Knights Serve at “Legacy of Love” Celebration!

The St. Clare Knights of Columbus Council 9708 were proud to support the parish’s recent “Legacy of Love” celebration, a wonderful event that brought almost 300 parishioners together for fellowship and community.

Knights Serve at "Legacy of Love" Celebration!
Knights Serve at “Legacy of Love” Celebration!

While the event was expertly planned and catered by the parish, the Knights were honored to handle the crucial task of ensuring everyone was well-fed. Our team of approximately 20 Knights and their spouses worked tirelessly to put together and serve delicious BBQ sandwiches, along with all the food and drinks for the large crowd.

Our commitment to service is at the heart of everything we do. Thank you to all the Knights and their families who volunteered their time and talent to make this celebration a memorable success for our entire parish!

2025 St. Clare Knights Installation of Officers

The St. Clare Knights of Columbus held their Installation of Officers Ceremony on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Parish Conference Center.  District Deputy Joe Kramer presided over the event.  We thank our outgoing Grand Knight Jim Hickok for his service as Grand Knight during the 2024-2025 fraternal year and welcomed Mark Kubacak as the new Grand Knight for 2025-2026 fraternal year; his term will begin July 1st, 2025.

Outgoing Grand Knight Jim Hickok opens the ceremony by thanking the members for their support during the fraternal year and the opportunity to serve as Grand Knight. Officer Medals of Office and roses to be presented to the Officer’s Spouse on table. New Grand Knight Mark Kubacak and Deputy Grand Knight Paul Baczek take the oath of office.
Officers taking the oath, L-R: Grand Knight Mark Kubacak, Deputy Grand Knight Paul Baczek, Rick Williams standing in for Chancellor Dave Fronick, Financial Secretary Mark Kradzinski, Warden Larry Mangum, Recorder Joe Ross, Pat Hall standing in for Treasurer Andy Kennedy, Advocate Stan Lewis, Trustee Luis Zepeda, Trustee Bill Hoff, Trustee Jim Hickok, Michael Proffitt standing in for Lecturer Terry Hart, Inside Guard Thomas Thomas, and Outside Guard Paul Miller
New Grand Knight Mark Kubacak makes a few remarks and highlights upcoming events within the Council. L-R Ceremonial Warden Mike Hahn, Acolyte Luis Zepeda, District Deputy Joe Kramer, and Grand Knight Mark Kubacak

 

St. Clare Knights Awarded 2025 Sanctity Of Life Award

(L-R), Mel Hizon, Joe Black, Jerry Moch, and John Hinojosa

The Loving Choice Catholic Pregnancy Help Center honored Knights Council 9708 with the Will Rodriguez, Jr. Sanctity of Life Award at the group’s recently held third annual Luncheon for Life.  Executive Director John Hinojosa noted that members of 9708 have consistently supported the center with their time, treasures and talent. Accepting the award on behalf of the Council were Mel Hizon, Joe Black, and Jerry Moch.

(L-R) Jerry Moch, Joe Black, and Mel Hizon

St. Clare Knights Host Event to Thank MSD Building Corp

The St. Clare Knights of Columbus took their Smoker on the road to say “Thank You” to MSD Building Corporation.  When the Knights Smoker needed several repairs, the men and women of MSD Building Corp stepped up and completed the needed modifications.  The Knights routinely use the smoker for their Mass & Meal BBQ meals at the parish.  So on Friday, June 6, 2025, the Council took the renovated smoker to cook for the MSD employees preparing BBQ brisket, sausage, baked beans, mac & cheese, and desserts, serving approximately 180 people.   Fr. Vincent attended the event and said the blessing.

2025 KofC Council 9708 Scholarship Winners

The St. Clare Knights of Columbus Council 9708 are proud to announce the 2025 Scholarship Winners. This year with the support of Kathy Pittman, Tony Ogden, Tyler & Alex Ogden, Carl and Lynn Ogden; the Council was able to award 7 scholarships totaling $12,500. Congratulations to our Scholarship Winners.

