Brother Knights,
This is the last time that I get to write to you as State Deputy. It’s been quite an adventure for these past two years. Mary Jo and I have traveled to many places representing you, the members of the Minnesota Knights of Columbus. We have met hundreds, if not thousands, of nice people who are all helping to spread the legacy of Fr. McGivney in their own special way. We have attended more dinners and banquets than we can remember with the food nourishing our bodies and the spirit of fraternity nourishing our hearts and minds. We have had the privilege of being seated with many wonderful bishops, priests, and brother knights. All of these things will be treasured memories from my term as State Deputy.
As I said at the convention, the night before I was elected State Deputy, the legislature voted to put the Marriage Amendment on the ballot. We all know what has happened in the past few days and weeks regarding marriage. We can be proud of our efforts. We stood in Solidarity with our Bishops and Priests. We know that God is still God. All we have to do is to trust His will and follow His guidance. Please continue to pray for marriage!
Thank you to Fr. Ken O’Hotto for your friendship and the spiritual leadership you give to the Knights of Columbus. I know that everyone will welcome Fr. Raul Perez-Cobo as our new Associate Chaplain. He serves three parishes north of Bemidji in the Crookston Diocese.
Thank you to my fellow state officers and staff for your hard work and dedication to the Knights of Columbus. Congratulations to the newly elected officers and all those who will assume leadership positions in the state council. I know that the Minnesota Knights of Columbus will have a bright future. I have one request for each of you: Please help to increase the membership in our Order. We have over 4,000 less members than we did 20 years ago. The Church needs us, our communities need us, and our youth and families need us. How can we continue to be the “Strong Right Arm of the Church” if our membership keeps getting smaller?
There has never been a more important time to be a Knight. We are the last line of defense. If the Knights of Columbus won’t defend our Church and families, who will?
Will you let me be your servant? Let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I may have the Grace to let you be my servant, too. I will weep when you are weeping. When you laugh, I'll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through.
May God continue to bless the Knights of Columbus!
Vivat Jesus!