Special Notes regarding the Meeting Minutes

In an effort to make the minutes more concise and accurate, the contact information for officers, directors and chairmen are replaced by a link where their email and phone are provided along with a description of their position.  Team leads’ that are not officers, directors or chairmen have their contact information listed in a table at the end of the minutes.

Call to Order: Grand Knight Ron White: Aug 25, 2026, 7:15pm

·         Total in attendance: 48 Brothers

·         Officers Attendance Report: End of this report

Burning candle memorial: Deputy Grand Knight Joe Browning

·         For the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney.

·         For the repose of the soul of Mike Hession.

Opening Prayer: The Lords Prayer led by Father Cesar

Pledge of Allegiance: All

Special Guests:  Worthy Parochial Vicar: Reverend Pius Wekesa. He will also be a new Council Member and 4^th Degree Assembly member.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting: A motion was made, and seconded, to approve the July 26 Meeting Minutes. There was no discussion on the motion and the Minutes were approved unanimously.

Chaplain Message:  Father Cesar read the Chaplain’s Supreme Challenge for September to the Council.

·         Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” (Gospel for Sept. 13, Mt 18:21-22) To forgive others can be very difficult at times, especially when someone repeatedly offends us. Jesus tells us there is no magic number that limits our obligation - our desire to forgive and show mercy to others must be boundless, just as God’s mercy toward us is infinite. We pray in the Our Father, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Our very salvation depends on our willingness to forgive, for God will forgive us in the measure that we forgive others (cf. Mt 6:14-15).

·         Reflection: Are there people in your life whom you find difficult to forgive for past offenses? Do you sometimes find yourself saying the words “I forgive you,” but holding on to the hurt like a grudge? What steps can you take to move to true forgiveness?

·         Challenge: This month, I challenge you to make a list of the people in your life — past and present — whom you find or have found difficult to forgive, and to sincerely pray for them each day.

Grand Knights Report: After welcoming all new members, he reviewed the topics below:

·         My quote for this meeting is from St. Gregory the Great. “It is characteristic of holy men that their own painful trials do not make them lose their concern for the well-being of others.”

·         When I look at what the Knights of Columbus Council 12017 accomplishes each month, my heart is rejuvenated. You are all truly holy men. Each of us has our burdens, but we keep doing the right. We support our parish events, we feed so many through our work at Catholic Charities, Sharing Tree, Bread for Life, Meals on Wheels and others. We clothe youth through the Coats for Kids. We help disadvantaged children through Bright Futures and LAMB initiatives.

·         One of my roles for this Council is to keep our priests, directors, and our Regional District Deputy happy. My primary role is to support each of you in our Faith in Action programs. This role of caring for others should always be in our field of vision. Call me out if I lose sight of what is important.

·         Thank you for all you do.

Financial Reports:

·         Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bud Tascone

·         Financial Secretary Report:  Financial Secretary Cary Newman  

·         There was a motion to approve the Budget and it was seconded.  There was no discussion.  The second required vote of the budget was approved. 

Membership Report: Membership Director Andrew Duzant

·         We have 204 total members as of August 24. We are at 67% of the goal of new members.

·         2026 Member ID cards can be picked up after the meeting from Sir Knight Cary in the back of the Hall.

·         Name badges have been ordered for new members and are in transit. 

Other Programs Reports: Program Director Larry Greer

·         Faith Director Report: Faith Director John Clyatt

·         COR (Heart) Program – COR continues to meet the Wednesdays of each month from 7 to 8:30pm in the John Henry Newman room. New program began August 5 entitled “Gospel of Mark”. All are invited; you don’t have to be a Knight and you can join anytime.  Those wishing to join, contact John Clyatt.

·         Fifth Sunday Rosary will be August 30 in the St. Mark Rosary Garden 8:45-9:10am.

·         Quarterly Knights Mass - We need at least Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMoHC) for each Mass. Whichever Mass you regularly attend, please consider becoming an EMoHC.  We also need more readers and ushers.  If you are willing to step up, let us know.  All are encouraged to attend wearing your council name badge and/or shirt to support the many Knights who will participate as Ushers, Greeters, EMoHCs, Readers, and choir members. Next Mass TBD. Points of contact for this effort are Mike Krawcyzk and Miguel Saldana.

·         Wednesday, August 26, at 7pm at Regal Mayfair is showing  the film American Martyr - The Stanley Rother Story.

·         Family Director Report: Family Director John Danchisko

·         Faith in Films Series (Knights Movie Night) always at 6:30 pm.  Ignatius of Loyola, August 8 attendees-34, collections-$100. On the Water Front, September 12, Mayo Clinic, October 10. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqRXy-okS5I  Joe D’Alessandro welcomes any suggestions of films to screen. For any questions/comments or to volunteer, reach out to Joe D’Alessandro.

·         Bright Futures Back to School for Kids 6:30 pm Mass said by Fr. Cesar on August 12. Gift cards assisted 48 families/children.

·         Nominations each month for Family of the Month and Knight of the Month - Send to John Danchisko and copy Larry Greer.

·         Community Director Report: Community Director Jeff Kranich

·         Knight’s Breakfast is co-chaired by GK Ron White, DGK Joe Browning and Bob Stevens, and mentored by George Schadt and Joe D’Alessandro. The breakfast planned for September 27^th was cancelled by the parish as it conflicted with a planned Bagels & Donuts celebration after all the Masses for Fr. Greg’s birthday. Our next scheduled breakfast will be on November 8^th. Help is needed for grill, hot table serving, beverage table serving, set up and clean up. Contact DGK Ron White or Joe Browning if questions.

