Father David Kelash,

KC Chaplin and Pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish  

Brother Knights,

The membership in our almost 87 year-old council is slowly growing in size.  As you know, several members have recently died.  Those of us who continue the work of the council pray for their eternal rest.

This is who we are—men of prayer, men of service.  Your service speaks loudly in all of the things that our council does to support the work of the parish, to maintain the image of the parish, and to support the good of the broader community.  For this, I thank you both in my name and in the name of the parishioners of Immaculate Conception.

One of our primary tasks as Knights is to give witness to young men of their place in the Body of Christ as servants of all.  The young are the future of our council, our parish, our Church, and our nation.  As Knights, we provide a body of support—a body of like-minded men who support one another in the good works of Christ that bear witness to His love and salvation for all.  The young men of the Verde Valley yearn for guidance in the witness of service from their elders (NOT to say that ANY of you are old!).

Keep up the good work!  This will inspire new members to join us in prayer and service.  Many have noted the readiness of the Knights to be of assistance.  People see the goodness of the men behind the green K of C name badges.  Wear it proudly as part of your witness.  I know that I might not be the best one to speak of it, but your attendance at the Rosary at 6:30 before the meetings on the second Thursday of every month will be of great benefit to the apostolate of our council.  Although a part of these meetings is mundane business—the nuts and bolts, if you will, of good works—but of greater importance is the fellowship of men gathered to honor our Blessed Lord with their prayer and their service.

During this next year please pray this Prayer for Priests. We need more every day to help our world get back on course with God's will for all of us.

"Heavenly father, during this Year for Priests, bless our diocese with the grace of many vocations to the priesthood from from our parish. Through the intersection of our Blessed Mother, grant to those You have called, the courage to follow your will. Grant also to those serving as priests the grace to serve with the faithfulness of Christ. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen."

May God bless you richly. Father David