T h e K n i g h t s o f P e t e r C l a v e r , I n c .

i n s i d e t h i s i s s u eNew Supreme Knight New Executive Director District News Junior Division

Volume 94 Winter Issue 2010-11 www.kofpc.org

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A Catholic fraternal magazine published by:

The National Council Knights of Peter Claver

and National Court Knights of Peter Claver,

Ladies Auxiliary

Approbation

The Most Reverend Gregory M. AymondArchbishop of New Orleans

F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Supreme KnightGeralyn C. Shelvin, Supreme Lady

Michael J. Taylor, Executive Director Debra Frazier, Assistant

Athanase Jones, Publisher LiaisonAnn Jacob, Editor

KPC Public Relations Group, contributing

The Knights Of Peter Claver

Founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 1909Headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana

All items intended for publication in The Claverite must be submitted by: April 10 for summer issue and

September 10 for winter issue.

Please send your news items to claverite@kofpc.org, and include a photo. When taking photographs for the magazine, please make sure your camera is set on the highest resolution

setting possible. Photographs should be 300 dpi or higher at full size for them to print well. Please provide stories in a

Word document and photos as jpg files. Please do not submit any handwritten material or PDF files.

“TRUST IN GOD” is our password“ONWARD” is our war cry

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Message from the

Supreme Knight

T o each of you belonging to the family

of Claverism; to you, the People of

God; I express my sincere apprecia-

tion for your prayers, encourage-

ment, enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. Gracious

Lady Kanobia A. Russell-Blackmon and I are

indeed humbled by your Christian witness.

The Gospel illustrates a challenge and question for Peter that are relevant in our own daily lives. Jesus asks Peter whether Peter loves him (John 21:17). We, too, are asked the same question daily by the Lord: “Do you love me?” The question for Peter is not so much about faith as it is about dedication and fidelity; about commit-ment for each of us. If we truly love the Lord, we must take care of one another – we must love one another. Illustrated throughout the Gospel by his words and deeds is Christ’s command to “love one another” (John 13:34).

In order to become a member of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, one must first be baptized and have received the Holy Eucharist. These sacraments are catalysts of unity. It is through our participation in Christian life, through this union of sacramental life, that we are united to Christ. My dear friends, let us be as Christ expects us to be for one another. Let us illustrate and express more evidently the familial bond we share in faith and Claverism. There can be no true Claverism without love.

As Catholics, even while we exist in a society in which secu-larism competes with our holiness, we all sit around the eucha-ristic table without regard to distinction – nationality, ethnicity, age or gender. We are social people. After all, as illustrated by our Lord’s words and deeds in the Gospel and the Early Church’s reflection on the mission, our faith in Jesus Christ is not as much about us as individuals as it is about us as a loving family. Christ remains truly present in our world today through the Church. We are the Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that we cannot belong to Christ without being a part of the whole Body of Christ. Being born again to new life in Christ brings forward a whole community and family of faith. According to the catechism, “… faith is not an isolated act … Each believer is thus a link in the great chain of believers” (166). Hans Boersma, in the Journal for Christian Theological Research, explains well the call to hospitality in his interpretation of the catechism. As the prime sacrament of initiation, he writes, “Baptism not only signifies the universal call

or promise of the gospel, but also incorporates one into Christ and at the same time into the eschatological community of hospitality.” He goes on to say that “Baptism into Christ and into his Church implies a bond of unity with all others who likewise have been baptized into Christ; and his Church,” and “We can only deny this objective bond of fellowship (koinania) if we radically limit the implications of baptism to the local Church” (70).

Baptism into the Church is not just a singular experience be-tween the individual and Christ; nor is it an experience between the individual and a particular culture. Cardinal Walter Kasper shores up this notion by saying that “... baptism is more than inclusion in a local congregation and also more than inclusion in a particular confession. Baptism incorporates us in the one and only body indivisible of Christ” (530). The Christian cannot deny this bond of fellowship, for through the sacraments of initiation we are all one in Christ without regard to where we are from.

When meeting with the African-American community of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in September 1987, Pope John Paul II called on African-American Catholics to share the giftedness of their blackness. He charged, “I urge you to keep alive and active your rich cultural gifts. Always profess proudly before the whole Church and the whole world your love for God’s Word; it is a special blessing which you must forever treasure as a part of your heritage” (Address 3). In an effort to show that this charge was in no way limited to the African-American community, the pope con-tinued by stating, “It is important to realize that there is no black Church, no white Church, no American Church; but there is and must be in the one Church of Jesus Christ a home for blacks, whites, Americans, every culture and race” (7). The pope was conveying that the Church, the revealed truth, is present in every human environment.

As the largest predominantly African-American association of the laity, the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary must stand as a living testimony of the grace of God in the lives of the Church in America. Together, we, as members of the Church, must ensure that the salvific message of the Gospel is a visible sign in the lives of each of us, which becomes a discernible source of compassion, charity, hospitality and hope. While there are many influences that shape our lives, we must allow the message of salvation to help us reorient society to God.

Having heard from Grand Knights and Grand Ladies through-out the country, I recognize there are significant issues that we must face regarding fulfilling the noble objectives of the Order. I am aware of the plight of Catholic education, particularly in

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F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Obl.S.B., Supreme Knight and Chief Executive Officer

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minority communities. The merging of parishes and schools has caused tense relations among people throughout the country. While these issues are indeed unfortunate, let us not fail to remem-ber our relationship with Christ. Let us praise God in thanksgiv-ing that our tasks are not as overwhelming as the tasks of those who are much less fortunate. We must endeavor to use district/zone meetings, conferences and conventions as opportunities to communicate, cooperate and collaborate for the good of the Order. Let these meetings become meaningful opportunities to learn and grow in our work in the name of the Lord.

One of the major priorities I have set is that of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Each of us has a responsibility to foster vocations. Because our young people have an intense love for Christ, we must advance and cultivate vocations to serve Christ’s Church. In my conversations with Bishop Joseph Perry, our well-regarded National Chaplain, Bishop Martin Hol-ley and various other bishops and religious superiors, I have indicated quite openly the utmost priority of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary to work unceasingly on behalf of promoting vocations. I anticipate teaming up with various

organizations such as the National Black Catholic Clergy Cau-cus, the National Black Sisters’ Conference and the National Religious Vocations Conference.

As we move forward in faith, let us put aside personal agendas, prejudices and judgments in order to serve the community and give faithful testimony. Let us keep before us that as we serve the needs of the Church and the world, our faith must be supported by visible signs. Let our whole being be a manifestation of the theological virtues that we know so well: faith, hope and love. As eucharistic people, let us be willing to be transformed by the grace of God through the Holy Spirit. As members of our Noble Order, we must keep before us that we are an order of the faithful who are intrinsically Catholic.

References

Journal for Christian Theological Research 8 (2003): 67-77.Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1994.

Community of New Orleans, Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans. 12 Sept. 1987.

Ecumenical Review 52.4 (2000): 526-541.

Supreme Knight’s Activities

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Aug. 11-12, 2010 .........Staff interviews ........................................................................................................KPC National Office ............................................New OrleansAug. 13, 2010 ..............Meetings with attorney and bank officials ........................................................KPC National Office ............................................New OrleansAug. 20, 2010 ..............Feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux .......................................................................St. Bernard Abbey ................................................Cullman, Ala.Aug. 21, 2010 ..............Expansion reception ...............................................................................................Christ the King Church ........................................ Jackson, Miss.Aug. 22, 2010 ..............Mass of Thanksgiving for Donna Williams, Gulf Coast Conf. Pres. ........Holy Ghost Church .............................................. Jackson, Miss.Aug. 25, 2010 ..............Dinner with Bishop Robert Baker and Bishop Joseph Perry....................Birmingham ............................................................Birmingham, Ala.Aug. 25, 2010 ..............EWTN Live with Father Mitch Pacwa ..............................................................EWTN Studios ....................................................... Irondale, Ala.Sept. 5, 2010 ................St. Peter Claver Celebration ...............................................................................Prince of Peace Church .....................................Mobile, Ala.Sept. 8, 2010 ................Meeting with Father Anthony Bozeman (NBCCC) .....................................St. Raymond and St. Leo Church ....................New OrleansSept. 9, 2010 ................Feast of St. Peter Claver ......................................................................................St. Joseph Church ................................................Huntsville, Ala.Sept. 11, 2010 .............Mass of Thanksgiving for DeKarlos Blackmon ..............................................Holy Spirit Church ................................................Huntsville, Ala.Sept. 14, 2010 .............Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross ........................................................Pope John Paul II Catholic High School .......Huntsville, Ala.Sept. 16-18, 2010 ........National Religious Vocations Conference Symposium ...............................Catholic Theological Union ................................ChicagoSept. 27, 2010 .............St. Bernard Abbey Benefactors Day ................................................................St. Bernard Abbey ................................................Cullman, Ala.Oct. 1, 2010 ..................Dinner in honor of the Supreme Lady ..............................................................Hamm-Hall Residence ........................................AtlantaOct. 2, 2010 ..................Most Blessed Sacrament Prayer Breakfast ...................................................Most Blessed Sacrament ...................................AtlantaOct. 3, 2010 ..................Rosary for Life and Vocations .............................................................................Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament ..........Hanceville, Ala.Oct. 6, 2010 ..................Meeting, Consortium of Pastors of Black Catholic Churches ..................Saint Francis of Assisi Church ..........................Bessemer, Ala.Oct. 10, 2010 ...............Mass with Archbishop Wilton Gregory, Father Edward Branch, ................................................................................................... .............................................Lyke House and college students ......................................................................Atlanta University Center ....................................AtlantaOct. 15, 2010 ...............Dinner with St. Francis of Assisi Court #286 ...............................................St. Joseph Church ................................................Huntsville, Ala.Oct. 17, 2010 ...............Mass ...........................................................................................................................St. John the Baptist Church ...............................Madison, Ala.Oct. 23, 2010 ...............Mass ...........................................................................................................................Our Lady Queen of the Universe Church ............Huntsville, Ala.Oct. 28, 2010 ...............Solemn Dedication of Pope John Paul II Catholic High School ...............Pope John Paul II Catholic High School ............Huntsville, Ala.Oct. 29-30, 2010 .......Meeting of the Executive Committee ................................................................KPC National Office ............................................New OrleansOct. 30, 2010 ...............Scholarship Gala, New Orleans Coordinating Council and Courts ..............................................................................................New OrleansOct. 31, 2010 ...............Final Mass before Relegation of the Church to Profane Use ....................St. Joseph Church ................................................Huntsville, Ala.Nov. 1, 2010 .................Solemnity of All Saints ..........................................................................................St. Paul Cathedral .................................................Birmingham, Ala.Nov. 5, 2010 .................Solemn Vespers with the Superior General .............................................of the Society of the Divine Savior ....................................................................St. Joseph Church ................................................Huntsville, Ala.Nov. 6, 2010 .................Solemn Dedication of St. Joseph Church with .............................................. .............................................Bishop Robert Baker and Bishop David Foley ............................................St. Joseph Church ................................................Huntsville, Ala.Nov. 12, 2010 ..............Meeting of the board, National Black Catholic Congress ...............................................................................................................BaltimoreNov. 13, 2010 ..............Gala, Pope John Paul II Catholic High School .............................................Von Braun Center .................................................Huntsville, Ala.Nov. 14, 2010 ..............Founder’s Day Celebration, Council #2 .........................................................St. Peter the Apostle Church .............................Chastang, Ala.Nov. 19-20, 2010.......Visit to Council and Court #382.......................................................................Mary Star of the Sea Church ............................ Isla de San Andres, ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Colombia

