T he moral groundcovered by the Sev-

enth Commandment —“You shall not steal” —includes the right to pri-vate property, respect forcreation, the Church’ssocial doctrine, the dig-nity of human work, justice and solidarity among nations, participa-tion in political life, and love for the poor (Compendium of theCatechism of the Catholic Church, 503). Closely related is the TenthCommandment, which enjoins us from coveting the possessions andattainments of others (531-533). Taken together, these two com-mandments instruct us to be just and generous stewards of God’sblessings. They also help us to see what it means to love our neighborand to work with others in creating a just and well-ordered society.

SEE responsibilities, PAGE 2 SEE participation, PAGE 3

Bishop William E. LoriSupreme Chaplain

CHAPLAIN’S reportf e b R u a R Y 2 0 1 1 � v o l u m e 4 � N u m b e R 2 � w w w . k o f C . o R g / C h a P l a i N S

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS In Service to One. In Service to Al l .

l e a R N i N g t h e f a i t h , l i v i N g t h e f a i t h � 1 C o l u m b u S P l a z a , N e w h a v e N , C t 0 6 5 1 0 - 3 3 2 6 , u S a

STEWARDSHIP OFTHIS WORLD’S GOODSOur work and civic responsibilities are rooted

in human dignity and the common good

Vatican Announces Beatificationof Pope John Paul II

THIS MONTH’S TOPIC: (Based on the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Q uite a numberof chaplains

have thanked me forwhat I am doing for thechaplains. While thegratitude always comesas a pleasant surprise, italso underlines the con-cern that in some ways, the role of the chaplain has been neglected.That is, neglected in the sense that no demands have been made onthem — certainly not like the demands made on state, council andassembly officers and chairmen. Councils are very happy when thechaplain is present, but never complain if he does not appear.I have often said, “If you get the chaplain, you get the council.”

No one has ever disagreed with me on that. It’s not a controversialissue, but rather one that we’ve been reluctant to address. Our priestsare happy to be invited to be the council’s chaplain and desire to beinvolved. Unfortunately, due to the heavy daily demands made onour parish priests, many of our councils have not been visited by thechaplain, leading to feelings of neglect and even abandonment. Buteven a small amount of input in council endeavors by the chaplain

P ope Benedict XVI announced onJan. 14 that Pope John Paul II would

be beatified on May 1 after issuing a de-cree that a French nun’s recovery fromParkinson’s disease was miraculous. According to Church officials, the mir-

acle ascribed to Pope John Paul II’s inter-cession concerned a 49-year-old-nun whohad suffered from Parkinson’s disease —the condition with which the pope hadalso suffered.

The beatification ceremony is slated totake place in St. Peter’s Square. A secondmiracle must be approved before PopeJohn Paul can be canonized. Upon hearing the announcement,

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said,“There is no doubt that Pope John Paulwill enter into the history books as one ofthe greatest popes who ever lived. His

Father John P.Grace, O.S.A.Director of Chaplain Programs & Development

SEE beatification, PAGE 4

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

Visit www.kofc.org/chaplains to sign up to receive future issues of this newsletter via e-mail. Previous issues are also archived at this site.

Make Your Presence,Not Your Absence,

Felt in Your Council

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SEE gatherings, PAGE 4

DISCUSSION/REFLECTION COMPENDIUM QUESTIONS: 503-520; 531-5331. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE of private property? (505)2. WHAT IS PRINCIPALLY FORBIDDEN by the seventh commandment? What are some concrete examples of actions that violate this commandment? (508)

3. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE or meaning of human work? (513)4. WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES do the managers of businesses have? What duties do workers have? (516-517)5. IN WHAT WAYS can we show love for the poor? (520)

