Let me begin by thanking all, especially those who have served the council unselfishly for the past 45 years. It is an honor to be a brother to all. The history of our council is deep and rich, and it is my hope that we continue to grow both spiritually, as well as fraternally in the years ahead.

As most of you know, this year we are blessed to have many new officers and directors who will be serving for the first time. I ask you for your support and assistance in making their task easier, by making a promise to yourself to become more involved in the many events planned for the upcoming year. We will be seeking assistance from many to make the burden lighter.

It was deeply rewarding and comforting to see so many of our newer members in the last fraternal year become so actively involved. We all must remember that as our membership becomes older, it is imperative that we get more involvement from the membership to ensure that our council continues to remain one of the strongest and most active councils in the State.

Part of ensuring the continued growth of our council is through the effective recruiting of future members. As you talk to friends and family, let your own experience and faith act as your guide. Although we have a membership committee, all of us are really members of that committee.

As we enter the new fraternal year, let each of us remember why we first chose to become a knight and what it means to each of us. I for one am proud of the Knights and what they have accomplished, not only at St. Mary’s, but in Plainfield and the surrounding communities. We have been deeply involved in so many areas that it is often difficult to recall all that the Knights do. Father McGivney would indeed be proud of Good Shepherd Council as it strives to be of service to both the Church and the community.
The officers and directors have an exciting year planned with the idea of incorporating several new family events this year. As in the past years, we will be adopting a motto for the year. This year, it is “One In Faith, One In Service”.

We have been blessed with continued growth in membership, and with that growth comes greater challenges. I would like to reach out to our newer members, as well as our longer standing members, and ask that we work together for Charity with Unity and Fraternity. Calling to mind that the principal purpose of our order is charity, remember that includes not only works and gifts of charity, but also charity towards all.

If any brother wishes to become involved, or has an idea for a possible event, please contact any of the officers, directors or committee members.