Category: Newsletters

Brother Knights and Friends, 

Let me be among the first to wish you all a very blessed, healthy and Happy New Year!

The theme of this newsletter is not to dwell on the resolutions not achieved in the past year, but to learn from them a resolute new year. You will notice that some of our upcoming events are repeated in various articles and calendars, this is by design to help you remember them. In particular our first meeting of the year this Wednesday, January 3^rd in the Social Hall. This is where it all begins.

Grand Knight Mark Garcellano, as he prepares the agenda for the new year is asking for help in ways that may be more accommodating to your schedule. We each have preferred ways we would like to participate in events, whether it be planning in advance, coming only to the days of the events, or providing details for submission after the event that we can all learn from.

I encourage each of my brother knights and friends to read the newsletter in its entirety to understand for yourself which of these activities may be best suited for you. I assure you many are.

Thank you to GK Mark Garcellano for providing us with a road map of the quarter ahead, and to DGK Dave Kudla for his unique perspective of past events. To SDDR and Financial Secretary Ray Bilyk for his relentless dedication to building our council, and to Deacon Chuck for his contributions in writing and actions for our church and council. Thank you to PGK Bill Robert for his down to earth perspective of our purpose as catholic men, to Brian Batko for his enduring good spirit and dedication to fraternity, and to Dick Gregoire for his lively conversational writing approach to life. Thank you to those of you that have promised your own contributions in the coming year.

As we enter the holiday season our council invites each member and their family and friends to celebrate with us. We start with a Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 2nd, featuring John Tibbs, a top-notch entertainer in Christian music. With special guest the Bell Ringer of Christ The King parish John and his guests will bring to St. Pius Church an evening of fun and faith. Please see the flyer on page 4 of the newsletter to learn more.

On Sunday, December 10th, you are invited to our annual Christmas Party at Hungarian Rhapsody Restaurant on Northline in Southgate. Dinner for two is only $25.00 or $12.50 per person. This event has always been a blast. For sure, you will have a great time. Food will be great, and the company outstanding! Page 5 flyer has the details.

St. Nick returns while he warms up for Christmas as our guest of honor for Brunch with Santa on December 17th in the St. Pius School Activity Center after 11:00 Mass. Proceeds go toward out St. Pius Tuition Scholarship. Last year’s event was so well received that registration and wristband are necessary for this year. Volunteers are greatly needed. See the link to sign-up on page 6.

Besides the flyers, each of our contributors has written from their perspective what this season, this council and this community has given to them. As we approach this last month of the year, my hope is that in reading the thoughts of these fine men, you will learn why this council is a gift to you. I assure you, it will make you a better person, more than you thought you could be. I Guarantee It!

Blessing to you all your loved ones this holy Advent and Christmas season.

Peace,
Anthony (Tony) Chirco
Newsletter Editor

https://www.kofc3956.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/K-of-C-Newsletter-December-2023.pdf

Happy Thanksgiving!

GOD Invented Thanksgiving. Would you agree? After all, all that is good in this world is from God. So, Thank him first. Recall all that is good in your life and find a way to thank the Lord by helping others, here through the Knights of Columbus.

When I joined this council of the Knights of Columbus, it was Dave Sadjak that recruited me. As you will read, Dave has relocated to Florida where he is still active in the St. Anthony Council. Dave was among several officers that welcomed me. People like Tony Cerezo who we lost several years ago, Bob LaForest who I knew when my kids were attending St. Pius school, Ray Bilyk who still inspires me and Dave who I try to stay in touch with. These are the best examples of what a good man is.

I joined with a group of men that continue to give so much of their time and energy. Mark Garcellano is our Grand Knight; Bill Robert is our Past Grand Knight and Bob Schooner was our Past Deputy Grand Knight. Each of them still usher with me at 11:00 mass on Sundays. Now we are blessed by a new group of fine men who have taken on the challenge that is the Knights of Columbus. I won’t name them so as not to forget one or another. Our council has flourished with men who were here before me, joined with me others who become a member more recently. I know there are others among us, perhaps yourself who is ready to be the best version of yourself by becoming more active and volunteering for any of our necessary charitable works.

This month’s articles are among the best I have ever had the privilege to work with. Father Suresh was kind enough to share one of his recent homilies about how we should not expect life to be fair but to know that God is. I hope to see you at mass and are our next event. Read on to find out more.  

Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

Peace,

Anthony (Tony) Chirco, Newsletter Editor

https://www.kofc3956.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/K-of-C-Newsletter-November-2023.pdf

Brother Knights and friends,

What is it that you truly enjoy? Let’s admit it, giving is fun. We offer so many ways for you to have a good time. You will be glad you did come around. This October newsletter has something for you. See the meeting agenda on page two.

