October 2023 Meeting Minutes

ByMike Uszacki

October 16, 2023

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm by Grand Knight (GK) Dan Fuller.

Warden’s Report

All present were in possession of a current membership card.

Opening Prayer

Opening prayer was led by Chaplain, Fr. Antonio.

Pledge of Allegiance

Salute to the flag was led by the council members.

Chaplain report

Fr. Antonio noted that our work is part of the ministry of St. Jude and encouraged the Council to be more involved, be more visibly part of the parish community and look for ways to work together with parishioners in our ministry, which will help us be viewed as part of the one unified St. Jude family rather than an organization that operates in its own silo.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Motion to approve August meeting minutes made by Wally Krake, III and seconded by Mike Sabella and passed unanimously.

Grand Knight’s Report (Dan Fuller)

  • One way we are trying to be more visibly connected to the St. Jude community is the creation of the St. Joseph Guild, through which the Council can partner with the parish community to render assistance to people in need within the community.
  • Tonight, we were joined by two new members to Council 6100, Joe Schalkoff and Michael Eannone.  We are pleased to welcome them to the Council.
  • We are having a Federation CUF degree ceremony at 7:30pm on November 8, followed by refreshments. We will have a practice for the CUF degree cermony next week.  DD Bob Holl will confirm if any paperwork is needed.
  • October 20-22 – NJ State Council retreat in Sea Girt at the San Alfonso Retreat House.
  • 4th Degree Dinner on October 21.  See below.
  • Respect Life Mass at St. Margaret Church in Morristown on October 28, followed by Rosary.  We can meet at St. Jude at 7:00 and carpool to Morristown.
  • Next Federation meeting will be held on November 17 (See DD report below).
  • There will be a 4th Degree Exemplification on November 19 (See DD report below).
  • Chair refurbishment – Mike Sabella is planning and has complete one chair to test the process.  We should be able to refurbish all of the chairs for the parish center for under $1,000, but will need labor from the Council.
  • Pride in our Priest dinner is scheduled for November 20 at 6:00PM at the Hanover Manor.  We would like to sponsor a table of 12.
  • We will have our Council Christmas Party on December 16 and are hoping for good participation.
  • On the next two Mondays (at least), we will be running wire in the Parish Center for the new Bingo TV’s and are asking for volunteers to assist.

Treasurer’s Report (Wally Krake)

The Bank statement was sent to trustees.  A copy can be obtained upon request.

Membership Report (Chip Sturm)

New cards have been distributed.  CUF degree ceremony will be planned for new members in November.

Financial Secretary’s Report (Gerard Petrocelli)

Financial secretary’s report is emailed in advance to Trustees for approval of expenditures.

Program Reports – Led by John Watral

Bingo (Mike Mallon)- Things are going well with Bingo but attendance has been light over the past few weeks.  We may need to replace the amplifier (cost is estimated at $500).  With regard to our volunteers, we need to organize so we know who is coming.  Perhaps, we can have a captain for each week who can follow up with the team for that week and find replacements, if necessary.  Our bi-annual renewal will be done within the month.  

Soup Kitchen (Lenny Martin) – Next event will be end of October.

Respect Life (Gerry Kaufhold) – On Wednesdays, we participate in a prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood.  It does make a difference. It has been noted that while we are praying, the numbers of people entering PP drops.

Blood Drive (Gerard Petrocelli) – Next drive is scheduled for December 2.  We are securing dates for 2024.

Food for Family (Gerard Petrocelli) – last year we raised $1,270 and added $500 from the Council for a total of $1,770 for Shop-Rite GC for families in need.  This year, excess snacks from the blood drive were put out at Bingo asking for donations and also at communion breakfast.  We started selling Christmas Wreaths for the wreath drive after masses to raise additional funds.  Most sales come through the Church. We are hoping to match 2022 results and raise $1,800 in 2023.  We purchase the wreaths by the case, so we will need to sell any excess wreaths. 

Charity Mania (Tom Rohe) – Ticket sales have been completed. Total profit this year is $3,407.  All commissions have been paid (Rosarians, State Squires and others). Thank you for your participation.

4th Degree (Tom Rohe) – There will be a pasta dinner (all you can eat) at St. Lawrence Church in Chester on 10/21/23 from 5-9pm for the Veterans’ program.  Cost is $17 per person. BYOB. Contact Tom R for Tix.  Also, there is an Exemplification on November 19.  If anyone is interested, please join us.

Soccer Challenge was held on September 23 Winners will compete in Regionals at St. Mary’s in Wharton. Next week.

