2002-2003 FRATERNAL YEAR

COUNCIL 12158

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
SAINT PATRICK’S BASILICA

OTTAWA, ONTARIO
CANADA

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

ASSISTING AT MASSES, FUNERALS, WEDDINGS AND BAPTISMS - Throughout the fraternal year Brother Robert O’Neill sets up the altar for the 4:30 p.m. Saturday mass, and the 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Sunday masses as well as special masses during the week. He also assisted at baptisms and weddings at Saint Patrick’s Basilica. He also arranges for the ushers at the 4:30 mass on Saturdays and assists at ushering for the other masses. Brother Robert and Brother Michael O’Neill frequently serve at funeral masses during the week.

SUPPORT FOR SEMINARIANS (RSVP) - Over the past year we have supported three seminarians in the Refund Service Vocations Program (RSVP). Their names are Geoffrey Kerslake, Michael Ruddick and Anthony Hannon. Geoffrey and Michael are both taking their final year at Saint Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto and both will be ordained in June 2003. Anthony is taking his internship year at Divine Infant Parish in Ottawa.

ICON OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY - Our Council displayed the Icon of Our Lady of the Rosary on the last weekend of June 2003. Recitation of the rosary preceded the mass. Refreshments consisting of coffee, cookies and doughnuts was held in the basement following the mass.

VOCATIONS DEVELOPMENT – Msgr. Lunney, the Apostolic Vicar, conducted visits to Saint Augustine’s Seminary, which were co-ordinated by Anthony Hannon, a seminarian and member of our Council. Father Lindsay Harrison of Saint Patrick’s is also assisting along with Bob O’Neill of the Council.

BAPTISMS IN THE BASILICA - A Knights of Columbus Bulletin Board displays the names of all children who were baptized in the Basilica over the past year. The Bulletin Board was placed in the sanctuary of the church. The purpose of this display is to celebrate the birth of children.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST – Under the leadership of Tom Furmanczyk, the Chair of the Church Committee, the Council has co-operated with the clergy to train Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. These seven men serve the Holy Eucharist at the 9 pm mass on Sunday. They are available to assist the clergy with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist because other clergy are not available at that hour.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA) – Father Lindsay Harrison of Saint Patrick’s is in charge of the RCIA program in the basilica this year. The Council provides rosaries to give to the participating adults. Brother Robert O’Neill assists in the program and also arranges for coffee and snacks for the group. Some 17 adults were involved in this year’s program.

HOLY ROSARY ROUND TABLE – Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council has established a round table at Holy Rosary Parish, a parish under the direction of the Companions of the Cross. A parishioner of Holy Rosary, Gerald Cook, is a member of our Council and provides liaison on the progress of the round table at Holy Rosary. Holy Rosary’s pastor – Rev. George Sammut - is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and has used the services of the round table to assist with parish renovations.

IN MEMORIAM MASS AND LIST – Past Grand Knight Michael Ferrigan set up a memorial list of all persons whose funerals were at St. Patrick’s Basilica in the past 12 months. The list was displayed in the sanctuary during the month of November. On Thursday, November 21, a memorial service was held for deceased members of the parish and the deceased members of the Knights of Columbus. Members and spouses of Council 12158 and the Carrier Assembly were in attendance.

USHERING - Members of the Council ushered at all of the Masses held during the fraternal year 2002-03 as follows:

Each Sunday at the 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am, 12:15 and 9:00 pm masses as well as the Saturday mass at 4:30 pm.

November 23, at 10 a.m. for the funeral of former Ottawa Police Chief Tom Flanagan

Saint Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. This is a special mass that is celebrated each year for the patron saint. The Archbishop of Ottawa presides at the mass and there is also a guest homilist. In recent years, the church has been filled beyond capacity.

During the Christmas Season on:

Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. (family Mass for Christmas); 11:00 p.m. (“A Christmas Festival of Carols”) and 12:00 solemn Midnight Mass

Christmas Day Masses on December 25th at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

New Years Masses on December 31st at 4:30 p.m. and Monday January 1st at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am and 12:15 pm.

CHRISTMAS MANGER – Two of the members set up the manger on the Basilica lawn. On December 10, at the General Council Meeting and Christmas party, all of the members participated in the Light-Up for Christ ceremony. Msgr. Martineau led the prayers and blessed the manger.