PRIVATE PROPERTYWe sense a right to own what we have justly acquired, especiallythose possessions for which we have worked and paid. But we alsosense that the right to private property is not boundless (504). Re-call the rich man in the Gospel who had no regard for Lazarus, apoor man who lacked basic necessities (Lk 16:19-31). In assertingthe right to private ownership, the Church also asks us to be tem-perate in using the world’s goods. Indeed, the right to own privateproperty is an expression of human dignity. The purpose of thisright is to meet the basic necessities of life, including one’s ownneeds, the needs of those for whom one is responsible, such as fam-ily members, and the needs of others (505). Respecting what belongs to others brings

into play several virtues, notably justice andcharity together with temperance and solidar-ity. Our dealings with others should bemarked by a readiness to keep our word andto honor the terms of legitimate contracts wehave entered. Abiding by the Seventh Com-mandment requires that we make amends forinjustices we have committed and return whatwe have stolen. It also demands that we havegenuine concern for the needs of others and adesire to use this world’s goods in a careful,prudent way, out of respect for creation andout of concern for others (506).The Compendium points out that there are

many ways we can take what does not belongto us, such as paying unjust wages, undertak-ing risky or dishonest investments that putothers at a disadvantage, participating in taxevasion or fraudulent business practices, per-forming shoddy labor, damaging public prop-erty, and creating waste (508). Only amoment’s reflection tells us that such dishonest practices harm notonly individuals, but also the common good of society. We only haveto think of the role that greed and fear played in bringing about thecurrent global recession.Pope Benedict XVI often reminds us that the Church speaks to so-

cial and economic problems to defend human dignity and to guidecitizens and their leaders in constructing a just society. Accordingly,the Church teaches that economic and financial systems must beconducted ethically and be at the service of the human person, notthe other way around (511). The unbridled quest for profit in themarketplace and the untrammeled exercise of power by totalitariangovernments both offend human dignity (512).

DIGNITY AND JUSTICEIt is the duty of the state to oversee social and economic systems insuch a way that they respect the right and duty of human persons tosecure and honest employment, open to all without unjust discrimi-nation. As such, the state should foster economic growth and pro-vide conditions under which workers are justly compensated(514-15). We are called to be diligent and competent in our dailywork, by which we are cooperating with God, the creator of allthings. Labor is a very important way of providing for our familiesand contributing to the common good of society. It is also a path to-ward holiness (513). Respect for human work requires the cooperation of both manage-

ment and labor. In legitimately seeking business opportunities andprofits, managers must also compensate workers fairly and provide

for decent working conditions. For their part,workers are to be conscientious and diligentin carrying out their tasks. To the extent pos-sible, labor disputes should be resolved bygood-faith negotiations on the part of man-agement and those who represent workers.When such negotiations break down, a nonvi-olent strike that aims at just compensationand work conditions cannot be ruled out;such action, however, must not endanger thecommon good, including the health andsafety of others (516-17).These days, no economy or financial system

stands alone — we are linked in a globaleconomy. As a result, every nation, particu-larly those that are wealthy and powerful, isobliged to work for economic justice and adecent standard of living throughout theworld (518). For this to come about, however,citizens must actively engage in civic affairs aswitnesses to authentic Gospel values (519). To be stewards of God’s gifts after the

mind and heart of Christ, we must embrace the Beatitudes. Thismeans imitating Christ’s own spirit of detachment from thisworld’s goods, together with charity for the poor and needy (520,532). Indeed, the great desire of our lives must be not for mate-rial gain but rather to live in God’s presence (533). The principlesof our Order — charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism — helpus to be those good and loving stewards of God’s gifts so that, atthe end of our lives, we may hear the Master say to us, “Welldone, good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:23).�

responsibilities, FROM PAGE 1

DISHONEST PRACTICES

HARM NOT ONLY

INDIVIDUALS, BUT

ALSO THE COMMON

GOOD OF SOCIETY. WE ONLY HAVE TO

THINK OF THE ROLE

THAT GREED AND FEAR

PLAYED IN BRINGING

ABOUT THE CURRENT

GLOBAL RECESSION.

MEMBER SHIP IN THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing)

Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals,

aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

holy day, FROM PAGE ONE

CIS BOOKLETS: THE SEVENTHAND TENTH COMMANDMENTSStealing and coveting the neighbor’s goods are the

only points of the seventh and tenth Commandments.

