Divine Mercy Assembly at Chapel Hill

January Social Set

2011-12-29T22:07:00.001-05:00

First Class dining in Durham

It is time to spiff up your tux to look sharp for your lady as you prepare for our January 2012 Fourth Degree Social at the Durham University Club.

The dinner is Wednesday, January 25th, 2012.

We will have our social gathering (cash bar) at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m. we will sit down and prepare for another great dinner buffet.

The price is the same as before and includes your gratuity. That means you will dine in luxury for less than you pay at one of those local chain restaurants.

Amputees Go Home for Christmas

2011-12-06T14:41:00.001-05:00

For five consecutive years our Assembly has stepped forward to do something to honor our veterans on Veterans Day. We took time to honor our serving military by doing something very special for our wounded warriors. This group has a larger number of amputees than earlier conflicts.

They have returned home from the battlefield to receive rehabilitation training and prosthetics. This is an amazing group of proud men and women. They are eager to return to normal and many want to return to duty! But, they are assigned to hospitals and rehab and would not normally have the funds to go home for Christmas. We changed that!

The Knights of the Fourth Degree, Desoto Province (North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico), jointly use this time of year to raise money to send our local North Carolina amputees home for Christmas. This includes both Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune soldiers, sailors, and marines. We do this by working with the Military Order of the Purple Heart. They provide matching funds and ensure the vets get taken care of.

Last year the Desoto Province worked to help send 303 warriors home by mid-December. Then, 60 more flew in with 17 war dead. It was December 15th. Our Knights and the Military Order of the Purple Heart met the challenge and quickly raised enough money to include these 60 vets!

We are humbled and honored to perform this service as part of our ministry. Our Assembly raised $5,125.56. We thank the members of our assembly and the parishes of St. Thomas More and Holy Cross in Durham for their deep pockets and warm hearts.

Watch this video to see just what a difference we are making by seeing our hospitalized veterans return to normal through rehab. You are sure to agree, they deserve it! Remember, it is not too early to start filling a coin jar for next year's drive.

Have you listened to the words?

2011-12-05T00:41:00.001-05:00

We go through life listening, but not hearing. We see, but often miss the horizon and the colors. This is also true with music.

The Battle Hymn of the Republic. You have heard it a thousand times, but have you read the words as it is sung? Can you hear the words now echoing in your mind?

It arrived today in my mailbox from Sir Knight Joe Acciarito and I was about to delete it. It was loading slowly and I, as always, was in a hurry. Something told me to slow down, to take it a little easier, to listen. I could hear Joe! An introduction appeared and I was intrigued, then flag unfurled and I was in awe.

Patriotism is our basis, the bible is our sword. Watch, listen, and read the words as they are sung. It is a message about Christ and His love. Watch video

Holy Cross Celebrates 72nd Anniversary

2011-11-30T18:01:00.001-05:00

Holy Cross Catholic Church is celebrating their 72nd Anniversary this weekend. As in the past, they are inviting the Assembly Color Corps to join them in that celebration at their Sunday Liturgy, Dec. 4th, at 10 a.m.

Color Corps members should be at the church in full Regalia. If you’re able to join us please try to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. The church address is: 2438 South Alston Avenue Durham, NC 27713-1302.

Thanks for your support and participation.

They'll be home for Christmas

2011-11-22T12:52:00.001-05:00

For the fifth year in a row, St. Thomas More Knights have taken a special collection to benefit hospitalized amputees.

Stationed at the exists with just a basket, a small sign and a smile, they were greeted with coins, dollars and checks. There were five collections over the weekend and the parish was very generous. The final tally? It was $3,638.54.

Our Assembly joins other assemblies in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. Last year a total of 363 hospitalized amputees were sent home to be with their families. We appreciate the support and generosity of The Military Order of the Purple Heart for their matching our collection.

Vietnam Veterans Honored

2011-11-14T21:45:00.000-05:00

Fayetteville put on a one week show to honor all Vietnam veterans. Many remembered that their welcome home was less than expected, to say the least.

That memory was what the town of Fayetteville worked hard to erase. The week was filled with parades, exhibits, honors, music, fun, and recognition. In the midst of it all were Knights of the Fourth Degree serving in honor guards.

Wounded Warriors - Veterans Day 2011

2011-10-27T12:29:00.009-04:00

On Veterans Day, we honor the living. There is a special group of living veterans that we, members of the Desoto Province, honor. These are amputees at Camp Lejeune and Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

These men and women are now hospitalized and undergoing treatment for their war injuries and they will be there over the Christmas holiday period. We send them home to be with their families.

For the last five years, the Knights of Columbus Assemblies within the DeSoto Province have raised money through pancake breakfasts, events, fund raisers and collections from parishioners. We do this through the Wounded Warriors Program and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Military Order of the Purple Heart has been matching each dollar with a dollar.

Knights at St. Thomas More Church (Chapel Hill) and Holy Cross Church (Durham) will collect donations after each mass on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13th. Please be generous.

Our first year helped under 100 soldiers and marines. Last year we helped 303, then, on December 19th, a new plane load arrived from the Middle East with 60 wounded and 17 dead. We dug into our pockets and one donor made one exceptionally large gift to help us come up with more funds to take care of the additional 60 and a total of 363 went home.

