CHOOSING LIFE – Bishop Erik Pohlmeier on Florida’s Heartbeat Act and Amendment 4

September 1, 2024

  CHOOSING LIFE – Bishop Erik Pohlmeier on Florida’s Heartbeat Act & Amendment 4 

As the spiritual leader of the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine, I want to reflect on some recent developments regarding the Florida Heartbeat Protection Act and the upcoming abortion amendment. The Florida Heartbeat Protection Act went into effect on Wednesday, May 1, marking a significant milestone in Florida’s efforts to protect the lives of unborn babies. This law underscores the intrinsic value of every human life, from the moment of conception, and affirms the sanctity of life as a foundational principle of our society. Contrary to certain narratives in the media, the Florida Heartbeat Protection Act does not disregard the well-being of women. Rather, it recognizes that supporting women begins from the moment of conception and continues throughout their pregnancy ensuring that that the child is allowed to thrive and fulfill their potential. Read more here:

https://dosafl.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/May-2024-Chosing-Life-Bishop-Erik-Pohlmeier-on-Floridas-Heartbeat-Act-and-Amendment-4.pdf

September 1, 2024

On August 11, 2024, Switzerland Council 12664 hosted an installation of its Officers for 2024-25 and held an exemplification for 18 new Knights. After the programs, the Council celebrated with a special banquet at the San Juan del Rio parish hall for all Officers and new Knights, and their families. The new Knights are: Steve Apprabato, Tom Boniecki, Paul Duff, Marty Fiorentiao, Jeffrey Henrichsen, Ron Gibson, Richard Hisrich, Connor Hogue, Daniel Hogue, Vincent Kuchinsky, Joseph Maurno, Larry Mims, Roberto Morales, Dan Patin, Nick Rueda, Jacob Sapp, Michael Shelton, and Kevin Vaughn. A special banquet followed the ceremonies in the San Juan del Rio Family Center for all Officers and Knights and their families, and we want to thank Colm Murphy and Warren Cook who prepared the lunch.

September 1, 2024

 COUNCIL AWARDS

Congratulations to our Switzerland Council 12664 led by our former Grand Knight Jim Denkler and Deputy Grand Knight, Terence Mahoney for outstanding performance for the year 2023-2024. Our Council has earned the Star Council Award, recognizing program activity, membership growth over 100% of quota, insurance, and service program activities. Earning a Star Award is a significant accomplishment for a Council, and it is a goal that every council should strive for.

In addition, our Council has been recognizing for the gold mandatory electives, as Switzerland Council Knights of Columbus Council of the Year 2023-2024 Division 3. To win this there was an outstanding effort from the leadership, volunteers, and participation from all our members. The Council earned sixteen program credits and completed four programs: Spiritual Refection (COR), Consecration to the Holy Family, Helping Hands and Novena for Life. Submitting Annual Reports and attaining council quotas.

Our Council also were winners of Division 3 Awards: First Place – Family Activities Second Place – State Service Programs - Life Third Place – State Service Programs – Family

The good works of our council has been recognized by The Supreme Council for these achievements and acknowledge the challenging work of all our Brother Knights. With the new Fraternal Year and under the leadership of Grand Knight Terence Mahoney, “we will strive for excellence in reaching out and following our core principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity, by providing exemplary programming in the areas of Faith, Family, Community and Life.” To strengthen men and their families in the Catholic faith, to strengthen the bonds of families in the parish and the Knights of Co lumbus as Father McGivney sought. To serve others, in our communities and defend the dignity of each human being at every stage of life.

September 1, 2024

   4th Degree Exemplification 

The Fourth Degree Exemplification of the Florida District, DeSoto Province was held at San Juan del Rio Catholic Church on Saturday August 24th. Our Bishop Erik Pohlmeier was the Honoree for the exemplification. 

We were honored to have Bishop Erik Pohlmeier concelebrate the Mass on Saturday at 10 a.m. Bishop Erik is a member of the Switzerland Council, a brother knight and our Shepherd in the Diocese of St. Augustine. The Mass was well attended. Congratulations to the Fifty Candidates that made their 4th Degree from many parts of the state of Florida and especially from our own Ave Maria Assembly #3008. Eugene Concepcion, Jeff Henrichson, James Herzog, Peter Mitalas, Oliver Oco and John Petry. All this could not have happen without the Leadership of our Faithful Navigator Joe Bishop as our assembly hosted this event. Joe and his team Joe Farina, Pat Pollizzi, Larry Rogari, Joe Stepp and Colm Murphy put in many hours of planning and organizing with their best efforts to ensure the success of this event. We also want to thank many other Sir Knights and Brothers who volunteered. There are many officers of the Fourth Degree and Exemplars and want to acknowledge Master Fourth Degree Florida District De Soto Province John J, O’Toole and our own Sir Knight and District Marshal Dan McIntyre. For many of our Brother Knights who are in the 3rd Degree, we encourage you to consider taking the oath for the Fourth Degree. What better way to serve your country. The Knights of the Fourth Degree foster a lifetime of loyalty, defending liberty while perpetuating freedom. The patriotic program of the Fourth Degree pay reverence to fallen members of our order, honoring our Veterans, honoring our God and Church by participating in Eucharistic processions and Liturgical ceremonies. Get with your Faithful Navigator Joe Bishop and take the oath for the next exemplification.

