Comments from the State Deputy-Elect of Maine
Gerald J. Martin

MAY 2008

Dear Brother Knights,

Let me begin by thanking you and your delegates to the 113th Maine State Council Knights of Columbus Convention at the Samoset in Rockport on April 19th for your support in my bid to become the State Deputy for the year 2008-2009. The vote of confidence displayed by the delegates warms the heart and makes me proud to be a member of this outstanding fraternal organization, the Knights of Columbus.

Our mission for the coming fraternal year will be to keep intact and to improve on the current programs that have been started. I would like for us to fulfill our commitment to the Harold Alfond Cancer Center 5 year plan to raise $50,000. This program is near and dear to my heart as well as those who have loved ones who have been stricken with this awful disease. Any aid we can offer in this area will certainly be appreciated.

I also would like for us to continue our commitment to assist our Bishop and Priests in whatever capacity we can. It does not have to be financial all the time. An offer of the local council to paint, trim trees and to do whatever is necessary to insure the success of our parish(s) will go a long way in promoting our status as truly the (Right arm of the Church). With the ever-growing shortage of Priests, now more than ever we need to step forward and practice what we have been preaching for years.

We must continue our fight with the preservance of the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. This has not been an easy fight but it is a necessary fight. We must not and we will not let our guards down in this area. I would like at this time to introduce to you our new Pro-Life Couple Brother Frank and Jean Pease from Sanford. They have displayed an exceptional passion in this fight and I am sure that they will represent our interests' very well.

I am presently putting together a staff that will continue to work hard to promote the Knights of Columbus in this great Jurisdiction. I will be attempting to bring a fresh look to the Maine State Council. If you are not reappointed to your position does not mean that you have not done a good job and I want to thank you for your services to Past State Deputies and to the success of the Maine State Council. I am certain that you will agree that we all have the same goal in mind and that is the continued success of the Knights of Columbus, Maine State Council.

In closing my Brother Knights, I solicit your continued support and I ask for your prayers that Kiki can win her battle with cancer and for me that I along with our team we can have the strength and vision to lead the Maine State Council to new heights. May God Bless You and Your Families? Vivat Jesus.

Gerry J. Martin, Maine State Deputy Elect