Council Meeting - January 4th at 8:00pm

The Knights of Columbus President John F. Kennedy Council 372 will hold their first Council Meeting of 2010 on Monday January 4th at 8:00pm in Council Chambers. All Brother Knights are encouraged to attend. Also, interested members are welcome to join us prior to the meeting for reciting the Rosary at 7:40pm.

Council Meeting - December 21st at 8:00pm

The Knights of Columbus President John F. Kennedy Council 372 will hold their next Council Meeting on Monday December 21st at 8:00pm in Council Chambers. Also, interested members are welcome to join us prior to the meeting for reciting the Rosary at 7:40pm.

Pittston K of C Help Ring The Bell For Salvation Army

Several Brother Knights of Council 372 volunteered their time on December 12th, 2009 to help with the Salvation Army Bell Ringing Campaign at Quinn’s Market in Pittston. Thanks to all who helped with this yearly event: Greg Serfass, John Snitko, Jack Casper, Fran Ankenbrand, Rob Joyce, Tony Grieco, Jim Francioso, Jim Rose, Alan Palladino, and Jim Nardone. One of the virtues of our Order is charity and the Salvation Army is grateful for our help with this annual campaign.

PHOTO: Brother Knights Tony Grieco & Jim Francioso at Quinn's Market in Pittston

4th Degree Assembly Meeting - Dec 16th

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 948 will hold their next monthly meeting on Wednesday Evening December 16th at 8:00pm in Council Chambers. Faithful Navigator Jim Rose invites all 4th Degree Members to attend.

C.O.A.L. 2009 Drawing Prize Winners

(Click on the Image below for Full View of Winners)

Light Up For Christ Set for December 1st

Happy Thanksgiving To All...

Breakfast With Santa Set for Dec 6th

Council Meeting - October 19th at 8:00pm

The Knights of Columbus President John F. Kennedy Council 372 will hold the next Council Meeting on Monday October 19th at 8:00pm in Council Chambers. Also, interested members can join us prior to the meeting for reciting the Rosary at 7:40pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

Council Holding Columbus Day Community Breakfast - Oct 11th

The Knights of Columbus President John F. Kennedy Council 372 is holding a Columbus Day Community Breakfast Buffet on Sunday, October 11th at the Council Home, 55 South Main Street in Pittston. Serving from 8:30am to 1:00pm.

On the menu (All you can eat):
* Scrambled Eggs
* Home fried potatoes (plain or with peppers & onion)
* Ham
* Bacon
* Sausage
* Toast
* Cereal
* Beverages - coffee, tea, milk, juice

Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for Children 6-12 yrs, and children 5 and under are free. (Take $1.00 off your ticket price with your donation of a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the Greater Pittston Food Pantry)

Tickets are available at the door or purchase in advance by contacting Chairman Jim Nardone at 570-299-0717 or Grand Knight Rob Joyce at 570-362-1901.

Council Meeting - October 5th at 8:00pm

The Knights of Columbus President John F. Kennedy Council 372 will hold the next Council Meeting on Monday October 5th at 8:00pm in Council Chambers. Also, interested members can join us prior to the meeting for reciting the Rosary at 7:40pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

1st and 2nd Degree in Pittston on September 21st

Our Council will be hosting a First and Second Degree Exemplification on Monday, September 21st. Candidates are to arrive at 7:00pm for Registration and the Degree begins at 7:30pm. There is a $10.00 fee for candidates and $5.00 fee for Sponsors and Spectators to cover food and refreshments. Anyone interested should contact Financial Secretary John Snitko at 570-819-2898 to register.

K of C Annual World Day of Prayer - September 11th

Councils, assemblies and circles are urged to organize events and activities on Sept. 11 promoting prayer for peace in the world, and recognize those individuals in your community who work to bring about true peace. It is also a time to encourage members and their families to take time out on this day for personal prayer and reflection.

