Sep  21,  2005 - Council  6833,  Little Flower

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Mike Nishimuta at 7:30 pm

Opening Prayer:   Led by Bishop Tom Flanagan

Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Mike Nishimuta

Warden’s Report:  Given by Roy Ball

Recognition of Dignitaries and Guests

No visiting non-members were presented.  All former Chapter officers, state committeeman, and state officers were recognized.

First Time Attendees were recognized. 

DD Eddie Garcia, introduced the Host Grand Knight Marcos Villalon and the members  of the host council who presented an outstanding culinary feast.

Minutes.  Minutes of the June meeting were approved as posted on the website.

Chapter Chaplain Bishop Tom Flanagan  reflected upon his visit to Ireland and the visit with his family. He spoke of what his brother always says "People are truly Great" ! Many times people categorize mankind into the one or two people who reflect the worst of mankind. That is why visiting parishes and the different council is so wonderful to see the unselfishness and the and the good things that people do.

He noted that he is looking forward to the KOC men's retreat that starts on Friday night. Bishop Flanagan especially, noted the work that Walter Hughen has done on the retreat and the  team that he has put together. He mentioned that he is never surprise at the miracle that occurs at the retreat. He also is excited about the attitude that he sees from many during this times of crisis where people are saying "we 'll make it", we'll get it" or we'll do it".

President’s report - Chapter President Mike Nishimuta

 He thanked all the councils that helped in supporting the Boys and Girls Town evacuees at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

The budget for 2005-2006 was presented (See Budget). The budget are estimates of income and expenses. All of our events such as the Religious Appreciation Dinner and retreats are "break even" events, with the income and expenses even. I there is any profit, it us put in the CD that is dedicated for the retired religious. We expect to receive income from the sale of Guide to Good Care books, and the chapter will donate  50% of the income to the American Diabetes Association. 

The Chapter directory are ready and were presented as everyone came in.  Each Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, and the State committee men and officers should receive one.

Treasurer’s report (Wayne Pipes): Absent.

General Agent:     Absent.  The list of insurance agents in the directory are correct at the time of printing.

Correspondence -  Seminarian and member Knight Eric Clarkson attended the World Youth Congress in Germany and had an audience with the Pope.  Due to several donations, he was able to receive $500 to help his travel expenses.  Please read Eric's trip report here. 

Chapter Committees:

1.  Golf Tournament.    Angel Perez and Jim Wade made a presentation to Brother James Flynn for getting an eagle and an birdie and very close to killing an angel at last years tournament. His quote was that is "that's the reason why I am studying to be a priest since "I would never made it as a golf professional."

 2. Habitat for Humanity.  Sam Szalwinski reported that more people are needed to help this weekend. The Chavez family for whom the house is being build is an outstanding family. We have had a lot of good families but this family is particular an outstanding family. If you are wondering if the build is canceled this weekend, call Sam on his cell phone at 496-6310. See the webpage of the house.

3. Coordinator of Religious Activities. Rudy Escamilla. Absent.    Walter Hughen,  Director of the Knight's Men's retreat indicated the retreat is still on but you may call him for updates at 680-9733, or Klaus Collinsworth 496-2379. 

Archbishop's Lunch supporting Battered Women's Shelter has been rescheduled for Saturday Nov 12, 10:30 am until 1 pm at the SBC Community Center at San Fernando on 321 W. Commerce. $50 per person or $500 for a table. There is a need for ten more tables. The goal is $50,000. There are many auction items which includes a basketball signed by the entire team of the Spurs and a trip to Rome for two or five days.  See Bob Von Lehmden or Ray Newman. He also thanked all knights who attended the Knights at the Mission's ball park. 

5. Trustees. 

Ken Martinez.   Ken, Rudy, and Bob, the Trustees for last year, met and made recommendations to the by-laws. Most of these changes are minor and reflect how we have been doing business for some time. The changes have been published on the website for two months.  A motion was made and seconded and the motion was passed to accept all the changes recommended.

