The St. Clare Knights of Columbus donated $5,000 to the St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School Tuition Assistance Program. Grand Knight Luis Zepeda presented the check to Father Vincent and Principal Martin Flaherty on Sunday, September 18 after mass.
Knights Volunteer at Houston Food Bank 2022 Aug
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
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!
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
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.
Knights Donate Lady of Guadalupe Print
The St. Clare Knights of Columbus donated a digital print of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Casa Juan Diego on July 18,2022. The Council received the print with their donation to the American Wheelchair Association, an organization the Knights have supported for many years.
These archival prints are donated by a Knight of Columbus who owns the largest gift shop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City specifically to raise funds for wheelchairs. They have been blessed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
This beautiful framed image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a digital scan of the tilma of St. Juan Diego, first revealed to the world on December 12, 1531. Cardinal Norberto Rivera of Mexico City authorized the tilma to be removed from the display vault at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and digitally scanned. These scans are then sent to another Knight in California who donates and frames all of the prints. Pictured below on the left Louise Zwick and two volunteers; in the center Gordon Ducote, St. Clare Knights of Columbus.
Knights Donate AV Projector to Church
On Saturday, June 18, 2022, the Knights presented Fr. Vincent with a check for $4,500 to provide a new AV laser projector for St. Clare of Assisi Church facilities.
2022 St Clare Golf Tournament Fundraiser
After a very successful 2022 St. Clare Golf Tournament, representatives from the Knights and the School present Fr. Vincent with a check for $12,000 for the St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School.
Knights Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity – La Porte TX
On Saturday, May 28, 2022, the St. Clare Knights Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity at a home in La Porte, TX. This service day was focused on painting the home and storage shed . Council volunteers pre-washed, taped, and painted mostly exterior surfaces on this beautiful new home. Great weather, fun, and joy were experienced by all!
Knights Present Honorary Membership
On Thursday, May 12, 2022, the St. Clare Knights of Columbus presented Paul Baczek with his Honorary Membership Card. Honorary Membership is awarded to Members who have attained the actual age of 65 years and who have been members of the Order for 25 consecutive years. Congratulations Paul !
St. Clare Knights Recognize Program Directors
On May 5, 2022, the St. Clare Knights recognized their Program Directors for winning 2 State Awards at the State Convention. The Council received 1st Place for their Life Program – Supporting Pregnancy Centers led by John Soisson, and 1st Place for their Faith Program – Rosary Program led by Mel Hizon. The St. Clare Knights were the only Council in the entire state to win 2 state awards! This is the 2nd year in a row the Council has been the only Council to win 2 state awards. Congratulations to the entire Council, especially those who have worked so hard to make these Programs a great success.
