To the Parishioners of St. Lucy and St. Sebastian Parishes:
A little over three years ago, this Knights of Columbus Council was started at St. Lucy’s with about 20 men. Today I am happy to report that we have over 80 men in our Council. Thank you Father Mark Jones for allowing this Council to be started.
This Council is parish-based serving St. Lucy’s and St. Sebastian’s with members from several parishes in Racine, Sturtevant, and Kenosha.
When Father Mark became the pastor of St. Sebastian’s, he asked us to serve that parish too. We did so right away and this past year we formalized the alliance with Earl Wirtz as the Roundtable Coordinator for St. Sebastian’s.
This Council from the start had a mission and vision to help those in need, support marriage and families, protect life, evangelize, and to integrate our activities within the parishes we serve. The overall theme for these activities is called:
Building the Domestic Church While Strengthening Our Parish
The “domestic church” is the family.
The Knights are known for their service projects but maybe not as much for their quality Catholic faith formation materials. That’s why we are making available at no charge our “Family Fully Alive” booklet with activities that families can do at home. We also have free copies available of our booklet called “The Gift of Fatherhood.”
Another initiative to support marriage is the Renewal of Wedding Vows taking place Father’s Day weekend. We hope to make this an annual event.
Other activities to come are the Holy Family Prayer Program, and Consecration to the Holy Family.
Looking at the bottom of this post, you will see how we have done this past fraternal year. We did this in partnership with the parish staff, priests, deacons, and parishioners.
Thank you for your support and being a part of our mission.
May God continue to bless this wonderful parish and Knights of Columbus Council 15659.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael Benner
Grand Knight
July 2015 – June 2016
Lifelong Faith Formation
Sunday Readings Bible Study, Symbolon, Footprints of God, Crossing The Goal, Altaration, James: Pearls for Wise Living, 54 Day Rosary Novena, Training in Holiness, Best Lent Ever, Into the Breach Tour, Monthly Holy Hour, Holy Hour for Life, Men of Christ Conference, Redemptorist Retreat Weekend, 24 Hours for the Lord, Novena to St. Joseph, Divine Mercy Sunday, Holy Doors Pilgrimage
Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO)
Purchased, prepared and served quarterly meals for homeless at shelter
Coats/Christian Values for Kids
Over $2,000 raised to purchase coats for needy children of the parish
Change for Life (Baby Bottles)
Almost $8,700 raised with proceeds donated to CareNet, AlphaCenter, Ultrasound Project, Pro-Life Wisconsin
Intellectually Disabled Fundraiser for Special Olympics
Almost $800 raised and donated to Team Wisconsin (tootsie rolls handed out as a thank you)
St. Lucy Festival
Members assisted in various areas, ran the “evangelization” booth and children’s poster contest
Racine County Fair Evangelization Booth
Banner stands acquired and we spread the Gospel message every day at the County Fair
Food for Families
Collected an estimated 2,000 pounds of food during Advent
Filled St. Lucy pantry, Christmas & Easter baskets for needy, started collaboration with St. Sebastian’s food pantry
Keep Christ in Christmas
Labels and yard signs sold to be used to remind everyone of the “reason for the season”
Books and Booklet Hand-out
Divine Mercy Explained, Year of Mercy card, Rediscover Jesus, Beautiful Mercy, free will donation after Christmas, Easter and other Masses
Regional Mercy Mission
Assisted in planning and executing event with Deacon Eric Sewell
Mass for Deceased
Requested Mass intention for Raymond Pulda, Richard Brandt, Gene & Dawn Antrim, Sophie Woitach
St. Lucy Fish Fries
Coordinated Lenten fish fries
Fresh Homemade Doughnut Sales
Proceeds helped to buy equipment for the cafeteria and fund other Council programs
Membership
Successfully grew Council by running membership drives, one-on-one recruitment and Info Nights
Miscellaneous
World Marriage Day/Our Marriage Prayer, World Day of Prayer for Peace, St. Vincent De Paul rebuild project, Light Up for Christ, Sacred Art Sunday, Archbishop Prayer Service for the Incarcerated, School Auction, Family Banquet, Fraternal Benefit Night, Corpus Christi Procession, Renewal of Wedding Vows
Council 15659 