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Message from the

Supreme Lady Geralyn C. Shelvin, Supreme Lady

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reetings Fellow Clavers:

As we approach the beginning of

yet another New Year, let us recall

how we prepared ourselves during Advent to

receive God’s greatest gift of love, Jesus Christ.

It is my hope that the reception of that gift of love in each of us will transform our membership so that we truly become Jesus Christ to each other. May we realize that loving each other, empowering each other, respecting each other, forgiving each other and challenging each other are all manifestations of His love for each of us.

I express my personal thanks and gratitude to the members of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary for the confidence you displayed by re-electing me for my final term as Supreme Lady. With your continued prayers, support and love, our Noble Order will continue to experience success in all that we endeavor in order to be of service to those most in need.

I again thank the 10th Supreme Lady, Leodia Gooch, and Sir Knight Theodore Wilson for their enthusiastic coordination and cooperation, which made the 2010 National Convention in St. Louis a most memorable event.

This year, the Ladies Division utilized electronic voting, a long-time vision of mine that has finally come to fruition. I extend thanks to the following Ladies who assisted with bringing my vision to delightful clarity: Mary Robinson, Grand Lady Court #5, Renita Lloyd Smith, Grand Lady Court #162, Barbara M. Murray, Past State Deputy of Texas, and Micaela Leblanc, Immediate Past Western States District Deputy. The delegates and members in attendance at the 2010 National Convention also are to be commended for embracing positive change as we continue to move our organization forward.

It was exciting to see committees utilizing electronic media for their presentations to the assembly, with plans to outdo themselves at the next convention. The Ladies Workshop was presented in a creative and interactive venue. I again thank the Ladies’ board members for their

participation as presenters, and offer special thanks to our National Secretary, Lady DeLise M. Coleman, for her creativity and insight that led to a fun-filled delivery of pertinent information. Our National Lay Board Member, Lady Hilda Wiltz, gave new meaning to the position of “roaming reporter” during the workshop presentations.

In the last few months, we have hired a new Executive Director, Brother Michael Taylor, and we look forward to working with him and the newly elected National Officers of the National Council and National Court Board of Directors.

We welcome the inclusion of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary in planning and coordinating the future of our organization. We commend our Most Worthy Supreme Knight, F. DeKarlos Blackmon; under his leadership, the National Council Board of Directors has been inclusive and reminded us that we truly are one family.

With a servant’s heart,

Geralyn C. ShelvinSupreme Lady

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Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary

In All Ways

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7The Claverite | Winter Issue 2010-11 | www.kofpc.org

recently had the opportunity to meet and

conduct an interview with the newly hired

Executive Director, Brother Michael J.

Taylor, of St. Raymond & St. Leo Council

#78, in New Orleans. When asked, “Who

is Michael Taylor?” he immediately responded with

a smile and said, “I am a 20-year member of the

Knights of Peter Claver, who eats, breathes and

sleeps KPC ...The Knights of Peter Claver is in my

very being.” Brother Taylor has family roots in the

New Orleans area, originating in the neighborhood

surrounding Xavier University.

A number of people in the organization encouraged him to apply for the position of Executive Director because they saw qualities in him that they felt would be valuable in that position. When first approached about seeking the position during the time of Brother Charles Keyes illness, Taylor declined because he was not in a position to relocate from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to New Orleans. He had a successful business and was heavily involved in his local community, both of which took precedence at the time.

When Taylor was approached about applying for the position of Executive Director at the end of the 2008 National Convention, however, it seemed like the “right time” for him to begin focusing on applying for the position. “I believe that things happen in God’s time, not ours,” he said. This was in reference to his unsuccessful bid for election as Supreme Knight that year. In retrospect, Taylor firmly believes that he can do more for the Order as Executive Director than as Supreme Knight.

In his position as a National Officer for six years, Brother Taylor feels he gained a broad perspective of how the National Office operates, and a keen insight into the financial aspect of the organization. The time he spent in Montgomery, Alabama, and New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina gave him hands-on experience in the daily operation of the office. His business management skills have been sharpened over the 20 years he has been a business owner. Brother Taylor intends to utilize his customer service experience, when and where applicable, in order to make the National Office a member-friendly entity.

On a final note, Brother Taylor expressed his personal guarantee that the best possible service will be given to the membership.

Meet Our New Executive Director – by Lady Gail Barnes

Johnson, KPC PR Team

Newly Elected Officers

The Noble Order of the Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary would like to welcome the newly elected 2010 National Officers.

F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Obl.S.B.Supreme Knight

Jamaal BorumNational Secretary

William T. Everette, Jr.National Advocate

Gregory WarnerWestern States District Deputy

Curtis J. GuynnNorthern States District Deputy

Sam SimsCentral States District Deputy

Eva A. VolterTexas State Deputy

Sharon Pietre-WilliamsWestern States District Deputy

Outgoing Officers

The Noble Order of the Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary express our appreciation for your dedication and services rendered as a National Officer. Thank you!

Past Supreme KnightGene A. Phillips, Sr.2006-2010

Past National ChaplainMost Rev. Joseph N. Perry, JCL, DD2004-2010

Past Western States District Deputy Anderson F. Shaw2004-2010

Past Central States District Deputy Garry Bostick2008-2010

Past Northern States District Deputy Howard Crawford2004-2010

Past National SecretaryJames Kelley Terry2006-2010

Past National AdvocateOmar K. Mason2008-2010

Past Western States District Deputy Micaela Leblanc2004-2010

Past Texas State Deputy Nan Arceneaux2004-2010

R Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry, National Chaplain, Knights of Peter Claver

Message from the

National Chaplain

eflections on “What We Have Seen and Heard”

– the 1984 Pastoral Letter of the African-American

Bishops on Evangelization in the Black Community

– 25 Years Later

In 1984, there were 10 African-American bishops and some 300 African-American diocesan and religious priests serving in the United States. In their pastoral letter of 1984, these African-Ameri-can bishops acknowledged that the African-American community was making its way in the Catholic Church and had a good deal to offer as one among many constituent groups in the broad ethnic and racial portrait of the Church in this country. We who were served, ministered to and evangelized to are now capable of serving, ministering and evangelizing alongside others in the Church. The African-American bishops wanted members of the black Catholic community to recognize this confidently and see themselves as-sured in their own blackness and Catholicity, confident to offer their time, talent and treasure to the building up of the Church of Christ.

The bishops rightly judged that the black Catholic portion of the flock had great potential and could grow to be even larger. Since then, African immigrants and their clergy have taken what might be judged as a guarded place amongst us with their gifts of Catholicism wedded to their culture – and in certain respects, evidencing a surer footing amidst them. Although their Catholic praxis is usually deemed more conservative than what American black converts have received from the catechesis in the era after the Second Vatican Council, more firm connections with our brothers and sisters from African nations must yet take place.

The summons emanating from the 1984 pastoral letter was a call to sow the gifts of Catholicism more effectively in the black community across the country. Father Augustus Tolton (1854–97) was the first to voice that the Catholic Church was the chief means of spiritual and material advancement for peoples of African descent. Tolton’s wise insight remains with us still. The Church is more than just one among many varieties of religious experience for blacks. We black Catholics recognize the unique gifts of Ca-tholicism and its benefits to us as individuals and as families. Our apostolic-, scriptural- and sacramental-rooted church tradition offers the fullness of Christian religious experience for anyone, black or white or brown, who desires to live the Christian lifestyle. In this age of syncretistic allegiance and ecumenism; in this era of a renaissance with the traditional black church and expanded nondenominational varieties therein; we still proclaim with faith that the Catholic Church represents the fullness of Jesus Christ and his intentions for the disciples he left behind.

Twenty-five years later, not surprisingly, the concerns enunciated

in the pastoral letter of the black bishops remain with us and, in some instances, are even more acute.

In our urban areas, for example, many of our churches exist as islands in neighborhoods of unchurched or hardly affiliated fami-lies and individuals. The church campuses we have inherited, for the most part, are aged and of a size that matched a much larger and earlier population of European American Catholics who have shifted to outlying communities and who seldom, if ever, return to worship in these churches where their families were anointed with the crucial sacraments of initiation and vocation. African-American Catholics have expended millions of dollars in their stewardship maintaining these artistic structures. Why can’t these same churches, emblems to earlier devout groupings, re-take the neighborhoods they stand in with an effective evangelization of the unaffiliated?

It is with this purpose in mind that we launched an intensive evangelization for black parishes across the Archdiocese of Chi-cago two years ago to re-educate ourselves through a catechesis of evangelization and with methods of outreach to our surrounding communities. Some 200 participants have been routinely faithful to the meetings planned in this regard. And a number of parishes have revamped their parish evangelization teams and strategies to implement this program. Clearly, in these times, we must be pre-occupied with the topic of growth in our churches. The traditional feeds of infant baptism and workable convert numbers are not so apparent today as they were two generations previous. Definitely, a more proactive ministry of neighborhood evangelization is called for in these times.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, for example, our parishes tend to be among the smallest in the archdiocese and struggle to pay their bills. This archdiocese is unique in its benefactions to its parishes, especially with major and emergency repairs. At the same time, the economic downturn has affected the coffers of the archdio-cese and it is poorer than it was a few years ago, thus lessening its ability to come to the aid of its parishes. Our vicariate six has accumulated the largest debt among the parishes of any vicariate in the archdiocese.

