into the Advent Season. Let us not forget to Keep Christ in CHRISTmas. For information on the State Keep CHRIST in CHRISTMAS program, check out the State website at https://kofc-az.org/keep-christ-in-christmas. Contact our State Keep Christ In Christmas Chairman Dennis J. Schauer DD, PGK, PFN for more information by phone: 480-363-8791 or Email: djschauer@cox.net.
Finally, make your plans to attend the State Mid-Year meeting over the weekend of January 10-12, 2020 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Casa Grande. Details will be available on our State website in the next few days.
Vivat Jesus!
Mario Vassallo
State Deputy
Files coming soon.