I just returned from the State Deputies Midyear meeting which was held in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Oppryland Resort and Hotel. This is a remarkable conference center and family recreation destination where our 2022 Supreme convention will be held in August.

The two-day event was packed with exciting messages from our Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop Lori, and many other officers who were all so pleased that we could meet again in person.

Patrick Kelly emphasized that Faith is the WHY behind everything we do as Knights, and he quoted from Pope Francis that the Knights MUST be the spiritual leaders of the Church. As we have often said: “ if not us—who?

Mr. Kelly also informed us that in the next few decades our Hispanic population will comprise 50% of the Catholic population in the United States, and we must continue to actively recruit these men into the Order.

Archbishop Lori reminded us that Blessed Fr. McGivney set the standard for today’s modern parish priest and still remains a model for church and spiritual growth for Catholic men and their families.

We also learned that the Affiliate Member pilot program will continue throughout the remainder of this fraternal year and most likely be brought into full implementation during the 2023-2024 fraternal year. There will be more on the subject presented during the District Deputy midyear meeting in December.

November is a busy and memorial month as we celebrate Veterans Day on the 11th, Thanksgiving on the 25th and October 31st was the first anniversary of the Beautificaion of our Founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney.

I am Pleased with all that you and your Councils have accomplished during the first half of this fraternal year and know that the second half will be even better! Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

Blessed Fr. McGivney – Pray for Us
St. John Paul – Hear our Prayers
BE NOT AFRAID

Ken Grugel, State Deputy