Thank you All!
I want to thank all of the members of Thomas Dongan Council #1251. You entrusted me with guiding our ship for the past 3 years and they have been as fulfilling as they have been challenging!
I have been honored to serve the Council as Grand Knight, and I think we accomplished a great deal of good work during my tenure. We were able to renew our lease at 8122 5th Ave for another 5 year term. This was not a done deal and we needed to look into alternative sites for our Council Headquarters during this time. I want to thank the search committee who worked tirelessly and at a moments notice to visit, inspect, and discuss options and possibilities for new locations, had not been able to re-up on our current location.
We added to our Charitable Giving by setting up a book drive and book donation to the Veteran Administration Hospital, we donated to the Semper Fi Fund which assists veterans returning home and we were able to donate lunch for front line workers during the pandemic. All this while continuing our existing good works, and expanding some giving to both the OLA and OLPH food pantries this year!
We also have increased our social activities with numerous events being held at the Council including Card nights and Paint Parties. I regret that some of the activities planned we were not able to launch due to the ongoing pandemic, but I will work with the incoming Grand Knight to get those activities in our calendar as soon as possible.
Once again, I want to thank all the members, and the members who worked side by side with me to accomplish what we did. There are too many to name, but you know who you are and a special thanks to all of you.
Lastly, I want to extend my congratulations and pledge my full support to the new incoming Grand Knight, Chad Johnson. I know Chad well and I look forward to the direction he will taking our Council! I know each of you will support Chad as you did me!
Vivat Jesus!
PGK Stephen Gorton
Long Island Chapter Charity Drive
The upcoming affair at Russo’s on the bay is postponed until further notice.
Scholarships
Attention, Knights of Columbus Scholarship application deadline has been extended tho June 2nd.
Attention
The Council will remain closed during the ongoing pandemic orders from the State to limit gatherings. This is for meetings, parties and the bar. All will remain closed until further notice.
A number of members rightly point out that we are a private club and should not be subject to the same rules as other bars, pubs and restaurants.
While ordinarily this will be the case, certainly in terms of doing our part to support our government, our neighbors and each other, I know each and every Knight understands that we all need to do our part in keeping one another safe.
Be well and take care.
Thomas Dongan Council Mission Statement
The idea is simple – attitude is contagious. It is a fact that we
tend to feed off the sentiments and reactions of those around us.
Within our club, if our officers and board members foster an
ambitious, positive and supporting atmosphere, the rest of the
club members will no doubt begin feeling encouraged to
participate and bring forth their ideas to make a difference and in
turn remain a committed member for a long time to come.
Conversely, if members are subject to seeing others in the
club get away with tardiness, negativity and reluctance towards
letting the club grow, their perception of not only the club changes
but chances are high that their perception of the entire
organization, such as Knights Of Columbus , can change. By
doing nothing about this sort of behavior or attitude, we might lose
an opportunity to cement what was once dedication to the club
and ultimately lose a valuable member.
A successful club is one where all members can adopt and
share a ‘we’re in this together’ attitude, which is something that
requires passion. The good thing about this is that all of our
members have this passion otherwise they wouldn’t be part of the
club today. Foster this passion by recognizing those that bring
forth ideas, support and encourage those who go beyond their
call of duty but don’t stop there. Celebrate these achievements
with the entire club and get everyone involved.
Regards,
Peter J DeNicola
Board of Directors
KofC Long Island Chapter Memorial Mass
Every year the Long Island Chapter hosts a Memorial Mass for all deceased members of the Knights of Columbus within Brooklyn and Queens. All Brother Knights, Sister Columbiettes, families, families of the deceased and all Parishioners are cordially invited to attend the Long Island Chapter Annual Memorial Mass to be celebrated by a Bishop of Brooklyn and Queens, on Friday, April 17,2020 at Sacred Heart of Jesus R. C. Church at 215-35 38th Ave. Bayside, NY 11361.
During the celebration of Mass, we will be reading the names of deceased members during the past year. I am asking every Grand Knight or Columbiette President to fill out the enclosed form with the names of their council’s deceased members and return it in the enclosed envelope no later than March 23 2020. If your council did not sustain a loss of a member within the year, we ask you to make every effort to attend the Mass. The loss of” member withi11 the long lsla11d Chapter is a Joss to all of us. We should all be prese11t to pray for them a11d their families. During Mass we will also be taking up a collection as an offertory to the Bishop for a charity of his decision.
After Mass, we will gather in the in the School Basement for some light refreshments and to celebrate our deceased member’s lives. I am asking every Grand Knight or Columbiette President in Brooklyn and Queens to invite your council’s Chaplain, Parish Priest, Deacons and any seminarians and to let me if they will be able to participate. If they are attending, we are asking them to concelebrate with the Bishop at the Mass so please advise them of this. This will allow us to arrange an orderly program and provide the proper amount of refreshments.
Brother Grand Knights, District Deputies, Columbiette Presidents, Conference Officers, Chapter Officers and Columbian Squires; let us show our love for our departed members by recognizing them at their Memorial Mass. Please publicize this occasion and urge our Brother Knights, Sister Columbiettes, families and friends to attend. It would be elpecially fitting to reach out to the families of our departed members and invite them to attend. Any questions regarding this event maybe directed to me at the following numbers:
e-mail rmcefalo@gmail.com
Cell 917-743-8592
New Video Series: It’s time to step into the breach.
On Ash Wednesday, we are reminded of our need to repent. We are reminded of our need to grow. We are reminded of our need for Christ.
The Into the Breach video series seeks to answer what it means to be a Catholic man in today’s world. Answer the call of authentic Christian masculinity and step into the breach this Lent.
Watch and share the episodes now!
The Knights of Columbus has produced a 12-episode video series inspired by the Apostolic Exhortation Into the Breach written by Bishop Olmsted of Phoenix.
Each episode features a man’s personal story and major Catholic figures such as Dr. Scott Hahn, Father Mike Schmitz, former NFL player Matt Birk, FOCUS founder Curtis Martin and others who break down and explore the virtues of Catholic masculinity.
All episodes are available for FREE at kofc.org/intothebreach.
The Knights of Columbus: An Illustrated History
“An approachable, worthwhile history of a venerable Catholic brotherhood.” – Kirkus Review
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Books will ship starting in March 2020.
Almost 30% off the $34.95 cover price, PLUS free shipping.
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Thomas Dongan Council #1251 Free Throw Competition
The Knights of Columbus from Thomas Dongan Council 1251 in Bay Ridge Brooklyn will host a Free Throw Competition on Saturday, January 18, at St. Patrick’s School Gym.
St Patrick School – 401 97th St, Brooklyn, New York 11209
Free Registration will start at 11:45 AM and competition will start at 12:15 PM. This event is open to all girls and boys 9 to 14 years of age as of January 1, 2020. An adult’s signature will be accepted as proof of age at this initial competition level. However, proof of age (birth certificate) will be required for each winner progressing to the next level.
Each participant will compete in their respective age and gender division. All contestants on the Council level will receive certificates for their participation in the event. Champions will receive metals for their respective age division.
Winners of each division will be invited to participate in the next level which will be two or three weeks later. The competition levels are District, Regional, and State.
Free Registration and permission by an adult is required. All competitors must use the official Knights of Columbus form available the day of the event. Any questions please feel free to contact Connor O’Mara at (917) 208-7022
All council members are encouraged to stop by!
