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Jan 25, 2010 - Call to Donate NOW to the SMOTJ Haitian Relief Effort
Brother Knights, Sister Dames and Companions – All of us have by now seen the terrible devastation to the Island nation of Haiti.  Many of you have called or emailed and asked if there wasn’t something that we as an Order could do?  While we do not want to reduce or abandon our commitment to helping Christians at Risk in the Holy Land, I think we do need to do something for the people of Haiti. The question is what and how?  We are a relatively small organization yet I think we all would like to be able to make an actual difference.  After careful consideration, I believe that the best way we can do that is by collecting donations from you and channeling them toward the Haitian Association for Human Development or AHDH.

This group has been a partner charity of the Priory of St. Bernard de Clairvaux for over 5 years. The founder, past President and current Treasurer is Dr. Chev. Charles Rene, MD, KCTJ, a member of the Priory. We thus would be Templars helping a Templar and his organization!

The Association is a fully vetted 501(c)(3) organization which has been in operation in Haiti since 1986.  They built and continue to staff and operate a medical clinic in La Vallee Jacmel which is currently treating the sick and injured there. In the 20 plus years of their existence they have sponsored 45 successful medical missions to Haiti which have involved other Templars.  They presently have additional doctors and staff about to embark in USS Comfort to travel to the area.  You can learn more about this terrific organization by going to their
website.

Haiti Project Video (eight minutes)

Here is how you can help.  SMOTJ will collect your donations and provide 100% of all funds directly to Haitian Association for Human Development.  GPUSA will absorb all of the administrative costs and the entire amount you donate will go to the Association.  This will be a fully tax deductible donation and we will provide you a receipt for your tax records.

Use the Donate button to pay by credit card or pay pal or
write a check and mail it to:

Chev. Michael Burke, CPA, SMOTJ GAO
SMOTJ Haitian Relief Effort
P.O. Box 83926
Gaithersburg, MD 20883
Our goal is to provide funds to replenish medical and clinic supplies in the near term and hopefully help them mount more medical missions in the future.  We would like to be a part of the effort to help rebuild the broken lives of the Haitians, 80% of which are Christian.

In addition to cash, we are also looking for donated supplies. Dr. Rene has indicated that the clinic has an urgent need for the following:
  1. Antibiotics, Oral and IV,
  2. Analgesics;
  3. Anesthetics (i.e. lidocaine, etc.);
  4. Antiseptics (i.e. Betadine);
  5. IV Fluids; and
  6. Surgical Gloves.
For collecting and shipping medical supplies we recommend working through another partner charity of the Priory of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, the International Hospital for Children (IHC) run by a member of the SMOTJ Order of Merit, Dr Mayer Heiman, OMTJ.  If anyone has access to such material, particularly those with access to physician’s samples, they are asked “empty their shelves” and ship them to IHC in Kenner, LA at the address below.  Prior to shipment you are asked to contact the Program Manager whose contact information is provided. Please info the Grand Chancellor and Chev. Russ Copping of St. Bernard de Clairvaux on any such communication with IHC.

IHC Point of Contact: Ms. Lena Martinez, Program Manager

Cell: 504-610-9531
Email:
Ms Lena Martinez


Shipment Point: International House For Children Warehouse

2616 Marietta Street, Suite C
Kerner, LA 70062


In addition to your treasure, please remember to add the people of Haiti to your prayers in this their hour of greatest need.  I thank you in advance for your generosity, and remain:

Fraternally yours,

COL Chev. Wayne J. McGrath, GCTJ, GMTJ
Grand Prior XVI

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Dec 24, 2009 - Advent Message

What is Advent? - The word Advent means “coming" or "arrival.”  The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent.  Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000-year-old event in history.  It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.  That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate.

Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.  In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power.

That acknowledgment provides a basis for Kingdom ethics, for holy living arising from a profound sense that we live “between the times” and are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God’s people.

So, as the church celebrates God’s breaking into history in the Incarnation, and anticipates a future consummation to that history for which “all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption,” it also confesses its own responsibility as a people commissioned to “love the Lord your God with all your heart” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

 

Amen!

Peace and Many Blessings,

+ Bp Seraphim

Chaplain, SKCTM

Chaplain@smotj-skctm.org


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Nov 21, 2009 - New Commandery in Richmond!

Alexandria, VA: The Knights and Dames of the Richmond Virginia Area have petitioned the Grand Prior to establish themselves as a Commandery effective 21 November 2009With the transfer of existing Knights and Dames from other Priories, they have more than met the minimum number of members required to establish a Commandery.  Furthermore, they have nominated an exceptional slate of new officers and laid out a sound plan for reaching Priory status in the near future.  The Grand Prior, Col Wayne J. McGrath, has approved their request for becoming a Commandery effective this date.  As part of their proposal to become a Commandery, these Knights and Dames petitioned the Grand Prior to grant them the high honor of naming their new Commandery in honor of the most spiritual site in Scotland: Commandery of The Holy Isle.

The proposed officers for the new Commandery of The Holy Isle are as follows:

For Commander:  CAPT Oliver W. Hamilton II

For Commandery Chancellor:  Robert M. Davis III

For Commandery Inspector:  Wilmot H. Phillips

For Commandery Secretary:  Rita F. Hamilton

For Commandery Treasurer:  Joyce A. White


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Nov 11, 2009 - Veteran's Day Prayer

"Dear Heavenly Father,

In every age, You call certain persons to defend the human family from oppression, tyranny, and evil.  Since our founding as a nation "conceived in liberty," countless American men and women have stepped forward to defend our country and many others from aggressors, and to liberate those held captive.

Today we revere all our veterans:  those who rest in honored glory, those who still suffer from the wounds of war, and those who, with us, enjoy the blessing of living in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O God, thank You for the selfless sacrifice of these veterans and of their families.  Help us to remember them, to pray for them, and to care for them.  Please bring all our departed veterans into Your Kingdom, and console their families with Your unfailing love.  Please heal our wounded veterans through the power of Your Holy Spirit, and give to all our veterans the satisfaction of having served You even as they have served us.

Thank You for Your gifts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  May we fight to keep these rights available to all.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen."

Text reproduced from anonymous post on a Christian blog citing a prayer e-mailed from Autom, a Catholic church supplies business.


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Nov 4, 2009 - Dept. of State Meritorious Honor Award Received by Chev. Maj. Mark G. Hartell, KTJ

Washington, DC:  (article by Chev. Maj. Cyrus R. Harrington, Jr., KTJ)  On November 4, 2009, Mr. Vann H. Van Diepen, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Department of State, presented the Department of State Meritorious Honor Award to Major Mark G. Hartell of the U.S. Army "in recognition of Major Hartell's outstanding achievements as Head of Delegation for the Australia Group Technical Experts negotiations on nonproliferation export control policy."  "The 'Australia Group' is an informal forum of 40 countries which, through the harmonization of export controls, seeks to ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or biological weapons.  Coordination of national export control measures assists 'Australia Group' participants to fulfill their obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention to the fullest extent possible."

