WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

NOTRE DAME H.S., 2 NOTRE DAME AV., BRAMPTON ON L6X 4W7

 

The goal was to do something different from the usual activity night and to have an excuse to eat lots of candies OR just to have a good time. Highlights of Activity: Mad Mad Team Challenge Obstacle course was as the name suggested silly and hilarious. 5 groups of 4 attempted to go through the obstacle course. Attempt is the key word. Some squires posed for the flying Snuka. Candies were given throughout the night. The squires were like squirrels chasing the candy. The Crazy Battery Charger won the final big treat for the best homemade costume.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2008

Notre Dame H.S., 2 Notre Dame Av., Brampton ON L6X 4W7

The Cross, which makes its way to as many circles in the province as possible through out the fraternal year, was present during one of the weekly sports nights held by Brampton Circle. At the end of the competitive gathering, each Squire and Counsellor had the opportunity to hold the Unity Cross and individually state a petition. The Circle concluded with a closing prayer before handing the Cross over to Mississauga Circle 4681 the following week.

 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

MAIN/HURONTARIO ST, BRAMPTON, ON CANADA

In conjunction with Council 4973 and in support of Cherish, St. Patrick's Circle 2041 Brampton took to Downtown Brampton in adherence with the Catholic Church in the ongoing battle against abortion and to join other Catholics in Brampton and show our support of Pro-Life. Over 60% of the Circle (consisting of 20 Squires plus families) lined up along Main Street displaying various pro-life signs along with the Knights of Columbus and hundreds of devotees. Brampton Circle, who were awarded the Brother Barnabas award for their Right to Life efforts last year, continue to step up and spread the message of Pro-Life.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

ST. JEROME’S PARISH, 8530 CHINGUACOUSY RD

 

Thank you Fr. Jan. St. Jerome was again the site of our Officer’s Installation Night. After the mass, the squires and parents moved to the chapel to perform the ceremony. Our sponsoring council’s Chancellor was invited to host the event as per ceremony rules. All the counsellors were present (including our father prior) and each performed the announcement of duties to each officer. Afterwards, pictures and food dominated the event. It was pot luck in the reception. The biggest buzz was the lasagna brought by the chief counsellor. It was enjoyed by all. At the pictures will show, we had a great time.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19-21, 2008

MARYGROVE CAMP, PENETANGUISHENE,  ON, CANADA

 

2008 SQUIRES CAMP. Squires from as far North-East as Ottawa to as far South-West as Kingsville & McGregor arrived at the Marygrove Camp for the annual Squires Camp.

 

Friday night. Circle 2041 participated in the Grace Contest. After the grace contest the squires were put into their Survivor team Tribes and the Cheer Contest was held.

 

Saturday. Morning—Public Business Meeting. Afternoon—Survivor contest between teams participating in  Dog and The Bone, Broken Telephone, Blind Trust and The Obstacle Course. This was followed by the Officer Training Workshop. Night--Consisted of Mass, the Installation of Provincial Board Officer, dinner, the Investiture of 4 candidates including Circle’s own Christopher De Souza. The night ended with the camp fire entertainment and marshmallow.

 

Sunday Morning. Concluded with the announcement of the Officer Training Workshop winner--Brampton Circle 2041. We received an electronic Sudoku game.

 

ROSARY SUNDAY. Sunday Afternoon. Circle 2041 headed to Midland for the Annual Rosary Sunday. We attended the event as part of our annual activity to celebrate the Martyrs and say the rosary. Highlights of Activity: Our squires were part of the ceremony as flag bearers and carrying the statue. Two Circle 2041 squires served as altar servers wearing our infamous green sash. We were the largest Circle contingent including family and friends and probably the ONLY CIRCLE who participated.

 

 

 

