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May 2008 Brothers, A quick update from the 2008 K of C Indiana State Convention which was held in April. Our council came away with several awards as follows:
Congrats to all involved!
Jeff Gaerke
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus
St. Malachy Council #12540
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September 2007  Brothers, at our meeting on 9/17, our District Deputy, Mike Worden, presented our council with our 8th CONSECUTIVE STAR COUNCIL AWARD. This is the highest award presented to a council and we have received this award every year since our council was formed in 1999. To receive this award, a council must complete and submit all of the various forms that are due throughout the year, it must conduct at least 4 activities each in the areas of church, community, council, family and youth, and it must achieve quotas for membership and insurance members. As you can see, receiving this award is an indication that many different aspects of a council are working well. In some ways, I believe that we as a council take receiving this award for granted – because we have always done it. To get an idea for the significance of what we have done, I checked with our State Program Director, Lawrence Fluhr, to understand how many councils typically receive the Star Council Award. He informed me that 10-15% of the councils in Indiana receive this award each year. He also stated that Council 12540 is the only council among the 160 active councils in Indiana to have received the Star Council Award every year for the past 8 years! Congratulations! Although receiving these awards is an honor, the award is not our goal. If we as a council simply continue to direct our actions and activities towards the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism set in place by our founder Fr. Michael J. McGivney 125 years ago, we will be doing the right things, members will want to join our council, and we will be successful regardless of how the awards fall out. It takes a LOT of Brothers working together to have a successful Council. I would like to focus on our directors, the guys that do so much of the behind the scenes work of planning and organizing the many activities that make our council what it is. Our directors are as follows:
I would like to thank each of them for their effort and dedication. At the beginning of the year we met as a group to assemble our overall plan for the year’s activities. We were fortunate to have a great list of recurring activities to build on and they added several new activities that are planned for the year. Please refer to the list of activities planned for the next few months and pencil in the activities that you/your family would like to participate in. If you have additional activities that you would like to propose, please contact the appropriate director. It’s hard to believe that it has been a full three months since installation of officers – with the awesome support from the team of officers, directors, and members that we have – I look forward to the remaining nine months. God Bless,
Jeff Gaerke
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus
St. Malachy Council #12540
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July 2007  There was a lot of information given out at the State Convention this past Spring. History and progress were discussed and goals were set out for membership, insurance, and programming at all levels. After the opening session, there was plenty of time to discuss the details of programs and to pick up materials at the more than 20 booths available on Saturday afternoon. I was granted permission to hang some banners and posters in the main hall that were made by St Malachy students to greet all the participants. These were the creations you may have seen at our Fish Fry and Breakfast that congratulated the Knights of Columbus on its 125th anniversary. There were lots of people taking photos and I got several positive comments from other convention-goers. However, I want to tell you about the most significant event that happened at the convention in regards to our Council. As you know, we have 5 main program areas in which we hold several events each year (Church, Community, Council, Family, and Youth). What you may not know is that each Council is requested to send in a report about their best activities for the year, and the State selects the one in each category that is declared the best in the State. In the Spring of 2006, we were thrilled to receive one of these awards for having the BEST Council event - KnightBowl. This year, the men and families of St. Malachy Council were honored by being selected as winners in TWO (2) of these categories!!! Out of all the reports submitted by all councils in the State, the winners are:
Both of these activity reports have been forwarded on and will compete against winners from other States and internationally at the Supreme Convention in August. Keep your fingers crossed! Hopefully you have seen these awards prominently displayed in our award area (i.e. above the coat rack) at church. The numerous awards, in a variety of categories, show a lot of balance in the growth and success of this young Council. It is great to be a part of such a strong and vibrant group of Catholic men. Keep up the good work! Mike "Big Cat" Worden
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus
St. Malachy Council #12540
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September 2006 We recently received notice that we were awarded Supreme’s Star Council Award. This signifies our being in the highest levels in each of the 3 key areas of Membership growth, Insurance & Investment growth, and Service Programs. Only councils who exceed Supreme goal levels in ALL three areas are granted this designation each year. It is a high honor for ANY council to achieve, and WE have done it for SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW! (2000 - 2006)  Throughout the website and newsletters you can see reports on some of the annual events we recently held, but don’t forget that we have many more opportunities to get involved. There are multitudes of ways to help out the Parish at Country Fare, and our monthly KofC Pancake Breakfasts began in October. Even if you can’t work these events, bring your families and friends and spend money to help worthy causes. Of course we continue to hold some traditional events like the Steak Fry, the bonfire/hayride, the Christmas party, Know-it-All, Knight Bowl, the Tootsie Roll Drive and the Lenten fish-frys, but we are also seeing new events like the summer Turkey Run outing and a Habitat for Humanity day (among others). There’s something for everyone in this Council, and it’s a great privilege to be a member of this group and a part of the team. I can’t say whether it will be another award-winning year as far as the State or Supreme is concerned, but I know I’m looking forward to another year of continued growth in membership, service, spirituality, and fun! Mike "Big Cat" Worden
