THE
SEPTEMBER 2010
Compass
EST. AUG. 3, 1902
A Matter of Trust
W hen I was 18, the thing I wanted
more than anything else was to
have my Dad trust me. The days of lib-
eration came when he gave me the keys
to the car and even permission to leave
town with it. I was proud, not because I
had a car, but that he trusted me.
Trust is a difficult virtue. It means to
commit myself to the truth of another.
Before one can do this, he must believe
or have confidence in himself. When
a person doesn’t believe in himself,
he rejects his own strengths and locks
himself in

the prison of
faithful
self-doubt,
which is re- friar’s
ally hard to focus
escape. Only
when we make peace with ourselves,
own up to our feelings and recognize
our own limitations can we trust others.
When we trust in ourselves, we develop
an attitude that is confident and positive,
which enables us to look at life in a con-
structive way. God made us to discover
what is right about ourselves and to trust
that discovery, so that what is best in us
begins to emerge.
When people begin to trust us, we
begin to enlarge the lives of others by
believing in them. The only thing Jesus
asks of us is “to believe in Him.” What
he is saying is, “Trust me!” Trusting in
Jesus is responding with something more
than just our minds. It is something
more than just a feeling. Jesus doesn’t ask
for sophisticated intellects or overflow-
ing hearts. He asks us to respond with
our total personality. It’s the kind of
response that friends and lovers know;
that the commitment of oneself begins
with trust.
— Father Richard Molter
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697
VOLUME LVII NO. III
Knights of Columbus Council 697
Membership: an Honor and Our Duty
M any words have been
imparted and talks given
on the issue of membership in the
Knights of Columbus. I thought
it would be benefecial to reflect
a bit here on just how important
member recruitment is to our very
future as a Council.
Our Supreme Knight has
properly stated that it is our
duty as Brother Knights to offer
membership in the Order to every 1907 headlines: things were booming
eligible practical Catholic man. sent teams out to talk to men at
The term duty is employed for a Racine parishes. On just one day,
reason. Indeed, it is not just an they returned with more than 60
obligation, but a moral imperative.
applications for membership.
We owe it to our fellow Catho- The best way for us to show
lic men to offer the benefits of that we truly believe in the
Knighthood. We owe it to our Knights of
Council to provide the men to Columbus is
carry our Order into the next to recruit a
generation and beyond. new member.
We need look no further for In August,
inspiration than to the Brother I received a
Knights who went before us.
grand
written sug- knight’s
At the Council 697 meeting on gestion from
April 18, 1907, 28 membership message
a Knight on
applications were read. Two weeks a prospect for
earlier, nine applications were us to contact. Perfect! It has been
read. On May 2, 1907, seven done. We need more of the same.
applications were read and nearly We have more than 108 years
30 others were approved. At the of legacy to draw from, but we
time, the initiation fee was $10 also bear the weight of history.
and there was much more com- Our inheritance from councils
petition from fraternal lodges and past is a sacred one. Let us seek to
civic societies. do it proud in the coming year.
In the late 1940s, Grand Vivat Jesus!
Knight George H. Wheary Jr. — Joe Hanneman
SEPT. 9 SEPT. 18 SEPT. 26
FRATERNAL PUNT, PASS PANCAKE
BENEFITS NIGHT & KICK BREAKFAST
WWW.KOFC697.ORG RACINE, WISCONSIN

