District Deputy’s Report March, 2008

Los Padres Chapter
& District 61
News & Events

Stephen Schlesselmann

District Deputy’s Report

March, 2008

A Spiritual Thought

We will be celebrating the Easter Triduum this year from Holy Thursday, March 20 to Easter Sunday, March 23. We will be focused on Christ’s suffering and death just as we should be every day of our lives. As St. Josemaria de Balaguer states in the Way: “Jesus came to the Cross, after having prepared himself for thirty-three years, all his life! His disciples, if they really want to imitate him, have to convert their existence into a co-redemption of Love, with their own active and passive self-denial.”(page 340 of the Way/Furrow/the Forge by St. Josemaria de Balaguer).

As I am writing this report, I have just returned from the annual Chapter Dinner in Ventura. The dinner was a low key affair but very nice. Our State Deputy, Jim Scroggin, was the keynote speaker and spoke about a variety of issues. Brother Jim stated that he wants the Knights to focus on three main goals: membership, fraternal protection (insurance) and charitable projects such as the MR drive, wheelchair distribution, Special Olympics, etc. Brother Jim also asked that we make every effort to support Columbian Charities. Columbian Charities’ funds are depleted right now since $140,000 was given to the victims of last year’s wildfires. Our immediate PCP, John Bravo, was the honoree at the dinner and was given a nice plaque in appreciation of all his hard work as last year’s Chapter President.

Degrees

A few degrees took place over the last month (as of this writing there are none planned for the next month):

Council 5300 hosted a 1st Degree on Monday, February 11, 2008. Two new Brother Knights joined our Order that evening: Brothers Jorge Haro and Dick Temple.
Council 1684 hosted a 2nd Degree on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. 3 Brother Knights took the degree: Brothers Mat Najera and Paul Maxwell of Council 1684 and Brother Alex Rodriguez of Council 5300.
There is a 1st degree scheduled for Wednesday, February 27 at Council 10067 in Saticoy. Council 10067 has 6 candidates ready to take their 1st Degree so, hopefully, we will have several new Knights joining or Order soon.
The 3rd Degree that was scheduled for February at Mary Star of the Sea was cancelled since only 6 Knights expressed interest in taking the Degree.
Congratulations to all of our Brother Knights who took their 1st or 2nd in February!

Programs:

Council 1684 hosted a very nice Valentine’s dinner on February 13. The dinner was prepared by Brother Renato Moiso (Council 5300) and his helpers from Via Maestra restaurant. The food was delicious. After the meal, DGK Mark Wietstock asked several married Knights in attendance to share their stories about their first date. Some of the stories and some of the comments were hilarious. All of you Brother Knights who didn’t attend, should make your plans to do so next year. Council 1684 is also hosting various blitz drives at the Churches in Santa Barbara from whom they draw their members.

Council 5300 has been very busy during the month of February with their fish fries (every Friday during Lent). From what I have been told, the dinners have been very popular and are doing very well. The fish fries will continue in March until Lent is over (except for Good Friday). Also, on March 9, Council 5300 will have a Blood Drive, Pancake Breakfast and, in conjunction with Los Guadalupanos, will prepare a Barbeque in order to raise funds to assist several youth from the parish who are planning on attending World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia.

Council 10067 (Saticoy) also held their Valentine’s Dinner/Dance on February 16. The event was sold out. The food was delicious and the band (House Arrest) was very good. It was one of the most lively KC events I’ve ever attended. Earlier in the month, Council 10067 held a Tri-Tip Barbeque sale after all the Masses on Super Bowl Sunday.

Finally, Council 13756 (Carpinteria) continues to be busy with projects around the church. The council also is hosting a weekly soup and meditation event on all the Fridays of Lent.