People of conscience admit that there is a violation of

these commandments that not only goes against the

natural law and the rule

of justice, but these vio-

lations threaten our per-

sonal security and

peace. Moreover, violat-

ing these command-

ments is contrary to the

will of God. Produced by

the Order’s Catholic In-

formation Service (CIS),

this booklet is part of the

Luke E. Hart Series based on the Catechism of the

Catholic Church. To obtain free copies of this and

other booklets, or to listen to it in MP3 format, visit the

CIS Web site, kofc.org/hart. Request printed copies

by writing: CIS, PO Box 1971, New Haven, CT

06521-1971.

LENTEN RECONCILIATIONChrist invites us to respond to

evil, first of all, with a serious

examination of conscience and

the commitment to purify our

lives. We, as Catholics, should

encourage and participate in

the frequent reception of the

sacrament of reconciliation —

especially as we enter into the

season of Lent. To assist our

members, their families and

other Catholics in receiving the

sacrament of reconciliation, the Supreme Council

Supply Department offers “A Guide to Confession.”

(#2075). This small flyer, written by Bishop William E.

Lori, provides a concise description of the sacrament

and offers preparatory

steps to receiving recon-

ciliation. It is available in

lots of 100 for $3. En-

courage your council to

obtain some of the pam-

phlets and have them

placed in Church

vestibules. Give the

cards to members of Rite

of Christian Initiation of

Adults (RCIA) and religious education classes. Make

them available to parishioners and all council mem-

bers. Promote the availability of the pamphlet through

your council in the parish bulletins. In addition, the

Knights of Columbus Catholic Information Service of-

fers the booklet “Penance” (#115) as part of its “How

Catholics Pray” section of The Luke E. Hart Series.

This booklet offers information on the definition of sin

and the sacrament of penance. For more information

on ordering copies of this booklet, or to read it online,

visit kofc.org/cis or write CIS, P.O. Box 1971, New

Haven, CT 06521-1971.

goes a long way. Those councils that aregiven the regular support and presence oftheir chaplain flourish, because a number ofbeneficial effects ensue.Through the nature of your office as

chaplain, you can offer great service to yourcouncil and your fellow Knights — andthrough them to the larger community. It is commonly accepted that the spiritual

element of council meetings has been takenfor granted, if not totally omitted. An open-ing and closing prayer, yes, but little else.Yes, it is a business meeting, but what busi-ness are we really about? It is very desirable, to the point of being

necessary, that you try to attend all councilmeetings. As we’ve said in past issues of thisnewsletter, work with your council officersto be able to give some spiritual formation atthe start of each council meeting. UseSupreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori’scolumn for this and make use of the studyquestions that you’ll find in this newsletter.Make this a discussion to stimulate members’interest in their faith, to get them talkingabout their spirituality, and to encouragethem to learn from each other and you. On Dec. 10, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI

made this statement:

“... today’s social and cultural contextis very different from the past and, al-though we may rejoice in the Lord forthe genuine and persisting faith of somany Christians, it is painful to notethe spread of a secularized view of lifeand the emergence of evils afflictingthe body public, which is threatenedby individualism.“Christians are called to work for

truth and to bear courageous witness tothe Gospel in all areas of life. Each indi-vidual can and must strive to ensure thatspiritual and ethical values, translatedinto life choices, make a decisive contri-bution to the creation of a more just andfraternal society. To this end we mustwork to create ... relationships of au-thentic charity which give concrete ex-pression to solidarity and service, so as toprovide alternative life examples that areaccessible to all and, at the same time,emblematic. ...“... In this way we will reinforce the

awareness that today, as always, the seedof the Kingdom of God is present andactive. A seed of the future, capable, ifwelcomed personally and generously, oftransforming even the most difficult sit-uations.”

