The Mace

St. Francis of Assisi Council 4981

Knights of Columbus Cupertino • San Jose • Saratoga, CA

Issue 620• September 2020

District 34 • Division 4

www.kofc4981.net

Upcoming Events All events are at the council hall, unless otherwise noted.

All BINGO Cancelled until further notice

Virtual Council Business Mtg. Sept 1, 7:30pm

Virtual Council Business Mtg. Oct 6, 7:30pm

Inside This Issue Grand Knight’s Message ..................... Page 1

Chaplain’s Message ............................ Page 1

Seven Sundays Devotion to St. Joseph .........

...................................................... Page 2

Council Officers................................... Page 2

The Bible Alone? ................................. Page 3

Prayer Requests ................................. Page 4

Happy Birthday ................................... Page 4

Treasurers’s Report ............................ Page 4

Monthly Attendance Raffle .................. Page 4

Directors & Chairmen .......................... Page 5

Papal Greeting to the 138th Supreme

Convention .................................... Page 5

Prayer of St. Francis ........................... Page 5

Council Calendar—September ............ Page 6

Council Calendar—October ................ Page 7

Mace Credits ....................................... Page 8

Grand Knight’s Message

Brother Knights; smoke filled air, coronavirus pandemic, global warming, general election… stress filled times we are experiencing. More than ever, we Knights need to support each other, our parishes, and our communities where we can. Doing automated online giving to your parish is a useful first step to show support. There may be men known to you that could become Knights and gain support from us and the greater K of C organization. Support of brothers and others is a tenet of the Knights. Supreme has made it easier to join by providing an online portal at kofc.org/joinus.

While our council’s charitable funds are constrained by virus restrictions, individuals can donate to charities directly or through K of C sponsored giving efforts. Consider blood donations as your charity. The pandemic and now fires have increased the need. I’ve given gallons of blood until my veins wore out! Take my place and donate.

Pray for our members affected by COVID-19, wildfires, unemployment, and more. Be sure to Vote!

Chaplain’s Message

Since the beginning of this year, the USA has not only witnessed a surge in the number of people infected and affected by COVID-19, but it has also seen an economic meltdown and calls for social transformation particularly in the area of policing. Where does this leave us as Christians? One of the rich traditions from which we draw inspiration as Catholics is the Catholic Social Teachings.

First, we all need to search our hearts and lives and ask ourselves: do we see every person we encounter as a child of God worthy of dignity and respect? The question we must ask ourselves is: if we are all created in God’s image and likeness and are worthy of respect and dignity, then whose equal dignity is an unequally threatened?

Secondly, as Christians, we are challenged to enter in solidarity with the suffering others. Solidarity invites us to recognize not only the social nature of human persons but also our interdependence as God’s children. Those suffering the most deserve our empathy and solidarity.

Thirdly, it is important that we become channels of dialogue with one another. Part of our modern challenge today is the interconnectedness with the technological tools, and yet, technology has also proven to be a tool for vile attacks of others. It is easy to hide behind technology and viciously attack others. We Christians are called upon to engage in meaningful dialogue, to listen to one another’s stories and let our narratives shape the way we treat and respond to one another. Listening to stories of others especially those suffering has the potential to draw us closer to one another. Listening challenges us to avoid prejudging, to suspend preconceptions, and to enter into dialogue so that we learn one other’s stories, and hopefully, let these stories touch our hearts and move us to empathy, compassion and solidaristic communion with one another.

Lastly, let us pray for one another that dialogue, common sense, and the common values that we share can and will prevail.

Page 2 The Mace September 2020

This devotion to St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, begins on the seventh Sunday before March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph. This devotion usually starts the last Sunday in January or the first Sunday in February. Each Sunday devotion consists of a reading from Scripture that marks a pair of joys and sorrows in the life of St. Joseph. Of course, we don't know very much about the life of St. Joseph, only what we know from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Each devotion starts with a prayer, followed by a Gospel reading, then a meditation on the reading, and then a recitation of the litany of St. Joseph, and, finally, a closing prayer.

The first Sunday stresses the sorrow St. Joseph felt at having to leave Mary because of her pregnancy. It then focuses on his joy when he was informed of the mystery of the incarnation. The reading is from Matthew, chapter 1.

The second Sunday stresses the sorrow of St. Joseph because he saw that Jesus was born into abject poverty. It includes his joy when he heard the shepherds announce that an angel had told of the birth of Jesus. The reading is from Luke, chapter 2.

The third Sunday stresses the sorrow of St. Joseph upon seeing the blood of Jesus during his circumcision. It includes his joy when he was able to announce to the world that the child’s name was Jesus. Again this gospel reading is from Luke, chapter 2.

