Welcome!    We are in the midst of a year which is full of accomplishments and I want to let you know just how busy your brothers have been in our support of the Order and the Church.

 

On December 7, 2010 during the liturgy for the celebration of the Immaculate Conception, we presented our Pastor, Father Jude, a Marian Chasuble as a gift to St. Mary Parish.   It was a special time as members and families attended and witnessed the presentation during the Offertory part of the Mass.

 

We began and continue our rose presentations to ladies living at Nursing Homes.   Along with some of the youth of the parish, we visited more than 90 patients and nurses last year.   The program is scheduled to have flowers presented at various holidays during the year to recognize the ladies who have been a special part of their family.

 

Social events have increased in attendance and we look forward to more members, families and friends joining us as we gather for fellowship and fun. We have gathered at a local restaurant, conducted potluck dinners, the Christmas cookie exchange, and joined with the youth in kicking off the religious education program.   Other ideas will be presented during discussions in the business meeting and, when approved, we will schedule the event.   Each member is invited to present an idea for a social event.   Each third Thursday of the month is set aside for our social meeting.   They are open to every member’s family and friends to attend.   It is a chance for us to gather and meet new friends and renew old acquaintances.   Hopefully, you can attend a future event.

 

Our KCIC (Keep Christ in Christmas) card sale returned last year.   It was a great success as we had to shut down sales earlier than scheduled due to selling out of inventory.   After two years, parishioners were happy to see the Knights presenting religious cards again.   Our task this year is to increase the inventory and raise additional funds for the seminarian support program (RSVP).

 

We conducted a spirited membership drive during the two weekends where the Christmas cards were offered.   Handing out more than a dozen of the newly crafted Council Pamphlet to those interested in joining the Order, we have spread the word on the desire to increase our membership.   Now we must follow-up and bring those parishioners into our council.   The Council Pamphlet is available to anyone.   Just contact our website for your copy to present to interested candidates.

 

In February we hosted the St. Mary Square coffee and donuts after all Sunday morning Masses.   We were responsible for set-up, serving and clean-up.   It was not hard work or excessive time consumption.   We just needed a smiling face and an occasional "hello".

 

The council continues its sponsorship of the Florida Blood Service Bloodmobile from 7:30am to 1:30pm.   This service helps the more than 37 hospitals and 90 ambulatory care centers who depend on Florida Blood Services donors.   We need to increase our number of donors and reach out to parishioners to give the gift of life by donating.

 

The council provides satellite TV service in the St. Mary Movie Room.   This is ambitious and is a two years contract.

 

In June we had our annual golf tournament at the Northdale Golf Course.   Prizes were distributed and holes were sponored by area businesses.

 

Through the efforts of our Deputy Grand Knight, we have restarted the council website. Members and guests are invited to visit the site to get the latest information and events calendar. Also, we have started a web mailing list so that Knights can get important notices and up-to-date events scheduling. The website is: marysknights11138.org. If you want to add your email address to our list, contact the Deputy Grand Knight.

 

The adopt a road clean up is still in full swing.   At the call of our chairman, we meet at 8:00am at a local restaurant to have coffee, breakfast and fellowship.   From there we proceed to North Boulevard and pick up litter for our designated mile of roadway, which includes in front of St. Mary Church.   Sometimes the trash pick-up is outweighed by the amount of trash talking along the route.   Come join us for this meaningful gathering.   Clean up dates will be published at the website.

 

One area we are focusing on this fraternal year is membership.   Not only the recruitment of new members; but, the retention and return of those who have stepped away from the Order is our goal.   We have succeeded in reaching out to members who have been unable to attend meetings or participate in activities.

 

As you can see, our council has been very busy in the past year.   The events our council has been involved in are too numerous to mention here.   From the Basketball Free Throw contest for our youth to the Tootsie Roll Drive, we need the support and help of every member to accomplish our goals and set higher goals for the future.