Brothers,
The Provincial Training Seminar at St. Edwards Church Chandlers
Ford will take place on Saturday Feb. 12th. Arrangements will be
made for Brothers eligible for elevation to Knighthood degree to
be elevated shortly. We miss having Fr. Tom as our Provincial Chaplain;
he always assisted and led us on these occasions. - Have a long
and happy Retirement Fr. Tom. The seminar we hold each year give
new and existing Provincial and Council Officers an opportunity
to meet Brother officers from other Councils and the new Officers
who will be taking office in April, I hope that they will learn
more about the duties and responsibilities of their office. The
Supreme membership committee has now been appointed, Brothers Terry
Coneeley, Director – Charlie McCluskey, PGK Province (1) Glasgow
– Michael Gallagher, Province (14) Portsmouth are members;
so we in Province 14 now have a voice in the recommendations made
to Supreme Council. Congratulations Brother Mike on your appointment.
At Supreme Council in October 2010, there was much discussion on
membership, 20 different comments and suggestions were taken on
board and will be acted upon!! There was a positive feeling about
what is happening in some areas of the country as new Councils were
erected, some Councils re-erected and some considered for re-erection,
sadly there were reports of some Councils having to close, so it’s
not all good news. It was acknowledged that some Councils need support
and encouragement from the Supreme membership committee to be better
able to contribute to the challenges and opportunities that we as
an Order face today! It was stated that support will be forthcoming
if requested, but it cannot be imposed. It must first be sought
and then offered! We all have a role to play in this. Do we have
a duty to recruit? Yes we do!! If we are to uphold and keep the
solemn declaration we made at our elevation to full Knighthood,
where we made the solemn declaration as a member of the Holy Catholic
Church, “to be a true and faithful Knight of St. Columba doing
all in my power to promote the interests of the Order and to help
my fellow Knights”. This is an extract taken from the Solemn
Declaration made at elevation to full Knighthood. Finally, Well
done once again to those Brothers in Councils who have been recruiting
and gaining new members for your Councils
Fraternal Regards
Pat O'Donovan
[Provincial Membership[ & Development Officer]
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