‘That Man is You!’ starts Sept. 16
An exciting men’s leadership program will be held
for 13 weeks this fall at McGivney Hall. The first ses-
sion is Thursday, Sept. 16. Kaycee Limited and Council
697 will be host for the “That Man is You!” leadership
program. The program
has proven a great way to
recruit new Knights! Each
of the weekly sessions runs
90 minutes, split between
breakfast, a DVD presenta-
tion and group discussions.
The fall sessions focus
on development of the
Scriptural vision of man,
especially as he relates to his family and society. The
series runs every Thursday (except for Thanksgiving)
through Dec. 16. Start time is 5:45 a.m. with continen-
tal breakfast, followed by the program. To register for the
free series, contact our Worthy Lecturer, Mike Benner,
by e-mail (msbenner@gmail.com) or phone, 554-1367.
Fraternal benefits night is Sept. 9
Make sure to attend the Sept. 9 Council 697 meet-
ing to hear our new general agent
describe the great fraternal benefits
available from the Knights of Co-
lumbus. The presentation by agent
Ken Sosnowski will be informative
and entertaining, covering the latest
news on insurance and financial
products from the Knights of
Columbus. Our Order’s insurance
program takes care of our families,
and generates funds for Knights of
Columbus charity around the world. Come learn more!
Round Table supports St. Rita
Thanks to the Council 697 Round Table at St. Rita
Catholic Church for staffing our game booth at the
St. Rita festival Aug. 20-22. Ten gentlmen worked the
“roller bowler” game, one of the most popular booths
at the festival each year. Our volunteers included Jim
Corona, Joe Hanneman, Victor Kendl, Dave Koker, Ken
Kortendick, Jim Marks, Germaine Suchla, Bob Sullivan
and Warner Williams. Our soon-to-be newest member,
Richard Sertuche, also volunteered time at the booth.
Thanks to Bob Sullivan for coordinating our presence at
the festival.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697 WWW.KOFC697.ORG
September 2010
Punt, Pass & Kick held Sept. 18
Our annual Council 697 Punt, Pass & Kick compe-
tition will be held Sept. 18 at a new venue, the Racine
Youth Sports complex at Haban Park near Franksville.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park, 1330 Borgardt
Road, just off of Highway C about a half mile east of
Highway V. Competition is open to boys and girls ages
8 to 12. We will have a warm-up area and competition
staging areas.
Because the event is at the Racine Youth Sports park
where other activities will be ongoing, we have poten-
tial for a large turnout for PPK. We need volunteers for
registration, measuring results, general supervision, etc.
Anyone available to work the event should contact Grand
Knight Joe Hanneman (jhanneman@kofc697.org) or Bill
Frayer (wfrayer@sbcglobal.net). Winners will advance to
district competition.
Special needs grants awarded
Checks totalling more than $4,600 have been distrib-
uted to four agencies that support people with intellectual
or other disabilities in our comunity. Council 697 raised
the funds last spring
as part of our annual
Tootsie Roll giveaway
and fund drive. Grants
were provided to The
Arc of Racine, Racine
County Opportunity
Center, Developmental
Disabilities Informa-
tion Service, and Ca-
reers Industries. Grant
totals were down this year in our area and statewide, in
part due to the economy.
Thanks to all Brother Knights, Ladies and family
members who helped with the 2010 fund drive. This con-
tinues our more than 35 year effort to uplift and support
some of society’s most precious assets.
Charity card party set for Nov. 12
Plan to participate or help out at our annual Charity
Card Party, set for 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 at the St. Lucy
church hall. We need Brother Knights to sell raffle tickets,
recruit participants, put up fliers and staff the event. If
you can lend a hand, contact Steve Jansta (554-6376),
Tom Goetz (878-4260), Rollie Dretzka (554-8841) or
Dave Poisl (859-2936). This is a major charity fundraiser
for the Council, so let’s all help by supporting it!
RACINE, WISCONSIN
September 2010

