Welcome to Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council #14546 the council serving Precious Blood Parish
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 Alen Mathew is a member of our council as well as its Chaplain. Additionally, Fathers Aidan Donahue, Deny Varghese, Sam John, Lijo Thomas and Nathaniel Labarda as well as Deacons John Hoffman, George Sartor and Nicholas Genovese are Knights, as were Fathers James Cronin and Chacko Kumplam.
The Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council at Precious Blood Parish is a very active and growing group of over 100 Catholic men involved in a host of activities in support of our families, community, parish, and Catholic faith. The Council was founded in 2008.
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 Scholarship for boys graduating from St Mary School (funded in part by our Oyster Festival Parking Fundraiser)
Support organizations who help People with Intellectual Disabilities such as the Special Olympics, Milford’s Camp Happiness, and similar organizations through our Tootsie Roll Drive (Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities)
Ladies’ Knight Out (an 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 uniforms assistance for St Mary School students
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
Provide direct financial and moral support for Archdiocesan seminarians through the Knights of Columbus RSVP (Refund Support Vocations Program).
Previously, we provided financial support for 10 Commandments monument at St Mary Church (Project Moses)
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 join online at https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/join/join-kofc.html, contact our Membership Director Bill Hanson at 203-395-5067 or 1STATELY1@GMAIL.COM (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.
SCHEDULE
Days: 3rd Wednesdays
Time: 7 pm
Location: Father Cronin Hall
COUNCIL OFFICERS
Grand Knight – William “Bill” Giovanni
Chaplin – Father Alen Mathew
Financial Secretary – Patrick Eisenman
Deputy Grand Knight – Richard Stiffler
Chancellor - John DeFeo
Recorder - John Cahillane
Treasurer – Joseph Colucci
Advocate – Lee Baldieri
Warden - Robert Giaquinto
Inside Guard – Bruce Tourigny
Outside Guard – Matthew Burke
One Year Trustee – Gordon “Butch” Parmelee
Two Year Trustee – Brian Burgh
Three Year Trustee – Charles “Bud” McEntee