This October we are blessed to hear directly from our pastor and worthy chaplain, Father Jerry Kaywell, who recently traveled to Rome to con-celebrate Mass at the canonization of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. Both saints are young men who lived their faith in powerful ways: Carlo through his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his use of technology to spread the Gospel before his death at 15, and Pier Giorgio through a life of service, prayer, and joy before his passing at 24. Father Jerry carried us with him in prayer at this historic moment, where eighty thousand faithful gathered with the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Square.
Written by Terry Callaghan & Daniel Constance
In his own words, Father Jerry reflected on the Gospel of Luke 14, where Jesus teaches humility in choosing a lowly seat. Before leaving, he prayed to let God decide where he would sit. At the canonization, he first heard a confession, then was unexpectedly asked to distribute Holy Communion. To his amazement, he was ushered past priests, bishops, and cardinals to the very first row, closest to the Holy Father. From there he witnessed Carlo’s younger brother proclaim the first reading and the Acutis family present the gifts, an experience that left him with chills and gratitude. He later traveled to Milan, where he retraced Carlo’s footsteps to his parish church and spent quiet time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Father Jerry shared that while such moments in Rome are profound, he experiences the Lord’s presence most deeply here at Sacred Heart, in the Mass, in the confessional, and in the life of our parish. He recalled his ordination day, when he asked God for one gift: that in his priesthood it would always be the Lord, not himself, who speaks to His people. “The Lord himself is preaching through me,” he said. “Everything I say about Jesus comes from Him. The Holy Spirit is doing everything.” For our council, it is a joy to know that our chaplain, who stood at the altar in Rome, brings that same closeness of Heaven to us here in our parish family.
The Month Ahead
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Pancake Breakfast | Sunday, October 5 7:00am – 1:00pm |
| Raffle Tickets | Saturday, October 11 After Mass |
| Raffle Tickets | Sunday, October 12 After Mass |
| Pork Chop Dinner | Saturday, October 18 4:00 – 6:00pm |
| Raffle Tickets | Saturday, November 1 After Mass |
| Raffle Tickets | Sunday, November 2 After Mass |
Featured Guest
At the September 8th council meeting, members welcomed guest speaker Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading with The Patterson Foundation. Beth shared the mission and values of the Foundation and highlighted initiatives designed to strengthen families and communities, including Suncoast Remake Learning Days—a free, family-friendly learning festival—and Pop Up Neighbor through Laundry, which provides dignity and support to families. She reminded all present that lasting change happens when we work intentionally together to ensure every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.
Our History
I have been designated the unofficial historian and asked to write on the history of Ponce de Leon Council 8074. I am one of the oldest members, completing my 1st Degree in 2000 and now a 4th Degree Knight. I first served as Advocate in 2001 and have since held every office except Recorder and Treasurer, including Grand Knight in 2009-10. I remain the only PGK of this council to receive the Double Star award from Supreme, made possible by the strong support of members and committee chairs. I also served as editor of The Fountain from 2002 to 2011, taking over from PGK Donald DeBault (1927-2024), who faithfully edited from 1994 to 2002 using the old cut and paste method before computers were common. At that time, each eight-page issue was printed, folded, sealed, and sent in bulk mail, a labor-intensive process that defined our council’s communication in those years.
Written by Ronald J. Muschong
Check out the interactive timeline on our About page.
Medical Minute
Medical Minute focuses on healthy aging. Although some factors influencing our health may be beyond our control, others, such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and routine medical care, can help prevent disease. This is particularly important to consider, given that increasing age is associated with susceptibility to infections, including respiratory illnesses. These include pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza, both of which are preventable via vaccination.
Written by Elvin M. Mendez, M.D.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common form of community-acquired pneumonia in our aging population, and pneumococcal vaccination is the only preventable measure available today. In addition, influenza epidemics occur every year, and the trivalent vaccine (containing two type A and one type B strain) is deemed very effective in up to 70% of cases. October marks the beginning of the influenza season. Discuss updating your pneumonia vaccine and or yearly flu vaccine with your physician.
Faith & Finance
You should have received your 2025 Annual Survey. Thank you if you have already submitted yours. There is still time to mail your survey back, complete your online, or bring it to me at the next meeting.
Written by Alan Kotlarski, Field Agent
This survey is your opportunity to let me know how I can help you reach your personal financial goals and share any updates you have had over the last year. I want to hear from you! Plus, all survey respondents will be entered into a drawing for a Knights of Columbus RTIC® cooler, with several chances to win!
I look forward to receiving your response. Thank you for your continued support. It is a true blessing to serve as your dedicated agent and advisor. God bless.
Book an appointment!
In Memoriam
Galen R Price, Jr
March 19, 1940 – September 2, 2025
A U.S. Navy veteran, avid sailor, and Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved time on the water, embraced community involvement, and will be remembered for his faith, service, and the love he shared with family and friends.