2004-2005 FRATERNAL YEAR

Council 12158

Knights of Columbus

Saint Patrick’s Basilica

Ottawa, Ontario

Canada 

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

SPECIAL PROJECT FOR THE 150^TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT PATRICK’S BASILICA – The year 2005 marked the 150^th anniversary of our parish of Saint Patrick’s Basilica. To mark this occasion, the Knights of Columbus agreed to fund the construction of a monument to all members of the parish past and present. The Council Chaplain, Msgr. Robert Martineau, blessed the monument before our  May 10 general meeting. 

The inscription reads as follows: On the 150^th anniversary of this parish, these crosses from the original Saint Patrick’s Parish Hall,  were erected by Saint Patrick’s Basilica Knights of Columbus Council 12158 to honour all souls whose faith found expression here -  1855-2005

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 second year at the Dominican College in Ottawa. Anthony was in his fifth year of a five-year program and attended Saint Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto. He was ordained to the priesthood May 14, 2005.

ORDINATION OF ANTHONY HANNON AS DEACON ON DECEMBER 18, 2004 – Our Council prepared a large reception following Anthony Hannon’s ordination as a deacon on December 18, 2004. About 1,000 people were in attendance. About 100 of these came downstairs for the reception in his honour. Our Council also presented Anthony with a Sacramentary to mark the occasion as a gift from our Council. Anthony is a member of Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council of the Knights of Columbus.

ORDINATION OF ANTHONY HANNON AS PRIEST ON MAY 14, 2005- Anthony Hannon’s ordination was held at Notre Dame Basilica, the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Ottawa. Many knights and their spouses were in attendance. A number were in the honour guard for the occasion. There was a reception at Divine Infant Parish following the ordination and a number of our members and spouses attended.

FIRST MASS CELEBRATED BY ANTHONY HANNON AT SAINT PATRICK’S BASILICA ON MAY 15, 2005 – Members of our Council, who are also members of the fourth degree participated in the Honour Guard.

SENIOR ALTAR SERVERS – Our Council responded to a suggestion by the Rector of Saint Patrick’s Basilica to form a group of senior altar servers to assist at funeral masses. Reid Barry, the grand knight, spoke to the person in charge of the servers, Tom Murtagh, to get suggestions as to those from the parish who might be in a position to help out as servers at funeral masses. Church Director Brendan Hennigan will follow up on the organization of the group.

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 every third Friday of the month. 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. Past Grand Knight Michael Ferrigan arranges this bulletin board for the parish.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST – Under the leadership of Brendan Hennigan, the Church Director, 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. The members of this group are as follows:

• Brendan Hennigan
• John O’Brien
• Roger Richard
• Charles Gauthier
• Tom Furmanczyk
• Donald MacDonald
• Dalton McIntyre

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA) – Our Associate Pastor and Vice-Rector Father Lindsay Harrison of Saint Patrick’s is in charge of the RCIA program. A member of our Council – Harry Rovers – also participated in the RCIA instructions and Bob O’Neill looks after putting on coffee. The Council once again supplied 30 Knights of Columbus rosaries for the RCIA candidates. The RCIA in our parish uses the Luke Hart series published by the Knights of Columbus for instruction.

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. The parish priest is Father John Likozar and the Household Head is Father Jim MacGillivray.

FORMATION OF A COUNCIL AT NOTRE DAME BASILICA – With encouragement from the Archbishop of Ottawa, our Council has been active in the formation of a Council at Notre Dame Basilica, the cathedral church of Ottawa. Roger Richard, our chancellor and membership director, has held meetings with members of the group with a view to informing them about the Knights of Columbus and the responsibilities of a parish-based Council. Before the end of the fraternal year, the new Council had already held fund raising events. The official date the new council comes into effect is July 30, 2005. The Charter Grand Knight is Roger Richard.

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 November 18, 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. The mass was presided over by our Chaplain Msgr. Robert Martineau, who is also the Faithful Friar of the Cartier Assembly. There was a well-attended social for members and spouses after the mass.

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

• 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. This year the guest homilist was Father Gerry Monaghan. In recent years, the church has been filled well beyond capacity.

