Knights of Columbus Allouez Council 658, Rock Island, IllinoisMinutes for December 14, 2023 Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by Grand Knight David . A prayer was led by Father Vitold and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. Number of Brother Knights in attendance not recorded.Roll Call of Officers - (P-present, E-excused, A-absent, N-not present, x-not applicable)P -Grand Knight Dave SullivanP - Deputy G.K. John DoakP - Chaplain Father VitoldP - Assn’t Chaplain Deacon Russ SwimP - ChancellorE - Recorder Kevin BartonP - Fin. Sectry Dick HuntP - Treasurer Chuck GibbsP - Dist. Deputy Rick CervantesP - Advocate Kevin Houserx - Lector Vacant -Warden John Perez -Inside Guard Scott PerezA - Outside Guard Jeff Schaecher -1yr Trustee -2yr Trustee- 3yr TrusteeE - Ins.Fld. Agnt.Minutes: No minutes distributed.1) Chaplain’s Remarks Indulgence obtainable by visiting a Franciscan nativity inside a Church, going to Mass, confession, & praying. An indulgence is the power of the God’s Church that gives us grace. Easter is the main feast, but it would not have been able to happen without the Incarnation. Christmas, Easter & Corpus Christin most important. Nature reminded St. Francis of God as Creator.2) Asst. Chaplain’s Remarks See Abstract for Deacon’s Question Box about the History of the Memorare. God is never too busy to hear our prayer, but is joyful for us to go to Mary to pray & intercede for us.3) Grand Knight Thank you to all for your work, support, & Merry Christmas.4) Deputy Grand Knight Merry Christmas.5) Financial Secretary Vocation Raffle tickets exceeded last year. Thank you to Jim Wieland. Birdies 4 Charity only about ½ of last year. Columbus Awards Night: Costs are going up and attendance is down. Price money is being given out to Jordan contests. Holiday Cash Raffles brought in $2,397. Drawing tonight. Support checks going to seminarians. $2,500 to Alleman for SEEK conference. Thank you from Sister and excited about the event. Nativities were not an expense, but rather were paid for by donations from various people. $3,000 to $5,000 in the read. Flag money has come in. Dues are coming in.6) Treasurer’s Report Merry Christmas.7) Service Programs’ ReportsFaith & Community Merry Christmas. No local winners for the Vocation Raffle. 3rd smaller nativity was displayed at St. Mary’s. Will be a blessing for outside Church nativity at St. Pius & cemetery.8) District Deputy Report Merry Christmas. 24 councils participated in the Bridges for Life. 50+ participated in ________________ _________ participated in Special Olympics. Great support for our seminarians. Keep praying for and encouraging vocations. Coats 4 Kids 115 councils, 600 cases, 7,000 coats distributed. On the verge of earning the Columbia Award. Need six for Star Council.
 Essay, Poster, & Basketball Free Throw (48 years) Contests are happening. Thank you to Kevin Hoffman for his work.9) Membership Need to keep work on membership. No Frills Membership Drive Pass out prayer cards before Mass and prayer at end. After Mass QR codes passed out; front 2 minute Into the Breach video & other side is a sign up. John DeCook visit from Leo Council Motion made and seconded to accept our newest member Armano who completed the online exemplification. Has a contractor company, married with three children (24, 20 & 14). Originally from Mexico and goes to St. Mary’s RI. Electronic membership statements & payments would help reduce costs. Out of 148, 40 said electronic would work. Not too late to respond. Email from KofC with PDF. Can print & send check (or have bank send) or use URL or QR code to pay online with Square. Fee 30 cents + .29%. Will send out a survey about what we need help with. Have in with membership dues & also electronically.10) Old Business Midwest Food Pickup Next Wednesday 9 to 11 am at Stern Beverage in Milan. Salvation Army Bell Ringing tomorrow at Hy-Vee Rock Island.11) New Business Pancake Breakfast January 21. Lou Granato (secret recipe), John D. & Chuck. Have Jerry Schroeder’s files from last year. Pro-Life Breakfast will be in June to celebrate the overturn of Roe Vs. Wade. Need a chair for the Lenten Fish Fry that will be March 8. (other possible dates were Feb. 23 & Mar 22). Have files to work with. People like to go to different fish fries. Letter from Jordan about spring fundraiser. We could tie the January Pancake Breakfast, but may need to have another. Have donated in the past for a banner in gym. Already donated to Alleman for SEEK ½ of our $5,000 budget. John Doak will cover the $35 cost to have Council 658 be listed in the Catholic Post with out KofC Councils who will wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Get November Columbians to Louie Alongi  which talks about the Allouez Council’s blood drive history.12) 4th Degree Report Need more members. Looking at having an Exemplification and will check with Iowa to see if they are having any. Looking into having assemblies do the ceremony with Honor Guard starting as early as 2025.13) Good of the order: Mike McKinney is Knight of the Month for help with the Chili Supper at St. Mary’s RI. Frank won the 50/50. The $300 winner was Greg Schneider, $200 winner was Forrest Belzer and the $100 winner was Kathleen Tucker. No changes in the Sick & Distress list.14) Closing Prayer by Deacon Swim15) Meeting adjourned at 8:08 for refreshments and fellowship. Respectfully submitted,Andrew Olson, Recorder