_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Volume 68 No. 7 March 2017 _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Brother Knights, Columbiettes, Squires, and all Catholics that are united in Christ, January 29 was a very good day for both our council and our church. Parishioners were blessed to attend the 10 o’clock morning Mass at the Corpus Christi Gym for its rededication that was served by Corpus Christi Church Pastor, Father Malcolm J. Burns. Father Malcolm’s heart was witnessed by those present when he acknowledged the students and graduates of Corpus Christi Elementary School. The teachers and Nuns from the Dominican Village were also rightfully thanked. The true measure of his nature was seen when Father Malcolm interacted with all of the children that he blessed at the altar stage. I enjoyed his comedic homily of the four Fs and D of education that Father Malcolm said were “not my grades.” If my memory serves me, they were Faith, Family, Foundation, Fidelity, and Determination. Finally, Father Malcolm’s spinning of a basketball on his finger over the altar gave Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon a run for his money for showmanship. I formally invite everyone to come to the Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner & Dance that Corpus Christi Council #2502 will be hosting on March 11th. Irish Man of the Year will be no other that Father Malcolm J. Burns. Well Deserved! Entertainment will be provided by The Switch and by local Irish

step dancing students. Brother Knight and Chef Peter Augello will serve traditional Irish food that is sure to please everyone. Tickets can be purchased for $55 per person by PGK and Worthy Treasurer Jim Corrigan. Also on the 29th of January, over 400 Brother Knights gathered at Saint Sylvester Church located at Medford, New York to vote for a candidate that the Long Island Conference will endorse for the position of the high office of State Deputy for the New York State Council of the Knights of Columbus. Corpus Christi Council was well represented by the voting Delegates and Alternate Delegates of Grand Knight Peter Zayas, PGK and Trustee Paul Kelly, PGK Mike Murtha, and PGK Steve Driscoll. Thank you. First, as members of the Nassau Chapter, we all voted to confirm its slate of Officers while we were overlooked by a beautiful statue of our Blessed Mother. Next, over 300 delegates voted and selected Kenneth F. Latham, Jr. from the Kings County Conference to receive the Long Island Conference’s endorsement. Fellow candidate John G. Joseph of the Suffolk County Conference graciously accepted the election’s outcome and urged everyone to support Brother Kenneth’s victory. Finally, as Grand Knight of Corpus Christi Council, I am proud to state that our council fully and unanimously endorses the candidacy of Past Grand Knight and Past Nassau Chapter President Steve Driscoll for the position of Nassau Conference Chairman. In addition, I am also proud to state that our council fully and unanimously endorses the candidacy of Past Grand Knight, Former District Deputy, and Past Nassau Chapter President Michael T. Murtha for the position of Nassau Conference Warden. Continued on page 4

Page 2 CLARION March 2017

The Clarion is published upon request, or visit our web site at www.kofc@2502.net-- Corpus Christi Council

#2502, Knights of Columbus, and PO Box 243, Mineola NY 11501

NYS 17th District – SK Thomas J. Liddy, DD

Corpus Christi Council Officers Chaplain – Msgr. Robert J. Batule

Grand Knight – SK, Peter Zayas Deputy Grand Knight – John Mallon, PGK

Chancellor – OPEN Warden – SK, Kevin Keenan

Financial Secretary – SK, Nick Pennacchio, FS, PGK, FDD, PFN

Treasurer – SK, Jim Corrigan, PGK Recorder – Mike Beatty

Outside Guard – Brian O’ Donnell Inside Guard— OPEN

Advocate – OPEN Lecturer – Ed Pappalardo

Trustee 1 YR— John Macejka, PGK Trustee 2 YR— Danny Lynch, PGK

Trustee 3 YR— SK, Paul Kelly, PGK Directors/Chairmen

Council Director –SK, Peter Zayas, GK Program Director – John Mallon, DGK

Church Directors - Tony Donnelly (CC), Dan Lynch, PGK (St.A)

Community Directors -- Ed Pappalardo (WP, EW), Ken Lyons, PGK (M)

Public Relations Chairmen – OPEN Pro-Life Chairman - Tony Donnelly

Vocations Chairman – SK Jim Corrigan, PGK Parade Chairman – James Tracy Insurance Agent -- Will Havron

Membership Chairman – Recruitment Chairman & Admissions Chairman – OPEN

Retention Chairman – SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK, FDD, PFN, FS

Eagle Scout Chairman – SK Marcel Chaillol, PGK E-mail Chairman – Open

Delegates to Nassau Chapter

SK Peter Zayas GK SK Paul Kelly, PGK, SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK

Delegates to Nassau Conference

SK Peter Zayas, GK, SK, Paul Kelly, PGK SK, Steve Driscoll, PGK, Alt. to GK SK Mike Murtha,

PGK, DD, Alt. to PGK

Fraternal Chairman (To be notified in case of sickness, death or need)

Tony Donnelly (516) 741-3788

Financial Secretary SK Nick Pennacchio, FS

PGK, FDD, PFN, 241 Columbus Pkwy, Mineola (516) 742—8379

NFRANKP@aol.com

Grand Knight SK Peter Zayas @ (516) 458-6610 iplaychess@optonline.net Insurance Agent Will Havron, CLTC, FIC @ (516) 578-6452 KofCWillHavron@gmail.com President of the Columbiettes Margaret Lunden @ (516) 437-2892 Margaret.Lund90@hotmail.com Squires Circle Chief Squire Nicholas Librandi @ (516) 739-1492

WILMIN CORPORATION: Bob Morrison, President, Charles Ribando, VP

Denis O’Sullivan, Secretary, SK Sam Donato, PGK, Treas. Dan Lynch, PGK, (medical leave) Bill Gyves, John Macejka. PGK, SK Jim Corrigan, PGK John O’ Shea, President Emeritus

2502 ASSOCIATION Danny Donovan, President; Nick Passarella II, VP

Jude Ohrtman, Secretary, Bob Redmond, Treas., Danny McWeeney, Bill Kessler, Billy Wisniewski Joe Conlon, (PP), Dave Redmond, Andy Bernstein Ken Lyons, PGK, John Mucella,

STEWARD - Tom Doherty Fax # (516) 746-2141 Council Telephone (516) 746-8643

The Clarion

For information on ads contact Bill Gyves, Business Manager at (516) 742-0344

Editor

Ken Lyons (516) 746-8643 Deadline for submissions—15th of the month May the leprechauns be near you, to spread luck along your way. And may all the Irish angels, Smile upon you St. Patrick's Day.

