The Knight of Columbus
A Fraternal Organization
It means a life of faith in action, a life of boldness in brotherhood, a life worth living.
We share a desire to live our faith to become better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors, and friends.
Our goal is to help men, their families, and our parish to grow closer to Christ.
Join 2 million Catholic men on a mission that share a set of common values and principles that foster fellowship and growth for its members.
Our Heritage
On Oct. 2, 1881, a group of men met in the basement of St. Mary’s Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization.
They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith.
These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882.
They were Knights of Columbus.
Our History
Why Join the Knights of Columbus?
Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference.
Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. Come see just what we are all about and take the first steps to enhance your personal life by viewing the segment, “Why Join?”
Membership
Who are the Knights?
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with two million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.
Membership Benefits
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of Columbia magazine, the world’s largest Catholic family magazine, eligible to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.
How to Join
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. You can complete the contact form below and someone will contact you with more information.
Officers
Knights of Columbus Council 7826 Officers for 2019-2020
Chaplain – Fr. Daniel Scanlon
Grand Knight – Ralph Neller
Deputy Grand Knight – Charlie Culkin
Chancellor – Chris Pariseau
Recorder – Dan Bulinski
Financial Secretary – Larry Hall
Treasurer – Ken Berberich
Warden – Dave Bracy
Advocate – Joe Tiffany
Inside Guard – Charlie Ballschmieder
Outside Guard – Hank Peppard
Lecturer – Derek Noll
Trustee (3) – Corey DeVito
Trustee (2) – John Spinale
Trustee (1) – Scott Deheana
Field Agent – Brian DeBlauw
My name is Ralph Neller and I am pleased to be serving as Grand Knight of the St. Thomas More Council # 7826 for the 2023–2024 Fraternal Year. On behalf of our Council, I would like to welcome you to the online home of our Council, which is proud to make its home at St. Thomas More parish in Sarasota, FL.
Contact the Grand Knight: rneller65@outlook.com
Fundraising Projects
Spring Training Baseball – Our biggest fundraiser. The St. Thomas More and Incarnation Councils work a concession stand together for Baltimore Orioles spring training baseball games.
Cruise Raffle – This is one of our important fundraisers. Tickets are sold after Masses and directly by Knights to friends, neighbors, and work associates.
Tootsie Roll Drive – The Knights of Columbus are famous for the annual Tootsie Roll Drive fundraiser outside stores for the benefit of St. Mary Academy and Oak Park School.
Golf Tournament – Our annual golf outing held at Legacy Golf Club has become a solid fundraiser for our Council. Funds come from golf teams, our corporate and hole sponsors, our donors, and contributors to the event.
Personal Donations – Throughout the year Knights and other supporters of our organization make personal donations in support of our various charities.
Pancake Breakfast – During the winter months the Knights sponsor a pancake breakfast after the 8:00 and 10:00 am Masses. Donations made support our various charities.
Serving the Less Fortunate: Our Charities
Our St. Thomas More Council #7826 is committed to serving the Church and the community through charitable works and volunteerism. We organize various events throughout the year promoting fellowship and providing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
Support for Vocations
Winter Coats for Kids
Respect for Life
Catholic HS Scholarships
Veterans' Memorial Grave Wreaths
Special Olympics
Habitat for Humanity
Students with Disabilities
Announcements and Events
Knight’s Mass – Wednesday, January 10th, is our monthly “Knight’s Mass at 8:00 a.m. for the Good of the Order with a special intention for all the widows of our deceased brothers. (The rosary will be recited before the mass at 7:30 a.m.)
Council Membership Meeting – The next Council Membership Meeting is on Thursday, January 11th, at 7:00 PM followed by a social period. Please plan to attend and meet with your fellow Knights!
Council Social Event – The next social event will be on Friday, January 12th, at 5:30 PM at Miguel’s on Siesta Key (6631 Midnight Pass Rd). It will be an order off the menu evening with individual checks.
Pancake Breakfast – Our first pancake breakfast of the new year will be on Sunday January 21st after the 8:00 and 10:00 AM Masses.
New Member Ceremony – The next Exemplification will be on Tuesday January 16th at 6:30 PM in the Spirit Center
Prayer Vigil at Planned Parenthood – The next prayer vigil will be on January 25th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Contact Brian Harkins (908-451-7454) or Neil Corrado (941-993-1520) to register or for more information.
Citizens with Disabilities Campaign – The first week of the campaign with take place from January 26 – January 28 at four Publix locations: Publix on Honore near Village Walk, the Palmer Ranch Publix in the Target plaza off Central Sarasota Parkway, the Publix at the Clark/Beneva shopping center; and the Publix in Gulf Gate.
Report Volunteer Hours
Council #7826 Awards
Awards - Fraternal Year 2023 - 2024
December Knight of the Month - Jack Rodman and Dan Borgmeyer
Brother Jack Rodman and Brother Dan Borgmeyer share this month’s “Knight of the Month”. Jack, was the Kitchen lead during the Christmas Party with his team. Brother Dan is battling ALS.
December Family of the Month - Jim and Debbie Alexander
Our December Family of the Month is Jim and Debbie Alexander for their dedication and hard work with the refreshments and the gift baskets at the Parish Christmas Party.