Chev. Maj. Mark G. Hartell is a knight in the Saint King Charles the Martyr Priory of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, and he is active in veterans and charitable organizations.  He is the Historian-General of the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States and the webmaster for that organization's website.  His outstanding work at the Department of State on behalf of our country and the associated nations involved in export controls to prevent unauthorized development of chemical and biological weapons has made a significant contribution to the welfare of humanity, and he is truly deserving of receipt of the Department of State Meritorious Honor Award.


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Sept 13, 2009 - Rev. Chev. William C. Baron, GCSM, GOTJ Consecrated as Bishop
St. Louis, MO:  Our Priory Chaplain, Rev. Chev. William Carl Baron, Ph.D., STD, MDiv, GCSM, GOTJ (Rev. Fr. Seraphim), was consecrated Eparch and Bishop in the Eastern Orthodox Church on 13 September 2009 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross) in St. Louis, Missouri in a Byzantine consecration ceremony.  Bishop Seraphim was consecrated by the "laying on of hands" in Apostolic Succession according to the Canons of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church. Bishop Seraphim's lines of apostolic succession run thru the Russian, Greek, Cypriot, and Antiochian Orthodox Churches to Andrew the Apostle.  Moreover, Bishop Seraphim has a Roman Catholic line of succession thru the Roman Catholic Church in Brazil.  The Bishopric (Eparchy of the Old Dominion) includes the St. Elias Seminary and Graduate School.  The Orthodox Seminary and Graduate School is being relocated from its current location in Nebraska to Northern Virginia.

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Sept 9, 2009 - Col. (ret.) Chev. Robert D. Pollock, KCTJ, Earns Highest USAF Civilian Award
Alexandria, VA:  Our Priory Secretary, retired USAF Colonel Chev. Robert D. Pollock, KCTJ, was awarded the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service for exceptionally distinguished service and accomplishments having significant Air Force-wide scope and impact.  The Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service is the highest award granted by the United States Secretary of the Air Force to civilian personnel.  It consists of a medal, lapel button, and citation certificate.

Between September 2008 and May 2009, Col. (ret.) Robert D. Pollock implemented more true change in Air Force acquisition than all the “reformers” have accomplished in the past 5 years.  His efforts have resulted in significant improvements in how contracts are awarded; increases in the quantity and quality of the acquisition workforce; restraining of uncontrolled requirements growth; and implementing realistic program budgets.

We extend a well-earned congratulations to Col. Chev. Pollock for his continued dedicated work in defense of our great nation.

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Sept 1, 2009 - Website Updates and a New Newsletter
Washington, DC:  The website is undergoing some major updates ... please be sure to check out the Upcoming Events section along with the SKCTM SHOP to purchase tickets for future events.  ALSO - many have wondered when the next issue of the Knightly News will be published.  Well, wait no longer!  A Double Issue has just been released.  Be sure to look for a second Double Issue to be released at the end of the year highlighting all the officer positions within the Priory ("State of the Priory"), what they do, and what our dedicated officers are working on.

Check back often!!

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July 4, 2009 - A Prayer for Unity

Prayer for Unity

“O GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of peace, give us grace seriously to lay to heart, the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions.  Take away all hatred and prejudice and whatever else may hinder us from godly union, that as there is but one body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all; so we may henceforth be all of one heart and one soul, united in the holy bond of truth, of faith and charity; and may with one mind and one mouth, glorify thee through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.”

From “The Soldiers Prayer Book,” Reproduced from 1861.

 


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Jun 7, 2009 - Passing of Chevalier John W. Tower, KTJ

Announcement:  It is with regret that we inform the Priory of the passing of John W. Tower, KTJ.  John was a member within our Priory since 1995.  He is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ and all of the Saints and Martyrs.


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May 23-25, 2009 - Memorial Day Prayer

Prayer for Comfort & Healing

“Dear Lord God,

Hold me up above these circumstances, Lord.  I ask You to hide me under the shadow of Your wings and in Your high tower.  You are El Shaddai, the All-sufficient One.  Father, Your Word tells those who suffer to commit themselves and their souls to You.  Even Jesus from the cross committed His spirit, soul, mind, and body into Your hands.  You alone are God.  You alone can heal me.  You are the resurrection and the Life.  If any man believe in You, Jesus, though He were dead yet shall he live … and any man that lives and believes in You shall never die.  I trust You to be my healer, comforter, and strength, and ask for it in Jesus’ name.  Amen.”

From “Battlefield Prayers,” Word Productions, 2006.

 

Prayer for the Troops

“Dear Lord,

Please hold our troops in your loving hands.  Protect them, Father, as they protect us.  When they are tired, give them strength and rest.  If they are wounded, Father, give them comfort.  When they are lonely, may they feel you near them.  Grant them strength, courage, and wisdom for their tasks.  And, Lord, uplift and strengthen the families and loved ones who wait for their return.  Please, Father, bring a quick end to all this conflict.  I pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.  Amen.”

Originally written on www.beliefnet.com by member “tngrandma” and re-printed in “Prayers for Our Armed Forces,” compiled by Paul Pennick & Joseph Nonnenkamp, Liguori Publications, 2005.


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May 12, 2009 - $10,000 Given to Help Christians in Iraq

Washington, DC:  On Tuesday, May 12th, four Knights of our Order attended a meeting with the Rev. Canon Andrew White in Washington DC.  Canon White is the Vicar of St. George’s Church in Baghdad which is the only Anglican Church in Iraq.  He is also President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRRME) and a Member of the SMOTJ Order of Merit.  He has been awarded the SMOTJ Cross of Valor for putting his life at risk to rescue a British reporter who was being held hostage in Iraq.

The purpose of the meeting was to learn first hand of the plight of Christians in Iraq and the work that St. George’s and the adjoining Dental and Medical Clinics (4 dentists and 3 doctors) is doing within the Christian community.  At the conclusion of the meeting an SMOTJ check for $10,000 was presented to his organization to help continue this work on behalf the Order.

The meeting proved to be a truly memorable experience for those present to learn firsthand about the terrible plight of the Christians in Iraq and the wonderful work that Canon White and his team are doing. It dovetails very nicely with the release of the Robert Marcareli video which documents the plight of the Christians in Iraq which will be shown in St. Louis and made available to all Priories.


