19 July Notes from the Iowa District

Updated: Aug 13, 2019

Worthy Sir Knights:

We are again entered in the State Fair Parade, in Des Moines (Aug 7, 2019). If you would like to ride and help represent the Iowa Knights of Columbus, please contact Mike Tigges at miketigges@yahoo.com or call him at 515-225-3766.

You can read my report to the Executive Committee here:

https://www.iowakofc.org/post/19july-4th-degree-report-to-executive-committee

it also seems like a good time to also provide the convention report which can be read here: https://www.iowakofc.org/post/2019-district-masters-report

Michael P. Gaspers

District Master

Uniform Update

As of July 1st, the traditional regalia is retired and may NOT be worn (specifically the chapeau and cape) in the Color Corps.

On June 5th the Supreme Master sent out a memo to all assemblies, district masters and vice supreme masters as well as state leadership detailing this policy and outlining penalties for non-compliance.

In the memo there is a mention of official events. For clarification an official event is any event where the fourth degree is requested to serve. Funerals, Masses, Church and school events, parades etc. The rule of thumb shall be ALL CALL OUTS. Anything where the uniform is to be worn including exemplifications.

I request that all assemblies comply graciously with the directive regarding the official attire for the color corps / honor guard. Cape and chapeau may not be worn.

As I’ve stated before, I continue to encourage Sir Knights to participate in local events including wakes and funerals in new uniform or standard 4th-degree attire, ie tux or dark suit and baldric. This participation is important to keep all Sir Knights engaged especially in the Wake or Funerals of brother knights and families requesting their presence.

This District Master does not intend to be in the uniform police business. Do not put him, the District Secretary, the Marshall or any assistants to the Master in that position by violating the uniform policy in their presence or encouraging others to do so in any public communications.

I am happy to discuss this with anyone who has any questions. Contact me at districtmaster@iowakofc.org If you were not provided a copy of the Memorandum from the Supreme Master, I’ve attached a copy.

Terrain Therapy Garden Update

As of mid-June, the Knights of Columbus Assemblies and Councils have raised over $20,000 towards completion of the Terrain Therapy Garden for the Des Moines VA Hospital.

The District Master is offering $5,000 in matching dollars for donations made between convention and the end of November. As of this writing one assembly has donated $1,000 leaving $4,000 available for matching.

To learn more about this project or to donate visit https://vatherapygarden.org/ or contact Sir Knights Mark Lyle mdplyle@mchsi.com.

Program Initiatives

Color Corps -- Faithful Navigators and Color Corps Commanders: I encourage you to schedule practice in the Drill Manual and Manual of the Sword – we need to look as sharp as possible in the new uniform. You can download a copy of the Color Corps Drill Manual (No. 808) from http://www.kofc.org/en/members/for-patriotic-degree/materials.html#/

· Voter Registration –Faithful Navigators please begin planning for this program as the next election cycle approaches. You can find information on the Supreme Website at https://www.kofc.org/en/members/programs/4th-degree-programs/voter-registration-program.html

Exemplification Plans for 2019-2020

· Decorah – September 7 – confirmed (see attached registration form)

· Houghton – October 19 – proposed; details pending

· Council Bluffs November 10 – proposed; details pending

· Ames – under consideration for November

· Waterloo – under consideration for March

· Sioux City Convention - April

To build a healthy fourth degree district in Iowa we need new Sir Knights in every part of the state. Experience shows that having more exemplifications in all areas of the state make it convenient for busy family men to join our ranks as Sir Knights. Another benefit of each exemplification is the reinforcement on the lesson of patriotism all members receive.

Needed Forms

Due 7/1/19

Report of Officers Chosen for the Term Form #186 or complete in Member Management

It’s critical we get the Officer’s Report early in the fraternal year, so we have accurate contact information for any new FNs and FCs. This effects our ability to communicate to the new officers and the accuracy of the state directory. Send us your updated contacts soon!

Due 8/1/19

Annual Assembly Audit Report form #1315

Planning for Success

The Supreme Council now awards the “Star Assembly Award.” All assemblies need to take note of the requirements and begin planning to reach this goal. I ask leadership to review the requirements and make plans now to achieve Star Assembly.

Meet the assembly new member goal of 7% Submit the Report of Officers — # 186 (due July 1, 2019) even if late submitSubmit the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity — #1728 (due January 31, 2020)Submit the Annual Assembly Audit Report — #1315 (due August 1, 2019)Publish a monthly newsletter or bulletin for assembly members (email will suffice)Earn the Fourth Degree Civic Award (see below)

· This application is similar to the Columbian Award for councils. The Civic Award measures the patriotic activities of an assembly (4 per year minimum). This application is due by June 30, 2020. It is documented and submitted on Form #2321

· Enter the “To Be A Patriot” competition

· You must apply for this award; it is not necessary to win. Every assembly that applies competes against others. This application is due by April 30, 2020. It is documented and submitted on form #TBP-2.