Minutes of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Chapter, Knights of Columbus

May  21,  2008 - Council 4315, Our Lady of Fatima

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Rudy Escamilla@ 7:32 pm   
Rosary:  The chapter was lead in a rosary by Melvin Blair, Deputy Grand Knight, Council 4315.

Opening Prayer:  Led by Chapter Chaplin Bishop Thomas Flanagan

Pledge of Allegiance:  The Chapter was lead in the Pledge.

Warden’s Report:  Given by Brother Roy Ball - reported that 76 members were in attendance.

Recognition of Guest and VIP:
Chapter President welcomed Bishop Flanagan, all Reverend Fathers, all Seminarians, Deacons and guests, Past State Deputies and State and Chapter Officers.
Host DGK Melvin Blair was introduced and thanked for hosting the May meeting.  Host Grand Knight Victor M. Quesnot absent

Guest Presentation:  Mr. Rick Jones, Mi Casa Foundation spoke and asked for support and a video presentation on the mission of the foundation was review by all present.  An envelope for donations was made available to all along with informational brochures.

First Time Attendees were recognized.

Minutes.  Minutes of the April meeting were approved with requested corrections.

Chapter Chaplain Report: Bishop Flanagan recounted Our Lady of Fatima vision.  Continue to pray the Rosary. Encouraged young people to pray at recent Conformation Ceremonies. 

President’s Report:  The president’s report dealt with the upcoming Ordination of Bishop-Elect Oscar Cantu and the associated events. 

  1.  1.  Vespers Mass at San Fernando; 2.  VIP dinner @ Marriott; 3.  Mass at St. Marks with a reception to follow; 4.  Fourth Degree turnout, report @ 5:15 pm; 5.  Need Drivers.
  2. Chapter President remarks on supporting the Seminarians that we as Knights need to befriend each of the seminarians and he challenged us to befriend them.
  3. Encouraged all to read Carl Anderson’s new book “Civilization of Love”
  4. Richard Moken reported on the State Convention Hospitality – Discussed donations, thanked Councils for donations.  Monies collected-$898.00; expenses of $479.89, Suite-$690.00; difference of $271.89 presented.
  5. Jubilarian Celebration Mass at San Fernando-Honors all Priests, Sisters and Religious Lay Persons

Treasurer’s report: Chuck Green presented the following report. There is a beginning balance of $2,493.99 with deposits ending in a balance of $2,418.99.  Checks written for $16.61 and $75.00.

General Agent:  General Agent Michael Henriquez, FIC, updated Council information and thanked everyone for the support of new agent.

Correspondence: Email from Joe and Josie Lopez,  Religious Coordinator, see agenda

Chapter Committees:
1. Coordinator of Religious Affairs: Pro-Life- Wayne Pipes presented ACE WINGS to eligible knights, the Knights Pro-Life Award. Brother Pipes thanked participants of Guadalupe Home Wine Tasting.
2.  Golf Report- Rusty League reported that it was great and thanked everyone.  Monies collected of $49,060.49.  Short $1,939.51.  Need to discuss location of next years Gala.  Still has watches for sale, cost $25.00.
2.  Habitat for Humanity- No report.
4.  Retreats- Men’s and Couples Retreat-Men’s retreat will be October 3-5, 2008 at Camp Tecaboca.
5.  Trustees. No report
6.  Religious Appreciation Dinner- Roy Ball and Ray Neumann. No report.
7.  Veterans Administration, Guadalupe Province Representative for the VA Volunteer Services- Henry Gonzalez and Wayne Pipes are requesting help for the 6th Annual Car Show- Memorial Day activities at Audie Murphy VA hospital on May 26th.  Show time @ 10 am.  Knights are needed to help bring Veterans down from the their room to the outside activities. We are requesting each Council consider making a donation of $50 - please bring them to the next meeting, or send checks to Wayne Pipes at 9207 Johnny Reb, San Antonio, TX.  Henry and Wayne have tickets for a raffle for the car show.
8.  Tootsie Roll Drive- It was reported that 25 councils took part in the drive.
9.  Seminarian Report- Angel Perez reported that there is 68 Seminarians returning, this includes 31 from San Antonio.  This includes 8 deaf Seminarians.  There is a need for $4,000 more per year.  There is stated that we submitted a report that there is a need for support for three more Seminarians for the San Antonio Diocese. Also, please invite the seminarians to all your council activities; also provide them with a gift card on their birthday. There is also a need for Host families to provide a monthly night out to the seminarians.
10.  Fourth Degree – Mike Morrison, Master, Texas Region. Absent.
Old Business: Chapter President Rudy Escamillia discussed State Convention and Cardinal DeNiardo, and Supreme Knight Carl Anderson.

New Business –
Election of Officers.  Slate of Officers presented:

  1.  President- Brother Henry Gonzalez
  2. Vice President- Brother Roy Ball
  3. Treasurer- Brother Chuck Green
  4. Secretary- Brother Michael Buecher
  5. The remaining positions will be appointed by the President.  This includes the three trustees and the Warden.

Email from Church Liturgy Chairman:
            -OLLU – Sister Charlene, no report on damage (total), 4th floor collapsed onto 3rd floor.
Diocesan Deputy Report:  Jim Wade presents ACE award to Doug Harrison and Wife.  Presentation to Council 5262 for 20 years of consecutive goals met.  Charity Goal-short $15,000 minus $2,800 (State Convention).  Not all Tootsie Roll monies turned into date.  Need additional monies.
Fourth Degree: Mike Morrison. Absent

State Directors and Committee Reports:
Assistant to State Deputy: Jerome Janecka.
Star Council State Committeeman: Mike Urrutia.
Fr. McGivney Guild State Chairman: Mike Urrutia.
All Council Active Chairman: Ken Boone
Youth Sports State Chairman: Carl Bernal reported thanks from the State Deputy for San Antonio hosting the basketball tournament.
Church Liturgy State Chairman: Joe Lopez.
Membership Retention Chairman: Chuck Green and Don Smallwood. 
Guest Speakers:

  • Seminarian Juan Carlos thanked Brother Richard Moken for his support
  • DD Richard Gonzales notified all present of upcoming Major Degree scheduled for September 7th.

The Next Meeting will be June 18st at Council 7770, St. James. 
The sick and in distress were mentioned and prayed for.
Closing Prayer was led by Chapter President Escamilla and the meeting was adjourned.


Respectfully submitted,
Brother Mike Buecher, Council 11596.