THE
NOVEMBER 2010
Compass
EST. AUG. 3, 1902
The Journey to Heaven
E very November we pray for our
departed loved ones. Someday, I
hope someone will be praying for me.
We all are going to die, and what I want
to do is explore with you what happens
in death, before death and after death.
Life is a journey from birth until
death. It is a journey to the Father. The
whole of Christian life is like a pilgrim-
age to the home of the Father. Where are
we on our journey? Are we on the right
road? Have we taken a detour? Is God
truly our destiny? If not, we better turn
around!

The last
faithful
human act
that we per- friar’s
form is our focus
last breath.
It is the moment of truth; where we de-
cide to accept or reject God! The way we
live our life will give weight to that deci-
sion of either accepting or rejecting God.
What we have become in Christ at that
moment is what we take into eternity.
“No one comes to the Father,” Jesus says,
“except through me.”
Eternity is either heaven or hell.
Purgatory is a process. From my point of
view, it begins in sickness and culminates
in death. It is a process of purification. It
is that state of existence between death
and heaven in which one is purified
from any obstacle to that full enjoyment
of that eternal union with our God. It
completes the process of sanctification.
The Catholic doctrine of purgatory ar-
ticulates the opportunity for the Chris-
tian community for intercessory prayer
for those who have gone before us. It is
simply a transitional, spiritual state of
being.
(Continued on Page 2)
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697
VOLUME LVII NO. V
Knights of Columbus Council 697
Remembering our Saints & Holy Souls
N ovember is a month set
aside for remembering our
beloved dead, both the saints in
the glory of Heaven and the Holy
Souls undergoing purification in
Purgatory. As Knights, we have a
rich spiritual legacy in those who
have gone before us in faith.
We don’t know how many
Racine Knights of Columbus enlisted in the Racine ambulance
have left this world in the Lord’s company in 1917, just as he
friendship. The number is likely finished high school. He went to
in the thousands. war two months after becoming
The first death in Council 697 a Knight. He died at Chaumont,
was Peter Kohlmann Sr., who died France in September 1918 after
in September 1902, just six weeks two months at the front in WWI.
after the Council was founded. We remember them all, and
In the more than 108 years since, ask them to pray for us. Pray
there have been many, many that we may live up to the holy
more. Our founders. World War I call of Father
hero dead. Long, well-lived lives, Michael J.
and lives cut short by tragedy. McGivney.
There was Clarence McLaugh- Some have
lin and John Rowan, two promis- suggested we
ing 24-year-old Knights killed in should not in- grand
a horrific accident involving a car clude former knight’s
and a Milwaukee-Racine-Kenosha members of message
interurban train in 1916. And our Council 697
holy priests, such as Msgr. Wit- in our remembrances. I disagree.
kowiak, Msgr. Weiler and Msgr. In life we may not be equal, but
Henry J. Schmitt, who served as in death we certainly are. The
chaplain and faithful friar. Communion of Saints calls us to
We remember U.S. Army Lt. pray for our brothers and sisters,
Edmund Collins, the Council and to seek their intercession.
lecturer, killed by sniper fire near May God bless them all for
Archangel, Russia in March 1919. their lives of faith. Vivat Jesus!
And fresh-faced Jack Clancy, who — Joe Hanneman
NOV. 25 NOV. 28 DEC. 7
THANKS ADVENT LIGHT UP
GIVING BEGINS FOR CHRIST
WWW.KOFC697.ORG RACINE, WISCONSIN
 November 2010

Notes from the Third Degree Notes from the Fourth Degree
• There will not be an official Council 697 Christmas • At the October Assembly meeting, all officers were
party in 2010. There are a number present except Joe Hanneman (excused), John Murphy
of informal gathering of Knights (excused) and Bill Wehnert (absent).
and Ladies in the works, and those • A letter of thanks was received
groups will publicize their own from the Supreme Master for our
events. We will work toward an all- contribution to the basilica shrine in
family Christmas event for 2011. A Washington, D.C.
party for Knights, Ladies, children • We received a number of thanks

