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Empire State Bulletin Official Publication
of the New York State Council
Knights of Columbus
Vol. 54 Issue 12 June 2016
Organized February 3, 1896
A Message From Your State Deputy, Robert D. Weitzman
My Columbian Family,
I cannot believe that this Columbian year is coming to an end. We have been focused on Charity and Building our
Domestic Church while strengthening our families. We have worked together to serve our Church and Community. We continue
to fulfill the vision Father Michael J. McGivney put in place in 1882 to care for those most in need while we embrace our faith.
We now need to finish this Columbian year on a high note. It is time for you to finalize your efforts to achieve Star
Council. To be acknowledged by Supreme as a Star Council is truly an honor. It means that you have a council that has
successfully accomplished goals set by Supreme. Reaching these goals ensures that your council remains and will continue to
be relevant.
At our State Convention we were honored to have our Supreme Advocate John Marrella and his wife Amey attend.
When our Supreme Advocate and I spoke we both touched on the genocide that is happening to Christians and other religious
minorities in the Middle East. Our Nation and the World community has watched this unfold and, yet, the world community has
done very little to recognize this as genocide. Our Supreme Knight Carl Anderson testified before Congress Tom Lantos
Human Rights Commission on April 19. He spoke about the murdering of men, women and children, and of those that were
chosen to live are sold into slavery. Our Supreme Knight brought to the attention of the world the genocide of Christian and
other religious minorities at the hands of ISIS. Our Secretary of State John Kerry as well as The United Nations has finally
declared the murdering of Christian and other religious minorities Genocide. I believe this is due to our Supreme Knight Carl
Andersons efforts. When we unite for a cause it makes our local, state, country and world leaders pause and think about the
cause because we have strength in numbers. This is another reason why we need to grow in numbers and stand united. You
should also know that Knights of Columbus have given over 10 million dollars to create a safe haven for the refugees. We
provide the essentials for them to live; housing, food, water, medical aid, education and general
relief. We must continue to support this cause.
During our State Convention C&B (Charitable and Benevolent) books were distributed, this
is our fund raiser. This fund raiser has the potential to meet the needs of your Community, Parish,
Diocese, Catholic Schools, our students as well as many other charitable causes. Please support
this program. If you did not received any C&B books or need more contact our State C&B Director
Tony Ippolito by e-mail Ippolito_Anthony@yahoo.com or Assistant C&B Director Hank Theiling by
e-mail henryt422@verizon.net, or you can call our State Office at 631-366-3787, or e-mail
NYSKofC@aol.com.
This month we will be celebrating Fathers Day. This would be a Great time to have our
Pastors renew our wedding vows as well as all those attending Mass. I wish all my Brother Knights
a Happy Fathers Day.
Vivat Jesu!
Bob Weitzman, SD
God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest,
Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the
generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son,
Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the
Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may
continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Father Michael
J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now
present (make your request here). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
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Table of Index
Weve Moved
Membership Information
Programs
Upcoming Events
7 - 11
C&B
12
Youth Events
13 - 16
17- 26
Special Olympics
27
28
Prayers
29
Telecare Schedule
30
31
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Summer is approaching, our children are putting their books aside, and each of
us are planning a few days of vacation. It is a time to re-energize. As shepherds of our
families we can utilize this time to bring our loved ones closer. Special trips might be
planned. Remember we are in the midst of the Year of Mercy. Perhaps as a family we
might make a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick or the Basilica of Old Saint
Patrick's Cathedral on Mott Street. Both have Holy Doors through which Catholics
walk through and gain an indulgence under usual conditions. In both places there are
many historical moments recorded. Through the collaboration of the Knights of
Columbus and the Diocese of Albany the holy shrine at Aurisville is open to visitors
to see where the brave Jesuits and their companions gave their lives for the faith.
As Knights we are aware that our Columbian Year begins on July 1. We cannot
wait to the Fall to think about the programs we will undertake as councils and as
individuals. We must be constant in our Catholic witness. The Eucharist must be
central to our Sunday celebrations no matter where we are. In our leisure we might
take up reading some books which feature the lives of the saints or of prominent
Catholics. Have you read Father McGivney's biography: Parish Priest. The works of
Father James Martin are both enjoyable and enlightening. And let us never forget
Mary's Rosary.
Enjoy this time of rest. Let us
always rest in the Lord' s love.
Vivat Jesus,
Father Brian
Senior Associate State Chaplain
Page 3
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Area
Nassau
Suffolk
HudVal
BMS
Kings
FL
Capital
Queens
Central
West/Put
Western
Northern
TOTALS
Money to
Intake
# OF
5/31/2016
Cls
413
317
314
255
220
181
147
139
110
105
141
104
2446
Charity
48
52
53
31
46
40
52
33
37
30
41
47
336
364
371
217
322
280
364
231
259
210
287
329
288
312
318
186
276
240
312
198
222
180
246
282
4080
3570
3060
$2,000
$1,500
$1,000
-125
-5
4
-69
56
59
165
59
112
75
105
178
614
-77
47
57
-38
102
99
217
92
149
105
146
225
-29
99
110
-7
148
139
269
125
186
135
187
272
1124 1634
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
It has been a very busy and successful year for the various Youth Programs in New York. A special
thanks to the many Vice-Chairman, District Deputies, Grand Knights, council Program Directors and
to every Brother Knight who took part in a single Youth Program, or took part in all of them. At the
end of 2015, our Supreme Knight asked each of us to take an active part in Building the Domestic
Church, and by implementing and offering the various programs to the Youth of your Parish, you are
doing just that.
As we wrap up the 2015-2016 Columbian Year, the Free Throw Program had a very successful year.