March Calendar 2017 Wednesday, Mar. 01 – Ash Wednesday DD Meeting Thursday, Mar. 02 -- Business Meeting 8:30 pm Friday, Mar. 03 – Ballroom Dancing National Anthem Day Saturday, Mar. 04 -- Outside Rental Sunday, Mar. 05 – Mineola’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Wednesday, Mar.08 – Wilmin Meeting Thursday, Mar.09 – Officers Meeting 8pm Friday, Mar. 10 – Ballroom Dancing Saturday, Mar.11 – Annual Saint Patrick’s Dance 8pm Sunday, Mar. 12 – Daylight Savings Time Begins Monday, Mar.13 – Columbiettes Meeting 7:30pm Tuesday, Mar.14 – National Potato Chip Day Wednesday, Mar.15 – Squires Meeting 7:45pm Ides of March Thursday, Mar.16 – Social Meeting 8:30pm Friday, Mar.17 – Saint Patrick’s Day Ballroom Dancing Saturday, Mar.18 --- Line Dance Sunday, Mar. 19 – Saint Joseph’s Day Tuesday, Mar. 21 – CWV Meeting 8:30pm Wednesday, Mar. 22 – National Goof off Day Friday, Mar. 24 -- Nassau Chapter Meeting – Memorare Council Outside Rental Saturday, Mar. 25 – Annunciation of the Lord St. Aidan Fundraiser Sunday, Mar. 26 -- Outside Rental Bar Team Schedule – March Monday, Mar. 06 – Jude’s Teachers Monday, Mar.13 – Nick’s Team Best Monday, Mar. 20 -- Kelly’s Heroes Monday, Mar. 27 -- McWeeney’s Court

Page 4 CLARION March 2017 Continued from page 1 The elections will be held at the Nassau Conference meeting to be held on April 3rd at Our Lady of the Island Council in Massapequa Park. Also I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate SK, PGK Jim Corrigan on being named the 2017 Joseph J. Ryan, Knight of the Year. On Sunday, April 23, 2017 we will honor Jim with a brunch at one o’clock in afternoon. Please make every effort to come down and support this most worthy candidate. I want to thank all of my Brother Knights for letting me be part of this wonderful council. I am proud of all of the good works that we do and I formally invite any Catholic gentleman that wants to be a Knight of Columbus to reach out to any of our Officers for additional information. Vivat Jesus, SK Peter Zayas, Grand Knight Chaplain’s Message: For years, we have been referring to March as the month of Madness, collegiate basketball Madness, that is. This tag-line came into being years back, decades really, when the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball games were presented to a nation-wide television audience for a period of three weeks, culminating in the crowning of a national champion. The moniker Madness was applied because of the excitement the games generated, when up-starts knocked off #1 seeds in the first round, when unheralded players suddenly were turned into first round NBA picks, when schools saw their applications for enrollment double and triple in a single year because of a trip to the Final Four. Yes, that’s a kind of madness. There is another kind of madness, a madness we might associate with God – at least that’s what a certain priest told me years ago. In 1989, to mark his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination, he distributed remembrance cards with the following expression: “Before God created me, He loved me unto the madness of the Cross.” I think what the priest was trying to say with this expression was that the sacrificial death of Christ on the Cross was bewildering, confusing and shocking. Love can be just like that – bewildering, confusing and shocking. We need time then to sort it all out, to come to terms with it, to accept what God has done for us in the Person of Jesus Who endured the Cross out of love. The season for sorting it all out, coming to terms with it, and ultimately accepting a maddening love begins for us on Ash Wednesday. Lent starts then. To keep pace with the madness this Lenten season, I suggest to the members of our council that we concentrate on a few things. First, get to Mass. Second, get to confession. Third, find a devotion you can use throughout these forty days.

Mass puts us at the foot of the Cross with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Apostle John. In the madness of suffering and death, we need the companionship of a Mother who loves not just her Son but all of us and an Apostle who is Beloved because of his steadfastness and loyalty. In confession, we take responsibility for the madness we have caused by sinning. Mercy and absolution are just the right remedies too. Devotions like Stations of the Cross unite us paradoxically to the madness. We mustn’t recoil in horror though; we need to learn the fine art of accompaniment. Have a good Lent! Easter, the victory over the madness of the Cross, isn’t far off. Msgr. Bob Batule Council Chaplain The Right Corner: Doing Something Instead of Giving Up Something for Lent: March 1st is Ash Wednesday, the official start of the Lenten season. This is usually the time of year that for 6 weeks, Lent means an annual season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays to Easter, observed by the Catholic Church. For the past several years I have been doing something instead of giving up something. Yes, just the opposite of what most people do. I have friends who give up soda, one who goes off Facebook, and another who gives up sweets. I think it’s great to give up something that you don’t need, that’s not good for you, or is just a show of sacrifice to better yourself. But… What about adding something that is good for you? For the last two years I picked up trash in our neighborhood as my Lenten activity. Now, I didn’t do this every day, but if I saw trash I picked it up: at the Home Depot parking lot, at our council, while taking a walk around the neighborhood. Then, at least one time, I went on a long walk in Carle Place and picked up every piece of trash I saw. I’m sure I am not the only one who adds something to their Lenten activity. Walking at least one block every day is helping me spend some quiet time with God. I went through many things to take away but what I really need this Lent is to walk, quite literally, with God. And so I will. I love this! Not only is this good for my body but it’s great for me mentally and spiritually. This year I’m doing both: giving up something (sweets) and doing something. I decided that I needed motivation to do something good for me — thus, the no sweets. Continued on page 5

Page 5 CLARION March 2017Continued from page 4 I’ve done this twice before and came out better for not having sweets. It’s going to be hard, and I’m not even sure I can do it, but I’m here to try. Lent is a great excuse to do something hard. There is purpose and a goal — “getting to and celebrating Easter! I’m not sure what my “doing something” is going to be yet, but I just can’t let this opportunity pass without adding something good. Do you celebrate by giving or giving up? Ken Lyons, Editor AROUND THE COUNCIL: Super Bowl Sunday Report: So where did you watch the most anticipated Super Bowl game on the Sunday February, 5th? Are you the one who loves to host the big game, offering your guests a spread of nachos, pigs in a blanket, pizza and liquor and no travel time? Did you prefer to find a sports bar with massive HD TVs, where you can get all the hot wings and cold beer you can afford? Or were you among the many that showed up to watch the game in the council? Over forty people were in attendance including GK, DGK, Warden, Directors from 2502 Association and the Wilmin Corp.,some members of the Columbiettes, their friends, long time members of the council, our beloved Chaplain and as usual the regulars from the bar. Our chef, Peter Augello, gave us an excellent assortment of choices to munch on before, during and after the game. The game turned out to be an offensive game. Some of the commercials were okay while others were nothing to write home about. A round of applause is needed here to express our gratitude to both Bobby Redmond and Danny McWeeney for running another successful Super Bowl Party Ken Lyons, Editor Golden Gloves Report: The Clarion had already gone to be proof-read and printed at the same time the Golden Gloves event was taking place. PGK Mike Murtha and his committee deserved a round of applause for stepping up and running this very successful event. In the April edition of the Clarion a financial and a thorough report will be made by Chairman PGK Mike Murtha. Ken Lyons, Editor

