As the Catholic bishops in the state of Alabama, we feel compelled to write to you, the Catholics of Alabama and all men and women of good will, because the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recently announced a new regulation which strikes at a fundamental right of religious liberty.

This federal agency has mandated that by 2013 almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees health coverage that includes medical procedures and drugs which Catholics consider to be immoral – sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be compelled by the federal government to include those “services” in the health policies that they write. And almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as part of their policies.

Thus, Catholic hospitals, Catholic colleges and universities, Catholic Social Services, and Catholic schools, among other Church ministries, as well as individual Catholics, will be forced to provide morally objectionable and even abortion causing drugs and procedures.

With this regulation, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our Nation’s first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. It was not at random that the writers of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution placed religious liberty as the First Freedom of our country. No country which seeks to coerce its citizens to violate their religious consciences will long maintain its liberties.

This action of the federal government will coerce Catholics to act contrary to deeply held moral principles and to provide contraception and sterilization even though we consider this to be morally wrong. This is not about health care but about the federal government’s attempt to weaken religious liberty in our country. We, as people of faith, and as Americans, must call upon our government to fully respect religious freedom.

We cannot, and we will not, comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are encouraged that members of all faiths and many other people of good will have joined us in this vital effort to protect religious liberty in our country. Throughout our history as a nation, the Church has always been able to count on its faithful members to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I pray and trust that she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.

As you may be aware, the bishops of our area of the country have recently returned from a visit to Rome. Each bishop makes this visit to Rome every five years in order to pray at the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul, to meet with the members of the various Vatican offices which coordinate the mission of the Church throughout the world, and to meet with the Holy Father in order to discuss with him the Church in our dioceses. While in Rome, we heard about the challenges Catholics in some parts of the world must confront in order to live their faith.

It was painful to return to our own country and to see that religious liberty in our nation is under attack. Although the Administration has given assurances that the freedom of conscience would be respected in our country, these new federal regulations by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are a clear assault on the freedoms cherished by Americans.

Therefore, we ask of you to do two things: First, as a community of faith, we must pray that wisdom and justice will prevail and that religious liberty will be restored. We ask for prayer and for fasting. Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, we recommend visiting www.usccb.org/conscience, to learn more about this assault on religious liberty and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration’s decision.

May God bless each of you, and may God bless our country!

Sincerely in the Lord,

Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi, D.D, Archbishop of Mobile
Most Reverend Robert J. Baker, S.T.D, Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama

Worthy Grand Knight:

I write to you regarding a matter of utmost importance to the Catholic Church in the United States.

On January 20th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), made a final decision that would force Catholic institutions to provide health insurance that includes all FDA-approved contraceptive methods and sterilization procedures, including several drugs that cause an early abortion by interfering with the implantation of a newly-conceived human being.  This mandate poses a very serious threat to the religious freedom of Catholics and Catholic institutions.

You will recall that the delegates at our 129th Supreme Convention in Denver last year unanimously passed a resolution pledging our support for freedom of conscience in health care.  Now is the time to make that pledge of support a reality.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is urging Catholics and all citizens to contact their elected leaders to let them know they want religious liberty and rights of conscience restored and the administration’s contraceptive mandate rescinded.

Please encourage all Knights and their families in your jurisdiction to send an email to their elected representatives in Congress by visiting  www.kofc.org/rights.  Sample language has been provided urging elected leaders to co-sponsor the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179 / S.1467).  This bi-partisan legislation will ensure that federal mandates do not penalize or discriminate against religious believers.

The Knights of Columbus will never waver in our opposition to any governmental action or policy that forces our citizens to violate their deeply-held moral and religious convictions.

Fraternally,

Carl A. Anderson
Supreme Knight

Reserve your ticket now here.

Prizes will be based upon ticket sales. If we sell 100 tickets, we will be awarding $1,250 in prizes. You do not have to be present to win. View the link above to see how this will work.

