July

This month we start a new Columbian Year.  The new officers have received their training, and high expectations have been set.  Each Assembly is asked to not only continue the work and traditions of the past, but also to grow and develop new programs and traditions.

I wish to thank all the Faithful Navigators, Commanders, and Comptrollers for their time and support during the previous year.  Because of you and the other Assembly Officers, the District was very successful.  I sincerely thank each and every one of you.  With their Leadership, our District was the first to reach 100% submission of the both the Form 186 Report and the Civic Report. 

Take advantage of the expertise of your PFN’s and former officers, and ask for their help when issues or problems come up.  You are also supported by the Sir Knights of the District Staff. 

I look forward to working with the new officers who will be installed in the coming months. 

The Birth of our Nation is celebrated on July 4^th.  This Birth came at great personal cost to those Patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence.  Throughout our history many patriotic men and women stepped forth to guard, protect, and insure those hard fought freedoms.  Again, at great personal cost.  Think for a moment about how Francis Scott Key felt.  How awesome!  Real bombs and real bullets flying throughout the night - BUT the Flag was still there!  How could it be?  Against the greatest navy in the world.

Think about and pray for the Patriotic men and women who today go in harms way.  Then tell your children what all the fancy fireworks are really about.

God Bless America.  There would be no America without God and without the men and women willing to pledge everything they have to protect our Great Land.

Enjoy the summer, stay safe, and keep up the good work of the Order. 

June

As we near the end of the Columbian Year, let’s take some time to reflect.  We began with the Installation of State, Council, and Assembly Officers and ended with the Pope at the White House and National’s Stadium.  In between we had Mass with the Cardinal from the Philippines and the Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.  On the local level, there were many successful programs and ceremonies.  It was an outstanding and busy year!

What lessons have you learned that you wish to pass on to the newly elected officers of your council or assembly?  To what lessons from your predecessor do you wish you paid more attention?  Life is like that.  You often don’t know what input is important or worthwhile until it’s too late, and you wish others would take the time to listen to your words of wisdom. 

One lesson most CEO’s learn is that they can not be a dictator and go it alone.  In addition to being the Manager, you must also be the Leader.  As manager, you set the policy and control the finances and resources.  As leader you establish trust, enable others, and inspire all to do their best.  It is the combination of management and leadership skills that brings success.  Take time to listen and allow others to share thoughts and opinions.  Then you make the decisions justly and fairly.

I thank all the Faithful Navigators and Assembly Officers for making the Archdiocese of Washington District among the best Districts in the best Province.  I thank the Marshalls and Commanders for making AWD and Calvert Province the example to follow.  I thank the District Choir and Degree Team for another OUTSTANDING year.  I thank the District Staff for their support and teamwork that made the Master’s role so much easier.  I thank all of our Chaplains and Faithful Friars for their guidance and time.  Above all I thank all the Ladies who allow us the time and give us the encouragement to do what we do.

Before we pin on our newly earned miniature jewels, we need to complete some paperwork and reports.  Please see to it that all is done on time.  Remember that earlier is much better then on-time, while late is unacceptable.

God bless you and your families and God Bless America – One Nation Under God.