Message from The State Deputy

My Brother Knights:

It’s a new Fraternal Year and we proudly acknowledge and appreciate the many accomplishments of the Knights and their families in Texas. The goal is set and that is TX will maintain the honor of being the largest jurisdiction in the Americas. The leadership at the State, diocesan, district, and council levels has enabled us to be a consistent shining beacon to others Order-wide. As stated in the Book of Matthew “Let your light shine before men is such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” And in keeping with that, our theme for the 2019-2020 Fraternal Year is: “Let Your Light Shine”.

The previous year was a year of great change but do not forget challenges do not negate opportunities. Key concepts for this year are plan, execute, improve, and repeat that pattern; the keyword is CONSISTENCY. The focus of our many efforts now centers on Faith in Action. And that program model provides a personal invitation to live out the call to faith. Our membership approach which now includes digital access tools, is one in which we Knights believe we are truly providentially positioned to make a cultural difference in our parish communities. The more Knights we have answering the challenges the greater the opportunity to impact our society with true Catholic values and works. Faith in Action is designed to use many hands building and supporting the domestic Church. It is really OK for Texas to show the world we can grow and we can lead.

To keep our honored position in the Order will require dedicated leaders willing to let their light shine so all can see our good works. And leadership always has a plan. Our plan calls for:

• Recruit 5000 new members and keep suspensions below 1500
• Getting all 800 Texas Councils recruitment active
• Creating 12 new Councils in support of our parishes
• Reactivation of 12 inactive councils in support of our parishes
• Sponsorship of 200 Round Tables in support of Catholic communities
• Obtain 100 Star Councils – Star Council is always the goal
• Build the Domestic Church with Faith in Action initiatives and programs
• Charity and Service demonstrated appreciably at State, diocesan, district, council, and community levels.
• Active support and celebration of those who serve us, especially clergy, religious, military, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders

When we plan, execute, and improve we learn what works and what doesn’t. We learn to be positive and disregard the negative. We use time wisely and work together to put Faith in Action. Working together is the reason Texas is so successful and essential to the Order. We can with hope and clarity continuously say, ”We haven’t had our best year yet!” Those whose shoulders we stand on would encourage and fortify that thought. So, let’s plan for the best year yet. Let’s stay always positive and let’s have some fun being in the lead!

State Deputy

T. Mark Evans