2025-03-25 Business Meeting Minutes

Call to Order: Grand Knight Greg Peters: March 25, 2025, 7:30pm

·         Total in attendance: 39 Brothers

·         Officers Attendance Report: End of this report

Burning candle memorial: Deputy Grand Knight – Michael Brouillette

·         For the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney

·         Pope Francis

·         Jose Saldana

Opening Prayer: Hail Mary by Ron White

Pledge of Allegiance: All

Special Guests: none

Visitors: No additional visitors.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting: Minutes were approved unanimously.

Financial Reports:

·         Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bud Tascone
Financial statement is available upon request. Our financial status is very strong and there are no issues.

·         Financial Secretary Report: SK Cary Newman Worthy Financial Secretary

·         Dues Assessments: We still have 23 Brothers who have not paid their dues.  3 will pay. 9 have no intent to pay. 2 transferred out. 5 withdrew. 2 are in inactive status. 2 are in hardship status.  Our council will take required actions as outlined by bylaws of KofC.

·         State Raffle- We have made a profit of $1,137 for charity. State gets $1,137.  455 were sold.

Chaplain Report:  Supreme Chaplain’s Monthly Challenge The GK presented.

·         March 2025 Supreme Chaplain's Monthly Challenge
“A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles.” (Gospel for March 2, Lk 6:43-44)
Scripture often reminds us that our faith must be made evident through our works, through the good that we do. If we are truly prayerful and holy in an interior way, we will also be productive in the world. Like a tree, we will be known by the fruit we produce. May we always be mindful that faith calls us to lead lives of virtue in service to God and neighbor.

·         Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, I challenge you to prayerfully identify at least one area of your life where you could bear better fruit. Then, guided by the Holy Spirit, undertake at least one concrete resolution to improve.

·         Questions for Reflection:
To borrow an old question: If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be sufficient evidence to convict you? Where do you see room for improvement in turning your faith into action? What opportunities does the Knights of Columbus provide to help you bear good fruit?

Membership Report: Membership Director Michael Brouillette

·         We currently have 207 members in council 12017. We have 3 Anglo and 3 Latino prospects to exemplify.  Still working on a Latino exemplification. We are presently at 142% of our goal for the year and will be having a membership drive in May.

Programs Reports: Program Director Larry Greer- noted special thanks to Brothers Schadt, Repage and D’Alessandro for their help with the food events and the Movie nights.

·         Faith Director Report: Faith Director John Clyatt

·         COR (Heart) Program – COR continues to meet the first three Thursdays of the month at 7pm to 8:30pm in the John Henry Newman room. The group is experiencing really profound sharing and discovery in the scriptures.  I warmly invite others to join us. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, let me know. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 719-393-2870.

·         Quarterly Knight’s Mass - Brothers 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 brothers for readers and ushers.  The remaining scheduled Masses are June 15 at the 11:30am Mass.  If you are willing to step up, let us know.  All brothers are encouraged to attend wearing your council’s name badges or shirts to support the many Knights who will participate as Ushers, Greeters, EM’s, Readers, and choir members. We have new points of contact for this effort- Mike Krawcyzk, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 910-398-6517 and Miguel Saldana, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

·         Spiritual Reflection/Retreat: Brother Clyatt is working with Terrie Baldwin preparing for the March 29 Spiritual Retreat sponsored by the Council and Columbiettes, from 11:00 am– 1:00pm. Retreat is entitled, “Will Christ See Himself in You”, which involves watching a video presentation and then period of reflection. The GK emphasized the importance of this event and encouraged everyone to attend.

·         Family Director Report: Family Director John Danchisko

·         Faith on Film Series (Movie Night)- 2024 - Joseph C. D’Alessandro, 910-352-7607, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  We are planning to screen one film per month in 2025. Currently, we have selected the following Saturdays: April 5, May 10 and June 7. Joe D’Alessandro welcomes any suggestions of films to screen. For any questions/comments or to volunteer to help, reach out to: Joseph C. D’Alessandro, 910-352-7607, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

·         Community Director Report: Community Director Ray Repage

·         Knight’s Breakfast is co-chaired Joe D’Alessandro, Ray Repage and Bob Stevens, and mentored by Warden George Schadt. Contact Joe D’Alessandro at Cell:  910-352-7607. Our Pancake Breakfast on March 9^th we served 103 people. Donations were $547, expenses were $287, net profit was $260. Future dates are March 30, May 18, Jun 15. Help is needed for Grill, Hot Table serving, beverage table serving, set up and clean up. Future dates are March 30, May 18, Jun 15. Help is needed for Grill, Hot Table serving, beverage table serving, set up and clean up.