Squire’s month is here and the Leprechauns of Brampton were ready as always to take advantage by loading the month with excitement exploding events! Launching off Squire’s month was the K of C District Mass and Brunch. As done in past years, the Squires of St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton assist the Knights in their celebration by preparing the hall, spreading out the food and helping serve it. In addition, the Brampton Squires served Mass and acted as ushers and collectors. The event was a blast for Knights and Squires alike! A total of 22 Squires and their families attended along with Area Chairman, Mike Gundert. This event was a way for Squires to return the favour by supporting their Brother Knights who always support them each and every year. Next on the list of events for Brampton Circle was their general meeting. Digging up a past report, Chief Squire, Dwayne T. Santos stated that at his previous visit, Area Chairman, Mike Gundert stated that Brampton Circle should improve their protocol and business structure at general meetings. Taking blame for the negative side of the comment, Dwayne took it upon himself to prep the executives and Squires for the general meeting. Squires received a vital procedural and behavioural lesson that stuck with them through out the meeting. Impressed with the major improvement from previous meetings, Dwayne stood up towards the end of the meeting and the Squires to be proud of themselves, giving themselves a pat on the back. The contents of the meeting included expenditure approvals going toward March For Life and Convention. The bursar put budgets for the last pizza night and Squires Mass refreshments forward. Active participation flourished as the Squires fought for the reduction of the refreshment budget and voted against the motion proposed for the last pizza to take place on the last Activity night as opposed to the last General meeting. During one item of discussion, almost every member out of the 24 present were standing to present their views. Chief Squire, Dwayne is extremely proud of his boys for the way they conducted themselves during this meeting. It showed an improvement in the Circle’s maturity level. During the 26^th/27^th weekend, Brampton Circle held their Annual Squires Mass. The weekend consisted of 4 membership drive and fundraiser Masses at our local St. Jerome's Parish. At the end of Sunday’s 12 o'clock Mass, boys (10-17) who wish to join the Squires were invited to the hall for refreshments. Through out the weekend (4 Masses), a total of 10 chocolate boxes were sold and a combined total of 10 boys registered to become Squires. A $525 profit made from the fundraiser went towards sponsoring Br. Nick Ali, a 3^rd Degree Knight, budding seminarian and member of the Brampton Community. During the 12 o'clock Mass, approx 11 members of the 4th Degree were present to lead the Squires into Mass and out of Mass. 3 Squires served Mass, 4 Squires brought the gifts to the altar and the Parish Priest, Fr. Jan reserved two front rows for the Squires and Counsellors. This event was an overall success raising awareness for the Squires program in Brampton. With over 30 members, St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton continues to flourish, all thanks to Jesus and Mary!

 

 

A popular expression, "March marches away" is used to reflect the speed at which the 3rd month of the year travels. Despite lowering their meeting frequency (March Break - gym closed, Easter Weekend), the Leprechauns of Brampton were able to conduct two extremely significant events. During the Friday of March Break, 7 Squires sacrificed their day of rest as they took a trip to Dr. Simone's Warehouse (Canadian Food For Children). The Squires spent several hours sorting and packing clothes, food, and household items for the deserving that have been deprived of these basic needs overseas. To reward them after a hard day of work, the Counsellors drove them to a pizza joint where the lads feasted! Last weekend, the Executives were part of what could be one of the most decisive Executive meetings of this fraternal year. The Squires planned out their Convention trip and discussed ideas for the remaining months as well as a “HUGE” event for Squire’s month. In addition, Chief Squire Dwayne announced that the slideshow DVD he has put together is a double feature titled, “We Make Memories”/ “Old is Gold.” The first part of the DVD reviews the busy 06-07 fraternal year and the second part takes a look at a few of the events and Squires of previous years. In total, the DVD is approximately 30 minutes in running length and will be distributed at the last general meeting of the year. A sign up list was issued for those who wished to purchase the DVD. A large amount of Leprechauns signed up. The cost of the DVD is $2, all money collected will go towards the Circle. It was suggested that a copy be made for Provincial Board to play at the Convention Banquet.

Being a Brampton Squire, February is one of the most anticipated months of the fraternal year.  Almost every Leprechaun of Brampton Circle contributed to the 2^nd Annual Soccer and Dodge ball preparations be it trying out for the teams, tossing out suggestions or creating signs. On February 16^th 2008, St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton’s (biggest event by far) 2^nd Annual Soccer and Dodge ball Tournament took the gym of Notre Dame Secondary School. Due to the first highly successful tournament, this tournament was geared up with high expectations. The home Circle responded to the overwhelming reactions of the previous tournament by expanding this tournament to 10 teams from 8 teams. In addition to the sports, an investiture meeting, a Provincial Board public meeting and Mass were added to the day. Brampton Circle’s 2^nd Annual Tournament was a success! The event, which ran from 8:30 Saturday morning to 6:30 Saturday evening, saw approximately 15 boys invested. It is interesting to note that aside from Squire’s Camp and Convention, this year’s Brampton Tournament is probably the biggest gathering of Squires from a variety of Circles! Aside from the tournament, Brampton Squires concluded their Circle’s official sports league B.G.S.L (Big Greens Sports League). The league which consisted of the Circle being divided into 4 teams (Red, Blue, Green and Yellow) saw the teams compete against each other in the weeks leading into mid Feb. Founded by Chief Squire Dwayne T. Santos, the B.G.S.L. was created to develop a strong sense of team work and scout team Candidates for the Soccer and Dodge ball and tournament. The B.G.S.L. was immensely enjoyed by all the Squires and is headed for it’s 2^nd season next year! 