Other Notes:

Right now, the district is at 59% of membership and 75% of insurance. We have a long way to go with membership and already 2/3 of the fraternal year is over. Brothers, we can do better! Let’s get those candidates who have filled out Form 100s into a first degree. Let’s step up our efforts to invite our fellow Catholics into our Order. Remember, it is every Knight’s responsibility to recruit.
The next Chapter meeting is on Wednesday, March 5 in Ventura. Every Brother Knight is more than welcome to attend. The Grand Knights and Deputy Grand Knights are especially encouraged to do so.
I recently received a letter from the State asking if I would be interested in continuing as the District Deputy for the 2008-2009 Columbian Year. I answered in the affirmative. The state still has to make their final decision in April so I’ll keep you posted. Ultimately, it is up to you Brother Knights if you want me to continue serving you as your District Deputy for another year. Please let me know.
The discussion regarding Bishop Lori’s article in the Columbia will be fully implemented in March (it has gotten off to a slow start). Every member who attends the meetings is expected to have read the article. There are discussion questions at the end of each article and we will be discussing those questions for about 10 minutes.
As stated for the last few months, from December 1 to April 20, 2008, all new first degree Brother Knights will be listed in a special book that Supreme Knight Carl Anderson will present to Pope Benedict XVI when the Pope visits the United States in April. All new first degree Brother Knights who take their first degree between December 1 and June 30, 2008 will be presented with a limited edition certificate acknowledging their joining the Knights during the 125th year of our Order. Finally, the Knight’s recruiter will receive a minted medallion acknowledging their efforts.
Please be sure to visit the K of C’s website (www.kofc.org. ) when you get a chance for up to date information about what the Order is doing at the national level. You will find a link to our Supreme Knight’s new book “A Civilization of Love”. Orders are being taken for it right now.
Just a reminder: the State Convention is coming up from May 15 to May 18. Make your plans now to attend. All Grand Knights and Deputy Grand Knights should be there. It is a great chance to meet fellow Brother Knights, build friendships and witness how the State works. It is also a great chance to meet some of the Supreme officers such as Emilio Moure. Last May, we had the privilege of hearing and meeting Carl Anderson!
We have been asked by the State to get behind the “California One Man, One Woman Marriage Initiative”. We have been asked to collect signatures for the initiative on petition forms that can be obtained by filling out a request form at www.onemanonewoman08.org. The deadline for submitting signatures is April 1, 2008.
Please make sure to continue praying for the repose of the soul of Ernie Guzman’s (Council 10067) sister who died recently.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, you can contact me at (805) 968-9440 or by email at sjschlesselmann@cox.net.

