Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Knights of Columbus Patriotic (Fourth) Degree Assembly at St. Josaphat was chartered on January 10, 2010. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the parish center of the Basilica of St. Josaphat on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and 7th Street. The meetings begin at 7:00 PM.
The Patriotic Degree promotes love and respect for both our Catholic Church and our country. We are made up of members of various Knighthood (Third) Degree councils in the area.
Members of the Patriotic Degree make up the Honor Guard. This is the most visible symbol of the Knights of Columbus worldwide. Being an Honor Guard participant is not required of Patriotic Degree members, but a member is required to be in the Patriotic Degree before he can join the Honor Guard.
If you have questions, or would like to contact us for any reason, please e-mail us at KofCAssembly3210@Gmail.com
May God bless you.
In Gospel of Luke 18:9–14, Jesus Christ tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector—a short but piercing lesson about the posture of the human heart before God.
We find in this gospel two defining attitudes: presumption and humility.
The Pharisee stands confidently, almost impressively. He lists his virtues, his fasting, his tithing. On the surface, he seems like a model believer. He is so focused on his own self-righteousness. While the tax collector standing at a distance, he recognizes the laxity in living the life of God.
During Lent, this parable becomes a mirror so that we can somehow strip away illusions that justify our actions when we compare ourselves to others. Pretty often we say to ourselves: “I am not as bad as…” which leads us to think that we are better than others, builds pride, and drives us away from the grace of God. Instead, we are called to be like the tax collector who with honesty, and humility, depends on the mercy of God. His simple openness becomes the opportunity for transformation.
As Lent winds down we can ask ourselves:
Where am I tempted to compare myself to others instead of examining my own heart?
Do my spiritual practices draw me closer to God, or subtly make me feel superior?
Can I pray with the same honesty as the tax collector—without excuses, without filters?
Lent is not about proving our righteousness; it’s about recognizing our need.
Fr. Alejandro Rodríguez, s.x.
· SYNOPSIS OF MEETING HELD MARCH 18, 2026
· Thanks to St Veronica Parish for sharing their meeting space with us during renovation of St Josaphat Parish House.
· SK Timothy Salamon introduced for discussion the “Make May the Month of Patriotic Prayer” program with directions for implementation. Assembly 3210 would plan to conduct a prayer service at a National, State, or Local cemetery.
· The 1st announcement of 3 for nomination of Assembly 3210 Officers for 2026-2027 was issued at the Mar 18 meeting to members.
· In the Eastern District Master’s April Report
· SK Jack Wrbanich states that the next Exemplification of Patriotism is scheduled for April 11 in De Pere. Area 2 is planning an America-250 Exemplification for June 6 at St Martin of Tours hosted by Assemblies 3210 and 3316. Volunteers will be needed to make this event successful.
· Assemblies are reminded of program report due dates for Fraternal Year 2025-2026: Be a Patriot Award-Apr 30; Civic Award-Jun 30; Refund Support Vocations Report-Jun30; Assembly Officers Chosen for the Term-Jul 1; Annual Assembly Audit-Aug 1; Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity- Jan 31.
· The Basilica of St Josaphat Assembly 3210 has been awarded the Knights of Columbus Civic Award for Fraternal Year 2024-2025 received by FS SK Timothy Salamon and presented to FN SK Tony Bloom. See photos below
· At a Special College Exemplification of Patriotism in Kenosha on Mar 21, Assembly 3210 sponsored 16 new 4th Degree Sir Knights for membership.
· Area 2 upcoming events:
· A Blue Mass will be held on Tuesday May 26, 2026, at Basilica of St Josaphat. Volunteers will be needed to make this event successful. Step up to coordinate this event.
· Stars and Stripes Honor Flights at General Mitchell International Airport in 2026 are scheduled for Saturday April 25; Saturday May 30; Saturday June 20, Saturday September 12, Saturday October 10, and Saturday November 7. Save the dates and participate when possible.
· Honor Guard: 4th Degree Exemplification Apr 11 in De Pere WI; 1st Mass of Transitional Deacon for Scott Zarling on Apr 18 at St Dominic’s Church in Brookfield; May Crowning on Mother’s Day May 10 at 2:00 pm at the Marian Shrine in Milwaukee; Blue Mass on May 26 6:00 pm Mass at Basilica of St Josaphat; Opening of Special Olympics on Jun 4 at UW Whitewater; Polish Fest on Jun 14 10:15 am Mass at Meier Festival Grounds; Outdoor Mass in Kenosha Jun 28; Irish Fest Mass Aug 26 at Meier Festival Grounds; Ordination of the Permanent Deaconate Sep 12 at St Monica 10:00 am Mass; Area 2 Joint Corporate Communion Sep; White Mass 9:00 am on Oct 17 at St Dominic’s Church in Brookfield; Women of Christ Nov 21 at the Brookfield Conference Center.
· Assembly 3210 Easter Ham Raffle fundraiser is underway. Divine Mercy, St Matthew, St Veronica, and Nativity of the Lord parishes are scheduled for participation. Winners will be called on March 19. Part of proceeds will sponsor seminarians.
· The 2026 Sendik’s Food Kiosk fundraiser begins. SK Mark Anhalt has scheduled 5 Friday events on May 29, Jun 26, Jul 24, Aug 21, and Sep 25. Success will depend on ACTIVE PARTICIPATION by members: 3 volunteers are needed for each event from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PLEASE PLAN TO PARTICIPATE! Contact SK Mark at mganhalt@wi.rr.com for details.