 

Though January was cut short due to the Christmas break and exam week, there was nothing stopping Brampton Circle from going about their plans. The boys from 2041 assisted their “fraternal fathers” the Knights of Columbus in their Annual Free Throw Competition. The Squires provided competitors, scorekeepers, and rebounders. The remainder of January was focused on plotting and following through. Chief Squire and Deputy Chief Squire, Dwayne T. Santos, and Jason Mekdeci (respectively) got together and collected all the fraternal survey sheets. Together, they spent what seemed like an eternity over the phone analyzing the information before sending it into the Supreme Knights. The last planning meeting in January was dedicate to the rapidly approaching Soccer and Dodge ball Tournament. The Executives and Councilors got together to put finishing touches on the planning aspect. Rules, schedule, food and other expenditures were looked after. With all good to go, the Executives and Councilors left with a sense of anticipation going into Brampton’s BIGGEST event of the year.

 

 St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton held their 2nd Annual Christmas Story Competition on Wednesday, December 5, 2008.

Deputy Chief Squire, Jason Mekdeci emerged victorious. The following was his winning story...

 

The Night before Christmas:

         

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the office building, the janitors were going mad cleaning and sweeping.  The stockings were placed, on each worker’s chair, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.  The janitors swept, dusted, and placed, they planted their traps like running a race.  Janitors you see hate old St. Nicky, the messes he leaves, are gritty and sticky.  He leaves crumbs from his cookies, leaves milk on the floor; the janitor’s cleaning is really a chore.  Those janitors though, they’d had it from Nick, and they got in position and set up quick.  Ready and waiting, in he came, old St. Nick proving his fame.  The traps they all sprang, it happened on time, the expressions they gave were sour as a lime.  St. Nick you see, had stopped the trap’s hatch, he prayed earlier on, and came out with no scratch.  Those janitors really, just couldn’t see how, this was their year, their time was now.  They jumped out at him and the traps sprung on them, Santa kept on walking, unscratched like a gem.  He went to his work and ate all his treats; Santa’s work just couldn’t be beat.  He then went back, and said to the men, “your pain is now sow I’ll forgive you for then.  I‘ll relive you this pain, I’ll let you go free, but if I do this you must let me be.  When he was done, he went to the door, as the janitors muttered “I hate St. Nick no more”.  He turned with a jerk, then fixed his red cap, “Merry Christmas to all and, guys catch a nap”.

 

A bone-chilled Saturday morning signaled a trip for the Brampton Squires to Bolton for Fr. Henk Van Den Berg Circle’s 6^th Annual Ball Hockey Tournament!

The boys were safe from the bone-chilling winds with their heavy sweater and comfy jackets.

Though a circle pulled out at the last minute without notice, the tournament was launched!

Commencing with a barbeque; the only source of heat!

The Leprechauns took in hot dogs like a starving flame takes in firewood.

Lunch was done and with only 3 teams present, the games commenced.

Fewer teams’ equal longer games!

 

In their first game, the Big Greens suffered a 2-0 loss to Bolton A.

 

With a substitution and a short break, game 2 commenced.

The battle started with high intensity.

Both sides not converting easy chances.

Finally, Bolton B struck. A well placed shot put past Brampton goalie, Bursar Squire, Chris Mekdeci.

Brampton struggled for an equalizer and their efforts paid off a few minutes later.

Chief Squire, Dwayne sent a quick low pass, navigated past 3 defensemen, crashed home in a flash of excellence by the swift stick movement of skilled Councilor Chris Belford.

 

Regular time saw a 1-1 score and shootout followed!

No shooter from either side was able to break the dreadlock.

Chris Mekdeci put in an outstanding effort between the pipes, standing tall and shutting out every shot hit his way.

The Bolton match officials then decided to have a 2 on 2 (overtime period.)

With several combinations of players, neither team was able to outsmart its opponent.

The impatient referees then decided to move to a sudden death 1on1 format.

The game dragged on and on, chances were hard to come by on both sides.

The goalkeepers easily dispatched every score able opportunity.

The players of both teams were getting exhausted.

Suddenly, Brampton Deputy Chief Squire, Jason Mekdeci, deciding to exhibit his remarkable hockey skills, created a moment of brilliance as he swiftly deeked out his man and with a few quick strides launched a shot that buzzed passed the opposing goalie, blasting into the upper left corner.

The away team went wild! A flurry of hugs and shouts of celebration sprung forth in the center of the ground!

The final round robin game saw Bolton A beat their counterpart.