PRAYER SERVICE FOR ISABELLA DOYLE – The members of the Council gathered at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home on Sunday evening, March 2 at 8 pm for a short service for Isabella Doyle, the mother of Andrew Doyle, one of our members. Isabella was 92 years of age and a long-time member of the parish. There were about 18 knights in attendance, not including spouses, parishioners and members of the Doyle Family. Father Lindsay Harrison, assistant pastor at Saint Patrick’s, led the knights in reciting a decade of the rosary and in the short prayer service. Brothers Tom Furmanczyk and Michael O’Neill participated in the readings.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Good Friday, April 18, 2003 - Three members of the Knights of Columbus assisted with the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. They were Robert O’Neill, Michael Ferrigan and Tom Furmanczyk. There were about two hundred people in attendance, including member of the Knights of Columbus and their families.

ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT – Two evenings each week from October to June 2002-03, Newton Stacey and Rev. Lindsay Harrison, who are members of our Council, coordinate a series of lectures, films and bible studies that take place in the scavi (basement of the Basilica) from October to June. This series includes bible studies, film evenings and lectures on religion and culture and is sponsored by the parish for the spiritual and intellectual benefit of Catholic adults.

LECTORS FOR MASSES - Members of the Council participate at Sunday liturgies as lectors as well as over the Christmas season and Easter Triduum.

MASS FOR FATHER MCGIVNEY - On August 14, 2002, a special memorial mass was held at Saint Patrick’s Basilica to remember Father McGivney the founder of the Knights of Columbus. Past Grand Knight Michael O’Neill requested this Mass and the membership was notified. Several members and their families attended.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MASSES AND THE PRAYING OF THE ROSARY - Knights of Columbus Masses were held on the last Sunday of each month (except for November and December). Mass is preceded by the Rosary at 9:00 a.m. with mass at 9:30 a.m. Member Knights and their families attended. Parishioners are invited to join in the praying of the Rosary. The Council Banner was placed on the pulpit and the K of C candle was placed in front of the altar. Hospitality for the parish has also become a part of the Knights’ Masses beginning in February. This monthly activity demonstrated that the knights are present and active in the parish.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE - Sonny and Julie Sangemino and Kevin and Karen Saville gave a presentation on “Intimacy and Natural Family Planning in the Modern Catholic Family” and then lead a group discussion with a question and answer period. The group consisted of 30 couples and was made up of several parishioners from St. Patrick’s. Sonny made a point in his introduction to identify his membership with the Knights of Columbus and gave a brief outline on what the Knights of Columbus are about. Father Lindsay Harrison, now a member of our Council, is also involved in the marriage preparation course along with Robert O’Neill.

CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGING AND PIZZA SUPPER – On Sunday before Christmas 2002, the youth choir, families, parishioners, K of C members and friends met in the scavi. The group went around the neighbourhood to sing Christmas carols. On their return to the Basilica, the group enjoyed a pizza supper and continued with the carols. At the end of the evening, a good will offering was taken up to cover the costs of the pizza and soft drinks. It was a way for the Knights to participate in bringing the Christmas spirit to the parish. About five knights participated in the Christmas carol singing and pizza supper.

ROSES FOR LIFE SALES ON MOTHER’S DAY – Our Council sells roses for life at the doors to the church on Mother’s Day. The proceeds go to pro-life charities.

WIDOWS OF DECEASED KNIGHTS – Our Council has made an addendum to our membership list with the names, addresses and phone numbers of our two widows. This is a way of carrying on the tradition of the Knights of Columbus to keep in touch and extend friendship to the widows and families.

TRIP TO NEW HAVEN AND NEW YORK – PGK Michael O’Neill is organizing a trip to Saint Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut followed by a visit to New York City. The trip to New Haven will include a visit to the Knights of Columbus Museum. New York City will include mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, a visit to Ground Zero and some personal time for sightseeing, theatres etc. This event will take place in September 2003 and will include members of the Knights of Columbus and their families and also parishioners of Saint Patrick’s Basilica in Ottawa.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

ANTI-ABORTION MESSAGE NEAR THE BANK STREET ABORTION CLINIC – Our Council provides financial assistance for the message “Abortion Stops a Beating Heart”, which is a highly visible pro-life message in downtown Ottawa. This message is placed near the location of an abortion clinic at the corner of Bank Street and the Sparks Street Mall. We contribute $300 annually towards this message, which is sponsored by Action Life, the educational arm of the pro-life movement.

