On Wednesday, June 24th, 2009, Cliff Lapetoda was installed as the new Grand Knight of Holy Family Council #6831, along with the following slate of officers for the 2010 Columbian year:
- Chaplain: Fr. Augustine Minh-Hai Tran
- Grand Knight: Cliff Lapetoda
- Deputy Grand Knight: Jim Patania
- Chancellor: Bob Hodge
- Financial Secretary: Rod Nefsky
- Recorder: Daniel Klemm
- Warden: Tom Hudes
- Treasurer: Mike Cunningham
- Lecturer: Matt Hudes
- Trustee: Frank Salvato
- Trustee: Steve McMahon
- Trustee: Steve Connors
- Advocate: Sal Ferrara
- Outside Guard: Bill Mahood
- Inside Guard: Matt Hudes
The Grand Knight presented the following remarks:
Our Most Beloved Worthy Chaplain, the Reverend Fr. Tran, Members of the Color Guard, Worthy District Deputy Jay McCarthy and his wife, Margie, Worthy District Warden Dennis Godfrey, Worthy PGKs, Madam Presidents, and My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Good Evening. Thank you for attending this installation ceremony. I am truly grateful for your support.
Before I begin, I want to take this opportunity to recognize PGK Frank Salvato. Frank, please join me on the altar. The Worthy District Deputy, Jay McCarthy, is presenting to Frank the Knights of Columbus PGK service jewel for his outstanding support of Holy Family Council, and the Knights of Columbus. I have also asked Fr. Tran to present to Frank a Cross of Honor, for his selfless devotion to his Church, and his catholic faith.
Some may recall Frank’s theme for this past Columbian Year. It was FUN. Family, Unity, Now. I think we can all agree we had great FUN this last Columbian year. Great Job Frank, you will be one tough act to follow.
I have also selected a theme for this Columbian Year. It is the cornerstone of the Knights of Columbus; it is CHARITY. CHARITY is the path I seek. Let it resonate in our hearts throughout this Columbian Year. Let me briefly spell how CHARITY can lead us on the path we seek... CHARITY
The C in CHARITY is for CHRIST. It reminds us to be more CHRISTLIKE in all that we say and do as we live out our Catholic lives. So, C in CHARITY reminds us to be more CHRISTLIKE.
H in CHARITY is for HELPING those in need. The Knights of Columbus was founded on this most basic principle by Father Michael J. McGivney in 1882. Let us be mindful that we have no greater calling then this: service to those in need. H in CHARITY is for HELPING those in need.
A in CHARITY is for ADVOCACY. We must remain strong advocates of our Church, our catholic faith, for the unborn, for those with disabilities, and those our secular society would cast aside. A in CHARITY is for ADVOCACY.
R in CHARITY is for our religious, especially our Priests and Bishops. We must remain faithful in our support to them. At times, we may have been critical of their policies and decisions, but we must put that behind us, and stand united with them. They deserve nothing less. So, R in CHARITY is for support of our religious leaders.
I in CHARITY is for INVESTMENT. The Knights of Columbus is one of the strongest financial institutions in the world. She did not achieve this distinction by chance or Divine Intervention. It was through the financial support of its members: Brothers like you and me that she achieved this success. Let us continue to support her, so she may chart safe passage through troubled economic waters. I in CHARITY is for INVESTMENT in the Knights of Columbus.
T in CHARITY is for TEAMWORK. My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, together we form a holy and CATHOLIC union united in support of our Church, our Community, and each other. Together, we have accomplished much. Together and united in CHARITY so much more can be accomplished.
And Finally Y in CHARITY is for our Youth, especially our catholic youth. What we have we done, and what will we continue to do to support the spiritual and moral development of our youth? We have no greater responsibility then to the Children of God. It is out greatest hope for the future. I say we can do more. I say we MUST DO MORE.
So, there you have it my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. CHARITY is the path I seek. Let it be like the mariner’s beacon guiding us through the unchartered waters of the next Columbian year.
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS, AND VIVAT JESUS.
