Knight nearly set record in vocations collection

By JEFF GRAHAM

There are few things more satisfying for men than gathering with their buddies and celebrating a job well done. The Knights of Columbus, a fraternal organization of Catholic men, know how to celebrate, and at their 95th annual B.C. and Yukon convention the Knights recognized the many achievements of their members.

"For the past 12 months we have collected for the Pennies from Heaven program," said David Jones, State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus, at the banquet. "While we didn’t establish a new record, we came close: over $89,000 collected, and $12,000 for each diocese."

At the banquet Jones listed a number of great achievements by groups and individuals within the organization. He highlighted the Pennies from Heaven program first, and presented Archbishop Raymond Roussin, SM, of Vancouver and Bishop David Monroe of Kamloops with their share of the money raised from the program.

"Just so you know what this will mean in Kamloops: we have eight priests in the diocese and we have seven of our young men in the major seminary," said Bishop Monroe. "We are helping these young men go through, and one is set to be ordained this summer."

Bishop Monroe said the money would help the diocese foster these vocations, but also explained that he was looking for support of another kind.

"Besides this donation, please keep these young men in your prayers," he said.

The Archdiocese of Vancouver may be putting the money towards vocations also, if vocations director Father James Hughes has anything to say about it.

"Just before I received this cheque, the vocations director for the archdiocese looked at me longingly," said Archbishop Roussin with a smile. "I will have to weigh that look carefully."

The convention, held at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel in Surrey on April 28 and 29, attracted Knights from across British Columbia and the Yukon as well as the state deputies for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

"I blame those people over there for getting me up here," said district deputy of the year John Roberts, pointing to members of his council. Roberts was selected for his ambitious pursuit of new members and his ability to connect with the Chinese community in his district, helping them establish their own council of 40 members.

"They couldn’t understand what I was saying when I first met with them, but to them it looked like what I was saying was important," he said. "I couldn’t speak Chinese, so I spoke Newfoundland-ese."

Knight of the year Steve Malerby, a long time member of Mother Teresa Council 12202 in Vernon, was unable to attend the banquet because of work commitments, but Jones made it clear to the audience that he was an excellent choice for the award.

"He is involved in the curling bonspiel, golf tournament, various raffles, living Rosaries, and family hours of prayer, and is an usher at Mass," said Jones. "He helps set up the Nativity scene at his parish. He has been his council’s charity appeal chairman and is a bingo volunteer. He does an excellent job of carrying out his duties as financial secretary. He also volunteers in the community with the local hospital foundation, the local hospice, and frequently visits seniors and shut-ins."

The award for Grand Knight of the year went to Amantie Jotie of St. Monica’s Council 12861. Jones said that Jotie displayed "strong committed leadership, good interpersonal and organizational skills, and a great vision for the future of the council."

Family of the year award was given to the Prior family of Council 4597 in Courtenay. They were honoured for their involvement in youth programs in their parish and for leading a group that prepared a float for the local Christmas parade entitled One Jesus, One Church.

"Philip, Michelle, and their three sons, Michael, Stephen, and Joshua have demonstrated what a true loving Christian family working together can do," said Jones. "To paraphrase their parish priest, the family is a wonderful example of Catholic marriage and Catholic family. They are admired by everyone in the parish, including the members of their Knights of Columbus council."