Iowa Knight Life 2016-07-13 Healing Fraternity

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Michael Gaspers Posted in Building the Domestic Church, Leadership, Why A Knight?, Works of Mercy Leave a comment

This Week on Knight Life

This week on Knight Life…. we pray for healing; we acknowledge the transformative power of Knights acting in unity & with fraternity and we celebrate brother Knights who succeed at leadership.

Hello, I’m Mike Gaspers back with you for a half hour of information, inspiration and invitation around the activities of this band of brothers the Iowa Knights of Columbus.

This is Knight Life…our Mission is Be Men of Courage and to do everything with LOVE for our fellow man, woman, child and unborn child.

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Overview of the Podcast – Healing Fraternity

Following a week of violence across the United States, the Knights of Columbus has called for a novena of prayer to heal the wounds and divisions afflicting this country.http://www.kofc.org/en/news/releases/prayers-for-healing.html

Knights and their families, and all people of good will are encouraged to join in the novena (nine days of prayer) that will run from July 14-22 by praying St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer for Peace:

St. Francis of Assisi

Knights and their families, and all people of good will are encouraged to join in the novena (nine days of prayer) that will run from July 14-22 by praying St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer for Peace:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O 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;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

“The violent episodes of the past week have shocked the conscience of our country,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “Through this prayer, each of us has the opportunity to help transcend hatred and violence by personally committing to the concepts of love of neighbor, peace and forgiveness that are central to an authentic embrace of Christianity. It is our hope that, from coast to coast, those who pray this prayer will become true instruments of peace.”

Supreme Chaplain, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, also urged people to join this prayer campaign: “During this Year of Mercy, let us pray for an end to violence and senseless killings,” he said. “Through our prayers and good works, may we help build a society that is merciful, just, and peaceful.”

I for one intend to join in this novena. For Knights it is not only prayer but focus on good works that illuminate & animate us. Those corporal works of mercy – which are undertaken by Knights and their families acting together help to build and strengthen communities. A key component of these efforts is the local council and its leadership.

I was pleased to run into Bob Jones this past week end. Bob is from Davenport and has been instrumental in starting a number of parish based councils in that city. We visited briefly about the difference these councils are making by acting in their local parish & community

The efforts of Bob and many others are bearing much fruit. I really like the project at Holy Family about helping parishioners at mass.

A protégé of Bob’s who has gone on to success as a district deputy in the Davenport area District 53 is Adam Bormann. Adam achieved the honor of All Star District Deputy for this past fraternal year. I asked Adam about this achievement. He was most humble about it.

Adam is one of our bright energetic Knight’s leaders who will be around for more good works in the future.

This is Mike Gaspers for the Knight Life. We have been talking with Knights from Davenport about parish based councils and the opportunities for spiritual growth in the Knights of Columbus.. I encourage you to learn more about the novena for healing by visiting www.kofc.org where you will find information on the front page. I also encourage you to listen again to this week’s interview and those previously aired as easy to play podcasts at http://iowaknightlife.org/. You can share the podcast link on Facebook or email it to your friends. All of you can be inspired by the story of Iowa Knights as you listen online.

All District Deputies are encouraged to name a warden whom they can bring along and train in the duties of leadership. All Grand Knights are encouraged to consider this position as another way of giving back. Adam Bormann DD 53 mentioned working with his warden who is Sean Kessel. I pulled Sean aside after one of our meetings and had this conversation.

I turn next to our roving reporter Orlando Gil who talks with Dan Fowler of the Harlan council. Dan joined the Knights at the encouragement of his family and has seen his understanding of the Knights grow and be transformed.

Two Knights both expressing God’s love in unique ways.

This is Mike Gaspers and you are listening to the Knight Life show where each week we strive to tell the story of the Iowa Knights from an insider’s point of view. This week we’ve shared from Davenport Knights on parish based councils and a Harlan Knight in service to one and in service to all.

Steve Hesprich offers us a Knights to Christ reflection on spiritual works of mercy starting right at home.

It’s the little things we do – like being kind to those closest to us and also those whom are not close to us. Do what you can around you.

To find out more on the Iowa Knights visit our website www.iowakofc.org. You can follow Iowa Knights of Columbus on Facebook or on Twitter @IAKnights for the latest news and updates.