Pittston Knights Make News at Festival

(Photos courtesy of WBRE-TV)

Deputy Grand Knight Greg Serfass and Past Grand Knight Fran Ankenbrand made news Saturday at the Pittston Tomato Festival's Tomato Fights. Each was dressed in a Tuxedo courtesy of Sarno & Sons. Both Knights were interviewed by WBRE Eyewitness News and DGK Serfass made the front cover of the Sunday Dispatch.

Council Meeting - August 31st at 8:00pm

Join us for our next Council Meeting on Monday Evening August 31st at 8:00pm. This meeting is being held a week early due to Labor Day. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers. Also, join us for reciting the Rosary prior to the Council meetings at 7:40pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

Council Meeting - August 3rd at 8:00pm

Join us for our next Council Meeting on Monday Evening August 3rd at 8:00pm. Meeting will be held in Council Chambers. All members are encouraged to attend.

K OF C CHOIR SEEKS ORGANIST / CHOIR DIRECTOR

The Choir of the Knights of Columbus Pres. John F Kennedy Council 372 in Pittston is seeking an Organist / Choir Director. Anyone that is interested in this position should contact Gerald Loughney, Tony D'Angelo, any member of the choir or Grand Knight Rob Joyce at 362-1901.

URGENT PRO-LIFE ALERT!!! - ABORTION MANDATE IN HEALTH BILL

The healthcare reform legislation currently before Congress contains an abortion mandate that is a grave threat to human life. The bill's language will result in federally mandated abortion coverage by nearly all health plans, recruitment of abortion doctors into local health networks, and the nullification of many state laws that place reasonable limits on abortion.

The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) has called this legislation the "largest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade."

We urge you to write to your senators and congressman today. Click here where you can learn more about the health legislation and send a message to your two senators and congressman.

To read a letter from 19 House Democrats who insist they will not support a health bill unless it explicitly excludes abortion, click here.

Time is of the essence as congressional leaders want to pass the bill in the Senate and House by the end of July.

A coalition of prominent pro-life leaders have arranged a Stop The Abortion Mandate live webcast for the public this Thursday, July 23rd, 2009, at 9 PM Eastern (8PM Central, 7 PM Mountain, 6 PM Pacific).

Please go to www.stoptheabortionmandate.com to register.

In solidarity with our Holy Father

Pope Benedict XVI is the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics around the world. As the Vicar of Christ, he guides the Church with courage and fortitude, seeking always to build a civilization of love.
As the Holy Father recovers from injury, people of good will join in praying for his return to full health as well as for his spiritual and temporal welfare.
For more than 127 years, Knights of Columbus have been faithfully united to the Church, the pope, and the bishops and priests in union with him.

Red Cross Blood Drive - July 15th

The residents of the Greater Pittston Area are invited to a Red Cross Blood Drive to be held at the K of C Council Home in Pittston on Wednesday, July 15th from 1pm - 6pm. Please do you part to help "Donate The Gift of Life"

4th Degree Meeting - July 8th at 8:00PM

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 948 will hold their next monthly meeting on Wednesday Evening July 8th at 8:00pm in Council Chambers. Newly Elected Faithful Navigator Jim Rose invites all 4th Degree Members to attend.

Council Meeting - July 6th at 8:00pm

Join us for our next Council Meeting on Monday Evening July 6th at 8:00pm. Meeting will be held in Council Chambers. All members are encouraged to attend.

K of C Home Association Presents Recognition Award / Receives Donation from Home Ladies Organization

On Wednesday Evening June 24th, The Knights of Columbus Home Association presented Brother Knight Leo Ochreiter with a plaque in recognition for his years of dedication and service to the Council Home. Also, the prior night, The Jaquelines presented the Home Association with a check for $1,500 Dollars. Pictured are Jaquelines Vice President Debbie Murosky, President Joan McFadden, Leo Ochreiter and KofC Home Association President Joe Chernouskas.