Letters to the Editor: Wishing a healthy and happy New Year to All members of Corpus Christi Council...thank you so much for the beautiful poinsettia that was given to me along with your well wishes and prayers... Know how blessed I am and how I appreciate you always remembering the loved ones of those who have passed. May 2017 bring success, peace and joy to the Council. Love Ann Marie Jankay Please convey my appreciation to all of your fellow Knights for, once again, remembering me at Christmastime with the beautiful poinsettia plant. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of all the many joyous occasions that Patrick and I spent at the Council with so many of you! My wish is that all of you have a Healthy and Happy New Year filled with much Joy and many Blessings. And again, thank you to all for your many kindnesses. Gratefully, Claire Dent Dear Kenny Please forgive me for, once again, being so late in thanking the KofC for the lovely poinsettia they gave me for Christmas., Believe it or not, it's still going strong and I think of all of you and how caring you all are every time I look at it. May God bless each of you with a very Healthy and Happy New Year. Love, Mary Peppard Corpus Christi Council #2502 To all Members: My sincere thanks for the very generous donation to the Church of St. Aidan. Please note that this gift will be put to good use in our mission to bring all souls to salvation. Please be assured of my prayers for all members of Corpus Christi Council #2502. In Jesus and Mary, Msgr. James M. McDonald Dear Kenny: Thank your brother knights for the poinsettia plant and you for the Clarion and remembering me on your sick list. Happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to all. Helen Melvin – light on the Vodka.

Page 6 CLARION March 2017Dear Knights: Thank you again for the lovely plant. Your poinsettia has a special place on my window sill. I look forwarded to reading the Clarion each month since my heart is still with the good people of Mineola. Thanks again and know you and your families are in my prayers. Love, Sister Theresa Dear Grand Knight and Brother Knights: Thank you for your thoughtfulness. The poinsettia was beautiful and much appreciated. May God bless you. Sincerely, Fina D’Amato Dear Jim Corrigan I want to thank you and the other members of the council for your prayers and best wishes for this special season. The poinsettia plant is beautiful. It’s so nice to be remembered. Thank you again, Susanne Gibbons To all Members of the Council: Thank you so very much for your prayers and the beautiful poinsettia plant. As always it is nice to be remembered. My family and I appreciated your love and kindness. With love and appreciation, Jackie Schneider Mr. James Tracy Knights of Columbus: Corpus Christi Parish Outreach would like to thank you and the Knights of Columbus for inviting two of our families to your Christmas Party this year. The children enjoyed the afternoon so much and so did the adults who accompanied them. It was such a nice and festive way to spend a Sunday afternoon anticipating Christmas. They really enjoyed the dinner and the children were especially delighted to see Santa. This was a unique opportunity for them to experience Christmas fun and sharing. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Sincerely, Naria Campos, Director Editor’s Note #1: We thank all of our widows for their generous compliments.

Your encouraging words will certainly help to strengthen the conviction and motivation of our council. Ken Lyons, Editor Saint Joseph’s Day (March 19,) How a guy named Joe’s life changed the day the angel walked into Mary’s room. Joseph alone cannot explain this event he sees occur under his eyes, namely Mary’s pregnancy. Just then, in that moment of doubt, even of anguish, God draws near and he is enlightened about the nature of that motherhood The child that is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. So, faced with the extraordinary event, which certainly raises many questions in his heart, he fully trusts God who approaches him and, following His invitation, does not repudiate his bride, but takes with him and marries Mary. Is there any saint both more familiar and yet more unknown than St. Joseph? Countless children around the world are baptized with his name. Yet we know next to nothing about him—his upbringing, how he met Mary, or even his age. The gospels are silent about all of this, and Joseph himself never utters a word. He is effectively the silent partner in the Holy Family: a figure who works, dreams, and cares for his wife and son, then vanishes from the New Testament. As a result, one of Christianity’s most iconic figures is also a mystery—a mystery who is nonetheless intimately connected to our modern challenges. All this happen the day the angel walked into Mary’s room. Ken Lyons, Editor St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast: In keeping a tradition handed down throughout the years we will have a continental breakfast for the volunteers and marchers in our council. Come down and join us for bagels, donuts, Irish soda bread, coffee, tea and other spirits before the parade. Starting time is 10:30 AM so you have enough time to go to Mass. Following the breakfast volunteers will be needed to cleanup and set up for the afternoon celebration. Ken Lyons, PGK. St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Once again, Mineola will host the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 5, 2017. The starting time for the parade to kickoff is 1 pm. Continued on page 7

Page 7 CLARION March 2016Continued from page 6 It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you don’t have to be Irish to agree. Everyone knows the best sites to view the marchers as our little metropolis becomes filled to the brim with hundreds of Irish and self-declared Irish (because let’s face it, everyone’s Irish that day even Charlie McRibando and Peter O’ Zayas). It’s not just about knocking back green beer from sunrise to sunset. It’s not just about showing off your Irish-inspired face paint and shaking your shamrocks. It is about the fantastically festive citizens and visitors of our area coming together to celebrate a tradition many years in the making that puts Mineola on the map every year. So come down and join us for great food, a live band, Guinness, Budweiser and other domestic beers, soda, water and Irish Coffee’. Ken Lyons, Editor The 2017 Irishman of the Year: Rev. Fr. Malcolm Burns Pastor of Corpus Christi Church Fr. Malcolm Burns was raised in Huntington, NY in St. Patrick’s Parish. His parents had six children, one daughter and five sons. Fr. Malcolm was the third son. His great-grandparents on both sides of the family immigrated to NYC in the 1800s. His father family, Robert Burns, is Scottish & Irish descent and hails from County Donegal; his mother (Veronica Cooney) is of German and Irish descent and hails from County Claire. Both parents were born and raised in Brooklyn. Fr. Malcolm was ordained a priest in May 1985. Before becoming pastor at Corpus Christi he served as pastor of Resurrection Church in Farmingville for 12 years. Go neiri an bother feat! “May the road rise to meet you” Ken Lyons, Editor St. Patrick’s Dance: Mark down your calendars for Saturday, March 11, 2017 when our council will hold our Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dance. This year the Irishman of the Year is Fr. Malcolm Burns, Pastor of Corpus Christi Church. Come down and show your support for our honoree. No doubt our own chef Brother Pete Augello will once again prepare the dinner which includes Shepherd’s Pie and a home style Corned Beef & Cabbage with chicken upon request only. This year’s dance will feature step dancers from the Irish American Center on Willis Avenue. In conjunction with the dinner-dance we are also conducting our

