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Brother Knights,
“I’m My Brother’s Keeper”; this is the theme presented at the Supreme Convention in Washington, DC, the beginning of August. How does this pertain to us as Knights of Columbus member or council or as a Catholic lay person?
Through the principles of our Order: First, Charity, giving freely of ourselves in our talents and gifts to help others in need. Charity is for the heart of the giver, not for the given. Secondly, Unity, do we come together to accomplish tasks and events or do we try to do them ourselves or do we leave others thoughts and efforts out? For the good of the Order it is stronger to unite all, than it is to hang by yourself, for if we fall, who will be there to pick up the pieces? For the Order is bigger than anyone of us. Thirdly, Fraternity, when obstacles come between us and others, do we look at the situation as how it will affect the Good of the Order or do we act out what is good for ourselves? We need to come together to know all are welcome and need to depend upon each other.
As a Catholic lay person, we need to allow our faith to grow and nurture and be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and listen to what is placed in front of us.
We all should be our Brother’s Keeper. We may not even know the tasks and challenges in front of us are struggles that we need to work through, thus allowing growth in our Catholic Faith and knowledge as a Knights of Columbus.
I recently was visiting with a priest and through our conversation; I was describing some of the challenges I am facing as a person, husband, father, doctor and as a leader in the Knights of Columbus and other volunteer areas. He stated, the Lord is working with you, putting the challenges in front of you to build up your character, knowledge and trust in Him. He than stated, I would be worried if you did not have these challenges, for you can handle them. This goes back to my screen saver on my computer; “God only gives you what you can handle”.
I encourage all to look at the challenges in front of you this fraternal year in membership growth and retention and in programs. Set goals, longer term and monthly on how you will attain them, with bench marks to check progress along the way. Encourage and involve members of your council (new, involved and non-involved members) in the steps of and the goals themselves. Remember, we are always trying to nurture our replacement in leadership.
Our faith calls us to endure and to trust that our loving Father is involved here.
Go to Joseph
Dr. Cory Badinger
State Deputy