2025-05-27 Business Meeting Minutes

Call to Order: Grand Knight Greg Peters: May 27, 2025, 7:15pm

·         Total in attendance: 36 Brothers

·         Officers Attendance Report: End of this report

Burning candle memorial: Deputy Grand Knight – Michael Brouillette

·         For the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney

·         For our holy father Pope Leo XIV.

Opening Prayer: Hail Mary by GK

Pledge of Allegiance: All

Special Guests: Marty Yakimovich, council Field Agent. 

·         Spoke later in the meeting.  Discussed:

·         The importance of Special needs programs.

·         The insurance program built by Blessed Father Michael McGivney

·         The inside cover of the Columbia Magazine we get each month features information on KofC Insurance products each month.  He went into details about annuity funds vs CDs and the power and safety of the KoC annuity funds. 

·         Emphasized the importance of each of us recruiting other Knights. 

Visitors: At the end of the meeting the LAMB guests were recognized.  The minutes will cover it under LAMB.  There were also 3 new brothers to our council- John Richie, Russel Perritt and Ryan Leach.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting: A motion was made, and seconded, to approve the Minutes of the April 22, 2025 Meeting. There was no discussion on the motion and the 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: Cary Newman Worthy Financial Secretary

·         Bills to be Paid: There were no bills to be paid.

·         Dues Assessments: We still have 25 Brothers who have not paid their dues.  3 will pay. 7 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 KoC.

·         2025-2026 Council Budget: SK Cary Newman presented the council budget for next year. Any members with input are asked to contact him. Feedback and comments regarding the draft budget must be submitted to the Financial Secretary via email no later than June 20. This will be voted on at the July Council Board meeting.

·         He also reviewed/explained the cash on hand, retained admin costs, short term reserves, long term reserves, and what will be spent in the next 30 days.  He will review these each meeting. 

Chaplain Report:  Chancellor Ron White read the Chaplains Supreme Challenge to the Council

·         May 2025 Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:

·         He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (Gospel for May 4, Jn 21:17a)

·         When, following the Resurrection, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, why did he ask Peter three times whether he loved him? It has often been seen as a penance for Peter’s earlier threefold denial of Christ. But perhaps there’s something more — perhaps Jesus was pushing Peter to reflect more deeply on what it means to love him. Sometimes, we speak the words “I love you” by rote, without grasping their true meaning. May we always be mindful of what it means to truly love someone and to love as Christ taught us.

·         Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:

·         This month, I challenge you to identify one way you can demonstrate true love of God and neighbor. Then pray about how to concretely undertake that sacrificial act of love — and put it into action.

·         Questions for Reflection:

·         What does it mean for you to truly love Jesus? Do you know anyone — or is there a particular saint — who has shown you what true love looks like? What are some specific ways you can grow in your ability to truly love?

Membership Report: Membership Director Michael Brouillette

·         We currently have 211 members in council 12017.  We are presently at 167% of our goal for the year. Council 12017 had our Spring Membership drive the weekend of May 17-18th. We had (14) Anglo candidates express interest in joining our order, (3) brothers that wish to transfer to our council, and (3) Latino candidates that expressed interest in joining our Roundtable.  There are six prospects awaiting exemplification into our order.

Programs Reports: Program Director Larry Greer was excused so the GK presented the programs report

·         Faith Director Report: Faith Director John Clyatt (excused)

·         COR (Heart) Program – COR meets the first three Thursdays of the month at 7pm to 8:30pm in the John Henry Newman room. This Thursday is the last until new start in September with the Apocryphal books.  The group is experiencing really profound sharing and discovery in the scriptures.  I warmly invite others to join us in September. 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 Mass for this year is on 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 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.

·         Family Director Report: Family Director John Danchisko

·         Faith on Film Series (Movie Night) - Joseph C. D’Alessandro, 910-352-7607, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  For the May 10 Carlo Acutis film, there were 55 in attendance. $85 in donations, no expenses, leaving a profit of $85.  On June 7 the film will be If I Didn't Have Love, a story about Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Joe D’Alessandro welcomes any suggestions of films to screen. For any questions/comments or to volunteer to help, reach out to Joe  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. May 18 (Final Youth Pancake Breakfast)- Profit-$800 Number of attendees-155. Future dates are June 15. Help is needed for Grill, Hot Table serving, beverage table serving, set up and clean up.

·         Blood Drive: The last drive was held on April 17. Brother Ron reported that 23 units of blood were donated. Next Blood Drive is tentatively scheduled for 2 July. He will need a team to help with this one.  Please step up if you can. Contact Ron White at 910-395-5990 if any questions.

