17th January 2010
Dear Reverend Fathers
& Brothers.
January seems to have been a quiet month; personally Jean &
I have been catching up with Christmas visits to family and friends,
which were delayed by December’s snow.
However, the Order’s need to recruit continues and I have
heard that Eastleigh Council has had success, three new Brothers
will have been initiated at a Mass on Sunday 23rd Jan. Poole Co
are also progressing with the next stage of their large recruitment
campaign. Remember we can all recruit new men, Brothers, by talking
to those we know fully or partly at our own parishes.
All Councils should have elected the Officers for year 2011/12
by now. Can I ask these Officers (especially those in new positions)
to come to the Annual Training Day at St Edward’s, Winchester
Rd, Chandlers Ford on Saturday 12th Feb. The day starts with coffee
at 9.30am and talks by Provincial Officers on the Council Officers
roles start at 10am. There is a shared pack lunch at midday and
further discussions in the afternoon. This is a good chance for
new Officers to learn about their role from those who have already
experienced it.
This year there will not be an elevation service at the Training
Day. Instead Eastleigh & Basingstoke Councils with potentially
six Brothers each to be elevated, have been asked to consider
arranging a local ceremony in their Parish at a Sunday Mass. Once
ceremonies have been arranged all Council Grand Knights will be
informed and Councils asked to support the Brothers.
The next part of Fr Tom’s last ministry ‘Matters that
Militate against the Work of the Knights & Church’ are
in this month’s bulletin; and I would encourage all Councils
to discuss these matters over the next few months.
I am still considering who we can ask to become Provincial Chaplain;
the time factor, even for retired Priests, is proving to be a
hurdle to be overcome.
I look forward to viewing the Nativity Painting competition winners
from all Councils later this month.
I know that Bro Ray Harden is eagerly awaiting the return of Grand
National Lottery Draw counterfoils and cheques.
The next Provincial Council is on Sunday 6th March when the Provincial
Officers will be installed. Quarterly reports need to be in by
20th Feb ready for the Officer’s meeting on Tuesday 22nd.
My best wishes to
you and your families
Yours Sincerely and Fraternally
Michael Gallagher (Provincial Grand Knight)
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND KNIGHT WRITES
