Knights of Columbus Council 571

Navigator - Michael Lynch

Captain - Richard Shelton

Pilot - John Murawski

Comptroller - Tom Townsend

Scribe - Richard Gilbert

Purser - Donald O'Dette

Friar - Father Michael Volkmer, CPPS

Admiral - Joseph Seuferling, Jr.

Inside Sentinel - Jim Van Horn

Outside Sentinel - Larry Thompson

One Year Trustee - Charles Panigot

Two Year Trustee - Richard Van Dyke

Three Year Trustee - Chester Edwards

Honor Guard Commanders - Ed Anderson, Leonard Amos

Newsletter Editor - Ed Anderson

The primary purpose of the 4th Degree is to promote a love of country and stress the duties of citizenship. Its principle was to be Patriotism

THE VIRTUE OF PATRIOTISM: The love and devotion to one's country -- has its roots in the virtue of piety, a virtue twin to that of religion. Thus, as practical catholic men, the Knights of Columbus not only loyal sons of their country, they are also loyal sons of the church.

William Tyler Page wrote in his "AMERICAN CREED",

" I Believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic, a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots have sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."

In many ways this sums up the principal of our 4th Degree, "Patriotism".

Congratulations to Knights of Columbus Council 5067 for the wonderful job they do at the annual Lenten fish fries. More than just a money-making project, the fish fries are also about working together, about fellowship, about creating good will toward the Knights. Keep up the good work! There is an event happening in St. Joseph during this month of March that should concern all Knights and all Catholics: the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for our young people. In the culture that we live in, to make a faith commitment, especially for youth, is no small matter. They have two years of preparation, the freshmen and sophomore years of high school. Yet they are still quite young to understand the consequences of saying "yes" to discipleship. Our secular society allures people by having them believe that material possessions and worldly prosperity make a person happy and satisfied. Young people today are used to having computers, cell phones, ipods and other electronic gadgetry. They are used to having what they want, going where they want, eating and drinking what they want. To have religious values is to have some sense of discipline. You can't follow the great law of love and always do whatever you want. So these Confirmation candidates need our prayers and our good example. They must understand that a relationship with Jesus Christ must necessarily involve prayer and worship. I know many of them and see a lot of goodness and potential in them. Let's be good role models and encourage them in the faith. My prayers continue to be with you each day.

Pictures From the 2006 Exemplification in St. Joseph, MO Fourth Degree