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Apr 12, 2009 - Easter Message from Our Priory Chaplain
RESURRECTION HOMILY
(St. John Chrysostom)
 Let all pious men and all lovers of God rejoice in the splendor of  this feast; let the wise servants blissfully enter into the joy of their Lord; let those who have born the burden of Lent now receive their pay, and those who have toiled since the first hour, let them now receive their due reward; let any who came after the third hour be grateful to join in the feast, and those who may have come after the sixth, let them not be afraid of being too late, for the Lord is gracious and He receives the last even as the first.  He gives rest to him who comes on the eleventh hour as well as to him who has toiled since the first:  yes, He has pity on the last and He serves the first; He rewards the one and is generous to the other; he repays the deed and praises the effort.  Come you all: enter into the joy of your Lord.  You the first and you the last, receive alike your reward; you rich and you poor, dance together; you sober and you weaklings, celebrate the day; you who have kept the fast and you who have not, rejoice today.  The table is richly loaded: enjoy its royal banquet.  The calf is a fatted one: let no one go away hungry.  All of you enjoy the banquet of faith; all of you receive the riches of his goodness. Let no one grieve over his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed; let no one weep over his sins, for pardon has shone from the grave; let no one fear death, for the death of our Saviour has set us free; He has destroyed it by enduring it, He has despoiled Hades by going down into its kingdom, He has angered it by allowing it to taste of his flesh.  When Isaias foresaw all this he cried out: O Hades, you have been angered by encountering Him in the nether world. - Hades is angered because frustrated, it is angered because it has been mocked, it is angered because it has been destroyed, it is angered because it has been reduced to naught, it is angered because it is now captive.  It seized a body, and lo! It discovered God; it seized earth, and, behold! It encountered heaven; it seized the visible, and was overcome by the invisible. O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? Christ is risen and you are abolished, Christ is risen and the demons are cast down, Christ is risen and the angels rejoice, Christ is risen and life is freed, Christ is risen and the tomb is emptied of the dead: for Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the Leader and Reviver of those who had fallen asleep. To Him be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Christos Anesti!  Alithos Anesti!
Al Maseeh Qam! Haqqan Qam!
Many Blessings++
Rev. Fr. Seraphim
(Bill Baron)
Chaplain, SKCTM
nnDnn

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Mar 9, 2009 - Update for the Spring C&I
Alexandria, VA:  Be sure to check out the updated times for our Spring C&I in the Upcoming Events tab.  Times were changed to accomodate a new Priory Change of Command ceremony and welcoming our new Priory Officers!  Be sure to purchase your tickets early so that we may have an accurate count.  Tickets may be purchased safely online using our PayPal account tabs!

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Feb 10, 2009 - Passing of Rev. Frank MacDonald Spindler, Ph.D., GCTJ, GMTJ

Announcement:  It is with regret that we inform the Priory of the passing of Rev. Frank MacDonald Spindler, PhD, GCTJ, GMTJ.  Father Spindler was a member within our Priory since 1986.   He is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ and all of the Saints and Martyrs.


It is with the greatest regret that I hear of the death of :
 
The Reverend Chev. Frank MacDonald Spindler, Ph.D., GCTJ, GMTJ.
of The Priory of St. King Charles the Martyr. Grand Chaplain Emeritus.
 
Frank was the the first person to greet me when I arrived at Washington
Cathedral on the day of my Investiture in September 1998. I remember
his warm greeting, his prayers on that day and his continuing friendship.
 
As we mourn his death, we give thanks for his life and ministry within 
The Church and The Order.
 
Our sympathy goes out to his family and associates and the Knight's
and Dames of The Priory of St. King Charles the Martyr.
 
Blessings.  nnDnn.
The Venerable Dr. Ronald Matthewman. Grand Prior of Canada

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Feb 7, 2009 - Passing of COL Chev. Richard B. Baldwin, KTJ
Announcement: It is with regret that we inform the Priory of the passing of COL Richard Burditt Baldwin, KTJ.  Richard was a member within our Priory since 1997.  Chevalier Baldwin was active in many other organizations and was the national head (Past Grand Commander of the Grand Encampment) of the Masonic Knights Templar of the U.S.  He is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ and all of the Saints and Martyrs.

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Feb 2, 2009 - A New Record for Visits
Alexandria, VA:  We have started the New Year setting another exciting record -- 4097 visits in one month!!  We thank our users for their dedicated interest in our website and please be sure to visit often as we continue to post updated news and event information.  Please remember to contact our webmaster (webmaster@smotj-skctm.org) for any news items, comments, or questions about our website and newsletter.

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Jan 12, 2009 - Register NOW for the Grand Convent & Investiture

 

 

 

Register now using discount code GPUSA to get the best price before January 15, 2009.

before Jan 15
Registration: $180
Banquet: $60
Total: $240
before Mar 15
Registration: $190
Banquet: $65
Total: $255
before Apr 30
Registration: $205
Banquet: $75
Total: $280
after Apr 30
Registration: $240
Banquet: $85
Total: $325

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Jan 2, 2009 - Passing of Major General James Milnor Roberts, KCTJ
Announcement:  It is with regret that we inform the Priory of the passing of Major General James Milnor Roberts, Jr., KCTJ, GMTJ.  Read more about this remarkable WWII hero as featured in our Knightly News.  He is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ and all of the Saints and Martyrs.

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Dec 29, 2008 - Happy New Year

We wish all our members of Priory of Saint King Charles The Martyr (SKCTM), brothers and sisters of our Order and friends in Christ a very Happy New Year. Thanks for your kind support and interest in our Website and quarterly magazine Knightly News. We are looking forward to an interesting 2009, and we are counting on your participation. Happy wishes from Jalle, Mark and Fernando.


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Dec 25, 2008 - Merry Christmas!!

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Dec 01, 2008 - 3500 visits in November!!
Alexandria, VA:  November marks another new record for our website -- 3500 visits!!  We thank our users for their dedicated interest in our website.  Please remember to contact our webmaster (webmaster@smotj-skctm.org) for any news items, comments, or questions about our website and newsletter.

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Nov 17, 2008 - Don Weadon's Interment at Arlington National Cemetery

In Memoriam, Donald Alford Weadon, Jr. LCDR, USN, September 15, 1945 ~ March 23, 2008


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Nov 11, 2008 - Prayer to Keep Them in Your Care

Prayer to Keep Them in Your Care

“Almighty God,

We commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad.  Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.”

From “Prayers for Our Armed Forces,” compiled by Paul Pennick & Joseph Nonnenkamp, Liguori Publications, 2005.


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Nov 4, 2008 - Passing of COL Chev. Edward Vernon Badolato, KCTJ

Announcement:  It is with regret that we inform the Priory of the passing of Col. Edward Vernon Badolato, KCTJ.  Edward was a member within our Priory since 1992.   He is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ and all of the Saints and Martyrs.  Flowers can be delivered to Murphy Funeral Home or, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to:  Edward V. Badolato Distinguished Speaker Series Fund, c/o Towson University Foundation Inc., 8000 York Road, Towson, Maryland 21252.


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Nov 01, 2008 - Passed 3000 visits!!
Alexandria, VA: October 2008 brought us to 3002 visits or a daily average of 96. This is a new record, exceeding the June-08 numbers with 361 visits. We thank our users for their dedicated interest in our website.

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Oct 20, 2008 - Fr. Peter Vasko become an Honorary Marine

 Semper Fidelis

Father Peter Vasko, OFM

to become Honorary Marine

12 December 2008

 

Father Peter Vasko, OFM, President of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land, will become an Honorary Marine on 12 December 2008.  The honor will be conferred by order of General James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the US Marine Corps at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

Since the beginning of his ministry in the Holy Land some 24 years ago, Father Vasko has served as the volunteer Chaplain for 18 successive Marine Security Guard Detachments at the US diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, in the Holy Land.  He is also a holder of the Order of the Holy Spirit both as a chaplain for US Marines and as a Templar Chaplain, in addition to being Provisional Commander, of the Commandery of the Holy Land, of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem.


