Knights of Saint Columba
Accrington Council 188
Synopsis of Minutes of meeting held June 15th.. 2012
The GK opened the meeting according to the new ritual for small councils.
Minutes of last meeting held on May 18th were passed as a true and correct record and passed
unanimously.
Matters arising.
 Jed Gregory had visited St. Anne’s web site and found it very good.
 Paul Moxham has send copies of the pro-life petition supporting the two nurses in Scotland who
had refused to assist in abortions, to all churches in Hyndburn The nurses are under threat to lose
their jobs if the do not agree to assist in abortions.
 Brian Heap sent a report of the last Provincial meeting. He reported a letter had been read out at
the inauguration of Provincial Officers’ Mass at St. Mary’s Burnley from the Bishop, urging
priests to work closely with the KSC and support and encourage men to join the order.
 The Pro life walk in Clitheroe is to take place on August Bank Holiday staring at 1.30
 A coach has been booked for Knights to attend the Biennial Mass in Liverpool
 The Provincial Mass for deceased brothers is to take place in Clitheroe in November,
Secretary’s report. None
Chancellor’s report
An un-named brother has been admitted to a care home, Brother Brady is out of hospital but Br
McGilveray has been admitted,
It was suggested we invite our council widows to the Mass for Deceased brothers at the Clitheroe Church
Treasurer’s report
The Treasurer informed the Brothers of the Council’s financial statement. Eight subscriptions have been
received and three donations have been made. Head Office has agreed to supply the council with 10
purple collars which signify full knighthood. The treasurer, will send off the cheque for £200 as soon as
he gets home for holiday.
It was reported we have been asked to send details of our bank account and signatories to head Office.
This has been done.
Action convenor’s report.
a) Paul Moxham gave details of the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin and the Congressional Bell
which has been going around the parishes in Britain.
b) Comment was made on the proposal now before Parliament to introduce same ‘sex marriages’
and the danger this gives to churches who insist the marriage is between one man and one
woman. It was indicated that the legal profession have indicated it could be illegal for churches to
refuse to ‘marry’ people of the same sex.
c) The GK commented on the impression the uniformed groups made at Fr. Stamp’s recent
induction to the parish.. It was suggested that a Youth Mass be arranged for all young people to
attend, Mount Carmel and the scouts, brownies, guides, etc. This was very successful with Mount
Carmel providing the band, choir, readers, etc. Fr. Daly of St. Mary’s suggested that the KSC
should not make arrangements for youth Masses. He stated that only a priest should be
responsible for arranging them. Therefore this will need to be initiated by Fr. Stamp. We will do
all in our power to support him in this – but not officially.
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d) Andrew Szlaz indicated he would contact Fr. Clark to see if the Funeral Service forms could be
distributed at the Great Harwood churches. Brothers are asked to volunteer (contact Andrew
directly) to help him at the three Masses. In addition it was suggested and agreed that the KSC
stand will also be erected at these churches on the agreed date. It was also suggested that the event
should be included in the Hyndburn Catholic Parish Bulletin.
Deputy GK’s report on membership
Efforts to recruit new members continue but without much success.
Discussion.
The GK suggested that benefit for KSC members could be derived from a ‘Day of Recollection, in
which, through prayer, discussion, discourse and recollection, we could recharge our spiritual batteries
and take responsibility as knights with renewed vigour. Some brothers recalled Fr Hugh Lavery who
actively promoted evenings of renewal at UpHolland College. The following points were made:a) A day of recollection should be arranged, principally for men of the KSC in these council’s areas.
b) Invitations could also be extended to KSC councils in the Province.
c) Invitations could also be sent out to all men in the Catholic Parishes in Hyndburn, as well as older
pupils from Mount Carmel High School with the support of the Headmaster and Head of RE.
d) The GK was granted approval to meet with Fr. Stamp and discuss this proposal with a view to
inviting some engaging and provocative speakers. Hopes were high that Fr. Stamp would
welcome an opportunity to involve men of the parish, especially young male parishioners in such
a work of spiritual renewal.
e) Jed Gregory suggested that it could also prove an ideal opportunity to recruit new members to the
KSC and to promote a wider understanding of the work we try to do. He suggested we could
model it on a ‘Taizé Day’ with KSC banners and information in the community room.
f) The best time was felt to be a Wednesday evening in October, in order to attract as many people
as possible. 6.30 to 9.30 was suggested as the proposed time.
g) The title for possible posters or publicity material could be on the subject: ‘Recharge your
spiritual batteries’.
.
The meeting closed at 8.30 with prayers for deceased brothers..
The next meeting will be held on Friday July
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