2026-10-27 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: October 27, 7:15pm

·         Total in attendance: 35 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 souls of Ned Reilly and Mary “Mickey” McGreevey.

Opening Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer led by the Lecturer.

Pledge of Allegiance: All

Special Guests: Field Agent: John Bowden

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.

Chaplain Message:  The Worthy Lecturer read the Chaplain’s Supreme Challenge for November

·         “He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’” (Gospel for Nov. 22, Mt 25:45) Sin can be categorized in two ways, sins of commission and sins of omission. We ask God to forgive us of both kinds of sins in the main form of the Confiteor at Mass — “in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do.” It is a sin to do evil, and it is a sin to neglect one’s moral obligations. The true disciple sees the suffering Jesus in the poor, the sick, the oppressed and the lonely — and offers what he can to help.

·         Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori: This month, I challenge you to be aware of those in need around you, just as Blessed Michael McGivney did, and take action to serve those in need, perhaps by participating in your council’s Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program.

·         Questions for Reflection: Who are the “least ones” among you? Do you recognize Christ in these “least ones” in need? In what ways do you respond positively to their needs, and in what ways do you ignore or neglect them? How might you do better in this regard?

·         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?

Grand Knights Report:

·         My focus this week is on the Knights of Columbus core principle of Unity. Last month we talked about Charity, and we quantified the fund raising and donations of Council 12017. Our October Chaplain’s Challenge was “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.”  11 of 13 Colonies had laws against Catholics and the state of Virginia you could not be a Catholic.

·         In 1882 when Blessed McGivney founded the Knights it was to protect the families of the immigrant widows and orphans whose husbands worked the most dangerous jobs. In the period 1922-1928 there was an anti-Catholic bigotry prevalent in the United States. Many Catholics were denied basic services and jobs. Religious orders were persecuted and Catholic schools abolished. The term WASP originated. Catholics bonded together to speak out for their Constitutional Rights and fight the second KKK and other organizations with anti-Catholic sentiments. The Knights were instrumental in working through those issues. Today, anti-Catholic sentiment is still prevalent. If one embraces the terms Pro-Abortion, Pro-Homosexuality, and Pro-Transgender, then by default, that person has anti-Catholic ideologies. We as Knights have to be visible and tangible signs of our faith. Through our Unity on Pro-Life programs, Catholic outreach to the marginalized, support of our Hispanic brethren, 4th Degree initiatives and so many more, we as Knights can promote human dignity while serving our Parishes and supporting our Country. We as Knights conquer hate and bigotry with love of our neighbors.

·         My quote for today is from our COR Study Manual: “Evil triumphs when good people do nothing to stop it.”

Financial Reports:

·         Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bud Tascone gave the update.

·         Financial Secretary Report:  Financial Secretary Cary Newman

·         The Fraternal Survey is due January 1.  The individual survey input is needed before that so please fill it out and return. 

·         The State Raffle has begun.  Please participate as it benefits all.

·         Dues will be coming and you can pay online or just pay by check.  Paying by check means we will not have to pay the 3% on the credit card payment.

Membership Report: Membership Director Andrew Duzant

·         We have 195 total members as of October 17.  It rained during our membership drive but we believe we picked up 6 new candidates, 3 English-speaking and 3 Latino.

·         2026 member ID cards can be picked up after the meeting from Membership Director.

·         Name badges have been ordered for new members.

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.

·         Advent retreat will be December 5 from 11am-2pm in the Parish Hall. 

·         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) All movies are on Saturdays at 6:30pm. October 10 - Mayo Clinic, 41 attendees, $70 collected.  November 14 - MOLOKAI, THE STORY OF FR. DAMIEN. December 12 - The Man Who Invented Christmas.  A 2017 biographical comedy drama film about Charles Dickens. January 9 - SACRED HEART- His Reign Has No End. A story about the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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 GK Ron White, DGK Joe Browning and Bob Stevens, and mentored by George Schadt and Joe D’Alessandro.  All breakfasts start after the 9:30am Mass.  September 27 results: 195 served, $900 collected. Our next scheduled breakfast will be on November 8. Help is needed for grill, hot table serving, beverage table serving, set up,  clean up and laundry. Contact DGK Ron White or Joe Browning if questions.