COUNCIL 697
MSGR. STANLEY B. WITKOWIAK
and grandchildren. and requests for free flags.
• Council 697 donated $100
RAC IN E , WI S CO N S I N
• Faithful Comptroller William
to help sponsor a new radio pro- Frayer reports 85 members.
gram featuring Archbishop Jerome • Fourth Degree raffle tickets will go
Listecki. Councils from throughout the archdiocese out with the 2011 dues notice.
pledged $3,300 to make the Knights a program sponsor. • We have five couples paid for the
Tri-Assembly dance so far.
• SK Tom Goetz stated that we
Seeing the face of God in eternity donated 40 gift certificates @ $5 each last year for the
veterans Christmas party. This year they are trying to get
(Continued from Page 1)
money toward the purchase of an entertainment device.
Hell is not a process, but a state of existence. If one The Assembly will donate $200.
rejects God, he/she enters a state of nothingness that • The Keep Christ in Christmas letters have gone out
leads you to eternal loneliness. It is the eternal loss of to other assemblies and councils to raise money for the
God. television ads. Donors will be listed on the Knights for
As humans, we are free and can turn away from God Christmas Web site. Last year it cost us $650. Moved by
and refuse to enter a relationship of love. This denial, SK Dretzka, second by SK Goetz to donate $300. After
or refusal, is the heart of sin. Sin is death! It is the death discussion, motion carried.
of a relationship. This denial is the ultimate reason why • SK Frayer reported on the plans to erect the Nativity
hell is possible. I believe God doesn’t send you to hell. creche on Monument Square. The concert is planned for
One chooses to go to hell. 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. The creche will be installed


God didn’t create hell; the faithful Dec. 8. In the past we’ve donated $100 toward the costs.
sinner did. Hell can best
friar’s
be conceived as the state Sentiments for seminarians needed
of being utterly alone, in a focus This is a tremendously appreciated program to pro-
self-chosen isolation. vide seminarians around the state with personal items
Heaven is not a place. It too, is a state of existence. such as gift cards, gas cards, toothbrushes, toothpaste,
It is the perfect and final completion of human life in mouthwash, after
union with God. It is a state of ecstasy; a union of the shave, shaving
Lover with the Beloved. Heaven is the result of accep- cream, razors, anti-
tance of God’s grace in one’s life. The human person is perspirant, soap,
taken up into the glory of God, which bears the name of shampoo, winter
“heaven.” Heaven is a state of being where we will enjoy hats, gloves, scarves,
our union with God and all those whom we have loved storage bags, glass
in this life. Our humanity is immersed into Divinity, cleaner, etc. These
which becomes the Beatific Vision. We no longer ap- are things they can
proach God through faith, but see Him face to face! really use since they
I do believe in heaven, hell and purgatory. It is a are not paid, can’t
mystery in which I have tried to share with you my un- have a job, don’t have vacations, etc. If you can help col-
derstanding of the doctrines of our Church. lect/donate items, contact DD Bill Frayer, Grand Knight
— Father Richard Molter Joe Hanneman or any Council 697 officer by Dec. 4.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697 WWW.KOFC697.ORG RACINE, WISCONSIN

