Beatification of our Founder, Father Michael McGivney
On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Father McGivney and opening the way for his beatification. On Oct. 31, the Mass for Beatification was celebrated in the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Conn. An Apostolic Letter was read from Pope Francis that declared Father McGivney would now have the title of Blessed Michael McGivney. He is the third priest born in the United States to be raised to this honor, and the first priest to be beatified who spent his whole priestly ministry in a US parish.
The pope’s Apostolic Letter stated that Blessed Michael McGivney’s “zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for the needs of his brothers and sisters made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance.”
The Cause for Canonization for Father McGivney was opened in the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1997, when he was given the title Servant of God. On March 15, 2008, his heroic virtue was recognized by Pope Benedict XVI, and Father McGivney was given the title Venerable Servant of God. This important step occurred after years of careful investigation of Father McGivney’s life, spirituality and holiness by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The declaration of Venerable confirmed what those who knew him in life, and others who call upon him since his death, have believed about Father McGivney: He lived a life of heroic virtue with an extraordinary love of God and neighbor.
Having been raised to the honors of the altar, Blessed Michael McGivney has an annual feast day of Aug. 13, the day between his birthday (in 1852) and the he passed into eternal life (in 1890). His cause has now entered the final phase toward canonization or sainthood. One more confirmed miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney is needed for him to be declared saint.
Father McGivney's Path to Sainthood
A Message From Your KofC Insurance Field Agent - Michael McAndrew
Council Meeting Message May 2021
Spring is here, we have a new season and after a blessed Easter and a beautiful Eastertide, it's time to start planning again. With spring and the break in the weather, I've started to put together my honey-do list that will take me outside into the sunshine…at least I hope it's going to be sunny when I get outdoors to do all these chores. I don't know about you, but this time of year seems to energize me. After being cooped up all winter, and this year really being cooped up, I've been able to think of all the things I need to get done. Some of that includes physical repairs around the house, getting the lawn and flowerbeds ready to go, maybe even washing some windows.
Now when you get outside to get that work done, please, please be careful! I’m reminded of two separate acquaintances who were up on ladders in the spring. In both cases, the ladder slipped, one gentleman end up with two broken arms and the other a broken back. Both out of commission for quite a while. But there are many hazards that can put you out of commission…and that brings me to the important part of my message this month. Protecting your greatest asset!
Your greatest asset is your ability to work and earn an income! Take your annual income (probably fresh in your mind with tax filing day extended into May) and multiply it times your remaining years of working. A 35 year old making $50,000 a year will earn $1.5 million in the next 30 years….if he never gets another raise! So you have lots to protect. But what if you’re sick or hurt and can’t work. Maybe it’s something like the gents above…some broken bones. One of my members laid his motorcycle down on his leg…off from work for two years! That’s a lot of house payments to miss. Luckily, his disability income policy came to the rescue. It can happen to any one of us.
Disability does not discriminate; man or woman; Black, white, Hispanic or Asian; young or old. A 2014 CDA Long-Term Disability Claims Review had a number of notes: More than 1 in 4 of today’s 20 year-olds will become disabled before they retire, 76% of us live paycheck to paycheck; less than 5% of all disabling accidents and illnesses are work related. That means 95% of those are not covered by Worker’s Compensation. You’re on your own 95% of the time. Turn to Social Security; but Social Security’s report on SSDI says that only about 40% of applicants are awarded benefits. Couple that with 69% of the private sector workforce having no long-term disability income insurance and it’s no wonder disabilities are the #1 cause of mortgage foreclosures.
So what to do? Let’s get together and find out. Do you need disability income insurance? If so, how much? Maybe you have some at work…is it enough? Is it taxable? Is it the right kind? Let me suggest you put your mind and your family's mind at ease. Life is unpredictable, pandemic or not. Let’s plan for the worst…but expect the best. We can’t see what the future will bring, I’m here to help you plan for the unexpected. Let’s make sure that if you or your spouse are sick or hurt and can’t work, that your family can stay in the home you’ve provided, pay the utilities, buy groceries…make sure the basics are covered.
Meanwhile, stay safe and healthy!
Vivat Jesu,
Michael
No Neighbor Left Behind
As communities around the world are confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, the Knights of Columbus is asking its vast volunteer network of members to help ensure that essential needs are met in communities from coast to coast.
For some individuals, buying essentials or leaving their homes to do so has become challenging. In addition, blood banks are in desperate need of donations. In response Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson has urged Knights of Columbus across the country to donate blood and to come to the aid of their neighbors in communities nationwide as part of its new “Leave No Neighbor Behind” initiative.
Knights of Columbus are encouraged to assist:
• one another, especially the elderly and those living alone.
• their fellow parishioners and their pastors during a time when many churches are closed.
• their neighbors, who have particular needs at this time.
• the hungry, by donating to and volunteering at local food pantries and food banks.
• with blood donations, especially in response to current shortages.
In Line with this initiative, Councill 551 is currently asking for Donations for our local St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Any amount is great appreciated and all funds will be given directly to the Food Pantry to aid them in buying necessary food for their clients. Please send donations to:
Knights of Columbus Council 551
Attn: Food Drive
PO Box 711
Altoona, PA 16603
We appreciate you and the support you provide to those in need during this time!