These year we are looking to raise $400,000 from our churches in North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico. All donations are tax deductible. Make your checks payable to the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Add a notation that the check is for the Wounded Warriors Amputee Project. The Military Order of the Purple Heart will provide you with a card of thanks and receipt for your gift.

Watch a WTVD-TV, ABC 11, broadcast that honored Sir Knight Robert Singer and this important project. Just click on the arrow below.

Cleaning up Bowden Rd

2011-10-27T11:56:00.001-04:00

They flipped off the television, jumped into their cars and headed to Bowden Road to pick up trash. What they found, besides the trash, was a fun time with their brothers. Being part of the Assembly is more than just meetings. It is time together sharing in patriotic events, dinners, socials, ball games, and just plain fun.

Where are you in this picture? Missing? Can we count on your next time? It's Jan 21-28th, TBA.

Praising Him with Song, His Song

2011-10-25T13:36:00.000-04:00

A special thanks goes to Tom Chegash for sharing this musical rendition of The Lord's Prayer, song by Andrea Bocelli.

Our Psalms were made to be song. And, some priests will sing parts of the mass. There is something very haunting, embracing, and humbling in the music that serves the Lord. It is what brings our mass alive. Music grabs our heart. It pulls at our memories, our hopes, and our dreams. Join me on a special musical journey. Maybe you will return to bookmark this page and take time each day before or after your prayers to embrace His command,

"This, then, is how you should pray:" ~Jesus, Matt 6:9

Roadwork Coming - Oct 22

2011-10-16T15:16:00.000-04:00

Chris writes us from the comfort of his easy chair...

"The road that we are responsible for cleaning is “Bowden Rd.” a short 1.5 mile stretch that connects Jones Ferry Rd. to Old Greensboro Rd.

Mike Pacilio has supplies that he will hand them on to Mike Memrick. Thanks much for picking up the work while I’m temporarily decommissioned. I’m going into port for an overhaul and hope to be back to active duty by mid November."

Tempus Fugit Memento Mori Exemplified

2011-10-16T14:31:00.000-04:00

Time flies, remember death... Remember that Knights motto? You have said it many times and yet we sometimes forget the simplicity of its message.

Last week, Steve Jobs of Apple fame passed away in his fifties. Much too early for a man of his genius.

This writer is not a fan of all things Apple. I explored Commodore and IBM products early on and settled comfortably in the world of Microsoft Windows. I later added Linux, but still kept things pretty safe with Windows-based products. That was where my friends were. Not so for Steve Jobs.

On the other side of the communications model was Apple Computers and, of course, Steve Jobs. They made white boxes that dared to be different. Steve was so different and "out there," that his own company, Apple, fired him. He went on to create Next Computers, Pixar, and other great products that changed Disney and made Steve and his company a fortune.

Steve then returned to Apple and the rest is history. They had lost their way. His drive and vision took Apple, and the world, to places we never dreamed of. Even if you don't have an Apple product, his vision and spark created Apple-like products that touch you and your families. Our telephones, communications, and many things that support the entertainment industry and business in general, are fruits of his vision.

Now this may seem out of the norm for our Assembly blog, but it is not. He led his life for the greater good of his community. That, too, is the message of the Knights.

We are here to make a difference. We are here to add to life and our world. That is especially true of Knights of the Fourth Degree. We make a difference in our community and our churches.

So, sit back for a minute and listen to music created from Apple products and the words spoken by Steven Jobs as he spoke of Tempus Fugit Memento Mori.

Not Too Hot to Celebrate our Birthday

2011-07-04T19:44:00.000-04:00

It was our sixth year at Caldwell and the temperature was forecast as hot, hot, hot. The call went out to dress down for the parade and just wear our branded golf shirts. "No Way!" was the answer. "We are ready for full regalia!" And that is what our color corps did!

The temperature was hot and set to reach 97 degrees, but there was a gentle breeze from the north and we had wind to our face and flags blowing in the wind. What a sight.

As we waited on the side of the road for the parade to form, we watch the unofficial Caldwell Air Force do its annual flyover. The color corps chatted with fellow veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. There was even a three-generation family of veterans in the parade and several two generation families, too.

Gil Montoya, Grand Marshal, receives salute.

Our families were waiting anxiously at the Caldwell Community Center and we were ready to take the one mile journey.

Gil Montoya was late and had to divert to the community center and catch a ride back to be with us in the parade, but he was blocked because the parade was about to move. We found him at the NC 57 parade start point with his Uncle Sam red, white and blue cap. You could not miss him and his smiling face, then it happened.

The parade MC asked, "Who do we have who is seven or older?," as he looked over toward Gil. "You, come on over here," he said and he motioned to Gil. After a brief introduction and learning that Gil was with the Knights of Columbus Divine Mercy Assembly, Gil was declared the official parade Grand Marshal. What an honor and we were all proud to hear him talk about the patriotism of the Fourth Degree.

We were the lead in the parade, so we were able to watch the rest of the participants come in. The march for us was 22 minutes and the parade lasted 44 minutes.

