Star Council Awards

As I leave my position as Star Council Awards Director in the most capable hands of Reed Fontenot, I would like to remind all Councils that the overriding goal each Fraternal Year, is to reach Star Council status. Achievement of this goal means the council environment is safe, productive, aware, and focused on good Catholic Faith in Action. There have been numerous changes in the last few years and some councils have adapted rather well and though not always welcoming the changes have seen fit to accept them, implement them, and look to the future. Other councils are in a resistance phase or a difficult to change phase and just can’t see to effecting all the requirements, plans, and best practices as guided. Achieving Star Council insures growth, protection for our families, community enhancement, support of Church and clergy, and a centering of our council in faith-based actions.

A second reminder is that getting to Star Council status demands council leadership. When our councils demonstrate faith and actions that evangelize, it shows not only our members but also our entire community that we care to do the very best. There will always be events, circumstances, and unforeseen issues which may deter our actions and that is where leadership comes in. Seek out the best in our councils, create an atmosphere where holding office is respected and sought after. Good leaders will find ways to overcome all diversity and potential problems. They will also study the best practices and directions of the Council, District, Diocese, State, and Supreme leadership.

Experience of the past few years has shown that there are some key areas of doing Knight’s business that require special focus. Without going into much detail those key areas are: Safe Environment compliance, submitting required forms, specifying all leadership positions early on, keeping in good standing at State an Supreme levels, conducting council audits and IRS reports, and special emphasis on membership and insurance requirements (quotas). A highly motivating factor in preforming those focused actions is to have a robust programs schedule inviting council members and the community. All our programs, all our actions have the underlying principles of our Order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

And lastly, thank you all for what you do and if Star Council was not achievable this year start making plans to get there this coming year. Stay safe and finish each day Texas Strong.