 

Bolton A vs Leprechauns final!

The final was a squash match!

Bolton outplayed Brampton 4-1. A late thunderous strike from Darren Fernandes resulted in a controversial goal leaving the Big Greens with a trace of a smile after their thrashing.

Like good sportsmen, the Brampton Squires congratulated Bolton A on their win.

The Brampton lads had some joy in their heart after their 2^nd place performance, moving ahead of the previous year’s third place finish.

The ride back was delicious pleasant as the Leprechauns pulled up at a Taco Bell and all chipped in to celebrate the day over a family meal!

Though it was awfully cold, the day was nonetheless enjoyable as the Leprechauns finished 2^nd out of 5 scheduled teams!

 

Brampton Circle was the only circle present to support Bolton’s Ball Hockey Tournament.

 

 

It was a highly anticipated day as the Squires of Brampton held their Installation of Officers last Friday at St. Jerome’s Parish.

 

The evening kicked off with Mass. The crowd of 50 Squires and Parents then gathered in the Chapel and watched eagerly as the Installation Ceremony commenced.

 

The Executives of St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton are as follows…

 

Chief Squire – Dwayne T. Santos

Deputy Chief Squire – Jason Mekdeci

Notary Squire – Corey Belford

Bursar Squire – Chris Mekdeci

Marshal Squire - Paul Tatangelo

Sentry Squire - Dawood Arian

Awards Committee Co-Chairman - Amith Nagendra

Awards Committee Co-Chairman - Darren Fernandes

 

Dwayne T. Santos takes on his role as Chief for the 4^th year straight.

 

After all the Executives were crowned with their medals, Dwayne took the floor and officially welcomed the parents and Squires to the Installation.

He went on to explain the concept of the Squires as well as the doings and whereabouts of our very own circle.

 

The congregation was then lead into the main hall where Deputy Chief Squire, Jason Mekdeci lead the opening prayer.

 

Upon hearing “Amen,” the crowd then rushed in to partake the feast prepared by the Squire’s family.

Dishes such Meatballs and Chicken Wings graced the menu.

A whole table of appetizers was spread out, only to disappear as quickly as the dessert table.

 

Though he was full, Chief Squire, Dwayne, went over to every family present and thanked each and every member present for attending.

 

The people had gone, left an empty hall for the Squires to sweep.

 

Though it was tedious with a full stomach, there were dessert leftovers and coffee for all!

 

The Leprechauns arrived with an innumerable amount of energy and enthusiasm, prompting all Parishioners to purchase a chocolate bar. The price of each chocolate bar was set at $2.50. 

During the 9:00 mass, Awards Committee Darren Fernandes spoke out and impressed the crowd with his speech. 2 and half boxes sold!

Following Darren, Brampton’s Notary Squire, Corey Belford spread the message to brand new faces. Leveling Darren’s score, the Leprechauns went into the final Mass with 5 boxes waiting to be sold. The speaker, Brampton’s very own Chief Squire, Dwayne T. Santos. Dwayne blew away the crowd with his speech! The Squire’s table was bombarded with parishioners, waiting to taste the sweetness of supporting a good cause!

The Leprechauns succeeded in selling all of their chocolate boxes! A TOTAL OF 300 CHOCOLATE BARS! 

All the profits have been collected to send to CHERISH.

The Squires of St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton continue to make a difference, and we don’t seem to be stopping any time soon!

 

 

The Squires of St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton went on another journey, to spread the message of the Catholic Church.

This time their message was against the great evil known as abortion.

An executive meeting preceded the Life Chain, where executives discussed and planned out future events.

At 2 pm sharp, more Brampton Squires arrived, picked up their signs and skipped across the street. Some Leprechauns even made their owns signs which read, “Honk, If You’re Against Abortion,” which received reception from the cars going by.

 

All the hundreds who passed saw the messages we were conveying.

Some nodded in their support for this cause. Others acted rudely, symbolizing their views of isolationism in their views of pro-choice.

Nonetheless, the Brampton squires, and everyone there in general, stood their ground, feeding of the support and negating the hate.

 

Shortly before the end of the hour, Christopher Mekdeci, Brampton Bursar, and myself (Darren Fernandes), Awards Committee Co-Chairman, hopped across the street to the local parish and helped setup the refreshments table.

The hour was completed quickly, and the refreshments, just as fast.

The Squires gather around, sharing tales and exchanging jokes from within the hour.

The event came to a close with a prayerful, religious ceremony dedicated to the innocent who went through the unimaginable. The Squires dispersed; eagerly waiting for the next time they could spread the message of God and represent St. Patrick Squire 2041 Brampton.

