Brother Knights,

This Lenten season, my wife and I signed up to be facilitators for a series of adult formation classes focusing on Bishop Barron’s The Mass. This series of classes includes videos from Bishop Barron beginning with a general overview to a more in-depth analysis of each part of the Mass. We are only 3 classes in, however the material has been informative for all participants and even offers a new, refreshing perspective on the “privileged encounter” where we have the opportunity to participate in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our lives.

I will have a reflection on the series following its conclusion in my next report. If you would like to join us for the remaining classes, more information can be found on the St. Andrew’s website: https://standrewsva.org/.Finally, friendly reminder the remaining fish fries will be Friday April 5 at the council home from 5-7:30 PM and Friday April 12 at Roanoke Catholic from 5:30-7 PM. Please come out with your family and friends to support our council and the AOH.

Vivat Jesus,
James Valenzuela,
Grand Knight

Brother Knights,

The news is ablaze with stories concerning toxic masculinity, Catholic teen protesters, and predictions the world will end in the next 12 years. As of the writing of this report, we are barely a month into the new year and it seems as though the end of civility, if not the world, is right around the corner.The controversy surrounding some students from Covington Catho-lic High School has taken so many twists and turns and after several days of coverage we still do not have an answer to the basic question: why is this even news?

For my part, I will refrain from making judgements about the moral character of 16-year-old chi-dren I have never met. Perhaps news outlets could do the same?Whereas the Covington story is puzzling, the new ad campaign from Gillette is bizarre. In the advertisement, this company that sells grooming products for men takes the obvious position that bullying and sexual harassment are wrong, and then proceeds to offer some suggestions for proper conduct according to their standards. After giving up the two minutes, which I will never get back, to watch this ad I too find myself asking “is this the best a man can get?”.

When news outlets and grooming companies offer morality lessons something is clearly amiss. While this may make them insufferable to watch, it seems they are struggling to fill a void. At the first organizational meeting for this fraternal year, we were given some statistics on how Americans are less religious than just 10 years ago. As more and more turn away from the Lord, is it a surprise they will turn to their own devices?

After reflecting on this, I am especially thankful for our brother Knights and for all your efforts to put our faith into action. To the extent that our culture at large and men specifically seem to need direction, the Knights of Columbus consistently find ways to be ex-actly what our country, what this world so desperately needs.

Good. Catholic. Gentlemen.

Vivat Jesus,

James Valenzuela, Grand Knight

Brother Knights,

This past December, a candidate for the U.S. District Court, Brian Buescher, was under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Several members of the committee raised questions on Mr. Buescher’s fitness to serve given his membership with the Knights of Columbus. I am not going to delve too far into the questions and responses, although I do recommend reviewing the written questions and answers. Instead I would like to focus on one statement made while setting up one of the questions: “The Knights of Columbus has taken a number of extreme positions”. My initial response to this was dismay, to put it mildly, however on further reflection there might be some truth to this statement, although not in the manner I suspect the Senator who raised it intended.

To be a Catholic is to want for the best and act to bring about the best for the other. This extends even to an enemy, or one who would not reciprocate. This if, of course, best observed in the example of our Lord who lowered Himself to become like us so that He might give up His life on our behalf. For all of the advances since our Lord walked amongst us, the spirit of humanity has been and continues to be in opposition to this radical notion of love. In this world where personal gratification, accumulation of personal wealth, and dehumanizing our fellow human beings are not only common place, but in fact celebrated as virtues, the very model of proper living exemplified by our Lord is an extreme response to the contrary. Likewise, the principles of our order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism are extreme positions in contrast to the materialism and divisive tribalism that unfortunately plagues our public discourse.

Brothers, as we start a new year, let us continue to exemplify the extreme position of the Lord’s radical notion of love to a world that so desperately needs this witness. And, in a radical, extreme departure from a spirit of ingratitude, let us give thanks to the Lord for a new year and whatever opportunities He may provide us to serve others.

Vivat Jesus,

James Valenzuela, Grand Knight