Proceeds from this event go to ensure we are able to continue ALL of our Knights of Columbus events and programs including support of our Seminarians, people with Intellectual Disabilities, and Veterans. It also allows us to continue awarding a scholarship to a Holy Spirit High School Senior and continue our charitable work, including but not limited to Catholic Social Services. In short, proceeds from this event will benefit all Knights of Columbus activities.

Reserve your ticket now here.

Tickets will also be on sale after Holy Spirit Masses between now and January 9th or at the door of the event. Reserve your ticket now.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact us at (205) 614-3014.

John Martignoni, Director of the Office of New Evangelization and Young Adult Ministry will be our guest speaker. He will be speaking on Catholic Apologetics and Once Saved Always Saved.

John will begin his presentation around 7:30pm.

• Financial Secretary, E
• Treasurer, E
• Inside Guard, E
• Outside Guard , E

The minutes of the previous month had been emailed previously and accepted.

Grand Knight’s report – Ricky

• Mentioned Trunk or Treat may have made $xxx.
• Had a workday last Saturday. Went over problems at Fr D.’s house. Contractors have been contacted for estimates. Vandalizing the campus.
• Sr E. asked about hole in fence again. Will do a survey to determine property line. Discussed ideas on how to stop the transients from vandalizing the campus.
• The kitchen has been cleaned.
• Ricky went to the regional meeting last Sunday.  Asked that Knights wear their council shirts at functions.
• Convention coming up. There are tickets for the $xxx giveaway during that time.
• Discussed a smoked turkey for Turkey Day prior Sunday but dropped when learned that HS will do one too.
• Looking for new fund raising ideas. Rummage sale, Super Bowl party, chance boards?

Treasurer’s report  - Herb (not here)

Financial Secretary – Steve L (not here)

Membership Director – Bobby

• Have 3/21 new members (14%), 2/7 insurance (28%)

Program director– Ryan

• Went over getting volunteer reported.

Church Director- John

• Memorial Mass is coming Tuesday at 6pm. Have 93 deceased brother knights. 34 invite letters went out to the widows.  Fr D. will do the mass. Covered dish supper will follow. The Council will provide the roast beef. The 4th degree will dress out.
• 1st Wed of month Fr Holloway will still do mass at VA at 10am.

Community – Scott (no report)

Council – Ricky (no report)

Family – Roy

• Asked for closer coordination with the Ladies Auxiliary.

Youth – Mark (not here)

Culture of Life – Ryan

• 40 Days for Life completed. No recorded saved babies recorded here but 750 saved nationwide at 301 locations.
• Monday was banquet by Save-a-Life.

House Committee – Ricky (no report)

Round Table – Martin (not here)

Unfinished Business

• Charter draped for 30 days in recognition of the passing of Justin J. and Dr Patrick M.
• Tootsie Roll sales status? Ricky will get with Tim H.

New Business

• Resolution to send money to help military hospital sent to the finance committee.
• The Save-a-Life donation was tabled until the next meeting.
• Mike brought up the Christmas Dance. He has tickets.

Faithful Navigator - Herman

• Brought up Vet’s Day tomorrow.
• Mass at the 117th is either 11/13 or 11/20. Bishop B. should be doing the mass.
• Did the dress out for the 5th Sunday on 10/31.
• Flags were set out for Justin J.’s funeral.
• Steve G will be at the Birmingham Vet’s Day parade.
• Steven W brought up the check to Holt High’s JROTC for their repair of the electric trumpet.

Insurance – James (not here)

DD – Bill (not here)

Good of the Order

• Jeff and Joni J. family, the abused boys of the PSU scandal, Bob T.’s wife Ernestine, Chaplin B., Eric A., Sr  C.,  Amber G. (SIL of Scott), Steve L, creativity for our fundraisers.

Knight of the Month – Tim H.

Family of the Month – Scott and Amanda M.

