2003-2004 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 and arranges for the ushers at the 4:30 mass on Saturdays. When necessary, he assists with the ushering for the other masses. Brother Robert O’Neill and Brother Michael O’Neill frequently serve at funeral masses during the week, and with assistance on occasion from Brothers Brendan Hennigan and Charles Gauthier.

SUPPORT FOR SEMINARIANS (RSVP) - Over the past year we have supported two seminarians in the Refund Service Vocations Program (RSVP). Their names are Richard Pilon, and Anthony Hannon. Richard is in his first year at the Dominican College in Ottawa. Anthony is his fourth year of a five-year program and is attending Saint Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto.

VOCATIONS DEVELOPMENT – Msgr. Lunney, the Apostolic Vicar for the English Sector of the Archdiocese of Ottawa, has set up sessions know as Come and See Fridays at Saint Patrick’s Basilica to help men interested in exploring a vocation to the priesthood. These sessions were arranged by the Knights of Columbus at Saint Patrick’s and are held in the Council Chamber at Saint Patrick’s Basilica. Anthony Hannon, a seminarian and member of our Council, was involved in setting these up along with Msgr. Lunney. Father Lindsay Harrison of Saint Patrick’s is also assisting along with Brothers Bob O’Neill and Tom Furmanczyk.

BAPTISMS IN THE BASILICA – Every year, 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 Brendan Hennigan, the Chair of the Church Committee, the Council has co-operated with the clergy to set up a schedule for Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. These men serve the Holy Eucharist at the 9 pm mass on Sunday when other clergy are not available.

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 initiated this year.

HOLY ROSARY ROUND TABLE – Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council has established a round table at Holy Rosary Parish. 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. For a period of six months, Brother Gerald was stationed in the Golan Heights on an assignment with the Canadian Armed Forces. 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. In November, 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 Cartier Assembly attended.

USHERING - Members of the Council ushered at all of the Masses held during the fraternal year 2003-04 as follows:

§ Ushering took place 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.

§ March 23, at 10 a.m. for the funeral of Charter Member Bill Kehoe.

§ Saint Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, 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 well beyond capacity.

During the Christmas Season on:

ª 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

ª Christmas Day Masses on December 25th at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. New Year’s Masses on December 31 at 4:30 p.m. and January 1 at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am and 12:15 pm.

CHRISTMAS MANGER – Members set up the manger on the Basilica lawn. On December 9, at the General Council Meeting and Christmas party, all of the members participated in the Light Up for Christ Christmas ceremony. Father Lindsay Harrison led the prayers and blessed the manger.

WAKE SERVICE FOR BUD MARTINEAU, BROTHER OF THE CHAPLAIN – A wake service for the brother of our rector and chaplain, Msgr. Robert Martineau, was held at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home in November. About 18 knights were in attendance to pay their respects and to participate in the prayer service led by Msgr. Martineau for his brother.

WAKE SERVICE FOR MSGR. FRANCIS FRENCH – A wake service for a former rector of Saint Patrick’s Basilica – Msgr. Francis French (pastor 1977-93) was held in February at the request of the Knights of Columbus as Msgr. French lay in state at the Basilica on the night before his funeral mass. Archbishop Marcel Gervais of Ottawa led the service and Msgr. Pat Powers, a long-time friend of Msgr. French, delivered the eulogy. This service was well attended by parishioners and about 25 members of the Knights of Columbus and spouses.

WAKE SERVICE FOR BILL KEHOE – The members of the Council gathered at Kerry Funeral Home in Carleton Place (about 25 kilometres from Ottawa) on March 22 at 7:30 pm for a short service for Bill Kehoe, one of our charter members. There were about 25 knights in attendance from our Council, as well as spouses, parishioners and members of the Kehoe Family. There were several other knights from Our Lady of Fatima Council. One of the resident priests at Saint Patrick’s led the prayer service and several knights – Brendan Hennigan, John O’Brien, Reid Barry and Michael O’Neill assisted with the readings. Gerald Angers led the members in the recitation of a decade of the rosary. Brother Maurie Breen, a long-time friend of Bill Kehoe, spoke briefly about Bill Kehoe.

