APRIL VOLUME XLVI, . . . → Read More: April 2012]]> Please click on the following link to open the February Knight Lite:

APRIL VOLUME XLVI, ISSUE IX

MARCH VOLUME XLVI, . . . → Read More: March 2012]]> Please click on the following link to open the February Knight Lite:

MARCH VOLUME XLVI, ISSUE VIII

Why are “we” Knights of Columbus?  Why do we have “four” degrees of Knighthood? Why are some Brothers content with First, Second, or Third Degree Knighthood?  Why do some become “Sir Knights” by joining the Patriotic Degree?  Please consider the following from our Supreme website:

“For most men who . . . → Read More: GK’s Message for March 2012]]> Patriotism…wait a minute, are we not “Third Degree” Knights?

Why are “we” Knights of Columbus?  Why do we have “four” degrees of Knighthood? Why are some Brothers content with First, Second, or Third Degree Knighthood?  Why do some become “Sir Knights” by joining the Patriotic Degree?  Please consider the following from our Supreme website:

“For most men who follow Jesus, there comes a time when duty extends beyond our own lives, beyond how we lead our families, and into how we serve our fellow man. That’s what the Knights of Columbus is all about. The Patriotic Degree allows K of C members to take this one step further. “Sir Knight” is more than a title — it’s an honor.”

Yes, Sir Knights focus is Patriotism as it is one of the four cornerstones of our Order.   Patriotism combines with Charity, Unity, & Fraternity to form a solid foundation – one that simply cannot be shaken.

In our current march to progressive democracy, our beloved beliefs and God given rights are being “attacked” by all levels of government – Local, State, & Federal.  The current focus of the attack is on First Amendment issues and Religious Freedom.  Yet, if we look deeper – is not the entire Constitution at risk?   This is self-evident when it is simply referred to as a “living” document or ignored all together by elected officials – officials sworn to protect it!  The answer is Patriotism – with Honorable Dissent.

Yes, my Brothers “we” have a duty that transcends our lives, our families, and our fellow man.  We, as Knights – have a duty to God – to protect what our Creator endowed us with – unalienable Rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

In closing, as Grand Knight – I ask each of you to reflect upon your Degree within our Order.  Ask yourself: [What is "my" duty as a Knight?]  Then in prayer, ask God to help you by fulfilling “his” plan, a plan with the blessing of Patriotism & Honor.

Yours in Charity, Unity, Fraternity, & Patriotism,

Sir Knight Tim – GK/5561

(September 22, 1934 – January 21, 2012)

In my many recent emails & conversations, I have struggled to put into words the loss of SK/Brother Tom.  He was truly the “best of our best”…and even these words could not convey the thoughts in my mind, heart, and soul.

In . . . → Read More: A True Watchman]]> Sir Knight Thomas A. Walbroehl, PGK,PFN,PDD

(September 22, 1934 – January 21, 2012)

In my many recent emails & conversations, I have struggled to put into words the loss of SK/Brother Tom.  He was truly the “best of our best”…and even these words could not convey the thoughts in my mind, heart, and soul.

In this month’s Columbia, [Envisioning Religious Liberty - Page 14, by Bishop William E. Lori, Supreme Chaplain] I found the words I’ve been searching for:  “A watchman always stands on a height so that he can see from afar what is coming.  Anyone appointed to be a watchman for the people must stand on a height, for all his life, to help them by his foresight.”  Book of Ezekiel, St Gregory the Great.

Brother Tom was our Knight’s Watchman – always ready to help, gladly sharing his knowledge & experience, and for this GK – it was his foresight that gave me the strength to say Yes.

There is much in this article to comprehend, digest, pray about, and then act upon.  Certainly, SK Tom lived the words of The Second Vatican Council’s teachings, “The exercise of religion, of its very nature, consists before all else in those internal, voluntary, and free acts whereby man sets the course of his life directly toward God” and thus no one should “be forced to act in a manner contrary to his conscience” (Dignitatis Humanae, 3).