Left to right: Grand Knight Jim Hickok, Anne Marie Barzilla (Knights Scholarship), Madelyn Cabrera (Knights Scholarship), Zachary Madsen (Bo Ogden Memorial Scholarship), Jack Grigg (Michael Ogden Memorial Scholarship), Annie Nguyen (Witten Scholarship), Monica Kramer Arzola (Knights Scholarship), David Guillory (Dr. Al Varisco “Principal’s Scholarship”), St. Clare of Assisi Director of Youth Ministry Elizabeth Selmarten.
(Left) Annie Nguyen – James & Elizabeth Witten Scholarship, attending Univ of Texas-Austin.
(Right) Jack Grigg – Michael Ogden Memorial Scholarship attending Texas A&M Univ
(Left) Zachary Madsen – Bo Ogden Memorial Scholarship attending Univ of Texas-Austin.
(Right) David Guillory – Dr. Al Varisco “Principal’s” Scholarship attending TX A&M-San Antonio
(Left) Anne Marie Barzilla – Knights Scholarship attending Louisiana State Univ.
(Right) Monica Kramer Arzola – Knights Scholarship attending Univ of Texas-Austin
Madelyn Cabrera – Knights Scholarship attending Texas Tech Univ

2025 KofC Council 9708 Scholarship Winners

The St. Clare Knights of Columbus Council 9708 are proud to announce the 2025 Scholarship Winners. This year with the support of Kathy Pittman, Tony Ogden, Tyler & Alex Ogden, Carl and Lynn Ogden; the Council was able to award 7 scholarships totaling $12,500. Congratulations to our Scholarship Winners.

Left to right: Grand Knight Jim Hickok, Anne Marie Barzilla (Knights Scholarship), Madelyn Cabrera (Knights Scholarship), Zachary Madsen (Bo Ogden Memorial Scholarship), Jack Grigg (Michael Ogden Memorial Scholarship), Annie Nguyen (Witten Scholarship), Monica Kramer Arzola (Knights Scholarship), David Guillory (Dr. Al Varisco “Principal’s Scholarship”), St. Clare of Assisi Director of Youth Ministry Elizabeth Selmarten.

Annie Nguyen – James & Elizabeth Witten Scholarship, attending Univ of Texas-Austin

Jack Grigg – Michael Ogden Memorial Scholarship attending Texas A&M Univ

Zachary Madsen – Bo Ogden Memorial Scholarship attending Univ of Texas-Austin

David Guillory – Dr. Al Varisco “Principal’s” Scholarship attending TX A&M-San Antonio

Anne Marie Barzilla – Knights Scholarship attending Louisiana State Univ

Monica Kramer Arzola – Knights Scholarship attending Univ of Texas-Austin

Madelyn Cabrera – Knights Scholarship attending Texas Tech Univ

St. Clare Knights of Columbus Receive 20 Year Charity Award

The St. Clare Knights of Columbus Council 9708 received the prestigious Daniel Cardinal DiNardo 20 Year Charity Award.  This award is given to Councils in the state of Texas who have met our exceeded their charity goals each year for 20 consecutive years.  Grand Knight Jim Hickok and Deputy Grand Knight Mark Kubacak, accepted the award on behalf of the Council.

2025 Clergy Appreciation Night

The St. Clare Knights of Columbus and the St. Clare Deacons and their wives attended the 41st Annual Clergy Appreciation Night on Friday, January 24, 2025.  The event is hosted by the Knights of Columbus Galveston Houston Chapter.  Each year we welcome the opportunity to express our thanks, respect, and solidarity with our Cardinal, Archbishop, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Religious Vocations.  Clergy Appreciation Night provides an opportunity to honor all clergy: Priests, Deacons, brothers, and nuns in the Galveston Houston Archdiocese.