Coats for Kids
These pictures are from the three distribution locations of new winter coats given to needy children this fall by Council 12017. A total of 252 coats were provided to families. For photos from the various distribution sites, look below.
Bolton Community Center
Fair Bluffs Building Bridges
Santa Clara Mission
2025 Knight of the Year: Cary Newman
Our Knight of the Year for 2025 is our Financial Secretary Cary Newman.
Most Grand Knights, when their term is done, look to a quiet life as a trustee. Not so our past Grand Knight Cary Newman. When the Financial Secretary announced his desire to retire, Cary immediately came forward to take it on. In a council as large and active as ours, the FS needs to burn the proverbial Midnight Oil. At the same time, he became an important cog in the newly formed St. Vincent de Paul society. To do both he needs to burn the candle from both ends!
Not content with an overflowing plate, Cary is also a highly visible member, placard in hand, of the Rosary for Life Prayer Vigil held weekly near Planned Parenthood.
To paraphrase John 21:25, "But there are also many other things which Cary did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written."
Baby Bottle Distribution
These were the absolute best sales team handling the baby bottle distribution to mark the beginning of Respect Life Month, aka October.
Click photo for larger version.
Bocce Tournament Champions
Empie Park was the location for the latest Southeastern InterCouncil Bocce Tournament held on September 20. Nine teams representing five councils competed in the modified double-elimination tournament. The first round saw three teams eliminated leaving three teams for the final rounds. There was much jubilation when St. Mark 2, with one loss, went on to defeat the undefeated All Saints, handing then two losses.
Lion Pride 5K Knights Crew
Here is the crew from this years Lion Pride 5K school fundraiser. These guys never stop!
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build
Three brother knights were at the Bunks Across America build day as part of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. This build was sponsored locally by Lowe's. About 100 beds were built from scratch taking the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace to over 1,000 beds since they began three years ago.
Builds are usually held monthly; some are open to the public, some are closed. The next public one will likely be in November.
Knight of the Month Donald Dobrindt
Our Knight of the Month for June 2025 is Donald Dobrindt.
Donald is the epitome of a Catholic gentleman balancing both community and Parish needs with his volunteer efforts. In the community, Donald has helped with elections as a volunteer at the Senior Center and is active as a basketball referee. As a Knight, Donald supports the Kitchen team with Knights Breakfasts and Fish Fries. Donald is part of our Habitat for Humanity builds, and is a Power Donor for the American Red Cross. A worthy recipient of Knight of the Month is Donald Dobrindt.
Back to School Gift Cards
The Latino Roundtable, lead by brother Nector Diaz, presented Fr. Cesar with $2,000 in gift cards for back-to-school supplies for families in need at the conclusion of the Spanish Mass Sunday. They received a standing ovation from the Mass attendees.
Prayer Vigil Warriors on Wilmington Catholic Radio
Many of the knights that make up the male contingent at the weekly Respect Life Prayer Vigil on Wednesday mornings recently were interviewed by Wilmington Catholic Radio's Carolina Catholic show host Judi Paparozzi about their dedication to the pro-life movement, why men are so important to this work, how the public responds to our prayer vigil in an overwhelming positive way, how they feel blessed to lead the Rosary and other prayers, and why praying to end abortion is so very important.
This show can be listened to on Wilmington Catholic Radio's station, 93.1 FM, the third and fourth weekends of August, Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at 6pm. You can also listen to the interview online by clicking here.
Tacos at Saint Mark
The Latino Roundtable put on a Taco Lunch at Saint Mark on Sunday, August 3. Hundreds of parishioners were served.
Click on any photo for a larger view and to scan through the gallery.
Knights on Call
Five knights were on hand on Friday to help assemble furniture for St. Mark Catholic School.
Exemplification on July 28th
In the first exemplification of the fraternal year, we brought in five new knights. In the front row, left to right and flanking Regional District Deputy Gene Ziemba, are Martin Hernandez, Adam Bernhard, Christopher Polermo, Russel Perritt and Ryan Leach. Welcome brothers.
The degree team in the back, left to right, are Chancellor Joe Browning, Program Director Larry Greer, Grand Knight Greg Peters, Deputy Grand Knight Ron White, Trustee Greg Decker, and Warden George Schadt. Not shown is Financial Secretary Cary Newman.