Installation of Officers
The installation of officers for the 2026-2027 Fraternal Year was held at Saint Mark on Tuesday, June 23. Officiating was DD Gene Ziemba with upcoming District Wardens Ray Benzor and Kevin Cavenaugh.
Click here for the FY 2026-2027 officers.
Click on any photo for an enlarged view or to begin a slideshow. Thanks to Larry Greer and Mike Alexander for the photos.
Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build
Three knights, George Schadt, John Danchisko and Greg Decker worked at the June 13 bed build at Independence Mall. George was assembling heaboards, John was staining, and Greg was drilling pilot holes. About 40 beds were completed and ready for delivery and assembly. If interested in participating, there is another build day in July. See SignUps for more information.
Click on any photo for an enlarged view or to begin a slideshow.
Knight of the Month Mateo Bautista
Our Knight of the Month for April 2026 is Mateo Bautista.
Council 12017 proudly recognizes Mateo Bautista as the Knight of the Month. Mateo has been an active member of the council for 10 years. He can always be found serving the church either as a Eucharistic minister or greeter at the Spanish Masses. Mateo is a core member of the Latino Roundtable and gives his time and talent supporting the many fundraisers for the Hispanic community including car wash events, Taco lunches, and Cursillo. He is always active in recruitment drives to grow our Latino Roundtable.
Mateo supports our faith, our families, and our community. He embodies the meaning of being a Knight of Columbus. Congratulations to Mateo.
Knight of the Month Martin Hernandez
Our Knight of the Month for December 2025 is Martin Hernandez.
Martin was exemplified as a Knight in our council’s Latino Roundtable in July of 2025. Martin made an immediate impact volunteering for the Latino Roundtable Taco Dinner and subsequently volunteering to help for the Fall Car Wash to raise funding for the Hispanic community. He volunteered his time and talent to help with the Christmas tree sales helping both the council and youth group at St Mark. He is a regular attendee of both the Latino Roundtable meetings and COR Bible studies. Martin is a role model for new Knights by giving of his time, talent, and treasure to the St. Mark community.
Congratulations to Martin for being the Council 12017 Knight of the Month.
Knight of the Month Joe Van Eron
Our Knight of the Month for March 2026 is Joe Van Eron.
The council’s annual golf tournament has been improving over the years – but we hadn’t seen anything like the growth in 2026. We had more players and more and bigger sponsors than ever. Seven new sponsors and twenty new players! And it is all due to one knight – Joe Van Eron.
The task set before us is — how do we clone a fireball of enthusiasm like Joe! Every program needs a Joe to see the possibilities as realities.
Joe, we expect even more from you next year.
Congratulations on being Council 12017’s Knight of the Month.
Habitat Home Build
The council helped complete final preparations for a new family to move into their dream home. Eight men performed the final landscaping at 3097 New Dawn Drive in Castle Hayne. This consisted of laying sod, planting shrubs, and spreading pine straw.
Fish Fry
This year's Fish Fry kicked things up a notch or two. Flounder was the "fish of the day" and served up with fries, home-made coleslaw, mac&cheese and more. Over 130 were served in a matter of an hour thanks to a fantastic kitchen crew ony some of which are pictured here.
Click on any photo for an enlarged view or to begin a slideshow.
COR in Action
Our Faith Director, John Clyatt, and St. Mark's Director of Religious Education, Terrie Baldwin, presented this year's Parish Lenten Retreat. Also assisting in the retreat were the Secular Franciscans and a brief presentation by DGK Ron White on the organization locally and globally. The COR team also assisted.
Marathon Aid Station
The sun isn't up yet and when you're the first stop for water or GatorAde a couple miles into a marathon, someone needs to be on hand ready or there will be some very unhappy runners. Fortunately, we filled thousands upon thousands of cups by the time the first runners were seen in the distance. Where did all the cups go? Strewn on the roadway for a hundred yards. Yes, we got to pick up the cups too.
Knight of the Month Bob Stevens
Our Knight of the Month for January 2026 is Bob Stevens.
Robert “Bob” Stevens never has to be asked to participate in Knight functions; he simply volunteers. Bob is a stalwart member of the Knights kitchen team and always participates when the call to serve is requested. You can always find Bob at the pancake breakfasts, and always with a broad smile. Bob is selfless, always representing the council with dignity, pride, and honor in serving the community and parish.
Congratulations on being Council 12017’s Knight of the Month.
Polar Plunge
Dang, was it cold! Water temperature was 48 degrees but felt much colder. Nevertheless, the stalwarts were there to represent all those that chose to stay home in front of the fireplace. Maybe next year.
Pictured left-to-right are our octogenarian Ken Oleary, Program Director Larry Greer, Webmaster Greg Decker, Oleary's daughter Marnie Lockard, and LAMB Chairman Tim Niggel.
Knight of the Month Ryan Gallagher
Our Knight of the Month for November 2025 is Ryan Gallagher.
Ryan embodies all the key characteristics of being a Knight of Columbus. He is strong in his faith and raises his family to be centered on our holy Catholic Church.
You can always count on Ryan to support the many functions held by the Knights of Columbus whether they be our breakfasts, Parish food events, Habitat for Humanity, Blankets for the Homeless and more. He participates regularly in our monthly meetings. He supports the church, community, and charity and always responds when called to serve.
Congratulations on being Council 12017’s Knight of the Month.