·         Habitat for Humanity home build: Next event October 10.  Anyone 14 and older can participate. Contact is Ron White if interested in helping or watch the SignUps link on the website.

·         Sleep In Heavenly Peace is a national program that builds beds for needy children.  The August 7 build at the Target in Monkey Junction was cancelled. A second build, through the Bunks Across America Bed Build, is September 12, at the Lowe’s Home Improvement at Monkey Junction. 1075 beds built last year. While the times mentioned are 8-5, mostly we’re done by 1pm.  You can learn more and sign up at SignUps.  Point of Contact is Greg Decker.

·         Lion’s Pride 5K. The 3rd Annual Lion’s Pride 5K will be held on Thursday, September 10. This fundraiser supports both St. Mark School and Church. The Knights will once again be helping with parking from 3:00-6:30 pm, grilling hot dogs from 5-7:30 pm, and manning the beer tent from 5:00-8:00 pm. Lead/Point of Contact is Jack Murphy.                                                                        

·         Coats for Kids table collection September 5 & 6 all Masses. Richard Caparelli is the lead. A little more help is needed on the 6^th.  We raised $7K last year and provided 226 coats.  We hope to even do better this year! Distribution locations will be determined latter.  Watch the SignUps link on the website.

·         Life Director Report: Life Director Michael Breit

·         Prayer vigil supporting Life: A reminder of Wednesday's vigil from 9–10am at the corner of 16th Street and Hospital Plaza Drive. It lasts about an hour.  We could always use more support for this life-saving cause. Contact is Larry Greer.

·         Football Pool booklets are available. The Monday Night Football Pool returns for the 17th year to generate funds for the council’s Life programs.  Each booklet purchased for $20 affords twenty chances to win $50 over the course of twenty games.  Each pool is limited to 100 places.  As an added incentive, for every ten booklets you buy or sell you get one free.  The best part of this pool, besides promoting Life, is that you don’t need to follow football but just sit back and we’ll send you your winning check.  Great to buy for your kids or grandkids to get them involved with the Knights activities.  See Greg Decker or Michael Breit to get in on the action.

·         LAMB: Chairman Tim Niggel

·         You can now go to our website and directly contribute to LAMB. Funds are used to support Special Olympics and programs for students and adults with disabilities. We are at $10,500 so far this year.

·         LAMB tabling will be held on the weekend of September 19/20. You can learn more and sign up at the SignUps link on the website.

Fourth Degree Report: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

·         Monthly meetings are the third Tuesday at 7 pm. There was not a July meeting. Location is being rotated among parishes.  Go to the Fourth Degree website for details.  Next meeting is September 15 at 7:00 pm at St. Mark Parish Hall.

·         Installation of officers will be in August 27 and will be in conjunction with the Hampstead assembly.

·         Flag Instruction was held for St. Mark Catholic School’s 8th grade August 24; Flag Instruction for St. Mary’s 8th grade will be August 28.

·         Honor Guard September 26 installation of new pastor at St. Stanislaus with the Bishop present.

• Insurance Agent - Our Worthy Field Agent John Bowden was not in attendance.

• District Deputy - Our Worthy Regional District Deputy Gene Ziemba was not in attendance.

Fraternity:

·         Nothing discussed but good standing information below

·         Brothers Brewery Night - Brother Joe Damitz is the lead. Its purpose is fraternity, especially getting to meet new Knights. Location – Kickback Jack’s located at 418 S College Road.  Stay tuned for the date.

·         Bocce Ball- Mike Alexander is lead, contact him if you would like to join the team.  No experience needed. Bocce’s back at Empie Park every Wednesday 10:00am. Open to all Knights of Columbus. Shelter #2 is reserved for Saturday, October 3 for the 2026 Bocce Tournament. Spread the word and start working on your 2026 game. Captains meeting to discuss Tournament details.

Latino Roundtable:  SK Greg Peters reported.

·         The Latino Roundtable meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month in the Juan Diego Room from 7-8:30pm.

·         Another Car Wash on August 30 and Taco Dinner (TBD) is being planned.  Please get out and help or come and get your car washed!

Unfinished Business: Any motion tabled from the prior meeting. 

·         None

New Business:  

·         Tim Kroll gave the details about the Survive the 55 Fundraiser for Suicide Prevention and Education for Law Enforcement officers. A very worthy effort and all Tim’s contributions will be made under our Council.  See Tim Kroll afterwards to make a pledge as he walks 55 miles to support this effort.

Good of the Order:

·         Family of the Month – Sweeney Family

·         Knight of the Month – Sil Mazella

Lecturer’s Reflection - Our Worthy Lecturer Miguel Saldana gave an update on the Legion of Mary support for the Enthronement: Sacred Heart of Jesus and discussed trying to get the movie.

Grand Knight’s Summary:

·         We have the following near-term events to focus on:

·         5th Sunday Holy Hour on August 30 at 8:50 in the Prayer Garden. (Greg Decker)

·         Latino Car Wash on August 30. (Tirso Martinez)

·         Coats for Kids Weekend on September 5 and 6. (Richard Caparelli)

·         Lions Pride 5K on September 10 (Jack Murphy)

·         Build a Bed at Monkey Junction Lowe’s Home Improvement on September 12 (Greg Decker)

·         Movie Knight on September 12 (Joe D’Allesandro)

·         Lamb Table Collections on September 19 and 20. (Tim Niggel)

Closing Prayer and Prayers for Brothers in Need:

·         Names in the Prayers Book plus Helen Hession.

·         Hail Mary by Father Cesar.

Next Meeting: September 25 at 7:15pm

Meeting Adjourned: 7:45pm

Minutes completed by Recorder: Sean Murphy