By Geoffrey Stumpo
For Proclaim!
Founded in New Haven Connecticut in 1882 by Blessed Father Michael McGivney to provide support to Catholic men and their families, serve the Church through charitable works, and to promote Catholic values, the Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world.
There are currently over 17,000 Knights of Columbus councils throughout the world in more than a dozen countries.
The Knights of Columbus serve the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and its parishes in countless ways including providing financial support to seminarians, donating time and money to parishes, and serving with the Color Corps at liturgical celebrations, to name a few.
In fact, the Knights of Columbus organization is older than the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown itself, which was originally founded on May 30th, 1901, as the Diocese of Altoona.
Throughout the months of August and September, various Knights of Columbus Councils and Assemblies from throughout the Johnstown area have hosted several events and celebrations.
On August 10, all Saints Assembly 954 hosted their annual memorial Mass, chalice blessing, and breakfast at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Johnstown presided by the Very Reverend Anthony Francis Spilka, OFM Conv., and Deacon Bruce Becker. The annual Memorial Mass is prayed for the benefit of the Assembly’s fallen Knights from the preceding year.
Every year, the names of the deceased Knights from the prior year are engraved in the bottom of the chalice which is then blessed and given to a priest in need from anywhere throughout the world. Whenever the chalice is used to celebrate the Mass and hold the Most Precious Blood of our Lord, the deceased Knights are prayerfully remembered before the throne of our Lord in a very special and spiritually fruitful way.
Afterwards, all Knights, their families, and the families of the deceased Knights are invited to share a communal meal in celebration of the living and deceased members of Knights of Columbus All Saints Assembly 954.
The next celebration, held on August 13th at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral by Knights of Columbus Council 467 and presided over by Reverend Savarimuthu Simon, HGN, as celebrant, the Very Reverend Matthew Baum and Very Reverend Anthony Francis Spilka, OFM Conv., as concelebrants, and Deacon Richard Messina, was to pray for the eventual Canonization of Blessed Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus.
Following the celebration of Mass, a social with light snacks and desserts was held at the Saint John Gualbert Activity Center. During the social ceremony, Sir Knight Philip Brezovic, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 467, presented on the Council’s behalf a check for $500 to the Saint John Gualbert Conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, which was graciously accepted by their president, Ben Policicchio, to support their ministries.
At their September monthly meeting, Knights of Columbus All Saint Assembly 954 honored Sir Knight Tony Ream for many years of faithful service. Over the years, Tony has devotedly served the Knights of Columbus in various capacities including as a state officer, Johnstown chapter president, Faithful Navigator of Assembly 954, and Grand Knight of three separate Councils. Tony is moving to Pittsburgh to be closer to his family.
Looking ahead, Knights of Columbus Council 11308 of Saint Andrew Parish in Johnstown and Council 10409 of Saint Therese Parish in Johnstown are hosting their semiannual gun bash at Saint Andrew Parish in Johnstown on Sunday, October 5 at Noon.Â
If you are a Catholic man who is at least 18 years old, is in good standing with the Church, and is interested in joining the Knights of Columbus or know someone who is, use the List of Councils tool on the Knights of Columbus Pennsylvania website to contact your local council, contact your local Parish office for information, or contact All Saints Assembly 954 Navigator Geoffrey Stumpo at (814) 659-7415 or geoffstumpo@gmail.com for more information.
