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: July 28, 2026, 7:15pm

·         Total in attendance: 40 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 Gil Hirscher section.

Opening Prayer: Our Father led by the Worthy Lecturer

Pledge of Allegiance: All

Special Guests:  None 

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

Chaplain Message:  The Worthy Lecturer read the Chaplain’s Supreme Challenge to the Council.

·         July 2026 Supreme Chaplain's Monthly Challenge- He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”  Mt 16:23

·         Reflection: Who knows the mind of God? God is beyond human understanding, yet he has revealed himself to us most perfectly in the person of Jesus Christ. Through prayer we can come to know God more fully, and we grow in understanding of his plan when we make a habit of conforming our will to his holy will. We follow Christ in discipleship when we pray daily to the Father as he did: “Not my will but yours be done” (Lk 22:42).

·         Challenge: This month, I challenge you to study the life and example of our founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, whose feast day is August 13. Use the Blessed Michael McGivney Cor Session Guide (available for free at kofc.org/shopcis), noting in particular how Father McGivney always sought to align his will with that of God.

Grand Knights Report:

·         Thanks to the leadership of our Worthy Past Grand Knight Greg Peters and new Trustee, Council 12017 was a Star Council last fraternal year. That Star Council designation is a direct result of the hard work of all of our Knights.

·         Introduction of the new officers.

·         A quick look ahead for 2026/2027:

·         Fraternal Programs: Our Fraternal Calendar for 2026/2027 has been approved by the Parish and incorporated into the Church calendar. We already have 61 Faith in Action and fraternal program activities incorporated into our schedule. Some of those activities need a team leader. Some need scope definition. I ask you to prayerfully consider if that role may be a good fit for you and step up.

·         I met with the new Youth Pastor, John Lewis. He is excited about teaming with the Knights and is a Knight himself. If any of you wish to consider being a small group leader for Life Teen, please reach out to Brother John. He needs assistance in this and also the Christmas Tree sale.

·         Safe Environment Program: All four members of the SEP required training are SEP Compliant for the fraternal year. Thanks to the new Community Director Jeff Kranich for getting qualified so quickly. The Faith and Life Directors are no longer required to take Supreme Safe Environment Training.

·         Looking for a carpenter to help build a wood, secure box for the front of the Church for the Baby Bottle drive.  Contact the GK if you can do this. 

Financial Reports:

·         Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bud Tascone

·         Financial Secretary Report:  Financial Secretary Cary Newman  

·         Budget work: May 12:  Board discussion of budget.  June 9:  Second draft to Board.  June 23:  Officer Installation so no Council meeting.  July 14:  Final Draft review with Board.  July 15: went to members by email. July 28:  First Council presentation and Discussion.  August 25:  Second and last Council Vote.

·         There was a motion to approve the Budget and it was seconded.  There was discussion related to the rainy day fund and it was explained that it was in case of a Golf rain out so that the charitable donations planned could still be made.  The first required vote of the budget was approved. 

·         The Annual Supreme Audit was completed and submitted on July 27.

Membership Report: Membership Director Andrew Duzant

·         We opened the new 2026/2027 fraternal year with 196 members, and we added four new Anglo brothers and one new Hispanic hermanos this past week. Additionally, we had two new brothers join online but were unable to attend the Exemplification. Online enrollment now counts as membership. We have another membership drive in October. Our target is 14 new members for the fraternal year. We have 204 total members as of July 24.  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.

·         Star Council is within our sights again this fraternal year. Our mission though is supporting our Parish and the brothers and sisters in need. If we can take care of our Pastor and parishioners and continue to serve our community as we have in the past, the rest will fall into place.

·         The Grand Knight offered this quote for this meeting from 2 Thessalonians 3:13: “You must never grow weary of doing what is right, brothers.”

Other Programs Reports: Program Director Larry Greer was given by Greg Peters

·         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 beginning August 5 entitled “Gospel of Mark”. All are invited; you don’t have to be a Knight. You can join anytime.  Those wishing to join, contact John Clyatt.

