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Father Jack Gentleman Memorial Scholarship Fund
For the past eleven years Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus awarded scholarships to deserving seniors graduating from MERHS. Last year it doubled the amount granted and renamed the program in honor of the much loved pastor of Sacred Heart Manchester-by the Sea and St. John’s Essex, the late Rev. John Gentleman. The program is now known as The Father Jack Gentleman Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The Knights’ fundraising letter reads in part:
“Last year Father Jack Gentleman was taken from us all too soon and without warning. All in all, he was a good man, a very good man.
We had come to know him well as our pastor, our mentor, our guide through life’s journey, and our trusted friend and good shepherd. Through his patient understanding, ever present wit and good humor, he won our admiration, respect and love.That was especially true of the youth of Sacred Heart and St. John’s for whom he had a special affection. He loved them as salt and light and saw them as the future of the Church and our world. He saw in our youth the promise to do much good for our parish community and the universe God has given us.
It is that singular characteristic of Father Jack that Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus wished to honor as it renamed its annual scholarship program awarded to graduating students of Manchester Essex Regional High School, the Father Jack Gentlemen Memorial Scholarship fund.We urge that all parishioners of Sacred Heart, Manchester and Saint John’s, Essex contribute as generously as possible to this year’s scholarship fund in Father Jack’s memory as a tangible means of keeping his love for young people in this Cape Ann community alive.”
Raffle tickets to support the Father Jack Memorial Scholarship Fund will be sold in April and May into June for a cash prize drawing June 5th –first prize, $500; second prize, $300; and third prize $200.
Raffle tickets may be obtained from Grand Knight Tom Finn (978-505-0317), Chris Shea, Seven Central, or any member of Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus.
Lenten Crosses
Many area residents have commented on the significance and meaning of Lenten tableau of three crosses displayed on the lawn of Sacred Heart church fronting heavily trafficked School Street, Manchester-by the Sea.
“The tableau of crosses, a graphic representation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, is meant to be thought provoking. Traditionally we see the three crosses of Calvary grouped upright side by side. At Sacred Heart, the cross in front draped in purple for Lent depicts the triumph of Christ the Redeemer on Good Friday. The first of two crosses in the background resembles how the weight of the cross must have been borne by Jesus, driving him to His knees as he journeyed to Calvary in excruciating pain, humiliation and suffering,” observed Father Paul Flammia, pastor of Sacred Heart, Manchester by-the Sea and St John, Essex.
“The second cross is that which each of us bears in life, weighed down by challenges of physical and mental health, addiction, domestic stress , family strife and so much more. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, it is also the cross we are called to assist others- the homeless, the poverty stricken, the underemployed, the troubled in spirit-in carrying. As scripture informs us, Jesus said,’ Deny yourself, take up my cross and follow me.’ In this Lent leading to Easter we are all called to follow Christ. That is what Sacred Heat’s crosses mean.”
Knights of Columbus, Masconomo Council 1232, erected the tableau of Lenten crosses at the direction of Father Flammia at Sacred Heart, School Street Manchester by the Sea just as they constructed the parish’s manger scene during Advent.
Masconomo Council 12232 Knights of Columbus Receives Star Council Award
Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus Manchester by the-Sea, received the prestigious Star Council Award that recognizes outstanding achievement in church and community service programs and a vital membership enrollment program. It was awarded the coveted designation by the international Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, based in Washington DC. Only five percent of Massachusetts’ 280 Councils were so honored for their comprehensive program planning, participation and charitable giving.
The renewed vigor and spirit of Masconomo Council 1232 was recognized as a Star Council by the national Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus for its major step up in new membership recruiting year over year and its outstanding achievement in membership, insurance and service program activities. To be eligible to earn the Star Council Award, a council must qualify for the national Father McGivney, Founder’s, and Columbian awards.
Commenting on his council’s selection to receive the Star Council Award, Grand Knight Tom Finn said, “ For more than 108 years brother Knights of Masconomo Council have exemplified the highest ideals of the founding principles of the Knights of Columbus: charity, fraternity, unity and patriotism. They have shown the way in advocating their Christian faith, supporting the Catholic Church, and improving their Cape Ann communities. On their behalf, it was a privilege to accept this award.” The Star Council Award was presented to Council 1232 at its first 2016 monthly meeting by Massachusetts Immediate Past State Deputy Peter K. Healey.
Accepting the Star Council Award for Masconomo Council 1232 is Grand Knight Tom Finn.
Shown left to right Arthur Sheehan, Past Grand Knight, Peter K. Healy Immediate Past State Deputy Massachusetts,Tom Finn Grand Knight, and Jack DeCourcey, District Deputy.
Hot Meals in downtown Beverly
Some Council members helped set up, serve, clean up at a hot meal program in downtown Beverly at the First Baptist Church December 7th.
Our Lady of Guadalupe tour
We are proud to announce that a new Knights of Columbus produced documentary film on Our Lady of Guadalupe begins airing across the country this Sunday on ABC affiliated stations. Narrated by actor Jim Caviezel, Guadalupe: The Miracle and the Message paints a comprehensive and inspiring picture of the history, facts, legacy and continued relevance of Our Lady of Guadalupe throughout the western hemisphere and beyond. The airings are presented as part of ABC’s Visions and Values Series and have a broadcast window from Oct. 11 to Dec. 10.
Over the course of four days in December 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to an indigenous convert named Juan Diego. Most experts and historians affirm that more than any other, this event, and the image miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma (cloak), has resulted in the mass conversion of millions of Native Americans to the Catholic faith. The message of Our Lady of Guadalupe helped to build bridges between the two worlds and began the transformation of our continent. Her appearance compelled people and cultures to unite under her mantle of compassion and charity in a way that didn’t exist before. Through her intercession, then and now, Americans have found a deep sense of common faith, hope and identity.