The Seventh Commandment “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! Христос Воскрес! Воістину Воскрес! Dear Brother Knights, As April arrives in Alberta, the lakes remain solid beneath ice that will not safely melt un l May. The faithful fisherman knows: even when the desire is strong and the season feels close, he does not take what is not yet given. In this way, the Seventh Commandment calls us to respect what is God’s and what belongs to others: their goods, their me, their dignity, and their trust. Holy Week reminds us profoundly of this principle. From the Ma ns of the Passion on Holy Thursday, through the Great Vespers and Laying of the Shroud on Good Friday, to the Blessing of Paschal Foods on Holy Saturday, we witness Christ’s perfect stewardship of life, love, and sacrifice. On Pascha, April 5, the Resurrec on of our Lord shows us that the greatest act of love is giving life freely, restoring what is broken, and sharing abundantly with others. To steal is more than taking material things. It is also a call to respect others’ me, reputa on, and labor; to act with integrity in financial ma ers, Parish du es, charitable works, and to be faithful stewards of crea on and the resources entrusted to us; including our Knights of Columbus ini a ves. Jesus calls us to generosity, not grasping; to service, not self-interest. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Every act of honesty, every prayerful offering, every hour of volunteer work strengthens our hearts and our fraternity in Christ. During April, I encourage you to make daily prayer a priority, asking the Lord to guide you to respect all that is entrusted to others and to use your own gi s for His glory. Engage in charitable acts through Parish or Knights of Columbus projects, reflect each evening on how well you have honored the trust of others, and fully par cipate in Holy Week services, le ng the life, death, and Resurrec on of Christ guide your heart in every aspect of stewardship. As we celebrate Pascha, remember the feasts that accompany this month: Saint George on April 23, a model of courage and defense of the weak, and Mid-Pentecost on April 29, when Christ, the living water, f lows into hearts willing to give and serve. May these celebra ons inspire us to live faithfully in our commitments and in our charitable works. The Seventh Commandment teaches us to be vigilant stewards of what God entrusts to us, reminding us that some things are not yet ours to claim, but everything we hold now can be used to serve others and glorify God. Please pray for me, as I pray for you, my Brothers. Together, in the same boat of faith, let us respect, give, and serve; trus ng the Master Fisher who laid down His life for all. On behalf of my wife Ana and myself, Happy Easter to all of you! May the Risen Christ fill your hearts with peace, joy, and renewed hope. As a reminder, the Knights of Columbus State Conven on will take place April 24–26, 2026. I hope to see representa ves from all Councils present for prayer, fraternity, and planning for the coming year.
Vivat Jesus!
Fr. Slavko
Father Slavko Dumec
Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Edmonton
Phone: 780.467.6200
Website: https://stnicholasucp.ca
