I Am With

You Always
Empire State Bulletin Official Publication
of the New York State Council
Knights of Columbus
Vol. 54 Issue 5 November 2015
Organized February 3, 1896
A Message From Your State Deputy, Robert D. Weitzman
To My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,:

The month of October has been an inspirational and glorious month. Our Holy Father visited our great state and he brought us
messages. The message of love, hope and respect for all. The message that the Risen Christ is with us always and we, as a people, need
to take an active role in caring for those most in need. The message that all life on God's good earth is precious. We must promote peace
on earth. We are all children of God and must live a life that supports the teachings of our Church. I would like to thank the Knights who
volunteered to be Ushers at the Mass. You did an excellent job and represented us with dignity.
I have continued to travel the state and I am inspired by you, my Brother Knights, and your families. Your commitment to our
Church, our order, our communities and your family is exemplary. You show, by your relationships and deeds, that the path to peace of
mind and heart is through the Love of Faith. I have also had the pleasure of meeting many Columbiettes. We are so blessed to have them
as our partners. We must continue to support each other. I look forward to growing our relationship with these wonderful ladies.
I want thank you for your support of our Charitable and Benevolent Program. This is an essential program that raises funds for our
local and state communities. We have made a conscientious commitment to support our Diocesan Bishops, our Seminarians, our Catholic
Schools, our Special Olympians, our Holy Shrines, providing financial aid to our students attending Catholic High School, the mission of the
Sisters of Life, Saint Mary's Hospital for Children and many other charitable needs throughout our State. This is part of the mission of the
Knights of New York State. It is up to you to provide for those in need by participating in our C&B program.
I would like to acknowledge those of you who have actively recruited new members into our Order. We must continue to invite
men to join us on our mission, built on the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. When we were asked and became Knights
it did not just happen by chance. We were brought into this Catholic faith-based brotherhood to improve the lives of all we come in contact
with and, in turn, our world will be a better place for our generation and future generations. Freedom of Religion and of Life, is a right given
to us by the Living God and we must stay united to protect these God given rights. We must also provide hope, love, and forgiveness to
those living in the shadows. We must stand in solidarity with our Priests.
The Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are here. Please keep in your prayers all our Clergy, the
members of our Armed Services, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and Thank God for His grace that He
continues to rain down upon us.
Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
Vivat Jesu!
Bob Weitzman, State Deputy

Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney

God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest,
Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the
generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son,
Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the
Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may
continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Father Michael
J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now
present (make your request here). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.

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Highlighted In This Issue

Message from your State Deputy

Table of Index

Message from Senior Associate Chaplain

Around the State

If members of your
council are not
receiving the Empire
State Bulletin, please
send their e-mail address to
esb.staff1@gmail.com with a
subject of ESB - add me to your
list. Help us share our news with
all of New York State.

Messages from your Directors

Reports from your Chairmen

4 - 12
13 - 18

Islander Game

19

Christmas Spectacular

20

Staff of the New York State Council

21

Do it for
the cause,
not the
applause.
Ed Ciulla, State Warden
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New York
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A Message from our Senior Associate State Chaplain,

Fr. Brian McWeeney...
My Brother Knights,
As we are quickly approaching the end of the Year of Our Lord: 2015 (as it expressed
classically), the Church asks us to recall those who have gone before us who shared our faith
and passed it on to us. She gives us a whole month to appreciate the number of people who
sacrificed for us and our community. On the feast of All Saints we recalled those holy men and
women who walked in the footsteps of Christ and invited us to do the same. Some of them have
been canonized while others who comprise the great majority are known to each of us alone.
Among them are our parents and their parents, the priests, brothers, and sisters who taught us,
and of course, so many of our brothers in the fraternity of Venerable Michael McGivney. At
our memorial masses throughout the state we will recall their example and pray for them who
have passed beyond our sight.
But to remember is only half of our duty as Catholics and as Knights. We must emulate
what we have seen and heard. We must teach our children passing on to them the stories of faith.
We must strengthen our relationship with Christ by the fulfillment of the corporal and spiritual
works of mercy, and recognize our dependence on God by daily prayer and participating in the
Eucharist.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving and rejoice in what we have received let us not forget those in
harm's way defending our lives and freedoms as well as our
first responders who daily guard against the dangers of living
in our society. Know of my prayers for all of you and your
families as I seek yours.
Vivat Jesus,
Father Brian
Senior Associate State Chaplain

We encourage all Councils to send completed forms to

the New York State forms email address as listed below.
nyskofcforms@hotmail.com
This will make certain they are recognized as submitted.
We thank you for your cooperation.
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All Long Island Soccer Challenge held on October 24, 2015

at Our Lady of the Rosary Council, Deer Park

Congratulations to all participants!

