WELCOME to the "News" and information section of the website. As
you can see, when you opened this page an expanded sub-directory
opened on the left side column. By clicking on the various buttons,
you will access the latest Committee Chairmen reports. These
reports will be updated soon after each meeting of the Provincial
Board.

Below you will find information on news and upcoming events. This is
the page to return to often in order to keep up to date on the latest
news.
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CONNECTIONS CORNER




Click on the links below to access copies
of our "
Connections" Newsletter

This year's editions are
edited and published by
Joseph Murphy,
Provincial Chief Squire
We Want to Hear From You
Do you have any Questions, Comments,
Concerns or Ideas?  Well we'd love to
hear from you. Contact us by going to the
"Contacts" page or email us at...
CAN YOU HELP?
The Provincial Board is currently trying
to assemble a complete list of past
members of the Ontario Provincial Board
back to the 1954 -1955 fraternal year for
posting to this website (Click on
"Executive" then "
Past Board Members").
If you are aware of any past members,
their postitions held, and the year.
Please contact us with that information.
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Read "Squires Newsletter"
Follow the link below to read any issue of
the "
Squires Newsletter" published by
Supreme Council. All 2005 and 2006
issues can be found by going to our
"
Downloads" page or by clicking on the
"
Newsletter Link"  New monthly issues will
be added when published.
Photo Album is Back
Our photo album is back
bigger and better than ever.
check out the more than
2,500 pictures we have
uploaded for everyone's
enjoyment by clicking on  
the link below.
Winter 2006 - Volume 1, Issue 2
Colour Version
Back & White Version
Colour Version
Black & White Version
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Godfrey Gunawardana,
Area Chairman  1933 - 2006
R.I.P.
Making the Connection: How to start a Circle Newsletter
The Connection Committee is pleased to announce that a manual for
Circles interested in starting their own newsletter committee,
"
Making the Connection: How to start a Circle Newsletter", has
been completed. The manual includes many aspects of having a
newsletter, such as why having one is beneficial, article ideas and
how to figure out the costs. We encourage all Circles to have a look
at the document and let us know what they think. A full-page version
is available to be viewed online, along with a half-page one for
printing.
FULL PAGE VERSION
HALF PAGE VERSION
Squires Advancement Program
The Squire Advancement Program has
been developed to recognize and reward
each Squire for acquiring the skills and
attitudes of Catholic leadership.

Through the Squire Advancement
Program, a Squire will be able to advance
through five levels of achievement, Page,
Shield Bearer, Swordsman, Lancer and
Squire of the Body of Christ.

The Accompanying
PowerPoint Program
explains the basics of the Squire
Advancement program.
Summer 2006 - Volume 1, Issue 1
Spring 2007 - Volume 1, Issue 3
Colour Version
Black & White Version
2009 Convention Recap
The Provincial Board would like to thank the members of the 17
circles, counsellors and guests totalling
more than 215 people
who attended
the 55TH Annual Ontario Columbian Squires
Convention held at the Quality Hotel Parkway Convention Centre,
St. Catharines, on the weekend of June 5th - 7th. The Provincial
Board hopes that everyone who attended had a great time because
we sure did!

Our congratulations go out to the following award winners:
Chris Ricketts, Circle 4742 - Squire of the Year
Jojo Gomez, Circle 5038 - Counsellor of the Year
John Brazill Circle 1385, McGregor - Circle of the Year

For a list of all of this year's Award Winners click on "Awards"

We congratulate the following Squires who were elected as officers
of the 2009-2010 fraternal year:

Jeff Rousseau, Provincial Chief Squire (McGregor)
Joseph Murphy, Provincial Deputy Chief Squire (Trenton)
Micah Remedios, Provincial Marshall Squire elect (Mississauga)
Dwayne Santos, who will be returning as our Past Provincial Chief
Squire elect (Brampton)

As you have probably noticed, we do not have a Provincial Notary
Squire, a Provincial Bursar Squire or a Provincial Sentry Squire. If
you think you have the necessary skills to fill one of these positions,
are willing to work hard, are able to travel the province with the rest
of the Provincial Board. Then please speak to your Chief Counsellor
about the possibilities and responsibilities of becoming a member of
the Provincial Board. He will then meet with you and your parents
and if all are in agreement that you are right for the job... Give us a
call - We'd be happy to hear from you!

