The 2025 Bishop’s Burse has arrived! Come out for an Honor Guard today at 3:30PM, then for Mass at 4pm and Dinner afterward. Tickets are on sale https://jolietchapter.org/event/2025-bishops-burse/ and cost $40. We hope to see you there!
Worthy Brother Sir Knights,
Thank you who had attended the State Convention Mass at Holy Trinity, this past Saturday. There were 60 SKs from all over the state, and it was a great presence that Their Excellencies Hicks and Tylka from Joliet and Peoria Dioceses respectively, were impressed and both stated how Our Presence speaks volumes for our faith in action. Also thank host council St. John-3738 for their help in prepping and direct help with mass distribution of flyers and help with usher and guides for all there. We are truly Blessed by a great assembly of SKs who stepped up to make it a great time! Please keep Jane Simmons, wife of our District Master Ty, in your prayers as she is recovering from a stroke. Please keep brother SK and current Captain Dave Ortman in your prayers for continuing to recover and get back to health. Also Msgr. Burnett for his recovery and healing. I spoke to him more recently and he thanks us all for our prayers and support and is still keeping us in his prayers as well. Thank you all very much and God Bless!
Yours in Patriotism,
James R. Almeida, Jr-PGK
Faithful Navigator.
Brother Sir Knights,
I am pleased to inform you that we were recognized by Supreme Master for the Exemplification of Patriotism. I will put a QR code so you can read it for yourself at your leisure. We are mentioned on our membership along with the northern district and included is our winners of the Master’s Award. Thank you for all who has participated. Also, the new packet for June 28th will be out shortly so keep your eye on the email. Take care and God Bless you all!
Yours in Patriotism,
James R. Almeida, Jr
Faithful Navigator.
Brother Sir Knights,
I was just informed that Msgr. Burnett fell and broke his wrist while he was in Barcelona, Spain. He is currently at Hines VA Hospital extended care treatment and rehab for four weeks. Please keep him in your prayers for a quick and speedy recovery. Thank you all and God Bless!
With Patriotism,
James R. Almeida, Jr-PGK
Faithful Navigator.
Brother Sir Knights,
Please read from Master Ty Simmons. They have extended the census to 4-25-2025:
Worthy Brothers All,
The District has had limited entries so far and I am certain that there are more eligible members than have been submitted. The form can be filled out by anybody. If you know of a veteran who meets the criteria, – get him on the list! Put in as much info as you know.
The census of the membership is to establish a record of service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Following the World Wars, the Order documented war service by its members. The results of these efforts are recorded in the archives at the Blessed Michael J. McGivney Pilgrimage Center. Similar efforts were not conducted following either the Korean or Vietnam Wars.
The Korean War commenced in 1950, making the approximate minimum age of surviving veterans ninety-one. Similarly, the approximate minimum age of surviving Vietnam veterans serving from 1965-1973 is 68-76.
Both the Korean and Vietnam Wars marked a significant departure in how troops served and returned from war, as service was no longer for the duration. Gone were the hero’s welcome on return. Vietnam veterans, in particular, returned to a hostile and divided nation, where they were either overlooked or criticized for their service.
Marshalls, please collaborate with your Assemblies to ensure that the membership in their councils have been surveyed to identify our BK’s who served in Korea and Vietnam and complete the below form so that they can be honored with a Mass at the National Basilica of the Immaculate
Inclusion in the census shall be limited to veterans meeting the requirements established by Congress for the Korean and Vietnam Service Medals, to wit 25 June 1950-27 July 1953 for Korea and 3 July 1965-28 March 1973 for Vietnam.
The program will culminate with a Mass at the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (April 30, 2025). Following Mass, the Supreme Officers, and Board of Directors with an escort of a 4th Degree Honor Guard will lay wreaths at the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials. Certificates recognizing service will be delivered to surviving veterans via their councils.