Squires(Tom Rohe)

  • Trunk or Treat will be on October 28 in the parking lot from 1-3pm.  Setup will be at noon.  Participants are asked to :register their car and bring a donation for the Mt. Olive Food Pantry.
  • Christmas Craft vendor sale to be held on December 9.  Please attend if you can to generate some foot traffic for our presenters.  All tables have been sold. We will need table setup after Bingo on Friday, December 8.
  • State Squires – 3 other councils are looking to start a squires program.  We ask that you keep them in your prayers.

Defibrillator (Shaun Mikus) – We have acquired a second AED and it will be installed in the Parish Center.  We are scheduling 2 hours of CPR training on November 4.  Sign up if interested.

District Deputy Report (Bob Holl)

  • Membership – Goal for the Council is 8 new members.  Prospect List CUF Candidates: 3 – Ricardo Charlot (4/12/23, Michael Labruna (6/19/23), Joe Schalkoff (10/7/2023)
  • Tuesday 10/24 at 6:30 pm: Respect Life Movie “Bella” at St. Lawrence in the Church Hall.
  • Saturday, 10/28 Mass at 8 am: Respect Life Mass at St. Margaret Church in Morristown followed by a Rosary Procession to Planned Parenthood.
  • Wednesday 11/8: Federation CUF scheduled for 7:30 PM at St. Jude Thaddeus Church, Budd Lake; followed by a Financial Benefit Seminar.  We must have 2 with 14 attendees each.
  • Monday 11/20 at 6PM: Pride-in-Our Priest Dinner at the Hanover Manor; $55 per person – must be in by 11/13.
  • PSD Dr. Dan Rossi’s October Religious and Civil Rights Talking Points focuses on life and the upcoming election. We need to protect and defend the most vulnerable, the unborn, and to recognize that life is from conception to natural death. We are asked to support all Respect Life activities scheduled for October, which is Respect Life Month. Dr. Rossi points us to the USCCB document on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship and the NJ Catholic Conference webpage listing resources available for Faithful Citizenship and asks us to keep in mind November 7 is the NJ election. He implores us to promote the good of society by helping get the vote out.
  • Please continue to provide spiritual and financial support to your deacon candidates, seminarians and religious novices through our RSVP and Scholarships programs, and acknowledge their sacrifices through letters of appreciation but be aware that the State subsidy for RSVP and ASAP is no longer available.

State Secretary Report (Jim Sweeney) – State Secretary was not in attendance.

Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business from the September meeting.

New business

  • Motion to spend up to $1,000 to refurbish all of the chairs in the Parish Center.  Costs incurred will be for vinyl and hardware to replace seat coverings, and foot covers. Motion made by Mike Sabella and seconded by Gerry Kaufhold.  First Reading – Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to donate $250 to Second Sources in honor of Jim Sweeney.  Motion made by Joe Tarallo and seconded by Lenny Martin. Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to donate $250 to CareNet Crisis Pregnancy Center.  Motion made by Gerry Kaufhold and seconded by Tom Rohe. Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to spend up to $500 for Turkeys for families in need.  Motion made by Chip Sturm and seconded by Shaun Mikus. Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to donate up to $3,500 to purchase boxes of coats for the Coats for Kids Drive with the intent to donate the coats to needy families in Patterson and other townships.  Motion made by Shaun Mikus and seconded by Gerry Kaufhold. First Reading – Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to spend up to $1,000 for the 2023 Christmas Party.  Motion made by Gerard Petrocelli and seconded by Wally Krake, III.  First Reading – Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to spend up to $300 for the St. Jude Knitting and Crocheting Club to buy yard to be used to make hats and scarves for donation.  Motion made by Chip Sturm and seconded by Gerard Petrocelli. Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to match the proceeds of the Wreath Drive for Food For Family, up to $500.  Motion made by Gerard Petrocelli and seconded by Shaun Mikus. Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to spend $100 for the Keep Christ in Christmas program for 2023.  Motion made by John Watral and seconded by Chip Sturm. Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to spend $625 for Christmas gifts for St. Jude support staff. Motion made by Gerry Kaufhold and seconded by Gerard Petrocelli. First Reading – Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to spend up to $250 for an ad journal for the 4th Degree Exemplification.  Motion made by Tom Rohe and seconded by Pierre Kernizan. Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to donate $500 to the Send a Soldier Home program for the purchase of plane tickets to get military service personnel home for holidays.  Motion made by Tom Rohe and seconded by Joe Tarallo.  Passed unanimously.
  • Motion to spend $660 to purchase a table at the Pride in Our Priest dinner on November 20.  Motion made by Gerry Kaufhold and seconded by Lenny Martin. First Reading – Passed unanimously.

Good of the Order

The Good of the Order was directed by Jim Vandenberg. 

Closing Prayer

Closing prayer was led by Fr. Antonio.

Attendance: 21 people.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm

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