The fourth Sunday shows the sorrow that St. Joseph felt when he heard the prophecy of Simeon that Mary would have a dagger pierce her soul. It is countered by his joy when he heard Simeon say that many would be saved through Jesus. The reading is from Luke, chapter 2.

The fifth Sunday is St. Joseph’s sorrow at having to flee to Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod. It is countered by his joy just being with Jesus and Mary no matter the circumstances. The reading is from Matthew, chapter 2.

The sixth Sunday is the sorrow St. Joseph felt because he was afraid to return to Nazareth. His joy was when the angel told him it was safe to do so. The reading is from Matthew, chapter 2.

The seventh Sunday is his sorrow when he thought he lost Jesus. His joy was when he found Jesus in the Temple. The reading is from Luke, chapter 2.

The litany of St. Joseph has many wonderful things to say about this great patron of the universal church. The litany calls him: obedient and loyal, a model of workers, a sample to parents, and a pillar of family life. Of course, St. Joseph is all these things and much, much more.

You may wish to try this St. Joseph novena to increase your devotion to this humble Saint.

Council Officers

Grand Knight Ed Johnson

408-296-8146

Chaplain Fr. Athanasius Kikoba

408-252-7653

Deputy Grand Knight Michael Abdallah

209-639-4492

Chancellor Al Mellin

408-892-0732

Financial Secretary Eliodoro “Bong” Batingana

408-332-0189

Treasurer John Steffens

408-985-9079

Recorder Joe Kenney

408-253-7016

Warden To be Determined

Advocate Ron Schoengold

408-309-9830

Inside Guard To be Determined

Outside Guard Ted Wyess

408-252-8028

Trustees 1 yr — Patrick Kwok

408-320-2515

2 yr — John Pozniak

408-230-6006

3 yr — Mark Wright

408-203-0942

Lecturer Jim Schaaf

408-255-2985

Insurance Field Agent Thomas Diebold, Insurance Agent

408-896-7271

District Deputy Ruben Esguerra

408-627-0476

Seven Sundays Devotion to St. Joseph By Jim Schaaf

September 2020 The Mace Page 3

“Where is that in the Bible?" You undoubtedly have heard people ask this, and you no doubt have even heard Catholics ask that question. But, where in the Bible does it say all things to be believed or done or obeyed are spelled out in the Bible? Nowhere!

The collection of books that we call the Bible was gathered and proclaimed as inspired by the Holy Spirit by the Catholic Church. The last time this was done was in the 16th century at the Council of Trent. This ecumenical Council solidified over 1,000 years of Tradition. It once again, but this time very solemnly, defined exactly which books are in the Bible. This became necessary after the Protestant revolt when various denominations tossed books out of the Old and New Testaments.

As I see it, there are two difficult issues with the Bible Alone theory. The first is exactly which translation do you use? (Remember, all translators are considered by wags as “traitors.”) The simple example below is taken from the Book of Proverbs Chapter 8, Verse 24. Here are five different translations.

The Douay-Rheims: counsel and equity is mine; prudence is mine; strength is mine.

RSVCE: I have counsel and sound wisdom, I have insight, I have strength.

Good News Bible: I make plans and carry them out, I have understanding, and I am strong.

Christian Community Bible: but I love counsel, discretion, prudence and strength.

NABRE: Mine are counsel and advice; Mine is strength; I am understanding.

While it seems that the Douay Rheims version is talking about the Cardinal virtues, the others all only seem to have in common the word strength. While the meanings are somewhat similar they are not the same. Picking the right translation is a difficult task. All five shown above have an imprimatur. If this rather simple passage could be translated so differently, think of how different some of the more difficult, long passages from the Epistles of Paul would be translated. It is no wonder that Bible-quoters can sound so different, one from another.

The second issue with the Bible Alone theory is the interpretation of the text. Some say all you need is the plain meaning of the text while others say no, you must know what the authors were trying to say. Obviously, the plain meaning is easier, quicker and you, the reader, get to decide the meaning. The other method of interpretation is not within my wheelhouse of expertise. But, that does not mean the plain text interpretation is better or even correct, only that it's quicker and easier and more self-satisfying.

The authority of the Catholic Church given to it by Jesus is what Catholics rely on when interpreting the Bible. Catholics also combine the Bible with the teachings of the Church as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the various teaching documents from Ecumenical Councils and from Papal Encyclicals. The Bible Alone is not a theory for Catholics.“Where is that in the Bible?"