· PATRIOTIC PROJECT FOR CONSIDERATION: SK Mark Anhalt, with help from 5 Milwaukee area Assemblies, proposes a project to work with Director of Outreach for Camp Hometown Heroes (Grafton, WI) to serve a meal to 120 campers and camp staff (Campbellsport, WI). The cost estimate for serving 120 people using their existing cater is $1200 ($10 per person), or about $240.00 per Assembly. The anticipated date would be July 9, 2026, at their campsite in Campbellsport. The proposal should be attractive to Milwaukee area Assemblies because:
· Camp Hometown Heroes offers a week-long overnight summer camp for children and siblings of fallen U.S. service members, thus fitting with our 4th Degree Patriotic mission
· Camp Hometown Heroes is a local organization (Grafton, WI). Their Campbellsport, WI, camp is only 35 miles from Milwaukee
· Knights could visit the camp, meet the children, and perhaps assist in serving the food.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE AT ST VERONICA PARISH IN MILWAUKEE ON APRIL 15, 2026
PLAN TO ATTEND
BASILICA OF ST JOSAPHAT PARISH HOUSE IS UNDER RENOVATION FOR SEVERAL MONTHS
FROM THE NAVIGATOR’S DESK
Greetings, Brother Sir Knights.
On March 7 of this year, at the Eastern Wisconsin District Master Biennial meeting, Assembly 3210 proudly accepted the Knights of Columbus Civic Award for Fraternal Year 2024-2025. We are working on getting the same award for this Fraternal year. In addition, at a Special College Exemplification in Kenosha on Mar 21, Assembly 3210 sponsored 16 new 4th Degree Sir Knights from Marquette University for membership. We are moving ahead. Join in the progress!
But let me ask you: Have you participated in a patriotic program with Assembly 3210? Have you recruited a new Sir Knight?
The Civic Award is a tribute to the spirit of patriotism and national pride exemplified by program activities. We listed these qualifying patriotic programs for the Civic Award:
-- Honor Guard participation at STARS AND STRIPES HONOR FLIGHT in silent salute as veterans come home from their day in Washington DC.
--Participation in a Memorial Day observance at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery with an Honor Guard present to escort a Priest for a cemetery prayer service; then proceeding to Divine Mercy church for Mass and fellowship lunch.
-- Honor Guard participation at a Blue Mass recognizing first responders, and a Red Mass recognizing judges and lawyers. Also, Assembly 3210 members provided refreshments for reception after the Blue Mass.
-- Assembly 3210 members helped place flags on Veteran Graves at various cemeteries in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.
Do you have any ideas for other patriotic programs? Do you know anyone who could become a 4th Degree Knight? Please let the membership know if you do!
April 15th is our next meeting. Hope to see you there!
SK Tony Bloom, Faithful Navigator Assembly 3210
May Jesus' grace bloom in your life.
Figure 1 March 7, 2026. FS SK Timothy Salamon Receives the 2024-25 Civic Award for Assembly 3210 (2nd from right in back row)
Figure 2 March 18, 2026. FS SK Timothy Salamon Presents FN SK Tony Bloom with 2024-25 Civic Award at Assembly 3210 Membership Meeting
FOR THE HEALTH AND HEALING OF LADY STACY, WIFE OF DISTRICT MARSHAL SK CHRISTOPHER KACHUR, RECOVERING FROM SURGERY MARCH 5TH.
FOR REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF SK HENRY TESSMER, A 67-YEAR MEMBER OF CARDINAL STRITCH COUNCIL 4614 AND A 61-YEAR MEMBER OF BISHOP HENNI ASSEMBLY 1196
FOR THE HEALTH AND HEALING OF FATHER DOMINIC CALDOGNETTO OF THE XAVERIAN MISSIONS RECOVERING FROM EMERGENCY SURGERY
FOR THE HEALTH AND HEALING OF ASSEMBLY 3210 MEMBER AND VAVS REPRESENTATIVE SK DONALD SCHWARTZ
FOR THE FULL RE-BUILD OF VANDALIZED CHURCH AT GESU PARISH, MILWAUKEE, MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
FOR COURAGE, DISCERNMENT AND INTEGRITY IN NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL OFFICIALS
FOR HEALTH AND HEALING OF LUPE, SISTER-IN-LAW OF SK MIKE SOCHA
FOR HEALTH AND HEALING OF CHUCK HAYES AFFLICTED WITH THROAT CANCER, FRIEND OF SK JOEL SPRAITZ
FOR LOVING CARE OF SK DANIEL TETER’S MOTHER IN NURSING HOME AND HIS SON AFFLICTED WITH MS
FOR SUCCESSFUL UPCOMING MEDICAL PROCEDURES FOR COUNCIL 1709 FINANCIAL SECRETARY BOB BAUMANN
FOR HEALTH OF COUNCIL 1709 TREASURER RICK HECK
FOR TOM LUDKE OF ST STEVENS WHO GRIEVES FOR A MURDERED RELATIVE
Here is your opportunity to read the by laws that govern the functions of our assembly.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a member or our by laws committee: SK Joe D., SK Bill F. or SK Matthew B.