Spotlight on a vocation

Brother Knight Robert Lippert, with his wife Lou, became the Resident Deacon of St Anthony Parish in Beckemeyer in August of 1999. He was born and reared in Mascoutah where he attended Holy Childhood Parish and Grade School. Later, he and his family moved to Belleville where he attended Cathedral High School. Bob earned his Degree in Psychology and minors in Philosophy and Public Speaking from St Louis University. His early work history included employment with Warner Brothers Records, Vestal, and Thermofax. In 1970 he began working as the Audio Visual Coordinator with the Collinsville School District, where he took an early retirement in 1996. In 1991 he began his lay ministry with Ministry Formation, and then started the process to become a deacon in 1993, being ordained in 1997. While being busy with a full time job, Bob was not only committed to his studies to become a deacon, but was busy with spearheading the Belleville Ecumenical Laypersons United (ELU) and served as the founding director of Belleville Ecumenical Action Caring for our Neighbor (Beacon) serving 1200 clients in the first year alone. Bob assisted at both St Clare Parish in O’Fallon and Cathedral Parishes prior to coming to Beckemeyer.

Bob and Lou have been blessed with a family of 5 children and 11 grandchildren, and feel welcomed and appreciated at St Anthony Parish as well as the surrounding communities. Bob and Lou enjoy an occasional day or overnight trip to a nearby park or  culturally diverse area. Lou just loves being a Red Hat Lady or playing Canasta.

Bob has a deep conviction to follow God’s instruction in his life. He gave several examples of how God’s Word has directed him to his current vocation. The space here would not give his examples adequate exposure, so just ask him about the “purple plant” from the Bahamas, his experience at a Cursillo or reconstructing a multi-media exhibit at the Shrine of our Lady of the Snows.

Thank you Brother Knight Bob and family for following God’s directions and serving the Clinton County Catholic Communities especially St Anthony and St Augustine Parishes, All Saints Academy and Mater Dei High School. You are a great example of a true Catholic gentleman. The Breese Council is proud to be able to say that you are a fellow Knight!

Family Picnic

The Family Picnic was enjoyed by all in attendance, young and not so young alike. Chairman and Deputy Grand Knight Kurt Zurliene did a great job of planning the event and supervising the meal preparations and serving line, with the help of PGK Doug Kuhl and Warden Ray Brosch. Chancellor Bob Foote made sure there were plenty of cold refreshments. Family Program Chairman Tony Antonacci and family organized and conducted numerous children’s games. Don Deiters, Lois Toennies and Ahren Langhauser, solved the clues and won the adult prizes. Too bad more members and their families couldn’t have joined us.

Toot Toot Tootsie HELLO!!!!

With the work of many, we reached our Mentally Retarded/Learning Disabilities Goal!

Hats off to Chairman Jim Schulte and assistant Ray Brosch on running a successful Tootsie Roll Drive. A special thanks to all the generous businesses for their donations, location captains, the Breese Squires and those members who worked a shift. A big thank you to those members who worked more than one shift or just pitched in even though they weren’t scheduled! United, we achieved our goal!

Membership

Don’t forget to get those Form 100's (membership applications) filled out and submitted as soon as possible. There is a First Degree Scheduled for 7:15 PM, Thursday October 14, just prior to our regular meeting. Please give the Grand Knight a call if you have any applications ready or have any questions!

Mater Dei and Okawville Wheatfest Parades

Members of Breese, and some of the other Councils of the North Central Deanery, participated in both parades. The weather and the reception were both warm. Thanks to all who participated and to all that said Hi!

Family Day at the Ball Park

A delightful day was enjoyed by more than a bus load of fans from Breese Council at the Knights of Columbus Day at Busch Stadium. The graduating grade school servers and Squires were our guests on the motor coach and game on September 19. Thanks to Council Treasurer Mike Niemeyer for chairing this event again, which came off without a hitch.

Harvestfest Food Stand

Thanks to all who worked their shifts on October 1 and 2  “under the tent” at 4^th and Main in Breese. The co-chairmen: Leo Lammers, R Joe Richter and Ray Brosch did a great job of planning and presenting community project. Proceeds from the sandwich sales will be designated to a community project or other community organization at our next meeting. An added thanks to the Clinton County Electric Cooperative for the use of the location and a garage for storage, The Germantown Kernel Nut Club for the use of their large gas grill, the City of Breese for the use of their picnic tables, The Breese Chamber of Commerce for allowing us to continue this event, Varel Tents for the large tent and to R Joe Richter for providing his large griddle.

Southern Friendship Mass and Dinner

Over 25 couples, representing Breese Council, were on hand for the Mass and Dinner honoring Past Grand Knight Jerry Jansen as 1 of 5 Knights of the Year in the Belleville Diocese on October 2. Jerry was toasted (along with some roasting) by Past Grand Knight Mike Nettemeier, with some gifts and surprises presented by your Grand Knight.