Note how he uses the words charity, fra-ternity, solidarity, service. How apt forKnights.Along with providing spiritual formation

to members — by attending council meet-ings — you make yourself available to coun-cil officers and members who will often seekyour advice. When questions or issues arise,you’ll be immediately available. If yourcouncil is considering holding a specialevent at the parish, your presence will allowthem to discuss the matter and set a dateduring that meeting rather than have to waitto consult with you. Although it may not be readily apparent

to you, your presence at council meetingsadds greatly to the dignity and importanceof the meetings. At times there may be discussions on con-

troversial issues in which strong personalopinions and feelings may come into play.Your presence will help calm the situationand perhaps prompt members to considerleaving their harsh words unsaid. However,it must also be perfectly clear that the mem-bers feel free at all times to have honest ex-pression of thought and opinion. Yourexample of moderation will greatly con-tribute to the orderly conduct of discussions. Of course, there may be times that you

just cannot attend a council meeting due toschedule conflicts. In those cases, please tryto find a fellow priest who can cover for youat the meeting. If you have a substitute at-tending, be sure to let him know what youhave covered through spiritual formation inthe past and offer him suggestions on whathe should cover. Some councils have invitedthe lector to prepare the reflection when thechaplain cannot attend a particular meeting. What we would like to emphasize is the

fact that no council meeting should bedeemed complete without a spiritual reflec-tion or catechetical instruction. It does nothave to be all business.In many ways, you are an example to the

members of the Order’s spiritual focus, andthey will appreciate your presence. In addi-tion, it will give you a better understandingof member’s concerns. As chaplain, your being there at council

meetings and events will mean a great dealto your brother Knights. Thank you foryour concern and involvement.God bless and keep you.

REV. JOHN P. GRACE, O.S.A.DIRECTOR OF CHAPLAIN

PROGRAMS AND DEVELOPMENT

JOHN.GRACE@KOFC.ORG(203) 752-4263

participation, FROM PAGE 1

Pope Benedict XVI Receives Supreme Knight, Supreme Chaplain

Pope Benedict XVI received Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Supreme

Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori in a private audience at the Vatican, Dec. 17. On

behalf of the more than 1.8 million members of the Knights of Columbus,

Supreme Knight Anderson presented the pope with a gift of $1.6 million, repre-

senting this year’s earnings from the Order’s Vicarius Christi Fund, which was es-

tablished in 1981. Since it began, the fund has provided $48 million for the pope’s

personal charities and causes.

CHAPLAIN’Sreport1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326

PUBLISHED 12 TIMES A YEAR BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SUPREME COUNCIL1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326 � 203-752-4264 � KNIGHTLINE@KOFC.ORG

legacy from his theological contributions, to the work he did thathelped end Communism and brought freedom and unity to Europe,to his tremendous ability to connect with people anywhere in theworld, combined with a willingness to travel to them — all of these aretremendous accomplishments.” “But in the end, the beatification of Pope John Paul means that

Catholics, and indeed all people, have a model for the heroic virtue eachof us should strive to embody,” the supreme knight continued. “A loveof neighbor and defense of human dignity, a willingness to break downbarriers and to dialogue with people of other faiths, a willingness to for-give even the man who shot him, and the sincerity to ask for forgivenessfor himself and the Church. This was a man who taught us how to live,and in the twilight of his years taught us how to die. He was in his life,and remains now, a man for all people, and an example to us all.”For more on Pope John Paul II and the Knights of Columbus visit kofc.org.

beatification, FROM PAGE 1

‘Year for Priests’ Window DedicatedA new stained-glass window honoring priests was unveiled at Gate of Haven

Cemetery in East Hanover Township, N.J., last fall in celebration of the “Year

for Priests.” The window included an image of Knights of Columbus founder

Father Michael J. McGivney. Other priests portrayed surrounding an image

of Jesus Christ are St. John Vianney, Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark,

Msgr. Richard Groncki and Msgr. William B. Naedele. Members of the New

Jersey State Council and other Knights attended the dedication ceremony

that included a blessing of the window by Archbishop Myers.

The Knights of Columbus Book Club Discusses: The End and The Beginning: Pope John Paul II — The Victory ofFreedom, the Last Years, the Legacy In The End and The Beginning: Pope John Paul II —

The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy

(DoubleDay, 2010), author George Weigel provides a

sequel to his bestselling biography of Pope John Paul

II, Witness to Hope. Weigel relies on declassified Cold

War-era documents to reveal the pope’s struggle

against the evils of communism and offers an assess-

ment of the pontificate that definitively shaped history

and the Catholic Church. Please join us on Monday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. EST

for a live discussion of The End and The Beginning at kofc.org/bookclub.