Arcie Lim is the first Filipino state deputy for B.C. and Yukon
By Josh Tng
The B.C. Catholic
Arcie Lim, the state deputy for the B.C. and Yukon Knights of Columbus, talked to The B.C. Catholic before his group’s 105th annual convention at the end of April. Lim, the first Filipino state deputy, spoke about the future of the Knights and about some of the goals of his local council.
The B.C. Catholic: Why did you become a Knight of Columbus?
Arcie Lim: When I was growing up in the Philippines, I was attracted to the Knights of Columbus, who were very visible in the community; their voluntary works inspired me. That’s when the seeds were planted in my head. When I immigrated to Canada in 1982, a co-worker invited me to join the Knights, and I did without hesitation.
BCC: It’s now been a year since your election to state deputy. How has this first year been?
AL: It’s been a whirlwind. Time does fly when you hold a job like the state deputy. With my regular job, it’s really like having two full-time jobs.
It has really given me an opportunity to see firsthand the works of my brother Knights and their families. I’ve also experienced many challenges as state deputy, but it’s given me an opportunity to learn from them, and face those challenges collectively. I’ve noticed my time-management skills have improved, as it’s the only way for things to get done.
BCC: How does it feel to be the first Filipino state deputy for the B.C. and Yukon Knights?
AL: I feel a sense of accomplishment, and I’m proud of it to a certain extent because it proves we can achieve our goals no matter what. I get a lot of positive comments from my fellow Filipinos, and I hope to be a role model for immigrants and minorities, to give them the courage to step up in the community.
BCC: What kind of goals and challenges do you anticipate for the Knights in the coming year?
AL: For goals, the Knights will continue our various mainstay programs, but we want to focus on creating cohesion with our local parishes. We want the Knights to work very closely with our local parishes, instead of each having their own programs. We want to integrate our programs with those of these parishes, and support existing parish programs.
I’m glad also to mention our priority for vocations support. This year, we have recorded a 25 per cent increase in our clergy funds to support vocations. We will be presenting cheques to the bishops at the State Deputy’s banquet, April 30.
There are many challenges; the world we’re facing has so many challenges, especially over euthanasia. The Knights are committed to support the pro-life movment, the right to life of every human being. We believe we are people of life, and for life, and we hope to be a part of this through educating people, donating time and money, and through the most powerful tool, prayer.
We have other challenges too, like the recent influx of refugees, and we are openly supporting them through the Christians at Risk program.
One of our other challenges is the aging of the population. We have a lot of members who are very old, and our numbers are decreasing because of death, part of the cycle of life. We need numbers to ensure our longevity and relevance.
I am a firm believer in strength in numbers. In numbers, our voice can be heard with greater impact. If a single person can make a difference, then a group of likeminded people can make a bigger difference.
BCC: What are some of the most memorable experiences in your career as a Knight?
AL: Some of the most moving experiences I’ve come across, as a Knight, are when a brother Knight passes away. Because of our insurance program, although it’s a sad time in all of our lives, we take consolation in seeing their families being taken care of because the brother took the extra step to prepare protection for his family.
There have been instances where a brother Knight passes away without insurance. The Knights will get together, do some kind of fundraising, and help the family get a decent funeral service.
To me, that is what being a brother Knight is about. We always say charity begins at home, and we do a lot of charitable work outside the organization, but when something like that happens, brother Knights step up.
BCC: Have you ever experienced this charity personally?
AL: My family and I once went vacationing in Oregon. When we got there, I couldn’t find a camping ground for us to book, so we thought we’d have to sleep in the car. While we were trying to find parking at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, another driver waved me to his parking spot. I thought he was just leaving, but it turned out he was giving me his own parking spot.
He mentioned he had seen my Knight emblem, and that he was a fellow Knight. He offered us a place in his house until I could secure a camping ground.
Another time I went to Hawaii, and met a brother Knight who worked as a tour guide. He offered us a free two-day tour. I had the chance to pay this charity back when I heard of a New Jersey Knight stranded at YVR. His luggage had gone missing, so I phoned the New Jersey council to confirm his identity, and he stayed with us for three days.
It’s things like that that happen just because I’m a Knight. After those events, I feel like no matter where I go in the world, there are brother Knights who are willing to help me. There are always helping hands, and that’s what makes me feel closer to the Knights of Columbus worldwide.
