Here’s a photo of Ian in his new bike courtesy of KOC. He loves it. The Tootsie Roll campaign does make a difference.
This is why the Tootsie Roll Drive is so important for all councils to do.
The Masconomo Council of the Knights of Columbus is running a “Drive for Sox” from now until the Red Sox begin Spring Training in late February. Look for the bins in the back of Sacred Heart Church and St. John the Baptist Church labelled “Sock Drive”. We accept donations of all kinds of socks, but they need to be new and clean!
It may sound like a small thing, but clean socks are a big deal for those struggling with homelessness or health problems. Your donation will go toward Fr. John Capuci’s “Sock Ministry”. Fr. John is a friend of Fr. Paul’s. He started his Sock Ministry in New Orleans, and now that Fr. John has moved to Burlington, MA, he has continued his Sock Ministry to benefit Boston area homeless shelters.
As the cold weather bears down on us, please do your part and donate a few (or more!) pairs of socks to the bins in the back of the church before the end of February. Thanks for your help!
The Fall Fun Fest hosted by the Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus-Manchester by the Sea Sunday afternoon September 18th was a huge success judging by scores of kids and families who trekked to Sacred Heart Church, Visitation Parish to join in the fun, games, food and friendship. As promised, in the church parking lot, kids found a bouncy house, an amazing inflatable obstacle course, “Everyone’s a Winner” carnival games, face painting, and food galore: snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs and burgers.
Council 1232 Grand Knight Phil Monahan said, “This Fall Fun Fest met our objectives as a fun, affordable – essentially free- event to bring kids and families together as the summer winds down.”
Of the three founding principles of the Knights of Columbus- Charity, Fraternity and Unity, charity is first as the Order was founded as a charitable organization to care for those in need – immigrants, widows and orphans and those in need of a helping hand. In our day it may include those challenged by food insecurity, lack of adequate health care and the stress of rising inflation.
Every year Masconomo Council 1232 has two major fund raisers. The first ended early in June. Its purpose was obvious. Every year money raised funds The Father Jack Gentleman Memorial Scholarship program for graduating seniors. This year we awarded fourteen $500 scholarships. Over the past 17 years, the Council has fundraised and awarded a total of 101 scholarships to recognize the accomplishments of our graduates.
The other fundraiser is the council’s Annual Fall Fundraiser, which begins in the summer. It is a familiar activity centered around a raffle whose prizes are donations of cash, and gift certificates for hotels, restaurants and Cape Ann area businesses. For more than ten years, the Annual Fall Fundraiser has been the council’s major means of raising revenue.
It’s natural to ask where does the money go. Now is the perfect time ask. May ended our 2021-2022 fraternal year. A new year begins in June
So here is our accounting of funds spent in support of our charitable mission:
Grand Knight Phil Monahan observed “So there you have it. Council 1232 raises funds to support worthwhile causes near and far. We get to give.
“We thank you in advance for your support in the year ahead.”
For the past 17 years Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus Manchester by the Sea has awarded scholarships to graduating high schools seniors from Cape Ann communities. Seven years ago, the grants were renamed The Father Jack Gentleman Memorial Scholarship program.
Since its inception the program has honored 101 graduates. This year on Sunday June 05, 2022 at St John the Baptist Church, Essex , 14 graduating seniors were presented $500 checks in recognition of their accomplishments and the service to the community and church.
The 2022 recipients are:
Andrew Cressey, Aidan Cunningham, Connor Cunningham, Christopher Daly, Emma Fitzgerald, Aiden Harrison, Colin Harrison, Mia Leonard, Darcy Muller, Ema O’Neil, Ambrose Pallazola, Ainsley Tully, Mairin Tully, and Reese Tully.
William Busta, Past Grand Knight and Father Jack Gentleman Scholarship Fund co- chair, said, “Masconomo Council 1232 is pleased to award these Father Jack Scholarships to these outstanding students and fine representatives of their hometowns. They are a credit to their parents. By their record of engagement and commitment to education they exemplify the hope of Father Jack that our youth always will aim high and build bright futures.”
The 2022 recipients of the Father Jack Gentleman Memorial Scholarships are shown accepting their symbolic checks at Sunday Mass at St John’s Essex celebrated by Father Paul Flammia, pastor of Visitation Parish Manchester and Essex. Representing the Knights of Columbus were Bill Busta and Tom Finn.