VIEW 2009 CONVENTION PICTURES HERE
VIEW 2009 CONVENTION SLIDE SHOW #1 HERE
VIEW 2009 CONVENTION SLIDE SHOW #2 HERE
We are proud to support
"Christian Child Care International"
Convention 2007 - Volume 1, Issue 4
Colour Version
Black & White Version
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Guestbook No. 2
Previous
Guestbook No. 1
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Make an Entry
Click on "Gallery"
Photo Album
Summer 2007 - Volume 2, Issue 1
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Circle Committee
A Per Capita Reminder to All Ontario Circles
The Provincial Board would like to advise all Squires Circles in
Ontario that the
annual per-capita invoices will soon be mailed out.

The per-capita is an annual tax which the Columbian Squires
Ontario Provincial Board requires all Ontario Circles to remit. These
funds are used by the Provincial Board in order to offset costs to
promote the program, travel across the province to attend circle
activities and represent the Squires of Ontario at special functions
such as the Knights of Columbus Convention. These funds also
helps the Board run the annual Squires Camp Weekend in
September and the annual Convention in June.

The circle per-capita fee structure is:
$65.00 if paid by December 31, 2009;
$75.00 if paid between January 1st and May 15th, 2010;
$85.00 if paid on May 16th, 2010 or later.

Circles that do not pay their per-capita and plan on attending the
annual Convention will not be allowed to seat voting delegates and
could have their status marked as inactive.
Winter 2007 - Volume 2, Issue 2
UPCOMING INVESTITURE CEREMONIALS
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
CONTACT
T.B.A.
T.B.A.
T.B.A.
T.B.A.
iPod Recruitment Incentive
During each quarter of this year a drawing
will be held for 2 iPod Classic players. The
first drawing will be held in April to cover
the period of January 1 to March 31. To be
eligible for the drawing, a Squire must be
listed as proposer on a newly recruited
member's Squires Membership Document
(#280) that was submitted during the
previous quarter. An entry is made into the
drawing each time a Squire recruits a new
member and is listed on his membership
document as the proposer. Each of the
iPods has 80 gig with a 2.5 inch screen
and holds up to 20,000 songs/25,000
photos/100 hours of video.
We are proud to support
"Access"
(Allowing children a chance at Education)
Four Ontario Circles Win Corps d'Elite Award
Recipient Circles of the Corps d’Elite Award qualify for the award
because they have met the following requirements as set out by
Supreme;

1. Complete and return the ''Officers and Counsellors Report''
(Form #468-NC) to the Supreme Council office by August 1st.

2. Annually conduct and report at least four (4) major involvement
activities in each of the following areas of the Squires program;
Spiritual, Service, Circle and Membership.

3. Pay July 1 per capita tax on or before October 10. Pay January 1
per capita tax on or before April 10.

4. Complete and return the ''Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity''
(Form #1728C) to the Supreme Council
office by January 31st.

5. Achieve net gain of at least two (2) members by June 30.
Attainment of the circle membership quota is determined through
receipt of membership documents processed and recorded at the
Supreme Council office between the fraternal year of July 1 to June
30th.

We congratulate the following circles who have been awarded this
award through hard work and well rounded circle programing.

John Brazill Circle 1385 in McGregor

St. Patrick's Circle 2041 in Brampton

S.K. Leonard T. Smith District Circle 4742 in Oshawa

Fr. Justin Hanley Circle 5219 in Trenton

The Provincial Board proudly extends its congratulations to the
circle officers, committee chairmen, circle members and the
counsellors of all four circles on their outstanding achievements.
They are true examples of our motto "Esto Dignus ~ Be Worthy"
Squire Justin Bouvier (Nov 3, 1993 - October 14, 2009)
The Columbian Squires Ontario Provincial
Board is saddened to inform you that Squire
Justin Bouvier passed away on Wednesday
October 14th, at the age of 15, in Timmins.

Justin, a former Easter Seals Ambassador
who was suffering from muscular dystrophy,
along with the other members of the
reactivated Sunrise circle was invested on
May 13th, 2006 by members of the Ontario
Provincial Board who made the trip up to
Timmins. Justin was
proud to be a Squire
and carried with him fond memories of his
trip to the 2007 Squires Convention in Guelph.

