July 13, 2016

Conferring Officer:
District Deputy Kelly Niernberger

Cathedral Council Officers 2016-2017

 

 

 

 

 

Lecturer: Dan Burke

 

Grand Knight John Knox
Post Officer Installation Remarks
Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my name is John Knox and I am the Grand Knight of the Cathedral Council for this upcoming fraternal year. I want to extend a special welcome to our guests from the Virginia State Council, State Warden Bob Szerzynski, Past State Deputy and Past Grand Knight of Cathedral Council Tom Hogan, and District Deputy Kelly Niernberger. Thank you everyone for taking the time out of your busy summer to attend this beautiful event.

I have a quick message for you all that I have been thinking and praying about for some time. Gentlemen, I could talk about our successes from this past year, of which there were many. I could also talk about how far we still have to go, of which there is much to be done. But I would rather talk about something more important, the cornerstone of the Knights of Columbus and the reason for all that we do. Yes, gentlemen I would like to take a few moments to talk about our faith. My favorite prayer is the Serenity Prayer: God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and Wisdom to know the difference.

Wisdom can come from many places, the Book of Wisdom in the bible tells us that seeking wisdom is like chasing wind, completely pointless and incredibly difficult. As Catholics we have the voice of wisdom in our hearts always and that voice is Jesus Christ, our lord and savior. Wisdom can also come from those who have been here since the knights were founded (Larry and Kerry) and also from our up and coming brothers like Dan and Ed who are outstanding leaders in their own right. Some of the best advice on Wisdom I ever received is from a former Vocations Director who told me Beware the truth of an honest man. I’m thankful to have those people in my life who will tell it like it is not to bring another person down but to help build their strength of character and improve upon that to make them the best they can be, that is true Wisdom.

Courage to change the things I can. Constant Vigilance! Ambition, drive, determination, passion, all of these words mean the same thing and that is a constant desire for the very best. Brothers I strive as your Grand Knight this year to always put my best effort in as nothing less would be acceptable. Things are not always easy, there will be challenges within our lives and the council, we must be prepared to overcome them together when they arise.

Serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Patience, Perspective, Humility, understanding why things are done a certain way and why people do the things they do. Being aware that to attain wisdom requires knowledge and that knowledge id gained through experience. We will have our differences and we will be stronger for them as we work together to build upon our values of charity, unity and fraternity.

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and Wisdom to know the difference. The best piece of advice I received recently is from our Worthy State Deputy Michael Gasper, you can do anything, but you can’t do everything, he is a very wise man. His theme this year is Encounter the Lord and as I started this speech is the way I will end it.

There is a phrase that means a lot to us as Knights of Columbus, and we all know it well. Yes, brothers I ask that you always remember Jesus Christ’s presence in your hearts all the days of your lives so that he may live. My brothers all, Vivat Jesus!