Closing Prayer –  Ray

• “Litanyof the Way”

50/50 Drawing  -  $8, Jean Chambers, AWOL

Steven Weems
Recorder

Since early in 2009, Knights from Tuscaloosa Council 4083 have been holding a weekly scriptural rosary at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center for the wounded veterans who suffer from Intellectual Disabilities. Last year, through their relationship with the TVAMC Chaplain Rev. John Bailey, the members of Tuscaloosa Assembly 2527 learned that no Catholic Masses had been celebrated for nearly three years at the Birmingham 117th Air National Guard Refueling Wing; they knew they had to act. Sir Knights secured the necessary permissions and facilities, and provided the funding for monthly Masses on the base. As a result of their efforts, personnel undergoing weekend training no longer have to choose between their service to their country and practicing their faith.

For more information, please call (205) 614-3014.

The opening ceremony was per protocol.

The opening ode was “America the Beautiful”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The prayer was offered by the Faithful Admiral.

The Faithful Comptroller called the roll. All officers present except Faithful friar, Faithful Captain, Faithful Purser, Faithful Inner Sentinel and all three Faithful Trustees. All were excused.

The minutes of the previous meeting (August) were read, accepted as read and passed.

Bills read and referred:  None

Communications:

• FN mentioned that Frank has resigned as Faithful Captain and nominated Tim D. to act in his stead. This was motioned, 2nd and passed.
• Steve G set up computer link with Captain (Chaplain) B. from Afghanistan. We got to talk live with him.
• Saturday, 10/23 is the dedication of this system.
• Steve G read the VSM’s letter to raise 50% funding for future military priests in the seminaries.

Faithful Navigator’s report:  - FN, Herman

• Some Sir Knights attended mass by Fr. A.  on October 16th at The 117th Air National Guard meeting in Birmingham
• Ave of Flags were put up for Justin J.’s Funeral.
• Continue to have Rosary and Communion Service at the VA on Wednesday mornings.
• Fr H. has Mass on the first Wednesday.
• We had two Knights dressed out for the Silver Rose. Unfortunately it never arrived.

Faithful Purser’s report:  - (Steve L not here) Ryan had a note on activities. Beginning balance of $xxx, deposits of $xxx, due outs of $xxx and and ending balance of $xxx.

Committee Reports:

1. Veterans Relations Committee – Steven W. Volunteer and Rosary Ongoing.  VAVS meeting 10/25. Will email Steven L to ensure he knows.
2. Welfare Committee  -  Vic and Bernie asked to be on this.
3. Ceremonial/Activities Committee –  Steve G went over 5th Sunday turnout and some changes in protocol.
4. Admissions Committee – Bob and Robert S. are ready to advance. Motioned, 2nd and passed. 2/18 is next 4th degree ceremony ay OLV.

New Business:

• Ryan mentioned funerals are no longer escorted by TPD.
• Steve G asked for $xxx to purchase another Netbook for OEF contacts. Motioned, 2nd and passed.

3rd Degree Report:  - DGK Ryan

• Friday, 10/21 is the next Tailgate.
• Trunk or Treat 10/28. Still need more trunks. $7/child and buy tickets for food. Steven W is available due to surgery postponement.
• Saturday, 10/29 is workday. Want to repair fence, repair sheetrock wall and move couches.
• 5th Sunday breakfast is 10/30. Steve L needs help in kitchen. Steven W will be there to collect cash.
• Monday 10/31 is 40 Days for Life. We have the 7am – 7pm shift. Fr Rick may do a rosary then.
• Asked to form the 2nd degree team for a ceremony in December

Good of the Order:  Herb M. , Eric N., Rev B., 40 Days for Life, “snow” in Afghanistan,  Jeff and Joni J., Fr Rick.

Closing  Ceremony:   As per protocol

Closing prayer: “Our Father”, “Hail Mary” and “Glory Be”.

Closing ode:  The National Anthem

Steven Weems
Faithful Scribe