• On April 5, 2005 at the 7 p.m. mass for the soul of the Holy Father, John Paul II. The rector presided and there was guest homilist in the person of Msgr. Pat Powers, an aide to the Archbishop of Ottawa.

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 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 14, at the annual Christmas party, all of the members participated in the Light Up for Christ Christmas ceremony. Msgr. Martineau, the rector, led the prayers and blessed the manger.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – On Good Friday, March 25, three members of the Knights of Columbus – Bert Leahy, Mike Ferrigan and Charles Gauthier - assisted with the Stations of the Cross. There were about five hundred people in attendance, including members of the Knights of Columbus and their families.

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, 2004, 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.

PRAYER FOR THE CANONIZATION OF FATHER MCGIVNEY – Our Council began reciting a prayer received from the Supreme Council for the canonization of Michael J. McGivney. We began this practice at the March meetings. Through prayers, we hope to strengthen the spiritual focus of the Council.

MASS FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF POPE JOHN PAUL II – On April 5, 2005 at 7p.m. the Rector of Saint Patrick’s Basilica, Msgr. Robert Martineau offered mass for the repose of the soul of the Holy Father, who died on April 2. There were many members of the Knights of Columbus in attendance, including 42 fourth degree members, who formed an honour guard for the procession in and out of the church. Many of our third degree members and their spouses also attended. The church was packed to overflowing for the mass. Msgr. Pat Powers of the Archdiocesan office, and a personal aide to the Archbishop of Ottawa, gave the homily.

BOOK OF CONDOLENCES FOR POPE JOHN PAUL II – A book of condolences was displayed at Saint Patrick’s Basilica for two days, April 5 & 6. The rector asked that one of the knights be present in the basilica at all times to greet people coming into the Basilica. The Deputy Grand Knight set up slots and made calls to members of the Council to ask knights to cover off each hour-long time slot. About 800 parishioners and others signed the book during the two-day period.

MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE NEW POPE – BENEDICT XVI – April 27, 2005 – A mass of thanksgiving for Benedict XVI took place at Saint Patrick’s Basilica with many knights and spouses in attendance. There were also a number of knights from our Council in attendance in the honour guard. Some 17 knights attended the Honour Guard.

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 are in attendance. 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. One of the knights is the lector. Parishioners are invited to the basement of the church for hospitality and refreshments. This monthly activity demonstrates that the knights are present and active in the parish.

WAKE SERVICE FOR MOLLIE ANGERS – The spouse of one of our members, Gerry Angers, passed away on January 27. A wake service was held on January 30 at Kelly’s Funeral Home. Since Gerry was a member of the Cartier Fourth Degree Assembly as well as Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council, there were members from both organizations in attendance. There were about 21 members of the Council and their spouses and a few members of the Assembly, including the Faithful Navigator. Father Lindsay Harrison led the wake service with prayers and readings by Gerald Cook, Maurie Breen, Reid Barry, the Grand Knight and Jeff Hill, the Faithful Navigator.

ANNOUNCED MASS FOR THE PARENTS OF BERMAN GUEVARA – An announced mass offered by Saint Patrick’s Basilica Council and the Cartier Fourth Degree Assembly for repose of the souls of the parents of Berman Guevara was held on January 30, 2005. There was an honor guard and members of both organizations were in attendance. This was the regular monthly Knights of Columbus mass and the council banner and candle were on display.

VENERATION OF THE DIVINE MERCY ICON – On September 20, our Council received the Divine Mercy Icon being circulated by the Knights of Columbus. It was displayed in the church until Sept. 26. On the last Sunday of the month - Sept. 26, the regular Knights’ Mass included in the procession an honour guard and two members of the Council carrying the icon and placing it in the sanctuary. Before the mass, the rosary was recited and there was a short prayer service for the Icon of Divine Mercy. One of the knights was the lector and the Council banner and candle were on display. The Knights served refreshments following the mass. On Sept.26, the Grand Knight transferred the icon to Council 9742 for display at Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY AND LIGHT UP FOR CHRIST – On December 14, 2004 our council held its annual Christmas party with a potluck supper, light up for Christ, and Christmas carols. There were about 75 members, spouses and guests in attendance. One of our members, Donald MacDonald, played the bagpipes as he led the group to the manger outside for the Light Up for Christ Ceremony. The members donated a large box of toiletries for the Good Day Workshop, an Outreach project in the neighbourhood. For the Light Up for Christ, Msgr. Robert Martineau led the prayers before the outdoor manger. Carol singing took place with Julia O‘Neil, wife of Michael O’Neill, playing the piano and Donald MacDonald playing the bagpipes. 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.