In honor of Justin's memory we should all strive to live life to the
fullest.

We ask everyone to please keep Justin, his family, his circle and
their counsellors in your prayers.

The deep pain that is felt at the death of every friendly soul arises
from the feeling that there is in every individual something which is
inexpressible, peculiar to him alone, and is, therefore, absolutely
and irretrievably lost.
~Arthur Schopenhauer

“Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before
you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime,
is certain for those who are friends. ~Richard Bach
Fall 2008 - Volume 3, Issue 1
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Introduction to the Holy Mass
A Gift to the Squires from Domenic & Joe D'Ettore
This series of essays/lessons are written to enhance understanding
of the Roman Rite Mass as a whole and in its component parts. The
intended audience is the Columbian Squires of the Province of
Ontario who, I hope, will learn and benefit from reading them
and come to a greater appreciation for the great mystery in which
they participate at the Holy Mass. I found it necessary at times to
use technical terms that some of the Squires, particularly the
younger ones, may not understand. A Glossary of some terms that
may need of explanation accompanies this work. I hope that with the
reading of each essay you will discover more of the richness of the
Mass. I also hope that you will be inspired towards further
investigation into the great riches of the Church’s liturgy of which
these essays scarcely touch the surface.

Domenic D’Ettore
K. of C. Credit Valley Council 8661,
Past Chief Squire – John Paul Circle 4527

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE DOCUMENT
Winter 2008 - Volume 3, Issue 2
Spring 2009 - Volume 3, Issue 3
Convention 2009 - Volume 3, Issue 4
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Fall 2009 - Volume 4, Issue 1
"Blast from the Past" Fundraising Dinner Dance
On Saturday, November 21st the Provincial
Board and one hundred & sixty (160)
attendees travelled back in time for an
evening of cruising down Memory Lane
at the 50's/60's themed evening
“Blast From The Past”.

Along with a team of dedicated and hard working volunteers, the
Board prepared all day Saturday for the nights activities: putting up
decorations, preparing food, and slicking back their hair. The board
attended Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Parish with the Oshawa
community in solemn preparation for the night's event.

The dinner commenced with a greeting from the Provincial Chief
Squire and grace was offered by the Provincial Father Prior, Fr.
Phillip Kennedy. The S.K Leonard T. Smith Circle #4742 served a
wonderful roast beef dinner that was enjoyed by everyone in
attendance.

The night's music was provided by one of Oshawa's oldest rock and
roll bands, The Lincolnaires! They kept the beat grooving until the
early hours of the morning. During the dance, a silent auction,
50/50 draw, bottle draw, toonie toss, and best costume contest were
held, with all proceeds going to the Provincial Board. The event was
a huge success, in large part to New Circle Development Chairman
Joe Bodnar and his wife Tricia, who organized the entire evening.
Huge thanks go out to the contributions of the following individuals:
Decorating Committee Chairman Linda Harrington and her husband
Joe, Area Chairman Dennis Metz & his wife Linda for selling tickets
at the door, the Oshawa S.K Leonard T. Smith Circle #4272 for
catering, and Senators Eric Metz and Tim Martins and Sarah Laicini
for bar-tending the dance. The contributions of all these people are
greatly appreciated by the Provincial Board. Special thanks also go
to all the companies and individuals who contributed sponsorship
funding, silent auction and contest prizes.

Their hard work is greatly appreciated, and may God bless them in
their future endeavours.

A special thank you also goes to all the Knights of Columbus
Councils who purchased entire tables or gave financial contributions
to the dance. The Provincial Board raised some much needed funds
from the dinner and dance.

The  Board is planning a second fundraiser dinner/dance to take
place in April, more info to follow. By the time the night was over, the
Provincial Board and all those present were having such a great
time they regretted going back to the future.

ESTO DIGNUS                          
Joseph C. Murphy                                
Provincial Chief Squire                       
CLICK HERE FOR PICS
Columbian Squires of Ontario
Two Ontario Circles win Brother Barnabas Award
The Brother Barnabas Award recognizes the 25 best activities
conducted by local circles throughout the United States, Canada,
Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, the Virgin
Islands and Guam.

