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 with a link to 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 Greg Peters: November 25, 2025, 7:15pm

·         Total in attendance:25 Brothers

·         Officers Attendance Report: End of this report

Burning candle memorial: Deputy Grand Knight Ron White

·         For the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney

·         Repose of the souls of Tom Gigliotti, and SK Dan Kusnierz

Opening Prayer: Hail Mary led by Fr. Cesar Torres Martinez

Pledge of Allegiance: All

Special Guests:  None

Visitors: None

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

Financial Reports:

·         Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bud Tascone

·         The financials reported can be requested by contacting the Treasurer.

·         Financial Secretary Report: Financial Secretary Cary Newman

·         The financials reported can be requested by contacting the Financial Secretary.

·         FS explained the process for purchasing state raffle tickets; i.e., knight to request number of tickets and return money to FS and tickets will then be distributed.

Chaplain Report:  Fr. Cesar read the Chaplain’s Supreme Challenge to the Council.

·         December 2025- “Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Gospel for Dec. 7, Mt 3:10)

·         In these reflections over the past year, we have meditated on the importance of our faith bearing fruit in good works. In a way, this Gospel passage, quoting St. John the Baptist, might seem out of place during Advent. But throughout this season, we reflect not only on Christ’s coming in the incarnation, but also his second coming in judgment at the end of the world. Let us pray and work to ensure we lead truly faithful and fruitful lives as disciples of Jesus.

·         Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori: This month, I challenge you to spend some time reflecting on the four last things — death, judgment, heaven and hell — to better prepare yourself for eternity.

·         Questions for Reflection: Do I live with my sights set on heaven? Am I aware of the reality of hell? Do I live my life so as to be prepared for my death and judgment?

Membership Report: Membership Director Ray Repage. Report given by GK.

·         We currently have 198 members in our council. Exemplification was conducted Monday, November 24. We have five new brothers exemplified into our council; we have one Anglo Prospect, and one Latino Prospect awaiting exemplification. We have four Latino candidates that have expressed interest in joining our order and council.

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 7-8:30pm in the John Henry Newman room. This year we are studying the Deuterocanonical books; that is, the books left out of the Protestant Bibles. But, during this Advent we are doing a seven-week series, “Teacher and Lord”. If interested contact John Clyatt or just show up. SK Larry Greer reported we now have 12 regular members of the weekly COR meetings.

·         Quarterly Knights Mass - We need more Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMoHC), readers and ushers for each Mass. Whichever Mass you regularly attend, please consider helping.  All are encouraged to attend wearing your council name badges or shirts to support the many Knights who will participate as Ushers, Greeters, EMoHCs, Readers, and choir members. Stay tuned for the date and time in January for the next one. Points of contact for this effort are Mike Krawcyzk and Miguel Saldana. Miguel Saldana has proposed that the next Knights quarterly Mass be sponsored by the Latino Roundtable and be held at Sunday 1:30pm Mass. GK reported that next quarterly Knights Mass would be held at a 1:30pm Spanish Mass hosted by the Latino Roundtable.

·         RSVP and Seminarian Support – RSVP checks went out to the two seminarians we are supporting this year: Deacon Drew Navarro and William Breit.  Amazon gift cards were also sent to the other 14 seminarians of the diocese.

·         Family Director Report: Family Director John Danchisko Report given by Larry Greer

·         Faith in Films Series (Movie night) - The December 6 film will be Mary of Nazareth, an epic motion picture on the life of Mary, mother of Christ, from her childhood through the Resurrection of Jesus.
The January 10 movie will be Jesus Thirsts.  This visually stunning film takes viewers on a global journey to uncover the transformative power of the Eucharist.
Joe D’Alessandro welcomes any questions, comments, or suggestions of films to screen, or volunteer to assist.

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

·         Essay Contest - Chairman Tascone reported that St Mark Catholic school essay contest was due back for judging on 12/7. Three English classes at St Mark participated with a First and Second place to be selected by council judges.

·         Community Director Report: Community Director Ray Repage Report given by Larry Greer

·         Knight’s Breakfast is co-chaired by Joe D’Alessandro, Ray Repage and Bob Stevens, and mentored by George Schadt. Future dates are December 7, January 11, February 8, and March 8 and starts after the 9:30am Mass. Help is needed for grill, hot table serving, beverage table serving, set up and clean up. Contact Joe D’Alessandro.

·         Habitat for Humanity home build: Our next build will be a Unity Build on December 20 in Castle Hayne.  This will be open to all St. Mark parishioners.  We will be putting in Windows and Doors. We now have nine brother Knights that have committed to helping with this home build. Sign up genius has been built and is at our website on the SignUps tab. The Point of Contact is DGK Ron White.