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Oct 6, 2008 - Pancreatic Cancer Network in memory of Tom Cleland

A fundraising walk for the Pancreatic Cancer Network in memory of Tom Cleland who died August 22.

Pancreatic cancer is a horrible diesease and we all felt so helpless during the last couple of months. In honor of his memory, and in hopes that other families will have a better chance than we did, we've set a goal of raising $5,000 for pancreatic cancer research.  Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet it receives less funding per patient than other leading cancer killers.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a non-profit organization working to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. The organization funds research grants, provides information and resources to patients and their families at no cost, pushes for increased federal research funding and educates the public about this disease.

If you are in the Philadelphia area, we would love for you to join our team and walk with us on November 1.  If you're far away but would like to support our efforts, we would greatly appreciate any donation that you can make to the cause.

Please visit my personal page. Thank you for your support!


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Sept 13, 2008 - Summer Social

Alexandria, VA: We had a good turnout on the St. King Charles the Martyr Summer Social. Close to 60 Knights, Dames, Guests and Postulants came to enjoy the food and the company at Joe Theismann's Restaurant. Among notables was Prior VI Stuart McCarthy, Prior X Richard Flahavan, Prior XIV Michael Ching, Prior XV Craig Carlson and Chancellor David Schorn. Members showed their generosity buying SMOTJ Mite Coins and printed issues of Knightly News. Chancellor Schorn called for volunteers, when he now starts the process of setting up the next slate of officers.


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Sept 12, 2008 - News from our Commandery of the Holy Land

JERUSALEM: Recently, Knights of the Commandery of the Holy Land put their personal offerings together to purchase condiments of food to distribute to the needy Christian families in the Old City of Jerusalem. Due to the varying schedules,not every Knight was able to participate in this event. The Jerusalem Commandery is planning for the future and would like to start up a 'food pantry' for the poor in Jerusalem. Funding is needed but with God's help and through our fellow brother and sister Knights from around the globe, this 'food pantry' will become a permanent reality. Depending on what funding we receive we would like to give food out every other month, if not every month, to the poor.

The Commandery also discussed other ways of assisting others in need such as providing baby baskets to the mothers of newly born infants, of providing blankets and heaters for next winter and of assisting those in need by renovating or cleaning residences of the poor and needy. Needless to say, the Jerusalem Commandery is beginning 'to put our hands to the plough'. Needless to say we are very grateful to our brother protectorate, the Priory of St. King Charles the Martyr whose generosity is helping us to make these challenges a reality.

Yet every day, more and more Christian families are coming to us for help. We know in faith that God will provide and we ask your prayers for our continued success in helping others in the Holy Land. Any help is welcomed. Please contact Webmaster@smotj-skctm.org for more information.


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Aug 22, 2008 - Passing of MG Chev. Thomas Gilmour Cleland

Announcement: It is with regret that we inform the Priory of the passing of MG Chevalier Thomas Gilmour Cleland, Deputy Knight Chief of Protocol, Grand Assistant Knight Protector, Grand Croix and Grand Commandeur Order of Merit. He is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ and all of the Saints and Martyrs.


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Aug 12, 2008 - Downloads of Knightly News

Alexandria, VA: Our quarterly magazine Knightly News is sought after by our on-line users. The download statistics so far:

Issue #1, King Charles I, 73 downloads (ds)
Issue #2, Mo Carlson, 113 ds
Issue #3, MG Roberts, 150 ds
Issue #4, COL Rob Pollock, 116 ds
Issue #5, Adrian Cronauer, 223 ds
Issue #6, Arlene Carey, 232 ds
Issue #7, Doug Warner, 83 ds


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Aug 9, 2008 - SKCTM Officers meeting

Alexandria, VA: St. King Charles the Martyr Officer Meeting, 01 PM Saturday, August 09, 2008 at Joe Theismann’s. Purpose of the meeting was to review last minute details for the upcoming events, Fall Social in September and Convent & Investiture in October. The other major topic was suitable charities for our Priory, and which charities to focus our resources on. More information about this will be released on the website. We finished the meeting with "any other questions" and a nice luncheon. If you have any questions or need to discuss anything, then contact our Chancellor David M Schorn.


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July 4, 2008 - A Prayer for Our Country on Independence Day

Prayer for the People of this Country

“Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to You in the name of Jesus, asking Your blessing, love, and compassion on the people of this country.  Touch the lives of the men, women, and children by Your Holy Spirit.  Please provide for their every need.  Help us to do all we can to be a blessing and help to this country in every possible way.  Heal any hurt or pain they may have suffered.  Touch their minds, hearts, and souls according to Your divine will and purpose and restore peace and comfort to each of them.  Cause all of us to have love and understanding for one another and grant us peace in God.  Help me and my brothers and sisters to have a deep and compassionate understanding for them, their culture, and country, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.”

From “Battlefield Prayers,” Word Productions, 2006.

 


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May 30, 2008 - Prepare for the cruise

Alexandria, VA: We wish a happy journey to all that are going on the GPUSA Grand Council Meeting, Grand Convent and Investiture CRUISE, June 5 - 9. Please remember to bring your camera. Send photographs and text snippets to webmaster@smotj-skctm.org, for eventual publication on this website, the Knightly News and Templar Times.


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May 29, 2008 - Our Golf Champ!!

Alexandria, VA: Chev. Rob Hartwell KTJ is our 2008 golfing champion. Here he is making the approach on the 12th hole on Pohick Bay Golf Course.


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May 17, 2008 - A Prayer for Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day

 

Prayer for Our Armed Forces

 

 

“Dear Heavenly Father,

I commend to thy gracious care and keeping all the men and women in our armed forces at home and abroad.  Defend them day by day with thy heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils that beset them and help them to know that no one can pluck out of thy hand those who put their trust in thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.”

 

 

From “Prayers for Iron Soldiers,”

First Armored Division “Old Ironsides” Chaplain’s Office.


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May 07, 2008 - 50th International Military Pilgrimage in Lourdes
Lieber Armin, Dear Knigts & Dames, the 50th International Military Pilgrimage in Lourdes, http://www.lourdes2008.com/ will begin in about 3 weeks. More than 10.000 Soldiers from all over the world will be there. Not too often we Knights & Dames of OSMTH come together in international meetings or events. So it would be very nice to meet each other in Lourdes! Please send me an e-mail or call me by phone if you will be there. I'll give you all the possible dating Informations, that we'll find together at one first time in a Pub in Lourdes. I'm looking forward to see you in Lourdes... and many thanks to you, Armin, for your support, forwarding this message international.  nnDnn//Cpt. Georg(e) Kaster, Grand Priory of Germany

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May 02, 2008 - Celebrating one year!!

Alexandria, VA: We can now summarize the first year of operation for our website. The growth is fantastic. We ended the year with 2,361 visits (average of 78 per day) for the month of April. Our hits have been over the top, with a high of 71,227 hits for the month of March. Thank you all for showing such an interest in our website, and thanks to the patrons that support the website with various types of resources. If you have any thoughts, comments or suggestions for us, then please don't hesitate to send an email to webmaster@smotj-skctm.org.


