At the State Chaplains Meeting, held by Supreme on March 1-4, 2012, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said, “We (as Knights) must embrace the renewal being carried out in the Catholic Church, and extend and promote that renewal.” The Order, he continued, needs to be more than a gathering space and a way for Catholic men to get together. The Knights of Columbus also needs to be a conduit through which its members can become better husbands, fathers, workers, citizens, and patriots, grounded in principles of the Order – charity, unity and fraternity. The Knights of Columbus needs to be not just a monthly meeting, but a way of life that forms its members to be better Catholics. Chaplains, from the state level to the council chaplains, are the key to this formation.
Supreme Knight Anderson also spoke on the need for a strong relationship between the clergy and laity, and how such a relationship will in turn strengthen the parishes in which the Order is present. “We will keep our Church strong through parish-based councils. These councils and their members will keep the parishes active and healthy, the laity united with pastors and priests.”
In November 2012, the Arizona State Council is hosting Chaplain Development Seminars in both the Tucson and Phoenix Dioceses. The purpose of the seminar is to help build this relationship with our Priests and strengthen our Order in Arizona.
Rev. John Grace, O.S.A., the Supreme Director of Chaplain Programs and Development will be leading these powerful seminars, along with Rev. Patrick Crino at the Diocese of Tucson seminar, and Rev. Carlos Gomez at the Diocese of Phoenix seminar. Rev. John Grace will give the Chaplains a roadmap to success, presented a new pamphlet called “10 Keys to Success for Chaplains.” Father Grace says that if Chaplains followed the 10 points, there would be a growth in spiritual development within the Order, and many more men would be attracted to join.
All Priests are invited to attend these informative seminars. We would like to have Council Chaplains, Assembly Faithful Friars, and any other Priests interested in learning more about the Knights of Columbus. Any Diocese of Gallup Priest serving in an Arizona Parish is welcome to attend either of these seminars, as well. The same seminar will be delivered in both locations, so Priests can choose to attend the most convenient seminar at either Diocese’s office. Many of the State Officers are also attending to address any local questions or concerns. We will be serving a continental breakfast and lunch at the seminar, which will run from 9:00 AM to 1:00PM. Please be sure that your Parish Priests are invited and plan to attend this seminar. To allow for adequate seating and food, please RSVP to Sate Secretary Larry Becker by November 16, 2012, at azlarry@cox.net .
Diocese of Tucson Chaplain Development Seminar Tuesday November 27, 2012, 9:00AM to 1:00PM Diocese of Tucson Bishop Moreno Pastoral Center 111 S. Church Ave, Tucson, AZ 85702 Rev. Pat Crino invited all the Priests in the Diocese of Tucson
Diocese of Phoenix Chaplain Development Seminar Wednesday November 28, 2012, 9:00AM to 1:00PM Diocese of Phoenix Diocesan Pastoral Center 400 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 Rev. David Sanfilippo invited all the Priests in the Diocese of Phoenix