There were hot dogs, beans, watermelon, cakes, pies and lots of other treats for the 80+ attendees. This is about 25% more than last year. Lots and lots of new people and family are joining us for one of the best kept secrets of Orange County. The Caldwell July 4th Parade. How about you? Will we see you next year?

Assembly Officers Installed

2011-07-02T23:03:00.001-04:00

The Assembly gathered this month to install the new officers for Assembly year 2011-12. Robert Grabasky, District Master, was the officiating officer.

We were privileged to be able to hold this event at the University Club in Durham again this year. Thanks to club member Jim Boyd, we were able to hold the installation and enjoy a great formal dinner buffet. The dinners are simply beyond compare.

Photos of the event are courtesy of David Kuboushek.

Thank you, David, for taking the pictures and sharing them with us.

Divine Mercy Sunday - May 1st

2011-04-26T13:55:00.002-04:00

When our assembly was started, we debated whether to name the assembly after Pope John Paul II or Divine Mercy to support Divine Mercy Sunday, an observance that was very special to Pope John Paul. We chose the latter and our new assembly was formed.

The Pope died several years later, on the Vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday. This year he is to be beautified and, again, on Divine Mercy Sunday. It is the final step before sainthood. Learn more

Please join us as we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday at St. Thomas More Church for a 4 p.m. service.

All Knights of the Fourth Degree are asked to wear their full regalia and to lead the procession and serve as honor guard for the Divine Mercy icon.

All other fourth degree knights should wear their social regalia. Knights of the Third Degree are in jacket and tie.

After the service, all knights and their ladies are encouraged to attend a 7 p.m. dinner at Spartacus Restaurant in Durham.

Learn more about celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday.

One bag at a time

2011-04-11T12:42:00.001-04:00

Ever drive down a country road to enjoy the view and slower pace only to find our roads littered with debris from other cars and trucks? Our Assembly is now on the ground to pick up the debris and make a difference.

Mike Pacilio and Mike Memrick joined our Faithful Navigator, Chris Cushing, to clean up our designated road this past weekend for our first Adopt-a-Highway event. The team of three went down one side and back up the other for two and a half hours. They collected four bags on the 1.5 mile route. Chris said, "It's, without a doubt, the best stretch of road I've ever cleaned."

Reflecting on 2010

2011-01-01T13:36:00.001-05:00

Bishop Burbidge at Holy Cross Church

We have just concluded another very successful calendar year as a relatively new assembly. We have much to be thankful for, but, more importantly, we have much to be proud of as knights of the fourth degree.

The singular item of the year that we should be most proud of is not our contributions to charity or our help of veterans and church events. It is the strengthening of our assembly at the local church level. It is our bonding as one to support each member parish and their church events. We often join in to provide honor guards for churches and the bishop, funerals, and special church anniversaries and holy days.

Our sir knights have done great things to promote charity and patriotism. Roxboro, with its tiny church and huge heart, is always doing outstanding things with Operation Lamb and community support. St. Matthews members, too, has been very supportive of their community and church. Maria Immaculata, St. Thomas More and Holy Cross also set the pace for local knights in action. All fourth degree knights support the goals and programs of the assembly and order, and all are ensuring that their activities extend far beyond a periodic meeting in Chapel Hill.

Our biggest fund raiser is not really an assembly fund raiser. It is the good will offerings we collect for wounded amputee warriors--soldiers, sailors and marines--on Veterans Day weekend. We held our first collection four years ago, and each year since, we have received significant parish support. This year we had two other assembly churches join in. One, St. Matthews, held a pancake breakfast to honor veterans. The meal was free, but donations for the Wounded Warrior program were accepted. They raised $680 after expenses for the food. Holy Cross passed the hat after Sunday mass and collected $724! Total contributions for the project from our assembly totaled $4,947.66.

So, how was the money spent? We sent our funds in to The Military Order of the Purple Heart where it was combined with collections from throughout the state, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and Puerto Rico. We do not have the final total, but over $65,000 was donated last year. We do know, however, how well we supported our amputees. Here is the count:

Camp Lejuene - 221 men
Ft. Bragg - 50 men
Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point - 11 men

"We also have 20 stragglers who are not yet released from the hospital but will be early enough to go home for Christmas. This is an all time record of Wounded Warriors. Thank God we have had a good year raising funds." wrote Bob Singer, Vice Supreme Master, Knights of Columbus.

Four years ago, this program did not exist. Bob Singer encouraged us to help. We were a newly chartered assembly, but we went to work and our church raised $4,000 the first year. It was the largest donation in North Carolina and a catalyst for the program. Each year we, as a combined group, send many soldiers, sailors and marines home for Christmas with their families.

We, the Fourth Degree, also purchased 13 winter coats for homeless veterans (delivered via the VA hospital) and visit hospitalized veterans each month to hold bingo and award prizes. We also provide an honor guard for the Caldwell July 4th Parade.

St. Thomas More can be proud of their Knights of the Fourth Degree and local Knights Council. We continue to set a standard within the state and Order.

There has been a lot of hard work, but we have a lot more to do. If you are not a member of the Fourth Degree, maybe it is time for you to step forward and join our patriotic arm of the Knights of Columbus.

