First, as this is the December edition, I would wish on behalf of Council 9539, a most Blessed and Merry Christmas to each of you.
 
Through November we conducted our membership drive which was very successful. We hope to have a good group of candidates to present at the Major degree December 9th. We hope you will attend. You may contact myself at 373-6586 to attend or Marty Schneider our membership director at 651-0518 for tickets. Thank you Marty for your coordination
 
We will soon be going live with our own website allowing members to see our history, our story, the sharing of files and so much more. Many thanks to Derrick Kunz for his efforts behind the scenes assembling this. While we have not finalized we anticipate our web address to be: www.kofc9539.com . Keep checking through December for the momentous occasion.
 
Our youth program was again moving ahead with full steam thanks to the efforts of Rick Murza. We have awarded a scholarship to Emma Cey daughter of Marty Cey. Congratulations Emma. The 2007 K of C Soccer Challenge is now completed; participants from our Council did very well at different levels of competition; in total we had 171 participants ages 10 to 14. Congratulations to all winners. Only two districts participated. it is hoped many more will participate in the basketball free throw in January.
 
In remembrance of our brave fighting men & women of the past conflicts and of our peace keeping forces we toured the Legion war museum. It was amazing and inspiring to see all of the memorabilia from all the Navy air force and army divisions. I would encourage any any or all councils to arrange a tour there. You will not be disappointed. As November is also the time we remember our deceased brother Knights a memorial mass was held prior to our meeting November 21st. May they all rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord.
 
All for now brother Knights. Be safe this Christmas season. Again Marry Christmas and Happy new Year to all.

As I write this on December 9th I have a whole new empathy for the the writers of various copies who must prepare items for publishing farther ahead than I do. Still, it is an opportunity to consider other things, not just whats happening in our council or district.
 
This time of year it seems that Advent and Christmas just seem to join together with no differentiation. As Catholics, in this very secular and materialistic world we must though. Of great help in this for me is the Rosary. During this time we pray the Joyful mysteries twice each week. The mysteries of the Annunciation and Visitation clearly differentiate the beginning of advent and the waiting time that both Mary and Anna endured, from the joy of the Birth of our Lord. I cannot imagine what it would have been like to have to wait to see the Savior. Children don't realize it but waiting to open their gifts, the unknown joy coming their way, is a small glimpse into this waiting. I find it difficult at times to realize or appreciate that the unborn child for which we wait for will take away my sins and yours. How is that possible? I can't answer that, only our faith can. As Knights we are encouraged to keep the Rosary in our pocket at all times. Do we? Better yet how about in our hands praying daily? At first it can seem like a chore, but asking for a love of the Rosary when praying, I can promise it won't take long to develop the habit and keep it. To pray the Rosary daily will at times require determination and persistence. Most of the time though it flows to a peaceful rhythm, leaving one in peace about the items asked for or contemplated. I like to meditate on the different characters in each mystery. What would it be like to be Joseph, Anna, Mary's friends, Anna's blind husband. What would the journey to Anna's be like? I really encourage us my brother Knights to take up the Rosary, move it from your pocket to your hands. Give yourself the best Christmas gift possible: our intercessor and patroness; Mary, Mother of God.
 
I really want to welcome our newest Knights to our Council: Raed (Ray) HADAD, Matthew (Matt), HARTERY, Kevin W. HUDSON,  Todd MARTIAN, Dale G. RAU, and Ronald RIEHL. We also welcome back Kevin HARTERY, and transferee Ken Rowley. Give these guys a call let them know they are indeed part of large strong group of men who are getting stronger each day.
 
Our council this month enjoyed a Christmas social at our parish. It was catered by the Denis family, and as always was a great meal. Thanks to the CWL for the invite it was a fantastic party.
 
I want to give kudos this month to Derrick and Shawna Kunz. Our website at www.kofc9539.com is now live. It has been months in the making by Derrick and Shawna. I encourage all of you to check it out regularly. Use the comment page and let them know what you think. Brother Knights look for a bulletin board at St. Philips dedicated especially to our council. It is there especially for our members who do not have email, but still will have many notices of upcoming items and notifications of various kinds. A clue to where it is: it's near the clock.
 
The state curling in Yorkton will soon be upon us. I hope to see many of you there. Look for our annual get together with 5104 for an afternoon of cards followed by supper on January 12th. Bring your spouse, lets have a good time. call me or Ken Meyer at 934-0442.
 
Enjoy the Christmas Season and have a Blessed Happy New Year in Mary's company.
 
Vivat Jesus,
 
Robin DeRoo GK

Greetings Brothers and Happy New Year to each and every one of you. Firstly I am very humbled and honored to have been chosen to take on the position of Grand Knight with our Council. There are some who have gone before me that have left some very big shoes to fill however, that said, I have an Executive Group that is extremely helpful and supportive as I try to come to terms with my duties. Like every other Council we have our challenges in attracting new members and keeping them active in our community. At the time of writing this piece our Parish Mission is underway and we have an exceptional theologian by the name of Megan Mc Kenna who hails from Albuquerque NM. This lady is truly inspiring and weaves the message of the gospel through her storytelling and her preaching.

If you ever get the chance to attend a Mission where Megan is speaking I would strongly encourage you to go and listen to her. Looking forward to the year ahead we are making preparations for our membership drive which will be upon us soon and we are hopeful that we will encourage some of the young men in our community to get involved with us. The following is a calendar of events that are taking place in our Parish and all are welcome:

February 5th Pancake Supper Parish Youth Group 4:00 – 7:00 pm

February 6th Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Service Mass @ 7:15 am

February 11th World Day of the Sick Mass @ 7:00 pm

February 20th Council 9539 Executive Meeting @ 6:30 pm

February 20th Council 9539 Council Meeting @ 7:30 pm

I look forward to meeting each of you throughout the coming year and I wish you all every success in your Council endeavors whatever they may be.

Your Brother in Christ,

Vivat Jesus! Ken Martin
Grand Knight, Council 9539