All in the Family
by Joseph Pronechen
Is a Knights of Columbus family more likely to produce a son who wants to be a priest? Seminarians and their fathers say all the ingredients are there.
| In this article: |
 A Good Environment |
| Fathers and Grandfathers Help |
| Daily Mass and the Rosary |
| Men of Action |
| Growing in Holiness Together |
 |
 The McGivney priest-brothers: Michael flanked by Patrick (left) and John.
Some Knights and their sons who are studying for ordination have some revealing answers to questions about home life and the calling to priesthood. |
| A Good Environment |  Back to Top |
|
|
|
“We talked to our pastor and he told us most parents aren’t supportive about it when their sons tell them they want to be a priest,” said Jeffrey Alello, a member of St. Jude the Apostle Council 9692 in Baton Rouge, La. “We told him we’re very supportive whatever Michael wants to do.” The support didn’t surprise Michael Alello, also a member of Council 9692, who is studying at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He is the first seminarian from St. Jude the Apostle Parish, which opened in 1966. “The Knights are not afraid to talk vocations, and that boils over in the household,” Michael said. “By being a Knight of Columbus, they’re willing to raise their children in a Catholic environment. Ultimately someone’s got to cultivate that vocation, and the best place to do that is in the home.” Jason Kahle of Father Michael Muehe Council 5669 in Kalida, Ohio, found his parents, Michael and Lucy Kahle, very supportive when he entered Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West, located in Cincinnati. “My father lived out the qualities of a good Knight, which created a good environment for me to be raised in, and which affected my decision to discern whether or not I’m being called to serve God as a priest,” explained Jason, who is studying for the Diocese of Toledo. He said his father taught the importance of family, respect for others, being kind and generous — the same teachings of the Knights of Columbus. Looking back, his father sees a connection. “I think involvement with the Church and with the Knights of Columbus set an example,” he explained. “The Knights’ involvement with Church activities and support of the Church, and respect for priests, might have had something to do with it. “I think any Knight would feel the same way I do about a son receiving a call to the priesthood. I thought it was an honor and a privilege to have our son called to the ministry.” |
|
| Fathers and Grandfathers Help | Back to Top |
|
|
|
At first, Chet Weber didn’t think his being a Knight had any bearing on his son Zachary’s vocation. “But a letter he had written as a senior in high school gave some insight,” Chet reported. “He was talking about the example my wife Terri and I set with the Knights of Columbus and the Church. We think it was more of a calling itself.” Growing up in a K of C family fanned the vocational flames for Zachary, who is studying for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He is a member of Archbishop Purcell Council 2798, where his father and grandfather both served as grand knight. Did their Knightly example have a bearing on his vocation? “Certainly it did,” Zachary said. “It was part of the whole experience growing up Catholic for me.” He remembers going to many K of C Christmas functions and helping his father raise money for people with intellectual disabilities. Zachary pointed out that the general qualities of a Knights of Columbus family can make a tremendous difference. “Just the religious climate — going to Mass together on Sundays as a family, eating together as a family — that unity, that faith in God might seem small, but today when people are busy running around, it’s important to stay close to the family.”<?p> “The Knights of Columbus considers itself the right hand of the Church, and our council is big on family things,” his father explained. “So kids growing up around the Knights see that whole demeanor, practicing faith. Just being around it is helpful.” |
|
| Daily Mass and the Rosary | Back to Top |
|
|
|
There’s no doubt that a pro-vocations atmosphere in a K of C family inspired Tom Anderson, son of Charles and Kathleen Anderson, who is studying for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, S.D., at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver. The Andersons are members of Pierre (S.D.) Council 2686. “When I was growing up, my grandpa, Maurice Anderson, was a big influence on me as far as my faith is concerned,” Tom said. “He was a Fourth Degree Knight and would go to Mass every morning. I was curious and decided I was going to go to daily Mass also when I was in Catholic grade school.” Tom’s father added, “My parents lived in our house and had their own apartment. His grandfather, my dad, was involved heavily with the Knights. That had a big effect on Tom. My dad would always go to daily Mass with Tom when he was in St. Joseph School.” Adding to the picture, Tom said, “For my grandpa and for my father it was a consistency of faith shown in a quiet way. Grandpa would say rosaries all the time. He’d pray with Grandma before going to bed. We’d always go to church on Sundays. Faith was deep and it was a part of them.” |
|
| Men of Action | Back to Top |
|
|
|
