About Us

 

 



15 Years of Service to our Local Community!

On Oct 6th, 2005, on the eve of the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary,
the Saint Kateri Council # 13677 was formed.

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Our Heritage

Our Virtues: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism

Knights of Columbus have a proud heritage. The qualified Catholic man can share in this heritage and build for an even greater future by affiliating himself with this forceful, effective fraternal organization. Knights strive to exemplify four basic virtues -Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. They give aid to widows, orphans, the sick, and the poor; they serve the Church and are unified in following its teachings; they support their brother Knights in all their spiritual and bodily needs; and they act always for the good of their country.

With a membership of over 1.8 million men, the Knights of Columbus is now the world’s largest lay organization in the Catholic Church.

Our Mission & Vision

Prayer in silence before the Blessed Sacrament

This exposition and silent prayer will be a monthly affair beginning at 4pm every First Friday. The goal is that everyone in the parish will participate. There will be a sign up sheet and we will extend these hours of vigilance having secured four people for every hour of exposition. Everyone, literally everyone, children, parents, young and old, every organization in Saint Kateri, will be invited through the courtesy of the Knights: “to watch one hour with me.”

Fostering of Vocations to the Religious Life

Bishop Serratelli was passionate about this. In the light of an aging clergy he asks: who will be there to nourish the faithful in the sacraments, if there are no more priests.

Preserving the Right of the Unborn

Finally in the light of our charter, provide support of the church and the clergy, in all the issues that pertain to preserving the right of the unborn, to that of instilling moral and spiritual values that beget God’s children made in God’s image and likeness.

An Immovable foundation …

In 1882, Father Michael J. McGivney invited a small group of parishioners to gather in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His goal was simple … to establish an Order that would unite men in their faith as well as help provide for Catholic families in times of need. It was in that humblest of beginnings that the Knights of Columbus was founded.

Guided by four core principles — charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism — these founding members strove to overcome the hardships of the time; poverty. unemployment, even persecution.

Our Beliefs & Values

The Knights of Columbus is an organization fortified by its past and driven by its goals for the future through five areas of service: 

Faith

As Knights, our faith is our foundation. Dedicated to the Catholic Church’s growth and her good works. We help support our Church and strengthen our personal faith. 

Community

As committed as we are to the Catholic Church, so are we to our communities. By actively and financially supporting Special Olympics, or by leading the charge in pro-life, Knights of Columbus members all over the world have helped countless communities prosper.

Family

We offer programs that strengthen family and marital bonds by holding numerous family-focused events. Most importantly, as Knights, we are able to provide assistance and support to Knights and their families whenever needed.

Youth

The importance of helping today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders is also a huge focus of the Order. For that reason, our council sponsors the Saint Leonides Squire Circles, the Order’s official youth organization for Catholic young men, ages 10–18, which provide them the unique opportunity to develop leadership skills.

Fellowship

To be a Knight means to believe in each other as we believe in ourselves; by creating strong, social, and supportive local councils, we help create a stronger Order worldwide. Whether it’s through the support of local athletic programs, sponsoring of special events, or even planning and hosting religious activities, Knights serve as valuable role models for other Catholic men, as well as mentors for all our children. And, hopefully, as a source of inspiration for future generations of Knights.

Father Michael J. McGivney’s perseverance and foresight have resulted in the largest Catholic fraternal and humanitarian organization ever created. An organization that has endured for over a century because of the inspirational courage of so many.

Since then the Knights of Columbus has grown to over 13,000 councils with over 1.6 million Knights in service.

When we reflect on our history, it’s inspiring to see how Father McGivney’s dedication has given rise to an organization that has touched so many. In total, the Knights of Columbus has raised over a billion dollars for charitable causes. And our hopes and dreams for tomorrow are greater … because the need is.

Who We Are

Our Officers

Each year the council elects and appoints new men to take on leadership roles within the council.

Grand Knight: Ed Knapick

Grand Knight: Ed Knapick

Grand Knight

The grand knight is responsible for the welfare of the council. He presides over council meetings, acts as an ex-officio member of all committees, appoints a membership and programming director, convenes officers for a monthly meeting, and ensures all necessary reports are submitted to the state and Supreme Council.
Fr. Vidal Gonzales

Fr. Vidal Gonzales

Chaplain

The chaplain is the spiritual advisor of the council. He is expected to make a report at council meetings on religious matters. The grand knight appoints a priest in accordance with any rules established by the bishop of the diocese to serve as council chaplin.
Jim Brocato

Jim Brocato

Deputy Grand Knight

The deputy grand knight is second in command. He assists the grand knight with council affairs and fulfills all duties assigned to him by the grand knight. Should the grand knight be absent from a council meeting, the deputy grand knight will preside.
Mike Risco

Mike Risco

Chancellor

The chancellor has a variety of responsibilities. Primarily, he assists the grand knight and the deputy grand knight in the execution of their duties and oversees the council in both their absences. He is charged with strengthening the members’ interests in council activities.
Bob Medina

Bob Medina

Recorder

The recorder is similar to a court reporter or a secretary. He is responsible for maintaining a true record of all actions of the council and it’s correspondence.
Ed Tirpack

Ed Tirpack

Financial Secretary

The recorder is similar to a court reporter or a secretary. He is responsible for maintaining a true record of all actions of the council and it’s correspondence.
Greg Risco

Greg Risco

Treasurer

The treasurer is responsible for the safe-keeping and maintaining records of all council funds and accounts. He is responsible for depositing money into the council’s accounts and provides a certificate of such monies to the grand knight. He is also responsible for payment of all expenses.
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Lecturer

The lecturer is appointed by the grand knight to provide both educational and entertaining programs to the council. He is responsible fo the ‘Good of the Order’ portion of council meetings. In order to provide members with informative and educational programs, he must be knowledgeable and aware of all council programming.
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Advocate

The advocate is the legal representative of the council and serves as the council’s attorney at trials and investigations of any interest to the council. While he does not need to be a member of the legal profession, he should be familiar with the council’s by-laws, the Order’s of Charter, Constitution and Laws, Methods of Conducting a Council Meeting, and Robert’s Rules of Order.
Bob Cubby

Bob Cubby

Warden

The warden is the ‘watchdog’ for council property and degree paraphernalia, except the property of the financial secretary, treasurer and recorder. He is also responsible for setting up the council chambers for meetings and ceremonial work. During ceremonial exemplifications, he will appoint and supervise guards.
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Outside Guard

The outside guard tends to the outer door admitting visitors and members to the inner door.
John Lucas

John Lucas

Inside Guard

Once at the inner door, the inside guard checks to make sure that their membership cards are current.
Joe DeLuca

Joe DeLuca

Trustee 3-Year

The board of trustees consists of three members elected by the council and the grand knight, who serve as chairman of the board. They oversee the work of the financial secretary and treasurer, and with the deputy grand knight serve on the retention committee.
Jack Crowley

Jack Crowley

Trustee 2-Year

Charlie Farrie

Charlie Farrie

Trustee 1-Year

Columbian Squires

The Columbian Squires, the official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus, is a leadership development program for young Catholic men, 10-18 years old.
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Squire Roses

The Squire Roses at Saint Kateri are a group of Catholic young ladies, ages 10 to 18, who are ready to make a difference in the world around them!
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Contact Us

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Saint Kateri Knights of Columbus Council #13677 | 427 Stanhope Road | Sparta, NJ 07871