·         Coats for Kids Richard Caparelli is the lead. Now moving from collection to distribution with four distribution dates on our SignUp Genius.

·         Backpacks for the Homeless, the goal this year was to assemble 144 backpacks with blankets and other essential supplies for the homeless. Assembly took place before our Council meeting. See SignUps to see locations and availability. Point of Contact is Tim Kroll.

·         Life Director Report: Life Director Michael Breit

·         Prayer vigil supporting Life: A reminder of Wednesday's vigil from 9–10 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.

·         Baby Bottle Collection will be on October 31 and November 1. Michael Breit is the lead. 

·         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 $14,424 so far this year. 15% 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.

Unload Christmas trees and wreaths Nov. 27 and man the tree lot. See SignUps for available shifts through mid-December. This year we are only doing one shift during the week. On Sundays, the lot will close at 3 to allow the Lifeteen volunteers to get to their classes.

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 November 17 at St. Mark 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 and can be purchased at Veterans Support Raffle on our website.  Winners announced on November 17 to be awarded $500, $250 or $125. If you want physical tickets, contact Greg Decker. All proceeds go toward the veterans programs of the Fourth Degree assembly.

·         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. We are group 15.

·         Shoeboxes for Veterans at Ashley House please return by our November meeting. Things to include in the shoebox are socks, gloves, shaving cream, razors, deodorant, gift cards, etc.  Also,  the Ashley House needs bikes if anyone has any to donate.  

Insurance Agent - Field Agent John Bowden – He was very impressed with all our activities.  Remember the month of Blessed Mary and pray the Rosary. Then he described how we all met God in our mother’s womb and the importance of the Blessed Mary in all our lives.  The State says the Rosary Sunday nights and we can virtually join them.  It’s at 8pm.  

District Deputy - Our Regional District Deputy Gene Ziemba- was not present

Fraternity: Not discussed

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 Lunch - The Latino Roundtable had a Taco Fundraiser following three Masses and served approximately 200 Parishioners. Gross proceeds were $2079 with a net of $1018.20. Thirty volunteers did all grilling, food preparation and serving to support the event. All proceeds will support the Hispanic community.

Unfinished Business: Any motion tabled from the prior meeting. 

·         None.

New Business:  

·         First order of business: At our September Council meeting we recognized the vacancy of Trustee 2 left by Michael Brouillette’s resignation. A nomination for Brother Joe Pulawski was put forward by Brother Joe Browning.  To date, no other volunteers or nominees have been received There was a motion to approve Joe Pulawski as Trustee 2nd Year and has been approved by acclamation.

·         Second order of business: The Latino Roundtable has voted to use their Car Wash funds of $900 to support Tony and Celia Florido. While the Roundtable has approved, it requires the Council to vote for use of those funds. There was a motion to approve, no discussion and the motion was approved unanimously.

Good of the Order:

·         Family of the Month – Our Family of the Month is the Mancini Family who serve the parish in a variety of ways. Jim supports the Knights Breakfasts and 5th Sunday Rosary, while Jan supports the Funeral Care team and homebound parishioners through delivery of the Eucharist. Congratulations.

·         Knight of the Month – October- Tim Kroll  

Lecturer’s Reflection - Our Lecturer Miguel Saldana- Enthronement: Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Will have the movie on January 9.  He read the concluding prayer. 

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

·         Baby Bottle Collections on October 31 and November 1 – (Breit/White)

·         Coats for Kids Distributions – various (Caparelli)

·         Knights Breakfast on November 8 (Browning)

·         Christmas Tree Lot Schedule beginning November 27 (White/Lewis)

Closing Prayer and Prayers for Brothers in Need:

·         Names in the Prayers Book.

·         Hail Mary by the Lecturer.

Next Meeting: January 26 at 7:15pm

Meeting Adjourned: 8pm

Minutes completed by Recorder: Sean Murphy