Communion
September 2024
Monthly periodical of Fr. Ernie Deslippe Council 1467 (est. 1935)
GRAND KNIGHT’S MESSAGE
- September
- 2024
Dear Brothers: Welcome back! I hope you and yours enjoyed the summer break. Are you ready to join me in serving the needs of our parishes and the needy in our community? Good, I knew it!
While it is my most humble privilege to serve as your Grand Knight for the Fraternal Year 2024-25, I have to admit to being a bit unsettled by the facts that I: 1) assumed the position ‘unchallenged’ (no one else let their name stand), 2) did so somewhat in haste, and 3) still consider myself a ‘too soon re-cycled’ GK (having served as GK for 2016-18).
Be that as it may, I sincerely look forward to this upcoming year as one of Council renewal and re-vitalization. How so? Well, by working with our Executive to ‘take stock’ of our membership roster (numbering about 200 brothers) and figuring out ways to ‘turn them on’ to Council programs and activities. It’s not lost on me that a huge upside to being GK (although requiring a lot of effort) is that as an organizational leader my main task will be to inspire others (i.e., you) to enthusiastically pursue my ‘vision’ (a renewed and revitalized membership) … and then step out of your way.
As you read through this issue, I’d ask you to reflect in particular on Fr. Peter’s article (Becoming Intentional Disciples) as well as the chart following it. At the risk of offending some, let me be blunt: We have too many able yet idle brothers (mea culpa) that need to reflect on their pledge to sustain Council Fraternity and Unity … to connect with their brothers to tend to their physical, emotional and especially spiritual needs. If me saying that upsets you, please call me and I’ll meet and buy you a coffee at your convenience (519-318-4189).
Fraternally,
Harald Schraeder, GK
Father Ernie Deslippe (1929 – 2011) served as Council chaplain for over 46 years. He was born in Harrow Ontario on March 20, 1929 and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John C. Cody on May 27, 1961 at St. Peter’s Basilica, London Ontario. He celebrated his first Mass at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Harrow. Through his 50 years of ordained ministry, he served as associate pastor, Holy Angels’ Parish, St. Thomas; and Administrator, St. Joseph Mission, Port Stanley. He was an inspiring priest, a leader with fortitude. Throughout his life he was a comforting power for disadvantaged people helping them to find a clear path to follow. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus who stressed that prayer is a vital tool. It helps to become confident, to see things in proper perspective, to give us vision, courage, strength and endurance, and to erode our impure motives.
He said holiness is not something we do for ourselves and instead something that God does in us. He invited us to open our hands to allow what we have to be shared, to flow out of us and we watch it multiplied. He understood that giving, not getting, is the generosity begets generosity. He pointed out that paying attention is one of the greatest compliments we can pay to another human being. Father Deslippe exemplified the mission of the Church to guide its followers to a fulfilling life. He was a great spiritual leader dedicated to prayer and always striving for virtue. Fr. Ernie was a strong advocate of learning and so Council awards a $1000 scholarship in his name each year to a student that demonstrates the values and principles of the Gospel and is pursuing post-secondary education.
The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a fraternal benefit society that was established in 1882 thanks to the efforts of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. The K of C has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and approaching 2 million members world-wide. The Order holds true to its founding principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.