Dear Brother Knights,
I had the privilege of attending a Town Hall meeting with
our newly elected State Deputy, Ivan Reek, who came to the Bay Area to meet with Brother Knights of the San Jose Chapter. I would like to briefly share a few key takeaways from that meeting. The California State Council had a record
year, meeting all of our recruiting, fundraising and program objectives. This year we would like to focus in three key areas: membership, vocations, and culture of life.
First, new members are the life blood of our organization, so a key objective for the next year will be membership, membership, and membership. Ivan asked us to reach out to lapsed members, and ask if they need assistance of any kind. He reminded us that the Columbian Foundation has grants available for Brother
Knights in financial need. Second, Fr. John Poncini, Chapter Chaplain and Director of Vocations for the Diocese of San Jose, spoke to us about what we can do to support vocations. Third, the State Council has decided to give a special focus to the Culture of Life, creating a separate program area. As part
of that effort, Brother Knights from San Jose and San Francisco will volunteer to be peacekeepers at the annual Walk for Life in San Francisco, next January. The State Council is also sponsoring a Youth Rally to be held at Fort Mason at
the end of the Walk.
This month I would like to focus on our response to the call to create a Culture of Life. Our Council is sponsoring
multiple programs in this area: Handicapables,
Tootsie Roll fundraiser for people with intellectual disabilities, and the Mass of Reparation on the anniversary
of Roe v. Wade. The Handicapables is a program of Catholic Charities started in 1968 for individuals with disabilities. Members enjoy a monthly gathering that includes lunch, group discussions, Mass, and entertainment. On August 21st our Council will have the honor of hosting the Handicapables for a second year at St. Justin’s Small Hall at 10:00am. We will have a Mass, presided by Fr. Edsil, lunch, and will show the inspiring award-winning short
film Butterfly Circus, starring Eduardo Verástegui (Bella, 2006). Brothers Israel is coordinating this event. Please contact him if you can help.
Vivat Jesus!
SK Rafael Betancourt, GK