Memorial Mass will be Nov. 6 Coats for Kids sponsors needed

The annual Knights of Columbus Memorial Mass for We need Brother Knights to sponsor a child or a
departed Knights and Ladies will be held at 6:30 p.m. family to help launch this year’s Knights of Columbus
Saturday, Nov. 6 at St. Lucy Catholic Church. Father Coats for Kids program. You can sponsor a child for just
Mark Jones will be the presider. $15 or a family for $45. We will be placing our order for
We will gather to remember and pray for Knights and new coats in late October and we’d like to order as many
Ladies who died as possible. Last season the demand quickly outstripped
over the past year, our supply. Bring a check to the Council 697 meeting or
and remember contact GK Joe Hanneman at 886-9087.
those who have
died over the District Deputy news and notes
more than 108
Officer Installation – Thanks to all who participated
years of Council
or in any way helped to make our officer installation on
697 history.
Aug. 15 a success, especially my District Warden, Bill Pin-
This year we
now. Almost 100 were there and it went very well – both
will add a special
the Third Degree and Fourth Degree programs. Thanks to
feature to our
Eastern District Master Sir Knight Carl Duch for leading
annual remembrance. For several years we’ve been de-
the Fourth Degree ceremony!
veloping a memorial honor roll encompassing deceased
First, Second Degrees – We should have candidates
Knights from 1902 up to the current day. Containing
from Racine, Kenosha and Twin Lakes for the First/Sec-
what will eventually be thousands of names, the book
ond Degree exemplifications at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16
will be present during the Mass.
at McGivney Hall. Plan to be there!
Plan to be at this special event Nov. 6.
Third Degree – A Third Degree exemplification is
scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 at Sacred Heart
School of Theology in Hales Corners. Details to follow.
Strive to be better Christians Diocesan Meeting – Sacred Heart in Hales Corners
puts on an excellent lunch and a number of us will be
My Dear Brother Knights,
there for the diocesan meeting on Sunday, Sept. 12. Arch-
As we go through life, let us be satisfied with what we bishop Jerome Listecki is slated to receive a $12,000 check
are. However, we should become better in the future. from the Penny a Knight a Day contributions. The money
I am satisfied that I am a priest. In fact, I am happy. will be used for Catholic education. If you’d like to attend
My only concern is to become a better priest. Although I the luncheon, contact me, wfrayer@sbcglobal.net.
am retired, nevertheless I am continuing my priesthood Vocations Convention – Knights are being asked
by being a chap- to help provide transportation for arriving priests Sept.
lain of the Knights 11-13 for the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation
Words of Columbus, a Directors being held in Milwaukee. If you can provide
of good Catholic rides from Mitchell International Airport to Milwaukee
Wisdom organization. hotels, contact Immediate Past State Deputy Roland Ran-
So I am asking som II (ransomusmc@aol.com or 262-363-4099) or DD
Rt. Rev. Msgr.each member to 64 Patrick Reiff (preiff@gmail.com or 414-327-0821).
Stanley B. Twin Lakes Fundraiser – Council 6554 Twin Lakes is
become a better
Witkowiak co-sponsoring a fundraiser for the American Foundation
Christian, parish-
ioner and Knight for Suicide Prevention at New Munster Ball Park from
of Columbus. Attend meetings and take part in pro- noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5. The event includes
grams sponsored by the Knights. You will be doing a lot music, an auction, raffle and food. Tickets are $10.
for God and Country. St. Mary’s Corp Communion – Council 14362 at St.
This is my hope and prayer. Mary’s in Kenosha is organizing a Corporate Communion
Sept. 25-26 and they are inviting other councils in the
[From the April 1988 issue of The Compass]
district to join in. More information to come.