annual Irish Raffle; Grand Prize is $1,000 with a Second Prize of $500, tickets are $10 each. The cost of $55 per person provides open bar, dinner, dessert & coffee and dancing to the music of Switch. For reservations please contact SK Jim Corrigan, PGK at 282-6774 Fraternal Corner: Please keep in your prayers the following brother knights and their families. Nick Passarella II, Vilma Doherty, Tommy Hayden, PGK Danny Lynch, Chris Lynch, PGK Marcel Chaillol, Arline Cavanaugh, Helen Melvin, John O’Shea, PGK John and Hilda Macejka, Paul Libassi, PGK Richie Ryan, PGK, Ray and Donna Andanuy, Danny Donovan, Joe Conlon, PGK Carl Marchese, John Spellman, Maryann Ribando, Lou Pagano, Bobby McCabe, John Colbert, PGK, Ed Panzella, PGK Jim Corrigan, Jim McEnroe, Frank Shanley, Elizabeth Kiernan, Joe Lunden, Bobby Redmond’s great-nephew Sebastin, Suzanne Drake Corsentino, Maryann Ribando, Agnes La Rose, Pat Mulrooney, Lisa Bartell, Pamela and Nancy Driscoll, Linda B., Fred Lodiand, Columbiette Lisa Simeone’s Father, the souls in Purgatory, Msgr. Batule, Bishop Barres, Pope Francis, for all our first responders – Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT’s, safe return of all our soldiers in harm’s way, and an end to abortions. Knight of the Year Brunch: The 2017 Knight of the Year Brunch will take place on Sunday, April 23rd at 1pm. The cost of the brunch will be $20 per person. For additional details please see flyer or contact PGK Ken Lyons at (516) 746-8643. Ken Lyons, Knight of the Year Chairman The 2017 Knight of the Year: SK Jim Corrigan, PGK The presentation of this award began in 1959 to demonstrate the appreciation of this council to those members who have given their time and talent in many endeavors. During the fraternal year 1974 –1975, the council unanimously approved a motion to change the name of the honor to the Joseph J. Ryan Knight of the Year Award. The recipients have been singled out for the award not on the basis of one particular year, but rather on long and continued service to the council. Continued on page 8

Page 8 CLARION March 2017Continued from page 7 On January 26, the Joseph P. Ryan Knight of the Year for 2017 was selected by the past recipients. I am often asked why we select one individual and not another. What has this person done that is so special? Our Knights of Columbus council has a year-round program of religious, service, and social activities tailored to local circumstances and the interests of members and their families. Jim Corrigan is the oldest of six children born to Frank & Mary Corrigan. Jim grew up in South Ozone Park, NY where he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. He attended high school at Cathedral Prep in Elmhurst and then Iona College in New Rochelle. Following his college graduation, Jim entered the USAF attending Officer Training School in November 1970. In the Air Force Jim worked in such specialties as missile operations, missile instruction and disaster preparedness. In December 1990 Jim retired with the rank of Major, beginning in 1992 Jim served eight years as a Middle School Religion Teacher in St. Peter’s Catholic School, Waldorf, Maryland. In the summer of 2000 Jim moved to Hyde Park, NY to take over as the Principal of Regina Coeli Catholic School. Our recipient joined the Knights of Columbus in 1968 at South Ozone Park Council (#2236). He became a 4th degree member in 2005. He transferred into Corpus Christi Council in 2006. In the fall of 2006 he became an insurance Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus serving Corpus Christi, New Hyde Park, Msgr. Walsh and Island Park Councils. In 2009 Jim left employment with the K of C and returned to the field of education when he accepted a position as the Director, Religious Education at the Church of Saint Aidan. At the end of the 2016 school year Jim entered the world of semi-retirement; he continues to work on a part-time basis in the religious education office. Jim holds a BA in History from Iona, an MA in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and is currently a candidate for an MA in Theology from St. Joseph’s Seminary. Jim is the father of four married children (2 daughters & 2 sons) and the grandfather of ten (7 granddaughters and 3 grandsons). Jim has served Corpus Christi Council as Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight, and Trustee and is currently Treasurer. Jim serves as the Chairman for C & B, the St Patrick Dinner and Raffle, the

Basketball Free-Throw Championship, the Blood Drive, the Poinsettia’s for our widows, Keep Christ in Christmas and currently the Council’s Treasurer. Jim is a Charter Member of CWV Post 1949 and currently the CWV Adjutant Officer (Recording Secretary) 2009. Jim’s three brothers are also members of Corpus Christi Council, and his son Jim, Jr. became a member of the 4th Degree earlier this month in Tucson. Ken Lyons, Editor Squires News: I have been working on submitting appropriate paperwork for myself and other Counselors of our Circle and we received the initial approval to maintain the Circle. Apparently and periodically certain information is required to be submitted to the State Deputy. Myself and the other Counselors will need to take on-line training – 3 modules. I have secured Father Jerry Mathews from St Aidan’s parish to be our Circle’s priest (thank you Jim Corrigan) and provided to him our schedule of events. He is very busy in the community but will periodically try to attend our events. Contact me with any questions, suggestions or other thoughts. Lou Librandi Chief Counselor Wednesday March 15th. is our next meeting at K of C 7:45 at the Council in Mineola. Thursday, March 23rd: Nets vs Phoenix Suns at Barclay Center. Squires will be able to High-5 the players as they enter the court. On Sunday April 2nd, a trip to the Seminary at Dunwoodie, Yonkers, NY. More information to follow as it becomes available. Mike Librandi, Chief Squire Donations Corner: The following donations were made in January and February 2017: Mineola Junior Fire Department Pasta Dinner Mineola Auxiliary Police Telecare Covenant House Little Sisters of the Poor Mineola Fire Department Denis O’Sullivan, Donations Chairman “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” Abraham Lincoln

Page 9 CLARION March 2017Supreme News: On Friday, Jan. 27, Vice President Mike Pence spoke to tens of thousands, including members of the Knights of Columbus, gathered to participate in the 2017 March for Life. The event kicked off with a rally sponsored by the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, which was born out of the grassroots movement that gathered on the first anniversary of Roe v. Wade. At the rally, VP Pence, the highest ranking government official to attend the event during its 44-year history, said, “I am deeply humbled to be the first vice president of the United States ever to attend this event.” On behalf of President Trump, he also thanked the attendees for their stand for life and their compassion for the women and children of America. VP Pence assured pro-lifers that the Trump administration will continue to devote its time and energy to making America a country for life, announcing that President Trump will name a pro-life Supreme Court nominee next week. “We’ve come to a historic moment in the cause for life,” he said. “Compassion is overcoming convenience, and hope is defeating despair. … In a word, life is winning in America because of all of you.” He added, “Be assured that along with you, we will not grow wearied, we will not rest, until we restore a culture of life in America for ourselves and for our posterity.” The rally began with the introduction of Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense, who referred to the march as “the largest annual civil rights gathering in the world.” After greeting the crowds, Mancini welcomed Kellyanne Conway, senior counselor to President Trump. “I am a wife, a mother, a Catholic, counselor to the president of the United States of America. And yes, I am pro-life,” Conway told the crowd. “It is such an honor to stand with the vice president of the United States and with students from places near and far to defend the unborn. This is a new day, a new dawn for life.” “Why are we here? What does it mean to stand together?” she continued. “It means to protect and promote the most precious gift in the world, the gift of life.” The number of attendees at the pro-life march has grown throughout the years, with attendees coming not just from nearby states but from across the country to participate. This year, the marching crowd grew following the rally, reaching — approximately half a million

