Love Faith

Family
Vol. 55 Issue 4

Empire State Bulletin Official Publication

of the New York State Council
Knights of Columbus
October 2016
Organized February 3, 1896

A Message From Your State Deputy, Robert D. Weitzman

To the New York Columbian Family,
We have just finished our first quarter for the 2016-17 Columbian year. We have been very busy
caring for those in need. We have raised funds for inner city schools, Special Olympics, and our initiative
to purchase a truck load of wheelchairs to name a few. We continue to support our local Parishes and
needs of our communities. We are making a positive difference in so many lives.
We recently held our annual pilgrimage to The Shrine of Our Lady of the North American
Martyrs. During the pilgrimage we celebrated the 125 anniversary of Brooklyn Council 60.
Our Charitable and Benevolent Program is ongoing. This program supports our Diocesan Bishops
Programs, Catholic High School Scholarship and Grants, Catholic Schools, Sisters of Life and other
Pro-life Activities, Calvary Hospital, Religious Vocations, St. Marys Hospital for Children, four Catholic
Shrines, Disaster Relief Fund and many other charities. Please support our C&B program.
There have been some leadership changes in New York State. We now have a new State Training
Director Bob Graziano, and a new State Membership Director Rick Ditrio. Our State office is now being
manned by Assistant Executive Secretary Walter Kedjierski and Mrs. Maryann Leonardo. If you would
like to contact our new State Membership Director or new Training Director, please reach out to your
Conference Chairman, Chapter President and Chairman of the Board.
The New York State Knights of Columbus play a major role in our Church, local communities and
the world community. We must grow in numbers to meet the needs of so many. We need Catholic men to
join our fraternity to help us so we can further address those in need. There is so
much that needs to be done and we cannot address all without growing in
numbers. Some may say that this is a numbers game, I personally do not think this
is true. I do believe that there is strength in numbers and new members mean new
ideas, enthusiasm, and a future for our order. I also believe that doors open for our
Supreme Knight Carl Anderson to address issues of grave importance such as the
killing of Christians and other religious minorities in the middle east because he
represents 1.9 million men plus our families. Do you think he would be able to
address a United State Congressional Committee or a United Nations Committee
if he represented 100 men? I do not think so. Please hold some type of
membership drive soon and often.
(Continued on page 3)

Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney

God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest,
Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the
generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son,
Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the
Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may
continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your servant Father Michael
J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now
present (make your request here). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.

Visit the New York State Council

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Highlighted In This Issue

Message from your State Deputy

Table of Index

Senior Associate Chaplain

Weve Moved

State Programs and Reports

5 - 16

Around the State

17 - 26

Respect Life Corner

27 - 29

God Bless America

30

Staff of the New York State Council

Contact the Editor

31

Find us on Facebook
New York State
Knights of
Columbus

Page 2

State Deputy Message Continued from Page 1

Our Supreme Knight put in place a program of building the Domestic Church.
This program is so important to all Catholics. We must practice our faith in our homes
and community. We must live our faith, and the principles of hope, forgiveness,
empathy, charity and LOVE. When we live a life that is inspired by the teaching of
Jesus Christ we will motivate others, especially our families, to attend Church to hear
the word of God and live a life filled with Gods light!
God Bless you,
Vivat Jesu!
Bob Weitzman, SD

Page 3

We have moved the

New York State Council

Knights of Columbus
Executive Office
Our new address is
201 Portion Road, Suite A, 2nd floor
Lake Ronkonkoma, New York 11779
Same phone numbers:
631-366-3787 631-366-3788
Fax 631-366-3786
Same Email Address:
nyskofc@aol.com

Page 4

Page 5

Vivat Jesus!
Thank you to all of our Councils that have scheduled and are
conducting membership drives during the month of October. These
drives are so very important and are greatly appreciated.
Your State membership team is planning a State wide 921A
campaign. Each Major Conference is requested to identify 15
Churches in their jurisdiction that will be targeted for this campaign
during the months of October and November. Your assistance with
this is vital. If you believe that a Church may be a good choice for
this effort, please contact your major Conference membership
coordinator or myself. The Council will need to contact the Pastor
and request permission, and if permitted to do so, a plan must be
put in place to distribute, collect these cards, schedule an open
house, admissions committee meeting and an admissions degree.
Blurbs should be placed in the Church bulletin announcing and
explaining the 921A membership drive.
We have seen that we have a great opportunity to recruit new
members between October and January.
We should be encouraging prospective members to Become a
Knight before Christmas.
Working together with our Brother Knights we can achieve
great things. United in this common cause we all will succeed
It is an honor to serve our great State!
Vivat Jesus,
Richard Ditrio Jr.