Stephen Schlesselmann

District Deputy #61

Updated February 25, 2008

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	A Spiritual Thought
	We will be celebrating the Easter Triduum this year from Holy Thursday, March 20 to Easter Sunday, March 23. We will be focused on Christ’s suffering and death just as we should be every day of our lives. As St. Josemaria de Balaguer states in the Way: “Jesus came to the Cross, after having prepared himself for thirty-three years, all his life! His disciples, if they really want to imitate him, have to convert their existence into a co-redemption of Love, with their own active and passive self-denial.”(page 340 of the Way/Furrow/the Forge by St. Josemaria de Balaguer).
	As I am writing this report, I have just returned from the annual Chapter Dinner in Ventura. The dinner was a low key affair but very nice. Our State Deputy, Jim Scroggin, was the keynote speaker and spoke about a variety of issues. Brother Jim stated that he wants the Knights to focus on three main goals: membership, fraternal protection (insurance) and charitable projects such as the MR drive, wheelchair distribution, Special Olympics, etc. Brother Jim also asked that we make every effort to support Columbian Charities. Columbian Charities’ funds are depleted right now since $140,000 was given to the victims of last year’s wildfires. Our immediate PCP, John Bravo, was the honoree at the dinner and was given a nice plaque in appreciation of all his hard work as last year’s Chapter President.
	Degrees
	A few degrees took place over the last month (as of this writing there are none planned for the next month):
	Council 5300 hosted a 1st Degree on Monday, February 11, 2008. Two new Brother Knights joined our Order that evening: Brothers Jorge Haro and Dick Temple. Council 1684 hosted a 2nd Degree on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. 3 Brother Knights took the degree: Brothers Mat Najera and Paul Maxwell of Council 1684 and Brother Alex Rodriguez of Council 5300. There is a 1st degree scheduled for Wednesday, February 27 at Council 10067 in Saticoy. Council 10067 has 6 candidates ready to take their 1st Degree so, hopefully, we will have several new Knights joining or Order soon. The 3rd Degree that was scheduled for February at Mary Star of the Sea was cancelled since only 6 Knights expressed interest in taking the Degree. Congratulations to all of our Brother Knights who took their 1st or 2nd in February!
	Programs:
	Council 1684 hosted a very nice Valentine’s dinner on February 13. The dinner was prepared by Brother Renato Moiso (Council 5300) and his helpers from Via Maestra restaurant. The food was delicious. After the meal, DGK Mark Wietstock asked several married Knights in attendance to share their stories about their first date. Some of the stories and some of the comments were hilarious. All of you Brother Knights who didn’t attend, should make your plans to do so next year. Council 1684 is also hosting various blitz drives at the Churches in Santa Barbara from whom they draw their members.
	Council 5300 has been very busy during the month of February with their fish fries (every Friday during Lent). From what I have been told, the dinners have been very popular and are doing very well. The fish fries will continue in March until Lent is over (except for Good Friday). Also, on March 9, Council 5300 will have a Blood Drive, Pancake Breakfast and, in conjunction with Los Guadalupanos, will prepare a Barbeque in order to raise funds to assist several youth from the parish who are planning on attending World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia.
	Council 10067 (Saticoy) also held their Valentine’s Dinner/Dance on February 16. The event was sold out. The food was delicious and the band (House Arrest) was very good. It was one of the most lively KC events I’ve ever attended. Earlier in the month, Council 10067 held a Tri-Tip Barbeque sale after all the Masses on Super Bowl Sunday.
	Finally, Council 13756 (Carpinteria) continues to be busy with projects around the church. The council also is hosting a weekly soup and meditation event on all the Fridays of Lent.
	Other Notes: Right now, the district is at 59% of membership and 75% of insurance. We have a long way to go with membership and already 2/3 of the fraternal year is over. Brothers, we can do better! Let’s get those candidates who have filled out Form 100s into a first degree. Let’s step up our efforts to invite our fellow Catholics into our Order. Remember, it is every Knight’s responsibility to recruit. The next Chapter meeting is on Wednesday, March 5 in Ventura. Every Brother Knight is more than welcome to attend. The Grand Knights and Deputy Grand Knights are especially encouraged to do so. I recently received a letter from the State asking if I would be interested in continuing as the District Deputy for the 2008-2009 Columbian Year. I answered in the affirmative. The state still has to make their final decision in April so I’ll keep you posted. Ultimately, it is up to you Brother Knights if you want me to continue serving you as your District Deputy for another year. Please let me know. The discussion regarding Bishop Lori’s article in the Columbia will be fully implemented in March (it has gotten off to a slow start). Every member who attends the meetings is expected to have read the article. There are discussion questions at the end of each article and we will be discussing those questions for about 10 minutes. As stated for the last few months, from December 1 to April 20, 2008, all new first degree Brother Knights will be listed in a special book that Supreme Knight Carl Anderson will present to Pope Benedict XVI when the Pope visits the United States in April. All new first degree Brother Knights who take their first degree between December 1 and June 30, 2008 will be presented with a limited edition certificate acknowledging their joining the Knights during the 125th year of our Order. Finally, the Knight’s recruiter will receive a minted medallion acknowledging their efforts. Please be sure to visit the K of C’s website (www.kofc.org. ) when you get a chance for up to date information about what the Order is doing at the national level. You will find a link to our Supreme Knight’s new book “A Civilization of Love”. Orders are being taken for it right now. Just a reminder: the State Convention is coming up from May 15 to May 18. Make your plans now to attend. All Grand Knights and Deputy Grand Knights should be there. It is a great chance to meet fellow Brother Knights, build friendships and witness how the State works. It is also a great chance to meet some of the Supreme officers such as Emilio Moure. Last May, we had the privilege of hearing and meeting Carl Anderson! We have been asked by the State to get behind the “California One Man, One Woman Marriage Initiative”. We have been asked to collect signatures for the initiative on petition forms that can be obtained by filling out a request form at www.onemanonewoman08.org. The deadline for submitting signatures is April 1, 2008. Please make sure to continue praying for the repose of the soul of Ernie Guzman’s (Council 10067) sister who died recently.

	If you have any questions or need any assistance, you can contact me at (805) 968-9440 or by email at sjschlesselmann@cox.net.
	Stephen Schlesselmann
	District Deputy #61