For these reasons I fear that, without shoring up membership in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the future of these same parishes is not guaranteed.

The National Black Catholic Congress, headquartered in Balti-

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more, reports that it is not easy to survey black Catholics and that to obtain even a somewhat reliable portrait of the black Catholic population requires a specially designed over-sample or a very large survey, which is often financially prohibitive. Two surveys done in recent years, however, are worth studying: “The Religious Landscape Survey” by Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life in 2007 and the “American Religious Identification Survey” (ARIS) in 2008.

In the Pew survey, some 35,000 adults were interviewed, of which 252 self-identified as black and Catholic, resulting in a mar-gin of sampling error for this sub-group of ±6.2 percentage points. Of all adults in the Pew survey who self-identified their race as black in the United States, 8.2 percent also self-identified their religion as Catholic (representing 4 percent of all adult Catholics in the United States). Extrapolating the results to the total population in 2010, it can be estimated that about 3.5 million U.S. residents self-identify as black and Catholic (this estimate includes adults and children).

So, who are the adult black Catholics in the United States today? Following are some statistics from the Pew survey:

83 percent indicate that they were raised Catholic and 17 percent said they converted to Catholicism at some point after being raised in another faith.96 percent say their religion is “somewhat” or “very” important in their life (70 percent indicated “very” important).40 percent describe themselves as “Charismatic” Catholic and 16 percent as “Pentecostal” Catholic.42 percent also self-identified their ethnicity as Hispanic com-pared to only 4 percent of black Protestants (the non-Hispanic black Catholic population represents 2.5 percent of the overall adult Catholic population).36 percent are foreign born (20 percent are non-citizens).46 percent are married (including those married and currently separated) and 82 percent of these Catholics have a Catholic spouse.65 percent describe their political views as “moderate” (33 percent) to “conservative” (24 percent) or “very conservative” (8 percent).39 percent have attended college.25 percent make $50,000 or more per year.30 percent are aged 18 to 30 and 10 percent are aged 65 and older.

The survey notes that a significant number of African Ameri-cans were raised Catholic and have subsequently left the faith. The retention rate for black Catholics is lower than for Catholics overall. This rate is the percentage of those raised in the faith who are affili-ated with that faith as an adult. Overall, for Catholics in the United States, the retention rate is 68 percent. However, among African Americans who were raised Catholic, only 57 percent remain Catholics as adults. Thus, 43 percent of African Americans raised Catholic are estimated to have changed faiths at some point.

Where do these former Catholics go? Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) affiliated with another Christian faith. Three in ten (30 percent) either identify with “nothing in particular” (28 percent) or say they are “agnostic” (1 percent) or “atheists” (1 percent). This re-sult is also different from the overall pattern among adult Catholics in the United States who are less likely to adopt another Christian faith if they leave Catholicism and instead are slightly more likely to identify with “nothing in particular.” Thus, African Americans who have left the Catholic faith are more likely than all former Catholics

in general to choose another Christian faith.It is important to note that these results are based only on

252 randomly selected individuals (N=851 when using the Pew weights). There is a need for a sampling design that increases the number of interviews in future studies for this sub-group of the Catholic population to ensure that a more reliable portrait is avail-able. Also, both the Pew and ARIS studies are based on question-naires intended to be used by people of all faiths. Thus, there is limited content that can speak to issues that are specific to Catholi-cism. At the same time, these sources represent the best available data to study this sub-group of Catholics.

Other recent surveys have tracked the fluidity of church al-legiance in these times. The study of black Catholics seems to co-incide with the findings of those studies, which cite the following specific reasons for this fluidity, or what some might call “hemor-rhaging” among black Catholics:

First, Church teachings on marriage permanence and the inability to validly solemnize another marriage acceptable to the Church following divorce, bringing with it the penalty in which Eucharist cannot be received by the unlawfully remarried, remains one significant cause of disaffection of black Catholics.

Second, traditional black Protestant churches are attractive in that they are, in most instances, owned and operated by blacks, were invented by blacks and the traditional churches among them are attached to the Civil Rights struggle in this country and there-fore nurture the black American ethos; whereas in the Catholic Church we lack clergy numbers proportionate to even the small population of black Catholics.

Third, the Catholic Church, like many other churches of European matrix, continue to struggle to effectively evangelize and minister to black Americans, notwithstanding the ministries of edu-cation and charity that have benefited the black community over the last century. Even these have not proven effective avenues for the entrance of black converts since the Second Vatican Council.

Given the aging process of the religious and civic structures in our cities, lessened resources and lack of investment, the black Catholic community notices a diminishment of the Church in its midst evidenced by the closure of churches, schools and other pro-grams that have assisted the black community in the last half-centu-ry. With rarely anything new replacing the closures, the community is exhibiting a definite closure-weariness, if not an anxiety about what the Church means and purports to do among a people who are not of a financial means to create new structures themselves. At the start of this new millennium, some renewed, as well as new, strategies are needed to gain an effective hold with black Catholic youth and young adults for the sake of the future.

“What We Have Seen and Heard” still rings loud and effective in its message for what the black Catholic community can do to pres-ent itself ready-and-willing for service in the Catholic Church, and what leaders in the Catholic Church can do to assist in the evangeli-zation of the African-American community.

For those interested in more information, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Subcommittee on African-American Affairs (SCAAA) the National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC), and Xavier University’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies in New Orleans (IBCS) have additional informa-tion and resources regarding black Catholics in the United States. Please visit www.nbccongress.org for information on any of these groups or to learn more about the Pew survey.

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R unning on a platform of unity and progressive change,

Fredron DeKarlos Blackmon, 33, of Huntsville, Alabama, was

elected the Supreme Knight and CEO of our Noble Order at

the convention this past summer at the Millennium Hotel in St.

Louis. Blackmon became the youngest Supreme Knight in the

history of the Knights of Peter Claver, which many priests and bishops see

as a sign that God is indeed with us. Blackmon has received numerous

pledges of support from presidents of Catholic colleges and major supe-

riors of religious men and women, including, most notably, the Very Rev.

Edward Chiffriller, SSJ, the superior general of the Society of St. Joseph of

the Sacred Heart (Josephites), the order that helped found the Knights of

Peter Claver in 1909.

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The Election of Our New Supreme Knight: F. DeKarlos Blackmon

Blackmon addressed the post-convention Board of Directors meeting with the Ladies Auxiliary and said that he brought “a vision that moves beyond the ‘go along to get along’ politics that we have experienced in our Order, and the rhetoric that divides us.” He continued: “These times demand more than making each other feel comfortable with the status quo. I won’t be satisfied until every Knight has a place at the table and is respected for the talents he can bring to the table. I won’t be satis-fied until a concerted effort has been employed to effectively grow this organization through recruit-ment, reclamation and retention.”A lay ecclesial minister, Black-

mon is the pastoral associate and director of liturgy and music at St. Joseph Catholic Church, adjacent to Holy Family School, in Hunts-ville. He holds a master’s degree

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in business administration with a concentration in public management, and is complet-ing work on his thesis toward a master of arts in pastoral min-istry from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. He was assigned to Huntsville when he served as a sergeant in the Army, and he served in Korea as a chaplain assistant. In addition to his military service, he has served as choral director, pianist, organist or music director for numerous Catholic and Prot-estant churches throughout the southeastern United States.Blackmon considered the

priesthood, but chose to work in ministries that support the Church. He is an Oblate of St. Benedict, which means that he has committed to incorporate Benedictine spirituality into his daily life and strives to live the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict. Benedictine Ab-bot Cletus Meagher, OSB, of the St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama, offered his congratu-lations in remarks highlighting the bond between the monastic community of St. Bernard and DeKarlos Blackmon through Benedictine spirituality. He also recognized Gracious Lady Kanobia A. Russell-Blackmon and spoke of the place the couple has in the hearts of the monastic community. Black-mon met his wife while he was in the minor seminary in 1995, on the weekend of the abbot’s solemn abbatial blessing in September of that year.Prior to his election as Su-

preme Knight, he has been a member of the Knights of Peter Claver for eight years, starting with leadership positions in his local council and moving to president of the Gulf Coast Conference. Now, as Supreme Knight, when Blackmon walks into a meeting of Knights, the leader of the group will announce: “All rise.” In an inter-view with the Huntsville Times in August, he said, “I promised

To have achieved this position at such a ‘tender

age’ is an honor for you, your family and the

Diocese of Birmingham. I am sure that with your

vast experience and knowledge, you will bring a

fresh vision to the work of the Knights.” Bishop

Baker went on to say, “We are all proud of you

and excited for the future of the Knights of Peter

Claver. Be assured of our prayers and support.

– Most Rev. Robert J. Baker, STD

Bishop, Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama

that during my tenure I will try to be at each meeting on time. I’d hate to disturb everyone like that.” But he does want to disturb people enough to nudge them toward being better servants to their Church and in their communities. Blackmon’s work at Holy Fam-

ily School and at Pope John Paul II High School has influenced his vision for leading the orga-nization, and made him realize that mentoring youth must be a priority. As he explained to the reporter from the Times, “We need to clearly develop our youth. ... We are losing our inner-city schools all across the country. And if the school goes, the community goes down.” Blackmon’s election as

Supreme Knight of KPC was followed by several media organizations. In addition to the story in the Huntsville Times, a story appeared in The Catholic Review (Baltimore), the Clarion Herald (New Orleans), Catho-lic San Francisco, the Michigan Catholic, the Saint Louis Review and others. The National Black Catholic Congress sent out a press release covering the election of Blackmon, and

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also reported on the Mass of Thanksgiving at Holy Spirit Church in Huntsville on September 11, where members of KPC joined with students from Pope John Paul II High School to welcome

and pray for him. On August 25,

Blackmon and his wife, Gracious Lady Kanobia A. Russell-Blackmon, joined Bishop Joseph Per-ry on “EWTN Live.” The three KPC representatives sat down with the host of the television show, Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ, and explained the origins of the Noble Order and its pur-pose. Blackmon explained

that in addition to the social component of the organization, the Knights and Ladies are com-mitted to Catholic action and apostolic works. He stressed the development of youth and participation in the community. He told the viewers that the KPC is rooted in the Lord, and that “Christ is its focus.” Finally, Blackmon feels that

in addition to helping and mentoring youth, the organiza-tion needs a new emphasis on evangelism in order “to know Christ better and to make him better known.” Therefore, his message going forward will be two-fold: “To be growing in faith and getting out there to help somebody.”

