The Excitement is Growing!!!

Once again, the excitement is growing all across the state of Texas; the 116^th Annual Texas Knights of Columbus State Convention will soon be here. The dates are set, the invitations out, the agenda set, and behind the scenes a tireless group of Knights and their families are preparing a wonderful weekend of fun and hospitality. We are headed back to a familiar location, the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Look for the election of new state officers and delegates to the Supreme Convention along with various business sessions, and new this year Education Sessions. This is a unique opportunity and experience for Brother Knights and their families all across the state of Texas to gather together in prayer, adoration, Mass, fellowship, dinners, events, and quite diverse hospitality adventures. We celebrate and recognize outstanding achievements and accomplishments in our reports to the Texas State Council, we celebrate our Clergy, and we get to personally touch base with our leaders. It’s Knights having fun and getting re-energized to carry out our Faith in Action.

This is and has been a year of many changes that can and does present some difficulties, challenges, and maybe some confusion, yet at the same time the changes present new, interesting, and exciting possibilities. The well-thought-out new opportunities offer hopes of a strengthened and evangelized society of Catholic Texas Knights who are in service to Church, family, and community. Texas Knights are always up to the challenges and opportunities laid before them. They can and will make the changes and in time make them their own and make them even better. As we move ever more into the larger community and share the story of who we are and why our relationships matter, let us take some time to reacquaint ourselves of where we are. Let’s make any adjustments, reconfirm our goals, and just get ‘er done! And when we gather at Convention we will be able to share our insights, experiences, difficulties and successes, and even have fun doing it!

Ancient philosophers alluded to the fact that the secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new. We Texas Knights are always building anew. We set goals and strive to achieve them. How we go about doing that determines who we are and how others perceive us. The principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism remain steadfast; now more than ever we need to provide a family-oriented Safe Environment for all especially the most vulnerable. Councils can demonstrate to all of society that being compliant with both the Knights and each diocese that we stand for life, dignity, and concern for all of God’s children. We are willing and ready to put our Faith in Action.

When we commit to becoming excellent at what we do, success will follow. Each Council can and should strive for excellence in obtaining Star Council this and every year. Did I mention that the Star Council Incentive of $4.50 per council member is still active? Well, it is and the more members you have, the greater the credit. Membership is key to the council, the State, and the Order and is essential in earning Star Council. New opportunities such as the new Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity are designed to greatly increase your Council’s membership. Even if it looks like it is out of reach, persevere and take steps now to make those little changes to get you on the path; if you’re just a little shy of your goals, renew the efforts and motivate your members to get you there. Bring your successes to the State Convention, and don’t forget we love Councils adding to our State Charities at the Convention as well. We in the State of Texas want to remind everyone that Texas Knights are leaders, and the Clergy, our Catholic communities, our families, and our communities at large can depend on us. We need to continue to “Let our Light Shine” for all to see in this year and all of those to follow. See you at the State Convention!

Vivat Jesus!

T. Mark Evans

State Deputy