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus
St. Malachy Council #12540
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April 2006 At the 105th Annual Indiana State Convention St. Malachy Council 12540 was honored with the following awards:
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September 2005 Recently, St. Malachy Council #12540 was designated by Supreme as a Star Council and a plaque was presented jointly to Mike Worden (GK) and Larry Garetto (PGK) at the September 5th meeting. While you can see the plaque proudly displayed in the KofC area of the hallway near the Nursery at church, I thought it would be good to give the details about why we were chosen for this special honor.  Every year, the Supreme Office sets goals in 3 main areas (activities, membership, & insurance) and rewards those councils that meet or exceed those goals with the following separate classifications. First, the Columbian Award goes to those councils that document a minimum of 4 activities in EACH of the program areas (Church, Community, Council, Family, & Youth). Secondly, the Father McGivney Award goes to those councils that show growth of at least 5% in membership. This is determined by counting new members (not transfers in) over and above the amount needed just to keep even with transfers out and withdrawals. With a council of over 200 men, this could be quite a challenge. Finally, the Founders' Award is granted to those councils who show growth of at least 2.5% in the number of insurance (or investment) members. In a recent publication, I saw a listing of the results for the 161 Councils (~150 active) in the State of Indiana with letters after the council numbers to show which of the awards they won. 74 councils had a letter after their name (which means over half of the councils did not meet ANY of those goals). Most had C's and a lot had M's and there were a few F's, while seventeen showed success by having two letters. Then, there are the STAR Councils. Supreme reserves this award for those outstanding Councils that meet the goals in ALL THREE of the areas. In the entire State of Indiana last year, there were only 16 Star Councils! I don't know statistics on repeat years, but were you aware that this is the SIXTH YEAR IN A ROW that we have earned this designation? This is a testatment to all the members who put in lots of time and effort and to the officers (past and present) who also promote and document what we do. You should be very proud of this accomplishment and also very motivated to keep the streak going. Whether you are a charter member, or just joined last month, I hope you realize now that you are part of an exceptional group. With your help, we can continue along this successful path. Mike "Big Cat" Worden Grand Knight Knights of Columbus St. Malachy Council #12540 |
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September 2004 Once again Supreme Knight Carl Anderson sends his congratulations to our council as we are named Star Council for the fraternal year 2003-2004. Our council earned this prestigious award FIVE YEARS IN A ROW! This recognition would not be bestowed upon our council if it were not for the actions of our members. Since we have the momemtum in our favor, let's see if we can achieve this level of success again next year! |
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September 2003 Supreme Knight Carl Anderson sends his congratulations to our council as we are named Star Council for the fraternal year 2002-2003. Our council earned this prestigious award FOUR YEARS IN A ROW! Clearly this award is a sign that our members are doing something right. We consistently demonstrate our commitment to the principals of our order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. We strive to serve Christ's Church, our priests, and our community, and always offer a hand to help those in need. View the press release in Adobe PDF format by clicking here: To our members, thank you for your time and talent. We would not be successful without you! To our non-members, would you consider joining us to help build a better council so that we may continue to serve for many years to come? |
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April 2003 We are very proud to announce that our Council was presented with the Santa Maria award at the 102nd Indiana State Convention held in Indianapolis in April 2003. Our council earned this prestigious award THREE YEARS IN A ROW! Once again, we would not have this award if it were not for the efforts of our members who unselfishly give of themselves to reach out and help others in need. This award belongs to YOU! |
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April 2002 We are very proud to announce that our Council was presented with the Santa Maria award at the 101st Indiana State Convention held in Indianapolis in April 2002. Our coucil earned this prestigious award TWO YEARS IN A ROW! We are also very proud to announce that our Council earned the honors of Star Council for the fraternal year 2001-2002! What makes this honor truly amazing is that our council reached this level for THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS! To our members...WOW! Achieving these magnificent awards would not have been possible without your help. To non-members...We are a vibrant, growing, and enthusiasitc young organization. We ask you to prayerfully consider joining us to build upon our past successes. |
| This letter was sent by our District Deputy regarding our hosting of the Major Degrees in October 2001. |
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Monday, October 29, 2001 Worthy State Ceremonials Chairman Doug Adams: Major Degrees held at St. Malachy, Brownsburg, Sunday 10/28/01:
3rd Degree Team Captain Hank C DD9: "In my 20 years of Major degree work, I have never seen as many members present in support of the candidates". Should Star Council, St. Malachy request assignment of a Major Degree Date in 2002, I highly recommend that that request be granted. Vivat Jesus! John Obst District Deputy 23 c. Dale Heger Bob Lynch Ted Frankowski |