·         Sleep In Heavenly Peace is a national program that builds beds for needy children.  The local chapter’s website is https://shpbeds.org/chapter/nc-wilmington/.  Watch this video to get a taste for the program.  Next build date will not be until Spring.  POC is Greg Decker.

·         Blankets for the Homeless- Distribution will be Tuesday December 2, at 7pm.  The location is 5^th and Greenfield at The Lords Church. Tim Kroll has requested five or six Knights to help with distribution.

·         Youth Friendsgiving- Sunday, November 16 - Five knights cooked turkeys for this youth event attended by over 100 individuals.

·         St Mark Christmas Tree Lot- We will partner with the St Mark youth to manage the Christmas Tree lot for 2025. The church will purchase the trees, any profit to be split between the youth and the Knights. Christmas trees to be delivered November28 at 8:30am. We will start selling the trees at noon right after offload. Lot hours will be Monday-Friday 4:30-7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-7:00pm, and Sunday 8:30am-5:30pm. Typically the lot is not open for more than two weeks. Knights would use profit generated to donate/boost our 2025 LAMB collections.  Sign up genius has been built and is at our website on the SignUps tab.

·         Life Director Report: Life Director Michael Breit

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

·         LAMB: Chairman Tim Niggel

·         Tim Niggel reported that a total of $12,200 has been raised so far towards our goal of $15,000. Funds are used to support Special Olympics and programs for students and adults with disabilities. I’ll bet you always wondered what’s the story behind the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll drive.  Here is the answer: https://catholicvote.org/whats-the-story-behind-the-knights-of-columbus-candy-drive/

·         Knights on Call: Chairman Mike Alexander

·         Knights on Call Program to help others.  If you want to join this group or if help is needed, send your info to Mike and he will send e mail out looking for volunteers. These efforts are to help parishioners with short term, easy projects and not long-term requirements.  November has been a busy month. We have completed 14 hours of service so far this month. November also marks 3 year of service since Knights on Call was started November 5 2022. 512 hours since the beginning.  Thank you for your dedication to helping others.  YTD 155.5 hrs.

Fourth Degree Report: SK Larry Greer

·         Monthly meetings on the third Tuesday at 7pm.  Next regular meeting is January 20 at 7:00pm at St. Mark Parish Hall. 

·         Faithful Navigator, Larry Greer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell- 910-471-1574.

·         John Bolger reported that the shoeboxes collected for Ashley House has exceeded goal requirements, so extra boxes will be donated to the homeless in the greater Wilmington area.

·         December 13 Burgaw Christmas Parade begins at 5:30pm.

·         December 13 (Noon) Laying wreaths at National Cemetery. If you desire to purchase wreaths for a loved one, you can still do so.  See the link on the assembly website: https://kofc2017.org/wreaths-across-america.

Fraternity:

·         Brothers Brewery Night - Brother Joe Damitz is the lead. The purpose of the Brothers Brewery Night is fraternity, especially getting to meet new Knights. The usual location is Kickback Jack’s located at 418 S College Road.  November 17 had a good turnout of 14 Knights.  Great food and great time!

·         Bocce Ball - Mike Alexander is the lead.  Contact him if you would like to join the team.  No experience needed. Bocce’s every Wednesday at 10am at Empie Park. Open to all Knights.  

Latino Roundtable:  GK Peters reported.

·         The Latino Roundtable meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month in the Juan Diego Room at 7-8:30pm. No report on the Latino Car Wash on October 19.  Proceeds will go to help those in need in the Hispanic community. GK reported that the car wash proceeds were $1116 for the event.

Unfinished Business: Any motion tabled from the prior meeting - No motions were tabled from the prior meeting.

New Business:  

·         Any new business?

Miscellaneous:

·         No December meeting but the Officers will have their meeting by Zoom December 8, 7pm.

Grand Knight’s Report: GK Greg Peters

·         Previously discussed under Program Director Report and New Business

Good of the Order:

·         Family of the Month –

·         Knight of the Month –

Prayers for Brothers in Need:

·         Names in the Prayers Book plus Fr Greg Spencer, Karen Palmer, Tabitha Cannon, Bill Vogelson, and Joe Hellmann, and Pam.

Next Meeting: January 27 at 7:15pm

Closing Prayer: Hail Mary by Fr. Cesar

Meeting Adjourned:  8:05pm

Minutes completed by Recorder:  Sean Murphy was excused. (GK Peters did the minutes)