Welcome to Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council #14546, the council serving St. Mary Church.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE – JOIN THE KNIGHTS!
WHO ARE WE?
Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in New Haven in 1882. It’s been called the “strong right arm of the Church” and has been praised by popes, presidents, and other world leaders.
Members of the Knights have included Babe Ruth, Floyd Patterson, Ron Guidry, John Kennedy, Jeb Bush, and Vince Lombardi.
Father Lijo Thomas is a member of our council as well as its Chaplain. Additionally, Fathers Aidan Donahue, Deny Varghese, Sam John, Chacko Kumplam, and Nathaniel Labarda as well as Deacons John Hoffman and Nicholas Genovese are Knights, as was Father Cronin.
The Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council at Precious Blood Parish is a very active and growing group of 130 Catholic men involved in a host of activities in support of our families, community, parish, and Catholic faith. In 2023, the council will celebrate its fifteenth anniversary.
We meet once a month in Father Cronin Hall. The business portion of the meeting lasts about 60 minutes and is followed by refreshments and fellowship.
WHAT DO MEMBERS DO?
Father Cronin Memorial Tuition Financial Assistance Program for students at St Mary School (funded in part by our Oyster Festival Parking Fundraiser)
Support the Special Olympics, Kennedy Center, Camp Happiness, and similar organizations through our Tootsie Roll Drive (Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities)
Ladies’ Knight Out (a popular annual dinner at which our Knights act as servers)
Luminaries in Father Cronin Hall during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses (another annual event that’s popular with our parishioners)
· Provide financial assistance for St Mary School student uniforms
Christmas Party for council families with gifts for the kids and pictures with Santa
St Patrick’s Day dinner provides financial assistance to seminarians and more.
In 2022, we initiated a quarterly parish Holy Hour. All members of Precious Blood Parish are invited to attend.
Annual Mass for deceased members of our Council
Previously, we provided financial support for 10 Commandments monument at St Mary Church (Project Moses)
Provide direct financial and moral support for an Archdiocesan seminarian through the Knights of Columbus RSVP (Refund Support Vocations Program).
HOW DO YOU BECOME A MEMBER?
To apply for membership, you must be a practicing male Catholic at least 18 years of age. You may apply online at kofc.org/join or submit a written application and you will be contacted by a member of our Admissions Committee who will guide you through the admission process. There is information on the Knights’ cabinet in Father Cronin Hall.
Consider joining a great group of Catholic men. You’ll find that Santa Maria Council offers many opportunities for you to make membership in the Knights a rewarding and fulfilling experience. We’re large enough to be well established, but small enough so that members get to know each other. As a Knight, you can strengthen and become more knowledgeable about your Catholic faith.
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SCHEDULE
Days: 3rd Wednesdays
Time: 7 pm
Location: Father Cronin Hall
COUNCIL OFFICERS
Charles “Bud” McEntee III
Grand Knight
Father Lijo Thomas
Chaplain
Richard Stiffler
Deputy Grand Knight
Patrick Eisenman
Financial Secretary
David Machernis
Chancellor
John Cahillane
Recorder
Joseph Colucci
Treasurer
Joseph Tuozzola
Advocate
Robert Giaquinto
Warden
Timothy Mulrenen III
Inside Guard
William Giovanni
Outside Guard
John DeFeo
One Year Trustee
Gordon Parmelee
Two Year Trustee
Brian Burgh
Three Year Trustee