attendees. Their attendance supports the Marist polling which showed that the majority of Americans see abortion as both ultimately harmful to women and morally wrong. Of those polled, 55 percent of Americans agreed that abortion ultimately does a woman more harm than good — an opinion equally shared by both the men and women polled. By contrast, only about 1 in 10 Americans believe there should be no restrictions on abortion. The American people have understood that the law can protect mother and child alike and have expressed a strong consensus in favor of abortion restrictions,” said Supreme Knight Anderson. “It is time for a new national conversation on abortion, one that begins with this consensus in favor of restrictions — a consensus that American women and men have already reached.” This year, as in past years, the crowd at the March for Life consisted of people of all faiths and political backgrounds. Countless pro-life banners and flags were on display, including the thousands of Knights of Columbus “Defend Life” and “Choose Life” signs. Many participants attended with their families and young children. Others, such as college and high school students, traveled together on parish- or school-sponsored buses. Armed with cell phones, many marchers shared their support of life on social media using the hashtag #PowerofOne, which was the hopeful theme of this year’s march. The theme emphasized the power that each individual person can have in building a culture that protects life at each and every stage. Following the rally, the march began from the National Mall and progressed past the U.S. Capitol before concluding at the Supreme Court building. Standing together, marchers once more defended the weakest in society. It is a cause that has endured both weather and time as people continue to make a stand — or in this case, a march for life. New York State News: It is a great to time reflect on the 2016 year and look forward to a prosperous new year for our fellow Catholics, the Columbian Family and all mankind. We should thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. We have so much to be thankful for: the food on our tables, the clothes on our back, and a roof over our heads, our family, our friends, freedom of religion and the gift of life, as well as being an American and a member of the Columbian family. Continued on page 10

Page 10 CLARION March 2017Continued from page 9 These are just a few of the Blessings God has bestowed on us. Our fraternity will play an intricate role in the future of our Church, community and world. Recently, we had an election for the President of the United States. Our President Donald Trump speaks about the child in the womb and how precious life is. I hear him saying he will propose Justices for our Supreme Court in the likeness of Past Justice Scalia. We as Catholics, members of the Columbian family and citizens of the United States of America, will be vigilant on the following issues: Freedom of Religion, no government financial aid to organizations that provide abortion, and providing a safe haven for our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq, Syria and other countries where they are persecuted. We are 1.9 million voices united for these causes and I am hopeful our President will hear us and act in support of these issues I would like to take this time to thank the wives and family members for the support you give to the Knight in your family. I know the sacrifices you make enable the Knight in your family to be able to do God’s work on earth. Hopefully, by being a Knight, he has become a better father, husband, brother, family member, neighbor and Catholic. May God’s light continue to shine on you and your loved ones always? Gratefully and sincerely, Bob Weitzman New York State Deputy Nassau Chapter News: Brothers of Nassau County, Your Nassau Charity Ball will shortly be upon us! The event is honoring the "Morgan Center" assisting pre-school children here in Nassau County with Cancer, it is a most worthy charity. The Nassau Chapter Ball Journal is the fundraiser for our Charity Ball Honoree and our Nassau Chapter Scholarship Program. Every year we have been able to assist Four Catholic School children attending local Catholic High Schools. We also perform a Raffle for Religious Education and the Regional Catholic Elementary Schools. Last year with matching funds we donated $10,000 toward Catholic Education. We can only do it through our collective generosity. We can only do it if we all participate. Charity is our "First Principle" but "Unity" is our Second Principle. If we do not unite for our "Nassau County" who can we unite for?

Contact me and commit to an AD quickly. Payment can be made at your earliest convenience. Vivat Jesus Fraternally, Committee Chairman for Journal ADS Treasurer to the Nassau Chapter Jim Albert, PGK, FDD. Nassau Conference: Since there was no quorum at the April 2016 Nassau Conference meeting, the election of officers held that day needs to be either ratified or a new election conducted at a Nassau Conference meeting where a quorum is present. At the 11/28/16 Nassau Conference meeting, our Worthy Conference Chairman Mike Muirhead committed to scheduling a special meeting for this purpose. He was unsuccessful in securing a separate date and location for a Special Meeting in January. Also at this meeting Ken Latham was selected to be the Kings, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk candidate for N.Y. State Deputy. Ken narrowly defeated John Joseph in a very close election. Vivat Jesus! Ed Willie, National Conference Secretary Pro-Life Corner: Tens of thousands of pro-life supporters including our own Chaplain Msgr. Batule, Jan. 27, to protest legalized abortion and to bear witness to the sanctity of every human life during the 44th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. For the first time in years, abortion opponents will have all the political momentum when they hold their annual rally Friday on the National Mall. The March for Life, held each year in Washington to mark the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, will have one of its biggest-name speakers in years: Vice President Mike Pence and one of President Donald Trump's top advisers, Kellyanne Conway. Organizers told the National Park Service in their permit application they expect 50,000 participants. "You know, the press never gives them the credit that they deserve," Trump told Republicans gathered in Philadelphia. "They'll have 300, 400, 500, 600 thousand people. You won't even read about it. One of Trump's first official acts after taking office a week ago was to sign an executive order banning U.S. aid to foreign groups that provide abortions. Continued on page 11

Page 11 CLARION March 2017Continued from page 10 In Congress, Republican majorities in both chambers are vowing to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which provided more than a third of the nation's abortions in 2014. They also hope to ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Trump has pledged to sign both measures if they reach his desk. The Supreme Court struck down Texas' strict regulations on abortion clinics as interfering with a woman's constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. And with polls at the time suggesting Hillary Clinton would likely defeat Trump, abortion opponents worried about an era of liberal majorities on the court. "The horizon looked bleak for the pro-life movement," said Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life. Mancini suggested that many voters chose Trump largely because he pledged to appoint a Supreme Court Justice who shared their views on abortion, even if they disagreed with him on other issues. "I don't identify as a Republican or a Democrat but I do vote pro-life," Mancini said. Abortion opponents also were heartened by a recent study that found the number of abortions in the United States dropped under 1 million in 2014, the lowest total in 40 years. The report by the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, credited increased access to birth control but also a surge in abortion restrictions in many states. Americans remain deeply divided on abortion. The latest Gallup survey, released last spring, found that 47 percent of Americans described themselves as pro-choice and 46 percent as pro-life. It also found that 79 percent believed abortion should be legal in either some or all circumstances. Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said that poll shows why abortion-rights supporters shouldn't despair. She also said Republicans were taking actions that would result in more illegal abortions and deaths of pregnant women. "The vast majority of Americans support Roe v. Wade and support the legal right to abortion," Hogue said. Friday's march comes less than a week after one of the largest mass demonstrations in the city's history, the Women's March on Washington, which drew more than half a million people opposed to Trump on issues including abortion. Mancini said she had planned to participate in the women's march until organizers dropped an anti-abortion group as an official partner.

