Our 1997/98 Columbian Year ended on June 30, 1998. Brother Anthony Council has again had another outstanding year of effort and accomplishment. It is my first duty to thank each and every member of our parish community for their continued support andprayer. I thank our Pastor, Fr. Karl Raab for his encouragement, spiritual leadership and openness to our Ordersprograms. I also thank Fr. Dennis, Marieta, Evelyn and the Parish Pastoral Council for their support throughout the year.

Knights of Columbus is an international fraternal order of Catholic men founded in 1882. Our four main principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism guide our councils' activities in support of church and community. Brother Anthony Council is one of over 12,000 councils world-wide dedicated to strengthening and boldly demonstrating our Catholic faith. Your Brother Anthony Council has 151 members, an increase of 14 over the past year. This outstanding group of individuals continues to quietly grow.

Knights of Columbus was initially founded as a means to provide assistance and financial support in the event of the death of a male spouse. To that end, the Order maintains one of the largest voluntary insurance programs in the world now open to the entire family of a member. Brother Anthony Council's insurance membership grew by 3 in 1997/98. In conjunction with our charitable programs, this puts our Council in position to receive international recognition as a Star Council.

Within our church community Brother Anthony Council has a strong group of ongoing programs. During the past year we provided funding, manpower and spiritual support in these following projects:

• Completion of the paving and lines of the church parking lot
• Hosting the Annual Parish Picnic; and Children's Annual Advent Party
• Commitment to spend $10,000.00 on additional church pews.
• Delivery of Christmas hampers in St. Albert & Edmonton
• Financial and fraternal support for studying Seminarians
• Hosted a Free Throw Basketball competition for youth
• Purchased Bibles for grade four students of the district
• Purchased year-end gifts for the children participating in the Children's Sunday Celebration Program.
• Hosted a number of extremely successful Blood Donor Clinics
• Maintained the monument to unborn and stillborn children
• Provided funds for three scholarships at our district schools
• Supported the youth with funds for transportation to the youth rally
• Held the "best ever' Provincial Knights of Columbus Hockey Tournament
• Hosted two theme nights; Ukrainian in April, & Mexican in October
• Hosted an "excellent" Ladies Night, which won first prize honour at the Annual State Convention for Council Activities.
• Held 10 Sunday Pancake Breakfasts which won runner-up at the State Convention
• Hosted an outstanding Crib Tournament and also annual golf tournament
• Provided roses to the Seniors Residences on Mother's Day.
• Held a beautiful Marion Hour of Prayer and assisted with an evening of the Way of the Cross during Lent.
• Encouraged and gained confidence as a Men's Choir at many functions and Holy Family Masses
• Repaired the deck at the Rectory
• Participated in the Celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick and prayed the Rosary at the home of a Brother Knight.
• Requested Mass cards for those who had died, contacted parishioners who were in need and visited our sick brothers
• Provided financial and other support to the families of Brothers who passed away this pas year.

As you can see, Brother Anthony Council is highly involved and highly motivated to make a difference within our community. There is an activity for everyone, and I am sure that I have missed a few as well. Our members are free to help where they will, and they do! As you can see, we work on many levels, providing for financial, spiritual & physical aid to the people we serve. Mixed with fun we truly support each other. If you want information about the Knights, you need only to contact one to find out more.

As this is the first of a two-year term for me as Grand Knight, Brenda and I would like to thank all the members for keeping Brother Anthony Council one of the active groups in the province and we look forward to your continued support for the coming year.

Brian Lerner

Grand Knight