November 2010
Coats for Kids events planned
Council 697 and generous individual Brother
Knights have put up more than $1,000 to launch the
Council 697 Coats for Kids program for the winter
2010-11 season. New winter coats have been ordered
from Supreme
Council and
a ts for Kid
giveaway events are
being organized at
o listeners as “Father Rocky.”
C
s
the HALO home-
less shelter and
other sites. We are
looking for corporate support for the Coats for Kids pro-
gram. If you know of local companies that might assist
our efforts, contact Grand Knight Joe Hanneman.
Christmas TV campaign expands
Our annual Keep Christ in Christmas television cam-
paign will be broadcast throughout the Archdiocese of
Milwaukee in December thanks to support from Knights
councils in Racine, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Wal-
worth, Washington and Waukesha counties.
A 30-second TV spot, aired last year in the Racine-
Kenosha market of Time Warner Cable, will this year ap-
pear on Time Warner networks throughout southeastern
Wisconsin. The commercial features artwork from the
Knights of Columbus Incarnation Dome at the Basilica
of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washing-
ton, D.C. The broadcast schedule will be published on
the Council 697 Web site, www.kofc697.org.
Attend ‘That Man Is You’ 2011
Plan now to take part in the winter/spring semester of
“That Man Is You,” the inspir-
ing men’s leadership program
now underway at McGivney
Hall. The spring program, with
a Lenten theme, will run from
5:45-7:30 a.m. on Thursdays
from Jan. 27 through April 21.
The sessions start with
fellowship and a continental
breakfast, followed by a DVD
presentation and small group
discussion. The DVD sessions
are hosted by Steve Bollmer of
Houston, founder of Paradisus Dei, an outreach that
supports Christian marriage and family life.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697
Men of Christ conference Feb. 19
Mark Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 on your calendars for
the annual Men of Christ conference at the Milwaukee
Theater. The 2011 conference, “Putting on the Armor
of God,” will feature speakers including Deacon Harold
Burke-Sivers, Father Wade Menezes CPM, John Pridmore
and Father Francis Hoffman, known to Relevant Radio
Pridmore’s talk, “From Gangland to the Promised
Land,” will detail his journey from the criminal under-
world of London to his conversion to the Catholic faith.
Father Menezes will present a “reality check” on the Last
Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell. For more infor-
mation, go to the MOC Web site, www.menofchrist.net.
News In Brief
 Thanks to all Knights, Ladies and family members
who attended the Knights of Columbus Memo-
rial Mass at St. Lucy on Nov. 6. A new Memento
Mori book was placed at the altar during Mass. The
book contains more than 1,000 names of Racine-area
Knights who have died since 1902. The Mass was said
in memory of Third and Fourth Degree Knights and
Ladies of Columbus who died since November 2009:
John G. Brinkman, Matthew J. Keefe, Raymond D.
Larsen, Robert J. Lentz, James R. Maddocks, Dr.
Jerome Michna, Eugene C. Nixa, Arlene M. Olson,
Rose C. Recupero and Lois M. Wood.
 There is still time to purchase a 2011 Entertainment®
book and support the Council 697 charity fund. To
purchase a book, contact Rollie Dretzka at 554-8851.
 Great faith resources on audio CD are available
through the family of a Brother
Knight. Lighthouse Catholic
Media has more than 140 audio
titles, including “The True Mean-
ing of Christmas” by Archbishop
Fulton Sheen, “Finding the Full-
ness of Faith” by Steve Ray, and
a special Advent collection. Learn
more about the CDs at www.
lighthousecatholicmedia.org. To order, contact account
representative Diane Jacobson: mthw1720@wi.rr.com.
 Welcome to the newest members of Council 697:
Mike Chuchara and Randy Jacobson of St. Lucy,
Rick Sertuche of St. Rita and James Ostrowski.
WWW.KOFC697.ORG RACINE, WISCONSIN
 November 2010

District Deputy news and notes Pray for the sick and in distress
Deacon Russ — Congratulations to Deacon Russ Remember in your prayers: Father Paul Daniels, Clyde
Missureli, 4th Degree Knight, for his Serra Club honors Sustachek, Dr. Ray Skupniewicz, Frank Feil, Chet Lesko-
and 90th birthday. Thanks to the Honor Guard and all wicz, Helen Leskowicz and all
who attended the Oct. 19 dinner honoring him. who are in ill health.
Raffle and Awards — I have We express our sincere
received the Charity Raffle tick- sympathy to Jane and the
ets and the Columbian Award family of Sir Knight Gene
plaque the Council earned for Nixa, the family of Lois Wood
2009-10 programming. I’ll soon (widow of late SK Ray Wood),
present them to the Council. and the family of Rose Recu-
Life Savers for Life — pero (widow of late Brother
Thanks to all who helped in any DISTRICT 67 Knight Russel F. Recupero).
way with the Lifesavers for Life Gene, Lois and Rose passed
program. It was a good first try in spite of some glitches away recently. May they rest in
in the process. The program was well received, the the eternal peace of Christ.
money will be used and it’ll go even better in 2011. (To add or remove someone from the list, contact John
Racine Hosts Diocesan Contests — We will be Shelby, Bill Frayer or Joe Hanneman.)
hosting the Diocesan Knowledge and Free Throw Con- Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for Us!
test in March and a 2nd/3rd Degree Exemplification in
March as well. — Bill Frayer