RESOLUTION ON THE ROLE OF GOD IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE – A resolution on the restoration of prayer in the public square, particularly at public memorial services, was the object of this resolution. It was passed at the meeting of the Knights of Columbus in January and forwarded on to the Ontario State Council before the firs of February 2003 deadline for the Ontario State Convention to be held in May 2003. It was passed at the Ontario State Convention in May 2003. Our Council expressed its concern for the elimination by the federal government of all references to God in public services.

THE LIFE CHAIN – October 6 – This international event takes place each year at the intersection of Bank and Nepean Streets, just a block from Saint Patrick’s Basilica. Knights from our Council, including Donald MacDonald, Dalton McIntyre, Peter Heenan, Reid Barry, and Bert Leahy participated along with parishioners and other concerned citizens. The Life Chain is a silent tribute to the millions of unborn children who have lost their lives because of abortion.

DISTRIBUTION OF CHRISTMAS HAMPERS – December 21 – Under the direction of Peter Heenan, eight members of the Knights of Columbus participated in the distribution of 20 Christmas hampers to the poor and needy of the parish. Brother Peter has looked after this project for a number of years now. It is carried out with the co-operation of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which provides the names of families.

SHEPHERDS OF GOOD HOPE – December 31 – A group of knights from our Council met at the Shepherds of Good Hope on the morning of New Year’s Eve to assist in the preparation and serving of lunch for about 275 homeless persons who go there for meals. In attendance were the following knights of our Council: Stephen Kusiewicz, Donald MacDonald, Tony McNeil, Dalton McIntyre, Brendan Hennigan, Barry Keane, and Andrzej Banas.

DAY OF THE UNBORN CHILD - On March 25, our council arranged to have the 12:15 p.m. Mass dedicated to the Unborn Child; the Feast of the Annunciation is the Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child. Members of the Council attended this Mass at Saint Patrick’s Basilica and all members were asked to attend mass at a church that was conveniently located. The mass was largely attended. There are many churchgoers at the 12:15 mass at the Basilica because of its convenient location in the downtown area.

PENNIES FOR LIFE – Every year pennies are collected from among our Council members for pro-life charities.
PRAYERS FOR MEMBERS AND PARISHIONERS WHO WERE SICK - Bob O’Neill checks the list of parishioners who are ill and follows up on any council members who may be included. Members also notify Brother Bob of any members who are sick or in distress. Prayers were said throughout the fraternal year for the following knights: William Kehoe, Peter Kelly, Maurie Breen, and John O’Brien. We also pray for members’ spouses who are sick or in poor health.

LIAISON WITH THE IRISH SOCIETY – Mike Ferrigan, Past Grand Knight, is the liaison with the Irish Society. Brother Michael helps with the planning of the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, including honour guard and a float. The Irish Society is also organizing the installation in Ottawa of a Celtic cross in memory of the many Irish workers who died without proper burials during the construction of the Rideau Canal from 1826 to 1832. Our Council made a $100 donation towards the cost of the cross.

IRISH SOCIETY ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE - The council sponsored an entry in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A fourth degree knight played the role of Saint Patrick in the parade. A prayer card of Saint Patrick was distributed along the parade route. The PGK Michael Ferrigan along with Dick Cordick of the Ontario State Council made arrangements for other Councils to participate.

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY MASS OF THANKSGIVING - On Monday, March 17, the Archbishop of Ottawa celebrated a Saint Patrick’s Day Mass of Thanksgiving. Members and their families attended the mass and assisted in the preparation. An honour guard also participated.

HIKE FOR LIFE – On April 26, 2003, our Council participated in the Hike for Life. This is a 10-kilometer hike sponsored by Action Life, the educational arm of the pro-life movement in the Ottawa area. The goal is to raise money with hikers obtaining sponsors who sign a list. Saint Patrick’s Basilica’s designated hiker was our rector and Council chaplain, Msgr. Robert Martineau, who collected funds from those who wished to donate funds to the cause. Members of the Council also participated in the event.