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Gold Medal Award of Merit Brother David ClarkMobile, Council #1Mobile, Alabama

Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry, JCL, DDNational Chaplain, KPCSouth Holland, Illinois

Silver Medal Awards

Central States District Brother Theodore WilsonMsgr. John Shocklee, Council #213St. Louis, Missouri

Gulf Coast District Brother Thomas P. GrantSt. Peter and Paul, Council #313Decatur, Georgia

Northern States District Brother Lloyd BeardenSt. Joseph, Council #93Chicago, Illinois

State of Louisiana Brother Alfred R. Dupree, Sr.Father John, Council #8Opelousas, Louisiana

Brother Rogers M. Jackson, Jr.Wilfred B. Ricard, Council #116Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Brother Michael R. JarrettWilfred B. Ricard, Council #116Baton Rouge, Louisiana

State of Texas Brother John M. GoodlySt. Francis of Assisi, Council #231Houston, Texas

Brother Bernie LittleHoly Cross, Council #284Austin, Texas

Western States District Brother Gerald DerouenSt. Benedict, Council #336Oakland, CaliforniaAtlanta, Georgia

Council of the YearHoly Cross, Council #284Austin, Texas

Grand Knight of the YearBrother Gene A. Phillips, Jr.Holy Cross, Council #284Austin, Texas

2010 National Claver Family

of the YearSt. Mary of the PurificationUnit #159Houston, Texas

Recipient of the Gold Medal

Award of Merit (Non-Member) – Knights & Ladies Division Rev. Sebastian Myladiylil, SVDSubmitted by St. James Court# 6Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Gold Medal Award of MeritLady Anita M. HerronImmaculate Heart of Mary, Court #134Chicago, Illinois

Silver Medal Awards

Central States District Lady Beverley A. CazenaveMonsignor John A. Shcoklee, Court #213St. Louis, Missouri

Gulf Coast DistrictLady Gwendolyn McmeansSt. Jude, Court #148Montgomery, Alabama

Northern States District Lady Alice HolmesAuigustine Tolton, Court #277Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Lady Marie A. CopelandSt. Thaddeus, Court #154Chicago, Illinois

State of Louisiana Lady Viola SnellSt. Aubry, Court #119Maringouin, Louisiana

Lady Elizabeth GoodwillSt. Theresa, Court #51Crowley, Louisiana

Lady Gloria IngramSt. Francis Xavier, Court #12Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Lady Birdie HarmonImmaculate Heart of Mary, Court #141Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lady Hilda CharlesOur Lady of Perpetual Help, Court #54St. Martinville, Louisiana

State of Texas Lady Cynthia Mczeal SinegalCartagena, Court #32Port Arthur, Texas

Lady Mary SiasQueen of All Saints, Court #138Houston, Texas

Western States District Lady Michelle Wilson Transfiguration, Court #220Los Angeles, California

Court of the YearOur Lady of Guadalupe, Court #110Charleston, South Carolina

Financial Secretary of the YearLady Cynthia Mczeal-SinegalCartagena, Court #32Port Arthur, Texas

Grand Lady of the YearLady Carol W. HarrisPresentation/Our Lady of Victory, Court #189Southfield, Michigan

2010 award winners Knights of Peter Claver

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Council and Court #36New Orleans, Louisiana

The Knights and Ladies of Council and Court #36 of All Saints Church celebrated their founding anniversaries: the coun-cil celebrated 87 years and the court celebrated 85 years. The celebration included a luncheon with entertainment provided by a live New Orleans Jazz Band.

Grand Knight Herman Van Court and Grand Lady Francine Collins made presentations to six honorees for their years of membership and service: Brother Leroy Caravanas, 42 years; Brother Gistarve Joseph, 42 years; Lady Rita C. Freeman, 61 years; Lady Evelyn Warfield, 51 years; Lady Lois Vincent Jones, 50 years; and Lady Estelle Louise Vincent, 46 years.

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Brother Leroy Caravanas Brother Gistarve Joseph

Lady Rita C. Freeman Lady Evelyn Warfield Lady Lois Vincent Jones Lady Estelle Louise Vincent

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Court #160Monroe, Louisiana

The Ladies of Little Flower of Jesus Court #160 in Monroe banded together to form “God’s Little Flowers” – a community resource center that provides clothing and furniture (limited) for new moms who would not have the resources to purchase these items on their own. Items are donated by the membership and Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church parishioners and through fundraising efforts.

The court also participates in the Backpack Buddies program, which is designed to provide tangible support to children by purchasing backpacks and needed supplies such as pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, crayons, rulers and dictionaries. In August, approximately 35 backpacks were purchased and filled by the Junior Daughters and Ladies Auxiliary and donated to a designated school.

In September, the Ladies Auxiliary participated in the 17th annual Red Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The Red Mass, generally celebrated at the beginning of the judicial year, is the religious observance marking the opening of 4th Judicial District Court. Court judges, lawyers, state legislators, law enforcement officials, schoolchildren and the community filled pews to celebrate this annual Mass.

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Council and Court #49Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

Council and Court #49 held their annual Christmas drive at St. Agnes Nursing Home in Breaux Bridge in December 2009. Pictured (left to right, seated) are: Clarisse Noel, Shirley LeBlanc, Prenella Celestine and Shirley Guidry. Standing (left to right) are: Grand Knight Joseph Robertson, Verlie Davis, Margaret Carson, Janet Mercier, Prenella Robertson, Grand Lady Rhona Wyche and Harold Celestine.

Court #119Maringouin, Louisiana

Viola Hawkins Snell, a 54-year member of the Ladies Aux-iliary, Court #119, was awarded the Silver Award of Merit in August. Lady Viola Snell has exhibited distinguished service to St. Aubry Court #119 in Maringouin and has held the follow-ing positions: Recording Secretary (20 years), Treasurer (10 years), Financial Secretary (1 year) and, presently, Outer Guard (4 years). She also has been a devoted religious education teacher for more than 25 years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Her enthusiasm and “can-do” attitude continue to challenge the members of St. Aubry Court. She enjoys mentoring the younger members and encouraging them to learn more about KPC and become active members, chairpersons of committees and court officers. A new committee, called the Servicemen Care Group, was adopted out of her prayer group. Through the work of this committee, court members donate items and send care packages to military personnel from the Northern Iberville Parish Area.

Little Flower of Jesus Court #160 in attendance at 17th annual Red Mass.

District 5Mansura, Louisiana

The Knights of Peter Claver welcomed 14 new members on July 24, in Mansura, Louisiana. District 5 Area Deputy Sir Knight Paul Deselle performed the initiation with assistance from Area Deputy Tim Ford.

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Oath of office taken by NCCS National Chaplain, Father Stephen B. Salvador (left) of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and National Chair, retired Col. John J. Halloran, Jr. of the Diocese of Lake Charles.

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Council #168Lake Charles, Louisiana

Retired Col. John J. Halloran, Jr. was recently elected Chair of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS). He was sworn in for a three-year term at the end of the 2010 Biennial Meeting in Richmond, Virginia. John is a 4th Degree Knight and Faithful Friar of Father Hannigan’s Assembly #6 and the current Treasurer of St. Henry’s Council #168. The purpose of the NCCS is to ensure the constructive use of the Boy Scouts of America program as a viable form of youth ministry with the Catholic youth of our nation. The NCCS has oversight of more than 291,000 Catholic Scouts and more than 9,200 Catholic-sponsored units. John has been a member of the Knights of Peter Claver since 1990 and a 4th Degree member since 1995. He has received the Award of Merit from the Council and the Special Services Award and the Truman Stacey Memorial Award from the Assembly.

St. Joseph the Worker Unit #267 celebrated its 25th anni-versary – and 25 years of service – at Celebration Hall in New Orleans in April. Sir Knight Harry Beevers and Lady Rachel Hampton chaired the event. The celebration was attended by the members of Unit #267, as well as members from other councils and courts. Awards were given to the following charter members: Sir Knight Harry Beevers (first Grand Knight of Council #267), Lady Elvina Beevers, Lady Ursula Allen, Lady Inez Payadue and Lady Catherine Francis. Special recognition was given to the family of John O. Ferdinand, who was instru-mental in forming Council #267, and Lady Gussie Weber was honored for her help in organizing the Ladies of Court #267.

Unit #267New Orleans, Louisiana

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Council and Court #251Harvey, Illinois

Frank Houston, Jr. Council and Court #251 celebrated their 25th year under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and with the leadership of Grand Knight Edward Taylor and Grand Lady Grace Dawson, they are still moving forward. Established in 1984 at Ascension-St. Susanna Parish in Har-vey, Illinois, Council and Court #251 were named after and dedicated to the memory of Brother Frank Houston, Jr. and wife Dorothy, who died in an auto accident in 1983.

The love and support shown by Chicago-area Clavers at the time of Brother Frank and Dorothy’s deaths inspired Deacon Joshua Alves and Marcella Herndon to work to establish a Claver unit at the parish. They became the first Grand Knight and Grand Lady of #251. Over the years, the unit has been active in ministry, evangelization, religious education, and has supported community outreach activities such as the Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner and the Soaring High Tutoring Program. Members of the council and court, as well as the Juniors, also are very active in the organiza-tion at the local, district and national levels.

Court #297Newark, New Jersey

The Ladies of Bishop Joseph A. Francis Court #297 held a fundraiser in August to raise awareness of heart disease. The event was held on the lawn of our gracious host, Mr. Arnie Pinnix, son of Lady Dorothy Pinnix. We had a good turnout despite the torrential rain. Guests were served a healthy lunch and had the opportunity to listen to Louise Ragain, RN, and others speak on preventing heart disease. The Ladies continued to raise awareness with a “Walk for Heart” in October and gave a donation to help further heart disease research. We thank Grand Lady Shirley Rush, for her leadership, our chaplain, Father Luke, and the Ladies of Court #297.

