My Brother Knights,

"During this anniversary year, we must pledge to stay true to Father McGivney's Vision. Doing so will lead us to even greater heights, whether it is protecting more families, extending our charitable programs or recruiting more members. These must be our goals during this 125th anniversary year. Vivat Jesus!"
- Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight

Worthy District Deputies and Grand Knights, you are the key to the success in your districts and councils. Through your leadership the Order will continue to grow, but you must be diligent in your planning. Success doesn't just happen, but with your dedicated efforts, new member recruitment is the catalyst that will bring forth the vision of Father Michael J. McGivney.

Texas had another outstanding recruitment year in 2007. Even though we fell short of our recruitment goal we had the best record of the last ten years in Texas due to the retention process of saving Brother Knights that were border line of leaving the Order. In the last fraternal year, 4,667 new Knights and their families are having the "Experience of a Lifetime" being part of the greatest Catholic Family Fraternal Organization in the world. The vision of our Founder, Father Michael J. McGivney is alive and well in Texas!

Texas has entered into the new fraternal year celebrating 125 years of the founding of our Order. Our successes this year will depend on your early planning to achieve our goals set forth by Supreme and our State Deputy for 2007-2008.

There are many steps to achieve success and one is qualifying for the prestigious Star Council Award. The council must establish a plan of action in July of the new fraternal year, and the most important key is an active membership committee with established goals, i.e., a game plan! It is essential that the members are committed to the council goals and initiatives. All members are to be recruiters with a focus on youth and leadership, and everyone must continue the pace required to achieve your goals, with Star District and Star Council as your objective..

Jim Collins
State Membership Director