Meeting Minutes

The Meeting was held in the Parish Hall on Monday, September 15, 2025

Meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by Worthy Grand Knight Jim Schiffer.

57 Knights were in attendance

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 and Trustee (2nd Year) were excused; all other Council Officers were present.

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

WGK dedicated tonight’s Council meeting to Brothers Bob Cunningham and Mike Sanders who both passed this week.

WGK welcomed honored guests Lisa Schiffer and Mary Stevens to discuss the upcoming Putt and Mingle evening scheduled for September 26th from 6:00 to 9:00 at Putting World.  Open to adults with school-age children, the cost is $30/person and includes dinner, one drink ticket, one month return pass for Putting World, and one day simulator experience. Please pass the word and sign up as soon as possible for an attendee count.

Grand Knight’s Thanks

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

                          i.Thank you to the Brothers who assisted with Hospitality Sunday September 1st

                         ii. Thank you to the 4th Degree Knights participating in the 9/11 Memorial Mass

                        iii. Brothers who helped serve at Mike Sanders funeral Mass (over 250 people served)

                        iv. Donut Ministry – All Brothers supporting this Parish Community event each week.  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 

Checks were mailed along with a letter to the following organizations advising them of the increase to their funding for this fraternal year:

·         Seminarians Son Le and Ben Sanford

·         Andre House

·         Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos

·         St Joseph Youth Camp

·         St Vincent dePaul Dental Clinic

·         Maggie’s Place

·         Sister of Life

·         SBCV Couples & young Adult Putt and Mingle evening

A number of Thank You notes were received and are available for review from Charity Recipients including:

·         Son Le

·         Ben Sanford

·         Mana House

·         Willing Warriors

·         Gary Sinise Foundation

·         St. Joseph’s Youth Camp

·         Andre House

PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2025-2026 FRATERNAL YEAR

The budget below was discussed and approved unanimously:

Income Statement    2024-2025 Budget   2024-2025 Actual Cash Basis  2024-2025 Actual Accrual 2025-2026 Budget Accrual

1-Revenue               $115,000                  $129,804                                   $129,777                          $129,775

2-Expense                $110,551                 $107,090                                   $128,567                          $128,310

3-Total P&L              $4,449                      $22,714                                    $1,210                               $1,465

MAJOR EXPENSE SUMMARY

Expense Category                        2024-2025 Actual                            2025-2026 Budget

Charity/Vocations/Parish              $64,047                                           $64,150

Council                                         $8,954                                             $9,960

Event                                            $55,566                                           $54,200

Grand Total                                   $128,567                                         $128,310

It was suggested and agreed that the final budget for 2025-2026 be published to the Parish inside the weekly bulletin. Recorder will coordinate with Bulletin publishing.

Technology Committee

Brother David Hori announced the plan to display a “straw-man” website at the October Council Meeting.  The committee is meeting every two weeks and is planning a slow cutover from the previous website. The committee will also coordinate with the Parish IT Team to align with anti-hacking protections.  It was suggested that a website page be added for departed Brothers.

Young Knights Committee

Brother Slater Zellers has accepted the role of chairman for this new committee and will have an update at the next Council Meeting.

Membership Committee

A chairman for this new committee is nearing final selection.  Our goal for the fraternal year is for 9 new members.

Endowment Committee

Volunteers have begun to approach the WGK, and research on financial options is ongoing. These funds are currently being held in a Certificate of Deposit. Please speak with WGK if you are interested in joining this committee.

This Man Is You has restarted for Friday morning meetings with a focus on fatherhood.

Fall Festival

Sponsors for this November 16th event are being actively sought. Two available links to sign up are posted on the website. Last year’s attendance was over 700 people.  Sponsorship starts at $150, with Signage starting at $300.

Men’s Renewal Weekend on October 25th and 26th has 12 available spots remaining.  See Brother Dan Fruehe to sign up.

Oktoberfest

Brother Peter Loftus encouraged Brother to sign up for volunteer service at this October 18th event. Food and/or Alcohol handler certificates are required.  “How To” steps to obtain certificates will be resent.  Sign up sheets are on the website.

Financial Secretary

A few Knights remain outstanding with their annual dues payment.  Please Zelle Pay or see Brother John Simon as soon as possible.

Treasurer Report

 Current cash is $22,608, after outstanding checks the balance is $19,756; an additional $10,208 is held in a CD.

Membership Applications

An application for Paul Morris was discussed and was then unanimously approved.

4th Degree

District Deputy Martin Perez Thanked all Knights for their participation in the 9/11 memorial. Knights interested in obtaining the 4th Degree should see him or Brother Mike Stevens for more information.  He looks forward to our participation in Rosary Sunday Mass.

Insurance Agent

Chris Guidry is the new Insurance Agent for our Council and is available to meet with all Knights interested in the Insurance products available.

District Deputy

Matin Perez encourage all Knights to use Insurance Agent Chris Guidry for new insurance or a review of existing policies.  He asked all Knights to invite young men and new parish members to join Knights of Columbus and expand our calling to be agents spreading peace and service.

New Business

WGK asked for support for two Brothers currently looking for employment in Finance and Business fields and are looking to network opportunities.  WGK offered his personal service to other Knights who may be going through career transition.

Brother George Lacey thanked all Brothers for their prayers for his recent concerns.

Brother Tom Shellander shared that Maria of Africa school opened this month with 125 students.

Brother Kevin DeWitte reminded all Knights of our upcoming visit to MANA House and their needs for kitchen items.

Lecturer

Brother Michael Apodaca recanted the history of the Hail Mary prayer from 598 AD until its current version in the 16th century.

Upcoming Parish and Council Events

Additional requests for Council participation should first be presented to Father Fred.

Date               Event                                                                                                           Coordinator

9/20/25           MANA House Visit - Donation List – Kitchen Items                                      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

11/01/25         Wine and Cheese Reception – 5:00 PM                                                       David Carpenter/Mike Stevens

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

Additional Events with TBD dates:

·         124th Street Cleanup

·         Andre House Dinner Service

Prayer Requests

Susan Lugo

Gwen Younger

Rich Molder

Barbara Wittmer

Ken Berger 

Howard Bridges

For the repose of the soul of Norman Armstong

The closing prayer was offered by WGK Jim Schiffer.

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

The meeting concluded at 8:18 PM.

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.