For a Knight to live his faith every day in every way is a powerful example to children, according to Steve Lemay, a member of Ste. Anne de Danville (Que.) Council 3322, and a student for the Sherbrooke Diocese at the Grande Seminaire de Montreal. “My father, Bernard, never verbally promoted the vocation to the priesthood at home,” he said. “He is not a man of many words — he is a man of action! In this sense I can say that his involvement with the Knights was a witness to me.” “He taught me the importance of getting involved to help the poor and suffering,” he continued. “My father, as a Knight of Columbus, taught me to put myself at the service of my brothers and sisters. In his leadership as a grand knight of his local council, he taught me to give myself completely to the causes that mean much to me. I chose the cause of the Gospel, and my father is there to help me morally and financially.” Steve also observed his father’s respect for priests and other religious. Looking back, he realizes “that my father’s engagement as a Knight of Columbus is an important influence on my road to the priesthood. It is easier to discern a vocation to the priesthood or the religious life if we grow in an environment that esteems them.” Bernard Lemay believes his son received encouragement to pursue his vocation by being around active Knights. Bernard was involved in everything from constructing the council chamber and organizing the children’s Christmas social to collecting for the needy.<?p> “My deep commitment to the Knights certainly moved him to be open to the needs of the community and to give of himself completely in the vocation to which he is called,” said Bernard. “The diverse activities of the Knights of Columbus helped Steve to discover the important role of the priest in society.” As a grand knight, Bernard says he worked alongside the parish priests. “I know to what degree the community needs priests,” said Bernard. “Even if it means sacrifice, this helps us to support Steve in his journey.” |
|
| Growing in Holiness Together | Back to Top |
|
|
|
Seminarian Ryan Moravitz, son of Richard and Diana Moravitz, learned from his father’s example of prayer. They both belong to Ely (Minn.) Council 3238. “I see my dad on a level of prayer that I hope to attain some day,” he said. “He’s a man of prayer, and part of that is being a Knight. Praying the rosary and eucharistic adoration have always been big things for him. Whenever someone asks me about my dad, I think about how faithful he is to that, and how he encourages me in my own prayer life and growing in holiness.” His father’s example has paid double benefits. Ryan is studying at the North American College for the Diocese of Duluth, Minn., and his brother Brandon has begun studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary (minor) Seminary in Winona. Their father believes being a Knight has a definite effect on a decision for a religious vocation. “It’s another resource — a spiritual resource through prayer,” he said. “At every meeting we pray for vocations, and every prayer helps.” In fact, Richard himself is now in his first year of formation for the permanent diaconate. Ryan says, God willing, he’s looking forward to the day when he will celebrate Mass with his brother concelebrating, and their father assisting as deacon. Joseph Pronechen writes for the Catholic press from Trumbull, Conn. |
Huge Dividends
by Steve Gust
Priests who received support from the Knights during their days in the seminary count their blessings then and now
An Answer to Prayers Making a Difference The Backbone Everybody's Business
 Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap, presides at ordination Mass for four members of Dr. Earl C. Bach Council 3340 in Littleton, Colo.
|
|
Knights in the program also are encouraged to pray regularly for the young man or woman they support, and to pray for vocations in general. Beyond the numbers are the stories, the personal accounts of those seeking to enter the priesthood. Some recently ordained priests know the significance the program has had on their lives. Father Kirk Larkin offers one inspiring story. In the 1990s, at age 38, he sold his home and business and entered the seminary. It was a tough decision, but he was encouraged by the approval of his brother Knights in Edmond (Okla.) Council 6477. “Every year, Council 6477 provided me with funds that helped with my basic needs,” Father Larkin said. Each Christmas the Edmond Knights donated an airline ticket to Father Larkin so he could return home to visit with family. While home, he would brief the council on his studies and progress. “They would treat me like gold…like I was someone special,” Father Larkin recalled. Every time the request for an RSVP donation to Larkin was discussed, it was easily approved by members, even though the council was sponsoring other brother Knights for the priesthood. Father Larkin has “repaid” the Knights’ generosity at his new assignment, St. Mary’s Parish in Ponca City, Okla. “I see the great advantage of working with the Knights’ Council 949 here,” he said. “Their presence is always felt and I know I can still count on them for whatever I might need.” |
|
| An Answer to Prayers | Back to Top |
|
|
|
The fact that a group of people — many of them strangers — care enough to help can boost the spirits of a prospective priest. Father Robert Fox, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Evanston, Wyo., recalled one such incident. In 1998, as a seminarian at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corner, Wis., he was wondering how he would pay for his trip home at Christmas. A surprise came in the mail a day before vacation began. “I received a Christmas card and a check from the Knights of Columbus in Jackson, Wyo.,” he said. “Their generous donation of $500 allowed me to return to the diocese and even buy a few Christmas presents. This wasn’t the only time they sent me donations, but it was certainly the one I remember the most. I really felt it was a gift from God and an answer to my prayers!” The thoughts behind the RSVP donations may be as valuable as the money. Grand Knight Mike Mullican of Needham (Mass.) Council 1611 said his council has been involved in RSVP for at least 10 years. The council is currently sponsoring three seminarians. “It’s not so much the money, but we also let the seminarians know that we care about them,” he said. “This involves us in the process.” The seminarians are invited to council events. |
