State Life Director’s Summary Report – October 16, 2024

1. On August 31, the Council 3023 at Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Derry conducted a “Pro-Life Rally” in defense of all human life, from the moment of conception in the womb through natural death. Brother Knights and their families from other Councils in District 8 participated as well. The three-hour event culminated with Paul McManus, the Life Director from the Dover Council led the group in praying the “Living Rosary” to our Blessed Mother.

2. For the first time in New Hampshire, I organized a “Life Coalition” meeting to begin to unify a total pro-life/whole-life message against the pro-abortion/pro-death advocates led and directed by Planned Parenthood. This two-hour planning meeting included representatives from the following groups: KOC / NHRTL / Catholic Diocese / Protestant Pastors’ Network / Cornerstone NH / 40 Days For Life / Pregnancy Resource Centers.

3. In preparation for Abby Johnson’s arrival in New Hampshire on October 8, I helped organize the “premiere showing” of her latest full-length movie entitled “Unthinkable.” On September 21, this important event took place at Saint Joseph Cathedral with approximately 75 pro-life leaders attending. This powerful/inspirational movie is available to be shown at local facilities such as Catholic and Protestant Churches and KOC Councils.

4. On October 8, our newly formed “Life Coalition” organized and conducted a highly successful “Life Leaders Breakfast Discussion” with Abby Johnson leading the one-on-one dialogue with the 40 leaders for two hours. Pastor Phil Tuttle and his wife Kaylin hosted this event at their Zeal Movement Church in Manchester. Shannon McGinley and Deacon Fran Burke with Cornerstone NH generously sponsored the event. Our State Deputy, Tim Kingsley, participated as well.

5. The evening of October 8 Abby Johnson gave the keynote address at the annual NH Right to Life fundraising banquet at the Grappone Center in Concord. My wife Mary and I were humbled and honored to be asked to host Abby Johnson during her first visit to our Granite State. Included in the 300 attendees were many brother Knights with their spouses representing our Councils across the state.

Roy Dennehy – KOC State Life Director

Upcoming important pro-life events in 2025

Here is Worthy Grand Knight Curt Lalonde, Rochester Council 2048, announcing our annual “Birth Right Dinner” to donate gift cards to the major Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRC’s) throughout the state. Our goal is to request each Council to purchase and donate a minimum of $500 from now leading up to February 22. We will be distributing all collected gift cards at the dinner.

 Council 2048 of Rochester has already approved the” Birth Right Dinner), for Saturday, February 22, 2025. The Council informed the State Secretary, Dave DeWorken, who is also a member of our Council. The fundraising dinner will take place in Saint Anne's Hall at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Rochester.  Thank you for informing me about the name change for the dinner. 

Vivat Jesus!

Curt Lalonde, Grand Knight, Rochester Council

Our “Annual NH Right to Life Rally/March” will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025, will take place in front of the State Capital Building in Concord. Our theme will be "Empowering Pregnant Women to Choose Life." Please discuss at your next monthly meeting by encouraging for all our brother Knights in each of our Councils to attend with their families.

Here's the agenda:

1. 10 AM - Pro-Life Catholic Mass celebrated by Pastor Roberge, Christ The King Church, South Main Street, Concord
2. 11 AM - Walk up to State Capital Building
3. 11:30 AM - Assemble in front of State Capital Building steps
4. 12 Noon - Peaceful rally with Pro-Life speakers
5. 12:30 PM - March down Main Street sidewalk led by KOC Honor Guard back to Christ The King Church parish hall
6. 1:00 - 2:00 PM - Soup/hot beverages followed by speakers and KOC New Membership information table in parish hall