Knights of Columbus Memorial Mass for Deceased Members

Last year, 10 former members of the Msgr. George J. Hildner Fourth Degree Assembly #574 Knights of Columbus located in Washington, MO, were remembered in an Assembly-sponsored Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Union, MO. 

The tradition of the Assembly is to have a memorial Mass and distribute Chalices to family members of the dead members, which are then usually donated to churches or missions of the family choice. I have been a member for about 40 years, and it is a highlight of the Assembly's year.

I have a friend in Sacramento, CA, and was presented one at the death of her husband about 40 years ago. They liked Sitka, AK, because of their travels there, so she presented it to a church there and then each year for 40 years she would go back to Sitka to say a Mass for him there and go to communion from that Chalice. A fitting tradition was established.

The 10 former members remembered: 

• Albert J. Biermann           
• Robert Bueker             
• Henry Ballman 
• Urban "Chick" Reuther      
• John Elbert                  
• David R. Heck            
• Ray Arand                      
• Warren J. Swoboda      
• Msgr. Richard Bucheit
• Harlan Bruns

After the Mass, a light reception was held in the church school.  

I enjoyed being there because that time a year prior, I was treated for Lymphoma; it was predicted that my family would be expected to receive my chalice in this ceremony, but it seems I might be winning my fight as my doctor said after a checkup this fall that for an old guy, I am in pretty good shape. 

In September, I re-licensed my car for two years.

The evening was enjoyed by me personally, and I thank the Knights for continuing their fine tradition.