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  Grand President's March Addressby Michael Rossi (As per tradition, in the March issue of the Bollettino the Grand President shares with everyone his "State of the Federation" speech he gave at all of the installations.) 
Buon Anno and Happy New Year!It is always an inspiring time when an installation takes place. It shows us that there is new optimism and a new resolve in the Federation. Once again, we remember what it's like to enjoy a sense of belonging, both to our beautiful heritage and to the work of the Church. Together, with a renewed spirit of unity, we will make our world a better place. The beginning of the year is a wonderful time to affirm that we are an apostolic Catholic organization and we continue serving our communities, our parishes, and each other. We do this every time we serve people in need, console the ill, when we pray together, and demonstrate Catholic charity to all. You have done all these things and the good that you do will long be remembered. What makes the Italian Catholic Federation what it is? What makes us who we are? It is our shared values, and Catholic faith, our families, our heritage, our cuisine, and of course our charities. We are proud of who we are and what we do. Allow me to reflect: Last year our members contributed countless thousands of hours of time, and donated $600,000 to various charities. The world is a better place because of our generosity. The Gifts of Love, chaired by Ario Gregori, has helped many people with special needs. Since the inception of the program in 1996, we have granted $200,000 to help over 550 individuals to live fuller lives. An independent and productive life is a happy one. Thank you for making their lives happier. Because of your generous donations to the Cooley's Anemia program, under the leadership of Apostolate chairperson Jane Dianda, we were able to issue a check to Oakland Children's Hospital for $57,000 last year. It is important that you know that the ICF is a major financial donor and supporter. This is especially true in this troubled economy as many donors have stopped giving. In many cases, there is no government assistance. Many of our branches and members have given time and money and contributed greatly to the success of this program. The Scholarship program, chaired by Dante Galeazzi, is a huge success, showing our young people that we care about them by investing in their education. Last year we awarded $106,000 to help 243 college students with their education. Since the inception of this program, we have awarded over $2 million in scholarships. Still, there are at least 300 students who were turned away last year due to limited funds. Your generosity is important and so very much appreciated. Be proud of the role you play in the education of our young people. The Providenza Seminary Fund is also very successful, showing our bishops and our seminarians that we care about them. We pray for increased vocations and young men who are the new generation of priests. In them, we look for spiritual guidance and support throughout our lives. It is only fitting that we show our support to them as they embark on their life's calling. As I begin my second year as your Grand President, I will continue to ensure the success of the Federation. Allow me to update you: Under the direction of Grand Treasurer Carmen Kilcullen and Ways & Means chairperson Leonard Rossi, the finances of the Federation are sound, despite the downturn in the economy. Yes, we have lost some of the value of our investments due to the poor stock market, but they remain sound. Our dues are very modest compared to other organizations, thanks in large part to the success of our investments and fundraisers. Please continue to support the Calendar sales, the Convention raffle, the Convention, and the Golf Tournament as these alternate sources of income help keep our dues low. The Bylaws committee is asking for suggestions from members regarding changes to our ICF ritual. The ritual is used primarily as a guide to run ICF meetings, wear regalia, display banners, initiate new members, install new officers, and to recite the ICF pledge. Perhaps now is the time for new ideas, or not. We would like to receive your comments, both pro and con. The ICF is your organization, so we want to hear from you. See the Bollettino for more information. Our heritage belongs to all of us. The Heritage committee, chaired by Nina Malone, will be participating in various Italian festas this year to make the ICF more visible to the general public, while celebrating our heritage. Also, the committee is asking all branches to have a heritage program and a heritage chairperson. Encourage your members to share their heritage with each other, and especially with younger members in the branch. Our members are a rich source of stories, recipes, history, and heritage, so share what you know. If you can, teach other members a little about the Italian language, at least enough to pronounce our names correctly. It makes meetings a lot more fun. The Convention Directors, under the leadership of Steve Fuentes, are working on the next Convention in San Jose, California. I ask that all presidents make every effort to send your delegates this year. I encourage you to have alternate delegates in case the president or other delegates can't attend. The Convention is an important time of renewal and inspiration for those who attend. Hopefully the delegates take back that enthusiasm to their branches. The Public Relations committee, chaired by Nettie Descalso DelNero, is working to see that the Bollettino and the ICF website, at ICF.org, become better tools to reach out to you, the members. I think you'll agree that great improvements are being made in both. Public Relations is also working on the ICF awards to be given at Convention this year. I encourage each branch to nominate deserving people for these prestigious awards. Our membership belongs to all of us. If what I have said today is important, then we must continue to grow our numbers. This way we can continue to do God's work and honor our heritage. Our Membership committee, chaired by Rose Jarrett, is doing an excellent job of communicating to the members. If you need help with a membership drive, be sure to contact them. Call the ICF office, check our website, and read the Bollettino for more information. This past year we welcomed two new branches, Br.434 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Tucson, Arizona, and Br. 435 Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Morgan Hill, California. We continue to look for new branches throughout the Federation areas. Thanks to the efforts of Dave Botta and Carmen Kilcullen, we are very hopeful that soon we may be opening a new branch in Glendale, Arizona. The Workshop committee, chaired by Dave Botta, and the Deputy program, chaired by Jim Jones, are available to help branches that are having trouble with finances, in finding new officers, and they will give you the tools you need to succeed as a branch. Please continue to pray for the success of the Federation. I appreciate all that you do in your own branches. Many of you have dedicated years of support, working quietly and not asking for praise. You have seen to it that the work gets done and have a good time while giving of yourselves. This year we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Federation. As with all things, time has changed the ICF, but our ideals and values are as strong now as when Sir Luigi Providenza and Father Albert Bandini were inspired to create our wonderful organization. Because of you, the dream of our founders will live on. The reward we receive for years of hard work is to see the organization that we love thrive and prosper for years to come. We have made a difference and we continue making a difference. Let me once again thank each and every one of you for your commitment to the ICF, as evidenced by your presence today. I truly am grateful for everything you do, and for your friendship. Marcie and I wish all of you good health and happiness in the coming year. God bless you and the Italian Catholic Federation. Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland CA 94621 tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org Website designed by HYPERSPHERE |