August 2022 · St. Clare Knights of Columbus #9708

Knights Volunteer at Houston Food Bank 2022 Aug

21 August 2022September 13, 2022admin

The Knights and St. Clare Parish had a great turnout at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday, August 20. Our group of 18 volunteers packaged 13,000 pounds of citrus with several other organizations during the morning shift. Thanks to our Knights, their families, and St. Clare Parishioners for coming together to help those in need.

St Clare Knights Win 2022 International Life Award

11 August 2022August 24, 2022admin

Congratulations to the St. Clare Knights of Columbus who were recently named the Winner of the 2022 International Life Award! The award was based on the Council’s work in expanding the Loving Choice Pregnancy Center by 50% in Spring, TX and Parish wide baby shower drives.

The award was presented to the Council at the 140th Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention (Aug 1-4, 2022) at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. Countries attending included the US (all states), Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Guam, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and Ukraine. The Knights thank the entire Parish for their continued support!

Pictured Left to Right: Past State Deputy Alfredo Vela and wife Rosa, Current State Deputy Terry Fruge’ and wife Beth, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and wife Vanessa, Past Grand Knight Bill Hoff and wife Mabel.

Pictured Left to Right: Grand Knight Luis Zepeda, Life Director John Soisson, and Past Grand Knight Bill Hoff

Award Video Link: St. Clare of Assisi, Council 9708

From Awards Guide:

LIFE PROGRAMS

St. Clare of Assisi Council 9708

Pregnancy Center Expansion and Item Drive

Council 9708 provided labor and supplies to help a Catholic pregnancy resource center expand its space by 50%, allowing the staff to accommodate more clients and provide parenting classes and an area for baby supplies and other items. The Council replaced and upgraded electrical outlets; painted rooms, a hallway and doors; and built custom cabinets. A member also donated his company’s crew for 2.5 weeks to install flooring, baseboards and extend a wall. Seminarians also stopped by during the project to assist and offer support. Along with their work, the Knights donated $2,500 in baby items collected from their parish, and a check for $6,500. In total, the Knights gave more than $10,000 in donations, materials and labor.

Bill Hoff – Grand Knight of the Year

10 August 2022August 13, 2022admin

Congratulations to Bill Hoff – Grand Knight of the Year! Bill was honored as the “Grand Knight of the Year” at the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese Training Conference on Saturday, July 30, 2022.

During Bill’s 2 year term as Grand Knight, the Council won the International Life Award, achieved Star Council twice, and the Texas Lone Star Award with Distinction twice. The Council also received state awards for the Faith in Action Programs including 1st for Family, 1st and 2nd for Life, and 1st for Faith. Congratulations Bill.

District Deputy Joe Kramer (right), presents the Award to Past Grand Knight Bill Hoff

Knights Announce 2022 Scholarship Winners

8 August 2022August 8, 2022Rodriguez, Mauricio

We are proud to announce the winners of the 2022-2023 Knights of Columbus Council #9708 Scholarship! Through the generosity of K of C Council 9708 Brothers Tony Ogden and his son Carl Ogden, we have added 3 new scholarships to those that were available to this year’s applicants. Seven scholarships were awarded altogether, totaling $12,500 (nearly double last year’s total!). This year’s scholarships were funded by the James and Elizabeth Witten family, the Ogden family, and our Council. Congratulations to all of our Scholarship Winners. May God bless you and guide you – and all of our graduating St. Clare seniors – in your academic endeavors!

Scholarship Awardees and their sponsors following the St. Clare Graduation Celebration on May 22, 2022.

Sara Mitschke receives the James & Elizabeth Witten Scholarship from Kathy Witten Pittman, scholarship sponsor.

Madison Thorp receives the Michael Ogden Memorial Scholarship (designated for a student attending Texas A&M University) from scholarship sponsor Tony Ogden, and Grand Knight Bill Hoff.

Ryan Nguyen congratulated by Bill Hoff and Mrs. Christine Varisco on receiving the Dr. Al Varisco “Principal’s Scholarship” - designated for a student who graduated from St. Clare Catholic School.