Chuck Schnapp, founder and chief counselor of Circle 5022, noted that the circle began five years ago and already has 55 Squires, thanks in large part to its emphasis on the Advancement Program. “We were so new, we were looking for ways to involve ourselves with the right stuff. It’s a wonderful, wonderful program,” said Schnapp, who said his circle’s success with the Advancement Program has spurred circles all over Texas to get on board with it. ADVANCING IN FAITH This month, Jeremy Timperanza of St. Frances X. Cabrini Circle 1512 in Bridgeport, Conn., will join the select few who have received the Squire of the Body of Christ honor. Timperanza, 15, said he’s deeply thankful for his experiences with his fellow Squires. “They’re people who have the same thoughts and wants,” he said. “You don’t feel alone at all. When I joined, I was going through a tough time. But the Squires helped so much with my confidence. You can talk about faith — and really, faith is what helps you get through those times.” Timperanza is the second member of Circle 1512 to become a Squire of the Body of Christ; the first, in 2009, was Kevin Davis, who then joined St. Francis X Cabrini Council 4096 in Bridgeport. Timperanza’s honor marks the end of a four-year process.
“As soon as we got the book, I looked through it to the last [requirement]. It almost sounded impossible. But I’m really glad I did this,” he said. Vinny Esposito, Connecticut state Squires chairman and chief counselor of Circle 1512, said he’s grateful that young men like Timperanza seek to deepen their faith through the Advancement Program and other opportunities offered through the Squires. “The kids want to go to church, they want to go to confession,” Esposito said. “Wanting to be a young Catholic gentleman, wanting to learn more about the Church — I call that … the ‘Holy Spirit’ part of it.” For Timperanza and Iglesias, at least, there is little doubt that the Holy Spirit has helped guide their life journeys thus far. “I’ve learned so many things with the Squires — about helping people, about being a good person. It takes so little to help, and it makes you feel so good being able to help any way you can,” Timperanza said. “My faith continues to be strong to this very day, and I love it,” added Iglesias, who is now a student at Tarleton State University in Texas. “Without the support of everyone and this Squires program, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”♦ MIKE LATONA is a staff writer for the Catholic Courier, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester, and a member of Our Lady of the Cenacle Council 3892 in Greece, N.Y.
The Order’s support of the Boy Scouts of America continues as Scouts celebrate their 100th anniversary
APRIL 2010
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