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


Notes from the Third Degree
Thanks to the Brother Knights and Ladies who at-
tended our Founder’s Day remembrance of PGK Martin
J. Gillen on Aug. 2 at Calvary Cemetery.
Some 40 Knights, Ladies and family attended our an-
nual Family BBQ on Aug. 26 at McGivney Hall. We had
wonderful weather, great food and a
good time for everyone. Hope to see
many more of you next year!
Many Knights and families
helped out to make the parish fes-
tivals at St. Rita and Sacred Heart a
success. Thank you!
COUNCIL 697
MSGR. STANLEY B. WITKOWIAK
About 40 Knights, Ladies and
family participated in our Corporate
RAC IN E , WI S CO N S I N
Communion Aug. 29 at St. Lucy.
The Fourth Degree Honor Guard, a great brunch catered
by the Heck family and an informative program from
the Archdiocesan Office for Vocations helped make a
great event in spite of the heat.
Baseball outing for homeless vets
Sir Knights from Msgr. Anthony G. Weiler Assembly
1207 treated a group of homeless veterans from Union
Grove to a baseball game at Beaumont Field in Burl-
ington. The group was treated royally by the Beaumont
Field committee with a tailgate party and free admis-
sion. One of the vets was asked to throw out the first
pitch. It was a great event, enjoyed by the vets and our
Sir Knights. Thanks to John Clark, John Corvelyn, John
Ramaker, Bill Pinnow and Bob Sullivan for their help.
Special thanks go to Sir Knight Tom Goetz for the idea
and organizing the whole event. Great job!
Ushers still needed for Holy Hill
Tom Goetz can still use help ushering at the 9 a.m.
Mass on Sunday, Sept. 12 at the basilica of Holy Hill at
Hubertus, Wis. Assembly 1207 annually holds an usher-
ing day at Holy Hill. Third or Fourth Degree Knights are
welcome to participate. If you can help, call Tom at 878-
4260. A luncheon at the Sawmill Restaurant will follow
the 12:30 p.m. Mass.
Reserve an Entertainment® Book
Make sure to reserve your Entertainment® Books,
being sold again this year as a fund-raiser. For $35, you
get a book full of valuable coupons and offers worth
thousands of dollars. To reserve a book, send an e-mail to
info@kofc697.org or call Rollie Dretzka at 554-8841.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697 WWW.KOFC697.ORG
September 2010
Notes from the Fourth Degree
Sir Knights, remember to attend our first business
meeting of the 2010-11 fraternal year at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 27 at McGivney Hall. We need you there
to help plan for a successful year! Officers should plan to
arrive at 6:30 p.m.
We continue our work on the flag
retirement/replacement program, Keep
Christ in Christmas, Get out the Vote,
veterans support and other projects.
New ideas are always welcome. Contact
Faithful Navigator Jim Sisak, jsisak@
kofc697.org.
The Tri-Assembly Formal will be
held at the Kenosha Country Club on
Saturday evening, Nov. 20. This year’s
event is hosted by Assembly 1201. The
event will include great food, music and
dancing. This year’s honoree is a 100-year-old Sir Knight
from Assembly 1201.
There will be a Fourth Degree Western District exem-
plification Saturday, Oct. 30 in Plover, Wis. The exempli-
fication is set for 12:30 p.m. along with a Ladies program.
Mass will be at 4 p.m. and the banquet at 6:30 p.m. Third
Degree members interested in joining the Fourth Degree
at this exemp should contact Jim Sisak or Bill Frayer. The
Eastern District exemplification will be in April 2011.
Thanks to Sir Knight John Shelby for organizing the
August gathering at Infusino’s. Forty Sir Knights and their
Ladies, along with Father Molter and Father Jones, had a
very enjoyable time on Aug. 23.
Kaycee Limited monthly report
Thanks to everyone who pitched in at the old hall as
we continue our transition into McGivney Hall. John
Shelby organized several flea market sales. A crew in-
cluding Bill Frayer, Matt Nelson and son, Jim Sisak, Joe
Hanneman and
Kaycee Limited Inc. daughters did a
major organiz-
ing and clean-
ing project.
All the work helped put the building in shape to show to
prospective buyers. We continue talks with several pos-
sible buyers. Let’s all pray for success in completing the
hall sale.
The Kaycee Limited board will be discussing a pro-
cedure for scheduling events at St. Lucy Parish. Board
president Bill Wehnert is the contact for anyone wishing
to use St. Lucy’s church hall for a K of C event.
RACINE, WISCONSIN
September 2010

Serra Club to honor Missureli Ladies of Columbus report

The Racine Serra Club will honor Deacon Russ Mis- Thanks to all who baked, donated money or helped
sureli, a Fourth Degree Sir Knight, at the 17th Annual with setup or takedown for our annual bake sale. We
Religious Appreciation Night being held Tuesday, Oct. raised $615. Without your help, the sale would not have
19 at Roma Lodge. been such a success. Wonderful job done by all!
The event begins Thanks to Joyce Junge, Carol Brown, Ann Wehnert,
with Mass at 5 p.m., Barb Pippenger, Gail Otwaska and Delores Pinnow for
followed by a short stepping up to become our new board for the upcoming
reception, dinner and year. Keep in mind: Oct. 3, Life Chain at the northwest
a program. Tickets corner of Highways 20 and 31, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
cost $20 per person.
Tickets will not be sold at the door, so get yours now. For Dartball gears up for new season
reservations or more information, contact John Murphy
New players are needed for the upcoming dartball
at 681-2690 or Bob Miller at 886-4699.
season that begins in September. This year, we’ll play
home games at St. John Nepomuk. Games are held on
St. Ed’s pancake breakfast set Tuesday evenings (practice 6:30, game time 7:00). The
Council 697 will run a pancake breakfast Sunday, first practice will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 at St. John
Sept. 26 to close out the fall festival at St. Edward Cath- Nepomuk. See the calendar on Page 6 for the September
olic Church. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon. and October dates of play. For more information, call
The Knights will provide Warner Williams at 633-1586.
materials and labor and
split proceeds with the Life Savers® for Life in October
parish. It’s a great way We’re starting a program in October to provide fund-
to raise money for our ing for pro-life programs. We will run a “Life Savers® for
charity programs while Life” drive after all Masses Oct. 9 and 10. The program is
having fun and serving similar to the Tootsie Roll drive, except we use packets of
the Catholic commu- gummi Life Savers as the hand-out. Proceeds will be used
nity. Knights, Ladies and families are urged to lend a for pro-life programs such as the Alpha Center, Project
hand. For more information or to volunteer, contact Bill Rachel and the annual Teens for Life leadership camp.
Frayer, John Shelby, Rollie Dretzka or Herb Spalla.