·         Lenten Fish Fry- First was held on March 7 (with the youth group); 66 take-out orders, 140 meals served. Total donations $1,453, less expenses $773, results in $680 profit for the Youth group. March 21- income $1543 and after expenses profit was $885. The next fish fry will be held on April 4^th, 2025, 5 – 7 pm. More help is needed especially for clean-up for the remaining two fish Frys.

·         Blood Drive: The next drive will be April 17. Brother Ron still needs some help.  Please step up if you can. Contact Ron White at 910-395-5990 if any questions.

·         Knight’s free Throw Contest: District contest held on March 22nd in the Tileston Building at St. Mary’s at 10:30 am. 3 of our winners were there and won this contest.  They are eligible to go to State.

·         Habitat for Humanity home build: Worthy Chancellor Ron White. During the March 8 event we had 9 people and it went very well. The next event is Jun 21. All safety gear provided. If you want to bring your favorite tool belt, feel free, but tools will be provided by the site foreman. More information will come prior to the event.   POC- Worthy Chancellor Ron White 910-395-5990

·         Life Director Report: Life Director Michael Breit

·         Prayer vigil supporting Life: A reminder of Wednesday's 9–10am at the corner of 17 Street and Hospital Plaza. It lasts about an hour. Best contact is Larry Greer: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell- 910-471-1574

·         Knights on Call: Mike Alexander This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell 910-200-9683 Program to help others.  If you want to join this group or if help is needed anywhere just send the info to Mike and he will send e mail out for volunteers. 90 hours to date in the new year.

Fourth Degree Report:  SK Larry Greer

·         Faithful Navigator, Frank Bio This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell 910-899-8946.

·         Monthly meetings on the third Tuesday at 7pm.  Location is being rotated among parishes.  Go to the site for details - https://kofc2017.org/  The January 21 meeting was cancelled due to the storm and hazardous driving. Next meeting is March 18 at 7:00pm at St. Mark in the Parish Hall.

·         Events- April 2 Dedication at All Saints new Church. April 3 School Azalea Festival. Social at Cape Fear Museum. Stations of the Cross at St Stanislaus.  Go to Assembly site for details.

LAMB Report:  LAMB Director Tim Niggel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell 910-470-5490 (cell preferred)

·         Lamb. Funds are used to support special Olympics and programs for students and adults with disabilities. Keep checking all the info on our website and signup is on our website - https://kofc12017.org.  Please, support this worthy program.

·         Knights Magic Show: Plans have been finalized on a LAMB fundraiser to offset loss of collections from Harris Teeter & Food Lion to support LAMB. Brother Tim Niggel has proposed hosting a magic show on Sunday June 8. The featured performer will be nationally recognized magician Brian Saint., who on three occasions stumped Penn & Teller Fool Us. We have reserved the school gym to host the event and must complete diocese paperwork & alcohol license for approval. Brother Tim was able to get a contract from the entertainer at a reduced rate. GK Peters stated that we have received approval from Fr. Greg for this fundraising event and a deposit of 50% of the fee for the magician has been made.

Latino Roundtable:  GK Peters Reported.

·         We conducted our first meeting of the year on January 9th. The Latino Roundtable will begin meeting on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month in the Juan Diego Room at 7pm-8:30pm. Selection of new roundtable leaders was held by the roundtable. Nector Diaz was selected the new Coordinator, Geronimo Santamaria was selected Deputy Coordinator, and Tirso Martinez was selected as the new Latino Membership Chair. The roundtable currently has 15 members, they have three men interested in membership and have set a goal of 10 new members for 2025. There will be a car wash (following bullet) and a Taco Dinner on 4 May.

·         The Latino Roundtable will host a car wash on March 30^th after the 9:30, 11:30, and 1:30 Masses. Profits will be applied to proposed storage shed for Christ the King. Roundtable membership is down in 2025, they have asked for help from the council to assist with this fundraiser. This is an excellent fraternal benefit for you to meet our Latino brothers and to help our missionary church, Christ the King. Please help with this event.

Old Business:

·         200 Club Update: To date we have had only 38 members sign up for this important fundraiser. We discussed this in the past officer’s meeting and are tabling this for this fraternal year and possibly reintroduce in the Fall. Monies collected are in the process of being returned.

·         Thank-A-Cop Lasagna Dinner: Proposed by brother Tim Kroll, Council 12017 will prepare a Lasagna dinner on April 5 for the New Hanover Jail/Detention facility. 3950 Juvenile Center Road, Castle Hayne, NC 28429. He will need 4-6 Knights to prep and deliver the food for the ~50 prison guards. Brother Tim has raised the donations from Wilmington area businesses for this event. Logistics are being worked out by Tim, we will likely need 4-6 additional Knights to volunteer to cook and serve this meal. Will start at 11:00 AM and should be done around 1:30PM.  He will have a Sign-Up Genius forthcoming.