PILGRIMAGE STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA – A statue of Our Lady of Fatima was brought to Saint Patrick’s Basilica for veneration on March 15, as part of a ten-day tour of parishes throughout the city of Ottawa. This statue has been on tour around the world since 1947. Members of our Council assisted in bringing the statue into the church at 6:45 a.m. and removing it at the end of the day. Many hundreds of parishioners gathered for prayers during the day. An evening prayer service was held, where many parishioners and knights received the brown scapular.

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

FAITH AND CULTURE SERIES – Every Tuesday evening from October to June 2003-04, 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). This series includes bible studies, films and lectures on religion and culture. The parish sponsors these talks to encourage adult faith development. One of this year’s talks was on the novel The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Father Lindsay Harrison spoke of the historical inaccuracies in the novel to an audience of sixty. This talk received coverage in the Ottawa Citizen.

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, 2003, a special memorial mass was said 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. 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 Knights of Columbus candle was placed in front of the altar. Hospitality for the parish has also become a part of the Knights’ Masses. This monthly activity demonstrates that the knights are present and active in the parish.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY AND LIGHT UP FOR CHRIST – On December 9, 2004 our council held its annual Christmas party with a potluck supper, light up for Christ, and Christmas carols. There were about 75 members and spouses in attendance as well as members of the youth choir under director Francesca Bailey who sang Christmas carols. A collection for the youth choir resulted in some $170 in donations. The members also donated a large box of toiletries for the Shepherds of Good Hope. For the Light Up for Christ, Father Lindsay Harrison led the prayers and carol singing on the lawn of the church. Donald MacDonald of our Council played the bagpipes in leading the procession to the crib. Door prizes were given out at the end of the evening. It was a great success and a fitting lead-in to the Christmas season.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE - Sonny and Julie Sangemino 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.

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 three 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. Widows are invited to participate in Council social events. With the passing of Brother William Kehoe, our Council has acquired a third widow – Mrs. Bonnie Kehoe.

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

FAMILY SURVEY – On Sunday, June 13, the Knights of Columbus surveyed parish families on what they feel would be the most appropriate activities for the Knights of Columbus to get involved in. Karen and Kevin Saville spearheaded the survey. Kevin Saville, our family director, had suggested the survey and brought his idea to the Council. The Council backed the initiative with the support of the pastor. Kevin and Karen spoke at each mass about the purpose of the survey, distributed the survey and spoke to parishioners to get their ideas and feedback. The survey has resulted in information that the Council can put to use in developing a family program.

LADIES AND KNIGHTS NIGHT OUT – On January 30, we held our annual ladies’ night at the Villa Lucia dinner and dance club. The Cartier Assembly and our Council worked together to put on the event. There were some 40 knights and spouses in attendance.

YEAR END BARBEQUE AND AWARDS NIGHT – On June 27, our Council held its year-end barbeque with some 65 knights and family in attendance. Steaks and fish were served as well as an assorted menu of salads, baked potatoes, beans and desserts. There was a cash bar and door prizes. The Chaplain Msgr. Martineau, the District Deputy and District Warden were in attendance. The Grand Knight and the Deputy Grand Knight presented certificates of appreciation to James Callaghan, the first Grand Knight of the First Degree Team, and Gerard Windle & Maggie Van Draanen for their contribution to Council social events. Others honoured were the longest-serving member – Harry Lamorre, the knight of the year - Bob O’Neill, the family of the year – the Karen and Kevin Saville & family, and couples celebrating 50 years of marriage. The Grand Knight Joe Prince and his wife Rachel also received certificates of appreciation.

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 PARTICIPATION OF ALL FOR THE COMMON GOOD – Our council passed a resolution on the participation of all for the common good. This resolution emphasizes the need for Catholics and other Christians to speak their mind on public policy issues, without being labelled bigoted or intolerant. It was forwarded to the meeting of the Knights of Columbus in January for consideration at the Ontario State Convention to be held in May 2004. A resolution from our Council on the need to invoke the deity at public memorial services was passed at last year’s Ontario State Convention. This year’s resolution drew on the letter of Pope John Paul, dated November 2002, which upholds the rights of Catholics to change the culture through political action. The resolution was not submitted to the Knights of Columbus Convention in May on the grounds that it was “political” and did not relate to the Knights of Columbus.