·         Habitat for Humanity Home Build: Ron White. The next event is June 21. He will need a few more helpers. 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

·         The Monday Night Football Pool sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 12017 is beginning. It’s still some time between now and the first game in September but that means you have all summer to sell books.  For every ten books you buy or sell, you get one free.  Do you know how many brothers won on the free book? You still have time to get in on the action.  There is a winner every week of the season, for the two Championship games, and the Super Bowl.  $20 buys twenty chances to win $50.  Many have won multiple times with the same book.  After buying the ticket, there is nothing to do, the check with the winnings just shows up in the mail! If you are interested in participating this year contact Greg Decker (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Michael Breit (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

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 your info to Mike and he will send e mail out looking for volunteers. Many Thanks to the guys (Larry Greer, Steve Tabor and Greg Peters) who helped one of our elderly Columbia's pack up her furniture. Her family is moving her back to Pennsylvania. Big Thanks to Steve Tabor for helping one of St. Mark’s parishioners get to their VA and doctor appointments every month. 125 hrs to date in the new year.

Fourth Degree Report:   SK Greg Decker filling in for 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/

·         New elections were held- SK Larry Greer will be the Faithful Navigator.  For the rest of the details go read the minutes located on the web site above. 

LAMB Report:  LAMB Director Tim Niggel

·         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. 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. Sign up is active at our council site. WE NEED MORE TO COME TO THE SHOW!  Please sign up and spread the news to others.  This will be a great show! The link to purchase tickets on the Council website is live. All are encouraged to spread the word about this fundraiser to family, friends, work colleagues, etc. The goal is to sell 400 tickets. Flyers have been sent to all and can be shared. Tim reported that he will need some help setting up and for cleanup. Purchase tickets on our website (https://kofc12017.org).  If you cannot attend you are encouraged to make a donation using the Donation link which s also on the website. 

·         Tim presented four $800 checks one each to: Alderman Elementary School- Cathy Bishop the Early Childhood Intensive Therapy teacher.  Wrightsboro Elementary School- Kaia Spencer the Intensive Therapy teacher. Trask Middle School- Andreea Croom the teacher for the Intensive Behavioral support class. ACCESS of Wilmington- Mark Lagrou and Costal Therapeutic Riders- Kim Niggel.  All were extremely grateful and told us how the money will be used.  We were appreciative for their attendance on a rainy night. 

Latino Roundtable:  GK Peters Reported. The Roundtable meets every 4 Thursday of the month in the Juan Diego Room at 7:15pm immediately after Mass.

·         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. The Roundtable will host the Silver Rose prayer service on Thursday May 29 after the evening mass (6:30pm), all brothers are encouraged to attend. The Roundtable will participate in a Latino exemplification at St Mary’s Basilica on June 1 leading the roles of charity, unity, fraternity and warden.  The check for $2275 has been cut for the storage facility for Christ the King Church!  Thanks to all involved in all these efforts. 

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

·         State Convention- To be held May 16-18 in Hickory NC. GK and our Chancelor represented us.  It was a great event for us.  Tim Niggel earned the LAMB Foundation Trendsetter award; we were in the top 25% of Charity Councils; we received our new membership award and Brother Greg Decker won first prize in the State Raffel! $5000!  Congrats to all of us for having an amazing Council and for all the work Brother Greg Decker does he certainly deserved the 1 prize!

·         Installation of Officers – Date has been set for June 24. DGK Mike Brouillette has decided to step down. Chancellor Ron White volunteered to move into the role of Deputy Grand Knight; SK Mike Alexander has agreed to move into the role of Chancellor. GK Peters read the proposed slate of officers for 2025/2026 are as follows:

·         There was a motion to approve, it was approved, there was no discussion nor any others who wanted to be considered.  A unanimous vote approved the slate. 

New Business:

·         None

Miscellaneous:

·         None

Grand Knight’s Report: GK Greg Peters

·         Previously discussed under Program Director Report and New Business See above new business discussed by Grand Knight

Good of the Order:

·         Family of the Month – Mark & Sara Ihnat

·         Knight of the Month April– Steve Tabor

·         Knight of the Month for March- Ray Repage

Prayers for Brothers in Need:

·         Names in the Prayers Book

·         For the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney

Next Meeting: 22 July at 7:15pm

Closing Prayer: GK did the closing prayer for our new Pope Leo.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:15 pm

Minutes completed by Recorder:  Sean Murphy