May-2026-Newsletter
Kentucky State Council Earns Circle of Honor for 2024-2025 Fraternal Year
The Kentucky State Council of the Knights of Columbus has been recognized with one of the Order’s highest honors, receiving the Circle of Honor Award for the 2024-2025 fraternal year at the Kentucky State Convention.
The award was presented by Supreme Representative PSD Robert J. “Bob” Kish of Oregon, on behalf of the Supreme Council, and accepted by State Deputy Luke Williams and Membership Director Tom O’Hagan in recognition of the Commonwealth’s outstanding achievement during the fraternal year.
The Circle of Honor is among the most prestigious distinctions a state council can receive from the Supreme Council, reflecting excellence across the full range of the Order’s programs and initiatives. Kentucky’s recognition is a testament to the dedication of Brother Knights across the state who gave their time, talent, and treasure in service to their families, their Church, and their communities throughout the year.
Congratulations to State Deputy Luke Williams, Membership Director Tom O’Hagan, and all the Knights of Kentucky whose service made this honor possible.
Kentucky State Council Presents Inaugural James E. Fink Charitable Service Award
The Kentucky State Council of the Knights of Columbus has established a new tradition of honoring excellence in charity with the creation of the PSD James E. Fink Charitable Service Award — and no one could have been a more fitting first recipient than the man for whom it is named.
State Deputy Luke Williams recently had the honor of presenting the inaugural award to Past State Deputy James E. “Grumpy” Fink, recognizing a lifetime of dedication to the virtue of charity that has left a lasting mark on Kentucky and beyond.
Established by the state officers this year, the award is named in honor of PSD Fink, who served as State Deputy from 1988 to 1990 and was instrumental in founding the Kentucky Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities — a legacy of service that continues to benefit countless Kentucky families to this day.
The presentation was made on the Friday night of the State Convention, as PSD Fink was not able to attend the State Banquet, where the award was formally announced to the full membership.
7 New Members
Last year, we received an invitation from our District Deputy, Tom O’Hagan, to form a round table in Guthrie at St. Francis of Assisi Church.
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, we were able to conduct an exemplification with seven new members, bringing us closer to our ultimate goal of reaching the 30 members needed to establish a new council.
I had the honor of assisting and witnessing the ceremony alongside my brother, the Grand Knight of Hopkinsville, Bruce Wilcox, and our insurance agent, Joe Shachle. The new members from Guthrie conducted the ceremony: Joe Park served as the presiding officer; Gino Rinaldi presented the pillar of Charity; Josh Richards presented the pillar of Unity; and his son, Colton Richards, presented the pillar of Fraternity.
Also present were the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, Father Ken Mikulcik, and Deacon Tony Carmona. We sincerely thank them for all the support and work they have done to help this new council.
Family members of St. Francis of Assisi parish and Knights of Columbus from other councils were also in attendance. This achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Grand Knight of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and all the brother Knights who dedicated their time and energy to carry out the mission that God has entrusted to us.
Our brother Frank Amaro also played a key role in bringing in the members needed to begin this new council.
With God’s help, we will continue to support our brothers so they may grow and become one of the best councils in Kentucky.
Submitted by: Juan Palomino
Mary Queen Council Joins Scout Troops for Annual Calvary Cemetery Cleanup
Members of Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Council 14372 recently joined forces with Boy Scout Troop 282 and Troop 8 for their annual cleanup of Calvary Cemetery, a tradition of service that brings together the Knights and local youth in a shared commitment to honoring the dead and caring for sacred ground.
The effort drew 41 participants in all, a testament to the strong community spirit shared between the Council and its Scout partners. The crew made a significant impact, filling a full trailer along with numerous additional bags of downed branches and debris cleared from the cemetery grounds.
This yearly partnership reflects the Knights of Columbus mission of charity and service in action, and the Council is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the young men of Troops 282 and 8 in this meaningful work.