·         Fifth Sunday Rosary will be August 30 in the St. Mark Rosary Garden 8:50-9:10am.

·         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.

·         Family Director Report: Family Director John Danchisko

·         Faith in Films Series (Knights Movie Night) always at 6:30 pm.  The May showing of A Time for Miracles, St. Elizabeth Seton had 41 in attendance, $100 collected.  June 6’s film   The Mission- had 47 attendees, $81 collected. .Rocky, July 11, 23 attendees, $23 collected.  Ignatius of Loyola, August 8 Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buL2q3SUZnE 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 August 12 Gift cards for Fr. Caesar

·         Food for Families – The Food for Families June 19 - results: 17 volunteers, 4 weeks to prep and organize the project, 48 manhours, filling food boxes 27 manhours, distribute 150 food boxes and water to farm camps 28 manhours. 2,475 pounds of food distributed, 6,338 pounds of bottled water. Total donations $3,910 from 17 donors. Food for migrant families Joe D’Alessandro/Jose Sanchez

·         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. Next breakfast is September 27 after the 9:30 Mass.  Help is needed for grill, hot table serving, beverage table serving, set up and clean up. Contact GK Ron White or DGK 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 next Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build is August 7 at the new Target at Monkey Junction.  A second build, the Bunks Across America Bed Build, is September 12, at the Lowe’s Home Improvement at Monkey Junction.
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 3^rd 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. 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.  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.

·         Magic Show July 25. Knights loved the show and it was great support to LAMB.  Net $3,400.

·         LAMB tabling will be held on the weekend of August 15th and 16th. You can learn more and sign up at the SignUps link on the website.

·         Knights on Call: Chairman Mike Alexander

·         This is a program to help others who may be in need.  If you want to join this group, or if help is needed, send your info to Mike and he will send an email out looking for volunteers. These efforts are to help parishioners with short-term, easy projects and not long-term requirements. YTD – 75 hours. Thank you for your dedication to helping others.

Fourth Degree Report: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. was given by SK Greg Decker

·         Monthly meetings are the third Tuesday at 7pm. There was not a July meeting. Location is being rotated among parishes.  Go to the Fourth Degree website for details.  Next meeting is August 18 at 7:00pm at St. Mark Parish Hall.

·         Honor Guard for the installation of the pastor at St. Stanislaus.

·         Installation of officers will be in August (either 20 or 27) and will be in conjunction with the Hampstead assembly.

• Insurance Agent- None

• District Deputy- None

Fraternity:

·         Nothing discussed.

·         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 around the end of July or first week of August.

Latino Roundtable:  GK 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. 

Unfinished Business: Any motion tabled from the prior meeting. 

·         None

New Business:  

·         See GK Summary

Good of the Order:

·         Family of the Month – July: Sweeney Family

·         Knight of the Month – July: Ambrosio Medina; August: Sil Mazella

Lecturer’s Reflection - The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was discussed as was the movie Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart).

Grand Knight’s Summary:

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

·         LAMB Table Collections on 8/15 and 8/16. (Tim Niggel)

·         Parish Service Organizations Weekend on 8/23. (Ron White)

·         5th Sunday Rosary on 8/30 at 8:50 in the Prayer Garden. (Greg Decker)

·         Latino Car Wash on 8/30. (Tirso Martinez)

·         Coats for Kids Weekend on 9/5 and 9/6. (Richard Caparelli)

·         Lion’s Pride 5K 0n 9/10 (Jack Murphy)

Closing Prayer and Prayers for Brothers in Need:

·         Names in the Prayers Book plus Deacon George Keenan, Joe Hellmann, Gary Wool, Amanda Tascone, Pat Howey, Barbara Schadt, Candice Brisson.

·         Hail Mary by Worthy Lecturer.

Next Meeting: August 25 at 7:15pm

Meeting Adjourned: 7:55pm

Minutes completed by Recorder: Sean Murphy