You undoubtedly have heard people ask this, and you no doubt have even heard Catholics ask that question. But, where in the Bible does it say all things to be believed or done or obeyed are spelled out in the Bible? Nowhere!

The collection of books that we call the Bible was gathered and proclaimed as inspired by the Holy Spirit by the Catholic Church. The last time this was done was in the 16th century at the Council of Trent. This ecumenical Council solidified over 1,000 years of Tradition. It once again, but this time very solemnly, defined exactly which books are in the Bible. This became necessary after the Protestant revolt when various denominations tossed books out of the Old and New Testaments.

As I see it, there are two difficult issues with the Bible Alone theory. The first is exactly which translation do you use? (Remember, all translators are considered by wags as “traitors.”) The simple example below is taken from the Book of Proverbs Chapter 8, Verse 24. Here are five different translations.

The Douay-Rheims: counsel and equity is mine; prudence is mine; strength is mine.

RSVCE: I have counsel and sound wisdom, I have insight, I have strength.

Good News Bible: I make plans and carry them out, I have understanding, and I am strong.

Christian Community Bible: but I love counsel, discretion, prudence and strength.

NABRE: Mine are counsel and advice; Mine is strength; I am understanding.

While it seems that the Douay Rheims version is talking about the Cardinal virtues, the others all only seem to have in common the word strength. While the meanings are somewhat similar they are not the same. Picking the right translation is a difficult task. All five shown above have an imprimatur. If this rather simple passage could be translated so differently, think of how different some of the more difficult, long passages from the Epistles of Paul would be translated. It is no wonder that Bible-quoters can sound so different, one from another.

The second issue with the Bible Alone theory is the interpretation of the text. Some say all you need is the plain meaning of the text while others say no, you must know what the authors were trying to say. Obviously, the plain meaning is easier, quicker and you, the reader, get to decide the meaning. The other method of interpretation is not within my wheelhouse of expertise. But, that does not mean the plain text interpretation is better or even correct, only that it's quicker and easier and more self-satisfying.

The authority of the Catholic Church given to it by Jesus is what Catholics rely on when interpreting the Bible. Catholics also combine the Bible with the teachings of the Church as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the various teaching documents from Ecumenical Councils and from Papal Encyclicals. The Bible Alone is not a theory for Catholics.

The Bible Alone? By Jim Schaaf

Page 4 The Mace September 2020

Prayer Requests The following Brother Knights, their families, and friends are remembered in the monthly Rosary which is held each month prior to the Council’s Business Meeting. If any member wishes to submit a name or remove a name from the list, please telephone the Fraternal Affairs Chairman, John Lehane, at 408-257-3452.

Brother Art Salazar

Brother Ron Miller’s wife Shirley

Brother Harry Tibbett’s mother-in-law Marie Dunajski

Brother Paul Muller

Brother Jim Mathews

Brother John Lehane

Brother Tom Gaynor

Brother Fred Schwalbach

Brother Harry Tibbetts

Brother Bob Rolufs

Brother John Steffens

Brother Ted Wyess’ wife Ann

Brother John Ruzzo’s wife Shirley

Trisha McManaman, daughter of Brother John Ruzzo

Helen Seidl wife of Tony Seidl†

Brother Mark Wright’s sister Anne

All those touched by the Coronavirus pandemic

Deceased

Virginia Simon wife of Frank Simon, PGK (02/23/2020)

Susan Kwok, wife of Brother Patrick Kwok, GK (04/28/2020)

Kathryn A. Hoag, wife of Brother Kenneth Hoag (6/5/2020)

Robert Lewis

Frederick Schwalbach

Rev Athanasius Kikoba

William Callen

Patrick Sheehy

Luciano Saccani

Francis Kurupacheril

Donald Sifferman

James Schaaf

May your life be long and joyfull!

Treasurer's Report

Income for July 2020

Dues $ 40.00

Interest on Capital One Savings 3.62

Interest on CD 51.12

$ 94.74

Expenses for July 2020

Computer & Web Expenses $ 20.00

Council Rent 500.00

Council Supplies 10.89

MACE Printing 101.42

Membership Expenses 25.25

Postage 55.00

$ 712.56

Monthly Attendance Raffle The monthly raffle is suspended pending the start of regular monthly business meetings. The raffle prize will be $65 when the meetings begin again.

