Annual KofC Ice Cream Social: A Sweet Success on July 31st!

The Knights annual Ice Cream Social was a wonderful success, enjoyed by a large number of St. Clare parishioners on July 31, 2025! Held by St. Clare Council 9708  (Clear Lake City area), it was heartwarming to see so many families gather for an evening of sweet treats and fellowship in the Parish Hall.

Annual KofC Ice Cream Social: A Sweet Success on July 31st!
Annual KofC Ice Cream Social: A Sweet Success on July 31st!

Attendees had extra fun with drawings for prizes for both adults and children, adding to the excitement of the evening.

A big thank you to Bill and Mabel Hoff who lead this beloved event from year to year! Their dedication truly makes this wonderful parish tradition possible. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

Celebrating Brother Mike Hahn – Honorary Life Member!

We are incredibly proud to announce that our very own Brother Mike Hahn has been recognized with the prestigious Honorary Life Award from the Knights of Columbus! This is a tremendous honor, and a testament to Mike’s unwavering dedication and service to our council, the Church, and our community.

Celebrating Brother Mike Hahn - Honorary Life Member!
Celebrating Brother Mike Hahn – Honorary Life Member!

The Honorary Life Award is a special distinction reserved for Brothers who have demonstrated exceptional long-term commitment and contributions to the Order. To qualify for this esteemed recognition, a Knight must meet specific criteria, which include:

  • Age: The Knight must be 70 years of age or older.
  • Membership: They must have been a continuous member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 consecutive years or more.
  • Dues: They must be current on their dues at the time of the application.

Brother Mike Hahn embodies the spirit of these criteria and so much more.

2025 St. Clare Soccer Challenge Winners

On Sunday, July 6, the St. Clare Knights presented the Soccer Challenge Trophies to the Winners of the Archdiocese Event. Ethan Wild, 8 Y.O. 1st Place and Gabriel Wild, 10 Y.O. 1st Place.

Pictured from left to right: Chris Wild (Father), Gabriel Wild, Ethan Wild, and Grand Knight Mark Kubacak.
Pictured from left to right: Chris Wild (Father), Gabriel Wild, Ethan Wild, and Grand Knight Mark Kubacak.

Congratulations to Ethan and Gabriel on their outstanding achievement!

2025 St Clare Knights Win Knights Cup – Two Years in a Row!

Grand Knight Mark Kubacak (right) presents the Knights Cup to Jerry Moch (left) as the Winners of the Knights Cup at the St Clare of Assisi School Annual Golf Tournament on April 12, 2025.

2025 St Clare Knights Win Knights Cup - Two Years in a Row!
2025 St Clare Knights Win Knights Cup – Two Years in a Row!

The winning St. Clare foursome from Council 9708 consisted of Jerry Moch, Larry Mangum, Luis Zepeda, and Tiger Tigerina. These skilled golfers have now claimed the Knights Cup two years in a row!

Each year the St. Clare Knights Council invites other Councils in the area to field a Council Team to compete for the Knights Cup. Congratulations to the St. Clare Team for bringing the trophy home again this year!

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