2023 Baby Shower for Loving Choice Pregnancy Center

The St Clare Knights of Columbus and Parish collected Baby Shower items over two weekends for the Loving Choice Pregnancy Center. The Council combined their cash donation of $2,000 with Baby Items, Gift Cards, Cash, and Checks received for a combined total of over $13,000 in cash and goods. Congratulations to everyone for an outstanding job!

Life Director Mel Hizon and Ernest Davila
Terry Hart, Mark Kubacak, and Jim Hickok receive donations from Parishoners
The baby items collected filled 2 pickup trucks
Check presented to Loving Choice Director John Hinojosa. Also pictured Mark Kubacak, Joe Black, Bill Hoff, and Mel Hizon

2022-23 Past Grand Knight Dinner

The St Clare Knights held their 2022-23 Past Grand Knight Dinner on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Topwater Grill in San Leon, TX to celebrate PGK Luis Zepeda’s term as Grand Knight.  Over 40 Brother Knights, spouses, and spouses of fallen Knights attended the evening.

Grand Knight Bill Hoff presents Past Grand Knight Luis Zepeda with Certificate of Appreciation

Knights Donate 150 Wheelchairs to Houston VA Hospital

The St. Clare Knights joined with other Councils in the Houston/Galveston area to donate 150 wheelchairs to the Houston VA Hospital on September 28,2023. The St. Clare of Assisi Knights and Parish donated a total of 62 wheelchairs. The Knights of Columbus Councils formed a caravan of 15 trucks, cars, and motorcycles that were provided a Police escort to the Houston VA Hospital.  A Marine Veteran was the first to receive a wheelchair.

Knights Caravan to VA Hospital
Knights on bikes and Police Escort
Unloading of 150 wheelchairs
Participating Council Members and Marine Veteran receiving the first wheelchair

St. Clare Knights Sponsor WWII Veteran Honor Trip

The St. Clare Knights Sponsored a WWII Veteran Honor Trip to the WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA.  The Knights donated 10 wheelchairs on September 27 to assist the Veterans with their mobility in making the trip. The Veterans making the trip ranged in age from 95-105 years old.  Over the two days they were treated to honor ceremonies, tours, and entertainment.  We’re proud to Honor the “Greatest Generation”.

2023 Soccer Challenge

The St. Clare Knights held the 2023 Council Soccer Challenge on September 16, 2023. The Competition is for players ages 9 to 14 to demonstrate their soccer skills with a penalty kick.  Each player is allowed 15 shots at the goal. The goal is divided into a series of scoring zones. The upper corners are 20-point zones, the lower corners are 10-point zones and the central region is a 5-point zone.  Winners at the Council level advance to District on Oct 28, and Archdiocese Level on Nov 11.

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!

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

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.

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