Racine’s Fourth Degree Honor Guard leads a procession of some 500 Knights down College Avenue
Looking Back to open the K of C 1954 state convention. Council 697 Grand Knight Anthony Drewek (at right)
shakes hands with Notre Dame head football coach Terry Brennan at the convention banquet.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 697 WWW.KOFC697.ORG RACINE, WISCONSIN
 September 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010

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

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

06 Labor Day, national holiday (fly your flag proudly!) 03 Life Chain, NW corner of Hwys 31 & 20, 1:30 p.m.
07 Dartball practice, 7:00 p.m., St. John Nepomuk 04 Kaycee Ltd. board, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m.
07 Kaycee Ltd. board, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m. 05 Dartball at Christ Church, 6:30 p.m.
08 Council 697 officers mtg., McGivney Hall, 6:30 p.m. 07 That Man is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m.
09 Council 697 business mtg., McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m. 09 Life Savers for Life drive after all Masses
Fraternal Benefits Night, Be Sure to Attend! 10 Life Savers for Life drive after all Masses
10 Anniversary of the death of Msgr. Anthony G. Weiler 11 Columbus Day (honor our patron, fly your flag!)
11 K of C World Day of Prayer for Peace 12 Dartball vs. St. Patrick, @St. John Nepomuk, 6:30 p.m.
12 Diocesan meeting, Hales Corners, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 14 That Man is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m.
12 Ushering at Holy Hill, 9:30, 11, 12:30 Masses 14 Council 697 officers mtg., McGivney Hall, 6:30 p.m.
14 Dartball vs. St. Joseph, @St. John Nepomuk, 6:30 p.m. 14 Council 697 business mtg., McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m.
16 That Man is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m. 19 Serra Club dinner, Roma Lodge, 5:00 p.m.
16 1st/2nd Degree exemp, McGivney Hall, 7:00 p.m. 21 That Man is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m.
18 Punt, Pass & Kick Competition, Haban Park near 21 1st/2nd Degree exemp, McGivney Hall, 7:00 p.m.
Franksville, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 25 Assembly 1207 meeting, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m.
21 Dartball vs. St. John, @St. John Nepomuk, 6:30 p.m. 26 Dartball vs. St. John, @St. John Nepomuk, 6:30 p.m.
23 Deadline for October Compass articles
28 That Man is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m.
23 That Man is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m.
28 Ladies of Columbus meeting, McGivney Hall, 7 p.m.
23 Ladies of Columbus meeting, McGivney Hall, 7:00
28 Council 697 social meeting, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m.
23 Council 697 social meeting, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m.
25 St. Edward fall festival, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
THE

Compass
25 St. Robert Bellarmine festival with rib dinner, 11 a.m.
to 11 p.m., Union Grove
25 Fourth Degree Eastern District semi-annual meeting, Knights of Columbus Council 697

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

Winneconne, 9 a.m. to noon McGivney Hall, 2516 Winthrop Ave., Racine, Wisconsin 53403
www.kofc697.org compass@kofc697.org
26 K of C / St. Ed’s pancake breakfast fund-raiser, 8:30
Editor ....................................................................... Bill Frayer
a.m. to noon, St. Edward fall festival
Chaplain ............................................Rev. Richard Molter
27 Assembly 1207 officers, McGivney Hall, 6:30 p.m. 3rd Degree ................... Joe Hanneman, Stan Fortuna
4th Degree .....................................Jim Sisak, John Shelby
27 Assembly 1207 meeting, McGivney Hall, 7:30 p.m.
History.................................. Joe Hanneman, Bill Frayer
28 Dartball vs. Epiphany, @St. John Nepomuk, 6:30 p.m. Kaycee Limited ....................... Bill Wehnert, Jim Marks
30 That Man is You!, McGivney Hall, 5:45 a.m. Ladies of Columbus ...........Joyce Junge, Terry Smith

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