Page 6

A Message from the State Training Director

Brothers,
I first want to thank our State Deputy Robert Weitzman by appointing me State Training Director. I have very big shoes to fill and
will do my best for our State and members.
We need to start at the foundation of our organization in order to
build up our membership. This foundation is our council!! When
we have a well oiled machine then and only then will we be able to move forward.
I am asking that every council make a complete effort along with the assistance of
your District Deputy to get your council on track. Here are a few items that will
help you accomplish this:
1. Every Council should follow the proper set up of council chambers for
all council business meetings.
2. Council meetings should follow proper format of a meeting.
3. All councils should have a full set. of Officer Jewels
4. All councils should have the proper materials to conduct a full Admission
Degree.
In order to help you better facilitate council operation here are a few items
that are available for you from Supreme:
The Method of Conducting Council Meetings #10318
Knights of Columbus Leadership Resources #5093
Fraternal Leader Success Planner #5033
I ask that all District Deputies encourage your councils to order these items
and help your councils to build their foundation.
Soon I will be contacting every Conference Training Coordinator. We are
currently in the planning stage of having a meeting and training session with all
Conference Training Coordinators. Please save the date for November 12, 2016.
More information will follow.
I want to thank you for your support. I will work hard for you and your
council.
May God Bless You,
Bob Graziano
NY State Training Director

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

C & B Quick Start Winners

September 25, 2016
UPSTATE CONFERENCE
$750 - Reeper

$500 - Joseph Sullivan

17 Michael Drive
Queensbury, NY 12804
$250 - Dave Tresohlavy
108 Cambridge Road
Hilton, NY 14468
DOWNSTATE CONFERENCE
$750 - Ed Legro
881 Greenville Turnpike
Middletown, NY 10940
$500 - Donald McKenzie
2 Bush Court
New City, NY 10956
$250 - John Careccia
59 Gauldy Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314-7204
LONG ISLAND CONFERENCE
$750 - Jamie Varik
591 Saratoga Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
$500 - Richard Costa
3 Northwood Lane - Apt F
Patchogue, NY 11772
$250 - John Lazar
65 West 19th Street
Deer Park, NY 11729

Page 10

NYS C&B Program

Early Bird Drawing
Standings
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Conference
Suffolk
Nassau
Queens
Finger Lakes
Northern
Westchester/Putnam
Central
Western
Hudson Valley
Capital
Bronx/Manhattan/SI
Kings

6,160
5,383
3,319
1,987
1,687
1,425
1,248
639
563
505
502
495

__________________________
Unallocated

Totals

23,913
141

24,054
Page 11

C&B PROGRAM
Simply stated, the C&B Program is a raffle that all the
councils in New York can earn money for their favorite charities.
This is the best raffle program in the world and they are very easy
to sell. All the expenses and prize monies are paid for by the state.
All you have to do is sell the chances. Yes - its really that simple!
You can win up to $25,000.00 for a one dollar chance. Each
book consists of 12 one dollar chances. You send in only $6.00 to the
state for every book sold, and your council keeps the remaining
$6.00 as profit for your council's favorite charities. Furthermore,
there are also cash bonuses for the councils and the
sellers of the winning raffle tickets.
Last year the state sold 61,259 books.
The payouts were as follows:
$50,000.00 for cash prizes
$ 2,700.00 for prizes to the sellers of the winning
chances
$ 2,250.00 for the back covers at the Quick Start
$ 4,500.00 for back covers at the Early Bird Drawing
$77,583.00 for bonuses for councils
$137,083.00 total paid out
I feel all councils should sell books. Remember the State
Council pays for all the printing of the raffles and other expenses.
So collectively the councils make more money than the state! This is
a "win-win" deal for all! I feel all the councils in the state, during
these economic times, can use these charitable funds from the NY
State C&B drive.
So if your council has not started their
C&B drive yet, ask yourself: Why not?
Fraternally,