Taking Care of our Hospitalized Military at Christmas

2010-12-07T14:13:00.001-05:00

It started four years ago with an idea from Sir Knight Robert Singer, Desoto Province District Master. The Military Order of the Purple Heart had started a program for returning from combat amputees. They were in military hospitals in Camp Lejeune and Ft. Bragg. Christmas was fast approaching and they were stuck in the hospital.

Spending Christmas on base was never a pleasant mission. Spending it on base as a recent amputee waiting to be released is absolutely heartbreaking. Bob Singer asked North Carolina Assemblies to help send them home by donating money which would then be matched dollar for dollar by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Our then Faithful Navigator, Lee Heavlin, came up with an idea to ask for a goodwill offering for amputees on Veterans Day after each mass. We have a Saturday mass and four on Sunday. Permission was granted to post knights in the narthex and a pulpit announcement was made.

The first year's Veterans Day total collection was an astounding amount; $3,499. Each year we managed to maintain this level of giving, even with a tanking economy. The St. Thomas More Church members have always been generous and the church continues to support this special offering on Veterans Day weekend each year.

So, "How did we do this year? Well, true to tradition, the church collection was $3,992.66. We exceeded last year's collection by $500. Wait, it gets better. Our Fourth Degree Knights in Durham did something extra special this year.

Holy Cross Church passed the collection plate after mass one Sunday. When the tally came in, Ron Patterson was amazed. "I thought we would get a few hundred, but then they told me it was $722.47! I was shocked." Holy Cross has only been in its new building for three years, this week. They are not a wealthy church, but they have big hearts.

Next came St. Matthew Catholic Church in Durham. The Sir Knights of St. Matthew's did not pass the plate. They held a pancake breakfast. All breakfasts were free, but there was a basket for donations, with proceeds to go to the amputees. After expenses, $680 was raised. Another small church with a big heart. In fact, St. Matthew's is the smallest church in the Assembly.

Are you doing the math? Our total Assembly contribution this year is $4,672.66.

The groundswell of North Carolina Fourth Degree support for this annual project has spread to neighboring states of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. Our province assemblies raised $65,000 last year. Bob Singer is now our Vice Supreme Master and the supporting knights are all part of the DeSoto Province.

When someone asks you what we do in the Fourth Degree, tell them this story. Then tell them any one of a hundred or more that make up the history of Divine Mercy Assembly 3005. We dare to make a difference by helping others, not ourselves.

Assembly Supports Homeless Vets

2010-11-12T21:20:00.002-05:00

New Parkas

The call came from the Durham VA Medical Center for help for our homeless veterans. Winter nights are here and the temperature is dropping. Our assembly responded immediately by funding five insulated parkas with hoods.

The VA asked many local Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh area veteran volunteer groups to help them obtain 100 coats. Our five coats were the first from Chapel Hill.

Many of our members are also members of Veterans of Foreign Wars C. V. Cummings Post 9100 in Chapel Hill. They, too, took action and obtained 12 more winter coats. All of the coats were delivered last week just as the first freeze of the year arrived. Mr. Dave Grupy, VA Volunteer Service Office was elated to receive the our joint contribution of brand new parkas and down-filled coats.

We thank all assembly members for their support of our local veterans, especially the homeless.

Story Postscript: St. Matthews Church, Durham, knights got together and raised enough money for three more coats. Then, Holy Cross Church, also of Durham, raised more money, too. This added four coats. Our assembly total is now 12 coats for homeless veterans.

Holy Cross Celebrates African Culture and Heritage

2010-10-03T20:45:00.001-04:00

Holy Cross was special today. It was celebrating the "richness and diversity of our African culture and heritage." This is an annual event that the assembly strongly supports. Eleven sir knights joined together to provide an honor guard for the parish priest, Reverend Raymond J. Donaldson, S.J., and celebrant, Reverend Joseph Orji.

The kids were wide-eyed and curious as they watched the "pirates" with caps and swords. Ah, the world through the eyes of a child. The knights knights followed the church choir in the procession. The pride reflected in the faces of the congregation made this writer stand a little straighter and taller.

At the end of the mass, a child stopped by the knights with this mother. He had written a special thank you. It read, "Dear Kights (sic), Thank you for helping this church be the best church of all time. Love Steven Watts."

Steven, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It was our honor to serve you, your family, and your church.

This is an event that deserves our support. Holy Cross church is always alive with color, music, wonderful people, and The Holy Spirit. Today, many wore attire modeled after the dress of Africa. Prayers were said in English, Yoruba and Igbo (Nigeria), Krio (Siera Leon), Ga and Ewe (Ghana), and French. All reflected the roots of the Durham African-American community.

Mark your calendars for next year, as this is an annual event.

Fall Festival a Success!

2010-10-02T21:57:00.000-04:00

The wheel was spinning at the Assembly-sponsored roulette wheel. Patients of the Community Living Center filled the VAMC dining room for a Fall Festival of fun.

About ten groups joined in the festival, including the Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars from Durham and Raleigh. Our assembly activity is funded by the Chapel Hill Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Don Williams was the keeper of the table and was joined by Robert Larson and his new bride, Rebecca. Also there was our Faithful Navigator, Chris Cushing, and David Lucas.

The games began at 7 p.m. and included various games of chance. There was poker, bag toss races, horse racing and other games. Everyone was a winner. Prizes included canteen chitbooks, cash, and special ditty bags full of good stuff for our vets.

