Communion
October 2024
Monthly periodical of Fr. Ernie Deslippe Council 1467 (est. 1935)
GRAND KNIGHT’S MESSAGE
- October
- 2024
Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the … Council. Last month, I used this space to share with you my priority for this Fraternal Year:
To reconnect with our brothers.
It was inspired by this passage from our Supreme website:
Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families.
The brothers that attended our September Business Meeting heard me read the names of those that are homebound or otherwise resident in care facilities due to age or infirmary. They heard me implore us to reach out to our fellow Council members that we haven’t seen for a while … to conduct ‘wellness checks’ of their physical, mental or spiritual condition and circumstances … and then to report back to let us know what they may have found out about the needs, if any, of our brothers. I pray we make progress on this priority action over
the course of this fraternal year.
I’m very pleased to let you know that Bro. SK John Kana accepted his nomination and was affirmed as Council’s Deputy Grand Knight for fraternal year 2024-25. We’re still hoping someone steps up to fill Advocate. I hope you enjoy this issue and please share it with your family and friends. Perhaps take a copy with you when you visit a brother to use as an ‘ice-breaker’ as you set out on your personal ‘reconnection’ mission.
Fraternally,
Harald Schraeder, GK, PGK
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.