4th Degree Ave Maria Assembly #3008 Joe Bishop, Faithful Navigator 904-230-0934 kocfn3008@gmail.com

September 1, 2024

   Insurance for Knights

Since our founding in 1882, the primary mission of the Knights of Columbus has been to protect families from the financial ruin caused by the death of the breadwinner. In the beginning, Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney and his fellow Knights "passed the hat" to benefit widows and orphans. From that humble start, the Order has grown to include top-rated life insurance, long-term care insurance and retirement products. With more than $80 billion of insurance in force and a full-time field force of more than 1,400 serving our members and their families, we are proudly fulfilling Fr. McGivney's vision. The best way to learn about our products is by arranging a visit with a local field agent. Your agent can custom design an insurance program to meet your current needs, help you plan for the future or simply explain the many fraternal benefits that come with membership. Contact: Joseph J Spinelli Jr 540 NE 100th Street Ocala, FL 34479 352-873-9417.

September 1, 2024

Faith: Our goal is to strengthen men and their families in the Catholic faith. Formation in our faith goes beyond mere facts or religious practice to an authentic connection with a loving God and his son 

• Rosary First Friday every month followed by Adoration 
• Vocations Program - Support our seminarians financially and spiritually

Family: Father McGivney sought to strengthen the bonds of families in his parish and the Knights of Columbus. These programs, 

created for families by families, help us to live this call. 

• Donated $1,355 of valued groceries for the month of August to Christ Cupboard Food Bank 
• Family of the Month Joe & Teresa Bishop 
• Family Rosary 9/17 - 6pm 
• Holy Hour 9/30 7pm 

Community: The Knights of Columbus vigorously defends the dignity of each human being at every stage of life. Knights are called to serve others. Our first principle is Charity – at home with our families and in our communities. When Knights of Columbus members come together they accomplish great things.  

• 9/21 Lady of Hope Fresh Fruit 9/21 
• 9/28 Altar Server Appreciation Dinner
• Oct. Shred & E-Cycle Event (Bag sales & Oct 26 event)

Life: The Knights of Columbus vigorously defends the dignity of each human being at every stage of life.

• Rosary - First Sunday of the month
• Holy Hour 9/30

September 1, 2024

FOOD FOR FAMILIES

Since June 2011 Sir Knight Pat Pollizzi and his wife, Sandra have given much of their time to purchase food items to support many of the homeless people with food donations mostly to Christ Cupboard Food Bank. Each week they take the funds donated by the Knights, cut out coupons, go shopping to supermarkets purchasing mostly Bogo items to get the best value. The average is 50 shopping trips each month. Once they get the merchandise they deliver it to the Food Bank. The time spent cutting coupons, shopping and making delivers is many hours each month. Local support is with the help from Westminster Woods seniors savings us coupons. The chart below breaks out the entire program. From the Margie Boss Funds (private donations) and the BOGO jar Funds from the Knights the account has never been nega tive. Rebates are also received from Knights Headquarters for matching funds. The total dollar value of food items the past 13 years is $120,000 and 29,000 pounds. Hats off for an outstanding effort to Pat and Sandra Pollizzi in giving their time and talent every week for 13 years and with the support of the Switzerland Council and Ave Maria Assembly. Our council this year is seeking 4 couples to get active with similar roles as Pat and Sandra do every month. We want to continue to expand in reaching out to more of those in need. If you are interested, please contact Grand Knight Terence Mahoney at 12664gk@gmail.com 904-687-6866.

September 1, 2024

  Power of Prayer

We are praying for your healing to get well soon. Nancy Perrone, Chuck Perrone, Kevin Mason, Marylin Sussan, Steve Wright, Jack Gearing, Toni & Lou Bilello, Ana & Allan Ramos, Matt Mouron, Bruce Erdel, Tom Mischak, Carmen Fernandez, Tim Baracz Family, David Phillips, Karen White, James Michael Herzog & Pat Buenhke.

September 1, 2024

  Altar Servers to Honored Sept. 28

An altar server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a Christian liturgy. An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell, helping bring up the gifts, and bringing up the liturgical books, among other things. If young, the server is commonly called an altar boy or altar girl. In some Christian denominations, altar servers are known as acolytes. Pope Francis acknowledged the important role of altar servers during a special evening of prayer that drew 9,000 young people to St. Peter’s Square. We honor our Altar Servers at an Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, September 28th after the 5:15pm Mass in the Family Center/Gym.  

September 1, 2024

Help My Brothers

As Knights, we take on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and for those that go on to the 4th degree, patriotism. As our Council continues to grow we have increased our activities, in supporting our Church, Youth, Community and Family Life. We need your help. We ask that every member gave us some of his time and talent so that we can “Help My Brothers” at every event. Please click on www.knights12664.com/calendar-1 to look opportunities and help serve as your time permits.

September 1, 2024

The Switzerland Council 12664 hosts COR meetings Saturday Mornings, 7 - 8:30 a.m.

 at the San Juan del Rio Church Parish Family Center, Upper Room #411 on the 1st and 3rd week of the month from Oct. 5 to April 19, with holiday breaks. All parish men are welcome. Families need strong husbands and fathers, and the world needs courageous witnesses to Jesus Christ. Life’s biblical priorities are God 1st, Family 2nd, Work 3rd and everything else in life is 4th. 

really matter. The COR process celebrates Prayer, Formation, Fellowship.