David Lucas and his crew of VA volunteers can use your support. No gathering is too large. Our vets enjoy visits from churches, veterans groups, and local community service and church teams. Why not sign up for their next BINGO night at the VA Medical Center? You will have a great time with your brother sir knights.

Recognizing Veterans

2010-09-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

The Assembly is going to recognize the veterans of our respective churches this year for Veterans Day. We will do something similar for deceased veterans on Memorial Day.

The project includes gathering pictures of our veterans in uniform, at work or at play. Collected pictures will then been placed on one or more collages for display the week of Veterans Day. A separate display will include our parish men and women who are serving now.

Here is how you can help.

If you are a veteran, go through your yellowed photos and find one you would like to display. Smaller 4x6 photos are better than large ones. But, we can digitize larger shots and reduce them.
Write your name, rank and service on the back. Include the approximate date of the photo. Include your dates of service.
Give your photo to Joe Acciarito (10910), Jim Storey (3390), Don Williams (13812), or Ron Patterson (3390).

We will copy your photo and return it.

Our next step is to put announcements in our respective church bulletins. We want to include all veterans in our parishes. You can speed up the process by talking to your friends who are veterans. Be sure to include the families of our service men and women overseas or on duty now in the states.

A special thanks to Don Williams who came up with this idea as one of many ways we can recognize those who have served and serve now on Veterans Day. After all, we are the patriotic degree. This is our mission.

Caldwell July 4th Parade Assembly Color Corps

2010-07-19T14:24:00.000-04:00

If you were not there, you missed a great opportunity to give back something to our local community. There is nothing that makes you stand taller than to carry our national ensign in a parade. When you approach the crowd they begin to stand, come to attention and salute. Some eyes tear up, others glisten.

Caldwell, NC, is one mile of proud North Carolinians. Many have themselves served. Many others have a brother, sister, father, mother, or other family now serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other hot spot where our men and women serve today.

Sure, it was hot. It might have been too hot at 88 degrees for our Color Corps, but they proudly wore their full regalia and led the Knights of Columbus contingent. A steady breeze kept their flags gently flapping. It was the least they could do for Caldwell as their family members were a lot hotter. Weather.com is reporting that it is 97 right now, 91 tonight, and a sweltering 115 degrees tomorrow. Our troops endure that day in and day out with full backpacks, gear, ammo and water!

Our Color Corps this year consisted of George Cummings, Chris Cushing and Joe Accarito. Joe was able to capture some great shots of the knights and some of the veterans. You can view them on-line.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, C.V. Cummings Chapel Hill Post 9100, also has a video on-line and will soon publish photos. (Connect to video site)

Divine Mercy Sunday - April 11th

2010-03-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Divine Mercy Sunday is the Sunday after Easter. It completes the one week of events leading to the His appearance before the apostles and the ascension. It is a very special day where all are welcomed home as was done in the story of the prodigal son. This is the Feast of Divine Mercy.

Divine Mercy Sunday is a day of forgiveness. If you have been away from the church and want to come home, now is the time to do it and return to your family in the celebration of the Eucharist. Learn more

St. Thomas More Church, Chapel Hill, will also have a Divine Mercy Sunday devotion and adoration at 4 p.m., concluding at 6 p.m. Come join us.

View videos on the Chaplet of Divine mercy.

Wounded Warriors

2008-11-09T23:52:00.002-05:00

The Assembly sponsored our second annual Wounded Warriors Veterans Day challenge. Fr. John Durbin has once again supported a special good will offering from the parish.

At the end of each mass Knights and their families were stationed in the Narthex and outside the church. Each participant held a simple placard announcing the collection. Our priests and deacon announced the Knight's program at the conclusion of each mass and the parish support was outstanding. A total of $2,405.44 was collected. Each dollar will be matched for a total benefit of $4,810.88.

The monies are used by The Military Order of the Purple Heart to send amputee in-patients home for Christmas. This project benefits soldiers, sailors and marines in Ft. Bragg and Camp Lejeune. Last year there were 145 amputees in this group. This year there are about 185.

Thank you one and all for your generosity.

Holy Cross Installation

2008-10-17T00:38:00.004-04:00

"So, what does a Fourth Degree Knight do? What makes him different from other Knights of Columbus?" Well, some people have strange ideas, especially children. Overheard at a past feast, a child said in Spanish, "Look Mama, they are pirates!"

No, we are the Knights of the Third Degree that stood up and said that they want to do more for not only the council, the community, but for Holy Mother, the Church. So you will see us in tuxedos or in full regalia as we participate in church events, masses, and rituals.

Take a journey with our Color Corps, under the leadership of Sir Knight Chris Cushing, as they join other knights and our bishop, Bishop Burbidge, at Holy Cross Church in Durham on October 2nd. This is the installation of Holy Cross' new priest.

St, Paul's Basilica in Daytona Beach

2008-09-21T19:12:00.009-04:00

In your Faithful Admiral's travels within Florida, I came across not one, but two basilica's. The first was at The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine, Florida. The second was in Daytona Beach. It was the first church to receive designation as a basilica in America by Pope Benedict XVI. This is the Basilica Of St. Paul in Daytona Beach.