Council Recognizes Area Altar Servers in 8th and 12th Grades

The Knights of Columbus President John F Kennedy Council 372 held the Annual Altar Server Recognition Mass on May 23rd at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Graduating Altar Servers in the 8th and 12th Grades from parishes in Greater Pittston were honored including Elizabeth Franco, Katie Kugler, Catherine Lombardo, Kristen Lombardo, Angelina Reed, Tiffany Smith, Blaise Twarowski, Michael Twardowski, Holly VanLeuvan and Joseph Zelonis. Additional thanks to Chairman Greg Serfass, Council Chaplain Father Gregory Finn, Brother Patrick McLaughlin, Faithful Navigator Martin Simko and Sir Knight Alan Dente. All recipients were given a recognition certificate and a rosary for their service to their individual parishes.

Pittston K of C Home Association Kicks off the 300 Club

4th Degree Assembly Elects New Officers for 2009-2010 Fraternal Year

The Knights of Columbus President John F. Kennedy Assembly 948 in Pittston has elected Officers for the Upcoming 2009-2010 Fraternal Year, beginning July 1st, 2009.


Faithful Navigator: James Rose

Faithful Comptroller: William Burke

Faithful Captain: James Nardone

Faithful Admiral: Martin Simko

Faithful Purser: Joseph Petro

Faithful Pilot: Joseph Rudick

Faithful Scribe: Blaise Alan Dente

Inner Sentinel: Robert Breza

Outer Sentinel: Francis Ankenbrand

Trustees: Richard Shields, Gerald Loughney, Edward Slade


Best wishes for a successful upcoming Fraternal year!!!

Silver Rose Program To Be Held In Jessup

The Silver Rose program features a sculpted silver rose carried by Knights from Canada, through the United States, to Mexico, bringing the Culture of Life message on its journey. The silver rose is received at councils and parishes along its way and Masses and prayer services are offered. The Silver Rose honors Our Lady of Guadelupe. Our area has the honor of hosting this special Prayer Service at Holy Ghost Church at 313 First Avenue in Jessup on Wednesday June 17th. The Program begins at 7:00PM. Show your support for Our Lady as we pray for continued strength during these troubled times. The Rose will then travel to Philadelphia and continue on its journey throughout the United States. Please join the Knights of Columbus for this prayer service honoring our lady.

Our Lady of Charity Prayer Program - June 15th at 8:00pm

Our regularly scheduled Council Meeting on June 15th has been changed to a prayer service to Our Lady of Charity. Our Lady of Charity has special significance to the Knights of Columbus, given the Order's first principle of Charity. Brother Knights and their families are invited to join us in the Council Chambers at 8:00pm.

Knights of Columbus License Plates Available

The Knights of Columbus Pennsylvania State Council has been running the License Plate program for many years. Several Brother Knights from our Council currently have K of C Plates on their vehicles. This year, the license plates are being updated to the one shown to the left. Any Brother Knight interested in registering for a Knights of Columbus plate can do so at the state website at http://www.pakofc.us/. A form is available for you to download from the site and print . Otherwise, contact Grand Knight Rob Joyce for a form.

4th Degree Meeting & Elections - June 10th at 8pm

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 948 will hold their monthly meeting and Annual Election of Officers on Wednesday Evening June 10th at 8pm in Council Chambers.

Oblate of St Joseph Celebrate 80 Years in Pittston

On May 31st, the Oblates of Saint Joseph in Pittston celebrated 80 years of service to our area with a Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and a reception with special guest Angelo Cardinal Sodano, Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals in Rome. Pictured with Cardinal Sodano below are KofC Outside Guard and OSJ Seminarian Brother Patrick McLaughlin, KofC Warden Jim Nardone, KofC Recorder Jack Casper, Rev. Daniel Schwebs, OSJ, Rev. Joseph Sibliano, OSJ, and KofC Chaplain Rev. Gregory Finn, OSJ. The Knights of Columbus Color Guard were present in large numbers for the Mass Procession.

Council Elects Officers for the 2009-2010 Fraternal Year

The Knights of Columbus President John F. Kennedy Council 372 in Pittston has elected the Council Officers for the Upcoming 2009-2010 Fraternal Year, beginning July 1st, 2009.