I’m Mike Gaspers, thank you for listening. Feeling inspired? Then act courageously and with love to put your faith into action by word and by deeds starting in your own family.

Interested in this Band of Brothers? Contact a Knight or your parish priest and we will bring you into this fraternity of Catholic men. Be Strong. Be Courageous. Step into the Breach with Us.

Knight Life is a production of the Iowa Knights of Columbus.

Iowa Knight Life 2016-06-29 Silver Rose

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Michael Gaspers Posted in Culture of Life, Why A Knight? Leave a comment

Silver Rose

This Week on Knight Life

This week on Knight Life…. the Silver Rose comes to Iowa as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day. We we hear from a number of extraordinary Iowa Knights as they share their experience of the Knight Life.

Hello, I’m Mike Gaspers back with you for a half hour of information, inspiration and invitation around the activities of this band of brothers the Iowa Knights of Columbus.

This is Knight Life…our Mission is Be Men of Courage and to do everything with LOVE for our fellow man, woman, child and unborn child.

Audio Player

To listen to the full podcast click the play arrow.

Overview of the Podcast – Silver Rose

We begin with Pope John Paul II’s prayer for life from Evangelium Vitae which is part of the act of consecration contained in the Silver Rose prayer program as led by Fr Dan Greving.

The Guadalupan Silver Rose has reached Iowa. This Knights of Columbus tradition was begun in 1960 when groups of Columbian Squires in Mexico, Canada and the United States decided to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe by carrying a rose across North America from Canada to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey, Mexico. In 2001 Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, at the 119th Supreme Council Meeting in Toronto, addressed the effort in culture of life terms, referring to the Our Lady of Guadalupe – One Life, One Rose Program. He urged that it be expanded to every North American jurisdiction.

In recent years the program has expanded from three to six silver roses traveling the western, central, and eastern corridors of North America, with Knights of Columbus from Canada to Mexico carrying the roses from destination to destination, and finally to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey, Mexico.

Every stop along the route of the Silver Rose Pilgrimage is an occasion for prayer and spiritual renewal centered on the rosary with scripture readings, a litany and act of consecration.

I had the privilege to participate at Immaculate Conception parish in Sioux City this past week end and am grateful Fr Armand Bertrand involved the entire congregation in the act of consecration to the cause of life.

Afterwards I met Phil Morrow in the parking lot of the Sergeant Bluff Fareway to transfer the Silver Rose and continue its journey to Monterrey by way of Onawa.

I followed up with him after the prayer service on how it had gone for them.

Last November we heard from our Supreme Knight Carl Anderson on the need for Knights to refocus our activities on Building up the Domestic Church – the spirituality and health of catholic families. This Silver Rose program is one way we can touch one life at a time and in doing so build up a culture of life in our own families.

Many thanks go out to Phil Morrow, Marty Pasker and other Knights who spend the effort to bring these opportunities to their parishes. I’m sure Fr Mark Stoll will be attuned to watch for the next opportunity of the Silver Rose or other spiritually enriching programs offered by the Knights.

This is Mike Gaspers for the Knight Life. We have been following the running the Silver Rose as it moves down the western side of Iowa passing through Sioux City and Onawa on its way to Council Bluffs. I encourage you to learn more about the Silver Rose program and its call to consecration for the cause for life by visiting www.kofc.org and searching on Silver Rose. You can also listen again to this week’s interview and others previously aired as easy to play podcasts at http://iowaknightlife.org/. You can share the podcast link on Facebook or email it to your friends. All of you can be inspired by the story of Iowa Knights as you listen online.

This week we continue hearing from Knights who are asked to answer “why are you a Knight” by Orland Gil. Our first interview is from the Grand Knight of Atlantic – Phil Hascall.

Phil’s connection to the corporal works of mercy seems most appropriate in this year of Mercy and so very much fits the Knights.

Pablo Martinez 2013 Iowa Knight of the Year

Orlando turns next to a brother Jesus Toquinto Councils 14131 at St Mary’s in Davenport.

It sounds like this council is really building up the domestic church while strengthening their parish. I love that Jesus saw something in the Knights that he wanted to be part of and took the initiative to ask. That doesn’t always happen.