Hank Theiling
Assistant State C&B Director
Page 12

COATS FOR KIDS

Soon Winter will be upon us and children may be going to
school without proper clothing to protect them from the cold
weather. It is now time to start thinking about purchasing cases
of coats for kids through Supreme to give these children the
protection they need to go to school or play in the snow as the
temperature drops. Please participate in this program.
FOOD FOR FAMILIES
There are so many individuals and families that are hungry and
depend on our local food banks to provide them with nutritional
food. We should be planning cans drives and fund raising
drives to help our neighbors who are hungry. Please participate
in this program.
SUPPORT OUR SEMINARIANS
Our seminarians are our future Shepherds. We must support
them financially, spiritually and socially. Please adopt and
support our seminarians.
ULTRA SOUND MACHINE PROGRAM
This is a program that has a proven record of saving lives.
When the mother-to-be sees her baby in her womb moving and
heart beating she usually chooses live Participate in this
program.
You can find information on what support or incentive Supreme
has in place for these programs at kofc.org
Vivat Jesu!

Page 13

Good Day Everyone,

The raffle for NYS Special
Olympics was held this past
Sunday, September 25, 2016
at Our Lady of the Rosary
Council #4428 in Deer Park, NY.
We raised $2,480 and winner
was Rocco D'Erasmo.
The NYS Knights of Columbus
would like to thank everyone for
your generous support in the NY
Yankee VIP tickets raffle for NYS
Special Olympics.
Thank you,
Rocco

Page 14

Worthy Brothers:
My Name is Nicholas Santini, your new State
Coordinator for Hispanic Council Development.
In my position I'm looking forward to opening
up Spanish speaking councils and help existing
councils continue to grow.
Now in the past, the language barrier was a
big problem. I'm happy to say that no longer
exists. Our Worthy State Deputy, Bob Weitzman,
and his membership team, have given us the
tools necessary to succeed.
A) form 100 in Spanish
B) suggested remarks for membership
10067-S
C) new council guide 10319-S
We also have a Spanish degree team.
Brothers, let us not miss out on the opportunity
to grow our order. Please let me know how I can
assist you.
Nicholas Santini
1-917-941-0232
sirknight1154@yahoo.com

Page 15

Page 16

St. Joseph the Carpenter Council N0.14771, Knights of Columbus in Babylon

recently held their annual Installation of Officers on Tuesday, September 27th, 2016
at St. Josephs Church in Babylon. Carmine E. Soldano, District Deputy of the 8Th
NY District officiated over the ceremony. Grand Knight Dominick J. Giusto was
installed in his third term as Grand Knight for the 2016-2017 Columbian Year. There
were approximately 50 guests and dignitaries in attendance. Refreshments were
served following the ceremony.
Seated Left to Right:Gullermo Jimenez-Chancellor, Deacon John SullivanSt. Josephs RC Church, Dominick J. Giusto-Grand Knight, Father Charles
Mangano-Pastor St. Josephs RC Church, John G. Joseph-Secretary to the NYS
Deputy, Lawrence DellErba-Deputy Grand Knight, Eugene McAdamsTrustee,PGK.
Standing left to Right:Vito W. Colletti-Advocate, Matthew G. Cola-Trustee,PGK,
Darrell J. Clark-Warden, Peter Vicari Jr.-Outside Guard, Richard J. Lauro-Financial
Secretary, Vincent M. Catalano-Recording Secretary, Vincent A. Milano-Inside
Guard, Daniel M. Tergesen-Trustee,PGK, Christopher J. Loggia-Lecturer,Carmine
E. Soldano-Chairman of the Board of District Deputies.

Page 17

St. Anastasia
Knights of Columbus #5911
held their Installation of Officers
on Tuesday, September 13, 2016
in Douglaston.

Congratulations to all the officers!

Article and photo by Fred Bedell
917-561-5793

Page 18

Congratulations to SISQUA Council

on their 100th Anniversary!