Fraternal Year 2023 – 2024 Knights of the Month
July – Dan Martin
August – John Maier
September – Jeb Kingseed
October – Fr. Gordon Zanetti
November – Johnnie Turner
December – Jack Rodman
Fraternal Year 2023 – 2024 Family of the Month
July – Jim and Beth Meyd
August – Derek and Margie Noll
September – Frank and Imelda Moeslein
October – Max and Pat Streibel
November – Chris and Paula Pariseau
December – Jim and Debbie Alexander
Awards - Fiscal Year 2022 - 2023
2022 – 2023 Knight of the Year
The Knight of the Year for the fraternal year ending June 30, 2023 was announced as Brother Phil Arsenault. Two years ago the Council was in need of a Deputy Grand Knight. This Brother Knight stood up and took the challenge and his work and effort aided the Council in achieving Double Star Council. He worked tirelessly as Deputy Grand Knight and led a successful Tootsie Roll Campaign. This year he has overseen the volunteer hours and Council shirts and name badges. In addition, through one of his contacts, he secured a $5,000 donation to the operations fund of this Council. His energy and enthusiasm is second to none. I cannot say enough how much it meant for him to come to the aid of the Council and assist in its success. This Brother Knight is truly worthy of being the 2022-2023 Knight of the Year. Congratulations to Brother Phil Arsenault, this year’s Knight of the Year. (1st Photo to the left).
2022 – 2023 Family of the Year
The Family of the Year for the fraternal year ending June 30, 2023 is Davy & Sue Bracy. Two years ago it was no secret what the challenges were for this Council coming out of COVID and its restrictions and lockdowns. We were just returning to in-person meetings, and the challenge to get everyone back to meetings, and restarting our fundraising events, was an absolute must for the future of our Council, not to mention restarting our always successful social program. STM Council was fortunate to have a secret weapon. This family put all their heart, soul, energy, and passion into rebuilding the social program. Not only was it successful, but it was the catalyst for all we were able to accomplish as a council for these two years. Their focus on picking the right time and places brought this Council back together, and made it as energetic and vibrant as it had been in the past. Every month of socials not only kept setting record attendance, but it built the strong bond of unity and fraternity that STM Council was always known for. This truly became the “secret sauce’ for the success of this Council. The Council’s personality of unity and fraternity became stronger. As a Council we reconnected and the energy generated from these connections was overwhelming. Everyone was eager to not only meet old friends, but to make new friends with our newest members. All you had to do was listen to the energy in the room to understand what this meant to everyone in our Council. No Grand Knight ever had it better than having this family as an important part of this Council. With great respect and appreciation for all they have done, it is my honor to name Dave & Sue Bracy as our 2022-2023 Family of the Year. (2nd Photo to the left).
Calendar
News
National Catholic Register
- Our Lady of Sorrows: A Mother’s Heart for Those Who Mourn October 15, 2024
- ‘No Darkness But Ignorance’ — Shakespeare in the Public Schools October 15, 2024
- Fire Devastates Historic Church and Franciscan Convent in Chile, Arson Not Ruled Out October 15, 2024
- An Invalid Confession, Was Matthew the First Gospel, What Does God Really Want, Martyrs of the Theban Legion, and More Great Links! October 15, 2024
- How ‘Special Interest Advocacy’ Works at the Synod on Synodality October 15, 2024
Vatican News
- St. Egidio Community brings 51 Syrian refugees to Rome October 15, 2024
- Cardinal Hollerich: Church is rooted in places and cultures October 15, 2024
- Dramatic rescue in the Mediterranean: 58 lives saved October 15, 2024
- Assisi: G7 for disability seeks to foster societal inclusion October 15, 2024
- Religious leaders in Philippines reaffirm commitment to peace and justice October 15, 2024
Catholic News Service
- El Papa pide a los nuevos cardenales que sean pastores compasivos October 15, 2024
- Archbishop Wenski: Massacre shows violence in Haiti ‘has yet to touch bottom’ October 14, 2024
- Assisted dying bill in the UK is a ‘slippery slope,’ cardinal says October 14, 2024
- Faithful urged to take part in global novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux ahead of World Mission Sunday October 13, 2024
- Washington Roundup: Harris and Latino voters; Whitmer video controversy; Oklahoma Bibles classroom directive October 12, 2024
Contact an Officer
About Us
Guided by the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, members of the Knights of Columbus work to overcome the hardships that people face in their parishes and communities. We are a growing organization — nearly 2 million members — and for over 130 years. Our local Council #7826 at St. Thomas More is comprised of 180 plus members, with Knights and their family members active in many parish and community events. Additionally we usually conduct a monthly social event and are an organization that enjoys much camaraderie.
Joining our local council of the Knights of Columbus can change your life. As a Knight, you have the opportunity to strengthen your parish, give back to your community, grow in your faith and gain exclusive access to our portfolio of top-quality insurance products to financially protect your family. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practicing Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
Our Council Business Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm, typically in the Spirit Center. This site includes information about our Council activities (including a full calendar), along with a listing of our Council Officers. If you have any questions or need additional information, please use the contact form on this website.
If you would like to immediately join the Knights, please go to kofc.org/joinus for the e-membership form. Also, visit Floridakofc.org to see all activities of the Florida Knights of Columbus.