September 2020 The Mace Page 5

Directors & Chairmen

Program Director

Ron Schoengold

Church Director

John Pozniak

Vocations John Steffens

McGivney Shrine Ron Schoengold

Bingo Bob Rolufs

Parish Round Tables

Queen of Apostles Bob Rolufs

Sacred Heart in Saratoga open

St. Joseph of Cupertino Joe Kenney

Church of the Ascension Ron Schoengold

Community Director

Michael Abdallah

Culture of Life Joe Kenney

Charities Bob Rolufs

Divine Mercy

& Rosary Visitation John Steffens

Food for Families Dick Sherman/

Bob Rolufs

People with

Intellectual Disabilities Bob Rolufs

Mass of Reparation Dominic Guido

Community Projects Round Table Members

Breakfast Supreme Ron Schoengold

Council Director

John Lehane

Fraternal Affairs John Lehane

First Degree Team John Pozniak

Public Relations Ron Schoengold

Website Ron Schoengold

Communications Ron Schoengold

Past Grand Knights Dinner Bob Rolufs

Special Appreciation Night Patrick Kwok

Building Manager John Lehane

McGivney Pilgrimage John Pozniak

Family Director

Ed Johnson

Leisure Nights Bob Rolufs

Memorial Mass Fr. Athanasius Kikoba

Ladies Night John Steffens

Ice Cream Social Grand Knight Elect

Christmas Dinner Ron Schoengold

Annual Picnic Bob Rolufs

Youth Director

John Lehane

Scholarship Program Patrick Kwok

Altar Servers Appreciation Patrick Kwok

Free Throw Contest Ed Johnson

Essay Contest John Lehane

Membership & Retention

Mark Wright

John Pozniak

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, unity. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is error, truth.

Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we are born

to Eternal Life.

Papal Greeting to the 138th Supreme Convention

Pope Francis Recognizes Knights for Building

“Fraternal, Just and Equitable World.”

Mass Book

Pope Francis recognized the Knights of Columbus for the fraternal order’s efforts to build a “fraternal, just and equitable world,” on the eve of the Knights’ 138th annual convention.

For the first time in its 138-year history, the Knights of Columbus will not meet in person for its annual supreme

convention. Instead, this important meeting will be held virtually Aug. 4-6, with members tuning in across the world to key convention events broadcast from New Haven, Connecticut.

This virtual convention, necessitated by the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, is not the only historic aspect of this year’s event. The 2020 convention will also celebrate the upcoming beatification of the Knights’ founder, Venerable Father Michael McGivney.

In recognition of the unique and important time in which the convention is being held, Pope Francis extended his well-wishes to the Knights of Columbus through a letter from Vatican Secretariat of State Archbishop Pietro Parolin, dated July 14, 2020.

The message acknowledged the meeting’s theme, “Knights of Fraternity,” and the Order’s work during the pandemic, saying, “The theme of the Convention – Knights of Columbus: Knights of Fraternity – is a timely reminder of the vision that guided the foundation of your Order. … In these days, your Order has provided charitable support on the local, national and international level to individuals and communities suffering because of the pandemic or otherwise often forgotten or marginalized.”

The letter added that “His Holiness is grateful for these and for the many other countless ways in which the Knights of Columbus continue to bear prophetic witness to God’s dream for a more fraternal, just and equitable world in which all are recognized as neighbors and no one is left behind.”

Additionally, the papal message included the Holy Father’s appreciation for the Knights’ work on behalf of persecuted Christians, the unborn and all those are marginalized because of the pandemic or other circumstances, as well as his confidence that the beatification of Father McGivney “will be a stimulus for Knights to deepen their commitment to live as missionary disciples in charity, unity and fraternity.”

The letter continued, saying that Pope Francis “is confident that Father McGivney’s heroic virtues and example of faith will inspire you to seek each day in prayer the wisdom and strength to practice ‘a fraternal love capable of seeing the sacred grandeur of our neighbor, of finding God in every human being’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 92). As a parish priest, your Founder knew well and wished to impress on his flock the urgency of the Gospel mandate, ‘Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me’ (Mt 25:40).

Page 6 The Mace September 2020

September 2020 The Mace Page 7

KNIGHTS

The Mace Published monthly by

Saint Francis of Assisi Council 4981 Knights of Columbus

Serving Cupertino, San Jose & Saratoga California District 34 — Division 4

www.kofc4981.net

St. Francis of Assisi Council 4981 Knights of Columbus 10201 Imperial Ave, Suite 105 Cupertino, CA 95014

Editor-in-Chief

Ron Schoengold

Assignment Editor

Ron Schoengold

Copy Editor

Ron Schoengold

Layout Editor

Ruthann Stolzman,

WordArt

Contributors

Fr. Athanasius Kikoba

Jim Schaaf

Patrick Kwok

Thomas Diebold

John Steffens

Ron Schoengold

Distribution Manager

Arline Schoengold

Printer

Ruthann Stolzman,

WordArt

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Asssi Council 4981

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