Diocesan Deputy Report -   Jim Wade.  He mentioned that as knights we are called to serve others and it is not just opening our wallets and writing a check but also our time. We need to get 20 knights to help every Friday and Saturday until the house is built. He asked everyone at the meeting to go back to their councils and request people to volunteer to help on the house.

State Directors and Committee Reports:

Education and Training: Ken Martinez. No Report.

Star Council: Dean Murphy. Absent.

Council Growth: Jerry Janecka.   Currently the archdiocese of San Antonio has eight round tables requested that all DD and GK fill out form 2629 and submit them within the next ten days so as to qualify for the early bird award.

All Councils Active: Mike Urrutia.  He had an operation last week and sent his greetings through Joe Lopez. He mention that our goal is 592 and that we have currently added 77 new members. We need ALL COUNCILS ACTIVE!

Church Liturgy: Joe Lopez.  Project Moses is included in the Program Book that each DD and GK received. The program is to make the ten commandments more widely known, considered and visible. Council are requested to make the ten commandment monument at their parishes. Councils that have done this have shown increases in their membership. Also he mentioned the attack on the "one nation under God".   

Awards/Reports & Forms Chairman:  Ken Boone.   Absent.

Membership Retention Committee: No Report

Special Olympics.  Don Smallwood.  Absent.  Fernando Herrera of Council 5262, St Vincent de Paul spoke of the need for help at a Special Olympics Bocce competition in New Braunfels on Sep 30.  2005.    More than 150 Special Olympic Texas bocce athletes, 50 coaches, family members and spectators will converge on New Braunfels High School for the Area 13 Bocce Competition. You can be part of it all - COME VOLUNTEER. Shift times are 9:30am - 4:00pm 60. Volunteers needed to help: *Hang sponsor banners *Athlete Escorts *Set up *Awards *Bocce officials *Runners *Bocce court monitors *Opening Ceremony *Head stagers, assistant stagers *Breakdown & clean up *Scorekeepers If you have questions, please contact Mike Smetanka 830-629-0494 msmetanka@satx.rr.com

Round Table:  Bob Stegge.  

State Soccer Chairman:   Carl Bernal of Council 9967 Holy Trinity state soccer chairman.  The Archdiocese soccer challenge is on October 29 at St. Anthony's School. The State soccer challenge will be on November 12 at the soccer fields of St Mark's, located on Wurzbach north of I-10. (by the railroad tracks)

Fourth Degree.    Exemplification Sep 24 in New Braunfels.

Old Business.   Revision of bylaws conducted.

New Business.    None.

Guest Speakers:

Richard Munoz  of Council 7697 St John Berchmans 1147 Cupples Road. There will be a Veteran day mass invited all to attend. on December 14 their will celebrate their 25th year and will celebrate on December 18 the Archbishop will bless the council.

GK Rudy Meras of Council 7770 St. James spoke about a fundraiser for the Council to raise funds for the school on November 19 at 6 pm. Only 205 tickets will be sold - the grand prize is $5,000 and every 25th ticket will receive $100. The cost of the raffle and dinner is $100. Contact Rudy at 927-1208. 

Oscar Resendez of Council 9681 St. Monica of Converse spoke. He is encouraging Eucharistic adoration and for all councils to attend or sponsor Eucharistic adoration in their parish. Council support is needed. www.adore24.org  ESA is requesting financial support from various Catholic organizations.

Jose Gaona Council 10295 spoke about the need for volunteers to protest abortion and pray for the lives of the unborn.  

District Deputy Eddie Garcia presented Star Council awards to Marcos Villalon of Council 6833 and to Rudy Meras of Council 7770.

Tootsie Roll Drive Chairman (Assistant Diocesan Deputy) Bill Roegelein passed out paperwork for the Oct 8 Tootsie Roll Drive.

The Next meeting will be Oct 19, Council 5262, St Vincent de Paul.

The sick and in distress were remembered.

Closing Prayer   

Respectfully submitted,

Brother Louis Benavides, Council 7770, Chapter Secretary