Worthy Brother Knights-

I am privileged and honored to be serving you as your State Deputy. I look forward to a productive year ahead, working with all of you to help make the West Virginia Knights of Columbus a proud legacy of Father McGivney’s vision.

On July 12^th our Worthy Chaplain Bishop Bernard Schmitt installed an energetic and dedicated team of officers, district deputies, committee directors, and chairman ready to serve you. This team of Knights has taken the challenge of Supreme Knight Carl Anderson which is to take an active role in their faith and organization.

The Membership Campaign theme for 2008-2009 is “FOLLOW ME – HELP US TO BUILD UP THE CHURCH”. The “FOLLOW ME” is based on Pope Benedict’s request and “HELP US TO BUILD UP THE CHURCH” is our Supreme Knight Carl Anderson’s charge to all Knights of Columbus.

In an address at the State Deputies Meeting, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said that Pope Benedict XVI’s words during his recent visit inspired him to do as the Holy Father directed: he would ask the Knights of Columbus to simply become Christian witnesses of our faith. We do that by witnessing to love in every aspect of our lives – in our families, in our work-places, in our Councils, and with the charitable projects we undertake Orderwide.  He also requested that we ask all qualified Catholic men to join our local councils: this is one crucial way to help us strengthen our Church.   When our brothers sponsor blood drives, coach youth sport teams, hold a family picnic, raise funds and volunteer for Special Olympics and other such programs, they are showing by example “FOLLOW ME - HELP US BUILD UP THE CHURCH”. Our councils do this over and over as we work  to meet the needs of our communities and Churches. Building on this foundation of service to church and community is our challenge. We constantly need new energy and fresh ideas. We must continually expand our reach. To grow in membership we must personally recruit every eligible Catholic man to join us in the Knights of Columbus.

Supreme has established our membership goals for 2008-2009. We are to take in 270 new members. I would ask that recruiting new members be the number one priority throughout West Virginia. It is our lifeblood for our future. West Virginia Knights need to continue to grow to better serve the priests, parishes, and communities throughout our state. Remember we are often referred to as the right arm of the Catholic Church.