This was a must see as it was close to where we were staying in Port Orange. So, we spent Sunday morning at mass at St. Paul's. The mass was a delight. It was more formal, but very open and friendly. The church building was over 85 years old (the parish is 125 years old).

The church is similar in some aspects to St. Thomas More Church. In fact, the baptismal font is identical in design, but smaller and no walkway into the pool. The fountain overflows loudly and with authority. There is no doubt that the water is pouring into the deep pool. The sounds of cascading water echoes throughout the quiet church and enrich the experience of meditation and prayer.

Several things struck me as I was comparing our church to the basilica. The Blessed Sacrament was again behind the altar framed by a series of Romanesque columns. Above the altar is a massive dome that is lit as the candles receive their flame. It was humbling to be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. As each person walked up the center aisle you could see humility and respect for the Lord's presence. He was not hidden away in an alcove or another room. He was here waiting for us to join in the mass.

As the mass concluded and we took time to appreciate the beauty of the church, we lit a candle. No, it was not one of the typical small candles we see in most churches. The candles in the basilica were massive quart size glass bulbs full of wax. They will burn for days to remind others that prayers were said and are remembered.

Six grottoes lined the walls, three on each side. As I looked at each one and took in the significance of each, I came upon Divine Mercy. It was the newest statue added to the collection of the Holy Family, Sacred Heart, and other religious. And, there, I stopped in amazement. I exclaimed, "It's Divine Mercy!" Just then, an elderly lady was approaching in a wheelchair. She proudly said, "Yes, it is Divine Mercy. We just got it." Below the statue were twelve large candles shining brightly and bearing witness to those who asked for His blessing.

Outside, in the Narthex, there were not one, but two Apostolic Blessings from Pope John Paul II. Divine Mercy was his cause, and he passed on the weekend of the Feast of Divine Mercy. The first Mass of Repose for Pope John Paul II was said on Divine Mercy Sunday.

And, as our visitation was drawing to a close, we headed back through the Narthex. For the first time I spotted it, the flag of our Nation. It was proudly displayed in its own alcove. The first time I have seen our national ensign in a church at a place of high honor. No, this was not a military town. It is far from it. Known for drag racing, wild parties, and college kids out of control, the people of the parish were showing their pride in God and Country.

There many other memories created during our visit, but this is just a short story to share with you the beauty, love, charity and faith of our brothers and sisters in Florida. And, of course, the 165 Knights of Columbus of the Third and Fourth Degree. These soldiers of Christ were at the entrances to the church with their hands open in friendship and a smile on their face to welcome all who come to share in prayer, praise and the bread and wine of God's table.

Jesus, I Trust in You!

Holy Cross Installation Ceremony

2008-09-07T22:22:00.002-04:00

Holy Cross was the Bishop Burbidge’s first new church. He dedicated it last year and many of our Fourth Degree Knights attended with their ladies. The bishop is returning in October to install the new pastor.

The installation of the new pastor (Fr. Ray Donaldson, S.J.) is scheduled for Thursday, October 2 at 6:30pm. Holy Cross Catholic Church located at 2438 South Alston Avenue in Durham, NC 27713. Here is a link to the church website: http://www.holycrossdurham.org/

Fr. Donaldson welcomes the Knights of Columbus in full regalia to participate in his installation ceremony which will be conducted by Bishop Burbidge.

Sir Knight Ron Patterson will coordinate the assembly participation. I encourage all assembly members to participate. Bring your ladies for an inspiring event.
Our Bishop loves the Knights and he, himself, is a Knight.
I do not know if swords will be used. Have yours ready.

Special Olympics Honor Guard

2008-05-02T22:28:00.005-04:00

Chris Cushing, David Lucas, Don Williams and George Cummings from Pope John Paul II Council (13812) joined together on Friday, April 25th, to form a Knights of Columbus Honor Guard. This honor guard was for the opening ceremonies for the Durham Special Olympics contests.

We especially appreciate their work because this was a daytime event and required some to take off to participate. But, from the smiles on the kids faces, they were proud to see the games begin with a formal ceremony.

Again, this is a strong example of the importance of putting a face on the Knights of Columbus through participation in every event we can. We are the patriotic degree. Let's show that we, too, are "Proud to be Americans...."

Salute to our NC Troops - April 26th

2008-04-10T23:16:00.001-04:00

Many of you are totally unaware of the events on April 26^th at the State Capitol.

This is the LARGEST PARADE IN NORTH CAROLINA HISTORY. It is history in the making. It may be the largest event you will have an opportunity to witness in your lifetime.

You, as a patriotic citizen, and as a member of one of the many military veterans organizations, should be there.

Follow this link for full details.

Here is the event’s official site for Salute our NC Troops.org for even more details:

Wear your patriotic attire. Take your kids and grandchildren. What more can I say?

I shall be there.

"I was lost, but now I'm found."

2008-03-26T21:46:00.003-04:00

Sir Knight James Storey received his Class of 2007 Exemplification Certificate last night at the Assembly meeting. Seen here is the proud Sir Knight accepting his certificate before a crowd of about 25 assembly members.