PRO-LIFE SUNDAY – The Knights of Columbus participate in Pro-Life Sunday which is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Ottawa.

SAINT PATRICK’S HOME – Our Council purchased $100 in tickets from Saint Patrick’s Home, a retirement residence for senior citizens. Our Council decided to support this fund-raising project following a talk by Michael O’Byrne, a journalist with CJOH, a local television station, at our Christmas social.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

WORLD YOUTH DAYS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE – As a lead-up to World Youth Day, held in Toronto in July 2002, the Archdiocese of Ottawa sponsored Diocesan World Youth Days at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. Members of the Knights of Columbus were asked to patrol the buildings and keep an eye on things. Michael O’Neill, PGK, Reid Barry, Robert O’Neill, Michael O’Shea, and Terry Howe all participated in the three-day event, which concluded with mass July 21, 2002 at the Ottawa Civic Centre. Celebrants included the Archbishop of Ottawa and the Archbishop of Paris, Jean-Marie Lustiger. Archbishop Gervais acknowledged the presence of the Knights of Columbus at the four-day event.

BASKETBALL FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP JANUARY– JANUARY -FEBRUARY 2003 - The final round of the basketball free throw championship was held at St. Pius x High School in Ottawa. Our Council was involved with hosting the free throw at three schools in the Ottawa area: Saint Mary’s, Saint Daniel’s, and Corpus Christi. Barry Keane and Tom Furmanczyk took the lead with Brother Barry contacting the schools and scheduling the events and Tom organizing the competitions and the awarding of certificates. Maurie Breen, Joe Prince, and Reid Barry participated in the event.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG AWARENESS PROJECT – Barry Keane, a member of Council 12158, was instrumental in obtaining approval from the Ottawa Catholic District School Board to run a poster contest among intermediate students on the theme of Alcohol and Drug Awareness. The contest ran at three schools in the area – Mother Teresa, Jean Vanier and Immaculata, with about 700 students participating. There were prizes for the best posters awarded by committees of students and teachers. The program is designed to raise awareness among students of the serious nature of substance abuse.

SCHOOL ROSARY PROJECT – EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH – A group of knights and their wives under the leadership of Past Grand Knight Michael O’Neill, go to Immaculata High School, which is located in the core area of the city, to recite the rosary. Students and staff are invited to attend.

SPONSORSHIP OF A BOWLING LANE FOR A SCOUT BOWLING TOURNAMENT – Our Council funded a lane at a cost of $60 for a scout bowling tournament at the request of one of our brothers, Roger Richard. Brother Roger, a member of our Council, does volunteer work with youth and is also the Deputy Grand Knight of our first degree team.

COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

SETTING UP A COUNCIL INTERNET SITE - John Konkal, a new member of Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council, volunteered to set up a website for the Knights of Columbus using the template provided by Supreme Council on the Knights of Columbus main site. John met with Chancellor, Stephen Kusiewicz, Deputy Grand Knight, Reid Barry, and Grand Knight, Joe Prince to talk about the requirements for the proposed website. Berman Guevara, a member of the Council, and also on the staff of the basilica was consulted regarding links to the parish website. The GK, DGK and Chancellor agreed to provide input. John was provided with space on a server from his employer, Robert Guibord, whose company provides the technical capacity for an Internet site. The company name is Projek Design and Development. It was agreed to proceed with the template and that photographs of the new executive would be taken and placed on the site. The site may be viewed at kofcstpatsbasilica.org

THE SHAMROCK – The Council newsletter continues to be published and provides our members with news, general information and spiritual support. During the current fraternal year, Michael Ferrigan, the past grand knight, has been the editor. Mike receives written contributions from Council members and puts the newsletter together. It is published about three or four times yearly and distributed or mailed to all the members of Council 12158, as well as district officials, the Ontario State Council and the Knights of Columbus Supreme Office. We plan to have an electronic version of the Shamrock available on the Council website.

