For Chaplains

June Columbia column

Faith Formation Program

Father John P. Grace

This Month’s Chaplain’s Report

In last month’s Chaplain’s Report, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson was kind enough to introduce me. The position of director of chaplain programs and development is new, and through the medium of this publication and other means, we hope to open new avenues of communication with the chaplains who work with the Knights of Columbus at all levels.

From the beginning, Knights have held their bishops and priests in very high esteem, and we are very conscious of their solidarity and grateful for their continuous support. I recall going to the State Convention in California a few years ago, when the Church was under great scrutiny and attack because of the sexual abuse scandals. There, for all to see, was a huge banner across the front of the stage read: “In Solidarity With Our Priests.” It was so encouraging that I began to feel happy and confident to be a priest in public once again. I have never forgotten that occasion, for the banner spoke volumes of sincerity in the midst of the doubt and rejection that was all around us.

For their part, Knights are faithful in their service to the clergy. However, I often wonder about the other side of the coin and how we reciprocate their attention. Personally, I have tried to “accompany” Knights in their endeavors. In many cases, they do the work, and all they require from us is a certain recognition for their goodness. This we can do by nurturing their spiritual journey.

As I have traveled to different gatherings of the Order — to meetings, conventions and special occasions — it has become abundantly clear that there is a tremendous hunger for a deeper spirituality. When I speak about the necessity for faith formation, everyone seems to be in agreement and expresses their enthusiasm. This same message has been related by fellow chaplains from all jurisdictions. So, in an attempt to alleviate some of that hunger, we are embarking on our present task — to bring to your notice what we as chaplains need to do and how we might do it. This is not just a one-way campaign. Different areas and cultures will have special ways of approaching this situation, so it will be necessary to know what is happening out there “on the ground.”

Please allow me to be so bold as to request feedback: How has the monthly catechetical column from Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori been received so far?

God bless and keep you all.

Father John Grace, O.S.A.
john.grace@kofc.org.
(203) 752-4263