Deadline has been extended to enroll someone to April 25, 2025
Complete Fillable Form below:
Vivat Jesus,
Ty
Patriotism with Passion, Purpose & Pride
Ty Simmons
Master
Marquette Province
Northern Illinois District
H- 630-859-2112
C- 630-947-9404
I would like to congratulate all our new members that made their exemplification this last Saturday. Hopefully we will see them at our next meeting and if you know of anyone who became a member, please encourage them to attend our meetings. Look forward to see you all at the next meeting. Take care and God Bless!
Worthy Brothers All,
The District has had limited entries so far and I am certain that there are more eligible members than have been submitted. The form can be filled out by anybody. If you know of a veteran who meets the criteria, – get him on the list! Put in as much info as you know.
The census of the membership is to establish a record of service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Following the World Wars, the Order documented war service by its members. The results of these efforts are recorded in the archives at the Blessed Michael J. McGivney Pilgrimage Center. Similar efforts were not conducted following either the Korean or Vietnam Wars.
The Korean War commenced in 1950, making the approximate minimum age of surviving veterans ninety-one. Similarly, the approximate minimum age of surviving Vietnam veterans serving from 1965-1973 is 68-76.
Both the Korean and Vietnam Wars marked a significant departure in how troops served and returned from war, as service was no longer for the duration. Gone were the hero’s welcome on return. Vietnam veterans, in particular, returned to a hostile and divided nation, where they were either overlooked or criticized for their service.
Marshalls, please collaborate with your Assemblies to ensure that the membership in their councils have been surveyed to identify our BK’s who served in Korea and Vietnam and complete the below form so that they can be honored with a Mass at the National Basilica of the Immaculate
Inclusion in the census shall be limited to veterans meeting the requirements established by Congress for the Korean and Vietnam Service Medals, to wit 25 June 1950-27 July 1953 for Korea and 3 July 1965-28 March 1973 for Vietnam.
The program will culminate with a Mass at the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (April 30, 2025). Following Mass, the Supreme Officers, and Board of Directors with an escort of a 4th Degree Honor Guard will lay wreaths at the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials. Certificates recognizing service will be delivered to surviving veterans via their councils.
Deadline to enroll someone is February 28, 2025
Complete Fillable Form: https://forms.gle/w9woRNetBFzuGmjE9
Vivat Jesus,
Ty
Patriotism with Passion, Purpose & Pride
Ty Simmons
Master
Marquette Province
Northern Illinois District
ty.simmons@comcast.net
H- 630-859-2112
C- 630-947-9404
Worthy Brother Sir Knights,
I would like to remind you all of our Exemplification of Patriotism coming up on March 1st. If you have not yet, please invite new your council members who are not in the assembly. Remember to have them download the packet, fill it out and bring a check made to the Master Ty Simmons. A copy of their membership card and the Form 4. We are looking for at least 50 members from our assembly and they are looking for 125 for the 125th Anniversary of the 4th degree. Our next meeting at 25 N Cass Ave in Westmont, St. John’s Hall. 6pm dinner and 7pm meeting sharp. You can bring all your paperwork to the meeting so they can be read in and voted in. If you have any questions please let me know. Take care and God Bless!
Brother Sir Knights,
I would like to wish you all a very Happy and Blessed New Year! Let us make this all a great year, it is a Jubilee year and the 125th Anniversary of the 4th Degree. Please do not forget to invite at least 2 guys in your councils to join our great assembly. Thank you all for what you do and God Bless you.
Fraternally yours,
James R. Almeida, Jr-PGK
Faithful Navigator.
Brother Sir Knights,
On behalf of the officers of the Dr. Thomas Dooley Assembly #209, I would like to wish you all a very Blessed and Merry Christmas to you and your families! Remember those in need, those who are ill and those who are alone. Looking forward to a new year and a great season. Take care and God Bless you all!
Fraternally yours,
James R. Almeida, Jr-PGK
Faithful Navigator.
