Our Faithful Navigator is ending his third year as “leader and guide” of our Assembly. Like a ship’s commanding officer, the Navigator has a unique and critical job. The Navy’s officer title is described this way. “The navigator’s primary responsibility is to be aware of ship position at all times. Responsibilities include planning the journey, advising the captain of estimated timing to destinations while en route, and ensuring hazards are avoided.” Yes, his job is critical. Without a keen navigator a ship drifts, it can lose its way, and it can enter into a storm or troubled waters.
I applaud the men of the Knights of Columbus who step forward to assume leadership positions. The Order provides us with central control and guidance to lead from the top, but it is from the local Councils and Assemblies that the real work is done and accomplished. Thousands of councils and assemblies are laying the bricks that join other efforts to accomplish great things.
Fourth Degree Assemblies are “Religiously Devoted, Patriotically Proud.” Those words well describe Bill Jackson, our Faithful Navigator. He has done much to guide us safely and aggressively through the past three assembly years. Here we share with you, candidates of the Fourth Degree and Council, and other parish ministries our work. It comes from the final report of our Faithful Navigator, Bill Jackson.
“Worthy Brothers…I now conclude my third year as your Faithful Navigator. I wanted to share some thoughts regarding those three years. These have been a wonderful three years for me. With the help of all of you, we accomplished many things. We increased our ranks of Sir Knights through new Knights and through transfers. We stayed true to our mission of Patriotism, supporting homeless veterans with winter coats and gift cards, attending the Durham VA Hospital Voluntary Services Committee, participating in the Caldwell, NC, 4th of July Parades, and providing prayers for military personnel, veterans, and their families at every Assembly meeting.
We conducted Spaghetti Dinner and Christmas Raffle Ticket fundraisers to support veterans, seminarians, and the St. Michael the Defender Ministry to provide safety and security at St. Thomas More Parish and the St. Thomas More School. We provided honor guard services for funerals, confirmations, and other Parish and School events.
The Assembly awarded Citizenship awards to St. Thomas More School students who demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and citizenship each of the last three years. Through emails and a well-managed website we communicated events, successes, and meeting notices to all Sir Knights.
Our Faithful Friar, Rev. Chris Koehn, a Sir Knight as well, provided all of us with spiritual guidance and support at all times.
The Assembly obtained the Civic Award this past year from Supreme for our four Patriotic events during the fraternal year. The Assembly hosted the Divine Mercy Sunday devotion each year, providing the tapestry and honor guard.
Sadly, we lost several Brother Knights and/or family members during my tenure, These Brothers and their family members were instrumental in making Assembly 3005 a success each year! They all will continue to be missed but will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for stepping up when I needed your help with a project or event. I am honored to call you all friends and brothers! May the Lord watch over all of you and your loved ones!
Vivat Jesus, Bill Jackson”
As we say in the Navy, Bill, BRAVO ZULU — Translation: Well Done!
Download a copy of the Faithful Navigator’s May/June Message