All Saints Day, Tuesday, November 1, 2016

All Souls Day, Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Page 19

INSPIRE VOCATIONS SUMMIT DRAWS 3500

TO LAKE PLACID OLYMPIC ARENA
The Knights of Columbus were one of the principal financial backers
of the recent INSPIRE: CALLED TO LOVE Vocations Summit of the
Diocese of Ogdensburg (NY) that was held at the Olympic Arena in
Lake Placid, NY. A generous gift from the Supreme Council was
matched by local councils and assemblies and the Bishop Brzana
chapter. The NY State Council also contributed.
A chanted morning prayer led off the event, followed by a deeply
moving speech from Bishop Robert Baron, of the Catholicism movie
series fame. Through the generosity of many including the Knights,
free box lunches were provided for all.
Afternoon breakout sessions featured theologian George Weigel, writer
and convert Jennifer Fulwiler, and Bishop Christopher Coyne from
nearly Burlington, VT. Supreme Advocate John Marrella was a Lector
at the closing mass celebrated by the Summits host, Bishop Terry
LaValley. The Homilist was Archbishop Paul-Andr Durocher of
Gatineau, Quebec. Bishops from the Ontario Dioceses of Kingston and
of Alexandria-Cornwall also attended. All speakers built on the theme
of being true to your vocation, whatever it is in life.
Many Knights and their families and our brother priests were part of
the 3500 that assembled for the day-long free event. Attendees came
from New York, Vermont and neighboring Ontario. Knights served as
Color Corps members, ushers and guides throughout the day. Many
young people were in the audience and were able to tour the exhibit
booths hosted by religious orders from throughout the USA. All in all,
it indeed was a truly INSPIRING event!
Dr. Charles Robinson, SK, PGK, DD-NY101,
FSS NY State Council Northern Conference Chair

Page 20

Our Worthy State Deputy Bob Weitzman, along with

First Lady Connie, and Rocco DErasmo, Administrative State
Coordinator for External Fund Raising proudly present
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan with a donation
of $3,000 to the Inner City Scholarship Fund!

Thanks to all who supported this event!

Another great job by Rocco!
Page 21

Multi Council Installation at

St. Margaret Church in
The Bronx.

Congratulations to
all the officers.

Page 22

On October 19, 2016 Our Lady of Lourdes Council #5890

will celebrate its 50th year of its charter. This past
Saturday, September 17, 2016 our council
commemorated this momentous occasion by
celebrating a mass. Pictured are the members whom
attended the mass for this auspicious occasion.
From L-R
PGK bro Kevin Strommer, bro Charles Costello, bro Rick Horn,
bro Ron Jurain, bro Joe Fetchik, bro John Flores,
bro Bill Santos, bro Brian Manngard, bro Dave Heinz,
bro Frank Sheboy, bro Mike Cooke, bro Lu Pham,
bro Steve Corry, bro Gene Healey, bro Tony Defazio,
bro Tom Cooney, bro Joe Vlachos, bro Rob Small,
bro Bob Mecca, bro PGK/FDD Walter Kozlowski,
Grand Knight bro Vismal Cordero in the center,
bro Dave Ferguson, bro Billy Preston, bro Vivian Noronha, PGK
bro Stephen Politza, Insurance agent bro Jim Lewis,
bro Chris Boerke (partially hidden), bro George Eismont,
bro Tom Cardone, bro Joe Zippilli, PGK/FDD bro Dick Cutter,
bro Sal Rubino, bro Jim Ferrigno, bro Ray Cholewka,
bro Greg Schilling, bro John DiVirgilio, Our Lady of Lourdes
Council 5890 Chaplain Fr. Jeffrey Maurer,
pastor of St. Mary's
Church, and bro
Frank Kincade.

Article and photo submitted

by Vismal Cordero,
Grand Knight Council
#5890

Page 23

The Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the North

American Myrters in Auriesville
I would like to extend my sincerest
thanks to Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of
the Albany Diocese, the state officers and
staff, the deacon, the seminarians, the
members, and especially Jim Smith who
helped make this day so special.
The Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the North
American Myrters in Auriesville was held on
Saturday, September 17, 2016. It was
a beautiful day of prayer and fellowship and
a great way to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Brooklyn Council #60.
The Broadalbin Council, under the leadership of Joe Cadone,
did a great job putting on the bar-b-que as always. Although we had
a very good turnout this year I am looking forward to a better one
next year. I would like to continue to see it grow for our future
generations to enjoy.
Yours in Christ,
Tony Zibella
Capital District
Conference Chairman,
Auriesville Pilgrimage
Coordinator

Page 24

Congratulations to Jim Lane, Grand Knight and the

Officers of St. Lawrence on their Installation!