The Newsletter showcases our Knights of Columbus council expanding its contributions to the broader community. We have a larger presence in the Fourth Degree. For many years only a fraction of our fraternal organization were members. That fraction is increasing regularly, spearheaded by our own DD Ray Bilyk, who has been elected Worthy Navigator.

Our support of St. Pius X School continues. Our recent Tony Cerezo Memorial Golf Tournament committee chose the St. Pius Tuition Scholarship as the recipient of the proceeds from that event.

We were very much involved with the Parish Festival by operating two of the most popular venues including the Toss and Cheap Eats booths. There was a greater need for hands on deck. These types of undertakings require more volunteers.

This newsletter offers an opportunity for you the see what we do and why we do it. There is a place for you. Come learn more by enjoying the camaraderie of men like yourself at our general business meetings, this evening, the first Wednesday of the month, in the Social Hall beginning at 6:00 pm.

Peace!
Anthony (Tony) Chirco, Newsletter Editor and PR Director

https://www.kofc3956.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/K-of-C-Newsletter-October-2023.pdf

My dear Brother Knights and our friends,

I would like to share a blessing with you. On September 5th my granddaughter was born. They named her Giuliana April, or GIGI as my grandson chooses to call her. I share this with you because of the overwhelming joy that it brings to my heart.

We each have had similar moments in life.
For some of us, it is a wedding, a child born, a special event with family and friends, and for others it is receiving what many of us take for granted: Like a meal, a coat, an embrace from a loved one, or maybe a stranger that shows somebody cares about them. We want more of these moments, and we want others less fortunate to have them as well. As Knights of Columbus, we have a responsibility to offer more of these moments.

In the months ahead you have an opportunity to do just that with us. Think about that as you read our newsletter. Read the flyers as they too in some way give us a chance to use our God given gifts to help those that need us. Coats for Kids is a great example. Raising money for our blessed St. Pius X school at the St. Pius Festival, and fund raising for M-Drive are notable upcoming projects. Also recruiting new members bring more talented men to help us carry the load.

Special thanks to my brother knights who worked hard to put this newsletter together. A shout out to our worthy DD, Ray Bilyk who inspires me and brings to our attention many reasons to be a knight. To GK Mark Garcellano who is an outstanding persona of relentless energy for good purpose. To David Kudla who allows us to articulate his messages. To PGK Bill Robert who steps in when I need him the most. To Robert Park for being my right-hand man. To each of you that help in ways that are absolutely necessary to meet the needs of our community. May you all have special moments and plenty of them.

Peace,
Anthony (Tony) Chirco
Newsletter Editor and PR Director

https://www.kofc3956.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/K-of-C-Newsletter-September-2023.pdf

My Brother Knights and Friends,

Thank you to my co-editor Robert Park who has taken on the responsibility to prepare “Knights Corner” for the St. Pius X weekly bulletin. Thank you Debie Solis, bulletin editor for working with us each month. Of course, to all our dedicated contributors who again share their talents with you.

Please note that repetition in this month’s newsletter is by design. Events such as the Third Annual Tony Cerezo Memorial Golf Tournament this upcoming Saturday, August 5th, and the Annual Downriver K of C Picnic on Saturday August 26th are mentioned multiple times along with Flyers. These are significant events on our calendar, and we want you to be a part of each.

Fraternity is an important part of any organization. It is a principal part of the Knights of Columbus. We welcome all members to be a part of these. For those that golf (that’s most of us), we encourage you to come and enjoy the day. There is still time to put a foursome together. For those with families (that’s all of us), come to the picnic. Our K of C council will be well represented and there will be fun no matter your age. Kid’s will have a great time and the cost of $5.00 per carload is an amazing bargain. See the flyers for more information.

Our prayer list continues to grow. Please add Larry Rossi, Tom Monteleon and the family of Richard Gregoire. If there are other intentions, please let us know. We are a brotherhood that is there for each other in prayer and support.

At the conclusion of the newsletter, after the birthday and anniversary wishes, and Robert’s poignant reflection is an article recognizing St. Pius X and his feast day on August 26th. I found this fascinating and had to share it with you. His prayer to St. Joseph is added as our Prayer for the Month. Please read it and keep it with you. It is an inspiring invocation reflecting on labor, grace and talents. Have a blessed month!

Peace,
Anthony (Tony) Chirco
Newsletter Editor and PR Director

https://www.kofc3956.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/K-of-C-Newsletter-August-2023.pdf

Brother Knights and Friends,

Growing up, Independence Day was a special holiday in my family. Both my uncles were vets and marched proudly in the Fourth of July parade. The night before, our families would meet at Bishop Park in Wyandotte to be awed by the fireworks. My Grandfather came to America through Ellis Island to start a new life here. He told me, the first purchase he made was a suit, the second was an American flag which he proudly displayed at the top of his front porch. He instilled in us a pride for what these United States represent: The opportunity to use our God given talents to pursue our aspirations and be the best version of yourself.