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

SHEPHERDS OF GOOD HOPE – 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 300 homeless persons who go there for meals. In attendance were the following knights of our Council: Reid Barry, Donald MacDonald, Dalton McIntyre, Andrzej Banas, Gerry Angers, and John O’Brien. Four of the knights took time to work in the shelters cleaning the halls, washrooms and bedrooms.

TOILETRIES FOR THE SHEPHERDS OF GOOD HOPE – Members brought toiletries for the Shepherds of Good Hope, a Catholic social service agency that provides food and shelter for the homeless in Ottawa. A large bin of these items was taken to the Shepherds by one of our members.

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 since the 12:15 mass at the Basilica is convenient for many working people in the downtown area. The Associate Pastor at Saint Patrick’s, Reverend Lindsay Harrison, spoke about the need to protect the unborn child and the international focus of the Knights of Columbus on this day.

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, Ken Birchall, Peter Kelly, and Maurie Breen. 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. This year, we also participated with the fourth degree Cartier Assembly in hosting a party in the basement of the Basilica. It was a catered event with Irish stew being served. It also featured traditional Irish music.

IRISH SOCIETY ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND CELEBRATIONS - 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. Following the parade, there was a social at the Basilica with entertainment and food. Irish stew was served along with favourite beverages.

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY MASS OF THANKSGIVING - On Wednesday, 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 Saturday April 24, 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 contribute to their cause. 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 the Pro-Life mass at Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral in Ottawa. This is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Ottawa.

OPEN DOORS – Saint Patrick’s Basilica participated in the Open Doors Weekend on June 5 & 6. Members of the Knights of Columbus under the direction of Michael O’Neill gave tours of the Basilica to the general public. Participating members were Bob O’Neill, Richard Leslie, Reid Barry, and Dalton McIntyre. Open Doors was sponsored by the City of Ottawa and is a an opportunity for people in Ottawa to view and tour the interior of public and private buildings that they would not ordinarily use or have access to.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

BASKETBALL FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP – JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2004 - 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 as well as the Sandy Hill Community Centre. Tom Furmanczyk took the lead in organizing the event.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG AWARENESS PROJECT – Barry Keane, a member of our Council, 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. This past year, seven schools from the Ottawa Catholic School Board participated – Immaculata, Lester B. Pearson, Frank Ryan, St. Paul’s, Holy Trinity, St. Joseph’s and Notre Dame. Brother Knights who have assisted Barry are Maurie Breen, Patrick Nolan, Roger Richard, Tim Ferguson, Michael O’Neill, and Gerard Windle. Julia O’Neill, the wife of our PGK Michael O’Neill, participated as a judge. The project aims to raise awareness of substance abuse by sponsoring poster contests at schools throughout the city. The winners get a prize of $25. There are two categories; one of alcohol and one for drugs. Young people from the intermediate grades create posters that are judged by committees, usually made up of students and teachers.

CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGING AND PIZZA SUPPER – On Sunday before Christmas 2003, 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 goodwill 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.

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.

CONTRIBUTION TO HELP FAMILIES AT IMMACULATA – Our Council contributed $100 to Immaculata High School for a needy family during the Christmas season.

YOUTH CHOIR – The youth choir and their director, Francesca Bailey, sang Christmas carols at our Council’s Family Christmas Party on December 9, 2003. A collection for the choir raised some $170 for the choir.


COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

RECRUITMENT DRIVE – A recruitment drive was held on the weekend of March 13-14 at Saint Patrick’s Basilica. There were speakers at each of the six weekend masses giving the parishioners information on the Knights of Columbus and urging potential members to join our society. Council members distribute pamphlets at the doors of the church. As a result of the recruitment campaign, we gained three new members and also received expressions of interest from another four.