Grand Knight: Robert G Joyce

Deputy Grand Knight: Gregory Serfass

Chancellor: James Rose

Recorder: John Casper

Treasurer: Raymond Pasavage

Advocate: Michael Vough

Warden: James Nardone

Inside Guard: Paul Kamor

Outside Guards: Robert Breza, Patrick McLaughlin

Trustee 3rd Year: Theodore Harowicz

Trustee 2nd Year: Richard Shields

Trustee 1st Year: Edward Slade

Best wishes for a successful upcoming Fraternal year!!!

Council Meeting & Election of Officers - June 1st @ 8:00pm

Join us for the next Council Meeting and Election of Council Officers on Monday evening June 1st at 8:00pm. All members are encouraged to attend. You must be present a CURRENT membership card in order to be eligible to vote. Nominations for Council Officers remain open until 8:00pm on June 1st.

MEMORIAL DAY 2009

The Knights of Columbus salutes members of the armed forces who have died in service to their country.
For nearly a century, the Knights of Columbus has supported the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Since before World War I, the Knights of Columbus has provided for the spiritual and temporal well being of our servicemen and women, and that work has continued into the 21st century. American veterans of every campaign since 1916 can attest to the K of C’s faithfulness to its principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism while ministering to the spiritual and temporal needs of military personnel at home and abroad.

Council Receives Recognition Awards at PA State Convention

I am proud to announce that our Council, for the second year in a row has been presented with two awards from the State Council. At the 2009 State Convention in Lancaster, our Council was awarded with top honors for Youth Activities and for Public Relations (2nd straight year). I am truly proud of all the work that our Council has done to achieve these prestigious state awards.

Council Meeting - May 18th @ 8:00pm

Join us for the next Council Meeting on Monday evening May 18th at 8:00pm. This meeting will include nominations of officers for the upcoming Council term. All members are encouraged to attend.

4th Degree Meeting - Wednesday May 13th

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 948 will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday Evening May 13th at 8:00pm in Council Chambers. Nominations for Assembly Officers will take place among other business.

Council Holding Mother's Day Community Breakfast This Weekend!

The President John F. Kennedy Council 372 Knights of Columbus is holding a Mother's Day Community Breakfast Buffet on Sunday May 10th at the K of C Council Home, 55 South Main Street in Pittston. Serving from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for Children 6-12 yrs, and children 5 and under are free. All moms in attendance will get a "special something". Tickets are available for purchase in advance by contacting Chairman Jim Nardone at 570-299-0717 or at the door on the day of the event. All are welcome to attend!

Home Association Officer Election Results

The Knights of Columbus Home Association Held the Annual Meeting and Election of Officers on May 7th at the Council Home. The results of the election are listed below:

President: Joseph Chernouskas
Vice President: James Nardone
Treasurer: Jason Jordan
Secretary: Terry Finan

Board of Directors: Fran Ankenbrand, Robert Guerin, Robert Linskey, James Shappert and William Williams

Congratulations to all and best of luck for another year!

Home Assoc. Annual Meeting & Elections Set for May 7th

The Knights of Columbus Council 372 Home Association will be holding their Annual Open Member Meeting and Election of Officers on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 8:00pm. You must present a CURRENT Council Membership Card in order to vote. Cards will be checked.

Council Meeting - May 4th

Join us for the next Council Meeting on Monday evening May 4th at 8:00pm. This meeting will include nominations of officers for the upcoming Council term. All members are encouraged to attend.

Knights Hold "Measure Up" Drive For PA ARC on 4/25

Council 372 collected for the Knights of Columbus PA ARC "Measure Up" campaign on Saturday, April 25th outside Quinn's Market in Pittston. A total of $150.90 was raised for the ARC of Pennsylvania. Thanks to Brother Knights Rich Korpusik, Joe Rudick, Rich Shields, Ray Pasavage, Jim Nardone and Rob Joyce that assisted with this drive. Also, thanks to Quinn's Market for having us and to all in the community for their generous donations!