Court #386Camden, New Jersey

In September, Court #386 set up a table for Sickle Cell Anemia at Eastern High School in Voorhees, New Jersey, for the Camden County Women’s Health Conference. The annual conference is sponsored by the Camden County Health Department; approximately 1,400 guests attended this year. In addition to the exhibits, the conference sponsors workshops such as “Smart Eating Tips,” “Kids Have Stress, Too” and “Fall Prevention.”

Lady Ida Waters speaks with an interested attendee at the Sickle Cell Anemia table at the Camden County Women’s Health Conference.

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Council and Court #346Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

St. Charles Borromeo Council #346 and Sr. Thea Bowman Court #346 held their first annual Morning of Prayer and Spiritual Renewal service in August. The prayer service was facilitated by Dea-con Bill Mayes, our permanent deacon, and was attended by our pastor, Father Ed Kuczynski. The morning service was indeed a “spirit-led” activity providing contemplative, meditative and reflective opportunities for participants, and was followed by breakfast.

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2009-10 Philadelphia Claver Award Banquet In November 2009, 250 people gathered at the

Crowne Plaza in Philadelphia to celebrate 100 years of Claverism and 32 years in the diocese. Local news media called the Philadelphia Claver Award Ceremony the Black Catholic event of the season and the diocesan news media noted it as one of the most memorable events it had covered all year.

The award ceremony was established to encourage people who step out from the crowd to do good works within our communities. By recognizing individuals and groups, Philadelphia Knights and Ladies hope to make our communities better places to live, work, practice our faith and pursue the American Dream. In 2009, there were 13 award recipients.

Lady Sandra Layton, President of the Central Committee; Brother Larry Butts, Faithful Navigator; Father

Rayford Emmons, Claver Diocesan Chaplain; and Brother Alonza Baker, Chairman of the Banquet Committee directed, led and inspired the festivities.

The Philadelphia Claver Award was given to Sister Mary Roger Thibodeaux, the nationally known evangelization program director for the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. This is the same religious order founded by social justice advocate St. Katharine Drexel in the 1890s.

In addition, four young people were presented the Chaplain’s Award by Father Rayford Emmons. The recipients are outstanding examples in the areas of religious commitment, community involvement and academic achievement. Eight other recipients were given the Body of Christ Award for their contributions to their parishes, schools, local businesses and charitable organizations.

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Council #57Kansas City,

Missouri

On September 18, the Knights and Ladies of Council #57, along with other parish organizations, celebrated 100 years of Black Ca-tholicism in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. In the photo, at right, members of the council stood between two historic build-ings in Kansas City – the newly constructed St. Monica Church (2001) and the original St. Monica Church and School (1910). The original building was constructed with funds from the Katharine Drexel Foundation.

Court #261Denver, Colorado

The Ladies Auxiliary of Court #261 is proud to announce that academic scholarships were awarded to five high school graduates at the annual Julia Greeley Scholarship Reception in July. The five recipients are attending the following schools: Christopher “C.J.” de Dios, Denver University; Christopher Ennis, Tuskegee University; Simone Marsh, Colorado State University; Shayla Sanders, Denver University; and, Dexter Turner, Creighton College.

Pictured with their families (front row, left to right) are: Shayla Sanders, Simone Marsh, Dexter Turner and C.J. de Dios. Christopher Ennis is not pictured.

Committee Chair Lady Eugenia (Ginger) Perkins told the gathering that the reception is named for an ex-slave who came to Colorado from Missouri. Although of little means herself, Julia Greeley spent her life in Denver working tirelessly with the poor and dispirited of all races. This work and her deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus were recognized by the Church. Upon her death in 1918, her body lay in state in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Denver, and her eulogy was reported in the Denver Catholic Register.

Since 1995, with the generous assistance of the Bean Foundation and Donna Auguste and David Hayes, the Julia Greeley Scholarship Program of Court #261 has awarded more than $50,000 to assist college students in furthering their education.

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Council #1Mobile, Alabama

The Gold Medal from the 2010 National Convention was presented to Brother David R. Clark, Sr., from Council #1 in Mobile. This is the highest award given by the Knights of Peter Claver and is presented to any person who has, in his or her field of endeavor or independently, contributed toward the advancement of mutual understanding, enhanced and enriched the prestige and dignity of the individual and fostered the cause of better human relationships.

Brother David Clark is the recipient of the Silver Medal for the 3rd Degree and the Cartagena Medal for the 4th Degree.

Court #4Pascagoula, Mississippi

Our Lady of Lourdes Court #4 was organized in February 1929, and we are blessed to have one living chartered member with us: Mrs. Marie Gordon. Mrs. Gordon celebrated her 100th birthday in December 2009. May Mrs. Gordon be blessed and we give her thanks.

Court #110Charleston, South Carolina

Court #110 was honored with the coveted Court of the Year Award at the National Convention in St. Louis and Lady Barbara Birds received a trophy for the Gulf Coast Area Junior Daughter Counselor of the Year.

At the Graduate Mass in June, more than a dozen graduates from different grade levels were honored and given certificates

for achievement in education. The Ladies also have been active with community service, providing support to Interfaith Crisis Ministries, the Shaw Unit Boys and Girls Club, the Florence Crittenton Center for young mothers, the Teachers’ Closet and the Ronald McDonald House.

A Founder’s Day luncheon was held in May in observance of the 47th anniversary of the formation of the court. The theme was, “Claver Ladies on a Journey of Service.” The

Ladies took a great deal of pleasure in recognizing the Charter Members: Lady Ruth Duncan, Lady Rosalind Martin, Lady Marjorie Steplight, Lady Vera Steplight, Lady Ida Pinckney and Lady Amelia Taylor. The following members also received plaques at the luncheon for service and commitment to the ideals of Claverism: Lady Beverly Grant (Claver Lady of the Year); Lady Vertelle Kenion (Symbol of Unity); Lady Arnelle Grant (Act of Charity); Lady Patricia Mack (A Labor of Love); Lady Kimberly Jones (Service to Youth); and Taná Johnson (Exemplary Junior Daughter Award).

Grand Knight Anthony Burden (left) congratulates Gold Medal winner, Brother David Clark, Sr.

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Lady Beverly Grant, Court #110 Claver Lady of the Year.

Founder’s Day Honorees (left to right) are: Lady Vertelle Kenion, Grand Lady Francena Rogers, Lady Arnelle Grant, Junior Daughter Taná Johnson and Lady Patricia Mack.

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Council and Court #172Prichard, Alabama

Members of Council and Court #172 attended the Gulf Coast District Conference in Montgomery, Alabama, in May and the Senior Division was awarded the Certificate of Participation and the Certificate of Expansion. Congratulations to Lady Gwen-dolyn Lewis on winning re-election as Gulf Coast District Deputy.

At the National Convention, Grand Lady Constance Taylor and Grand Knight Tyrone Rogers received the Millennium Hours Award for their volunteer services. In addition, Lady Valencia Lipscomb received the National Junior Daughter Counselor of the Year Award.

Council and Court #172 are working to collect non-perish-able food items to donate to the local food bank for those who have been affected by the oil spill. In September, the Senior and Junior Divisions welcomed our new Supreme Knight, F. DeKarlos Blackmon, to celebrate St. Peter Claver Day with a

turn-out at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Plans are being made to publish a cookbook of Court #172’s favorite reci-pes, and the Ladies celebrated Founder’s Day in November with a “Clavers Who Cook” activity.

In September, Father Patrick Foley, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, blessed and dedicated the new historic marker adjacent to the church sponsored by the Knights of Peter Claver, Bishop René Gracida Council #223. The church is a Florida Heritage Landmark.

Built in 1891, St. Joseph Catholic Church was the first African-American parish in the diocese. The first church was a two-story frame building. The present Gothic Revival-style church, built in 1894, cared for the needs of African Americans, Creoles, Germans, Italians and Irish immigrants. In the 1920s, Father Charles Hartkoff, the church’s second pastor, built and operated St. Joseph’s Orphanage, which took in homeless African-American boys. St. Joseph High School opened in 1941, and was the only Catholic African-American high school in Florida at that time. St. Joseph also supported up to four chapels while operating Maryall Negro Missions.

Council #223Pensacola, Florida

Council #335Jacksonville, Florida

Knights from Monsignor Walter J. Darcy Council #335 recently came out to support the annual Church and School Festival at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Jacksonville. The local Knights were responsible for the bar-beque and received numerous well wishes for their unfailing support of the parish and for their role in the success of the festival.

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Grand Lady Constance Taylor and Grand Knight Tyrone Rogers received the Millennium Hours Awards. Pictured with them are: Supreme Lady Geralyn Shelvin (left), Past Supreme Knight Gene Phillips (center) and Gulf Coast District Deputy Athanase Jones (far right).

Council members with Father Patrick Foley in front of historic marker.

Pictured (left to right) working the grill are: Knight John Nicholson, Junior Knight R’Lauren Knight, Grand Knight Ricardo Stallings and Knight Robert Trotter.

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Council and Court #278Savannah, Georgia

Council #278 has been active in the community sponsoring the annual Blanket Drive for the elderly and homeless, joining with Court #278 in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in Savannah, and staying active with the Keep Savannah Beautiful program by adopting a portion of ACL Boulevard.

The council gave its full stewardship to the Parish Capital Campaign Fundraiser for Resurrection of Our Lord Church, and joined with Court #278 to purchase book bags for the students of the parish as part of the 2010 Back to School Celebration. Symon M. Jackson, a student at Savannah State University and Grand Lady of Junior Court #278, received a scholarship at the Back to School event.

Our council and court, along with our Juniors, sponsored a successful fundraiser for Haitian relief in February. Our council is committed to maintaining awareness of Haitian relief by donating monthly to this cause. Council and Court #278 are committed to the objectives of our Noble Order and letting the light of the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver shine brightly in both our parish and community.