It was not only what Tom said but how he said it – always with a smile.  It mattered not if it was a question, an answer, suggestion or comment – Brother Tom’s smile was a ray of light, a ray of encouragement, a ray of confidence beaming a simple reminder that together, “we” can make a difference.

In closing, will you my Brothers become “Knight Watchmen” – lovers of truth and freedom, doing all we can to awaken ourselves, our parish, and our community to religious liberty with the determination to defend it?  I can think of no better way to honor Sir Knight Thomas A. Walbroehl  – A True Watchman.

Yours in Charity, Unity, Fraternity, & Patriotism,

Tim – GK

We are truly living in interesting times and as an oldie on the radio once sang “The Times They Are a-Changin.”

Let’s put on our collective thinking cap and consider what some of the current Federal/D.C. “logic” may bring our way in the very near future.

Fact: Free contraceptive “care” for all women – mandated by our . . . → Read More: Freedom or Free-Dumb?]]> Council Brothers,

We are truly living in interesting times and as an oldie on the radio once sang “The Times They Are a-Changin.”

Let’s put on our collective thinking cap and consider what some of the current Federal/D.C. “logic” may bring our way in the very near future.

Fact: Free contraceptive “care” for all women – mandated by our Federal Government – because it’s a women’s health/right issue.

As our beloved Chaplain Fr. Gould would say: “Hmmm.” Let’s take this Federal Logic out a for a ride:

• Free food for everyone….it’s a health/right issue – I’m human.
  Free wine for everyone….it’s a health/right issue – I’m an adult.
  Free medical coverage for everyone…it’s a basic right.
  Free transportation for everyone
  Free Cable/Satellite TV for everyone
  Free High-Speed Internet for everyone
  Free cell phones for everyone
  Free unlimited text for everyone
  Free mortgages for everyone
  Free college for everyone
  Free cars/trucks for everyone
  Free gas/diesel for everyone
  Free electricity for everyone
  Free legal counsel for everyone
  Free insurance for everyone
  Free retirement for everyone
  Free…”almost everything/anything” for everyone

What cannot be Free, Equal, or Fair – to ensure each person will have all the free things above and even more? Let us consider the Catch 22:

• Freedom of Speech – Not!
  Freedom of Religion – Not!
  Freedom to Worship – Not!
  Freedom to own Guns & Ammo- Not!
  Freedom to own Private Property – Not!
  Freedom to pursue Happiness – Not!
  Freedom to Travel – Not!
  Freedom to Move – Not!
  Freedom to Private Contract – Not!
  Freedom to Make a Profit – Not!
  Freedom from 100+ Trillion $$$ of Debt – Not!
  Freedom from Tyrannical Governments – Not!
  Freedom from a Trillion Bureaucratic Rules – Not!
  Freedom from a Billion Local, State, & Federal Laws – Not!
  Freedom to simply be Free – in the land of Freedom – with unalienable Rights, given to each of us at “conception” by God – Not!

As Knights of Columbus – we have taken sacred oaths in support of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and possibly Patriotism. What we do (or chose not to do) today, will “make-a-difference” between [Freedom and Free-Dumb] for our children and our children’s children.

IMHO, simply “being” a Knight is no longer enough. Our blessed Order is crying out for truly active Knights – “True Watchmen” – at every level. Our Councils & Assemblies need Thinkers, Writers, Leaders, and yes even Dreamers. Most importantly – we need Knights/Brothers to not be afraid of the challenges before us, but to embrace them with open arms and loving prayers.

In closing, you may be asking why is our GK sending us this email, these thoughts, and this call for action. In this month’s Columbia – I read two great entries. The first is on page 15 “Gambling with God” by Greg Willis and the second is on page 29, second column, lower half. As for the second entry – you’ll know why it’s great when you read it. Regarding the first, please join me in a simple & loving prayer, one regarding your individual intentions as an active Knight: “Dear God, if this is not your will, please stop it.”

Blessed Regards,

Tim – GK

FEBRUARY VOLUME XLVI, . . . → Read More: February 2012]]> Please click on the following link to open the February Knight Lite:

FEBRUARY VOLUME XLVI, ISSUE VII