You would think that your Faithful Navigator was better organized. He should be able to get a new Sir Knight's Exemplification Certificate to him in short order. Well, it was a busy fall and he was off to California in early December and he has been disorganized ever since. Thank you SK Chris Cushing for capturing this moment and getting it to your blog master for publication.

Two other certificates are ready for presentation for Sir Knights Bob Troy and Buddy Giordano. We will present these after the Divine Mercy Mass on Sunday.

And, since we are talking about Divine Mercy Mass this Sunday, did you know about the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy? Learn more by clicking here.

Pope Declares Fr. McGivney Venerable

2008-03-16T15:08:00.002-04:00

An American priest of humble beginning pulled local men together to provide for the families of deceased parishioners. That beginning has created a world-wide organization of men serving their local priests, their parishes and their communities.
On Saturday, March 15th, the Pope declared Fr. Michael J. McGivney a "Venerable Servant of God." This declaration is a critical step on the path to sainthood. Fr. McGivney may one day be declared a Saint, and he would be the first American priest so honored.
For more details, visit www.kofc.org.

Million Meals for Children - April 5th

2008-01-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

Note correction in date

Last year we participated in a program to produce ready-to-cook-and-eat meal packs. We packaged 170,970 meals! It is time to get back to work and make more this year.

It is on Saturday, April 5th, at the American Legion Hall on Legion Road. We start the first crew in at 8 a.m. First two-hour assembly crew arrives at 9 a.m. Crews are sent by the VFW, American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, St. Thomas More Church, the several Chapel Hill Rotary Clubs, and other local church groups. See our Assembly story from 2007.

This is a family event. Be it a kid of 8 to a kid of 100, we have a job for you. Have a child with a community service school requirement? We'll sign their provided form to show the project and number of hours served.

You will work hard and fast and before you know it you will be done. There will be a smile on your face and a cockiness in your step. You will have made a difference! Want to see the Durham Rotary Club in action? They hosted an event in September 2006 and you can view their on-line video.

Here is the hard part. Besides your time, can we count on you for a donation? We have two matching donors and a challenge of $1,000. It works this way. For each dollar you contribute, a fellow knight will match it dollar for dollar in the name of the Assembly. It gets better. For each dollar the Assembly contributes, the Rotarian's International will match dollar for dollar. Have I lost you yet? Your $20 is matched twice. It becomes $60. That is 300 meals.

Remember, the Rotarians control the meals from building to delivery. Your money is well spent and the food gets to the children who need it.

Holy Cross Continues a Tradition

2007-12-12T00:30:00.000-05:00

After 69 years of service to the community, the parishioners of Holy Cross moved on and into a new church on South Alston Ave. The church has a history that is rich in heritage. From its humble beginning in the back room of a local dentist in Hayti, to a small stone church on land soon to be enveloped by North Carolina Central University, it has been the focal point for the African-American Catholic community of Durham and surrounding areas.

The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh, accepted the keys from the builder and led the congregation and friends of the community into the new church. The church was dedicated, the altar and walls anointed, and the altar was dressed for mass. The lights officially came on and the church began its life of service to the parish.

This is one beautiful, elegant church. Words do not do it justice. You just have to stop by one Sunday for mass. Each church congregation adds its own unique spice and flavor to the mass. This congregation brings joy and exhuberance to the mass. You will not sit through singing and hymns and Psalms without a sense joy of uplifting of spirit. Don't be surprised to hear the people clap and stand up to join in with the choir. This is a church that truly rejoices in His song.

The bishop was very proud of the church and it was easy to see why. Although it is a beautiful building, the people within make it a church.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2007-12-12T00:08:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, December 9th, a mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe was held at St. Thomas More Church. This began the week of celebrations leading up to the feast day, December 12th. The Assembly provided a small honor guard to escort the icon into the sanctuary and from the church to the school gym by way of Carmichael Road. After the procession, the parishioners gathered for a fiesta.

The procession was led by drummers and Aztec dancers. The dancers danced non-stop from the church to the gym and kept dancing for about a half hour in front of the gym. There were one or two dancers in their bare feet and on asphalt.

Many thanks to Gil Montoya, Bob Troy, Pete Marino, and Chris Flanagan for helping make the honor guard a reality. It was an honor for us to participate and we look forward to working closer with our Spanish-speaking parishioners as they celebrate mass and bring their culture to our community.

St. Thomas More Parish Helps NC Amputees

2007-11-11T22:58:00.000-05:00

Chapel Hill Catholics opened their hearts and donated $3,499 to help our returning veterans, the wounded amputees in North Carolina.

Local effort should fund 20 trips home for Christmas.

The Knights of Columbus through the Divine Mercy Assembly asked the St. Thomas More parish to help them send wounded soldiers and Marines home for Christmas. The target of our project are the Iraq and Afghanistan amputees at Camp LeJuene and Fort Bragg. As of late October, there were 121 Marines and 31 soldiers undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.

This program started last year when the Knights of the Fourth Degree raised $9,000 statewide. That project funded sending 62 amputees home for the Christmas Holidays. This year there are about 145 amputees needing help.

The local Chapel Hill project of Faithful Navigator Lee Heavlin was a simple one. "I want to ask the people of our parish to make a good will offering to North Carolina hospitalized amputees on Veterans Day." Father John Durbin supported the effort and after each mass made a simple pulpit announcement of the Knight's intentions. He also asked the parishioners to join in a blessing of all veterans, of all nations, of all wars. The baskets filled to overflowing.