She said its failure to embrace different views on abortion was a missed opportunity. Seminarians: Seminaries are good at forming priests who have the basic traditional (and expected) skills in preaching, pastoral care, and sacramental ministry. They live and work in the third millennium where many generations have preceded their time. One generation passes away, and another generation comes. In Christ’s church, each succeeding generation must confront the challenges of the past, present and future. These challenges are part of the church’s mission in today’s world. During their time together, the seminary students spent time together in a spiritual environment engaging in vocational discernment, discussing issues they will face as priests, learning about the Catholic Church and about preparation for ministry and the various paths to ordination. They searched, watched, interviewed, and learned, they seek some clear markers of ways that effective clergy approach the challenges and opportunities of ministry. These markers include a deeply positive regard and expectation for the capacities of people in the congregation, a moderate degree of assertiveness and decisiveness blended with a high degree of collaborative interest in others, a capacity to work with and anticipate conflict, a creativity that is vigorous yet well-managed and grounded, an ability to think theologically about situations in a way that moves toward renewed action, a savvy sense of networks of influence in congregations and communities, and a clear and consistent process of communicating and gathering feedback. A virtuous cycle emerges when seminarians learn and practice effective leadership. Confidence grows. A natural assertiveness emerges. As children, we learned confidence as we practiced our soccer drills, our piano scales and chords, our swim strokes. We know this happens when the seminarians learn some basic effective practices of pastoral care and counseling, like how to listen effectively. We see it in their liturgical skills, as priests on the altar. Ken Lyons, Editor Fr. Michael J. McGivney: People who knew Father McGivney were impressed by his energy and intensity. It was a priest's face and that explains everything. It was a face of wonderful repose. Continued on page 12

Page 12 CLARION March 2017Continued from page 11 There was nothing harsh in that countenance although there was everything that was strong. William Geary, one of the Order’s charter members, said that at the first council meeting in 1882, Father McGivney was "Acclaimed as founder by 24 men with hearts full of joy and thanksgiving; recognizing that without his optimism, his will to succeed, his counsel and advice they would have failed.” Thanks to the efforts of Father McGivney and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity. The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works. The history of the Order shows how, because of the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities. Father McGivney’s “martyrdom” was the daily giving of his life in fidelity to the duties of a typical parish priest, in an extraordinary and selfless manner. When we recall all that he undertook in spite of his youth, inexperience and his lifelong battle with poor health, his heroism is unmistakable Fast-forward 135 years and still we are waiting for the word that the Vatican will elevate Fr. McGivney to sainthood. It only took Pope Paul II (9yrs.), Mother Teresa (19yrs.) and Pope John XXIII (50yrs.) to identify as saints. And I will let you in on a little secret Pope Francis bypassed the traditional second miracle. Please, someone tell me what’s the hold-up here. Ken Lyons, Editor Founders Day: It was seemingly inconceivable that an organization, begun in such unwelcoming circumstances, would go on to become one of the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organizations. It was baffling to think that a group of destitute Irish immigrants, fighting against unemployment, discrimination and diseases in New Haven, Conn., would cause a spark that would light up the world

with more than 1.9 million members and 15,342 councils in the United States and in more than a dozen countries. It was so improbable that a group of men dedicated to serving the needs of their Catholic community would go on to donate nearly $1.5 billion dollars to charitable causes and spend 673 million hours volunteering in just the last decade. And it seemed so unlikely that a Catholic priest, who spent nearly every waking minute attending to the spiritual and material needs of his parishioners, would be the founder of one of North America’s largest life insurance companies. Inconceivable? Baffling? Improbable? Unlikely? Perhaps — but not to Father McGivney and the 24 charter members. It is his vision — and theirs — that we celebrate each March 29th as “Founder’s Day.” And what, exactly, did they found? Father McGivney, we know, did not just found a charitable society, but a society of mutual aid through which members would insure their own well-being, and that of their families, with the help of their brother Knights. Father McGivney began the founding of the Order and its insurance program with “an entrepreneurial zeal,” determined to provide financial protection for his parishioners and their families. How proud must Father McGivney and his brother Knights be to know that the program he founded continues to provide affordable, quality insurance to Knights and their families? How proud must they be to know that the Knights of Columbus continues to provide insurance by brother Knights, for brother Knights, protecting Catholic families for generations? Not nearly as proud as we are now calling him Venerable, hopefully soon we will be calling him Saint Michael J. McGivney our beloved founder. Ken Lyons, Editor Fourth Degree Corner: Looking ahead, the next Assembly event is the Annual Communion Breakfast will be in March, the day and time was still pending at the time of the clarion publication. Our Annual College / High School Scholarships will be presented at our June Meeting. PFN Phil Baumgartner is our Chairman of this committee. See him if you have any questions. The Assembly is still looking for someone to fill in the position of Faithful Scribe. Please e-mail myself or any other officer if you are interested. Yours in Christ, Matthew Buttaro - Faithful Navigator

Page 13 CLARION March 2017Insurance News: Just having Group Life Insurance through work doesn’t always protect your needs. Do you know anyone whose life or career has drastically changed during the years of economic downturn? It’s very likely that someone in your immediate or extended family or group of friends faced or is facing financial uncertainty. Maybe there’s a possibility that you (or your spouse) could lose your job or change employers. Too many people have often relied on group term life insurance as their only safety net. Often, this insurance is an employee benefit provided at low or no cost. The existence of this coverage might convince someone that personally-owned life insurance is not necessary. But only having “through work” insurance can leave you and your family vulnerable. Most group life insurance policies are limited in amount, which may be tied to salary or some other benchmark. These numbers are often capped, and this cap may be dangerously low when compared to your family’s actual needs. In fact, a detailed needs analysis that evaluates your specific situation, will likely show that any employer-provided coverage falls short. In addition, the amount of group insurance offered is almost always reduced, sometimes dramatically, when you retire. You could one day find yourself without coverage, and if your health has changed (which it will as you age), you might also find yourself uninsurable or unable to secure individual protection. At the very least, it will definitely be more expensive. While group life insurance can help, it does not replace the need for individually owned life insurance. I’ll be happy to meet with you and provide a no-cost needs analysis, so you’ll know exactly where you stand. Let’s talk about the options available for you and your family. I look forward to meeting with you Will Havron, CLTC 516.578.6452 Knights of Columbus Field Agent KofCWillHavron@gmail.com Membership News:

Active members are the lifeblood of any organization. It does not matter if the organization's purpose is business, social, political, advocacy, or any other goal. Without active members, the organization will die a natural death. The council needs to understand the type of person who would become an active member of their

group and what motivates them. Without this understanding, the council's communications with the membership will not be clear and attractive. Each person who joins any organization wants to know what is in it for them. It may be working towards common goals. It may be helping others. The council needs to communicate how being a member will benefit that individual. Members join committees to become part of the organization. Brother Knights who fail to have an ongoing member communication and have no goals fail to build relationships with their brother knights, is a big reason why people choose to go to other organizations and become members. If there is no clear vision of the council's goals people will not remain members and it will discourage others from joining. Give your council's members the feeling they are part of a larger cause. Get them involved so they want to remain in your group for years to come! Ken Lyons, Editor Vocations: The Pontiff told participants at a Vatican event on religious life that the loss of clergy is weakening the Church Pope Francis says he is concerned about what he calls a “hemorrhage” of priests and nuns from the church. The Pope told participants at a Vatican gathering on religious life that the loss of clergy is weakening the church. First among the factors he cited as causing nuns and priests to quit their vocations is a society that discourages lifelong commitments Francis lamented that many conduct their lives based on “a la carte” choices. For decades, the church in many developed countries has seen the number of priests and nuns on the decline. “There are many factors which affect fidelity [to one’s vocation] in this era of change, which is not only a changing era, in which it is difficult to assume responsibilities which are serious and definitive,” Pope Francis said. He added: “This culture induces the need to always have ‘side doors’ open to other possibilities; it feeds consumerism and forgets the beauty of a simple and austere life, and in many cases causes an existential void. “It has also produced a powerful practical relativism, according to which everything is judged in terms of a self-realization which is often extraneous to the values of the Gospel.