Ladies of Columbus report Turning to Christ this Advent

• The first meeting of 2010-11 was held with only 12 My Dear Brother Knights,
members at McGivney Hall. Let us pledge to be active This is the season of Advent, a time of preparation for
members of our auxiliary during the coming year, so we Christmas and a New Year. It is a time to put Christ into
continue to grow and prosper. Christmas and above all to put Christ into Yourself, your
• It is important that you read the Compass! It is a Family, your Church and Country.
great way to communicate with our members. What does it mean to put Christ into someone or
• We trust that the ladies who do not belong to the something? Think about it. You can do it. You can ac-
auxiliary will take an interest in us. Plan to attend our cept Christ. You
meetings and/or activities to learn more about the Ladies did it at Baptism.
of Columbus. We welcome all of you! I’m sure you will Words You affirmed it
feel right at home and make new friends. of in Confirma-
• Christmas bells will be ringing soon. Our annual tion. You received
luncheon will be held Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the Summit Wisdom Christ in the
Restaurant – 11:30 A.M. social time and 12:30 lunch. Rt. Rev. Msgr.
Holy Eucharist.
Please send your checks for $15.00 to Treasurer Barb Stanley B. You accepted His
Pippenger, 1437 Hickory Way, Racine, WI 53405-1713, Witkowiak forgiveness in Pen-
by Dec. 1. Your check is your reservation! This is a great ance. You received
time to bring friends and family. Please bring a wrapped His blessing in Marriage and you await His help at the
white elephant gift for exchange. last moment of your life.
• Our bake sale will be held Dec. 17-18 at Educators How privileged, how fortunate are we Christians.
Credit Union, 1300 90th St., Sturtevant. Sale starts at How truly blessed are we Brother Knights, who in a
9 a.m. and runs until we are sold out. We need to stock special way are dedicated to God and Country, through
our treasury, so let’s all bake something for this event. Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Get a little
• Pray for Gail Otwaska’s quick recovery from surgery. closer to Christ during this Advent season so that on
May you enjoy a time of blessings with family this Christmas Day, you and Christ will be one.
Thanksgiving. God Bless! – Joyce Junge May our Lord, Jesus Christ, bless you and yours.
[From the December 1976 issue of The Compass]

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697 WWW.KOFC697.ORG RACINE, WISCONSIN

November 2010

Light up for Christ on Dec. 7 Keep Christ in Christmas events

The Knights of Columbus will begin the Christmas We will be making Keep Christ in Christmas yard
season on the first Tuesday of December (Dec. 7) with signs, magnets, and window clings available again this
the annual “Light Up for Christ” celebration. Coun- year. Start planning a weekend to have them for sale at
cils and families your parish!
throughout the The Nativity Creche is set up at Don Veselik’s home.
Order are invited We need Knights to spend a couple hours there to go
to light a Nativ- over the electrical wiring, do some touch-up painting, etc.
ity scene and/or Contact Bill Frayer if you can help.
Christmas tree at We plan to set up the Creche at 10 a.m. on Wednes-
8:00 p.m. local day, Dec. 8 on Monument Square. The Children’s Con-
time. The ceremo- cert will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 on Monument
nial lighting of Square. Plan to help out with these events!
the Christmas tree is just part of the celebration; other
activities can accompany it, such as caroling, collecting Archdiocese of Milwaukee
clothing and food for the needy, or serving snacks and www.archmil.org
refreshments to commemorate the event.
Milwaukee Catholic Herald
www.chnonline.org
Abp. Listecki to host life vigil Fathers for Good
Pope Benedict XVI asks all the Bishops worldwide to www.fathersforgood.org
hold a special prayer vigil for human life on Nov. 27. In catholic Catholic Information Service
response, Archbishop Jerome Listecki will hold a special resources www.kofc.org
vigil service and you are invited. Bring your family and
friends. Presider: Most Rev. Jerome Listecki, Archbishop The Holy See Magnificat Daily readings, prayers
of Milwaukee. Includes: Adoration of the Blessed Sacra- www.vatican.va www.magnificat.net
ment, Evening Prayer, Prayers for Life, Rosary, Benedic- Catholic Answers Relevant Radio
tion. Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. www.catholic.com www.relevantradio.com
The vigil will be hosted by St. Anthony Church at Holy Hill Shrine Encourage Priests
South 9th Street and Mitchell Street in Milwaukee. A www.holyhill.com www.encouragepriests.org
simple reception will follow the service.