THIRD DEGREE INITIATION AT SAINT PATRICK’S BASILICA – November 24, 2002 - Council 12158 at Saint Patrick’s Basilica hosted a highly-successful third degree initiation on this date with dignitaries and members of the Knights of Columbus in attendance. There were 13 members of our own Council who were inducted into the third degree out of a total of 87 new third degree knights. The third degree initiation was held in the parish hall. It was followed an honour guard leading the new third degree knights from the parish hall to the Basilica where the official knighting took place. The final event was a banquet in the basement of the Church, known as the scavi. The guest speaker was our Council’s Past Grand Knight Michael O’Neill who gave an inspirational talk on the spiritual focus of the Knights of Columbus and a short history of our Council at Saint Patrick’s. The event raised $2,100 for the Council. About $1,200 of the profit was used to purchase new tables for the Basilica. These tables are frequently used for parish socials, sales, and other events.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS – September 10, 2002. The installation of the new slate of officers was held in the scavi of the Basilica in the presence of fellow knights and their wives. This event was preceded by the celebration of mass by our chaplain, Msgr. Robert Martineau and followed by refreshments. Bernie Hurley and Ron Strittmatter, District Deputy and District Warden, conducted the installation.

FALL BAZAAR – September 28, 2002 – The Knights of Columbus co-ordinated the annual fall bazaar to raise funds for the Basilica’s Restoration Fund. The Knights of Columbus co-ordinated this event with spouses of members and other parishioners. Clothing, appliances, furniture, books and other items were dropped off at the rectory. Leftover items were taken to Combermere, the location of a lay apostolate, and also to the Shepherds of Good Hope, a service for the homeless in Ottawa. The bazaar netted a total of $3,600 for the Basilica Restoration Fund.

FIRST DEGREE TEAM INITIATION – On October 23, 2002, the First Degree Team under the leadership of degree team captain Jim Callaghan held a first degree installation in the scavi of Saint Patrick’s Basilica. There were six new members inducted into our Council as well as seven from other Councils for a total of thirteen. Following the first degree, refreshments were served. On April 9, 2003, the First Degree Team under the leadership of degree team captain Jim Callaghan held a first degree installation in the scavi of Saint Patrick’s Basilica. There was one new members inducted into our Council as well as five from other Councils for a total of six. Following the first degree, refreshments were served.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY AND LIGHT UP FOR CHRIST – December 10, 2002 - Our Christmas party was a combination of turkey and ham dinner cooked at the Basilica by Council members with pot-luck contributions from other knights. There was also a short meeting at which the Council discussed a resolution on prayer at public memorial services and approved an expenditure of $1,200 for the purchase of tables for the parish. A guest speaker Michael O’Byrne of CJOH, a local television station, spoke on behalf of Saint Patrick’s Home, a retirement residence for aged members of the community. The home holds an annual lottery to raise funds. A newly-ordained priest – Reverend Tim Devine of the Companions of the Cross and a member of our Council - was presented with a gift. Father Devine expressed his appreciation for this presentation and also for the Knights of Columbus honour guard at his ordination on October 23. Father Devine is first blind priest in Canada since the change in Canon Law that allows for the ordination of blind men. There was a gift exchange and raffle at the end of the evening.

MEMBERSHIP LIST – This list of members with their phone numbers, postal and e-mail addresses is updated regularly and distributed to the members by Deputy Grand Knight, Reid Barry. It is used by the Council as a communications tool so members can keep in touch with one another and the executive can contact the membership at large. The addresses are also used to update the mailing list for The Shamrock, the Council newsletter.

PARISH VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER - January 17 – This appreciation dinner is given by the pastor of the parish, Msgr. Robert Martineau for the volunteers. The Knights of Columbus under the leadership of Grand Knight Joe Prince assisted in setting up the hall, using a plan drawn up by Brother Joe. The evening included a sing-along of old time favourites. Many of the volunteers who were honoured are members of the Knights of Columbus who assist on the altar, with the ushering, and serving on parish ministries.

GUEST SPEAKERS – The Council has speakers at its regular monthly meetings. Our lecturer Michael O’Neill, PGK contacts speakers and makes arrangements. Occasionally, other members of the Council arrange speakers in co-operation with him. In October, we had a speaker from Prostate Cancer Association of Ottawa – John Dugan; in November, two representatives of the Irish Society – Christine Crawford and Rob O’Gorman - spoke about the activities carried out by the society in the Ottawa area; in December, Michael O’Byrne, broadcaster with CJOH-TV (a local affiliate of CTV) spoke on behalf of the fund-raising raffle for Saint Patrick’s Home; in January, Newton Steacy - a member of the Council - spoke about the Catholic Civil Rights League.

