2026-09-22 Business Meeting Minutes

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: September 22, 7:05pm

·         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 Barbara Schadt.

Opening Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer led by Reverend Pius.

Pledge of Allegiance: All

Special Guests: Worthy Parochial Vicar: Reverend Pius Wekesa; Worthy Regional District Deputy: Gene Ziemba dropped off information but had to leave due to family; Worthy Field Agent: John Bowden

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

Chaplain Message:  Reverend Pius read the Chaplain’s Supreme Challenge for October to the Council.

·         They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Gospel for Oct. 18, Mt 22:21) The Pharisees were trying to entrap Jesus into taking sides in the dispute. Are the faithful to be good Jews or good citizens? But Jesus says there is no conflict here. One can be a solid citizen and maintain his true and proper obligations to the civil government, as long as he gives primacy to his duties to God. We should keep in mind that the Knights of Columbus was founded with the understanding that faithful Catholics are also faithful citizens.

·         Reflection: Do you obey civil law and authority, even in smaller matters, or do you tend to rationalize infractions? Do you fulfill your civic duties, such as by voting? Do you consider moral issues when voting, beyond mere self-interest?

·         Challenge: This month, I challenge you to study how the Knights of Columbus, at the time of its founding and throughout its history, has combated anti-Catholic bigotry and shown there is no conflict between love of God and love of country. The book The Knights of Columbus: An Illustrated History (2020) is an excellent resource.

Grand Knights Report:

·         My focus this week is on the Knights of Columbus core principle of Charity and relates to Reverend Pius’s Homily - Hearing and Doing. Last month we talked about you being Holy Men. This month we want to quantify just how holy you have been.

·         Our fundraising for the first 9 weeks of the fraternal year goes something like this: LAMB-$10,500; Coats for Kids $7412; Car Wash $900; Lions Pride 5K (14 Knights participated) net $19,886; Still more calculations to be done to get to final numbers.

·         Our distributions for the same period are as follows: LAMB $10,500; Bright Futures $2400; Lifeline Pregnancy Center $2000; Father Thomas F. Price Catholic High School $1000; Room at the Inn $500; Total $16,400.

·         Events the Knights have supported include the Bryan Saint Magic Show, Bright Futures with Father Cesar, Movie Knights, Blood Drive, the 50th Anniversary of St. Mark, Lions Pride 5K, Coats for Kids, and the Hispanic Car Wash.

·         Brothers, Charity is not only about the money, but it is about the sweat and effort to make these events successful.

·         My closing quote is from 1 Cor 12:31: “Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.”

·         Thank you for all you do.

Financial Reports:

·         Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bud Tascone gave the update.

·         Financial Secretary Report:  Financial Secretary Cary Newman  was excused.

Membership Report: Membership Director Andrew Duzant

·         Our Council total dropped by 10 from 204 to 194 from August to September. We had 8 members moved to Affiliate via transfer, deaths, and transfers out of the Council. For September we submitted 5 more names for Affiliate Transfer so we would expect our beginning October number to be down as well so it will be important to support the Member Drive October 10/11.  Sign up genius being created.

·         2026 Member ID cards can be picked up after the meeting in the back of the Hall.

·         Name badges have been ordered for new members and are in transit. 

Other Programs Reports: Program Director Larry Greer gave all reports except for membership.

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

·         Fifth Sunday Rosary will be November 29 in the St. Mark Rosary Garden 8:45-9:10am.

·         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.  On the Waterfront, September 12- 23 Attendees, $55 collected; Mayo Clinic, October 10. Watch the trailer at 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.

·         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. Our next scheduled breakfast will be on September 27 and then November 8^th. Help is needed for grill, hot table serving, beverage table serving, set up and clean up. Contact DGK Ron White or Joe Browning if questions.

·         Habitat for Humanity home build: Next event October 10 and only need 10 people.  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.  Bunks Across America Bed Build, was September 12, 2 participated. 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 3rd Annual Lion’s Pride 5K was held on Thursday, September 10. This fundraiser supported both St. Mark School and Church. A record number of runners, 606, participated. Other details covered earlier in the minutes. The Knights helped with parking, grilling hot dogs, and manning the beer tent. Lead/Point of Contact was Jack Murphy.                                                                        

·         Coats for Kids table collection was September 5 & 6 after all Masses. Richard Caparelli is the lead. We raised $7412 over the two-day event which will provide roughly 250 coats for needy children this winter. The second phase will be delivery of the coats to the respective donor sites this fall. Thanks to all who served.

·         Columbus Dinner – October 17- See the website for the menu, more information and to purchase tickets.  Advance purchase is required.

·         Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest kicks off September 30 and encourages our youth to become good citizens grounded in their faith through creative writing. Participation will include all 8th grade students at St. Mark Catholic School during the month of October. Students are required to write an essay of 500-750 words. This year’s topic is “The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God”. Students are to explain what this quote from former U.S. President and Knights of Columbus member John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address means and its importance for the flourishing of the nation. Our brother judges will be Larry Greer, Joe Browning and Bud Tascone.

·         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. The winners are announced on our website under Life programs.  Not too late to join in the fun … and the winnings!  See Greg Decker or Mike Breit.

