Brother Knights,

hope everyone had a Happy and Blessed Easter. I am currently preparing for the upcoming state convention, so this report will be brief. As I reflect on The Massseries from Bishop Barron, I often find a sense of gratitude and respect for Bishop Barron and his public ministry with Word On Fire. It is an understatement to say the content he offers on YouTube, his podcasts, and his website is an oasis within those deserts.

We are also blessed, right here in the valley, with the leadership and pastoral care of the clergy who serve the parishes that make up the membership of our council. Let us take a moment to thank the priests and deacons that serve our parishes with dignity and grace. To that end, our annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner is coming up on Monday May 13, so if you have not already made reservations, please contact John Krumpos and/or Pat Reedy. Please continue to pray for clergy and an increase in vocations.

Vivat Jesus,
James Valenzuela,
Grand Knight

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