State Deputy's Message

Dear Brother Knights and Families,
Brothers, Families and Friends,

It is a great honor to have been re-elected as your State
Deputy for the Rhode Island Council Knights of Columbus
for the 2007 - 2008 Columbian year. I am humbled by your
generous support, and pledge to make the coming year even
better than the last.

During the past year I have had the privilege of attending
numerous events at councils throughout the jurisdiction of
Rhode Island and witnessed first-hand the celebrations that
prove Rhode Island is second to none when it comes to pro-
moting the virtues of the Knights of Columbus. What Catholic
gentleman would not want to be a part of this?

The theme for the New Year is "In Solidarity With Our Priests."
All Rhode Island Knights can contribute to this mission by
living our lives in support of our clergy, and our faith.

We all know that the Knights of Columbus are transforming lives with works of compassion, defending the
principles of our faith, fighting to protect children from obscenity, and defending the values of the
traditional family.

We live in age where Catholic bashing has become accepted social behavior, and assaults on our core
beliefs are rampant.  It is the Knights, through the examples mentioned above, that will reverse this
trend. It is not an easy thing to do, but it is courageous, and it is what is needed. My Brother Knights,
let us all remember the words of our Worthy Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.  "We all have a moral
obligation to offer membership in the Knights of Columbus to every eligible Catholic gentleman".

In closing, Mona and I want to thank you for all for that you have given us and for your warm friendship
over this past year.  I appreciate your good work, and devotion to the Knights of Columbus.

Arthur Sylvester,
State Deputy for the Jurisdiction of Rhode Island