ROSES FOR LIFE SALES ON MOTHER’S DAY – Our Council sold roses for life provided by the Ontario State Office, at the doors to the church on Mother’s Day. The proceeds of $420.00 will 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.

TRIP TO WASHINGTON AND GETTYSBURG – Past Grand Knight Michael O’Neill organized a trip to Washington and Gettysburg for knights and parishioners. The trip included a visit to the Pope John Paul II Centre, the Smithsonian Institute, Gettysburg and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The trip was well organized and a donation of $500 was made to the Restoration of Saint Patrick’s Basilica. This event took place in September 2004 and included members of the Knights of Columbus, their families and also parishioners of Saint Patrick’s Basilica in Ottawa. It was the second annual trip sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, following last year’s successful trip to New York and New Haven. Another trip is planned for 2005 to the Eucharistic Congress in Chicago as well as a trip to Ireland.

LADIES AND KNIGHTS NIGHT OUT – On February 26, the Cartier Assembly held their annual ladies’ night at a mess hall in downtown Ottawa. There was music provided by a disc jockey and dinner. Those attending had a great evening. The Cartier Assembly and our Council worked together to put on the event. There were some 51 knights and spouses in attendance.

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY SOCIAL – The Knights of Columbus and their spouse met for a luncheon at the Royal Oak, a restaurant and pub a short walk from the Basilica, following the special mass celebrated by the Archbishop on March 17.

YEAR END BARBEQUE AND AWARDS NIGHT – On June 25, our Council held its year-end barbeque with some 65 knights and family in attendance. Steak and chicken were served as well as an assorted menu of salads, baked potatoes, and desserts. There was a cash bar and door prizes. The Grand Knight and the Deputy Grand Knight presented certificates of appreciation to Roger Richard for his establishment of a Council at Notre Dame Cathedral and Council membership recruitment, Brendan Hennigan for his organization of the monthly knights mass, and John Konkal for his work on the Council website. Others honoured were the knight of the year – Dalton McIntyre, the family of the year – Soraya and Khaled Hashem, as well as the Chaplain Msgr. Robert Martineau and Father Lindsay Harrison. The Council also presented a cheque to Msgr. Martineau for $2,500 as a first payment on the Celtic Cross monument.

SEVERAL OF OUR MEMBERS VIEWED THE DVD ON MARRIAGE, produced by the Knights of Columbus. It was also given to our vice-rector, Father Lindsay Harrison, for his viewing and use. Another was given to All Saints High School, a Catholic high school in Ottawa. We will also be placing one in the parish library.

PARISH BARBEQUE – The Knights of Columbus organized and held a parish barbeque June 12, 2005 as part of the 150^th anniversary of the parish. Some 125 parishioners attended the event, held on the parish north lawn. Hamburgers and hot dogs were served and children’s grab bags, chips, soft drinks etc. were also available.

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.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE – Our Council made 500 copies of sample letters to the Prime Minister and 500 to MPs on the issue of same-sex marriage. These samples came from the Ontario State Council and were distributed to parishioners on the first weekend of February. On the previous weekend, a letter from the Archbishop of Ottawa was read at all masses and cards from the Knights of Columbus were also distributed to the parishioners. These letters were also posted on the Council website for interested people to download.

LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN – There was a letter writing campaign held at Saint Patrick’s Basilica following all morning masses on February 20. The knights provided refreshments, set up tables and helped with the co-ordination of the event. Priests of the parish, including the pastor and associate pastor, came out to show their support. Parishioners came down to the basement of the basilica to compose letters using samples provided along with names and addresses of local MPs.