COUNCIL INTERNET SITE - John Konkal, a new member of Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council, set up a website for the Knights of Columbus using the template provided by the Knights of Columbus main site. John is the web master and Deputy Grand Knight Reid Barry is the web author. The information is kept up-to-date with regular communications between John and Reid. Robert Guibord is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and his company provides the technical capacity for an Internet site. The company name is Projek Design and Development. Photographs of the executive are on the site, along with the history of our Council, activities, contact names, etc. 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. An electronic version of the Shamrock is available on our website.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS – The installation of the new slate of officers was held on September 30 in the presence of fellow knights and their spouses. This event was preceded by the celebration of mass by our chaplain, Msgr. Robert Martineau and was followed by refreshments. The District Deputy and District Warden conducted the installation.

FALL BAZAAR & BARBEQUE – The annual fall bazaar with donations from parishioners was co-ordinated by the Knights of Columbus under the leadership of PGK Michael O’Neill and raised about $3,500 for the costs of the church renovation. This event has become an annual tradition on the last Saturday of the month of September.

FIRST DEGREE TEAM INITIATION – On May 18, the First Degree Team, under captain Charles Gauthier, presided over an initiation ceremony with seven candidates becoming members of the Knights of Columbus. Brother Charles, who was making his first appearance, replaced James Callaghan as the team captain and Grand Knight.

This was the only first degree of the year and the team worked hard by attending two double practices before the actual degree ceremony was held. Pizza was served to the team before they made their preparations. The event went very smoothly and afterward, refreshments were served to the new knights and guests.

The degree team was made up of the following:

• Grand Knight - Charles Gauthier
• Deputy Grand Knight - Roger Richard
• Chancellor - Reid Barry
• Financial Secretary - Peter Heenan
• Warden - Louis LaRue
• Banner Bearer - Tom Furmanczyk
• Inside Guard - Mike Ferrigan
• Aide - Douglas Ford
• Aide - John O'Brien
• Organist - Gerry Angers

FIRST DEGREE TEAM AT DIVINE INFANT PARISH –The Grand Knight of the First Degree Team, Charles Gauthier, acted as the grand knight for a first degree exemplification at Divine Infant Parish on June 13. The Council at Divine Infant was unable to get someone to fill that role and Brother Charles volunteered his services.

GUEST SPEAKER – TOM DONOGHUE – A member of the Knights of Columbus and a deacon with the Archdiocese of Ottawa, Tom Deacon, spoke about the work of the Shepherds of Good Hope at a general meeting in April. It was an inspirational talk about the plight of the homeless and the reasons for the increase in homelessness in Ottawa over the past 20 years.

GUEST SPEAKER – DALTON MCINTYRE – At our January meeting, one of our members Dalton McIntyre spoke about his experience in the Second World War on a warship that was torpedoed during the hostilities. It was a highly interesting talk by a veteran who spoke from personal experience.

MEMBERSHIP LIST – A directory with the list of phone numbers, postal and e-mail addresses is updated regularly and distributed to the members by Roger Richard, who has assumed the position of Chancellor on the Council. The directory was updated and distributed twice during the year. Our Council uses the list 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.

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 $3,600 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. The activity won an award for Best Project for our Division at the Ontario State Convention.

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.

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, at the doors of the church and by individual members.

ARCHBISHOP’S DINNER – Eight members of our Council attended the Annual Archbishop’s Dinner, held on May 8 in Rockland, east of the City of Ottawa. This is an annual event, which members of our Council attend to raise money for charities supported by the Archbishop of Ottawa.

STATE COUNCIL CONVENTION - The Council sponsored Joseph Prince, Grand Knight, to attend as a delegate to the State Convention. The Council won a State Award for the Best Project in Division Three (Council Activities) for Christmas Cake Sales. We also won the Trillium Award and a plaque from the Arthritis Society for our participation in the Car Raflle Ticket Sales.

EXECUTIVE TRAINING – On May 31, nine members of the Council attended executive training for the various positions of the Knights of Columbus. It was held at our Lady of Fatima parish hall and the following knights attended: Michael Ferrigan, Joseph Prince, Reid Barry, Stephen Kusiewicz, Charles Gauthier, Peter Heenan, John O’Brien, Dalton McIntyre, and Bob O’Neill.