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ST. BERNARDS
CATHOLIC SCHOOL DONATION
The Knights of Columbus Saranac Lake Council 599
recently presented a $2,155 donation to St. Bernards
Catholic School in Saranac Lake, the proceeds raised
from a guideboat coffee table raffle.
The beautiful coffee table was hand-crafted by local
Adirondack Boat Builder Joe Spadaro specifically for
the fund raising effort supporting St. Bernards School.

Pictured from left to right are Sally and Joe Spadaro, Council 599
Fund Raising Chairman Rick Sayles, St. Bernards School Principal Ray Dora and
Council 599 Grand Knight Jim Ammon.

Article and photo submitted by Bill McIntyre, PGK Council 599, District Deputy, NY District 94

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A Right to Life Mass and Holy Hour with Bishop Terry was held on
Sunday, October 4, 2015 at St. Mary's Church in Canton, NY.
The Holy Family Icon was on display for all to enjoy. Sarto Council Chaplain Fr. Doug Lucia
referred to it his remarks. This Icon will circulate throughout the diocese over the next two years.
Bill Ose presented Bishop Terry LaValley with a hand-crafted boat signifying the Bishop's role
as a Fisher of Men. Charlie Robinson presented one of the New York State K of C Councils
seven highest program awards to Canton Sarto Council's Grand Knight Brandon Baldwin and
District Deputy Mark McKenna. The Culture of Life Award was awarded to the council for
work in establishing the Wounded Warriors Sled Hockey team and league.
The Bishop thanked Bill Ose and the Knights for organizing the event. Approximately 120
were in attendance. This was a great day for all especially our Northern Conference.

Photos courtesy of Ed Smith

Article submitted by Dr. Charlie Robinson
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Our Worthy State Deputy Bob Weitzman

traveling this great state of New York.
Visiting in Syracuse, he addresses the
Upstate Conference Executive Committee
on Saturday, October 17, 2015

As we express our gratitude, we must never

forget that the highest appreciation is not to
utter words, but to live by them.
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
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Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Council #6556, Knights of

Columbus in Wyandanch recently held their annual installation of officers on
Saturday, October 10, 2015 in the Parish Hall following the 5:00pm Mass. District
Deputy Carmine E. Soldano officiated over the installation ceremony. Leslie Small
was installed as the Grand Knight by NYS Officer, John G. Joseph. Approximately 45
members and guests were in attendance.
Standing Left to Right: Michael T. Hearney-Ceremonial Warden, Douglas ThomasSecretary, Jerome Hendrix-Chancellor, Luis Salmenron Vasquez-Member, Rex LoweInside Guard, Jonathan Hawes-Recording Secretary, Victor Gaylardo-Outside Guard,
Carmine E. Soldano-District Deputy,8th District.
Seated Left to Right: Frank Casillo-Suffolk Conference Chairman, George LundinSuffolk Chapter Chairman, Leslie Small-Grand Knight, John G. Joseph-Secretary
to the NYS Deputy, Ricardo Rivera-Deputy Grand Knight.

Article and photo submitted by Carmine E. Soldano, PGK

DD-8th N.Y. District
Vice-Chairman of the Board of District Deputies

He who thanks but with the lips thanks but in part;

The full, the true Thanksgiving comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd
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Praying Together
On Wednesday, October 14, 2015, members and families from Patriarch Josyf
Cardinal Slipyj Council # 10949, and, Pope John XXIII Council # 7707, gathered at
St Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Irondequoit (Rochester) NY, for the celebration
of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, as celebrated in the Eastern Catholic Church.
During the Homily, Rev. Mitred Archpriest Philip Weiner, pastor of St Josaphat
Church, spoke of the significance of the Royal Doors (Iconostas), as well as, explaining the
similarities of the Eastern Liturgy to that of the Western Church.
After Liturgy, everyone was treated to a tour of the Mosaic Gift Shop, where
Ukrainian articles are on display and available for purchase.
Article submitted by
Roman Zguta
Grand Knight
Pope John XXIII Council # 7707

He who thanks but with the lips

thanks but in part; The full, the true
Thanksgiving comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd

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Ricardo Lucchetti celebrated 50 years plus in the

Knight of Columbus. Some of the titles he held are
PGK, FFN, FNYS Hispanic NCD, FNYSNCD, FDD,
FCOB, Marshal 3rd NY District.
We say thank you for your service and congratulate and wish him well!