Page 14 CLARION March 2017Editorial: As America approaches another year acknowledging the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision, headlines like these declare, "The U.S. abortion rate has hit its lowest point since the procedure became legal nationwide in 1973, according to a new study Jenna Jerman, a public health researcher at the Guttmacher Institute states, "We saw declines in abortion in almost every single state.” What is the cause of this decline according to the "experts" of this article? They assert, "contraception played the biggest role by preventing unintended pregnancies.” What is missing from this limited perspective? There are a myriad of reasons that suggest Roe vs. Wade is going the way of every bloody tyranny of men. First, it is important to note just because surgical abortions are down, that does not mean all abortions are down. Just like the German holocaust switched methods of mass destruction to be more efficient in their extermination programs, so it is with the American holocaust. As abortion mills continue to shut down, Americans are also turning more to the chemical solution to ease their consciences and yet continue the massacre. What accounts for this aspect in the battle between life and death? Simply, it has been gentle Christians living out their faith at the gates of hell, their local abortion mills. Jesus promised, "I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Today more young people are getting involved to end Roe vs. Wade that targeted their generation for destruction. This younger generation is determined not to make the same mistakes as the "pro-life movement" of the past. They are not interested in regulating abortion; they are rising up to abolish abortion NOW! It means getting Legislators to ignore Roe vs. Wade for the lawless decision it was and do their duty to defend the rights of the preborn neighbors. Lastly, asking Legislators to introduce bills at the state level that constitutes abortion as murder with the proper penalties applied. All this signals that it is not if, but when, the American holocaust ends and our nation once again honors the first and foremost right enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, which is the right to life. The "right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" begins with "life", and "life" begins at conception. Ken Lyons, Editor

Please join our Chaplain Msgr. Batule for a visit to Our Lady of the Shrine A day of prayer, reflection and sacramental celebration. A mini pilgrimage. The event is planned for late SPRING details will be announce. The Resolution to change the starting time of the Council’s Business and Social Meetings from 8:30pm to 8:00pm was narrowly defeated at the Business Meeting in February. Congratulations to Squire Danny Roach has been awarded Eagle Scout, the ceremony takes place in May. Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest: On the evening of Friday, February 3rd, nineteen young people and their parents came to the Corpus Christi Parish Gym to participate in our Council’s Basketball Free-throw Championship. Boys and girls participated in seven different age categories and produced the following seven Council Champions: Girls (age 9) - Emma Grace Powers Girls (age 10 - Maggie Duda Girls (age 11) - Rachel Blennau Boys (age 10) - Mark DaCosta Boys (age 11) - Andrew Koshy Boys (age 12) - Jack Lane Boys (age 13) - Tristan Dougherty At the end of the competition, every participant received a certificate of participation and enjoyed snacks of chips, cookies, and punch. The seven champs also received a “Council Champ” certificate and a patch marking their achievement. The champs now move on to the district level of competition which takes place on February 26th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at St. Anne’s gym in Garden City. Jim Corrigan, Free Throw Chairman Kentucky Derby Party Saturday, May 6, 2017 Bring your friends and family and enjoy the race in our members lounge. A hot and cold buffet, coffee and cookies with a cash bar. The cost is $15. Per person For additional details please see flyer or contact Tom Kelly at (516) 414-2229 or e-mail him at tomkelly11501@gmail.com

Pages 15 CLARION March 2017 Catholic War Veterans Post 1949 The CWV Post 1949 of the Corpus Christi Council meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8 pm. The CWV’s next meeting will take place on March 14th. All veterans are invited. William Kessler, Post Commander Columbiettes News: The Columbiettes will be marching with the Squires and Knights in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 5th. The Columbiettes and Squires are also invited to the traditional St. Patrick’s Day breakfast given to the marchers and volunteers. Their next meeting is Monday, March 13th at 7:30pm HAVING A PARTY?? Why not have it at the Knights? (2) different party packages to choose from with a bartender and clean up included in the price. Stop in any Monday, Tuesday or Thursday after 730pm or call Tom Doherty @ 516-746-8643. Our room rental is the most affordable rate in town. EMPIRE SAFETY COUNCIL DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE “St Joseph-Bishop Baldwin’s Knights of Columbus” Save 10% on your insurance for (3) years! Save (up to (4) pts. on your record Saturday, April 22, 2017 from (9:30AM-3:30PM) St Joseph’s Church - downstairs in St Agnes Room 130 - 5th Street Garden City, New York 11530 Cost is ($45.) per person. Payable to the “Knights of Columbus #15809” For additional information call: John Russo (516) 384-4552 or Robert Matarazzo (917) 282-8963 or Will Havron (516) 578-6452 The Lighter Side of Golf: That ball is so far left, Lassie couldn't find it if it was wrapped in bacon. That's a great shot with that swing. It's OK - the bunker stopped it. It's just a glorious day. The only way to ruin a day like this would be to play golf on it. That was a great shot - if they'd have put the pin there today. Editor’s Note #2 Why is the Clarion so long? If you have ever climbed a mountain, you know how exciting it is to realize you are about to get on top of one of the world’s roofs! Especially for the

first time when you do not yet know what to expect or how it is going to be like. This is so true for me when starting out to write the monthly Clarion. You start small, then build words and sentences up until it looks like a short novel. But part of the work is just managing my creativity — getting it organized into a well-structured newsletter. If you’re like most people, you spend a long time thinking about your newsletter before you ever start writing. You may do some research. You daydream about how the stories are going to work. You brainstorm. You start hearing the voices of different members, it’s too long, too many pictures, you made a mistake on page so and so. So why is the Clarion so long? To me it is so rewarding to know that I made a difference in someone's life. The little bit of time in my life that I took to write something meant making deposits in the lives of many others who may have had no one reach out to them that day. And hopefully more members will come forth and volunteer their time and talent on the many committees in the council. Ken Lyons, Editor Marquis Who’s Who: Monsignor Robert J. Batule Honored by Marquis Who’s Who for Pastoral and Academic Achievements On January 27, 2017 in Yonkers, NY, Monsignor Robert J. Batule has been inducted in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. Msgr. Batule received an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception in Douglaston, NY. 1980. He then attended the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Lloyd Harbor, NY and was awarded the Master of Divinity Degree in 1985. That same year, he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York. We say that to err is human and to forgive is divine. It is an act of imitating the Heavenly Father of being merciful as well as a requirement of Jesus Christ to be forgiven: Continued on page 16