The Provincial Board is very proud to congratulate the following two
Ontario circles both of whom have been recognized by Supreme as
worthy winners of the prestigious Brother Barnabas Award for the
2008-2009 fraternal year.

St. Patrick's Circle 2041 - Brampton, Ontario

S.K. Leonard T. Smith Circle 4742, Oshawa, Ontario

Congrats & thank you to both circles for making us all proud!
           Keep up the GREAT work!
2009 Camp Weekend Enjoyed by All
It was a weekend of intense competition, prayer, and whipped cream
when the Provincial Board and many Columbian Squires circles
descended upon Marygrove Camp in Penetanguishine, Ontario on
September 18th, 19th and 20th.  The two day camp brought
community service, water balloons, and the beauty of the mass
together in an awesome combination of all the things Squires is
about.
continued here
CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICS
CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE
Squire / Knight Leonard Arp
(June 14, 1991 - October 15, 2009)‏
It is with great sadness that we announce the
death of former Squire and 1st Degree Knight
Leonard Arp. Leonard died on Thursday
morning at the age of 18 after a courageous
battle with cancer.

Leonard joined the S.K. Leonard T. Smith
Circle 4742 in Oshawa 3 years ago. Leonard
had never joined another group but when he
saw our Circle at his Church he told his
mother that he wanted to become a Squire.

He was an integral part of our Circle and was
looked up to by the younger Squires that saw
him as an inspiration. Over the past year I
have gotten to know Leonard on a more
personal level as he has fought with this
disease. After his diagnosis his doctor gave
him 6 months to live but as any young man
he had goals and dreams that he wanted to
fulfill before he died. Among his personal
goals over the past year he wanted to graduate
from high school and he also wanted to become
a Knight.

Even though the prognosis did not look good
Leonard was determined to achieve these goals
and last month he became a member of the 1st Degree of the
Knights of Columbus, 2 weeks ago he attended his second KISS
concert at the A.C.C. and last week he was able to walk on stage to
receive his diploma from high school in front of his family and
classmates.
(continued here)

Tears are God’s gift to us.  Our holy water.  They heal us as
they flow.
~ Rita Schiano

While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are
rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.
~ John Taylor
CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE
2nd Annual "Tournament of Champions"
Membership & Video Gaming Tournament
Saturday, November 14th saw the completion of the
Provincial Board's 2nd Annual Tournament of Champions
(membership event/ video game tournament). The event was a
success as 24 investiture candidates were welcomed into the order
of the Columbian Squires. The event featured the latest in gaming
technology as Squires from several parts of the province
showcased their abilities in titles such as NBA 09, NHL 09 and
ROCKBAND!

The day commenced with a memorial to late Squire, Justin Bouvier
from Timmins, and late Squire/ Knight Leonard Arp, from Oshawa.
Post meeting, the Squires were itching to play and held nothing
back as they brought forth hours of gaming expertise. Lunch,
consisting of hot dogs, chips, pop and dessert treats, followed a
competitive round  robin and the Squires, both new and old were
refuelled heading into the elimination stages.

The knockouts featured a bracket system for the sports games and
a judging system for ROCKBAND, both of which are new additions
to this year's tournament! As the Squires dropped out and
advanced, they keenly observed and acquired some ideas from
their opponents, which they will surely add to their bag of tricks back
home.

The finals was a time of great anticipation as attentive eyes from
every console gathered to celebrate a victor. After lengthy sessions
of practice, finalists put their efforts to the test, where winning or
losing mattered most. Congratulations to Dan Murphy (NHL
Champion), Thomas Graham (NBA Champion) and the Trenton
band for dazzling us with their ROCKBAND skills. Trenton completed
a clean sweep of the tournament and returned home all
smiles.

The Provincial Board thanks all the participating circles and Squires,
especially those who lend us their equipment. Special thanks also
goes out to Technical Specialist, Reid Robertson, for leading the
setup of electronic equipment, Joe Bodnar, for acquiring the church
hall and Tricia Bodnar and Faye Graves for organizing a delicious
lunch. To all the 24 new Squires: welcome to the order, we hope to
see you and many more next year!