Council and Court #376Atlanta, Georgia

The Knights and Ladies of #376 enjoy working in their parish and community through sponsorship and participation in numerous activities. The council and Ladies Auxiliary continue to offer parishioners a hot breakfast between Masses on the third Sunday of every month under the direction of Chef Rosalyn Hamm-Hall, Grand Lady. Proceeds go toward parish projects. In addition, the council and court continue to pray the rosary every second Sunday of the month between Masses in the church.

Members of #376 also presented the 7th annual Prayer Breakfast in October at the Diamond Hall and Convention Center, a well-established African-American-owned business in our community. We were honored to welcome the most esteemed Supreme Lady, Geralyn C. Shelvin, as our guest speaker for the event. The theme of the Prayer Breakfast was, “Reflections of Christian Values: Past, Present and Future.”

We honored our patron saint, St. Peter Claver, by attending Mass on Thursday, September 9. Both Knights and Ladies, along with others in our parish congregation, joined in this celebration to thank God for showing us how to worship Christ as faithfully as Peter Claver did throughout his life.

Council #379Tampa, Florida

On September 13, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners dedicated the James Henry Dawkins Resource Center on the Lake Magdalene Children’s Services Campus in honor of James Henry Dawkins for his many years of volunteer service to Hillsborough County’s Children’s Services, Head Start and Child Care Licensing.

Sir Knight Dawkins was a charter member of both the Knights of Peter Claver, St. Martin de Porres Assembly #48, Tampa-Orlando, and Knights of Peter Claver, Council #379, Tampa. He provided leadership and coaching with the county’s Head Start programs by serving on the Volunteer League for years. Sir Dawkins chose to use his own disabilities and the challenges of his own youth, including the discrimination he faced as an adolescent and young adult, to help frame a more positive approach and outlook for the young people who followed in his footsteps. A permanent plaque with the details of the dedication reflecting our brother will be attached to this beautiful Resource Center.

Courts #376 and #340Atlanta and Hapeville, Georgia

With the election of Lady Valencia White, from Court #376, as Gulf Coast District Secretary in May, she and her daughter, Junior Daughter Alexis White, from Court #340, have the distinction of being mother/daughter Gulf Coast District Secretaries for the Ladies and Junior Daughters. Zone 7 of the Gulf Coast District is proud of this mother/daughter duo, and salutes the family’s commitment to Claverism.

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Sir Knight James Henry Dawkins.

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Council and Court #296San Francisco, California

Council and Court #296 were asked to participate in the episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect Robert McElroy, newly named 17th auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, at the Cathedral of St. Mary Assumption. The Knights and Ladies attended this most important event in full regalia to represent our great Noble Order, as well as Knight Rev. Ken Westray (WSD Chaplain) and Knight James Ned, Cathedral Council #136. Knight James Ned and his wife, Mary, were in the procession as representatives of the African-American Catholics of the San Francisco Archdiocese, and Lady Kathryn Parish-Reese of Court #296 presented the gifts of bread and wine along with three others. Bishop-elect Robert McElroy believes lay Catholics in the archdiocese have an important role to play in revitalizing not only the inner life of the Church, but also the public life of the Bay Area.

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Court #32Port Arthur, Texas

Grand Lady Vivian Sneed and members of Court #32 held a breakfast attended by their priest, parishioners and other guests who wished to share their favorite Scripture prayer, favorite book of the Bible or own spiritual story. The purpose of the breakfast was to help strengthen spiritual relationships with one another.

The court also hosted a meal at the end of 2010 to help raise money for an educational fund at Sacred Heart-St. Mary Parish in Port Arthur. Other church ministries also will participate in this project. We pray that we will raise enough money to support the needs of the Church.

Court #98Crosby, Texas

During the Texas State Conference in May, Grand Lady Keema Volter-Jones and Lady Eva Volter, Treasurer, of St. Martin de Porres Court #98 became the first mother/daughter team to win state and national offices. Lady Jones was elected Vice President for the Ladies Division and Lady Volter was elected State Deputy of Texas.

Lady Jones’ campaign vision was, “We Are All One Family,” because she believes that our Noble Order must function as a whole in order to maintain another 100 years. Lady Volter’s campaign vision was, “The Movement Continues,” because she believes that we must move in a forward direction in order to retain and increase membership and strengthen our Noble Order.

Council and Court #222Houston, Texas

In an effort to honor and promote clergy relations, Grand Knight Omar E. Jones and Grand Lady Barbara M. Murray of St. Philip Neri Council and Court #222 presented our deacons, who are members of the council, with the KPC stoles. Pictured (left to right) are: Grand Knight Omar E. Jones, Deacon Orrin D. Burroughs, Deacon Ronald Simon, Grand Lady Barbara M. Murray and Deacon James Brooks.

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Court #138Houston, Texas

Queen of All Saints Court #138 was honored at the 2010 Texas State Conference as the Court of the Year. Some of our many activities include the parish Mother/Daughter Breakfast, coordinating the parish picnic, coordinating the Senior Luncheon and host-ing spiritual retreats. At the National Convention, Court #138 was pleasantly surprised to take home a Silver Medal for one of our longtime members, Lady Mary Sias. Lady Sias is a Claver legacy who joined the Junior Daughters in 1969 and then transferred from the Junior Division in 1978. She has served her court in many positions, and is currently the Lecturer and Awards Committee Chair.

Court #138 works hard to prepare our young girls through mentoring and sup-porting their projects. In recent years, several Juniors have transferred from the Junior Division to our Senior Court, and we recently initiated five Ladies, including a Junior transfer. We are proud of Lady Ebony Graham, a former Junior, who is the National Emerging Leader Co-chair. In addition, we are honored to have Lady Leesha Miller, who transferred to us from Court #182 and is the Texas State Chair for the Emerging Leaders-Ladies Division.

Lady Mary Sias, Silver Medal Award winner at the National Convention.

Unit #159Houston, Texas

St. Mary of the Purification Unit #159 won the 2010 National Family of the Year Award. Our Claver family is involved in many aspects of St. Mary of the Purification Church, such as the Fall Festival, Spring Fashion Show, Liturgy Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry, Church Finance Committee and Pastoral Council. Our Juniors participate in the Fall Festival by providing baby-sitting services. Each month, the council and court sponsor a “Feed the Homeless” event. Hot meals (for at least 100) are prepared and donated to the needy in downtown Houston.

In 2009 and 2010, Council and Court #159 issued scholarship awards through our Lloyd and Bernice Bourda Scholarship Fund. In addition, our Knights and Ladies raised funds for the Houston Inter-City Councils and Courts (HICC) Mardi Gras Contest, and the 2010 HICC Mardi Gras King and Queen are from Unit #159 – Deputy Grand Knight McKinley Johnson and Lady Nedra Jackson. In March, our unit celebrated its 40th anniversary with a banquet at the Marriott Hotel.

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Council #231Houston, Texas

John M. Goodly, Junior Knight Commander at St. Francis of Assisi Council #231, was awarded the 2010 Silver Medal of Merit Award at the convention in St. Louis. Brother Goodly was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the Junior Knights Division for the past 10 years, as well as outstanding service to his parish and community. During his tenure as Junior Knight Commander, Brother Goodly has grown Branch #231 into the largest branch in Texas. The branch is well-known for its consistently high turnout of Juniors at local, state and national events.

Under his leadership, the members of Branch #231 have won numerous state and national awards (including four Most Outstanding Junior Knight Awards), held state and national offices and donated time and money to the parish and community. In addition to giving his time and sharing his resources with the parish, community and the Junior Knights, he is a hard-working role model who cares deeply for the youth. The council congratulates Brother Goodly, who continues to lead and inspire our youth.

Council and Court #284 Austin, Texas

At the National Convention in St. Louis, Council #284

received the National Council of the Year Award and its Grand Knight, Gene A. Phillips, Jr., was awarded the Na-tional Grand Knight of the Year. In addition, Knight Bernie Little received the Knights of Peter Claver Silver Medal of Honor Award.

During the National Conclave in St. Louis, Assembly #40 of the 4th Degree Division was honored twice. Sir Knight Willie Taylor, who serves as Faithful Navigator, received the Good Neighbor Award, and Sir Knight Gene A Phillips, Jr. was given the Cartagena Award, which is the highest award presented in the 4th Degree Division.

The Ladies Division of Court #284 was extremely proud that Lady Jennifer Brooks received the National Junior Daughter Assistant Counselor Award and its Junior Daugh-ters were awarded 3rd place for National Junior Expansion. Lady Linda Ridley serves as Grand Lady for Court #284.

Father Michael Ajewole, MSP, pastor of Holy Cross Church and chaplain for the council, thanked all the Knights and Ladies of Council and Court #284 for their support of the Church.

Pictured (left to right) are: Past Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips, Sr., Silver Medal Award Recipient John Goodly and Grand Knight John Mathis.

Lady Dean Dorsey received the Inez Y. Bowman Award and Brother Johnnie Dorsey received the M.M. Hopkins Award at the 2009 Texas State Conference. They are the highest awards for Ladies and Knights.

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In May, the Junior Daughters of Court #12 installed 18 new members, and recently received a 2nd place Expansion Award. They have participated in numerous service projects, including “Pack the Pantry” for St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in which a food drive benefited the church pantry, and the “Stuff the Bus” initiative for St. Francis Xavier to provide school supplies for students. In July, the Junior Daughters sponsored a fundraiser bus trip to Beau Rivage to help support future service projects. In addition, some members attended the Junior State Conference in Lafayette, as well as the Louisiana State Picnic. At the picnic, the Junior Daughters had the opportunity to meet Juniors from other courts and branches while participating in sack races, volleyball, jump rope and a dance contest. Junior Daughters of Court #12 at May 2010 Installation.

Junior Daughters of Court #12 Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Junior Daughters of Court #32 Port Arthur, Texas

The Junior Daughters of Court #32 were reactivated in 2009 and were very successful in building their membership. The Junior Court was honored by receiving a 2nd place Expansion Award at the 2010 National Convention. The new members are: Amoni Alpough, Amirie Babineaux, Ashley Caddy, Kennedy Ford, Marissa Jacquet, Brionna Joe, Camryn King, Asa Lewis, Morgan Phillips, Mary E. Poter, Aaliyah Reed and Avery Wesley. The Junior Daughter Counselor is Yolette L. Sneed and the Assistant Junior Daughter Counselor is Elvira Narcisse.

