July Greetings Worthy Brothers,
I hope you and your family doing well. Welcome to the July edition of the Cross and Compass. As we begin the month of July, we celebrate not only the warmth and beauty of summer but also the values that define us as Catholic gentlemen and proud citizens of this great nation.
The Fourth of July is a powerful reminder of the blessings of liberty and the cost of freedom. As Knights of Columbus, we are called to be both faithful Catholics and loyal patriots. Our nation was built on principles of justice, truth, and the dignity of every human life, principles we are called to uphold today more than ever.
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day, let us also take time to pray for our country and its leaders. May we continue to stand for religious freedom, for the sanctity of life, and for the rights of all people, especially the vulnerable and the voiceless. We all owe a deep debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces. Their sacrifices allow us to live in freedom, worship, and pursue lives rooted in faith and service. This July, I encourage each of us to reach out to a veteran in our parish or community. Let’s each offer our thanks, listen to their stories, and show them the respect they have earned. We would not be what we are today without them and the sacrifices they made. Many made the ultimate sacrifice and we need to pray for those heroes.
July also marks the beginning of a new fraternal year. Thank you to all the outgoing officers who served with dedication this past year and welcome to our new council officers. I look forward to working together as we continue our mission of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. We are in need of some brothers to take the lead role on several of our committees. I will be sending out a separate message on the open spots and what the responsibilities are for each. I ask when you see the open positions that you prayerfully review and consider. We are only as strong as our committees and we definitely need some help.
Let us carry the spirit of July, faith, family, and freedom into everything we do as a council. I encourage you to stay active, be present at meetings, volunteer when you can, and invite others to join us. Our strength lies in our unity and shared commitment.
Lasty, in our Catholic tradition, July is also dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, reminding us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. May His love strengthen us as we serve our parish, our community, and each other.
I look forward to seeing you at Mass or our next meeting on July 9th starting at 5:30 with the Rosary, followed by dinner and our business meeting. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and blessed July. May God bless you, and may God bless America.
Vivat Jesus!
Rick Kuertz, Grand Knight 