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PRESS RELEASE
Knights of Columbus
Fr. John J. Murray Council #14666
American Martyrs RC Church
79-43 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, New York 11364
Press Contact: Michael Chimenti (917) 803-4209 / Michael Chimenti@aol.com
October 18, 2015

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PROMOTE

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WITH FREE TACHS PREP COURSE
The Knights of Columbus of American Martyrs Church (Father John J. Murray Council 14666, Union Tpke and Bell Blvd.) recently
offered a free preparation course to 8th grade students interested in applying for Catholic High Schools in Queens. Those applying
are required to take a placement test known as TACHS.
The TACHS, or Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools, is given in New York City and a number of other New York
counties each year in November to eighth-graders seeking admission to specific Catholic high schools. The high schools use the
exam results to make decisions about admitting applicants and to group prospective ninth-grade students into classes. The test
measures academic achievement in reading, language arts, and mathematics, and assesses general reasoning skills.
The 4 part-course, similar to the type of preparation course students take for the SATs, is designed to help students prepare for the
test with course study, test strategy, and practice testing. The course was taught by a professional teacher with 11 years experience
teaching this course.
Although this years course is already completed, the Knights hope to continue this program next year and make it an annual
offering to the community. Details for next years prep course will be made public prior to the course, which will again be offered
in the Fall. The course, which was offered free of charge, is designed to help promote and encourage catholic education in our
community and throughout Queens and the New York City. The course will be open to any 8 th grade student interested in applying
to catholic high school.

PRESS CONTACT: Michael Chimenti@aol.com

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Jesus, thank you for loving us;
And providing food, shelter, and each other.
Every moment of our lives is a gift;
And we appreciate all the time
You have given us.
Thank you for all our good fortune.
Amen.

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Article and photos submitted by

Thomas Mayerhauser, PGK, DD,
16th NY District
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Keep Christ in Christmas

My Brother Knights,

Now is the time to start planning a campaign to remind our councils, our
parishes, and all Christians to "Keep Christ in Christmas". This may be as
simple as putting a Christmas sticker on your car, a Nativity Scene in front
of your home or at your Church, to advertising in your local paper, on radio
stations, websites, or your Church bulletin. This campaign may require a
united effort to pool funds by Councils, Districts or Chapters.
It is so easy to promote the Keep Christ in Christmas program. Simply go
to the Supreme website (www.kofc.org) and type in the search window Keep
Christ in Christmas and you will be provided with many different ideas.
Public Service Announcements that councils can use in conjunction with
their local radio stations are offered at the following website: http://
www.kofc.org/en/news/releases/detail/keep_christ_christmas.html

Christmas cards, banners, billboards and other specialty items are available
at: http://www.christischristmas.com/ .
It is up to us, the Strong Right Arm of the Church, to remind all that
Christmas is more than the exchange of gifts, it is the Celebration of the
Birth of our Savior Jesus the Christ!
Vivat Jesu,
Peter C. Browning

All Saints Day

November 1, 2015
All Souls Day
November 2, 2015
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Its all about the members!

by Sal Restivo, PSD, Membership Director
Ten!10!.Ten!New Members for your council by New Years Eve!
We are now into our prime recruiting season. While we are all working harder we
also need to work SMARTER! I thought I would start off with the working
smarter remark because I cant see asking you to work harder. Yes, there are many
councils that have not recruited a member yet this fraternal year but, then again,
there are councils that have exceeded expectations! So I wont preach to the choir.
Well?....Maybe just a wee bit of preaching?
Working smarter: Are your council leaders working to keep our brothers active
in charitable and fraternal activities? Are we using every council function as a
recruiting activity? Are we approaching Catholic men on a personal level to discuss
membership in the Knights of Columbus after Mass on Sunday or in other venues?
Are we inviting the future brother with his wife and family to a council event or
activity? Are we planning open houses? Church Recruitment drives? Are we using a
team approach? Are you helping? Are you part of the team? Do you have ideas or
practices that work? Are you sharing the ideas? Do you need help?
It is no secret that we want to grow the Order in New York State. It is no secret
that we are the largest and most important Catholic Fraternal organization in the
World! Filming Building His Dream for this years new season, I asked my
guests Why are you still a member of the Knights of Columbus? The answers
are as individual as the brothers. The answers, not surprisingly, were heartfelt and
make it clear, that being a Knight is as much a part of him as his heart and soul. In
fact, the answers came from the brothers soul. Being a Knight of Columbus is so
essential to us that it has become the very definition of who we are. Like the
Knights of old we live in an uncertain world. Like the Knights of old we wear
our Catholic Faith as our armor to protect us against the traps of the world.
As the Knights of old, we work to bring people to the Faith. Why are you still a
member? Maybe, just maybe, thats why the future member should be a
Knight of Columbus. Share your reason with him and Just ask him!

