THE GOOD NEWS
ARCHBISHOP BELTRAN
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March 4, 2007 The Good News ...Knights of Columbus Once again I wish to express publicly my appreciation and support for the great Catholic fraternal Order of the Knights of Columbus. For more than a century, the Knights of Columbus has faithfully, joyfully and enthusiastically supported the Catholic Church and its mission. This Order is a dynamic lay organization for which I am extremely grateful. Because of my high regard for the Knights of Columbus, I am extending an invitation to all Catholic men of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City to consider joining a local Council. I assure you that participation in this Order will be spiritually and socially enriching for you. In addition, through your active membership and participation, you will be enabled to bring about much good. I can testify to this because I have witnessed the great works of the Knights throughout my entire lifetime. Members of the Knights of Columbus are encouraged and assisted in living the fullness of our Catholic faith. This is especially evident in four particular areas of Church life: •Respect and obedience to our Holy Father, the Pope. •Visibility and leadership in the pro-life cause. •Promoters and supporters of vocations. •Pioneers in evangelization. When Rev. Michael McGivney envisioned a Catholic men’s fraternal order, he saw the need of a faith-base for the spiritual benefit of men, their families and the vitality of the Church. Flowing from that Catholic identity and practice, those families would also benefit with care and support. As the Order developed across our country, the Knights became more and more helpful to the dioceses and parishes and to our American society at large. As mentioned above, the Knights have been and remain leaders in the pro-life movement. The pro-life movement is not solely a Catholic issue or cause. The pro-life movement is an essential need of society itself. The protection of human life is fundamental to the well-being and respect for all people. Within the Church, the Knights have prayerfully and actively inspired and nurtured young men and women to religious life. The Knights have sponsored and supported programs for marriage and family life. The involvement of the Knights includes financial as well as moral support for all the programs, ministries and apostolates of our Church. To the Catholic men who are already members of the Knights of Columbus, I say “thank you for your good and faithful stewardship.” To the Catholic men who are not yet members, I extend a warm and sincere invitation. Come and see! Visit a Council — and talk to someone who is a Knight! During the month of March, the Knights of Oklahoma are conducting a membership drive. Therefore, please take advantage of this opportunity. By joining the Knights of Columbus, you will share more vibrantly in the life of the Church. You will be encouraged and supported in your family life. You will be able to assist countless ministries of service to your brothers and sisters here and elsewhere. Catholic men, I encourage you to become members of the Knights of Columbus and to be active in this great Fraternal Order! More Good News. . . ...ADF 2007 On Sunday, Feb. 4, we conducted our annual ADF appeal for this year. On that day, by means of a recording, I requested all Catholic people of the Archdiocese to make a financial pledge of support for the works and ministries and services of our Archdiocese. At this time I wish to thank all who have already responded to this appeal. Your signed pledge cards are currently being processed and a series of reports will be published in the Sooner Catholic. I am truly grateful to all of you. In the event that any Catholic person has not yet had the opportunity to make a commitment to this appeal, I earnestly ask you to do so now. ADF pledge card Thank you and God bless you. |