My Brother Knights,
We have just completed another great fraternal year where Immediate Past State Deputy Alfredo Vela and his team are poised to earn the Pinnacle Award for 2021-2022 after earning the Pinnacle Award for 2020-2021. Achieving this honor back-to back has never been done before in Texas. And this was done during a Covid pandemic which shows what can be done when you accept “no excuses.”
We want to keep the momentum going with a strong start for the 2022-2023 campaign and we have the leaders to get it done. Our slogan this year is “Christ, Be Our Light.” In John 8:12, Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” With the current state of our world, we need to look to Him to be our Guiding Light. Our Faith in Action Program is what fellow Catholics need while dealing with these trying times, and there will be new programs like “Knights of the Eucharist” and “Eucharistic Processions” that will be our guide.
With the overturn of “Roe vs. Wade,” we have realized a dream 50 years in the making, but the fight has just begun. We must be vigilant of our Churches, Catholic Schools, Pregnancy Centers and most importantly our Clergy. These symbols of good and righteousness may be targets by those who have proven “rights for life” have little meaning, and vandalism & destruction is what they know. Be vigilant, but smart. Let your phone be your tool to report to proper authorities if issues arise.
It is particularly important to get ALL Council Officers to Diocesan Conferences as there are many changes and innovative programs coming from Supreme that they need to hear personally. One program is the Aid & Support After Pregnancy program, (A.S.A.P.) which will be covered in depth, where we can assist women that have chosen to keep their baby.
Some of our Goals for this fraternal year are:
• Recruit 4500 new members, with at least 1300 of these to be Catholic men under 50 years old.
• Every Council Recruitment Active
• Start 8 New Councils
• Fraternal Benefits Events- over 375 active councils report at least 2 events.
• Obtain 175 Star Councils
• Membership Drive Goal – 554
• Sponsor 200 Roundtables
• State Charity Fundraising Goal- $820,000
• 300 or more Councils to be Safe Environment Compliant by May 31,2023
• Attain Circle of Honor
I appreciate the effort of our 710+ Active Councils in Texas and what you do to Support our Bishops, Priests and other Religious that have dedicated their lives in service of Catholics in this Great State.
Keep up the Good Work!
Vivat Jesus!
Terry Frugé
State Deputy