SALE OF CHRISTMAS CAKES AND COOKIES - From Mid-November To Christmas – This project took place at Saint Patrick’s Basilica as well as in the gift shop in the basement area. This year it raised some $2,500 for the Restoration Fund to upgrade the Basilica and carry out necessary repairs. About 25 knights participated in the sale of the cakes to parishioners who look forward to purchasing the cakes and shortbread cookies for Christmas. There were also large sales to an insurance company as well as the Southway Inn, owned by a member of the Council. There is a considerable amount of labour moving the cakes from one area of the church to another and collecting and counting the proceeds. However, this has proved to be a cherished tradition at the Basilica and parishioners look forward to obtaining these treats as Christmas gifts. Funds raised go to the Basilica’s Restoration Fund.

TELEPHONE COMMITTEE – This committee was activated regularly for Council events, either by the grand knight or the deputy grand knight. The deputy grand knight contacts the seven members of the telephone committee who each contact a group of members assigned to them and inform them of the upcoming event.

50/50 DRAWS - 50/50 draws are held at each General Council Meeting. The money raised is used help in the funding of the operations of the Council.

CHARTER NIGHT – January 25, 2003 - The Council marked its fifth anniversary as a charter organization. The actual date of the charter being granted is March 17, 1998. The Council held a joint banquet with the Cartier Assembly, celebrating its 81st anniversary as the original assembly in Ontario. The event was held at the Southway Inn, Ottawa. The owner of the Inn is Bill Zlepnig, a member of the Council. There was a bar, followed by a dinner, a talk by the founding Grand Knight Michael O’Neill, PGK (also a member of the Cartier Assembly), presentations of copies of the charter to the charter members of the Council, raffle prizes and dancing with music by the Irish Canadians, a local group made up Knights of Columbus and their families. In the five years since its formation, our Council has grown from an initial membership of 34 to 116. The spouses of the knights were in attendance, council widows and District representatives and Dick Cordick of the Ontario State Council. There were a total of about 120 in attendance.

CAR RAFFLE FOR THE ARTHRITIS SOCIETY - Brother Michael O’Neill, Past Grand Knight, coordinated the sale of the Car Raffle Tickets for the support of the Arthritis Society. This year the Council sold 500 books with sales in the Basilica’s Gift Shop, in the Baptistry, and by individual members. As well, this year, the Council sold tickets at the local shopping malls.

ARCHBISHOP’S DINNER - The Archbishops dinner was held on April 4th in Vanier. There was a Mass celebrated at Assumption Church before the dinner held at Club Powers. Price of tickets $25 per person. There were 8 people including Msgr. Martineau from our Council who attended.

ATTENDANCE AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA’S FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - Members of the Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council 12158 attended the 15th anniversary celebration of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Ottawa on April 26, 2003. Altogether, there were 8 knights and their spouses in attendance. Jim Clancy of the Ontario State Office was the guest speaker. Our Lady of Fatima has been a strong supporter of the Knights of Columbus at Saint Patrick’s since it began in 1998. Our Council was pleased to show its support for the Fatima Council 9742 and wish them well in their future endeavours.

STATE COUNCIL CONVENTION - This year, the Council is sending Joseph Prince, Grand Knight, as a delegate to the State Council Convention. Joe is to be accompanied by his wife Rachael.

YEAR END BARBEQUE AND AWARDS NIGHT – On June 27, our Council held its year-end barbeque with some 75 knights and spouses in attendance. Steaks and fish were served as well as an assorted menu of salads, baked beans, potatoes and desserts. There was a cash bar and door prizes. The Chaplain Msgr. Martineau, Associate Pastor Father Harrison, the District Deputy and District Warden were in attendance. A visitor from Halifax, Rev. Gregory Heenan, was accompanied by Peter Heenan, one of the members. Reid Barry, DGK, welcomed everyone and reviewed the accomplishments of the year. The Grand Knight and the Charter Grand Knight presented awards to the chaplain, past grand knights, family of the year, top recruiters, couples celebrating 50 years of marriage, and the new knight of the year.