Meeting Minutes

The Meeting was held in the Parish Hall on Monday, August 18, 2025

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Worthy Grand Knight Jim Schiffer.

36 Knights were in attendance

18 Knights recorded 72 hours of volunteer service

The opening prayer was offered by WGK Jim Schiffer.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

The Opening Ode was sung, led by Brother Steve Lugo.

Roll Call of Officers: Chaplain, Deputy Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, Outside Guard and Trustee (3rd Year) were excused; all other Council Officers were present.

The minutes from the prior meeting (June 2025) were approved without revision.

WGK welcomed back Brother Thomas (Tom) Salerno, after an extended absence.  Honored Guest Paul Morris was welcomed.

WGK offered his updates and thank you’s to all Knights who supported the following events:

Grand Knight’s Thanks

                          i. Thank you to the Brothers who assisted with Hospitality Sunday July 6th and Sunday August 3rd

                         ii. Thank you to the Brother, Mike Stevens who coordinated the water drive delivery for Andre House and also thank the guys who braved the heat to collect and all of you who donated

                        iii. Thank you to Brother Bob VonderHaar for getting the Oktoberfest planning kicked off

                        iv. Donut Ministry - Brothers Jaime McWeeney, Kevin DeWitte, Dave Hatting, Ken Janowski, Roger Arevalo, Sal Costa, Greg Brandonberg, John Nanni, Mike Stevens.  The link below is available for Brother Knights to sign up and assist with the Sunday after Mass Donut Ministry.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948A8AF23A3F5C34-57783393-stbernards 

A number of Thank You notes were received from Charity Recipients including:

                         v. Fr. Fred for the Shade Project - $900 - Shade Structure

                        vi. St. Joseph’s Youth Camp - $500

                       vii. St. Vincent DePaul Local SBCV Conference - $1,000 & $4,000

                      viii. St. Vincent DePaul Dental Clinic - $14,700

                        ix. Andre House - $4,500 plus the 500 cases of water plus $183

                         x. Maggie’s Place - $3,500

Total disbursements were $44,000.  The Council Officers are recommending additional gifts totaling $8,800 to the following :

Charity                                             Budgeted Gift                 Additional Gift                                 Total Donation

Seminarians RSVP                            $2,000                              $2,000                                                $4,000

Andre House                                     $4,500                                  $500                                                $5,000

Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos           $500                                  $500                                                 $1,000

St. Joseph Youth Camp                       $500                               $1,000                                                 $1,500

St Vincent DePaul Dental Clinic      $14,700                              $1,300                                               $16,000

Pro-Life Activity – Maggie’s Place     $3,500                                 $500                                                  $4,000

Sister of Life                                         $500                              $1,000                                                  $1,500

SBCV Couples & Young Adult Event       $0                              $2,000                                                  $2,000

Totals for these Charities              $26,200                             $8,800                                                $35,000

These recommendations were unanimously approved by the Council.

Donations to the Seminarians RSVP may be revised after further research is completed to determine the potential for State Assemble matching donations. 

PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2025-2026 FRATERNAL YEAR

Revenue: $134,600

Expense: $133,910

Net Income: $690

Bank Balance as of 8/16/25 is approximately $41,000

Estimated Bank Balance as of 6/30/26 would be approximately $33,927

More detailed budget analysis will be presented at the next Council Meeting.

Technology Committee

Dr. Bob Modic has graciously asked to be retired from his responsibilities of managing the Council website. A select group of Knights have volunteered to step in and both manage and expand our Council website functionality.  Brother David Hori will serve as Committee Chair.  Look for website updates and an increased digital platform in the next few months.  Any Knight with IT skillset should reach out to David to assist with this development.

Dues Update

A few Knights remain outstanding with their dues payments.  Please Zelle Pay or see Treasurer Sal Costa as soon as possible.

New Committees now Forming

Please see WGK if you are interested in leading or participating in Membership Committee, Younger Knights Committee or the Endowment Committee. 

Upcoming Parish and Council Events

17 events and dates have been booked already.  Additional requests for Council participation should first be presented to Father Fred.