Again, thanks to Jerry (AKA Tony?) for all his work and support of the Breese Council over the years, which includes being Bingo Chairman for nearly 25 years. Thanks to all who were able to attend this celebration at O’Fallon and a special “pat on the back” to Mike Nettemeier and his contributors for giving Jerry an interesting “toast” in behalf of our council.

Pro-life Chain and Breakfast

Breese Knights were busy on October 3 with working and attending the North Central Deanery Pro-life Benefit Breakfast, held this year in Okawville, and the Pro-life chains held that afternoon. Thanks to all who made the Knight’s Pro-life conviction evident!

Breese Council officers attend officer training

Some of our officers attended a training session at Mt Vernon on October 3, presented by the State KofC Academy staff. The afternoon was very productive with presentations dealing with officer responsibilities and planning strategies.

Vocation Raffle Tickets

Today our church needs you and your family more than ever. The Catholic population is growing and the priests and religious are working harder and longer hours to provide for our spiritual needs. It is our privilege and duty to encourage religious vocations by providing the assistance in their educational and personal expenses. So why not help our council and the vocations program by purchasing the enclosed raffle book, with prizes of over $20,000 in cash. The raffle book sells for $15.00 or $1.00 per ticket. Please return your book in the envelop provided, or drop off at the Hall by December 31, 2004. Contact Mike Nettemeier at 526-4997 for additional books or questions. Additional books are also available at the hall.

The Moral Responsibilities of Voters

The Breese Council will be hosting a presentation by Gregory R. Beabout,. Ph. D. and Associate Professor at St Louis University, at the hall on October 24 at 6 PM. The presentation, which is open to the public, will discuss issues for you to be prepared to make a decision before you vote that promotes the dignity of every human life by having an informed conscience. This presentation should be attended by anyone of high school age or older. This is not a political rally, as the Knights of Columbus does not endorse any political party or candidate.

Priesthood Sunday

October 31 has been designated as National Priesthood Sunday by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. Brother Knights should  thank the Priests, especially on that day, for their commitment and vocation.

Texas Hold-em Tournament to benefit Newman

Shane Bowen, our Newman Chairman for this year, has tentatively scheduled a Texas Hold-em Tournament for Saturday November 27. A Charitable Games License from the Illinois Department of Revenue will be granted prior to that evening. More details will be contained in next month’s news letter.

Knight of the Month:

Jim Schulte for all his planning and work on the recent MRLD Drive, along with his work on Lightning Rounds almost every Friday Night. Jim is always ready to help and does a lot of work behind the scenes. Thanks again for all you do!

Family of the Month:

The Tony Antonacci Family for all they do for the Knights and their parish. The Antonaccis spent a lot of time and effort in developing and working some very interesting games for the youngsters at the recent Family Picnic. Tony is a regular on one of our chicken crews. Hats off to the Antonacci Family!

In Memoriam:

Remember departed Brother Charles Boeckmann and his family in your prayers, who went on to his eternal reward on September 9, 2004 at the age of 72. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace, Amen.

Building Manager retires

Brother Knight Dan Lampe, K of C building manager for 35 years, retired effective 9-30-04. Best wishes to Dan and wife Ruth on their retirement with a big thank you for all their years of service. Congratulation and best wishes to Brother Knight Carl Ratermann, as he assumes the duties as the new building manager.

Lounge Hours are extended

The Lounge at the Hall, which is open to the public, will now be open on Sundays from Noon till ? Along with having the TVs being tuned to the big game or race, “$1.50 Long Necks” will also be available! Bring your friends and family!

Thought for the Month:

Letting the cat out of the bag is much easier than putting it back!

October

            14 - Initiation 7:15 PM and Regular Meeting 8:00 PM

            17 - Chapter meeting @ Marion

            24 - Presentation: The Moral Responsibilities of Voters

            31 - K of C Priesthood Sunday

November

            2 - Vote

            7 - Memorial Mass - 9:00 AM, St Augustine

            11 - Veteran’s Day Parade - Beckemeyer

            11 - Scheduled Regular Meeting - 8:00 PM

            21 - Annual Pork Sausage Dinner, Breese KofC Hall

            23 - Turkeys to SIUC Newman Center

            27 - (Tentative) Texas Hold-em Tournament

            28 - Major Degree St Mary’s Parish Center, Trenton

CONTACT INFORMATION

Web Site: www.breeseknights.com

Grand Knight:

Joe Langhauser

            P.O. Box 5, Breese, IL 62230

grandknight@breeseknights.com

Daytime: 526-4277

            Evenings: 523-8189

Financial Secretary:

Cyril Athmer

P.O. Box 124

            Breese, IL 62230

Ph 526-0221

Hall Manager and Hall Rentals:

Call Carl Ratermann at

(now with 24/7 answering machine)