An Iowa Knight who has been featured in the Columbian Magazine our Knights of Columbus monthly publication is Pablo Martinez. Pablo was recognized last year as one of the order’s top recruiters. Orlando talks with Pablo about his life in the Knights.

I think Orlando does a nice job to help Pablo convey his ideas on the importance of family, the Knights and his project to help children effected by cancer.

This is Mike Gaspers and you are listening to the Knight Life show where each week we strive to tell the story of the Iowa Knights from an insider’s point of view. This week we’ve shared a program strengthening our commitment to the cause of life as well as hearing from not so ordinary Knights on the impact membership has in their lives.

Steve Hesprich offers us a Knights to Christ reflection on the true nature of patriotism going into the upcoming 4th of July weekend.

Self-evident truths it seems to me are rarely recognized as such; so often there are conflicting truths or none at all as we pick our own truth.

As Knights and faithful citizens, let us strive to keep before us that we are one nation under God and in His light truth will be revealed – not created, not chosen – but revealed.

We are story people. We want to share our story; we want to hear your story; your story as told by yourself. To find out more on the Iowa Knights visit our website www.iowakofc.org. You can follow Iowa Knights of Columbus on Facebook or on Twitter @IAKnights for the latest news and updates. Consider posting a comment about your experience with the Knights of Columbus.

I’m Mike Gaspers, thank you for listening. Feeling inspired? Then act courageously and with love to put your faith into action by word and by deeds starting in your own family.

Interested in this Band of Brothers? Contact a Knight or your parish priest and we will bring you into this fraternity of Catholic men.

Knight Life is a production of the Iowa Knights of Columbus.

Iowa Knight Life 2016-06-15 Fathers

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Michael Gaspers Posted in Building the Domestic Church, Fathers For Good, Into the Breach Leave a comment

This Week on Knight Life

This week on Knight Life….Fathers are …. Called by God, A work in progress; ordinary men, and are also responsible for extraordinary outcomes. Happy Father’s Day

Hello, I’m Mike Gaspers back with you for a half hour of information, inspiration and invitation around the activities of this band of brothers the Iowa Knights of Columbus.

This is Knight Life…our Mission is Be Men of Courage and to do everything with LOVE for our fellow man, woman, child and unborn child.

Audio Player

To listen to the full podcast click the play arrow.

Overview of the Podcast – Fathers

This week I wish Dad’s out there a Happy Father’s Day. As fathers we are family focused and so we join with Deacon Ray Rosburg in a prayer for families.

This week I borrow liberally from Joseph McInerney in a reflection on Fathers as men with a mission, the three fold mission of Jesus Christ as priest prophet and King.

I quote: “The mission of the modern-day father, like that of Christ, is the salvation of souls. The difference between them is the fact that Christ’s mission is universal, concerned with the salvation of all mankind. The father’s mission is concerned primarily with the salvation of his own family. Despite the difference in scope, the father has the same methods at his disposal to achieve this mission of salvation.

Through his share in Christ’s grace in the sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony, a father shares the grace of Christ’s death and resurrection with his children. He is also a priest in the sense that he brings his children to the sacraments, giving them a direct share in the grace of Christ. This is a direct correlation with the ongoing theme to “Build up the Domestic Church”

The father is a prophet – the bearer of God’s message – to his children by fulfilling his obligation to teach them the Catholic faith. It is a courageous man who will continue to speak the truth lovingly so that his children come to understand and not become discouraged.

Lastly, a father performs Christ’s kingly function as the spiritual head of his family. This headship is always exercised in a Christian manner, rather than a worldly manner. A father’s obligation to lead his family in holiness is not a call to domination, but to service.

Fatherhood is the mission that allows a man to give of himself unreservedly. Thus, it is through fatherhood that most men will find their greatest happiness. To avoid fatherhood for the sake of that dream car, or that special summer home, is to cheat yourself out of one of life’s most rewarding experiences. By calling men to make a gift of themselves to others, God calls fathers to a life of remarkable holiness, indescribable happiness, and true fulfillment.

