Can you believe we are at the end of another Fraternal Year?
It seems hard to believe, but the 2008-2009 Fraternal Year is ending. And, what a wonderful year it was! I cound not have asked for a better first year as your District Deputy. Four established Councils continued their tremendous service. Two first-year Councils established themselves as a force in their parishes and communites. And, last but not leat, a brand new Council in Mount Joy!
It was so much fun to come to your meetings and see every Council in action. I was always warmly welcomed by Council officers and members as well as the Priests of the Parish. It was great to come to Council events. Thank you for the invitations. Any DD in D60 sure can eat well! Spaghetti in Ephrata and Manheim, the best 3rd Degree dinner ever in Lititz, rost pork at St. John Neumann, Sausages and omelets in New Holland, and all the tastes of Latin America at San Juan Bautista. Hey, Mt. Joy! I'm hungry!
I would like to thank all the Grand Knights in the District - Dan Dacey, Bob Sullivan, Chuck Mayo, Peter Byrne, Jim Graham, Jucinto Guzman and Harold Sher - for their work and dedication given to their Councils. I would also like to thank all Council Officers, Directors, Chairmen and for their time and talent. And, of course, thanks to all Council members. Without you, there would be no Council.
The success of a District is not due to the DD alone, but rather due to a team effort, And what a team a had! District Wardens Mike Deetz and Greg Schlotterer stepped up to help whenever asked, seving in their key buy enherolded role. General Agent Jack Mitchel and Fraternal Benefits Advisors Richard Killian and Greg Fitzpatrick were always their to remind us all of the vision of our Founder. They were great spokesmen for all of our benefits. Regional Membership Director Gerry Krall was ready to help whenever called upon, and gave hands-on help in our efforts in Mt. Joy. All those just mentioned play very vital roles on my New Council Development Team. In December, I was not sure if I would be able to even persue a new Counil in Mt. Joy. As of this day, Mater Ecclesiae Council 14786 in Mount Joy has been Chartered, is transitioning for their steering committee to their first set of elected officers, and has grown to 36 men. What a wonderful experience it has been to bring Father McGivney's dream to one more church in Lancaster County. I sincerely thank State Deputy for allowing me to start this Council, as well as keeping me focused on the role I and all other DDs have in the development of Pennsylvania Knights.
I am not finished. Check back soon.