Juniors of #110Charleston, South Carolina

In May, the Junior Daughters of #110 participated in the Annual Crowning of the Blessed Mother during the celebration of the Mass and the Senior Court Turn-out, and the Junior Division prepared and served a hot meal to about 100 residents at the Interfaith Crisis Minis-tries for the Homeless.

The Mother/Daughter Tea held in June was a successful first-time event. Mothers of the Juniors and Ladies of the Senior Division at-tended the affair wearing their fashionable hats as part of their attire for the Tea. Several of the Juniors welcomed the opportunity to attend the Archbishop James Patterson Lyke Conference held in Charleston from June 23–27. Participants came together to celebrate their Afri-can-American history and culture in conjunction with their faith.

In addition to their roles as altar servers and assisting with other ac-tivities in their church, the Juniors were busy volunteering with com-munity projects, such as helping out at the Children’s Day Program at the Annual Piccolo Arts Festival.

Junior Daughters from Court #110, their mothers and Ladies of the Senior Court gathered on the steps of St. Patrick Church after Mass before enjoying food and fellowship at the Mother/Daughter Tea.

Junior Knights Branch #167Detroit, Michigan

Two Juniors from Branch #167 were elected to the Northern District States Executive Board during the 2010 Junior Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. Courtney Barlow, Jr. was elected Recording Secretary and Markas Cunningham was elected Treasurer. The two Juniors worked very hard to achieve this honor and the members of Council and Court #167 are very happy for them. We wish them continued success within the organization.

The Claverite | Winter Issue 2010-11 | www.kofpc.org

Junior Knights and Daughters of Branch and Court #101Houston, Texas

The Junior Knights and Junior Daughters of Branch and Court #101 sponsored their first 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and Festival in July. It was held at their parish, St. Anne de Beaupre Catholic Church in Houston. Under the leadership of Junior Knight Commander Joe Lewis, three teams and eight vendors combined to make the event most enjoyable. Brother Lewis said, “Although we look for more participation in the future, we are pleased with the effort our Juniors put into this fundraiser. We see how our community and church members can work together to help support our Clavers by donating their time and treasure.” Congratulations to our participating teams – The Celtics, Status Quo and the tournament champs, Unsurpassable.

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The teams (from left to right) are: The Celtics, Unsurpassable and Status Quo.

Junior Daughters of Court #109Indianapolis, Indiana

The Junior Daughters of Court #109 have worked hard on service activities, including collecting canned goods for the Holy Trinity Food Pantry and working with the parish cleanup. The Juniors participated in Claver Day activities this year, and also attended a conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our Junior Grand Lady Mya Terrell assisted on the By-Laws Committee and Serena and Claressa Starks and Miranda Boler were guards for chambers taking the inner and outer password. Some Juniors participated in the talent show and the poetry and essay competitions, and the young ladies entered the Banner Contest as a court activity.

Junior Knights of Council #54St. Martinville, Louisiana

Members of the Junior Knights of Council #54 in St. Martinville, Louisiana, turned out for Sunday Mass.

Markas Cunningham (left), Treasurer, and Courtney Barlow (right), Recording Secretary.

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Juniors of #160Monroe, Louisiana

Daughters

Little Flower of Jesus Junior Court #160 is one of the smallest units in the state (eight members), but members dream big! Lady Carla Mercy, Junior Daughter Counselor, and Lady Jannis Guice-Smith, Assistant Junior Daughter Counselor, traveled to Lafayette for the Louisiana Junior State Conference with five Junior Daughters: Breonda Simmons, Janae Tobias, Deja Pierre, Tarvie Wilson and Jaevyenne Williams-Taylor. By the conclusion of the 2010 conference, four had placed in their competition of choice. Court #160 is extra proud of these young ladies and their achievements.

The Junior Court works hard all year in service to its church and community. At their church, the Daughters are altar servers, ushers and members of the choir. In service to the community, they assist the Senior Court with several projects, including Backpack Buddies, Thanksgiving baskets, Santa’s helpers and participating in the Sickle Cell Anemia Walk/Run.

junior division news

Little Flower of Jesus Junior Court #160 members (left to right) are: Junior Daughter Counselor Lady Carla Mercy, Daisha Henderson, Janae Tobias, Junior Grand Lady Breonda Simmons, Deja Pierre, Tarvie Wilson, Jaevyenne Williams-Taylor and Jamia Allen. (Not pictured: Orlean Patterson.)

Knights

The Junior Grand Knight for St. Francis Junior Branch #160, Blair Simon, was awarded the 2010 Louisiana State Conference Scholarship of $3,000. Blair is attending Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, where he is majoring in biomedical engineering. His career goal is to become a biomedical engineer and/or an orthopedic surgeon. Blair is the son of James and Brina Simon.

Brandon Scott of Branch #160 was awarded the Lawrence Crayton Memorial Scholarship ($500) in May. Brandon is attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he is majoring in computer information systems. His career goals are to be employed by a major company such as AT&T, Entergy or Atmos Entergy. Brandon is the son of Lady Shivaran and Bobby Scott.

Council and Court #160 are very proud of Blair and Brandon and their accomplishments.

The Junior Knights and Daughters of #376 contin-ued their service projects during the year, with assis-tance from the KPC Ladies. These projects included Service for Christ parish activities, assistance with the parish Family Mardi Gras night and a dinner and movie for the residents of St. Joseph Place (a senior citizen housing community). The Junior Knights and Daugh-ters presented the residents with a Wii game system for use in their recreation room.

Six Junior Knights who graduated from high school have made arrangements to stay in contact with their Junior Knight Commander while away at college. Over the summer, Junior Knight Commander Preston Firmin worked with our parish elementary and high school youth ministers to recruit additional Junior Knights, and three new candidates were initiated in September.

Junior Knight Marcus Phelps was awarded the par-ish Men’s Club annual scholarship and is attending Tuskegee University. Rene Johnson received the KPC Council’s scholarship award for 2010 and is attend-ing Valdosta State University. Both scholarships are intended to assist with first-year college expenses.

Juniors of #376 Atlanta, Georgia

Junior Knights and Daughters of Council and Court #376 with their chaperones at the Jacksonville District Conference.

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Branch #278 won the 2010 Gulf Coast District Junior Award for expansion. This is our third time to receive this award in the last four years. Nine new members were initiated in June:

Branch #278Savannah, Georgia

Antonio Dixon, Josh Flores, Brandon Harris, Robert J. Jones, Jr., Michael Lattimore, Nathaniel Lattimore, Jaquan Manigo, Anthony McNeil and Devon Moore.

Within the community, we have volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank and collected toiletries and undergarments for the Old Savannah City Mission. We are proud of our commander, Brother David K. Wilson, on being named

the 2010 Gulf Coast District Commander of the Year. The dedication of Brother Wilson and Darrell A. Jordan, Assistant Branch Commander, are an inspiration to us.

Juniors of #284

Austin, Texas

Juniors from Branch and Court #284 braved the heat to march with much enthusiasm and excitement in the annual City of Austin Juneteenth Parade in June. The Texas state holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers landed in Galveston and read the Emancipation Proclamation to Texas slaves, informing them of their freedom.

Juniors of #172Prichard, Alabama

Nine new Junior Daughters were initiated into Court #172 at a Gulf Coast District Zone 1 Cluster Initiation at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Mobile. The Junior Knights and Junior Daughters work diligently for their church, their community and the Noble Order. They turn out at all the designated Masses with the Senior Division and assist the Seniors with their community projects. They sponsored a reception for the First Communion candidates and donated canned goods to the Bay Area Food Bank for those affected by the oil spill.

In September, the Juniors participated in the St. Vincent de Paul “Friends for the Poor Walk”; in October, they hosted games and booths at the St. James Major Fall Festival and participated in the Inter-Parish Council Revival Youth Night; and in November and December, they sponsored a needy family by donating items for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets.

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The first-ever Western States District Juniors’ Regional Workshop was held in July at the Paradise Valley Ranch Retreat Center in Hemet, California. More than 90 Junior Daughters, Junior Knights, Counselors and Commanders braved the Los Angeles freeways and Mother Nature to gather for this workshop. Since there had been a fire in the mountains near Hemet a few days prior to our visit, several firefighters were on the scene and the Juniors had opportunities to play a few games of volleyball with them and to learn from them. We had workshops on topics such as relationships and character building, and had the privilege to fully experience God’s love for us through his creations. With the support of our Area Commanders and Area Counselors, we created the Coordinating Junior Branches and Courts (CJBC) of Southern California. The CJBC gives the Juniors a voice in choosing our activities.

Western States District Juniors

Houston Area Youth Celebrate 12 Years of Donating to the Homeless

The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, Houston Area Junior Knights and Junior Daughters, have contributed to the Houston-area homeless as a group for 12 years. The youth collect toiletries from their respective parishes and donate them to the homeless. This year’s distribution occurred on Saturday, September 11, at Bread of Life Center in Houston. James Ellis and Eva Volter are the Texas State Deputies, and E. Desmond Taylor and Brianna Batiste, both of Houston, are the Junior Supreme Knight and the Junior Supreme Lady.

Juniors of #325New Orleans, Louisiana

St. Francis de Sales #325 Junior Division “represented” well at the Louisiana State Conference in June in Lafayette. Lawrence Garrison is State Treasurer, Trenton King is 1st Lay Board Member, Tia Flotte is 2nd Vice President and Taylor King is Secretary. Branch #325 won a Participation Award and several members of the group placed in the dance competition. In addition, rosary beads created by Jazmine Marsalis will be the of-ficial rosary beads used for the Junior KPC Division.

In July, Court #325 held its 2010 Christian Debutante Presentation: “Young Christian Ladies Embracing God’s Promise.” The mis-sion was to teach Christian girls how to serve

the universal Church, as well as to graciously empower them as they mature. The girls wore floor-length evening dresses in white (debutantes), blue (prin-cesses) and yellow (princesses-in-waiting) and carried bouquets of white and yellow flowers. They were escorted by their fathers, who wore tuxedos for the evening.

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Thomas R. Lee WinnersMonique GuidryDexter Uke

Willie L. Polk, Jr. Winners

Central States District

Martilla Davis – St. Louis, Mo.Che’ Andres – St. Louis, Mo.