Joseph McInerney, a graduate of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, lives in Springfield, Va., with his wife and five children. He is also a member of Springfield Council 6153. The full text of his article can be found on Father’s For Good – a website by the Knights of Columbus devoted to strengthening the vocation of fatherhood.

http://www.fathersforgood.org/ffg/en/father_spirituality/mission.html

I encourage any dad: seasoned, new, a dad to be, or a single guy wanting to know more about fatherhood to visit www.fathersforgood.org

A young dad I admire for his devotion to Family is our state warden Paul lee. Last year I asked Paul to share some of his reflections on fatherhood with us.

This is Mike Gaspers for the Knight Life. We have been talking about fatherhood with Paul Lee and reflecting on the parallels of a fathers’ mission with those of Christ. I encourage you to listen again to this week’s episode and those previously aired as easy to play podcasts at http://iowaknightlife.org/. You can share the podcast link on Facebook or email it to your friends. Be inspired by the story of Iowa Knights as you listen online.

Another Dad I’ve known for some time is Don Breuker a brother Knight of the Milford council. Don and I spoke recently at a fourth degree event about his life as a Knight and the impact it had in his life.

Sometimes it takes time for our efforts to bear fruit. Don’s experience in the Knights and the impact the Knights have had in his life seem to be well established. I’m happy that Don continues to evaluate and adjust so the experience of better fathers and better husbands is realized for more men.

Our roving reported Orlando Gil of Harlan reappears to talk with Knights attending our recent convention in Des Moines.

Thank you brother Orlando. We are all on a journey to be Better Husbands and Better Fathers. I really appreciate those brother Knights who inspire me to continue moving forward toward this worthy goal. It is good to be a part of this band of brothers the Knights of Columbus.

This is Mike Gaspers and you are listening to the Knight Life show where each week we strive to tell the story of the Iowa Knights from an insider’s point of view. This week we’ve shared some aspects of fatherhood. Steve Hesprich brings Father’s Day into focus as he reflects on what Fathers are called to do for their families.

I’m Mike Gaspers, thank you for listening. Feeling inspired? Then act courageously and with love to put your faith into action by word and by deeds. Don’t forget to March with us this Saturday!

Interested in the Band of Brothers? Contact a Knight or your parish priest and we will bring you into this fraternity of Catholic men.

Knight Life is a production of the Iowa Knights of Columbus.

Iowa Knight Life 2016-03-02 Equally Yoked

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Michael Gaspers Posted in Council, Why A Knight?, Works of Mercy Leave a comment

This Week on Knight Life

…. Giving back requires effort; a Knight offers words of encouragement and a reminder that we do not stand alone; in fact you have in the Knights another Family — a Band of Brothers –Equally Yoked–who reach out to help others in need.

Hello, I’m Mike Gaspers back with you for a half hour of information, inspiration and invitation around the activities of this band of brothers the Iowa Knights of Columbus.

This is Knight Life…our Mission is Be Men of Courage and to do everything with LOVE for our fellow man, woman, child and unborn child.

Audio Player

To listen to the full podcast click the play arrow.

Overview of the Podcast — Equally Yoked

Kevin Hlavac

To be able to give back is an important cultural value many are seeking. Knights know and practice its meaning in our charitable service activities. We’ve been hearing from Harlan Knights about a partnering project with a parish in Nicaragua that surely meets the definition of giving back in its best sense. Orlando Gil steps up for the Knight Life and talks to Kevin Hlavac after returning from his January trip to Nicaragua.

See Shelby County Nicaragua Partners for more information on how to get involved to donate to the solar power project.

Rob Ryan

I hope others are inspired to partner with our brothers and sisters in need – not to anonymously give money but to walk with them, to see Christ in their eyes and together help each of us to be interdependent as members of one family.

Rob Ryan is a devout Knight whose passion for being Catholic I’ve admired for a long time. Jonathon Eltrevoog talked with Rob about why he is a Knight.

Rob reminds me of Winston Churchill – never ever Quit. Great men never do. Knights should not either. We are made for greatness — in serving others.

Chris Determan advises as District Deputy immediately east of Des Moines. Soft spoken but always willing to speak up. I caught him one recent February day and he shared his story of journey back to the Catholic Church with me; and the crucial part the Knights have played, are playing in that story.

I have a whole new appreciation for Chris; his courageous journey to be faithful and that image of being equally yoked – bound together in unity – as Brothers.