·         Life Chain October 4- 2:30-3:30pm Silent Prayer Vigil. Our location may change.  Will advise when information is available.

·         Baby Bottle Collections on October 3/4 Michael Breit is the lead.  See the SignUps link to help.  Just takes 15 minutes after Mass.

·         LAMB: Chairman Tim Niggel gave the LAMB report

·         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. We are at $13,775 so far this year. 10% above last year.

·         LAMB tabling was held on the weekend of September 19/20. $3,275 was raised. 16 Knights participated. Thanks to all involved. The GK said, “I am not trying to steal Brother Tim Niggel's thunder, but a great job this weekend with the LAMB Tabling. LAMB budgets run on the calendar year, not the fraternal year. This was our last scheduled LAMB event for the year. The tabling event got us within $650 of our annual goal. If any of you guys with Donor Advised Funds or any of you brothers feel frisky, let's close out our LAMB goal tonight.”

Fourth Degree Report: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

·         Monthly meetings are the third Tuesday at 7 pm. There was not a July meeting. Location is being rotated among parishes.  Go to the Fourth Degree website for details.  Next meeting is October 20 at 7:00 pm at St. Mark Parish Hall.

·         Flag Instruction was held for St. Mary’s 8th grade August 28.

·         Honor Guard September 26 installation of new pastor at St. Stanislaus with the Bishop present. Arrive by 9:45 and meet in the parish hall.

·         The Veterans Support Raffle generates funds for the Fourth Degree assembly’s activities in support of the local veteran community. Each council is encouraged to support this fundraising effort however it chooses among its members with all donations tracked to the individual council. Council 12017 will run the raffle primarily online beginning tonight.  Tickets available from the Assembly website or from the council.  Winners announced on November 17 to be awarded $500, $250 or $125. Purchase tickets on our website here or contact Greg Decker.

·         Veteran’s Day Parade - November 7 Downtown Wilmington.  Council members are invited to march with the Fourth Degree.  It’s about a 1-mile walk.  Arrive at CFCC parking lot by 9:30.

·         Fourth Degree Exemplification - November 14 aboard the USS North Carolina.  All eligible knights will receive an email invitation with next steps.     

Insurance Agent - Our Worthy Field Agent John Bowden - What kind of Knight do you want to be?  One who takes care of his family, I am sure. I’m here to help you protect your families and have it line up with your Catholic faith. Get with me after the meeting or online.  GK mentioned that we need 15 meetings to qualify for the Star Council Founder  Award.  Let the GK know if you meet with John.

District Deputy - Our Worthy Regional District Deputy Gene Ziemba - Left info. 

Fraternity:

·         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.  The next date is September 28 from 5:30-8:00pm at Kickback Jack’s. 

·         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 at 10:00am. Open to all Knights of Columbus. Shelter #2 is reserved for Saturday, October 3 for the 2026 Bocce Tournament. All elected to keep the same rules as last year. Our council is to provide Shelter #2 at Empie Park, coffee and donuts, Lunch - sandwiches from Harris Teeter, chips and drinks. Bottled water during the event.

Latino Roundtable:  SK Greg Peters

·         The Latino Roundtable meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month in the Juan Diego Room from 7-8:30pm.

·         Taco Dinner (TBD) is being planned.

Unfinished Business: Any motion tabled from the prior meeting. 

·         Tim Kroll gave the details about finishing the Survive the 55 Fundraiser for Suicide Prevention and Education for Law Enforcement officers. A very worthy effort and all Tim’s $3000 contributions will be made under our council.  Tim was honored to carry the American Flag the last mile!  See Tim Kroll afterwards. Donation checks are to be made out to Knights of Columbus.

New Business:  

·         Michael Brouillette has resigned from the Knights and his role as Trustee 2 is vacant. Joe Pulawski was nominated for the position and accepted the nomination.  If he is the only nomination, we will have a simple up or down vote next meeting.  If anyone else wants to compete then let the GK know and we will have ballots at the next meeting. The Trustee position supports the Financial Secretary during his annual audit and supports the Grand Knight and other officers as needed.

Good of the Order:

·         Family of the Month –Our Family of the Month is the Cinto Family who provide the music for the Spanish Masses. Carlos and Olga, along with their four children, are examples of Faith meeting Action through their music.

·         Knight of the Month – September- Miguel Saldana

Lecturer’s Reflection - Our Worthy Lecturer Miguel Saldana- Enthronement: Sacred Heart of Jesus.  We will get eh movie sometime next year.  He also discussed St Bridget of Sweden and her concluding prayer. 

Grand Knight’s Summary: We have the following near-term events to focus on:

·         Knights Breakfast on September 27 (Browning)

·         Baby Bottle Collections on October 3/4 (Breit)

·         Backpacks for the homeless will be packed at October meeting.

·         Barbara Schadt’s funeral mass at 11 on September 29.

Closing Prayer and Prayers for Brothers in Need:

·         Names in the Prayers Book and Tony Florido, Celia Perez and Denis Bolder.

·         Hail Mary by Reverend Pius.

Next Meeting: October 27 at 7:15pm

Meeting Adjourned: 7:50pm

Minutes completed by Recorder: Sean Murphy