February 1, 2026
CROSS & COMPASS
Dear Brothers,
Welcome to the February version of Cross & Compass
Ash Wednesday on February 18th marks the start of the Lenten season for Catholics around the World. It is a time for Fasting, Praying & Almsgiving. Although I am of the age where “fasting” is no longer required, I make it a point to fast on Fridays and increase my daily prayer time.
Lent is also a time to be thankful for all our blessings and to share our gifts of time and money for those less fortunate than we are in Venice Florida. I am grateful for the Knights participation in so many activities that support the ministries of Our Lady of Lourdes and local charitable organizations.
In particular, I was extremely grateful for all the volunteers who helped out on Sunday January 18th which was the single busiest day in terms of events, starting with the Knights who served as ushers, lecturers, eucharistic ministers and sacristies, followed by the Tootsie Roll Drives (Mike Milak) after all the Masses, the Basketball Free-throw competition (Mark Schaefer & Dan Dacey), the Exemplification of six new Knights into Council 9924 (Mark Crews, Steve Vacca, Mark Schaeffer & Tim Marzanno) and Bob Rinda who coordinated multiple Sign-Up Genius updates.
I want to give my personal perspective on volunteer opportunities in our Council, especially for the newer members. When I joined the Knights in 2019 (before Sign-up Genius) I would see the same volunteers at many of these events and assumed that this was their “job”. I did volunteer at a few of the Food Drives my first year. When Dennis T was facing some medical issues I took over as the Food Drive Leader for a few years. I am grateful for Bob Nowicki & Bobby Whiting taking over the Food Drive. This allowed me to become the Grand Knight of this great Council. Consider signing up for any of these openings. You may discover your passion, or at a minimum, give one of the Project Leads a much-needed break.
February 2026 Events
- February 2nd Monday, OLOL Parish Bingo 6:00PM Doors Open (Parish Hall)
- February 6th-7th Friday-Saturday, Tootsie Roll Drive, Publix Venice Village Shops from 9:00AM-5:00PM
- February 8th Sunday, Knights Buffet Breakfast at Parish Hall after 8:00AM &10:00AM Masses
- February 11th Wednesday OLOL Living Rosary at Church 4:00PM-4:45PM
- February 11th Wednesdsy, General Meeting, Rosary 5:30PM, Dinner 6:00PM Meeting 6:45PM-8:00PM
- February 18th Wednesday, Ash Wednesday (Day of Obligation) 8:00AM, 10:00AM and 7:00PM Masses at Church
- February 21st-22nd Saturday-Sunday, Food Collection 40 minutes before all Masses
- February 21st-22nd Saturday-Sunday, Recruiting Drive after all Masses
Vivat Jesus, Eric Bisighini, Grand Knight Council 9924