Brother Knights,

                    I hope each of your families had a happy and memorable Thanksgiving Day.  As we begin to start the

         Advent/Christmas season, let us remember to be thankful for our health and all that we have.  Consider

         giving  your time or a donation to a worthy cause.  As Knights of Columbus, we are called to help those less

         fortunate and in need.

                    On Nov. 20th,our annual Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Gabriel's.  We dedicated this Mass to our deceased brother Knights and Ladies who have passed on in the last year.  A BIG THANK YOU goes out to Sam Angelo for coordinating this remembrance.

          A few events/dates to remember:

• KofC #3414 General Meeting Dec. 4  7:00PM
• Children's Christmas Party (at the Hall) Dec. 16th  2:00-4:00PM(meet Santa)
• Adult Christmas Party (at the Hall) Dec. 18th  5:30-8:00PM(members only)
• January 2013 General Meeting is rescheduled to January 8th(2nd Tue of the month because of New Year)

Please congratulate our November 2012 Knight of the Month:  Len Kuklenski

Keep Christ in Christmas!

Vivat Jesus,

Mike O'Neil       GK

Service Programs Update for December 2012;

* Church - Addressing the needs of the Church

The parish will be performing a fall clean up of the grounds on Saturday, Dec 1st beginning at 08:30 am. This is a great way for the entire family to support the parish.

* Community - Shaping the world around you

A number of fellow knights have been meeting weekly this past year to make wooden toys for donation to children at Christmas. Two examples of their handy work are illustrated below.

* Youth - Building leaders for the future

Just before the school break for the Thanksgiving Holiday, I picked up the essay contest entries from St. Charles, St. Gabriel, and St. Pius X. The task before Christmas is to judge the entries by grade level, 8th, 9th, and 10th and identify the winners. If you have time and would like to assist with this event, please email me.

If you have any questions at all or would like further information concerning any of our programs, please see me. I can also be reached via email at gusbannick@yahoo.com.

Thank you,  

Gustave E. Bannick

All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2013 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The local competition will be held January 13 at 2:00pm at St. Pius X High School.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions.

International champions are announced by the K of C international headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions. All boys and girls 10 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions.

Last year more than 130,000 sharpshooters participated in over 3,000 local competitions. All contestants on the local level are recognized for their

participation in the event. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent.

For entry forms or additional information contact: Bill Stump (816) 616-0042 or

b.stump@att.net.

The Council 3414 Youth Activities Team hopes to see you at the annual Free Throw

Championship at St. Pius X High School.

Four parts of retirement: Phase two

In a previous article, I discussed protection and how Knights of Columbus products can provide it for you and your wife in your retirement years. The next phase of retirement is accumulation of cash.

Those life insurance policies you purchased, if they are permanent plans, carry a savings element that helps with accumulation of wealth. Another good option is a Knights of Columbus retirement plan or annuity with a guaranteed interest rate. After basic protection, you spend your working life preparing not to work...for the day the paychecks stop. Factor in here also your pensions, government benefits and other savings you've acquired over the years.

Some experts will tell you that you should prepare for retirement with a plan that calls for 70% of the income you had pre-retirement. I think that falls woefully short. Plan on the 90% range. Consider this: what are you giving up that translates to 30% of your income? You still have to eat, you will travel more (going to see the grandchildren), taxes need to be paid, and on and on. Be careful of that 70% arbitrary rule.

I can help you build a plan to reach your goals. Contact me today to learn more.

Congratulations to Paul Sirchia and Ron Longhofer, our council's newest Honorary members. This status is recognition of their years of service to the Knights of Columbus and their age. In recognition of this status, their dues billing will be reduced for 2013.

Thomas Adams membership was upgraded to Honorary Life for his years of service and age.

The 2013 dues bills will be mailed in December, payable on receipt.  Payments may be returned in the mail or paid at the January meeting. Membership cards will be issued on receipt of payment. Please check the information on your bill and new membership card. Let your FS know of any discrepancies.

A few brother Knights are delinquent paying their dues. If you are behind or anticipate a problem paying your 2013 dues, please contact your Grand Knight or Financial Secretary to make arrangements to maintain your membership.

Wishing you a blessed holiday season.

joeg

    We want to thank everyone for attending our November dinner.  The food was delicious and everyone chipped in to make the day a success.  Our next dinner will be January 13th and the menu is Soup and Salad. We are serving different varieties of each and you can taste all of them.  The price is $10.00 per person.  A fly-er will be sent to the Knights with more information.

    The preparations for the Children's and Adult parties are under way.  The theme this year is Gingerbread man.  The Children's party is on the December 16th at 2:00 p.m. and children age 12 and under are invited.  Santa will make an appearance and this year he is bringing an elf.  We need reservations by Dec. 12th so we can get a gift for your child.  We need your name and the child's sex and age.  There will be crafts to make,games to play and a buffet of sweets to eat.  It is a fun time for all.  The Adult party is December 18th. Happy Hour is at 5:30 p.m. with a Pot Luck Dinner at 6:30 p.m. We ask everyone to bring a dish to share.  The meat is provided by the Knights and it has been suggested by the Ladies to have fried chicken from Sunfresh, to have a break from turkey and ham. We are asking everyone to bring diapers or other items for a donation to Rachel House. 

We need reservations by December 16th, so we know how much chicken to order.  It is a great way to spend the holiday with your fellow Knights and Ladies, so come and have an enjoyable evening.

For Reservations call:Sheila Van Keirsbilck at 734-2382 or email at  auxiliary@kofc3414.org

Merry Christmas,

Sheila Van Keirsbilck

Auxiliary President