They were assisted in writing the letters under the guidance of a group who had conducted a similar activity at Saint Mary’s Church in Ottawa. Many people who had not previously written to MPs on this issue had the opportunity that this event provided. About 100 letters were generated by this gathering, which proved to be a very positive experience for the members of the parish.

GREY CUP SOCIAL – On November 21, our Council sponsored a social in the basement of the Basilica for Knights and parishioners who gathered to view the Grey Cup for the Canadian Football League championship, which happened to take place in Ottawa on the same day. The Grey Cup is the championship game of the Canadian Football League and features the two finalists – one team from the East and one from the West. There were raffle prizes and door prizes. Following the event, the leftover food was delivered to the Shepherds of Good Hope, an operation that provides meals, shelter and outreach to the homeless.

DISTRIBUTION OF CHRISTMAS HAMPERS – Under the direction of Peter Heenan, seven members of the Knights of Columbus, as well as a neighbour and granddaughter of one of the knights. 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 December 30 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: Donald MacDonald, Dalton McIntyre, Andrzej Banas, Ken Burchill, Gerry Angers, Gregory Popelas, Mike and Carolyn Ferrigan, Stephen Kusiewicz, and Barry Keane.

TOILETRIES FOR THE GOOD DAY WORKSHOP – Members brought toiletries for the GOOD DAY WORKSHOP, an outreach group that provides employment for people who are suffering from physical and psychological disabilities. This service specializes in refinishing furniture. It is an operation that began under the auspices of the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and is now an incorporated organization. A large bin of these items was taken to the Good Day Workshop by one of our members.

DAY OF THE UNBORN CHILD - On April 1 (date changed from March 25 because of Good Friday) 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, announced the mass for the unborn before the mass.

SELLING OF SHAMROCKS FOR SAINT PATRICK’S HOME (MARCH 12 & 13) – The Rector of Saint Patrick’s Basilica requested that the knights sell shamrocks at the doors of the church for Saint Patrick’s Home, a Catholic retirement residence in Ottawa. The knights carried out this request and sold the shamrocks at all masses on these dates. A total of over $700 was raised through the sale of the shamrocks.

MARCH FOR LIFE – The annual March for Life was held in our city of Ottawa, the capital of Canada, on May 12 with other events from May 11 to 13. This march was followed by a banquet attended by fifteen members of our Council and their spouses. Guest speaker at this event was our Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and the Primate of Canada, Cardinal Marc Ouellet. The knights also participated in a mass at Saint Theresa’s Church and a candlelight vigil on the night before the march. There was an all night exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at the Basilica.

MARCH FOR MARRIAGE – APRIL 9/05 – There was a National March for Marriage and Freedom in Ottawa on April 9. Members of our Council and other councils as well as members of the fourth degree assemblies participated in the march. On the morning of April 9, 2005, there was a gathering of knights at Saint Patrick’s Basilica to assemble placards for the march. About 1,500 placards showing the Knights of Columbus crest were assembled. These were distributed during the march and far outnumbered other placards in the march. The march was from the Supreme Court Building to the front lawn of the Parliament Buildings. It began at 12:30 with the marchers proceeding to Parliament Hill and speeches began at 1:30, continuing to 4 pm. There were many guest speakers – Muslim, Coptic Orthodox, Chinese Catholic – all supporting traditional marriage. The Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada spoke against the same-sex marriage legislation, as did the Catholic Archbishop of Ottawa. The fourth degree Honour Guard was in attendance. Busloads of interested citizens came in from Toronto, Eastern Ontario and all over the Ottawa Valley. All told there were some 15,000 gathered for the event.

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 a band playing 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 23, members of 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 Father Lindsay Harrison, our vice-rector, who collected funds from sponsors. Members participating in the hike as well as Father Harrison were Eric Vink, Dalton McIntyre, Reid Barry, Bert Lahey. 

OPEN DOORS – Saint Patrick’s Basilica participated in the Open Doors Weekend on June 4 & 5. Members of the Knights of Columbus acted as guides and hosts to the general public. Participating members were Brendan Hennigan, Reid Barry, Donald MacDonald, Stephen Kusiewicz, Gerald Angers and Andrzej Banas. 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.