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April 29, 2008 - Prior's Thank You for a job well done

Virginia: All, I am very proud of all of you for the most outstanding work and execution of our April 26 investiture and banquet.  We seem to be on a roll and on target with our charity work, treasury, bringing in worthy knights and dames, and becoming more and more efficient. Dave Schorn has pulled a tremendous amount of weight. Major THANK YOU to Dave. Adrian’s presence and participation really gives the service a special quality. I appreciate his willingness to serve in this capacity. Several people complimented me on the service, the tone, the delivery, the readings from the congregation, the church, the visual effect, music, and the smoothness with which we executed it.  Kent, as usual, got the line up accomplished. Bill truly added a visual and spiritual quality to the service that we needed. Most of all, I appreciate the willingness of our officers to put their shoulder to the wheel… and their winning attitude.  We are blessed with a great team.

Well done!!!
Blessings, nnDnn, Craig


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April 15, 2008 - New England Priory

Boston, MA: New England Templar members now have their own Priory. They were elevated to this status by Grand Prior Disney at the C&I in Boston on April 5, 2008. Seven postulants were invested at this first-ever event in New England at the historic King’s Chapel, which was erected in 1686. Our Grand Editeur, Marston Watson, was installed as the first Prior and was elevated to the rank of Grand Officier. Details of this event will be reported in the summer issue of the Beauséant.


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April 7, 2008 - SKCTM Officers meeting

Alexandria, VA: St. King Charles the Martyr Officer Meeting, 11 AM Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Joe Theismann’s. Purpose of the meeting is to review last minute details for the April 26th Investiture and Banquet.  This will remain a working business meeting and you are encouraged to order lunch. We will be finished by 1 PM. Regret the short notice; however, this is a great opportunity to sort through several items and Prior Craig’s schedule makes this date work!  Casual working attire.  This is especially critical for key Investiture and Banquet participants and major SKCTM officers to attend if at all possible. If you have any specific items to discuss, let me know so I can make sure they are covered either before the meeting or on Saturday.  If you have any questions or need to discuss anything, then contact me. //David M Schorn, Chancellor


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April 6, 2008 - Sponsorship for the C&I
Alexandria, VA: Please note that we encourage you to sponsor our Convent & Investiture, April 26, 2008. You can use our SKCTM Shop  to support the Order with $180 ($80 for the C&I and $100 sponsorship) for Gold, $130 ($80+$50) for Silver or $105 ($80+$25) for Bronze sponsorship.

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Mar 26, 2008 - Passing of LCDR Chevalier Donald Alford Weadon, Jr.

ANNOUNCEMENT: It is with regret that we inform the Priory of the passing of LCDR Chevalier Donald Alford Weadon, Jr., Esquire, Former Grand Councillor, Grand Croix, Grand Commandeur Order of Merit.  Donald was the husband of Dame Suzanne Hayden Cameron Weadon and a member within our Priory since 1991.  He is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ and all of the Saints and Martyrs.


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Mar 24, 2008 - Another record
Alexandria, VA: We have just passed 55,000 hits, 1470 visits from 1450 unique sites, and we have a week left of the month. Please let us know if you have any questions or thoughts. Send an email to webmaster@smotj-skctm.org.

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Mar 15, 2008 - C&I in Sweden

Vadstena, Sweden: SKCTM member Jarl S Magnusson attended Saturday March 15, 2008, the first C&I on Swedish soil for the new Commandery of Sweden. We extend our warmest congratulations to Grand Prior Stein Tennebo, Commander Johan Adolfsson, two postulants and awardees. More information at http://www.osmth.se/

 


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Mar 03, 2008 - Passing of Chev. Hamish H.A. Stewart-Treviranus

        Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
St. Andrews Logo         Alexandria, VA: Chev. Hamish H.A. Stewart-Treviranus, died on Friday, February 29, 2008.  Hamish was 89 years old, had been a long time member of SKCTM prior to changing his affiliation to the Priory of St. Patrick.  A memorial service honoring Hamish's life will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2008, Georgetown Presbyterian Church http://www.gtownpres.org/, 3115 P St. N.W., Washington, D.C.


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Feb 23, 2008 - Exceeded 1000 visits!!
Alexandria, VA: We have just passed 1,000 visits in a month for the first time, and we still have 6 days left of February!! Thanks for your interest in the SKCTM website. If you have any comments or suggestions, then send a mail to webmaster@smotj-skctm.org. nnDnn//Jalle and Mark

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Feb 18, 2008 - Lincoln's Birthday
Washington, DC: Rear Admiral [Ret.] Jim Carey Grand Master of our Order, was honored to be a speaker at this year's national Abraham Lincoln ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial Monument in Washington, DC on Lincoln's Birthday, February 12.  Good crowd of 400+. Photograph by Kathleen Watson.  

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Feb 15, 2008 - Templar Times

Alexandria, VA: The GPUSA Templar Times have been revived, and will be sent out to all GPUSA members (email only). The newsletter can be downloaded from the www.smotj.org website (login section).


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Feb 11, 2008 - Any thoughts, ideas?
Alexandria, VA: We are now preparing the next issue of Knightly News. Press-stop is March 15. We are especially looking for images and texts on the history of SMOTJ, Knight Templars in the US, and information on local Priories patches, pins, medals, awards, badges, coins and crests. Please send to webmaster@smotj-skctm.org.

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Jan 30, 2008 - Beauséant

Info from the Grand Editor: The 24-page winter publication of the Beauséant is now sent to the printer. It is the largest and most comprehensive issue ever produced by our Order, and is very special for its coverage of the Holy Land Pilgrimage of 2007, Priory News and many more special articles of interest to all our Templar members. The photographs of the pilgrimage are spectacular. Our Grand Prior and I are hopeful that you will be moved to make a donation to our Order to cover the extra cost of publishing and mailing this Journal. Contact Marston Watson for more info or if you have any questions.


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Jan 28, 2008 - Winter social

Alexandria, VA: We had a good turnout on the first activity of the year - the St. King Charles the Martyr Winter Social. Close to 70 Knights, Dames, Guests and Postulants came to enjoy the food and the company. Among notables was Grand Master Jim Carey, Prior Craig Carlson and Chancellor David Schorn. Members showed their generosity by raising money through the The Charity raffle.


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Jan 25, 2008 - Please update your email

IMPORTANT: This is a notification to all SKCTM members - if you have changed, updated or begun using an email address, then please remember to notify David Schorn, Robert Pollock or Jarl S Magnusson. The Priory is already today sending out much more information over email, than through paper-based "snail-mail". If you don't have an email address, and would like to have some support, then contact Jarl S Magnusson.


