Good afternoon Brothers,

Thank you to everyone who helped out this past Friday with hospitality at St. Joseph's and St. Peter's for the March for Life! We began meeting at 4 AM at St. Peter's and went nonstop until about 6 PM. We also thank those who spent time with our Lord in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for overnight Adoration at St. Peter's the night prior to the March for Life. We received a lot of positive feedback for planning and executing this service. Thank you to those who participated in the March for Life as we made a strong witness to the dignity and sanctity of human life.
 
Now that the March for Life is over, here are some upcoming events.
 
** DC Polar Plunge - please join your brother Knights on February 1 as we raise money for the Special Olympics. Cheer on your brother Knights as IPGK Jack Heretik belly flops into a pool of 33 degree water for charity. You can join in the jump or donate at: https://give.specialolympicsdc.org/team/270712
 
**Memorial Mass for Claudia Nolan - Brother Kevin Nolan will hold a memorial Mass for Claudia, his late wife, on February 2. The Mass will take place at 2:00 PM at Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center (7007 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817). All are encouraged to attend to support Brother Kevin.
 
**Men's Discernment Retreat - From January 31 to February 2, the Saint JPII Shrine will host a men's discernment retreat. You can learn more about the retreat here: https://dcpriest.org/mens-discernment-retreat-2
 
**First Friday Adoration- Join the St. Joseph's Young Adults for First Friday Adoration on Friday, February 7th, beginning at 6:30pm. Mass and Fellowship to follow.
 
**DC State Combined Degree Ceremony- DC State Council will be hosting its first Combined Degree (you can acquire your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degrees in one ceremony) on Saturday, February 8th. Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 PM followed by the ceremony at 5:30 PM. You will be able to invite your family and friends to attend this ceremony as this will be a public ceremony so that our family and friends can learn more about the mission of the Knights of Columbus.
 
**St. Dominic's Annual Chili Cookoff- St. Dominic's Parish will be hosting its annual Chili Cookoff on Saturday, February 15th, after the 5 PM Vigil Mass. Consider entering as O'Boyle Council has won this contest several times in the past!
 
As always, thank you for all you do for our parishes and our council. Please reach out to anyone of the leadership team if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas for future events.
 
Vivat Jesus!