Council Meeting Notice - April 20th at 8:00pm

Just a reminder...our next Council meeting is on Monday evening April 20th at 8pm. There are plenty of upcoming events/projects and input is always appreciated. All members are encouraged to attend.

Altar Server Recognition Mass Set for May 23rd

The Council will be holding our Annual Altar Server Recognition Mass on May 23rd at the 4:00pm Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Pittston. The Council will recognize all graduating Altar Servers in the 8th and 12th Grades from parishes in Greater Pittston. An informal gathering with Hamburgers & Hot Dogs will take place at the Council Hall following mass.

Holy Week Message from Pope Benedict XVI

'Embrace the Cross of the Lord'
In these very beautiful days of Holy Week ... I encourage you to contemplate Christ in the mysteries of his Passion, Death and Resurrection. In them you will find what surpasses all wisdom and knowledge, namely, the love of God manifested in Christ. Learn from him, who did not come "to be served but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). This is the style of Christ's love, marked with the sign of the glorious cross, in which Christ is exalted, in the sight of all, with his open heart, so that the world can look and see, through his perfect humanity, the love that saves us.... That is why we must embrace and adore the cross of the Lord, make it our own, accept its weight as the Cyrenean to participate in the only thing that can redeem the whole of humanity (cf. Colossians 1:24).

Brother Patrick McLaughlin Addresses Knights Communion Breakfast

On March 29th, Brother Patrick McLaughlin was the Guest Speaker of our Annual Communion Mass & Breakfast. The breakfast was held this year at the Council Hall. Brother Patrick is a seminarian at the Oblates of St Joseph in Laflin and serves our Council as an Outside Guard. He spoke on the topic of vocations and what we can do to call men to the priesthood as Brother Knights and families of Knights. The Knights would like to additionally thank Sam Shandra for his outstanding catering services and all in attendance.

Council Meeting Notice - April 6th

Just a reminder...our next Council meeting is on Monday evening April 6th at 8pm. There are plenty of upcoming events/projects and input is always appreciated. All members are encouraged to attend.

NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS FOR K of C HOME ASSOCIATION

The Knights of Columbus Council 372 Home Association will be holding their Annual Open Member Meeting and Election of Officers on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 8:00pm. Any 3rd Degree or Higher Brother Knight is eligible to run for the offices and Board of Directors Positions. Five Board Members and All Officer positions are open for nomination. There will be a nomination sheet listed at the Council Home on the Bulletin Board.

SPECIAL MEETING: Council Bid for K of C Bowling Tournament

There will be a special meeting open to all Brother Knights and Jacquelines on Monday evening March 30th at 8:30pm in Council Chambers. This meeting will include a visit from an officer from the K of C International Bowling Committee to answer questions on the bidding process and the Tournament. Your help will be needed to conduct a successful Tournament in 2012 and all are encouraged to attend this meeting!

NIGHT OF IRISH MUSIC - MARCH 14TH

Join us for a Night of Irish Music on Saturday Evening March 14th at the Council Home. Colin Finan and his band will be performing and Ham & Cabbage will be on the menu. Join us for a night of some LIVE entertainment.

Council Easter Party on April 4th

Our Council will be holding the Annual Children's Easter Party on Saturday April 3rd, 1:00pm at the Council Home. The Sign Up Sheet is located at the Council Bar and will take names until the deadline of March 27th.

REMINDER: 1st & 2nd Degree on March 16th

Just a reminder...Our Council is hosting a First and Second Degree Exemplification on Monday evening, March 16th. Candidates are to arrive at 7:00pm for Registration and the Degree begins at 7:30pm. There is a $10.00 fee for candidates and $5.00 fee for Sponsors and Spectators to cover food and refreshments. Anyone interested should contact Financial Secretary John Snitko at 819-2898 or Grand Knight Rob Joyce at 362-1901 to register. You must register in advance.