Page 16 CLARION March 2017Continued from page 15 He has served as a parochial vicar in the following assignments: Saint Boniface (Elmont, NY); Saint Martha (Uniondale, NY) and Corpus Christi (Mineola, NY). He served as the Administrator of Corpus Christi from 2001 until 2002. In 2002, he was appointed the Delegate for Pastoral Intervention for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. In 2003, papal honors with the title of Monsignor were conferred on him. The next year (2004), he was named the Pastor of Holy Family RC Church in Hicksville, NY. In 2006, he was assigned to further studies in Rome and two years later (2008), he received the License in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas. From 2008 until 2012, Msgr. Batule taught dogmatic theology at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Lloyd Harbor, NY. From 2012 until 2013, he was at the faculty of Saint Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, NY where he continued to teach dogmatic theology. At the same time, he was appointed Associate Academic Dean. Msgr. Batule belongs to the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, the Society of Catholic Social Scientists and the National Association of Scholars. He has published articles, essays and homilies in a number of journals and magazines. He has also been a columnist for several Catholic newspapers. Besides his pastoral and academic achievements, he was the Chairman of the Board for the Catholic Youth Organization in the Diocese of Rockville Centre from 1997 to 2000. Msgr. Batule currently serves on the faculty of Saint Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, NY. While carrying out his duties as a priest, Msgr. Batule obtained a M. A. Degree in Sociology (summa cum laude) in 1990 from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. In 1996, he earned a M. A. degree on Theology (summa cum laude) from Saint John’s University in New York. Detective Steven McDonald: A Saintly Christian Forgiving is quintessential and central to Christianity, the crown of Christian life. A Christian is unique in the world, who believes in forgiving God. In fact God revealed Himself in and through Jesus Christ as “Forgiving God”: In Him we have “redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:14) and He has forgiven us through the blood of His

Only Begotten Son (Eph. 1:7). God is the “loving and forgiving Father” (Lk. 15:11-32), who forgives our offenses. And He invites us to imitate Him in forgiving others; “Be merciful as Your Heavenly Father is merciful” (Lk. 6:36). That would mean, “Love you enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:44). “Do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, offer the other cheek also (Mt. 5:39). It is not to be angry with others (Mt. 5:22), rather, pray; “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Lk. 11:4). Police officer Steven McDonald truly imitated Christ to forgive the teenager Shavod Jones who shot him on July 12, 1986 in the Central Park at the peak of his professional life and just beginning of his married life. It was certainly a tremendous saintly act. “Forgive”! It looks so simple. But to be more realistic, forgiving those who have hurt us to the extent to take away life is not easy. It is Jesus himself who leads us in forgiving as He Himself did it by prayed from the Cross; “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Any Christian imitating this act of forgiving becomes the living witness to Jesus Christ. Steven McDonald without doubt is one of such witnesses of our time. He is the sign of the power of the Gospel, for he proved forgiving is more powerful than all emotions of anger, hatred and revenge, even more powerful than all human laws. It is the power of God shining through him. Forgiving is an act of love. It is a decision taken in faith to repay with the goodness towards the wicked or evil one. Only such Christian whose faith is really perfected, whose love is matured and whose spirit is high can truly forgive. Steven McDonald was always known as a loving Christian. He was dynamic and active in doing well during the duty as a police officer and outside the duty, at home loving the family dearly and serving the society, helping the needy selflessly. In fact, by forgiving, he offered to the teenager the best love, which even his own parents might not have ever given him. Forgiving is a very spiritual act, in fact a sure evidence of spiritual maturity of the soul. It is an act of saving two souls; one’s own soul from anger, hatred and resentment and another’s soul from a grave sin and guilt of it. It is an act of liberating and freeing oneself from negativity and from the clutches of the evil one. Forgiveness is God’s victory, for in forgiveness God is glorified and exalted. Steven McDonald by his act of forgiving, made the Cross of Christ exalted high. Continued on page 17

Page 17 CLARION November 2016Continued from page 16 We say that to err is human and to forgive is divine. It is an act of imitating the Heavenly Father of being merciful as well as a requirement of Jesus Christ to be forgiven: “If you do not forgive the men their trespasses, neither your heavenly Father will forgive you” (Mt. 6:15). As St. John Vianney said, “The saints have no hatred, no bitterness; they forgive everything, and think they deserve much more for their offenses against God.” And anyone who lays down one’s life by forgiving sees the heaven open like St. Stephen, the first martyr of the Church: “And Stephen said, Behold I see the heavens open and Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). Thereafter the Church is blessed with many witnesses of saints and martyrs forgiving their murders, persecutors, enemies, and critics. We have many examples of great saints like St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), who was once shot at by a lawyer who hated him without any reason, but the bullet shot missed him but hit a priest standing next to him. Later the lawyer was sentenced to death in the court but St. Francis de Sales pleaded on his behalf and the death sentence was commutated. But the lawyer unrepentant as he walked out of the court spat in the face of St. Francis de Sales. Again, Francis de Sales responded by forgiving and praying for the lawyer to change his disposition. We too have such a great example of forgiveness by St. Maria Gorretti (1890-1902), who as a young virgin, forgave her assaulter and killer Alessandro, who stabbed her fourteen times. Not the least nor the last we have, St. John Paul II who forgave Mehmet Ali Agca, his would be assassin who shot him at St. Peter’s squire on May 13, 1981. Unless Steven McDonald was of a saintly character, the forgiveness would not be his only response towards the teenager. It is known that Steven McDonald always had loved the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, the prayer for peace. And God transformed him into what he prayed, “He himself had become one of such instruments of peace”! Truly he was a saintly person. Pope Francis during his private pilgrimage to Assisi on August 4, 2016 said, “The world needs forgiveness; too many people are caught up in resentment and harbor hatred because they are incapable of forgiving. They ruin their own lives and the lives of those around them rather than finding the joy of serenity and peace.” The world needs many more Stevens, will you be the next one please?

Forgiving is the sweetest charity done towards the spiritual good of the other. St. Augustine said, “The greatest charity is none is greater than that by which we forgive from our heart a sin that someone has committed against us.” It was very true in the case of Steven McDonald, as he wrote in his letter of forgiving the teenager; “I have realized that anger is a wasted emotion….... I’m sometimes angry at the teen-ager boy who shot me. But more often I feel sorry for him. I only hope that he can turn his life into helping and not hurting people. I forgive him and hope that he can find peace and purpose in his life.” The Cross was not just a religious sign in his life, he himself had become that day truly the living Cross of Christ. Rev. Dr. Richard Britto Church of St. Aidan Williston Park The Irish Corner: May your days be very happy May your life be free from cares May Saint Patrick ask our Blessed Lord to answer all your prayers. May good Saint Patrick bless you and keep you in his care and may our Lord be near you to answer every prayer.

May God give you... For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer "For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way, Good health, good luck, and happiness For today and every day.” As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all our readers Go mbeannai dia duit May God Bless You Ken Lyons, Editor

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