As we grew older and started a family of our own, we would carry on the tradition he started. My kids remember fondly the fireworks and parade. Now my grandson will be going to his first parade. I hope that pride we share carries on for you and your families. Deacon Chuck brings it home with his articulate writing, tying together the flag and the cross. This newsletter concludes with a powerful prayer for religious freedom. Read each to your kids and grandkids.

Our third annual Tony Cerezo Memorial Golf Tournament and Luncheon is coming up on August 5th. Get your foursome together and sign up. Members of his council will be given a generous discount. Please sign up online. Hole sponsors are also requested. Details are within this newsletter.

Our general business meeting is this Wednesday, July 5th in the Social Hall. Food and socializing begin at 6:00 and our meeting at 7:00. I look forward to seeing you here!

Peace,
Anthony (Tony) Chirco
Newsletter Editor and PR Director

https://www.kofc3956.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/K-of-C-Newsletter-July-2023.pdf

Brother Knights and Friends,

Congratulations to each of the newly elected 2023-2024 officers of our O’Brien council 3956. To each of the freshman officers, welcome. I assure you, the commitment you have made will be well worth your time and energy. We look forward to your leadership.

We celebrate the number 50 this month:
It is our 50th consecutive issue. It has been a labor of love. Special thanks to my Co-Editor Robert Park who has now, starting in June taken on the responsibility to write “Knights Corner, our weekly contribution to the St. Pius X Bulletin. Thank you to our Worthy DD Ray Bilyk who besides mentoring our council, has distributed, and monitored our newsletter. Thank you to Worth Grand Knight Mark Garcellano for his ireless contribution to our council which includes headlining this newsletter with his thoughts, wisdom, and photos each month. Thank you as well to Dave Kudla, Bill Robert, Brian Batko, and Dick Gregoire who each has contributed their thoughts each month.

The number 50…

HAPPY 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO OUR GOOD FRIEND, PGK AND ADVOCATE BILL ROBERT AND HIS BRIDE LINDA AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSAY ON JUNE 8th!!

May God Bless you both with many more years together in good health.

To all my brother knights and their loved ones, have a great month and remember our general business meeting this Wednesday in the Social Hall beginning with a happy Hour at 6:00 pm.

Peace,
Anthony (Tony) Chirco
Newsletter Editor and PR Director

https://www.kofc3956.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/K-of-C-Newsletter-June-2023.pdf

Brother Knights and Friends,

Our newsletter begins with an invitation to our next business membership meeting on May 3, 2023. We will be accepting more nominations of officers and then elections. These will be the men who will have an opportunity to set the direction of our council for the next twelve months. We each have our ideas of what service to the community is of the most importance. This is an opportunity to set that direction by seeking an officer’s position or becoming a director or project chairman.

For those that just want to help, there will be plenty of opportunities. For those that want a fun time, there will be plenty of opportunities. Upcoming will be our Charity Family Breakfast, The Motorcycle Blessing, Celebration of Mother’s Day, a Red Wing game, a Tiger game, a Euchre game for the adults, planning a parade, a memorial golf tournament, our church festival and more.

As always, I encourage you to read the articles from many of our officers. Each has a message to deliver that is near and dear to their heart. Give them the courtesy of reading what they have to say. See that there are opportunities to volunteer online for many of our upcoming projects. Read on to learn more.

Peace,
Anthony (Tony) Chirco
Newsletter Editor, PR Director and Trustee

https://www.kofc3956.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/K-of-C-Newsletter-May-2023.pdf

Brother Knights and Friends,

HAPPY EASTER!

Our newsletter arrives in the mist of so much going on. Our council is growing as this past month, we announced five new brother knights will be joining us. Welcome each of you. Your decision to help us build a better community is much appreciated.

Thank you as well to our “seasoned” brother knights who tirelessly work for the greater good. Our school, our associated charities, the less privileged all are much better for the work that you offer for them.

We strongly encourage those who have been reluctant to offer their help, to come to our meeting on May 5th and see for yourself, not only what you have been missing in your life, but see for yourself what others, less fortunate are missing because you hesitate to use God’s gift for the purpose he intended for you.

For the small council that we are, we do so much. Imagine how much more could be offered if more of us come forward. Many of our active brother knights came back. We are so fortunate that they did.

There were a lot of men at our last meeting. My co-editor Robert Park’s reflection observes. “We have not peaked. The men before us laid a foundation for a strong organization. Be hopeful about the future of the Church and the work we have ahead of us.”

Peace!

Anthony (Tony) Chirco
P.R. Director, Editor and Trustee
K of C Council #3956

https://www.kofc3956.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/K-of-C-Newsletter-April-2023.pdf