Date For Annual Family Communion Breakfast Set for March 29th

The Knights of Columbus President John F. Kennedy Council 372 will hold the Combined Annual Family Communion Breakfast & Mass on Sunday March 29th at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on William Street in Pittston. Mass is at 8:00am and the breakfast will follow at the Council Home. I am glad to welcome Brother Knight and O.S.J. Seminarian Patrick McLaughlin as our speaker. Tickets are $10 per person and can be obtained by contacting Grand Knight Rob Joyce at 362-1901 or by contacting any of the Council officers.

Council Meeting Notice - March 2nd

Our Next Council meeting is on Monday evening March 2nd at 8pm. Discussion about the K of C International Bowling Tournament will be among the topics of discussion. All members are encouraged to attend.

Knights of Columbus Hold District Level of 2009 Free Throw Tournament

The Knights of Columbus hosted the District Level of the 2009 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship and three boys from the group have advanced. Shown from left to right are Council 372 Grand Knight Rob Joyce, Zach Voitek, Tyler McGarry, Jordan Black and District Deputy Ted Harowicz. The winners advance to the Northeast Regional Level on Sunday, March 1st at Msgr. McHugh Elementary School on Route 390 in Cresco.

Below are directions to the Msgr. McHugh Elementary School in Cresco:

From Scranton & Vicinity: Take I-81N to I-380S. Follow I-380S to exit 8 (Tobyhanna). Bear right off exit onto PA Route 611. Follow Route 611 for about 7 miles to bottom of hill at Mt. Pocono. At the second light at the Mt. Pocono intersection make a left onto Route 940E. Go about 3 miles. You will then make a left onto Route 390N. At the top of the hill you will see Msgr. McHugh School.

NEW DATE - UPDATE: 4th Degree Assembly 948 Holding Night At The Races on March 21st

Due to a scheduling conflict, the 4th Degree Assembly has rescheduled their annual Night at the Races to Saturday, March 21st at the Council Home. Admission is $3.00 per person. Sponsor a Horse for $10. Please support the Assembly’s Largest annual fundraiser. Horse Sponsor forms are available at the Council Home or from the 4th Degree Officers.

Council Meeting Notice - February 16th

Our Next Council meeting is on Monday evening Feb 16th at 8pm. We have many upcoming events including the Communion Breakfast, Children's Easter Party and Altar Server Recognition among many other items for discussion. All members are invited to attend. Hope to see you there!

1st and 2nd Degree in Pittston on March 16th

Our Council will be hosting a First and Second Degree Exemplification on Monday, March 16th. Candidates are to arrive at 7:00pm for Registration and the Degree begins at 7:30pm. There is a $10.00 fee for candidates and $5.00 fee for Sponsors and Spectators to cover food and refreshments. Anyone interested should contact Financial Secretary John Snitko at 819-2898 or Grand Knight Rob Joyce at 362-1901 to register. You must register in advance and space is limited.

Council Meeting Notice - Feb 2nd

Our Next Council meeting is on Monday evening Feb 2nd at 8pm. There are many upcoming events for discussion. We look forward to seeing you there!

Knights Community Breakfast Served Up Success

Our Council recently held the Community Breakfast at the Council Hall on Sunday January 18th. For a cold day, we had a very nice turnout. Approx 80 people stopped by for breakfast. We hope that this is only the first of many. Thanks to Chairman Jim Nardone and all who made this a great success!

Pictured (L-R): Jim Rose, Alan Dente, Maryann Maira, John Snitko, Bob Breza, Anne Joyce, Greg Serfass, Rich Shields, Chairman Jim Nardone, Ray Pasavage and Nora Freda. Kneeling: Grand Knight Rob Joyce Absent From Photo: Patricia Joyce, AnnTeresa Engleman, Joe Chernouskas and Jack Casper

Knights of Columbus 2009 Free Throw Championship Results

A total of six boys and girls, ages 10 to 14, participated in the 2009 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship at the Pittston YMCA. Boys winners included Jordan Black, Tyler McGarry, Zach Voitek and Kyle Gainard. Sarah Warnagiris took the Girls honors. The winners move on to compete in the district competition in February.

