KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 2017 MANITOBA STATE CONVENTION

The annual convention officially began, as always, with a Eucharistic liturgy in one of the conference halls that was beautifully redone to almost resemble a Church. The set up and decorating was spearheaded by Brother William Cox, this year’s convention coordinator, and Brother John Solomon, religious coordinator - both of whom have experience from past conventions. Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak, the Archbishop of Winnipeg for Ukrainian Catholics was the principal celebrant at the Byzantine Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. The three Catholic archbishops that have their sees within the city of Winnipeg take turns serving as the honourary State Chaplain for three-year terms. Archbishop Huculak is presently serving as the Honourary State Chaplain for Manitoba. His eastern Catholic church adheres to the Byzantine-Ukrainian rite and therefore the during his tenure as State Chaplain, Byzantine-rite liturgies and prayers are used at all official Knights of Columbus functions in the State.

        The text of the Liturgy and the songs, etc. were projected on large screen in the “chapel” hall facilitating easy participation of all the delegates during the services. Concelebrating Ukrainian Catholic priests were on hand throughout the weekend. They included brother Knights, Fr. Andrew Wach, Fr. Edward Kwiatkowski, Fr. Djura Maljik, Fr. Yaroslav Budujkevych and State Chaplain Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski. Lead cantors were David Hrehirchuk (Holy Eucharist, Winnipeg) and Walter Dudych (Beausejour, MB). Special thanks to Brother William Cox, Brother John and Lady Linda Solomon and the Bogusky brothers who served as extraordinary Eucharistic ministers, altar servers and projection operator.

       The responses were amazing every day. The seasonal and oft-repeated hymn of “Christ is Risen” was mastered by the delegates in no time… even in Ukrainian. Metropolitan Lawrence preached engaging homilies throughout the weekend. On the whole, the liturgies (as is a hallmark of any event hosted by the Knights of Columbus) were executed with prayerful excellence.  

 

       Manitoba State Deputy, Brother Karl Brosch, organized and led an amazing event over the Thomas Sunday weekend – which was also the Mercy Sunday weekend. It was three days of meetings, decision-making and elections. There was ample time for socializing and honouring deserving councils and individuals. On the first evening, which included an icebreaker and the awards nights, Brother Peter Muzyka was awarded with 2017 “Knight of the Year”.

 

       On the Saturday evening “state dinner” the State Secretary, Brother Dan Shepherd served as the master of ceremonies. It wasn’t confirmed until the next day, but on Sunday morning, he was elected to serve as the new State Deputy beginning on Canada Day – July 1st. The State Dinner was truly a formal gala event. It began with a toast to Her Majesty the Queen and went on to many excellent speeches and greeting from the attending bishops Archbishop Lawrence Huculak (Winnipeg), Archbishop Albert LeGatt (St Boniface) and Bishop Anthony Krotki (Churchill). The keynote speaker was the new president of the Catholic Missions in Canada, Rev. David Reilander. He was followed by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Director, Brother Larry Kustra.

       The Knights “Family of the Year” was won by the Dubois Family of Brandon, MB.

Source:http://archeparchy.ca