| Our Grand Knight, Ted Frankowski, received the following letter from our Supreme Knight congratualting our council on its recent INTERNATIONAL accomplishment. |
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August 10, 2001 Worthy Grand Knight and Dear Brother Zielinski, May I extend my warmest congratulations to you as Grand Knight and to the members of and families of St. Malachy Council 12540 for having been selected as a third place winner in the 2000-2001 International Service Program Awards competition. Your winning entry in the Family Activities category was recognized as being among the "Best of the Best" of Knights of Columbus programs submitted by councils Orderwide. You are to be congratulated for this outstanding achievement. As a third place finisher, a description of your program was included in the Supreme Secretary's Report at the recently concluded Supreme Council meeting. This record of the convention will carry a permanent account of your council's acheivement. We have arranged with our supplier to forward your award to your state deputy who will coordinate an appropriate presentation ceremony to mark the council's accomplishment. He will contact you to make those arrangements directly. Again let me offer my personal contgratulations. I urge your council to strive to live up to the high ideals you've set in years to come. Wishing you continued success, I am, Fraternally, Carl A. Anderson Supreme Knight |
| Our Grand Knight, Paul Zielinski, wrote the following letter to our members and to our community regarding the exciting news from the recent Indiana State Convention held in Indianapolis in April 2001. |
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April 29, 2001 Praise to our risen Lord Jesus Christ! At the 100th Indiana State Convention our Council was presented the following awards:
The Scheiber Award and Fr. McGivney Award are traveling trophies. Council 12540 will be engraved on these plaques that we keep until next year's convention. Words cannot express my pride in our council, every officer, every service program director, and every member. I was truly honored to receive these magnificent rewards on your behalf. Bob Lynch, Indiana State Deputy made special mention of our council several times during the convention. Many of the other Councils also offer you their congratulations. Council 12540 was the only council to receive this many awards. Everyone was asking: "How could a two year old council accomplish so much?" My only explanation was we are blessed with a great membership. Our men and their families are very active and really live the guiding principles of the order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Our District Deputy, John Obst, was also recognized as having the district with the highest percent membership increase. He sends you his thanks and congratulations. Thank you brother Knights for all the work you did! What a great year! Special thanks to Ted Frankowski and Rich Miller for their tremendous work. I can't think of an activity you didn't have a hand in. Thank you for getting all the forms submitted on time. All those forms were a pain, but they were essential. Thank you Charlie & Sharon Testerman, Kirk Smith, Tom Albert, and Dan Stephens for being at this year's convention. Thank you Father Dan Staublin, our Chaplain, and Father Russ Zint for your prayers and support. Thank you for letting me serve you as Grand Knight. Vivat Jesus! Paul Zielinski Grand Knight St. Malachy Council No. 12540 |
| Our District Deputy, John Obst, presented our Council with the Star Council Award at a recent business meeting. We recieved the following letter from our Supreme Knight: |
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July 2000 Mr. Paul A. Zielinski CO. 12540 - Grand Knight (1999-2000)Dear Brother Knight, Please accept my personal and heartfelt congratulations to you and to the officers and members of your council, on earning the honors of Star Council for the 1999-2000 fraternal year! Achieving this prestigious award ranks your council among the top 12% of the Councils in the Order, and gives evidence of your collective dedication to the principles and aims of the Knights of Columbus. My fellow Supreme Officers and members of the Board of Directors join me in conveying these congratulations to you, with our deep appreciation for all you have accomplished. We have arranged with our supplier to have your Star Council Award prepared and forwarded to your District Deputy, and I have asked that this award be presented to the Council at a suitable occasion. In addition to this award, your name and that of your Council will be listed in the September edition of Columbia magazine, along with the other distinguished Star Council Award recipients. May this award be a treasured reminder of the Council's efforts this past fraternal year in promoting the ideals of Columbianism, for the good of the Church and the community. Again, I congratulate you on attaining this honor, and encourage you to strive to earn Star Council status again in the 2000-2001 fraternal year. With best wishes, I am Fraternally, Virgil C. Dechant Supreme Knight |
| We wish to thank our membership for their many combined hours of service to our Parish and community. Without your loving efforts, we would not have been able to achieve the high level of success. We look forward to prosperity and growth in the following year! |
| Our District Deputy, John Obst, sent us the following message regarding our hosting of Second and Third Degree ceremonies on Sunday, October 29, 2000: |
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Sunday, October 29, 2000 Paul Zielinski Grand Knight St. Malachy Council 12540 Worthy Grand Knight Paul: Kudos again to you and the St. Malachy Council team for hosting an excellent major degrees today. The facilities, environment, food, and hospitality were superb! It is a delight to all of us in the neighboring councils and in the State Council family to observe the energy and effectiveness of the Star Council that you truly are. The exemplary write-up in last weeks Criterion of your right-to-life monument dedication is just one of the many examples of excellent council activity, energy, accomplishments, and leadership. May Our Blessed Lady continue to care for and hold in her hands St. Malachy Council of Brownsburg. John Obst District Deputy 23 cc: State Deputy, Ceremonials Chairman |
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