Council 697 Grand Knight George E. Jansta looks on as Santa talks to a youngster at the council’s
Looking Back annual Christmas party in the mid-1950s. The Christmas party was a tradition from the early days
of Council 697. In addition to families, the party often played host to orphans from Taylor Home.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697 WWW.KOFC697.ORG RACINE, WISCONSIN
 November 2010

NOVEMBER 2010 DECEMBER 2010

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31

08 Kaycee Ltd. board, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m. 02 That Man Is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m.
09 Dartball vs. Christ Church, @St. John Nep., 6:30 p.m. 04 K of C Night at the Milwaukee Bucks
11 That Man is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m. 04 Veterans Christmas Party, Union Grove
11 Council 697 officers mtg., McGivney Hall, 6:30 p.m. 06 Kaycee Ltd. board, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m.
11 Council 697 business mtg., McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m. 07 Ladies Christmas Luncheon, the Summit, 11:30 a.m.
11 Veterans Day (fly your flag proudly!) 07 Light Up for Christ, 8:00 p.m.
12 Charity Card Party, St. Lucy Hall, 6:00-11:30 p.m. 08 Nativity Creche setup, Monument Square, 10:00 a.m.
14 2nd/3rd Degree Exemplification, Hales Corners 08 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
16 Dartball at St. Patrick, 6:30 p.m. 09 That Man Is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m.
18 That Man is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m. 09 Council 697 officers mtg., McGivney Hall, 6:30 p.m.
18 1st/2nd Degree exemp, McGivney Hall, 7:00 p.m. 09 Council 697 business mtg., McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m.
20 Tri-Assembly Formal, Kenosha Country Club, 5:30 p.m. 12 Children’s concert, 2-4 p.m., Monument Square
22 Assembly 1207 meeting, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m. 16 That Man Is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m.
23 Deadline for December Compass articles 16 1st/2nd Degree exemp, McGivney Hall, 7:00 p.m.
25 Thanksgiving Day (enjoy with friends and family!) 17/ Ladies bake sale, Educators Credit Union, Sturtevant,
18 9 a.m. until sold out
27 Respect Life Vigil with Archbishop Listecki, 5:00 p.m.,
18 Christmas basket distribution, St. Ed’s, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
St. Anthony Church, Milwaukee
25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
FUTURE REFERENCE 27 Assembly 1207 meeting, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m.
29 District 67 officers meeting, Kenosha, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 1, 2011 — Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 31 New Year’s Eve open house, McGivney Hall, 8 p.m.
Jan. 21-25, 2011 — Bus trip to D.C., March for Life
THE
Jan. 22, 2011 — Knowledge and Free Throw Contest
Jan. 24, 2011 — 4th Degree/3rd Degree Dinner
Jan. 27, 2011 — That Man is You! spring semester begins
Compass Knights of Columbus Council 697

Published 12 times per year by Msgr. S.B. Witkowiak Council 697

Jan. 30, 2011 — Corporate Communion, TBA McGivney Hall, 2516 Winthrop Ave., Racine, Wisconsin 53403
www.kofc697.org compass@kofc697.org
Feb. 19, 2011 — Men of Christ Conference, Milwaukee
Editor ....................................................................... Bill Frayer
Feb. 19-April 3, 2011 — Bowling Tournament, Green Bay Chaplain ............................................Rev. Richard Molter
March 5, 2011 — Diocesan Knowledge/Free Throw, Racine 3rd Degree ................... Joe Hanneman, Stan Fortuna
4th Degree .....................................Jim Sisak, John Shelby
March 9, 2011 — Ash Wednesday
History.................................. Joe Hanneman, Bill Frayer
April 17, 2011 — Palm Sunday Kaycee Limited ....................... Bill Wehnert, Jim Marks
April 21-23, 2011 — Easter Triduum Ladies of Columbus ........................................ Joyce Junge

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697 WWW.KOFC697.ORG RACINE, WISCONSIN