Esto Dignus - Be Worthy                         
CLICK HERE FOR PICS
Dwayne Thomas Santos
Past Provincial Chief Squire,
Membership Committee Chairman
Provincial Board Appoints & Welcomes Michael Ralphs
The Ontario Provincial Board is pleased to announce the
appointment of
Michael Ralphs from St. Paul the Apostle Circle
4328 in Alliston to the position of
Provincial Notary Squire. We
are confident that Michael will represent the Squires of Ontario in a
professional and hardworking manner. The appointment will be
made official during the weekend of December 4th through 6th at
the Knights of Columbus State Board's District Deputies mid-year
meeting in Toronto.

If you, like Michael are interested in serving the Province as an
officer of the Ontario Provincial Board, please contact Provincial
Chief Squire
Joseph Murphy or State Squires Chairman Steve Laicini
Ontario Welcomes it's Newest Circle in New Liskeard
On Sunday November 29, 2009 a new
Columbian Squires Circle was Instituted
in New Liskeard, Ontario. There were
10 new Squires invested as Charter
Members of the Circle. The sponsoring
Council is
Father Francis Murray Council
10809
and the new Chief Counsellor is
Mathew Cull.

Welcome aboard New Liskeard!!

Congratulations goes out to all the new
members, the new counsellors that signed
up to volunteer their time to run the Circle,
the Knights of Columbus Council members,
Grand Knight Norman Watchorn and
District Deputy Michel Watchorn for          CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
their  leadership in making the circle a reality.
                                                              
The Ontario Provincial Board looks forward to working with this
Circle and its members to ensure that they run a successful
program. Special thanks go to Michael Ralphs (Provincial Notary
Squire), Quinn O'Grady (Barrie Circle Deputy Chief Squire), New
Circle Development Chairman Joe Bodnar and Registrar/Area
Chairman Paul Gamble who took the time to make the five hour
drive (one way) to attend the Investiture Ceremony.
St. Domenic Savio Circle Helps Special Olympics
On November 23rd, St.Dominic Savio
Squires #5217 participated in their
first 50/50 draw at the ACC. Four
Squires went to the A.C.C.that night
along with two parents and Counselor
Dominic Peresso. The job of the Squires
was to sell 50/50 draw tickets with the
proceeds going to the Special Olympics.
Along with some Knights and other volunteers, over $14,000 worth
of 50/50 tickets were sold. They gave us free pizza during the
second period as we watched the second period on a big screen TV.
 For the third period they took us up next to the press box and we
watched the last period from there.  Unfortunately the Leafs lost in
over time against the New York Islanders 4-3. It was a good
experience for the Squires.
CLICK PIC TO ENLARGE
Merry Christmas from the Ontario Provincial Board

At this holiday season, the Ontario Provincial Board
would like to wish all Squires, Circles, Counsellors,
and Knights a joyous Advent and a very Merry Christmas.

This time of year brings many gifts, both
physical and spiritual. As Dr. Suess says
"Christmas Day is in our grasp,
so long as we have hands to clasp".

Please take a moment and pray for
Michigan State Chief Squire Dylan
Cooper and his brother,
Squire Sebastian Cooper. In October,
their grandfather George Cooper
passed away. On Saturday, December 12th,
their father, John Cooper passed away and
on Monday, December 14th, their grandmother
Sylvia Cooper passed away.

Let us all be thankful for all the gifts,
such as family, a home, and food, that we have
received. Keep in mind the many people who
are in need of our prayers in this holiday season,
including the Cooper family along with all those
serving in the military overseas.

On behalf of Provincial Father Prior
Fr. Philip Kennedy, Provincial Deputy Chief
Squire Micah Remedios, Provincial Notary Squire
Michael Ralphs, Immediate Past Provincial
Chief Squire Dwayne Santos, State Squires
Chairman Steve Laicini and Provincial Board
Mom Yvonne Laicini....
I wish you all a very Blessed Christmas and a
Happy New Year! Here's to the success of
Columbian Squires in Ontario in 2010!

Joseph C. Murphy
Provincial Chief Squire
Columbian Squires of Ontario
Winter 2009 - Volume 4, Issue 2
Provincial Board Spiritual Event
"A Day of Experience and Activity"

When: Saturday February 6th, 2010
Where:Toronto Archdiocesan Center

Click Here for More Info