Have Faith, Act and Focus on the Future!

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New York State Recruitment Incentives

If your council missed the first quarter incentive, good news!
Bring in a total of 8 new members by 12/31/15, and the State Deputy
will award you a 10% discount on your State Per-Capita.
Any council that recruits 10 new members by 12/31/15 will
receive a 20% discount on their STATE PER-CAPITA.
Per-Capita incentives are not cumulative.

TARGET DATE INCENTIVE REQUIREMENTS

INCENTIVES

9/30/15

5 NEW OR REACTIVATED MEMBERS

10% NYS PER-CAPITA DISCOUNT

12/31/15

8 NEW OR REACTIVATED MEMBERS

10% NYS PER-CAPITA DISCOUNT

12/31/15

10 NEW OR REACTIVATED MEMBERS

20% NYS PER-CAPITA DISCOUNT

The Second Chance Incentive is for councils that did

not reach the quota for the 9/30/15 incentive.

Resurrection of Our Lord Council #11871,

located in Farmingville, helps a parishioner.
This past summer members
of Resurrection of Our Lord 11871,
located in Farmingville, were asked
to assist a member of the parish who
is suffering from ALS. Her house was to
go through a makeover for the TV show
George to the Rescue on NBC.
We were asked to move some of her
furniture from her house to a pod on
her driveway in order for the
contractors to complete their work.
Pictured are those who helped.
Photo and article submitted by Jim Condon, GK Resurrection Council

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Recruitment Incentive Extended!

In honor of Pope Francis, recruiters will be awarded
with a commemorative medallion if they recruit at least
one new member* during the first six months of the
fraternal year ( July 1-Dec. 31, 2015).
Bonus: All recruiters will be awarded 2,000 VIP points
for all members they recruit this same period.
Examples:
1. Recruit One Member = +

2. Recruit Five Members =

2,000 VIP Points

10,000 VIP Points

* Former or inactive insurance members count toward incentive awards.

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EMPIRE STATE BULLETIN

Knights of Columbus
New York State Council
359 Route 111, Bldg. 1, Suite 2
Smithtown, N.Y. 11787

Delivered
via e-mail
Register Now!

STAFF OF THE NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL

Honorary State Chaplain........His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan
State Chaplain......Most Rev. Robert Cunningham
Senior Associate State Chaplain..Rev. Father Brian McWeeney
Associate State Chaplain.............Rev. Msgr. James Cox
Associate State Chaplain....Rev. Fr. Donald Bourgeois
Associate State Chaplain...Rev. Fr. Robert Dwyer
Associate State Chaplain...Rev. Fr. Darr Schoenhofen
State Father Prior of Youth.Rev. Father Dennis Nikolic
State Deputy........Robert D. Weitzman
State Secretary....Kenneth Latham, Jr.
State Treasurer..Edward Kennedy
State Advocate......Gary Leonardo
State Warden..........Edward Ciulla
Chief of Staff.......Edward OToole
Secretary to State Deputy..John G. Joseph
Warden to State Deputy..Thomas Boslet
Admin. Assistant to State Deputy.............Frank Bagley
Admin. Assistant to State Deputy..............Jerry Connelly
Events Coordinator......Anthony Sonny Mangone
Counsel to the State Deputy....Carmine Musumeci, Esq. PSD
Counsel to the State Deputy....Joseph Lupia, Esq.

A message from
the Editor:
We want to share the good
work of our Order with
everyone! Kindly submit
your article to me by the
15th of each month
and it will be in the next
Empire State Bulletin.
Please send articles to
esb.staff1@gmail.com.

State Membership Director..Salvatore A. Restivo, PSD, XS

Assistant Membership Director...Rich Elias
State Program Director.......Michael Flanagan
State Youth Director........ Michael Hearney
State C&B Director........Anthony Ippolitto
Assistant State C&B Director....Hank Theiling

I look forward to
hearing from you.

State Ceremonials Chairman....James. A. Foy, PSD

Admin. State Coord. Ext. Fund Raising.....Rocco DErasmo
ESB Editor....John G. Joseph
Web Master.........Brian Ennis
State Logistics Chairman..Deacon Charles Esposito
Insurance Liaison......James Grabinski

John G. Joseph,
PGK, FDD, FST
Secretary to the State Deputy
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