ARCHDIOCESAN FEAST DAY – A special mass for all parishes of the Archdiocese was held June 15 2005 at Notre Dame Basilica. Two of our knights – Reid Barry and Brendan Hennigan - carried the parish banner in the procession along with all other parishes participating in the event. It was also the 25^th anniversary of the Archbishop’s ordination as a bishop and Bishop John Sherlock, who ordained him, gave the homily. Many bishops were in attendance and priests. A reception was held in the basement of the Basilica.

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. A total of 530 entries came in. 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.

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.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY – A children’s Christmas party took place on Sunday, December 19 in the basement of the basilica. This event featured the Christmas story, photos with Santa Claus, a movie for the children, refreshments, small gift bags for the children and door prizes consisting of CDs and children’s books (from the Basilica Gift Shop). A small manger was set up as a reminder to Keep Christ in Christmas. There were about 20 children and 25 adults in attendance. The event was a first time event for our Council and we hope to keep up the tradition.

COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

RECRUITMENT DRIVES – A recruitment drive was held on the weekend of October 16 & October 17 at Saint Patrick’s Basilica and another on the weekend of January 23/24. For the firs event, 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 distributed pamphlets at the doors of the church and provided hospitality in the basement following each mass. Our Council gained about twelve new knights as a result of the membership drive. In addition to these new members we also have an additional ten members who have joined our Council until a new one is established at Notre Dame Basilica.

RETENTION COMMITTEE – Our council established a retention committee to deal with seventeen members who have not paid their dues for the last three years. The purpose of this committee is to follow the procedures to advise the members of their obligations and the potential consequences of not paying dues. To aid us in this endeavour, we received the support of a new member of our Council, Michael Crowley, who has had previous experience in dealing with the issue of delinquent members. The first meeting was held in January.

COUNCIL INTERNET SITE - John Konkal set up a website for the Knights of Columbus in 2003 and has continued to maintain the site. John is the web master and Grand Knight Reid Barry is the web author. The information is kept up-to-date with regular communications between John and Reid. Photographs of the executive are on the site, along with the history of our Council, activities, contact names, awards, links to other site, etc.

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. Past versions of the Shamrock are also posted.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS – The installation of the new slate of officers was held on September 25 in the grotto of Saint Patrick’s Basilica in the presence of fellow knights and their spouses. For the first time, executives from the Councils in District One, Ontario State were installed together. This was a step towards greater fraternity among the Councils of the District. Celebrating mass were two of the Chaplains of Councils in District One – Monsignor Martineau, rector of Saint Patrick’s Basilica, and Father Fiore of Saint Anthony’s Parish. The District Deputy and District Warden conducted the installation. Following the mass and the installation, a catered reception, organized by our Council, was provided for the knights, spouses and members in attendance.

FIRST DEGREE TEAM EXEMPLIFICATIONS – On September 22, the First Degree Team, under degree team grand knight Charles Gauthier, presided over an initiation ceremony at Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral with ten candidates becoming members of the Knights of Columbus. The fact that the degree ceremony was held off-site required a great deal of moving and preparation. All candidates were parishioners of Notre Dame Cathedral and they hope to eventually form a Council there. In the meantime, they are officially members of our Council 12158 at Saint Patrick’s. A practice was held in the grotto of the cathedral before the degree. Pizza was served to the degree team before the ceremony. Refreshments were served to the new knights and guests following the first degree.

On October 27, the degree team hosted a first degree exemplification at Saint Patrick’s Basilica. Eight candidates were initiated and members of other Councils in the District attended. Refreshments were served following the exemplification. The degree team had its inaugural exemplification in 2002 and has improved tremendously since then. Another first degree was held on March 31.

We were fortunate to have the services of the music man from Our Lady of Fatima, Bert Hanson, who substituted on both occasions for one of our members, who was ill.

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

• Inside Guard – John Duffy

• Outside Guard – John O’Brien

• Banner Bearer – Mike Ferrigan

• Organist – Bert Hanson