Dear Brothers in Christ
I am honored and humbled to be elected as Grand Knight to St. Thomas Aquinas council 10505, a band of Christian, Catholic brothers of over 200 strong, a ministry to the Catholic Church and in solidarity with our priests. It is also a privilege for me to share my election this June 14th 2009, with the feast day of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord (commonly known as Corpus Christi) and our countries Flag Day; this is truly a day I shall hold close to my heart.
I am fully aware of and accept the responsibilities of Grand Knight and promise you that I will work hard to maintain the same professionalism and quality that our Past Grand Knights have shown. When I transferred into our council in 2004, our council was experiencing several unexpected issues that were tearing it apart at the seams. But as I recall, our brother Sir Knight Ron Goettl pulled back his sleeves and said we must get back on course. His great leadership directed us back on course but “we still had a ways to go” as Ron would put it. I had the honors then as being his Warden and LAMB director. Sadly Brother Ron passed away. I will always remember him as my mentor and spiritual leader, my brother.
Still, we had to carry on and Sir Knight Jim Keidel, a close friend to Brother Ron, was elected as Grand Knight and he continued with the same great leadership, increasing the membership and membership participation. For two years Jim, with the support of his wife, worked endlessly. He knew our council experienced some bad times and wanted to regain his brother’s confidence in the Knights of Columbus. His efforts gave me hope that our council will grow in spirit and strength. I had the privilege of serving as his Chancellor and Brother Jim taught me a lot about the responsibilities of the Knights of Columbus.
Before completing his term in office our Worthy Grand Knight Jim Keidel had asked Sir Knight Bob Reilly if he would be his successor. Without even flinching Bob accepted. Brother Reilly was nominated and unanimously voted in as Grand Knight. I was voted in as his Deputy Grand Knight and what an honor that was!
With the support of his girlfriend who later became his wife, Brother Bob Reilly maintained momentum of our Past Grand Knight Jim Keidel building membership esprit de corps. He kept focused and built unity within the council. Inactive members returned and new young members joined. Never giving up hope he was also determined to start a Squires Circle, and through prayer and hard work he was successful as many of the boys of our church approached him and asked if they could join. This was a sign to me that even our children are aware of the need of Christian leadership. Young boys ready to serve our church. This is truly a movement of the Holy Spirit.
Under these three Past Grand Knights I have learned how to pray more often and that it is our Christian duty to pray daily. They have all proven that with Hope and prayer we will always have strength to carry on Mother Mary’s devotion to her Son Jesus Christ. They have instilled in me that the Knights of Columbus is a band of brothers who will always be there for each other and others in time of need just as our founder Father Michael J. McGivney had intended back in 1882.
My reason for mentioning our Past Grand Knights is to give all of you a sense of the selfless dedication our Past Grand Knights had and moreover a sense of the struggles they experienced bringing us back together. A sense of dedication I believe we should all have with the realization that because we have been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit it is our duty that we continue to evangelize as we do with the charitable works we offer to God’s people in need.
My brother Knights, as we enter into a new fraternal year, please do not sit idle. I ask you to rethink your reason of being a Knight and find some time, reengage, even if it is only two hours a month; come pray the rosary with us and join us in prayer at our monthly business meetings. Come see how refreshed our Past Grand Knights have made our council. I am not sure I can do as well as our Past Grand Knights but I am convinced with your support I can keep the momentum going. Please find some time to help us help others.
In these times of financial and social chaos we must take time out for others as well as ourselves just as Jesus commands us to do, and with our dedication to Mother Mary we will all find support and peace, individually and within our families.
Our Pastor, Fr. Remo is overwhelmed with the workload of running our parish and could use our help. He has established many ministries within our church, join these ministries in support of all parish members.
I ask you too, to please join me in prayer and labor in support of our parish priests and deacons and pray for the increase in the vocations of the priesthood in our Catholic church.
May the Holy Spirit touch and protect you and your families.
Your brother always in Jesus Christ
Robert J. (Bob) Hinchey
Grand Knight, St. Thomas Aquinas council 10505
Vivat Jesus
