Last Membership Message for SMD Dan Devers
Final Membership Message for 2023/2024
Dan W. Devers
Brother Knights and Friends: THANK YOU, THANK YOU. WE DID IT!!!!!
It has been a pleasure to serve you in this role as State Membership Director. We have done many good things and we have always strived to be the best men that we can be. We have accomplished what we set out to do. We have entered many homes/Churches and shared the good news of the Knights and that invite and look where we are today. This year we reached our quota! I have to congratulate those who gave it their all and got us to where we are now. We have moved mountains since mid-April. Yes, some Councils do not have the options the cities have, so I commend you for your efforts to remain vibrant and alive in your Towns and Communities as active Councils. Larry had a plan, then we had a plan: And WE did it!!!!
We all have learned much in the last few years about many things, but I want to share with you just a couple of things to think about as we Knights step out into the periphery to engage new men. Many say they can’t do this and yet they do this every day in our grocery stores, Home Depot, or Princess Auto. You are offering an invitation, some information to interest them like you were interested when you joined. Sell yourself as you do every day when you speak.
Your smile is your logo. Your personality is your business card and the way you make others feel is your trademark. This is very important. Think first.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This is true, but sometimes, one does not forget. Respect.
Take this to heart, at every meeting, every event, and everywhere you go: Words are hurtful and very impactful. Although some may feel justified, they are wrong. There is always a time and a place and we have to learn or teach others that respect is what the Knights are all about. Men come to meetings to learn from mentors, leaders, and alike men. We don’t go to chastise each other.
We may not all agree, as our history indicates, but we have always supported each other and respected our Titles and positions. Always.
I read somewhere that maybe we should all attend an exemplification to remind us of our duties as Knights. This is an excellent idea. You get something new every time you attend one of these. Why do we have a high standard for each of us: Because it is the right thing to do. Do on to others etc.
Another way for all of us to stay true to who we are is by reading our Columbia Magazine. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly has a profound way of knowing what to say at the very moment we need some advice. One Grand Knight sent me his agenda for his Council meeting quoting from this magazine. What a tremendous acknowledgment of our Faith and our purpose. Thank you, Brother Dave.
State Deputy Larry and I speak every day. Sometimes, most times, many times a day starting at 3 or 4 AM! We planned, we prayed, we cried and then we prayed some more and when we were lost, God came to us and guided us in prayer. When we got tired and were a bit lost in our Mission, he carried us and showed us no matter how bumpy the road, the journey was worth it. The best part of these past two years was meeting/speaking with many of you and enjoying our challenges together like we are supposed to do. The Councils we could not visit, we apologize for running out of time and sometimes gas! We have always been here for you. The road less traveled was the correct course for us and we enjoyed every step of the way.
I do have hopes for all of you to continue on the Path that Blessed McGivney set out for us. Be innovative; think outside the box. Times have changed. State Deputy Larry has changed the way we engage the Knights in the Province not just in his hometown, but throughout the Province. He averaged over 8000 kilometres per month to spread the word about the Knights and promote all our good deeds. He provided encouragement and support to Councils and Communities that has never been done before and for this, he will not be forgotten for the many good things he has done for the Order of the Knights. Some have never seen a State Deputy before or a member of the Board! Thank you, State Deputy Larry for taking WSW Dale, WST Bob, and myself on some of these trips to foster and grow our order. Faith, Fraternity, and Fun as a Brotherhood of Men.
Larry is also very generous when we have done membership drives as he and I believe that the prospects that come from these drives belong to the Councils holding these drives. His name, as a sponsor, is only on the men he approaches in restaurants or on the streets and those that asked him to be their sponsor. If he had to add his name to all the ones he affected, I don’t know how many he would be recognized for. Humility and awareness of our purpose are not recognized very often as a strength. We have to be seen to be heard and we have to be heard to be seen. Be a Knight every day: look like a Knight every day.
Bringing prayer and more faithful approaches to our meetings and events has been embraced by many and should be instilled as an absolute part of programs and meetings from here forward. State Deputy Larry has made his mark and now it is up to the next group to not only reach this lofty goal but to surpass it. It will take a team effort; July 1st is just around the corner.
“Do not be afraid of them that do not believe, for I am with you and will rescue you… I am giving you my words to speak and the authority.” I read something like this, in the Good Book. I could be wrong but the meaning will always be with me. One of the most repeated phrases in the Bible, 365 times, is “Don’t be afraid or do not be afraid.” Odd it is for every day of the year!
I hope I have encouraged all of you to be better men; To share what you have learned with everyone and how to respect all of your abilities and talents. As our State Deputy Larry has left his mark, I, too, hope that I have with all of you as well.
This journey of personal and professional growth has been marked by the interactions I have had with many of you. The conversations that challenged our thinking, the advice we shared that guided our decisions, and the support that bolstered our confidence were invaluable contributions to our development and benefited not only you but also myself. Recognizing all the individuals who have played a significant role in this journey not only honours their impact but also reflects the gratitude and humility that are essential qualities of true leadership. This ethos of mutual support and shared goals fosters a community where every member is invested in collective success, embodying the principle that the progress of one is the advancement of all.
Some of my Brothers that I have to thank are Robert/Bob T, Bob B, Dale M, Jean D, Eugene A., Gord S, all the GKs and FSs, DDs, and many Brother Knights. Thank you for mentoring and challenging me, giving me advice, options, and support as well as making me be the best of me.
The preference for face-to-face meetings underscores the importance of personal connection and the depth of communication that can be achieved beyond digital correspondence.
Everyone has a gift -find it -nourish it, foster it, and help it grow so that everyone feels the need to grow our order. Everyone has value. We are nothing by ourselves.
I also thank, the membership, emembership, and membershiprecords for being so helpful these past months. Thank you for all your assistance and support.
“ONLY TOGETHER AS A GROUP OF CATHOLIC MEN WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND PARISHES.”
I believe this, as should we all and thank you, State Deputy Larry, for being a positive example for myself and others to follow. These past two years, serving with you and for you have been the best experience I have had being a Knight and the most memorable.
I now yield back and thank all of you for making me a better Catholic gentleman and a better me.
God Bless the Knights of Columbus, our Clergy, and our Families.
Dan
One last thought: Does something bad always have to happen before we see the value of our faith?