The Knightly News – Council 11091
From the Grand Knight’s Desk
My Worthy Brother Knights!
As I venture into my final month as Grand Knight, I’d like to share two sentiments felt by virtually every Grand Knight before me.
1) I’m just starting to get in the groove of what it takes to be Grand Knight
2) I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, but I’m relieved my term is nearly over
As you can see, there is a bit of a contradiction here. If it takes months to learn how to be an effective Grand Knight, why don’t we have multiple year terms? The answer is fairly simple. We have such a strong membership base, with so many quality members moving into the officers chairs every year, that multi-year terms are not practical nor the best approach to keeping out council as strong as it is.
As most of you know, it is typical for a Grand Knight of our council to go through many officer positions in preparation for taking on the big chair. Speaking for myself, my journey took me through Outside Guard, Inside Guard, Advocate, Warden, Chancellor, Deputy Grand Knight, and Grand Knight. I also concurrently held non-officer positions such as Tree Lot co-chair, committee member for the magnet and nativity programs, PR Director, Newsletter Editor, Kamporee Historian, Christmas Party Chairman, multi-media producer for the Anniversary Dinner, Christmas and Easter breakfast photographer, among other positions. There are many paths to Grand Knight, and my journey is not unique among our past Grand Knights. Every Grand Knight of our council has been battle-tested by an array of volunteer activities and leadership positions within the council. By the time a Deputy Grand Knight takes office, it is clear he will be prepared and devoted to the job ahead as Grand Knight.
In a nutshell, when you start to get comfortable, it’s probably time to move on and give the next guy the mantle. Our system works, and it is proven by the number of checks we write throughout the year to worthwhile causes. Please attend the June meeting for the election of officers, followed by our annual social evening of games and fellowship.
We have a busy summer ahead of us, which you will read about in the next few issues of the newsletter, and undoubtedly get more details in the emails we send out. Take time to soak in all the wonderful things we enjoy as a council and as a parish community. Before you know it, summer will be in its zenith, and the fall chaos of a new school year and the holidays will be upon us once again. The older we get, the faster the wheel of time turns.
To all fathers, bless you for all you do for your families as Catholic gentlemen. Enjoy Father’s Day with your family, and cherish the life you have, including the lows as well as the highs. Every experience we have is part of who we are and why we are unique in the world.
Finally, if you know of a Catholic gentleman who is not a Knight, please invite him to join our ranks on June 18, at our next First Degree ceremony. It is a special gift from one Catholic to another.
Have a safe and happy June. I hope to see you
Vivat Jesus!
Dan Limbach, Grand Knight, marginal football player