Congratulations to Bishop McGann, #564 and Sal Cataldo, Grand Knight,

on the Installation of Officers! Much luck for a successful year!

Page 25

Congratulations to Blessed Sacrament, #11416 on the

Installation of Officers! Much luck for a successful year!

Congratulations to Fr. Joseph Slomski Council, #7423 on the

Installation of Officers! Much luck for a successful year!

Page 26

VOTE
FOR
LIFE
AND
RELIGIOUS
FREEDOM
Page 27

Respect Life Corner

For a few years I was a lobbyist
in Albany for the Long Island Coalition
for Life. Each month we would get up
early, catch a bus and spend a few
hours talking to our elected officials
before returning in the evening.
Thinking back on it I feel it a was a
waste of time, energy, and money.
The pro-life politicians were very
welcoming and glad to see us while the pro-choice ones were the
opposite. One assembly lady I talked to agreed with me that a certain
procedure was not only wrong but dangerous and yet she still voted
her party line (pro-death). I still felt that I had to do something to save
the lives of our children.
Supreme Council came out with the Ultrasound Initiative .
They will match what we raise dollar for dollar, but that is not the
best reason to buy them. If you want to be proactive think about
raising funds for an Ultrasound Machine. 30% of women seeking an
abortion get one, but 98% of the women who see the face of their baby
change their mind! That comes out to six souls saved a day. We have
purchased ten machines in our great state which is equal to 60 babies
saved a day, 420 a week, or 21,840 a year. I feel that this is a
significant number and a good start, but I know we can do better.
Please think about getting together with your council, district, or
chapter to raise money for this great cause.

Walter Kedjierski
State Chairman Pro-Life
Page 28

Prayer to End Abortion

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,
And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.
I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,
Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son.
I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.
Today I commit myself Never to be silent,
Never to be passive, Never to be forgetful of the unborn.
I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,
And never to stop defending life
Until all my brothers and sisters are protected,
And our nation once again becomes
A nation with liberty and justice
Not just for some, but for all.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Page 29

Page 30

EMPIRE STATE BULLETIN

Knights of Columbus
New York State Council
201 Portion Road, Suite A, 2nd Floor
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Delivered
via e-mail
Register Now!

STAFF OF THE NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL

Honorary State Chaplain........His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan
State Chaplain......Most Rev. Robert Cunningham
Senior Associate State Chaplain..Rev. Father Brian McWeeney
Associate State Chaplain.............Rev. Msgr. James Cox
Associate State Chaplain....Rev. Fr. Donald Bourgeois
Associate State Chaplain...Rev. Fr. Robert Dwyer
Associate State Chaplain...Rev. Fr. Darr Schoenhofen
State Father Prior of Youth.Rev. Father Dennis Nikolic
State Deputy........Robert D. Weitzman
State Secretary....Kenneth Latham, Jr.
State Treasurer..Edward Kennedy
State Advocate......Gary Leonardo
State Warden..........Edward Ciulla
Chief of Staff.......Edward OToole
Secretary to State Deputy..John G. Joseph
Warden to State Deputy..Thomas Boslet
Admin. Assistant to State Deputy.............Frank Bagley
Admin. Assistant to State Deputy..............Jerry Connelly
Events Coordinator......Anthony Sonny Mangone
Counsel to the State Deputy....Carmine Musumeci, Esq. PSD
Counsel to the State Deputy....Joseph Lupia, Esq.
State Membership Director..Rick Ditrio
Assistant Membership Director...Rich Elias
Training Director.....Robert Graziano
State Program Director.......Michael Flanagan
State Youth Director........ Michael Hearney
State C&B Director.....Anthony Ippolito
Assistant State C&B Director....Hank Theiling
State Ceremonials Chairman....James. A. Foy, PSD
Admin. State Coord. Ext. Fund Raising.....Rocco DErasmo
ESB Editor....John G. Joseph
Web Master.........Brian Ennis
State Logistics Chairman..Deacon Charles Esposito
Insurance Liaison........Eric Izzo

A message from
the Editor:
We want to share the good
work of our Order with
everyone! Kindly submit
your article to me by the
15th of each month
and it will be in the next
Empire State Bulletin.
Please send articles to
esb.staff1@gmail.com.
I look forward to
hearing from you.
John G. Joseph,
PGK, FDD, FST
Secretary to the State Deputy
Page 31