·         Support the Wilmington Police Department: Proposed by brother Tim Kroll.  The second action on this day April 5 will be a show of support for the Wilmington Police Department at 5:00pm at the Wilmington Police Office- 615 Bess St, Wilmington, NC 28401.  Just show up with homemade signs of thanks and your clapping hands and voices.

·         Knights Golf Tournament: Has been scheduled for April 14 at Castle Bay Golf Course.  We will have 100 person cut off and are getting close.  Last call will be April 8 1200pm. Each player will have 2 tickets for beverage cart.  Please refer any Sponsor possibilities to SK Alexander.

·         St Patrick’s Day Party: Saturday, March 15 from 6 till 10pm. The event went very well.  Thanks to all who participated, set up and cleaned up. The income was a $4,407 and profit was $1,656.  Thanks to SK Greer for overseeing this event.

·         Support our Scouts: 38th Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper- This event went well and the Scouts appreciated their fundraising event.

·         Brothers Brewery Night- Worthy Inside Guard, Joe Damitz, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 910-409-2640. Purpose- Fraternity, especially getting to meet new Knights. Location – Kickback Jack’s located at 418 S College Road. Everyone (21 Knights) had a great time on Feb 3.  Stay tuned for next event.

·         Bocce Ball- Mike Alexander This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell 910-200-9683. Contact Mike if you would like to join the team.  No experience needed. Bocce’s back on at Empie Park every Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Open to all Knights of Columbus. We will be the host for next year’s tournament on Sept 20.

New Business:

·         Mother’s Day Flowers – DGK Mike Brouillette will again coordinate the distribution of Mother’s Day Flowers after Masses on the weekend of May 10^th and 11^th. A sign-up genius will be sent out prior to this event to get volunteers to help with the distribution.

·         Installation of Officers – Date for the installation of officers has been set for June 24. DGK Mike Brouillette has decided to step down. Anyone interested in being considered for an officer’s position should reach out to GK Peters.

·         Council Delegates for State Convention- The Grand Knight called for a motion to elect the Grand Knight (Greg Peters) and Ron White to represent council 12017 at the May state convention in Hickory. The vote was called, seconded, no discussion, and the council approved the motion for 2025 state delegates.

Miscellaneous:

·         None

Grand Knight’s Report: GK Greg Peters:

·         The Knights of Columbus Founders Day is observed every March 29. This marks the day on which Father Michael J. McGivney met with other Catholics who shared similar beliefs to form the order’s first council in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut on March 29^th, 1882. The order has over two million members in over 16,000 councils and was created in response to hardships suffered by the poor, Catholics, and Irish immigrants.
The Knights of Columbus Founders Day is observed to honor and remember how Knights are important to communities and parishes. Councils are to take part so that they are reminded of some of the accomplishments of the Knights of Columbus, what the ideals of our order are, and what the achievements of the local council are. Today for March 2025, as a council we stand with 210 registered members ranking our council as one of the largest councils in Eastern North Carolina. Supporting our principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism we are involved in numerous charities and make significant donations to our Seminarians, Life & pregnancy resource centers, Special Olympics and Intellectually challenged classrooms, Coats for Kids, Blankets for the Homeless, Catholic Charities. We support our church with numerous members serving on parish council, stewardship, extraordinary ministers, sacristans, readers and choir, and other key ministries of the church. We host many parish community events promoting fellowship like pancake breakfasts, Lenten fish fries, Youth free throw contests and golf instruction. We made significant contributions in both time and revenue to support those affected by hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Our Latino roundtable provided revenue to help support back to school needs for the Hispanic community. To sum this up, “Where there is a Knight, there is a Need”. As Grand Knight I challenge you to attend our day of spiritual reflection on March 29^th in the parish hall. I challenge you to wear your Knights gear and name badges to church and parish events during March, always wear them with dignity, pride, and honor. I challenge you to continue to help support our worthy programs.
This is the 143^rd year we give honor to blessed Michael J McGivney. Let us go forth and serve our holy Catholic faith and to serve the good of the order.

Good of the Order:

·         Family of the Month – George and Barbara Schadt

·         Knight of the Month – Joseph C. D’Alessandro

·         Other Awards- None

Prayers for Brothers in Need:

·         Names in the Prayers Book

·         For the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney

·         Gary Crawford- knee replacement

·         John Clyatt- illness

Next Meeting: April 22 at 7:15pm

Closing Prayer: Father McGivney prayer by GK

Meeting Adjourned: 08:10pm

Minutes completed by Recorder: SK Sean Murphy