Chaplain’s Report – January 2024
We all do this at some level, right? When the new year comes, we make commitments or resolutions to change our life. We resolve to lose weight, to do something new, or any other hope or desire that we have. And, it is well documented now, that many of these resolutions come and go by the time February arrives.
Our renewal as Knights of Columbus is not tied to the change of a calendar, but rather to moments of sacredness Through water and fire, we are claimed by Jesus Christ in our baptism and then are confirmed and sealed in that faith through the Holy Spirit in our confirmation. In marriage, man and woman become one and they are changed. The sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacred moment to receive God’s forgiveness and absolution, where we are called over and over to be renewed and we recommit to our Gospel way of life. And our sacramental life is fulfilled at the altar of the Lord, where the Eucharist is the renewable sacrament of baptism, where we affirm that Christ is Lord with our reception of the Eucharist and our response of “Amen.”
As your chaplain and brother knight, I want to not only challenge you, but also accompany you in this year to grow in your relationship to Jesus Christ and His Church. The calendar that our worthy Grand Knight John Swan put together has already highlighted a few events that you can attend, but throughout this year, there will be other opportunities to personally enrich your faith. Br. Steve Kropp is committed to working with us at Capuchin Retreat Center to provide a day of pilgrimage to the Solanus Casey Center. During Lent, we will provide a meal and reflection on Wednesday evenings. I am committed to providing accessible opportunities, along with some unique ones, to grow deeper in your faith. This is something we’re called to do as Knights, as Catholics, and as brothers of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t have to be because it’s a new year, it can be just because we need to experience that renewal in ourselves.
At the time of Pentecost, Peter preached to the people about the glory of Jesus Christ and his promise of salvation. The first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles is St. Peter’s evangelization, after being filled with the Holy Spirit.
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”
“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
With 2024 upon us, and it being another year where we need to remain close to God in the midst of everything that is happening in our world, we have the opportunity to not merely make a resolution but to be moved towards conversion once again. Personally, I am working this year to be more available to offer the sacraments in Arabic. Your goals don’t have to be as lofty, but they should stretch you and mold you into a better Catholic and a better man for the world.
Together, we can bring in the new year by building up the best versions of ourselves, united with Christ.
Sincerely Yours in Christ
Fr. Vito Martinez, OFM Cap.
Director – Capuchin Retreat Center
Chaplain, Council #7018
