St Mary of the Lakes Council
Medford, NJ
Amid these troubled times of COVID-19, many are anxious and lonely. But in these last days of Advent, we hear the angel’s words to Mary, “Do not be afraid!”. Wishing our brother Knights and their families a blessed and joy-filled Christmas.~B
Blood Drive -New date @ Sat Mar 20, 2021 9am - 2pm (EDT)
Brothers,
My apologies for the delay in getting out this newsletter. The holidays and All of the Knights events have kept me from forming a solid thought in my head. Now, that it is the night before the night before, I wanted to fill you in on what we have accomplished in my first 4 months of a Pandemic filled term as Grand Knight, and I couldn’t have been any prouder of our Council!
Before I go on, I wanted to explain the meaning of the picture on page one. Everyone knows the story of Jesus and the footprints, where he carries us when we are in need. Well, this fall and winter we have been that footprint for many people in need!
We have gone over and above expectations of what we thought we could accomplish in September looking ahead. With God’s help and with some creative thinking of our officers and council and Father Dan, we managed to carry out many of the events that were on our agenda and brought smiles to many faces this fall and holiday season.
We have had more than our share of volunteers for every event. The Ladies Auxiliary got involved and filled in where needed, and we even had events where other councils contributed. This Pandemic has brought out the best in people it seems. There has been so much need that everyone wanted to get involved in some way. Our Parish’s outpouring of generosity was overwhelming from donated food and clothing, to dedication trees, to monetary donations and the list goes on.
I want to wish everyone who reads this newsletter all of God’s blessings this Christmas and a Healthy, successful and Happy 2021. Let’s all pray for an end to the Pandemic this year and getting back to some sense of normalcy. Let’s also keep our Priests and Church in your prayers as they struggle to minister to our parish and continuing to spread God’s good news .
Yours in Christ, Bill Mazzio, Grand Knight
Brothers
I would like to thank all of you who volunteered to hand out Poinsettias this weekend. We had over 40 volunteers at the masses and it was such a feel good moment for all.
The flowers were so well received by our parishioners and it was so enjoyable seeing the smiles on their faces as we handed them the flowers and a Holy family holy card.
This was a very difficult year, but our parish has been so generous to all of our causes and this was our way of saying Thank you!
I would like to thank Rick Feighery for putting the delivery together so quickly and overseeing the event.
Have a wonderful advent week!
Yours in Christ
Bill Mazzio
Brothers all and Ladies of the Auxiliary!
Where do I begin? Last night's tree lighting ceremony was an amazing event and I think the best so far! Attendance was up and people stayed and mingled at the firepits after the event. Santa looked refreshed after locking down for Covid all year and anxious to get out! The Ladies Auxiliary made sanitized Hot chocolate and the individually packed cookies were gobbled up quickly.
We also had a special honoree for lighting the trees this year, PGK Don Bouchard's grandson Hudson, (seen in the picture below with Santa) who not only lit the trees perfectly but we appointed him as Council 6520's Mascot! Welcome to our Council Hudson!
Santa even had a new ride, a tricked out Golf Cart provided by our own Chancellor Scott Lattimer who had fun driving everyone around. (Thank you). Father Dan had fun with the children of the parish having them select the 50/50 winners and blessing the trees. The 1st place winner received over 7000.00 this year. Winners will be announced in the bulletin.
Brothers, you all stepped up again last night as we had plenty of volunteers to put out cones, tables, pick up fallen ornaments and stoke the firepits. My many thanks. Ladies of the Auxiliary, thank you thank you thank you. You always take our events up a notch, tying a bow on everything we do and making it sparkle.
Lastly,this event would not be so successful without the tireless work of the Scheffold family. They basically live at the Church and live and breathe this event for almost a month before the it goes off. Even their daughter Rebecca was a constant presence at all functions. Please make sure to thank them when you see them. This event has galvanized our parish community and Bill's vision was the start of it all. This is really why we need to hear from all of our brothers with any new ideas! It is our life blood.
If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me. There were a lot of moving parts to pull this off, so I may have missed someone. Thank you Father Dan for your continuing support of all of our events. It does not go unnoticed by the GK.
My thanks to all of you and it was a great kickoff to the Christmas Season!
Yours in Christ!
Bill Mazzio
The Red Cross has been making a humanitarian impact for more than 130 years, and has been collecting blood for over 70 of those years. We can all be part of something important when we work with the Red Cross to strengthen the blood supply and give back to our community.
We are excited to partner with the American Red Cross on 3/20/2021 Friday for 2:00 to 7:00 PM at the Emmaus Center.
Sign up via the link below:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/mydrives.html/drive/1-BLNBZEN
The Knights of Columbus of St Mary of the Lakes is leading the blood drive for us and will be sending out more information soon. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Bill Mazzio about joining the team, or reach out to me with any questions you may have. My email is williammazzio@yahoo.com or call or text me at 609-458-0704.
There are many ways you can help, but most importantly we hope you come out to donate.
Right to Life Rose Sales ( to be announced)
March for Life Bus trip (to be announced)
Deceased Knights Mass 1/24 @ 9:00 AM Mass
March 2021 Blood Drive
March 2021 Polar Bear Plunge
November 2021 Wine Tasting
The Knights of Columbus are selling bricks that will be placed along the walkways and as well in the shape of two (2) Crosses that will be placed entering the church from the back parking lot. Not only can you help us and the church, but you have the opportunity leave an impression that will last forever. You can have the bricks inscribed with the names of your family, an anniversary, a special event or a deceased loved one by getting a brick to commemorate their legacy. It's also a great way for people to always see your businesses and be reminded of your support among the community. Time is limited, spaces are filling up, don't miss your chance to get a brick and leave a legacy that will last a lifetime. The cost is $125 for a 4x8 brick and $175 for a 8x8 brick. Add $25 for clip art and mini replica bricks are available for an additional $35. Samples of the bricks can be found by the Jackson Road entrance or in the back of the Church along with order forms. For more info go to Brick Fundraiser page.
Knights and their families in Medford, N.J., have answered the call to leave no neighbor behind. “I am sure proud of my dad for being in the Knights of Columbus. It’s a good opportunity to give back all that we’ve gotten from God,” says Jude Vellaringattu. WATCH
As food continued to pour into the trailer at an amazing rate, Brother Sean Gallagher had his scout troop collect cans and non perishables, which completely filled up the trailer. Thank you Shawn!
Dedication Christmas Trees - enough said.
State Deputy Vinnie Tavormina, Charlie Kojeski, John Ingram and family, The Heister Family, Ann Minnium, Missy Mazzio, Jim Burke, Linda Xerri, The Bouchard Family, Bob Nixon Sr., Jeff Failing, Susan Ann Benoit, Pat Plantier; Charlie Kojeski's Nephew Dave, Richard Moken; Rick Sander; Ed Martino; Rita "Angel" Gatto; Bill Ross ; Ed Mann; PGK Don Bouchard; Bob Casian; Mrs Annette Gullo; Ken Bill; Dom Golato; Tim Fitzpatrick; Jack Pensabene; Hudson Wingate; John Dunn;
Medical Professionals
Police officers