Date                                         Event                                                                        Coordinator

9/7/25                                       KofC Hospitality Sunday – 9:00 AM                          Tom Medai

9/11/25                                     9/11 Memorial Mass                                                   Mike Stevens

9/15/25                                     Council Meeting                                                         Jim Schiffer

9/20/25                                     MANA House Visit - Donation List*                            Kevin DeWitte

9/26/25                                     SBCV Couples & Young Adults Putting Night Out     Jim Schiffer

10/5/25                                     KofC Hospitality Sunday – 9:00 AM & 

                                                 KofC 12313 Memorial Mass                                      Tom Medai, Mike Stevens, Steve Lugo

10/18/25                                   Oktoberfest                                                                Mike Stevens, Peter Loftus

10/19/25                                   Rosary Sunday                                                          Mike Stevens

10/20/25                                   Council Meeting/Exemplification                               Jim Schiffer/Mike Stevens

10/25-26/25                              Men’s Renewal                                                         Dan Fruehe

11/02/25                                   KofC Hospitality Sunday – 9:00 AM                          Tom Medai

11/16/25                                   Fall Festival                                                               Dan Fruehe

11/17/25                                   Council Meeting                                                        Jim Schiffer

12/5/25                                     KofC Christmas Party                                               TBD

12/7/25                                     KofC Hospitality Sunday – 9:00 AM                          Tom Medai

12/14/25                                   Pancake Breakfast                                                    Steve Horn

12/24/25                                   Bus Duty                                                                    TBD

·         MANA House donations are continuously needed for Veterans to move out on their own.  A list of items they request will be placed on our website.

Additional Events with TBD dates:

·         124th Street Cleanup

·         Andre House Dinner Service

·         Wine and Cheese Saturday Nights

·         The St Joseph Youth Camp Gala Dinner scheduled for November 1st may need to be rescheduled as it cannot be held here at St. Bernard of Clairvaux due to Rectory Construction.

Committee Reports

Oktoberfest: Brother Mike Stevens encouraged all Knights to sign up for this very popular event on October 18th.  Please buy tickets and sign up to help serve the parish enjoy a very fun event.

Rosary Sunday: On October 19th, three 4th Degree Honor Guards are needed.  A family from St. Bernard’s will be chosen to represent our parish.  Bus Service will be available at a shared expense.

Men’s Renewal Weekend: Brother Dan Fruehe invited all Knights to attend what is described as a life-changing weekend in a man’s faith journey on October 25th and 26th.  This event is limited to 25 attendees.

Treasurer’s Report: Brother Sale Costa advised the current balance is $38,036 with five outstanding checks totaling approximately $4,000.

Chancellor Report: Brother Jeff DiDomenico reminded us of the good work we are doing in support of our two Seminarians, Sun Lee and Ben Sanford.  They wil both be invited to future Council events.  Jeff also invited anyone available to attend a Priest Appreciation Dinner this Thursday at Mt. Claret Retreat at a cost of $60.

4th Degree: Brother Mike Stevens invited all 4th Degree Knights to attend the meeting on 8/25 at St. Bernadette.  The next meeting at St Bernard’s will be on 9/22.  Honor Guard will be needed for the 9/11 Memorial Serve at the 9AM Mass. Another Honor Guard is needed for the Memorial Mass on 10/5.  A drill and precision training will be held on 10/11 – all Knights are invited to attend, even if not a 4th Degree.  This will provide additional insight into the 4th Degree Knights responsibilities. Please talk with Mike if you are interested in becoming a 4th Degree Knight. Other 4th Degree events coming up include Rosary Sunday on 10/19, Christ the King Eucharistic Procession on 11/23 and The American Legion Celebration at Cave Creek (TBD).

District Deputy Martin Perez thanks Council 12313 for another great year as we met all of our objectives.  The State goal of 883 new members was eclipsed as 1,180 new Knights joined Council last year.  Joining is a very simple [process now through the “JOIN” button located at KofC.org.  He reminded us of the importance of completing all forms for our activities. He looks forward to our ad in the Rosary bulletin and he announced that the state has new Insurance Agent – Brother Mike Guidry.

Although we have not officially heard that we are once again a Start Council, all signs point to our success.  WGK announced our quota for new members in the upcoming year is 9. He also asked that we attend as many Supreme training and information sessions as possible.

New Business

“That Man Is You” is beginning again on Friday mornings, led by Kent Campbell.

Brother Bill Kasley announced that the Gary Sinise Foundation Home being built in Scottsdale is scheduled for dedication on October 23rd.  Please see Bill, Sal Costa or Kevin DeWitte for more information.

