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Texas I Number One

Tony Herreth, State Deputy

Six months have passed since the beginning of the fraternal year and Texas Knights already have much to celebrate. You have lead by example in membership, in charities, and in your programs.

On January 1, 2011, Texas became the largest jurisdiction of the Knights of Columbus in the United States. At the beginning of the fraternal year, State Chaplain Bishop Farrell challenged the District Deputies at the Organization meeting to “BEAT NEW YORK” so he could have bragging rights for his friend, Archbishop Dolan of New York. At the time, Texas was behind by 2100 members and reaching that goal would be very difficult. The challenge was set, but with your passion for the Knights in Texas you gave Bishop Farrell and Texas a wonderful Christmas present.
In his blog at http://bishopfarrell.blogspot.com/, Bishop Farrell wrote:
“It is my privilege to serve as State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. It is indeed an honor to be associated with the Knights whose charitable works are well known and universal. They are a great gift to the Church here in Dallas and throughout the country. Their work is much admired. In an earlier blog I have expressed my hope that every Catholic man would be a Knight. More than 94,000 Texas Catholic men are already members of the order but that is not enough.”
“In July, I challenged the Texas Knights of Columbus to beat out the Knights of New York as number one in largest state membership. Tony Herreth, Texas State Deputy, has informed me that as of January 1, 2011 Texas had 94,720 Knights and New York had 94,580. Texas is Number 1! Congratulations to our Knights in the Lone Star State for leaving New York in Texas’ dust…and my condolences to Archbishop Dolan. Now let’s make it 96,000.”
At 94,720 Knights, Texas will soon be honoring the proposer who recruited the 95,000th member. Will that be someone in your council? See Membership Director Bobb Mahrer’s article for more ways to earn awards in recruiting.
PREPARE NOW for STATE CONVENTION
Prepare now to celebrate all of your accomplishments. The Texas State Convention is May 13-15, 2011 at the Dallas Sheraton Hotel. This hotel is a great facility for our convention since it is connected to a convention center. One hotel will house all the Knights. You will not have to get into your car once you arrive. All activities will be in the hotel or convention center.
Be sure to arrive Friday to participate in morning golf, clergy seminar and clergy luncheon, the awards session, and the concert and dinner featuring country entertainer Steve Holy.
As leaders of your council, there are several items you need to take care of first.
Per Capita, both Supreme and State must be current. By now, your council should have paid ½ of the State Per Capita. Councils who are not current are subject to a State Audit.
Resolutions will be due soon. If your council wants a resolution to be addressed at the convention, get it passed by your council first, then send it to State Advocate Doug Oldmixon.
Awards applications will be due soon. But don’t wait until the deadline. Appoint someone to start preparing your presentation now. Awards are presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for Family, Youth, Council, Community, and Church. And don’t forget to submit your best family for the Family of the Year Award.
You will receive a packet in February which explains more. Be ready to file the forms as soon as you can after receiving it.
AWARDS PROCUREMENT
Do you or a Brother Knight in your council have the talent to create special awards? If so please have them call Awards Procurement Chairman Bill Sullivan at 713-464-7170.
PROGRAMS
I hope your council has found some worthwhile programs to participate in. Here are a couple of fundraisers which need your help.
The Wheelchair Mission is a project that helps immobile people worldwide. Currently, the funds raised for the next distribution is at $16,000. If you need more information call Sam Szalwinski at 210-496-6310. His goal is for every council purchase one wheelchair for $150.
The Ultrasound Project has taken off in Texas with the purchase of 5 Ultrasound machines for Crisis Pregnancy Centers. Some councils have raised the money individually, while others have united together to raise the money. For more information, call Pro-Life Chairman Tom Clark at 214-282-6297.
Brothers, I cannot express in words how very proud I am of the Knights of Columbus in Texas. Whenever Marty and I visit your areas, there is always a program underway. You work hard for nothing more than the satisfaction that someone who needs help is receiving it. That is the message that our Lord Jesus Christ sent us when he died on the cross; “Help the least of your brothers”. It is his Passion you are serving. God Bless you.
“The Passion to Serve”


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