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Jan 23, 2008 - A Silent Knight story

From a Silent Knight: Yesterday, my wife returned from Los Angeles early afternoon. Having a long flight and nothing to eat, we went to a local steak house for a late lunch when she arrived at home. About half way through lunch my wife noticed an elderly lady (appeared to be about 70) a few booths away. She was alone and looked like something was weighing heavy on her mind. She mentioned to me this lady didn’t have on a wedding ring. Julie mentioned something seemed to be troubling her and asked if maybe a Knight might be willing to pick up the ticket. When our waiter came back by the table, we discreetly asked him to help us with this. After explaining that I belong to a Christian Order of Knights and the purpose behind our Order, with quite a surprised look on his face, agreed to help us. He brought her ticket to us and we paid hers with ours. Later I saw him at her table and I could hear him speaking to her. The only thing I could hear was “Knight” and “your meal has been taken care of”. Our waiter came by our table and crouched beside me to tell me the outcome. She had asked him why she didn’t have a ticket yet and he explained that a Christian Knight had paid for her meal. He said her eyes welled with tears and she told him she just came from a local cancer treatment center. She said how much it meant to her that somewhere she had a “Knight in Shining Armor”, and that she wasn’t aware there actually were any more Knights around. My waiter had tears in his eyes as he told us and he said it was all he could do to maintain his composure as she spoke to him. He said he saw her face light up with probably the only good news she heard that day. I had to look away from him and had to fight back the emotion, least she see me and give away our anonymity. He said thanks for allowing him to be a part of this and wanted to know more about it. I wrote the Silent Knight Website address on the ticket and encouraged him to check it out. We may have another Silent Knight in the making...


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Jan 18, 2008 - Passing of Chvse Margaret Webber DCTJ

ANNOUNCEMENT: It is with regret that we inform the Priory of the passing of Chvse Margaret Evelyn Austin Webber DCTJ, on Thursday January 17th. Margaret was the wife of CAPT Chev Kent Shepard Webber GOTJ and an active member within our Priory. She is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ and all of the Saints and Martyrs. nnDnn Craig Carlson


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Jan 10, 2008 - Deputy Webmaster and Editor
Alexandria, VA: We are proud and happy to report that MAJ Chev. Mark G. Hartell, KTJ has accepted to be the Deputy Webmaster of www.smotj-skctm.org and Deputy Editor of Knightly News. His kind contribution to the Priory and the Order is of great importance to create stable, open and trusted information services for our members.

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Jan 05, 2008 - C&I in Mexico

Alexandria VA: (FYI). The Grand Priory of Mexico will do an Induction, Dining and Camaraderie on 6-9 March 2008 in Queretaro, Mexico. A fun packed week-end has been arranged for Knights, Dames and Guests, which includes a splendid Ceremony and a Gala Dining experience. Cost is US $150.00 per person. Interested in participation? Send an email to the Webmaster.


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Jan 01, 2008 - Happy New Year!!
Alexandria, VA: The Priory of Saint King Charles The Martyr thanks its members and friends of the Order for a very successful 2007, and we are looking forward to match (and exceed) our successes in 2008.

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Dec 19, 2007 - A Christmas Prayer

Loving Father, help us to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, And teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children,
And the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.
Amen!

Author-Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)


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Dec 18, 2007 - Need your help..
Alexandria, VA: If you have local Priory awards, decorations, medals, certifications, jewelry, coins, etc then please send in a picture and a description to the Knightly News editor, Jarl S Magnusson. We are looking for material to do a coming article on that topic. Thanks and Merry Christmas..

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Dec 01, 2007 - First of Advent
Alexandria, VA: On behalf of all the officers of the Priory of Saint King Charles the Martyr I wish each of you a fine First Advent, a Merry Christmas and the very best New Year.  I pray that you count your blessings as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and that you are surrounded by those you love. Prior XVII Craig Carlson

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Nov 20, 2007 - Multilingual Brussels Declaration
Alexandria, VA: The Brussels Declaration is now translated to English, Bulgarian, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Serbian, Slovenian and Spanish. If you need a copy or if you can translate to another language, then please contact SKCTM Webmaster.

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Nov 19, 2007 - New Commandery

The Priory of Saint King Charles The Martyr is now responsible for the Provisional Commandery of the Holy Land. See more information here.


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Nov 18, 2007 - Thanks!!

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We hope you will have a great Thanksgiving holiday, fine weather, lot's of food and surrounded by loved family and friends. Our prayers are with you and all Christians living in or traveling to the Holy Land. We are thankful for our members in the Priory and those who worked to make this year a success. The Priory of Saint King Charles The Martyr have grown in 2007. We have added 22 new members. Two were invested in Williamsburg, we had another 5 new Knights invested in June, in November nine new members and now in Jerusalem six new members, which will be organized into a Provisional Commandery. Our Priory are not only growing in membership, but also engaged and enthusiastic support to our Charities. We are also happy to note that four SKCTM members joined the inaugural GPUSA Pilgrimage that took place in November.

 


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Nov 15, 2007 - GPUSA Pilgrimage report

     

DAY 1-4: Templars flew in to Tel Aviv, Israel. Our Templar Group was welcomed and greeted by Grand Prior Major General (ret) Robert C G Disney GCTJ GMTJ and Father Peter Vasko, OFM, who was our guide for this Pilgrimage. First night in Netanya. Nice weather predicted for the week, around mid 80’s, plenty of sun. Ceasarea, the Crusaders Moat and the Roman Theater. Short stop Mt. Carmel, the tomb of Prophet Elisha. Drive through the city of Haifa and then to Tiberias, renewing our baptismal vows at the Jordan River and finally to our hotel, the Pilgrims House in Tabgha. Visited the Cana of Galilee, where our Lord made his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding feast. Couples renewed their marriage vows. Nazareth and the Basilica of Annunciation and the cave for the actual annunciation. Finally Mount Tabor to visit the site of Transfiguration of Jesus, where he learned that he was Gods Son. Boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, home of Jesus during His ministry. Tagbha multiplication of loaves and fishes. Mount of Beatitudes and the Sermon of the Mount.

DAY 5-8: Drive to Jericho, Mount of Temptation, next to Bethany and House of Mary, Martha and Lazarus and the Tomb of Lazarus. Checked in to our hotel in Jerusalem. Mount of Olives, Church of Pater Noster, Ascension and then walk the Palm Sunday Road to Dominus Flevit. Garden of Gethsemane, visit the Church of All Nations at the Rock of Agony. Church of St Anne, Pool of Bethesda, Chapel of Flagellation. Go the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulchre, Golgata and the Tomb of Our Lord.

DAY 9-10: Bethlehem and the Shepherds Fields, visit the Nativity Church, Grotto of St Jerome, Church of St Catherine, shopping in Bethlehem and in Jerusalem. Convent and Investiture at the Church of the Redeemer, where five local christians and one american dubbed as new knights of the Order and organized into a new Provisional Commandery in the Holy Land, under the control of Priory of Saint King Charles The Martyr. Last day travels were tiresome. In all a fantastic, eventful and inspirational journey in history, culture and faithbuilding experiences.

   


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Nov 3, 2007 - Convent and Investiture in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria, VA: St. King Charles the Martyr Priory held our 2007 Fall Convent & Investiture on Saturday, the third of November at Historic Christ Church in Alexandria, followed by a Gala Banquet at the Hilton Old Town Alexandria. Chancellor David Schorn presided over the C&I, since Prior Craig Carlson was in Iraq. A full report will be given in coming issue of the Knightly News. We had over 80 members and guests participating. A very special welcome was presented by His Excellency Rear Admiral James J. Carey, International Grand Master OSMTH, Past Grand Prior of the United States and His Excellency David W.M. Morehead, Deputy Grand Prior of the United States of America – Region II.