Good of the Order

Lecturer Michael Apodaca spoke about the importance of the sacrament of matrimony and how we can continue to influence our spouses in their relationship with the Lord.  He also reminded us that Thursday 8/21 is Cigar Night.

Prayer Requests

Susan Lugo

Gwen Younger

Arnie Miller

Al Bosco 

Greg Brandenburg’s wife

Richard Gatt 

Lee Gendvilas

Mike Sanders

The closing prayer was offered by Father Fred Adamson.

The Closing Ode was sung – led by Brother Steve Lugo.

The meeting concluded at 8:28 PM.

The Meeting was held in the Parish Hall on Monday, June 16, 2025

Meeting was called to order at 7:07 PM by Worthy Grand Knight Jim Schiffer.

44 Knights were in attendance

27 Knights recorded 178 hours of volunteer service

The opening prayer was offered by WGK Jim Schiffer.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

The Opening Ode was sung, led by Brother Steve Lugo.

1st, 2nd and 3rd degree exemplification were held for our two new Knights - Brothers Steve Horn and Slater Zellers. District Deputy Martin Perez welcomed our new Brother Knights and invited them to become active in an exemplary Council.  He also invited them and other Knights to become 4th Degree Knights, the visible arm of the Order.

The minutes from the prior meeting (May 2025) were approved without revision.

Roll Call of Officers: Chaplain was excused; all the other Council Officers were present.

WGK offered his updates and thank you’s to all Knights who supported the following events:

                    i. June 1 – Hospitality Sunday, especially those Knights who joined from the pews.

                   ii. June 6th -Ice Cream Social.  Big success in supporting Fr. Fred and our community goal.

                 iii. Andre House Dinner – David Hori and a total of 11 Knights volunteering to serve dinner.  WGK is now a qualified “Tray Whacker”

                 iv. Water Drive support – lots of cases collected so far and more to come this weekend.

                   v. Dues are still due for some Knights, please check the list after the meeting.

                 vi. No Council meeting in July, next meeting is August 18th, with budget and calendar updates.

               vii. Disbursements to Charities are 95% completed.  An adjusted forecast of $62.300 to charities will leave $22,800 in the account after all disbursements are completed.

Upcoming Parish and Council Events

June 21/22

Annual Water Drive Collection

July 6th 9:00 AM

Hospitality Sunday

August 18th

Council Meeting

Committee Reports

Chancellor Report: No report.

4th Degree: District Deputy Martin Perez announced that elections were held at the last Assembly meeting and that Brother Mike Stevens will be the new 4th Degree Navigator.  At the 4th Degreee exemplification on June 14th, 91 new 4th Degree brothers were exemplified, including two from Council 12313 – Brothers John Layssikatos and Rick Connor. The next 4th degree meeting will be held in August.

Financial Secretary Report: No further report.  

Treasurer Report: Current balance is $73,962, after two outstanding checks - $73,588 and a CD balance of $5,149.

Trustee Report: No further report.

Unfinished Business

For the recent Insurance and Gift of a Lifetime calls, if Knights attended and did not receive/complete the follow up survey, please see WGK to obtain attendance credit for the Council.

Brother Bob Gomez informed the Council that bottled water can be directly shipped to Andre House through Costco, Walmart and Amazon.  He also mentioned a QR Code may be placed in the weekly bulletin for this shipment method.  A parking lot tent is also being considered as a drop-off station as well.

New Business

Brother Brad Zellers inquired if Knights who had only received the first degree would be eligible to receive the 2nd and 3rd degree exemplification.  It was confirmed they are eligible.

District Deputy Report

District Deputy Martin Perez last meeting with us as District Deputy thanked Council 12313 for our hard work, outstanding numbers and support of St. Bernard Parish.

Good of the Order

Lecturer David Carpenter last meeting as Lecturer explained his goals have been to inspire, inform and provide a little laughter in his messages.  His focus has primarily been on one of our four pillars, that of Fraternity. He shared his secret with new Lecturer Michael Apodaca – just speak from the heart.  

Prayer Requests

Susan Lugo 

Gwen Younger 

Leo Landerway 

Ken Burger 

Dave Hessman 

Scott Lanza

Courtney Costa 

Mike Sanders 

Katey Padilla 

The closing prayer was offered by WGK.

The Closing Ode was sung – led by Brother Steve Lugo.

The meeting concluded at 8:22 PM.