|
| Making a Difference | Back to Top |
|
|
|
Seminarians and priests are welcomed and valued in the Knights. Father Mike Stalla is associate pastor at St. Mary’s Parish in Painesville, Ohio, and also serves at St. Francis Church, an inner-city parish in Cleveland. His home council, Father Ragan Council 3269 in Avon, supported him through the RSVP prior to his ordination in 2003. “My first Mass was held at Holy Trinity Parish in Avon,” Father Stalla said. “Most of the Knights came and showed their support and their spiritual strength. They have known me since I was a child and remember many embarrassing stories. But still they believed I could be a holy and devoted priest. I have been inspired by those who have stood by me and kept pressing me to improve and believed I could serve God, even with my shortcomings.” The effect of even one priest in the modern secular world can be great. Through a program called VIDA charities, Father Stalla helped bring clean water, health care, education and proper nutrition to impoverished children in El Salvador. The Knights of Avon supported that effort as well. “After five years of operations, we now serve 10 schools and 1,900 students,” Father Stalla said. “I thank my brother Knights for believing we could make a difference.” |
|
| The Backbone | Back to Top |
|
|
|
Newly ordained priests don’t soon forget the support they have received from their brother Knights. Father Tom Hopper of St. Laurence Church in Sugar Land, Texas, has fond memories of his association with his council. “I have financially benefited greatly from the generosity of my brother Knights, not only from local councils, but from Trinity Council 4580 in Hales Corner, Wis., which is affiliated with my former seminary, Sacred Heart School of Theology,” he said. His memories from seminary include trying to hand out more candy than fellow students in the Knights’ fund-raiser for people with intellectual disabilities. “I believe the Knights of Columbus are the true backbone to the success and support of vocations to the priesthood, and religious life,” Father Hopper said. “I’m honored to be a member of such a great organization.” “This is what we’re all about,” said Texas State Deputy Leo Hanus. “It doesn’t matter if the seminarians are Knights or not. And it’s more than the money. We pray for them and send them letters,” he said.
|
|
| Everybody's Business | Back to Top |
|
|
|
Vocations are everyone’s business, said Father William Cocco, associate pastor of St. John the Beloved in Sherwood Park, Del. “I need to convey my thanks to Knights for their support and their example of being good Christian men,” he said. Cocco grew up in Philadelphia and became a police officer. At age 31, he entered the seminary. Looking back, he appreciates the help from brother Knights. That help, he said, is still needed. “Just having a cell phone is about $500 a year,” he said. “Some of us going into the seminary later in life have some money saved, but the younger guys need the help.” Vocations require a sacrifice, Father Cocco said. He urged all Knights to give moral support to those who might make a good priest or sister. “I wasn’t ready at first, but God kept it in my head,” Father Cocco said. Steve Gust is a member of Edmond (Okla.) Council 6477 and the Oklahoma State Council bulletin editor. |
A Divine Call
by Supreme Chaplain Bishop Thomas V. Daily
Each of us is God’s agent for promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
With the World Day of Prayer for Vocations coming up on April 17, allow me to make a few comments about vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
In the past couple of years we have had some good news that the number of vocations to the priesthood has increased. Although in North America and Europe numbers have diminished, around the world the number has gone up. The Catholic Church continues to grow, and we realize there may never be enough priests to meet the demand. In the same way, there is a pressing need for vocations to consecrated life, namely religious sisters and brothers, and members of secular institutes.
In the Knights of Columbus as an organization, and in Knights of Columbus families, vocations have always been a primary challenge and concern. For years, the Order has accepted the challenge and dedicated itself to promoting vocations, as well as providing substantial funding for seminarians and postulants and the schools that train them.
All of us need to be involved in our own way in the promotion of vocations in accordance with our own vocations as bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laypersons — as fathers, mothers, family members, neighbors, fellow parishioners and surely as brother Knights. We need to create greater awareness not only of the need for priestly and religious vocations, but of the challenges and joys that await those who accept a life of service to God and his Church in these vocations.
We pray for vocations, but do we ever tell a young man in our parish or council that he would make a good priest? Do we tell a young woman, a daughter, granddaughter or niece that she would make a good sister? These young men and women may have thought these things themselves and need reassurance from an adult whom they respect and trust.
Any of you — each of you — can be God’s agent for a calling. Continue to pray and work for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
Praise be Jesus Christ, yesterday, today and forever!