Another Knight – younger than Chris – shares the same sentiments about the Knights as a safe place to share our faith and our stories. I met Walter Schaben at Dunlap immediately after his Knighthood degree.

We are a band of Brothers with all that metaphor can mean. We do provide that safe place where men can encourage one another, let down their guard and explore authentic Catholic manliness in today’s world.

Knights to Christ

Steve Hesprich returns with a delightful reflection from Knights to Christ. I really enjoy his turn of phrase here about being caught in the moment.

May each of us always be willing to see the face of Christ in others and to stop in our hectic days and business of our lives to see that crucial moment for what it really is.

Why are you a Knight – Orlando Gil of Harlan challenges all of us to not only answer this question but to share it with others – to inform, inspire and yes to invite others to join the Knights.

You can read my own answer to this question in coming weeks on the Harlan Knights blog. Just search for Harlan Knights Blog and you will find it.

I’m Mike Gaspers, thank you for listening. Feeling inspired? Then act courageously and with love to put your faith into action by word and by deeds. Don’t forget to March with us this Saturday!

Interested in the Band of Brothers? Contact a Knight or your parish priest and we will bring you into this fraternity of Catholic men.

Knight Life is a production of the Iowa Knights of Columbus.

Iowa Knight Life 2016-02-10 Mercy

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Michael Gaspers Posted in Why A Knight?, Works of Mercy Leave a comment

Knights Know Mercy

This Week on Knight Life

Mercy Me — Why am I a Knight …each of us has various reasons. Lent is a great time to review the reasons to be a Knight especially in this year of mercy. Knights of Charity are also Knights of corporal and spiritual works of mercy as we hear over and over right here.

Hello, I’m Mike Gaspers back with you for a half hour of information, inspiration and invitation around the activities of this band of brothers the Iowa Knights of Columbus.

This is Knight Life…our Mission is Be Men of Courage and to do everything with LOVE for our fellow man, woman, child and unborn child.

Audio Player

To listen to the full podcast click the play arrow.

Overview of the Podcast – Lent a Time of Mercy

As we begin Lent in this Year of Mercy we join in prayer with Fr Bill Rousch of Burlington.

Knights all over this state are preparing Fish Fries – I mean its Lent right? Knights may be synonymous with great Lenten fish fries but even more so Knights are connected to corporal and spiritual works of mercy as much as Lent is connected to fish. Even more than fried fish these works of mercy are the hallmarks of true Knighthood.

Find more on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy from the USCCB.

Corporal Works of Mercy

Spiritual Works of Mercy

We’ve heard a lot from the men of St Augustin’s this year and we return again to one of their senior Knights Don Hauser. Don entertains me with stories of his Knights activities and the aid given to those in need.

There are many who need help and Don is emblematic of so many Knights who step up to offer assistance. Their coats for kids program has been a resounding success.

Why are you a Knight? This is a question we frequently ask Knights we meet. I was at an exemplification in Manson Iowa several weeks ago and had a chance to get Loren Burbach’s answer to this Knightly question.

Like so many Knights Loren is connected most to the fraternity he has developed with members of his own council – and continues to build it up as they work together meeting the needs of their parish.

Gaspers & Gil

Last summer I began hearing about a Knight from Harlan who was inspiring others to get more involved. I wanted to meet this Orlando Gil and despite several attempts was not able until we ran into each other at the fourth degree exemplification in Harlan this January. Orlando and I spoke just after he completed the degree work about his journey with the Knights.

Orlando is leading the Harlan Knights on a journey to build up more fraternity. I’m inspired by their recent blog series “Why am I a Knight” and encourage you to read it for your selves. See Harlan Knight’s Blog

Why are you a Knight — Orlando challenges all of us to not only answer this question but to share it with others – to inform, inspire and yes to invite others to join the Knights.

You can read my own answer to this question in coming weeks on the Harlan Knights blog.

I’m Mike Gaspers, thank you for listening. Feeling inspired? Then act courageously and with love to put your faith into action by word and by deeds. Don’t forget to March with us this Saturday!

Interested in the Band of Brothers? Contact a Knight or your parish priest and we will bring you into this fraternity of Catholic men.

Knight Life is a production of the Iowa Knights of Columbus.