Those that attended enjoyed the special Investiture ceremony and an evening of good food and companionship.Thank you to all those Knights and Dames that helped make this event a most memorable one, especially to your Priory Officers who spent countless hours of preparation to ensure everything went smoothly.


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Oct 27, 2007 - SKCTM Officers meeting

Alexandria, VA - SKCTM Officer met at Joe Theismann’s Saturday at 1 PM, October 27, 2007. The purpose of the meeting was to review and prepare for the November 3rd Investiture and Banquet, discuss communication strategy and upcoming events.


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Oct 20, 2007 - The Brussels Declaration

Chicago,Il-USA—The only association of modern Templars that is recognized by the United Nations, OSMTH-Knights Templar International, met in Brussels, Belgium concluding on October 13th, 2007 to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the arrest of the medieval Templars.

During their meeting, the thirteen member Grand Priories representing over twenty Nations unanimously agreed upon the Brussels Declaration, setting out the vision, commitment and humanitarian action policy of today’s Templars. In existence since 1804, the modern Templar Order has not made a declaration of this kind since Paris in 1841.

Brigadier General Patrick Rea, chairman of the meeting said: “With public interest in Templars higher than ever, and with increasing calls on our members’ time, talents and generosity by the United Nations and other international civil society organizations with which we cooperate, the international council of OSMTH—Knights Templar International  felt it was time to give a clear explanation of who we are and what we do.”

OSMTH—Knights Templar International has over 5,000 members around the globe. In 2006/07, the Templar Order provided over 100 delegates to United Nations meetings and conferences in New York, Geneva, Vienna and at UN conference centers in the Middle East, Africa and South America. Through other memberships to include the International Peace Bureau the Templars voiced their support for peace, international understanding and economic progress for all the peoples of the world. Over the past ten years these modern Templars have funded over $5 million USD or 3.4 million euros for charitable causes from an emergency medical clinic in Thailand following a tsunami to a current year around medical and public health teaching facility in the Cameroon.


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Oct 13, 2007 - 700 years since Templars were arrested
 Light a candle, pray for our Order and support some charities. We remember that 700 years ago, King Philip IV of France, deeply in debt to the Knight Templars Order, began pressuring Pope Clement V to take action against the Order. On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip had Jacques de Molay and scores of other French Templars simultaneously arrested, charged with numerous heresies, and tortured, forcing false confessions of various blasphemies. Even though the confessions had been produced under duress, they caused a scandal in Paris. In response to more bullying from King Philip, Pope Clement then issued the bull Pastoralis Praeeminentiae, which instructed all Christian monarchs in Europe to arrest all Templars and seize their assets.

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Oct 10, 2007 - Vatican process records on the Knight Templars

   News from VATICAN CITY, OCT 4, 2007 - On October 25 in the Vatican's Old Synod Hall, the presentation will take place of the "Processus contra Templarios," a book published by the Vatican Secret Archives on the subject of the Knights Templar, the medieval military-religious order founded in Jerusalem in 1118 and suppressed by Pope Clement V (1305-1314).

According to a communique made public yesterday afternoon, the new volume is "a previously unpublished and exclusive edition of the complete acts of the original hearing against the Knights Templar." The book, unique of its kind, will have a print run "rigorously limited to 799 copies" and contains the "faithful reproduction of the original parchments conserved in the Vatican Secret Archives."

The project, the communique concludes, "is part of the series of 'Exemplaria Praetiosa,' ... the most elaborate and important publication yet undertaken by the Pontifical Archives." The new volume will be presented by Archbishop Raffaele Farina S.D.B., archivist and librarian of Holy Roman Church; Bishop Sergio Pagano, prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, and experts such as the historian Franco Cardini and the archaeologist and author Valerio Massimo Manfredi." Reference http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vis/dinamiche/b1_en.htm


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Oct 04, 2007 - GPUSA Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
The final preparations are now made for the Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. You can see an example itinerary here - http://www.georgesintl.com/holy_land.html. Depending on connectivity, we will try to report directly through this website. If you have any questions, please email us.

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Sept 30, 2007 - Death of His Serene Highness Rev. Prince Arnold zu Windish-Graetz

Dear Knights and Dames, I am extremely sad to report the death of a dear friend, Christian leader and extraordinary Templar His Serene Highness the Reverend Prince Arnold zu Windisch-Graetz Chaplain of St Norbert’s Priory and Deputy Grand Chaplain of GPUSA. This is a great loss for all of us but his beloved wife Princess Renate is in deep morning and your prayers for her are truly needed.

NNDNN, Patrick Rea, Brigadier General, Ret.-USA, Grand Commander II, OSMTH


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Sept 16, 2007 - Father Peter Vasko Reception

FATHER PETER VASKO / HOLY LAND FRANCISCANS RECEPTION, SUNDAY, 16th SEPTEMBER 2007

It is my pleasure to report that the Templar reception for Father Peter Vasko, OFM, Chief Executive Officer of the Franciscan Holy Land Foundation (i.e., head of the “Holy Land Franciscans”), was a great success.  Father Peter Vasko, spoke on conditions in the Holy Land, with particular emphasis on Christians at Risk. 

The Holy Land Franciscans have been for many years a charity of the Autonomous Grand Priory of the United States. They assist pilgrims, maintain religious shrines, run health clinics, libraries and schools and, perhaps most crucial, minister to the needs of the Christians of the Holy Land.  After explaining the conflict and failure to communicate properly between many Israelis and many Moslem Palestinians, Father Peter then outlined the plight of the Christian Palestinians.  In 1900 the Christian population of the Holy Land was over 13%; today it is closer to 2%.  To extremists on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict the Christians are “other.”  While the Franciscans, the “brown robes,” have been a respected presence in the Holy Land for centuries, in 1994 they launched an innovative and non-denominational program on behalf of the Palestinian Christians (all Christians). The cornerstone of this program is education, that has greatly improved the ability of properly educated Christian Palestinians to remain in the land they have inhabited throughout the Christian era.  

Thanks to the gracious hospitality of Brigadier General Chev. Richard (“Dick”) Crabtree, former Prior of the Priory of Saint Patrick, and of his son John, proprietors of   Crabtree’s Kittle House, to all in attendance, and to all who, although not able to be physically present, sent financial contributions, we are approaching the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) raised in this appeal.  Any one who would like to join in this just cause should send their check, made to SMOTJ note Fr V, to the Grand Administrator SMOTJ, PO Box 83926, Gaithersburg, MD 20883-3926.

The essence of Father Peter Vasko’s message is the same as in the parable of the Good Shepherd.  God’s love for mankind is not merely a collective thing, nor is it like a business where it would be most unlikely that a businessman would place 99% at risk to recover 1%.  Rather it is that each human person is, individually, precious in the eyes of the Creator, and that God’s love is for all, individually, without exception.  God does not “write-off” anyone as an acceptable loss, nor should we abandon the Christians of the Holy Land.