"We had little kids donating their coins," said Jim Merkle who was watching the basket at the church's pancake breakfast. "This little fellow came up and dropped in his coins. He just wanted to help."

"I don't recall any other good will offering, except for our food for the poor, that has received such strong parish support," said Lee Heavlin. "The response was far greater than I expected. I even had a few people who expressed a desire to make a larger contribution. Others asked what they could do to send something to the soldiers still overseas for Christmas."

The Knights of Columbus is working with The Military Order of the Purple Heart (a 501c3 charity). This group is arranging for the distribution of funds to send our soldiers and Marines home. Each dollar collected is matched by the Order, giving our drive a cash value of $7,000.

If you would like to make a donation, make your check out to The Military Order of the Purple Heart and send it to the Knights care of the parish office. We will forward all funds onward on behalf of the parish community. All donations are tax deductible.

Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11th

2007-11-08T19:15:00.000-05:00

This Sunday is Veterans Day. It is the anniversary of the end of World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Let's take a moment to remember our dead, our veterans and those who serve and defend us now.

During the last century, few families did not have someone in the service or having served. The draft was used during wartime and many a citizen stepped forward at the call of their nation. Today, our soldiers, sailors and airmen are part of an all volunteer force. Our National Guard and Reserves are overseas as much if not more than their active duty comrades. The men of the Knights of Columbus applaud their efforts and we thank them for their service.

Let a veteran or soldier know that you appreciate and have appreciated their sacrifices for you and your family. Stop and shake their hand, tell them, "Thank You."

They will greatly appreciate your expression of thanks. For they and we have served not for ourselves, but for our Nation.

Lord of Miracles Mass and Procession

2007-10-28T21:54:00.001-04:00

The Peruvian and Spanish-speaking members of our parish invited the Assembly knights to participate in their annual mass and procession. It was a humbling experience full of great rewards for those who participated.

Led by our Faithful Navigator, an honor guard of six knights led the faithful into the church and stood as Honor Guard for the Lord of Miracles icon during the mass.

This was a first for many of the participants and reminded us all of our heritage and small parishes of our childhood where the whole community would join together for the church's patron saint feast day. The church's icon would travel through the local community to a place of honor. The day would continue with a festival to celebrate and give thanks for the blessings received.

If you did not participate in this event, well you really missed an opportunity to witness to your Spanish-speaking parishioners. We were most welcome as we honored The Lord of Miracles and joined with our brethren to give thanks to God and to pray for those in need or troubled. While we were honored guests and led the procession, the honor was really ours to assist them in celebrating Christ and His church.

Exemplification Schedule Announced

2007-09-09T23:01:00.000-04:00

We usually have to wait until we arrive to get the exact times of each of the events. Not this year. Here it is for you now.

Schedule of events for October 20 Exemplification

Friday, Oct. 19:
Registration 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hospitality Room – 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday, October 20
Registration 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Candidates in Anti-Chamber 11:00 AM
Ladies Luncheon – 11:30 AM (Bishop Curlin is speaker)
Exemplification – 12:00 Noon
Mass – 4:30 PM
Banquet – 7:00 PM- 9:00 Pm
Dance – 9:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight
Hospitality Room Open – 8:00 Am – 11:00 AM
9:00 PM – Midnight

Sunday, October 21
Faithful Navigator Meeting – 9:00 Am – 11:00 AM

Installation Held

2007-08-27T19:54:00.000-04:00

Last year we were a brand new Assembly. Our officers and knights built a strong and vibrant Assembly and it is now time for us to join together to install the officers who will lead us through the coming year.

View photos of this event

Our Installation Officer was Past State Deputy and Former District Master, Joe Dick. This is a special honor for us as Joe Dick formed the Msgr. Francis K. O'Brien Assembly, 2254, Burlington. This was the Assembly from which our Assembly took form. It was through Joe's gentle guidance and encouragement that your Faithful Navigator was able to form our Divine Mercy Assembly.

The installation was performed after a dinner at Captain John's Dockside Seafood and Crab House on US 15-501 at Cole Park Plaza. We will started gathering at around 6 p.m. Dinner orders were placed at 6:30 p.m. There items on the menu that were sure to please even the most robust or light appetite. Yes, there were non-seafood dishes, too.

The installation of officers was a first for the Assembly and gave many fellow knights, their ladies, family and friends a first look at this important ceremony.

Captain John joined the festivities to thank the Knights for all that they have done in the community. He expressed his appreciation and his belief that we all must do what we can to make life better for others in our world. This was a first meeting with Captain John by Joe Dick. Joe had mentioned earlier that he was looking forward to meeting John as his generosity to his community and to St. Thomas More Church and the Catholic Church is well known. He, too, wanted to thank Captain John for his work and acts of charity.

Aspiring knights were welcome and one did, in fact, join us with his lovely wife. This gave them a good opportunity to see what the Assembly is all about.

We are looking for dedicated Catholic gentlemen who are answering in prayer the question, "Who shall I send?" ... They answer, "Is it I Lord? Send me to do your work. I am ready to serve."