Brothers:
It has been a very busy month, the Councils and District Deputies worked very hard to complete and submit the Affiliate Member lists during February. I saw them transfer off your rosters and move into the West Virginia’s Affiliate Council #97047 roster, 400+ members. I would like to thank everyone for their efforts. Your updated roster will allow us and Supreme a new membership list for next year’s billings.
The Weston Council hosted our annual State Free-throw Championships with Community Chairman Joe King and Free-throw Chair Chris Todd and Jim Mehr assisting. We had a State Champion in every class.
The Martinsburg and Charleston Councils held events that closed off the Diocesan Year of St. Joseph and continued our Icon of St. Joseph’s journey around the State.
Many Councils participated in the Ukraine Relief Efforts with donations through their parishes or through the Supreme Charities matching fund. The Knights have donated nearly $9.5 million to the relief efforts. I received a letter from my counterpart the State Deputy of Ukraine, Youriy Maletskiy, thanking us for our assistance and reminding us of the WAR’s impact and that the needs will continue. I also saw where our Brother Knights from Poland, Ukraine Councils and other provided direct assistance. I would like to thank all who donated and participated in the Masses and the Novenas for the Consecration of Russian and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

I traveled to Wheeling, and before meeting with Bishop, I had lunch with new District Deputy Snyder at the St. Alphonsus Fish Fry, which was great. I was pleased to present our annual Catholic School donation ($11,000) to Bishop Brennan and the Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, for which they were very thankful.
The following Sunday, I traveled to St. Joseph’s in Martinsburg to observe our first Hispanic degree, which followed their Spanish Mass and then followed by a receptions for our new Brother Knights and their families. The degree team was led by Brother Miguel Pellegino with assistance from Hispanic Chairmen Heriberto “Ed” Rodrigues (WV) and Willians Castillo-Vallenas (MD), Supreme Representative Chris Gonzales, Deacon Luis and Fr. Thomas Gallagher. From the Mass and degree to the reception it was truly a beautiful and special event. We had three other potential members expressed interest and hopefully will join soon. March 29th was Founder’s Day, our 140th Anniversary, and JoAnn and I attended a dinner event hosted by the Clarksburg Council, which included a video presentation on Fr. McGivney and speaker on our founding principal of Charity.

March and April found many councils conducting or assisted with parish Fish Fries, collecting can-goods, “40 Cans for Lent” and/or raising funds/filling baby bottles with loose change for the needy. Seminarian Support raffle tickets are being sold at events across the State. With Good Friday and Easter approaching, Councils have held Holy Hours, family prayer nights and participated in Stations of the Cross.

Finally, a Council and Member Knight Reminder:
• Convention delegates, room reservations, Council ads and registration
• Degrees, recruit a new member at kofc.org/joinus free code McGivney2020
• Council reports and Safe Environment training.
• Council Officer nomination and election are to be conducted in May
• Continue to pray for the victims in Ukraine

JoAnn and I wish you and your families a HAPPY and BLESSED EASTER and if you are traveling, please stay safe.
, Deputy AWARDS are due to chairmen by MAY 1st
Vivat Jesus
Frank Koenig