It is probably the single largest Youth Program in NY. The Cadets, our Brother Knights at West
Point, help ensure that the State Finals run smoothly. Alexander Mlotkowski, representing Council
#2122 located in Manhasset, has received an International Free Throw Award in the 11 year-old Boys
Group. Thanks to Rich Sheffer for once again chairing the Free Throw competition, and getting the
word out throughout the State.
We announced the 24 Scholarship Winners at the 121st Annual Convention at the Villa Roma.
Congratulations to the awardees, and good luck to them, as they continue their Catholic education.
Thanks for spreading the word on the scholarship program. Thanks to Tony Zibella and his
committee for reviewing the various applications, and naming the awardees, in a very tight time
frame.
Once again the Catholic School and Support programs were a success. The State Council matched
the almost $52,000 donated by Councils across the State, which resulted to over $103,00o in
donations in support of catholic education. Thanks to Tony Zibella, for helping spread the word and
chairing this program.
Bill Julian and his committee oversaw both the Essay and Alcohol and Drug Awareness Poster
contests. Congratulations to each of the winners. The quality of the essays, and talent of the young
artists was tremendous, and each of the participants excelled at meeting the requirements of each
contest.
One of our newest programs is the Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest, started just 3 years
ago by Supreme. Peter Browning chaired this committee, and was impressed by the quality of the
submissions, and by how the Youth depicted the message in so many different and various ways. We
are hoping to see this program take off in the upcoming year, as more Councils appoint Chairmen
and bring this program to the Youth in their communities.
The Squires wrapped up a busy year, holding their Convention at the Seminary of the Immaculate
Conception in Huntington in mid-May. The State Squire Officers, which to thank all who supported
their annual convention journal, or any of the other programs sponsored by the Squires. Elections
were held, and the new State Officers were elected. These young men, our future Knights are a
pleasure to work with. Thanks to the many Counselors who give of their time, to help guide the
Squires, helping to show them how they can have a good time, by helping those in need, and using
our Catholic faith as a foundation for growth.
So while our Youth programs are moving forward, there is definitely room for greater participation.
As we prepare to enter a new Columbian year, I ask each Council to set a goal of offering more.
Could you offer at least one new Youth program in the new year? There are many to offer, its up to
you to decide which one will work best with your Council. You just need to take the first step. Need
help, let me know.
Mike Hearney
State Director of Youth
Page 13
Grade
Name
Council
8th
Kaylyn Carlson
11728
9th
Treijan Garrett
189
10th
Brandon Johnston
189
11th
Ranjeet Kaur
189
12th
Stephanie Salerno
189
Council 1662
Council 7551
Page 14
Council
Diocese
Daniella Foneca
2852
Rockville Centre
Emma Werner
12006
Rockville Centre
Margaret OConnell
2548
Rockville Centre
Angelo Rodrigues
6134
Brooklyn
Grace Gulszak
477
Brooklyn
Katlyn Bernhardt
908
Brooklyn
Meghan Drow
14814
Mia Cappellino
1675
Dominic DeRocha
7551
Winston Clapper
10013
Albany
Ashley Riffelbach
237
Albany
Brandon Murty
8888
Buffalo
Alexandra Judge
14687
Buffalo
3875
Buffalo
Kate ONeill
259
Ogdensburg
Kelly Peknic
7220
Rockville Centre
Emily Romani
6111
Lenora Cedrone
237
Albany
Joseph Brusgard
1662
Angelo Brusgard
1662
Cameron Campbell
2489
Rockville Centre
Jenna Saldi
1662
Lauren Francesconi
7446
Albany
Nicholas Zito
1495
Page 15
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Page 19
Suffolk joins
Nassau to
honor those
in blue.
The Knights of
Columbus Blue
Mass was held at
St. Agnes
Cathedral in
Rockville Centre!
Page 20
Southampton Council
#1967 continues their annual
Page 22
Deer Park, held their annual Top Cop Night on May 19th, 2016. Traditionally this night is
set aside to recognize the good work of a Police Officer from the First Precinct in Suffolk
County. This years recipient was Police Officer James Johnson honored for his
self-motivated enforcement which helped keep the residents of Deer Park safer.
Seated left to Right: John Mastrosimone, Chairman of the Board of District Deputies,
Gerald Wilhem, Faithful Navigator, Police Officer James Johnson, Robert Weitzman, NYS
Deputy, George Lundin, Suffolk Chapter Chairman, Frank Casillo, Suffolk Conference
Chairman, Msgr. Robert Clerkin, Pastor-SS. Cyril & Methodius Church.
Standing left to Right: John Lazar, Committee Chairman, Carmine E. Soldano, District
Deputy, Nicholas LaSorsa, Grand Knight, Salvatore A. Restivo, NYS Membership Director.
Article and photo submitted by Carmine E. Soldano, DD 8th New York District
Page 23
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Queens, held a St. Baldrick's event on Saturday, June 4th, where members and their
friends and families donated money to have their heads shaved or not. 100% of all
money collected went straight to St. Baldricks who will use the money to try and
find a cure for childhood cancer. The Knights collected over $6,000.00 for this great
event. Pictured with many of the participants is Gerry O'Callaghan, the event
organizer. He is in the first row in the blue shirt. Sitting next to Gerry
in the burgundy shirt is Bill Kuil, the council's Grand Knight.
Page 26
Summer Fun
to benefit Special Olympics
Knights of Columbus
1 Columbus Plaza
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 752-4000
Page 28
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Knights of Columbus
New York State Council
359 Route 111, Bldg. 1, Suite 2
Smithtown, N.Y. 11787
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