Photo on Left: Tyler McGarry, Jordan Black, Kyle Gainard, Sarah Warnagiris and Brandon Walker. Absent from photo: Zach Voitek
Photo Below: Roundup of the event.

Free Throw Championship - Jan 25th - THIS SUNDAY!!!

Just a reminder that our Council is holding the 2009 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship this Sunday at 1:30pm at The Greater Pittston YMCA. All boys and girls 10 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions. All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event. For entry forms or additional information contact Our Youth Director Jim Rooney at 655-5060 or register at the event.

We Must Fight FOCA

Dear Brother Knights and Families,

Do you know what FOCA is? Have you taken the time to educate yourself on the Freedom of Choice Act? This is a very real threat to the sanctity of life. Please take some time to learn about FOCA. Here is the U.S. bishops’ summary of FOCA:

• It creates a “fundamental right” to abortion throughout the nine months of pregnancy. No governmental body at any level would be able to “deny or interfere with” this right, or to “discriminate” against the exercise of this right “in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information.” For the first time, abortion would become an entitlement the government must condone and promote.

• Some states require that women be told about the risks of abortion. FOCA would erase all informed-consent laws states have enacted.

• Many states require that parents be informed and sign off on their daughters’ abortions, just as they are informed and involved in every other surgical procedure. FOCA would override and end all parental-involvement laws.

• Some states have laws promoting maternal health. Obama’s FOCA wouldn’t allow them.

• Regulation on abortion “clinics” helps keep these businesses responding to health and safety concerns. FOCA would end these regulations.

• FOCA would disallow “government programs and facilities that pay for or promote childbirth and other health care without subsidizing abortion,” say the U.S. bishops.

• Conscience-protection laws would end. These currently allow Catholic and other pro-life hospitals, doctors, medical students and health-care workers to opt out of participating in abortion in many places.

• After FOCA, any laws that prohibit a particular abortion procedure, such as partial-birth abortion, will no longer be in force.

• FOCA would also strike laws requiring that abortions only be performed by a licensed physician.

Here is a link to the US Bishops statement: Click Here

The Diocese of Scranton will participate in the “Fight FOCA Postcard Campaign” on the weekend of Jan. 24-25. Mass attendees will be asked to sign postcards. The postcards will be collected and sent on parishioners’ behalf to the members of Congress who represent districts in the Diocese.
Through the postcard campaign, the Bishop Martino noted, Catholics throughout the country will have the opportunity to let our representatives know that we do not support FOCA and its anti-life policies.

I ask that all Brother Knights and their families do their part through both prayer and citizen action.

Fraternally Yours,

Robert G. Joyce

Grand Knight

Council Meeting Notice

Our Next Council meeting is on Monday evening. This will be a short meeting to be followed by the Fraternal Benefits Night at 8:30pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

2009 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship - January 25th

Our Council is holding the 2009 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship on January 25th at 1:30pm at The Greater Pittston YMCA. Please note that this is a new start time and Location) All boys and girls 10 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions. International champions are announced by the K of C international headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions. All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event. For entry forms or additional information contact Our Youth Director Jim Rooney at 655-5060.

Community Breakfast on January 18th!!!

Fraternal Benefits Night on January 19th

Our Council is proud to be holding a Fraternal Benefits Night on Monday evening January 19th at 8:30pm. This informative session will be hosted by Council Agent Bob Lukas. In these uncertain financial times, find out about the numerous fraternal benefits offered to members of the Knights of Columbus. This session is open to Brother Knights and their spouses.

Check Out our New & Improved Website

With a new year comes a new and improved look for the Pittston Council's Website. As always, webmaster Jim Nardone continues to make our Council website the best in the area. Check it out for yourself at: http://www.pittstonknights.com

4th Degree Assembly 948 Holding Night At The Races on February 21st

The 4th Degree Assembly is holding their annual Night at the Races on Saturday, February 21st at the Council Home. Admission is $3.00 per person. Sponsor a Horse for $10. Please support the Assembly’s Largest annual fundraiser. Horse Sponsor forms are available at the Council Home or Print the form below and return it.