News

On January 18^th, 2020 St John St Francis Council 11470 celebrated 25 years of being an active and vibrant council. It was on December 1^st, 1994 that the council received its Charter from Supreme. Since that time the council has grown from 34 members to over 180 members and has volunteered 188,485 man-hours to parish and community service activities, visited the sick or bereaved 13,760 times, donated 1,162 pints of blood and provided 8,372 man-hours of Fraternal Service.

The council has raised $369,979.08 dollars and in turn, has donated $310,355.46 to parish and community needs. The most recent donation was a new Ultrasound machine to Assurance Women’s Health Clinic in Lexington.

The council was honored to have Bishop John Stowe not only celebrate mass with our members, wives, and guest but he also attended the banquet celebration at Cardome. The council was honored to have our Chaplin Fr. Linh along with every State Officer and their wives in attendance. We were also pleased to have nine of our charter members present.

There were many complimentary comments about how nice everything was, how grateful folks were that they were invited and how happy they were that they attended the event. Those present received a pamphlet outlining the council’s history and a complimentary can huggie.

Submitted by State Treasurer, Tom Johnson

District Deputy Ed Sullivan presented the charter to Monsignor Peter Braun Council #17247 at the 10:00 am Mass on 12/15/2019. The council was established on 3/17/2019.

The Knights of Columbus and Ancient Order of Hibernians cosponsored the annual Pro-Life Mass in the Archdiocese of Louisville. The Mass was celebrated at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church at 3:00 pm on 1/19/2020. All state officers were in attendance.

During the celebration of Mass on 1/12/2020, District Deputy Steve O’Bryan presented the charter to Andrew’s Apostles Council #17234. The council was established on 2/28/2019.

The Christmas Crib is placed at and over the War Memorial Site at the city’s Memorial Park, immediately behind St. Therese Church.  In 1998 it was suggested that the City decorate the tall spruce tree next to the Crib.  The tree stands 95 feet and has been lit every Christmas since. The City, through the help of the local businesses and taxpayer dollars, purchased new life-size figures for the Crib.  Bishop Mulloy Knights of Columbus #1301 was one of the original sponsors.  Their sign continues to be displayed each year.  Annually, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the City dedicates the Christmas Crib and asks one of the Priests or one of our Deacons from St. Therese to bless the Crib.  Both will remain up and hopefully, the Crib and tree will remain on until after the Epiphany. All attending sing Christmas Carols and counts down from 10 to 1 and the switch is thrown to light the Christmas Crib and the Tree.  This year, in a downpour, we had 47 individuals with many children in attendance.  Typically, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on one of our fire trucks for the kids.  Afterward, all walk across the street to the VFW for hot cocoa and a visit with Santa.