Gulf Coast District

Alaric Bruce – Columbia, S.C.Brittany Forte – Pensacola, Fla.Rene’ L. Johnson – Fayetteville, Ga.Devon Narcisse – Bay St. Louis, Miss.

Northern States District

Carl E. Wilson – Norfolk, Va.Desiree Lewis – Norfolk, Va.Joslyn Matt – Bellwood, Ill.Delia Uke – Livonia, Mich.

State of Louisiana

Alfred R. Sam – Opelousas, La.Amistic Fontenette – St. Martinville, La.Tyeka Takela Guidry – St. Martinville, La.Shanice Durand – St. Martinville, LaKasia Harry – Vacherie, La.Sharnet K. Nixon – Baton Rouge, La.Cierra Papillion – Church Point, La.

State of Texas

Waylon J. Silverand – Fresno, Tex.Alyssa M. Adams – Houston, Tex.Christina Gibson – Houston, Tex.Varah Thornton – Houston, Tex.

Western States District

Tandia B. Elijio – Los Angeles, Calif.Autumn Nailes – Los Angeles, Calif.Lauren Gonzales – Inglewood, Calif.

2010 scholarship winners

2011 District ConferencesCentral States District ConferenceSenior 65th State District Conference

April 28-May 1, 2011Wichita, Kan.

No Junior State Conference in 2011

Gulf Coast District Conference Senior Conference

April 29-May 1, 2011, Embassy Suites North Charleston/Airport-Hotel

No Junior Conference – biennial event

Louisiana State ConferencesJunior State Conference

March 25-27, 2011Hilton Hotel, Lafayette, La.

Senior State ConferenceApril 29-May 1, 2011

Crown PlazaBaton Rouge, La.

Northern States District Conference Senior State Conference, Washington, D.C.

April 28-May 1, 2010Sheraton National Hotel, Arlington, Va.

No Junior Conference in 2011

Texas State Conferences Junior State Conference

March 17-20, 2011Omni Houston Hotel, Houston, Tex. 

Senior State ConferenceApril 28-May 1, 2011

Omni Westside Hotel, Houston, Tex. 

Western States District ConferenceSenior State Conference April 29-May 1, 2011

The Hilton Hotel Newark/Fremont Newark, Calif.

Junior State Conference – Pending

2011 National Convention

July 29-Aug. 3, 2011

Los Angeles, California

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel

and Suites404 S. Figueroa St.

Los Angeles, California 90071

Phone: 213.624.1000

2010-2012 National Council

Knights of Peter

Claver

Mr. F. DeKarlos BlackmonSupreme KnightP.O. Box 231Huntsville, AL 35804-0231Home: 256.885.2586Bus: 256.534.8459Fax: 256.534.8450E-mail: dekarlos@kofpc.org

Mr. Paul Jones, Jr.Deputy Supreme Knight3123 Country Club Rd.Lake Charles, LA 70605Home: 337.477.8565Fax: 337.477.8565E-mail: PJONESJR47@yahoo.com

Mr. Jamaal N. BorumNational Secretary8550 S. Loomis Blvd.Chicago, IL 60620Home: 773.881.7412Bus: 773.960.8493E-mail: JBKPC1012@aol.com

Mr. Philip B. StiellNational TreasurerP.O. Box 7827Spanish Fort, AL 36577Home: 251.621.1009E-mail: pstkpc@att.net

Mr. William T. EveretteNational Advocate29 Park Timbers Dr.New Orleans, LA 70131Home: 504.251.1354E-mail: wever7777@aol.com

Mr. George J. WilliamsLay Board Member828 Latiolais Dr.P.O. Box 1267Breaux Bridge, LA 70517Bus: 337.291.8364Fax: 337.332.5331E-mail: gwilliams@lafayettegov.net

Mr. Tilmon D. KingDirector General Jr. Knights3713 Edgewood Ct.Avondale, LA 70094Home: 504.436.3066Bus: 504.452.4109Fax: 504.436.3954E-mail: tdking12@bellsouth.net

Most Rev. Joseph N. PerryNational ChaplainAuxiliary Bishop of Chicago P.O. Box 733South Holland, IL 60473-0733 Bus: 708.339.2474Fax: 708.339.2477

Mr. Gene A. Phillips, Sr.Past Supreme Knight22911 Palomino Creek Ct.Tomball, TX 77375-7198Home: 281.370.1757 Fax: 281.251.7920E-mail: GeneKPC231@aol.com

Mr. Oscar J. BenoitLouisiana State Deputy 201 Rue Des EtoilesCarencro, LA 70520Home: 337.886.8842E-mail: oscarbenoit@bellsouth.net

Mr. James EllisTexas State Deputy 7702 Chasecreek Dr.Missouri City, TX 77489Home: 281.437.2136Bus: 713.824.3521E-mail: jellis2004@sbcglobal.net

Mr. Athanase J. Jones, Jr.Gulf Coast District Deputy 11065 Castlemain Circle EJacksonville, FL 32256.2894Home: 904.997.0508Fax: 904.997.0508E-mail: gulfcoast@kofpc.org

Mr. Curtis J. GuynnNorthern States District Deputy 3024 Sutherland Ave.Indianapolis, IN 46205-4633Home: 317.920.9617Bus: 317.226.6303, Ext. 6305Fax: 317.226.7308E-mail: curtis.j.guynn@hud.gov

Mr. Gregory WarnerWestern States District Deputy 9222 8th Ave.Inglewood, CA 90305Home: 323.242.9686Bus: 310.538.2214Fax: 310.538.2342E-mail: gregrenraw@aol.com

Mr. Sam SimsCentral States District Deputy 1508 Dickerson Rd., B15Nashville, TN 37207Home: 615.262.0741Bus: 615.532.5039 or 615.253.5165Fax: 615.320.0698E-mail: CSD.DistrictDeputy@gmail.com

Mr. James A. NealSupreme NavigatorFourth Degree, KPC14210 Torrey Village Dr.Houston, TX 77014Home: 281.440.9665Bus: 713.893.1593E-mail: janeal1@sbcglobal.net

Mr. Michael J. TaylorExecutive Director1825 Orleans Ave.New Orleans, LA 70116-2825Bus: 504.821.4225Cell: 504.287.8407Fax: 504.821.4253E-mail: executivedirector@kofpc.org

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The Claverite | Winter Issue 2010-11 | www.kofpc.org

and Court Board of Directors

Knights of Peter

Claver, Ladies Auxiliary

Dr. Geralyn C. ShelvinSupreme Lady121 Rimwood Ave.Lafayette, LA 70501.6559Home: 337.232.8510Bus: 337.706.3427Fax: 337.232.8463 E-mail: supremelady@kpcla.info

Ms. Yvonne H. JacksonVice Supreme Lady8921 Shady Bluff Dr.Baton Rouge, LA 70818-4520Home: 225.261.0959Bus: 225.344.0318Fax: 225.346.1317E-mail: vicesupremelady@kpcla.info

Ms. DeLise Coleman National Secretary2092 Mercer Ave.College Park, GA 30337Cell: 404.290.2221 Fax: 678.306.0668E-mail: secretary@kpcla.info

Ms. Melissa SiasNational Treasurer124 Castle RowLafayette, LA 70506Home: 337.277.6929Fax: 337.989.8182E-mail: treasurer@kpcla.info

Ms. Hilda WiltzLay Board MemberP.O. Box 752Rayne, LA 70578.0752Home: 337.393.2080E-mail: layboardmember@kpcla.info

Mrs. Diane T. AsberryNat’l. Counselor Jr. Daughters8253 S. East EndChicago, IL 60617-1739Home: 773.734.3961Fax: 773.734.3962 E-mail: counselor@kpcla.info

Mrs. Mary L. BriersPast Supreme Lady4360 Sunnybrook Dr.Montgomery, AL 36108-5042Home: 334.281.7316 E-mail: pastsupremelady@kpcla.info Mrs. Michelle C. JacksonLouisiana State Deputy2316 13th St.Lake Charles, LA 70601Home: 337.474.6120Bus: 337.437.9132 1.800.752.6706 Ext. 132Fax: 337.478.7610E-mail: louisianastatedeputy@kpcla.info Ms. Sharon Pietre WilliamsWestern States District Deputy P.O. Box 94244Seattle, WA 98124-6544Home: 206.679.6182Fax: 310.568.9937E-mail: westernstatesdeputy@kpcla.info

Mrs. Gwendolyn LewisGulf Coast District Deputy518 Rawls Ave.Prichard, AL 36610-2049Home: 251.452.2735Fax: 251.441.6486E-mail: gulfcoastdeputy@kpcla.info

Ms. Janice M. GrayCentral States District Deputy 20668 E. Hamilton Cir. Aurora, CO 80013Home: 303.400.8713Cell: 303.475.3315Fax: 303.400.8714E-mail: centralstatesdeputy@kpcla.info

Ms. Eva VolterTexas State Deputy 18814 Racquet Ridge Rd.Humble, TX 77346Home: 281.812.9567Cell: 713.504.2945E-mail: texasstatedeputy@kpcla.info

Mrs. E. Annetta WilsonNorthern States District Deputy 4241 West 21st Pl.Chicago, IL 60623Home: 773.521.4033Bus: 773.542.8634Fax: 773.542.9817E-mail: northernstatesdeputy@kpcla.info

Mrs. Audrey Woods Supreme Navigator4th Degree, Ladies of Grace5435 Providence Pl.New Orleans, LA 70126Home: 504.304.7677 Cell: 504.304.0381E-mail: supremenavigator@kpcla.info

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Wishing you a Blessed Christmas

and Joyous New Year! – KPC/KPCLA Board

of Directors

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God, our Heavenly Father, Youhave given us life through the Death and Resurrection of YourBeloved Son, Jesus Christ;

Jesus, our Saving Lord, Youcame into a world darkened byman’s sin and gave it lightthrough your teachings;

Holy Spirit, the Breath of Godwithin us, You guide andenlighten us and give us thestrength of our convictions;

The Claver PrayerSt. Peter Claver, who becamean example for us, You showedus the Love of God, the lightof Christ, and the strength of the Holy Spirit;

We pray now that all we sayand do, in your honor, be a continuation of your workhere on earth.

St. Peter Claver, Pray for Us

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