CHURCH PROGRAMS

Worthy Brothers All,
We are Blessed to have a new Pope, Francis I, and the first one from the "New World". It makes me wonder what our namesake , Christopher Columbus, would think about this? Almost 600 years after discovering these lands and bringing the Catholic Church to our shores, the Church whom he so dearly loved is now led by someone who hails from those lands. Ironically, it was nearly this same amount of time that Pope resigned from that position. It's amazing the plans that God has in store. We should keep Pope Francis in our prayers to give him the strength and wisdom to guide his flock. We should also remember Pope Emeritus Benedict for all that he has done during his tenure.

During this time of change in the leadership of the Church, we should also take the time to examine our lives and determine if there are changes that we need to make to love more like Christ has asked us. The guidance about the Year of Faith that we discussed at the Mid-Year meetings is a perfect way to do this. As we end our Lenten journey during our pilgrimage during the Year of Faith, we should be examining our lives closely. This includes our lives as a Council. Are you doing everything that you can to strengthen the spirituality of your members and Parish? Are you supporting your Parish Priest in the manner that he most needs? Are you helping secure the future of the Church by supporting our Seminarians? Remember it is not how much you do, it is that you do to the fullest extent that you can. I know that many Councils and individual brothers are doing many great things and I would like to know about them. You don't have to fill out a form, just drop me a line at kofclosack@gmail.com and let me know what is going on with the Church and Year of Faith programs in your Council. For March we celebrated our “Faith Lived” during our Lenten season. For April we have designated it as “Faith Celebrated” as we turn our attention even closer to our religious. As stated, we are looking to get a member of the state staff at your events if at all possible. If you still are looking for ideas, please visit the website for the presentation (http://kofcnc.org/12-13%20Files/2013%20Mid-Year%20Church%20final.pdf). There are also prizes for the Year of Faith activities above and beyond the regular program awards. Speaking of awards, I am looking forward to reading your submissions for the second half.

While we are discussing changing our lives to improve our spiritualness, there are two events that are great ways to recharge yourselves. In Charlotte, there is the Catholic Men's Conference that was held in February. I hope that you were able to attend this wonderful event and are planning ahead for next year. In the Raleigh area therein Ignited by Truth coming up April 12-13 at the State Fairgrounds. It’s not too late to sign up now (http://ignitedbytruth.com/).

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very Blessed Easter. Christ died on the cross then rose for our sake. Let us take every opportunity mold ourselves in his likeness. The Sunday after Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday as declared by the Venerable Pope John Paul II. Take this opportunity to host or participate in this wonderful ceremony.
As always, if there is anything that I, or the Church Program Chairmen, can do for you over this Fraternal Year, please do not hesitate to ask. We are here for YOU!
Fraternally,
Chris Losack
NC Church Director