 

 

   On Sunday, September 16^th, five Squires from St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton attended Rosary Sunday in Martyr Shrine, Midland.

It was a bright Sunday morning. The weather was beautiful!

It is believed that Mary always blesses the congregation with beautiful weather every Rosary Sunday.

 

Although the journey from Brampton was long and lazy, as soon as the Leprechauns landed in Midland, they were pumped and ready to go!

 

Brampton Chief Squire, Dwayne T. Santos, was the cross bearer for the Mass held at the outdoor Polish Altar. Bishop Peter Hundt graced us with his presence.

 

The Leprechauns then sat down to lunch enjoying the beautiful scenery surrounding them.

Since the break wasn’t long, we had to rush to the Procession meeting place.

We almost got ran over by the Provincial Board buggy, which at one point looked like it was going to tip over. No one ever knew that you could fit almost the every Board member on there. Brandon had the pleasure of riding roof! Yeeehaw!

 

The Provincial Board was given the honour of holding the Bishop’s Canopy!

In turn, the Provincial Board appointed Brampton Deputy Chief Squire, Jason Mekdeci, and Brampton Sentry Squire, Dawood Arian, to be the official Provincial Board banner carriers.

The congregations watched as the Bishop entered the main grounds, followed by the Brampton Squires, lifting up the Provincial banner proudly.

 

Rosary then commenced, lead by States Squires Chairman, Paul Crawford.

The sermon was spiritually educational and the choir was melodious!

All in all, the trip proved to be a great spiritual outing.

 

St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton was the ONLY circle in attendance.

 

The Rosary is one of the most important prayers to ever be gifted unto us.

We urge you to pray The Holy Rosary daily, and offer it for the souls in purgatory along with the rest of your intentions.

 

Esto Dignus – Be Worthy

Squires Camp Oshawa 2007

           

       The Squires of St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton travelled to Oshawa for the annual Squires Camp. The group consisted of 5 Squires, namely, Jason, Corey, Chris, Darren and Amith.

 

As soon as they arrived, the Brampton Squires (or Leprechauns as we like to call ourselves) made an impact by scoring 3^rd place in the 1^st Ever Grace Contest. The splendid poem by Darren Fernandes, earned the boys earned the right to repeat their grace for all to hear before dinner on Saturday night.

 

       The next day, the Leprechauns attended the Provincial Board meeting and listened to all the Board members state their plans for the ongoing fraternal year. The highly anticipated Athletic Event followed the meeting. Provincial Sentry and Athletic Committee Chairman, Eric Edwards, organized a huge game of capture the flag. Squires from all over the province got a chance to showcase and impress everyone with their athletic abilities. That afternoon, the Brampton Squires were responsible for making lunch. The Leprechauns prepared a sumptuous meal consisting of sandwiches and soup, which was consumed in a matter of minutes by a large amount of hungry boys!

 

       The Senators workshop was up next. A well-planned game of egg drop was in store. The Squires were divided into sixteen groups; each group has one egg and a limited amount of paper, straws and tape. The object of the game was to prepare a protective coating around the egg so that it could survive a fifteen-foot drop. The Leprechauns were separated, but each worked hard and contributed significantly with their ideas and marketing skills. The event was greatly enjoyed by all!

 

       Mass followed and all the squires gathered in a little chapel in the woods to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Darren and Corey from Brampton Circle read and altar-served, respectively. The Mass was concluded with the installation of the Provincial Board. The crowd watched as each member accepted their duties and responsibilities for the year. Provincial Deputy Chief Squire, Dwayne Santos, received a standing ovation from his home circle while being crowned.

 

       A beautiful Oshawa sunset signaled the highly anticipated Campfire! Past Provincial Board members, Eric Boyles and Roshan Alisterosario, kept the blaze alive. Squires kept warm and enjoyed a sing-along session lead by Dion Drewlo of the Senators Club. A session of merriment followed as Scarborough Circle enacted a skit and Brampton Squire, Chris Mekdeci shared some of his riddles with everyone. Marshmallows were roasted and Guelph Circle did their annual “Lighting of the Night Sky.” Provincial Father Prior, Rev. Philip Kennedy, brought the campfire to a close with a spiritual reflection. Each person was given a candle and had to throw it into the fire after mentioning their spiritual intentions.

 

       Sunday arrived in the blink of an eye and it was time to say goodbye. The boys did their last goodbyes and grabbed sandwiches for the road. The way back was filled with reminiscent stories. Even to this day, the Squires of St. Patrick Circle 2041 Brampton, share their special memories of Camp 07 with the other circle members.