Right now, it is the less than 2% Christians in the Holy Land who are so very much at risk, and we have Father Peter Vasko to thank for bringing the seriousness of this situation to our attention, in order that we might assist the Good Shepherd in saving these Christians at Risk.  In a follow-up report, you will be presented with details of how Templar Priories (or even individual Templars) might “adopt” – for educational purposes – a Christian child in the Holy Land.

NON NOBIS DOMINÉ, NON NOBIS, SED NOMINÍ TUO DA GLORIAM,
COL CHEV. WAYNE J. McGRATH, GCTJ, GMTJ
Grand Chancellor


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Sept 15, 2007 - Casino Royale Night Social /CANCELLED/

CANCELLATION - The St. King Charles the Martyr Casino Royale Night social and charity event that was planned for Saturday, September 15th at 6:30 PM is cancelled. Further information and questions please contact CAPT Chev. Dave Schorn at schornttpm@aol.com or phone 703-878-4622.


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Sept 5, 2007 - OSMTH Delegation to the UN

INFO FROM THE GRAND MASTER

Photo: OSMTH Delegation to the Fall 2007 Opening of the UN General Assembly and the final session of the UN Conference on Global Warming. From the left, Mr. Ahsan Rizvi, Pakistan, Count Alexander zu Reventlow, Germany & Denmark, Mr. Thomas Alexander, Israeli & American, Mr. Randy Tietz, American, Major David Waters, American and Count Ennio R. Senese, Italian. The photo was taken this past Wednesday, September 5th in the United Nations Receptions Hall at the New York Headquarters of the UN. One can see the skyline of New York behind the Reception Hall.

Again this year OSMTH was blessed with an extraordinary delegation. Last year our delegation was able to visit with senior leaders of the UN to include the Secretary General and the year before that we started to truly set our high standards with great members from Europe and North America. In every case the UN officials have responded with expanded requests for OSMTH involvement. Under separate cover I have written the Grand Priors requesting that they nominate delegates for the important UN-NGO Conference in Geneva from the 5-7th of December of 2007. The Secretary General has requested that we send as many young delegates as possible and I have welcomed at least one delegate (young or older) from each Grand Priory or national Commandry. We must forward our delegates and registration to the UN by November 1st.


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Aug 26, 2007 - Microcredits
From Grand Master Carey: Any GP-USA Priory can make a direct microcredit investment, and thus provide this aid to the less fortunate as outlined in the Nobel Peace Prize announcement, while also retaining the money as an asset within the Order that they can add to or continue to reinvest over the years, or use for other charitable good works when and should they so desire.  As I advised earlier, I have assisted the Saint King Charles the Martyr Priory here in Washington, DC to make their first $5000 investment in microcredits - their first I am told with "more to come" - so I am alerting you that this Templar $5000 investment in microcredits is now in place.

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Aug 18, 2007 - Officers meeting

REPORT: St. King Charles the Martyr Officers meeting, Saturday, August 18, 2007 at Joe Theismann's Restaurant, Alexandria, VA. This was a working business meeting covering the next several scheduled events (Casino Night, November 3rd Investiture, and Spring Social), Priory communication, charities, economy and opportunity to get to know each other and our positions within the Priory. For more information contact SKCTM Secretary.


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July 27, 2007 - Reader response on the latest issue of Knightly News

"Jalle", I really enjoyed my printed snail mail copy of the newsletter. The articles were excellent, the photos were excellent, and the design was superb!!!!! You and your team are to be commended for editing and producing such an all inclusive information piece. I especailly enjoyed the breakdown of insignia and what they represent--this is so important to our order! I truly understand the expense of printing so I am trying to justify the expense in my own mind! Check to follow--I don't do any financial transactions by computer!

 [Response, thanks for kind words. For those members who would like the Newsletter Knightly News as a full color paper copy, please take contact with me -- Editor Jarl S Magnusson KTJ]


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July 25, 2007 - Passing of Chev. David R Curfman, M.D., GCTJ, CMTJ

ANNOUNCEMENT, It is with regret that we inform the Priory of the passing of Chevalier David Ralph Curfman, M.D., Grand Chirurgeon (Emeritus). Grand Croix, Commandeur Order of Merit. David was the husband of Dame Grand Croix Blanche Lee Curfman and an active member within our Priory. He is now at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ and all of the Saints and Martyrs. //Craig Carlson, Prior


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June 25, 2007 - Our new Reporter
We are just delighted to welcome Capt Chev. Robert L. "Bob" Bowen KTJ as the new Reporter for our magazine Knightly News. You will see more of him through photos and text in coming issues and not unlikely, here on the website.

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June 03, 2007 - Spring Convent and Investiture

 

.The 2007 Spring Convent and Investiture were held at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Alexandria, VA. Chev. Almost 90 Dames, Knights and Guests witnessed when Jess Iverson KTJ, Chev. Mark Williams KTJ, Rev. Chev. Wollom A. Jensen KTJ and BG Chev. Bob Felderman KTJ was invested as our new Knights. Chev. Jarl S Magnusson KTJ, and CAPT Chev. Kent S. Webber GOTJ received the Commendation Medal. COL Chev. Robert Bowen KTJ and Dame ?? received the Achievement Medal.

There was also a change of Prior in a beautiful flag ceremony, Prior XVI H. E. LTC Chev. R. Michael Ching GCTJ CMTJ passed on the gavel to the new Prior XVII - H. E. COL Chev. Craig L Carlson GCTJ, GMTJ, CSE, KSG. With the Prior was also a new slate of Officers installed.

Cocktails and gala dinner was served at the historic Mount Vernon Inn.

We learned from Grand Prior Disney that the Pilgrimage in November 2007 and the Grand Convent 2008 Cruise will require interested participants to sign up as-soon-as-possible. Grand Master RADM Carey promoted a “Signature Charity” for our Order, and that will be “Saving Kids Life” with focus on treating Dysentery. For a sum of $6 we can give a kid the whole treatment to let them survive. The Grand Master also informed us that the Order will now seek a “Templar Home”, we will do an investment in brick-and-mortar.

Our Prior COL Carlson will put together an event September 15, with the goal to raise $3000 to help hospitalized veterans


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May 30, 2007 - We need volunteers

If you are interested in contributing to this WebSite and/or the Knightly News, then contact Jarl S. Magnusson, webmaster@smotj-skctm.org. Our strategy is to slowly merge the website with the newsletter, so we will have one clear way to communicate and reach all our members. But, that will take some time to implement. Until then, we are learning and using whatever means of communication we can handle, in order to reach our members. Your contribution is important. You will help us reaching out to our members.


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May 27, 2007 - Voting Results

Voting Results - St. King Charles the Martyr Slate for 2007-2009

RADM James J. Carey, Grand Master and Chairman of the Nominations Committee, and LTC R. Michael Ching, Prior, St. King Charles the Martyr Priory, by separate and independent count of all votes cast, have determined that the Proposed Slate of Officers for 2007-2009 is hereby approved unanimously.  COL Chev. Craig L. Carlson, Prior-Elect, and his officers, will be invested on 2 June 2007.


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