Knights News

THANK YOU! In appreciation of the strong support throughout the year by the parishioners of St. John Bosco, the Knights of Columbus would like to say thank you by serving coffee and donuts and other sundry items on Sunday, December 29, 2024, following the three masses. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE PARK ACCORDINGLY SO AS NOT TO GET TRAPPED IN YOUR SPOT BY THOSE COMING TO THE NEXT MASS.

Hope to see you there!

BLOOD DRIVE

The Knights of Columbus received a letter from Jaime Brazenec, Account Manager II I Donor Recruitment, American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region. The following is an excerpt from the letter:

We had 42 donors sign up, 39 show up (this is a really good show rate), 1 first time donor, no one through this time whose blood may be a match for a sickle cell patient, 8 unable to donate, 1 on power red counting as 2 donations, for our total of 32 donations collected! Nice job! 32 donations may help over 32 people!

Thank you again. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Box of Joy

On behalf of the Knights of Columbus and the entire Box of Joy team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your incredible support and generosity. Your participation in this year’s Box of Joy program has been nothing short of amazing. Thanks to your kindness and dedication, not only did we meet our goal, but we exceeded it! Together, we have brought the light of Christ to countless children in need across the world, delivering the joy and hope of Christmas to those who may otherwise have gone without.

Whether you donated items, contributed financially, packed boxes or offered prayers for the success of this program, your efforts have made a profound impact. The children who receive these gifts will experience not only the joy of a tangible present but also the love of Christ. Your response to this ministry reflects the true spirit of our faith - giving selflessly and bringing joy to others. We are deeply blessed to have such a compassionate and engaging community of blessed people.

Thank you once again for your support, generosity, and prayers. May God bless you and your families abundantly during this holy season and always.

With gratitude and blessings,

The Knights of Columbus 8613, Our Lady of Fatima

Bill Pendziwiatr, Andrew Cerasaro, Matthew Vernborg

On behalf of the Knights of Columbus Council 8613 our Lady of Fatima, we wish to thank all the parishioners of St. John Bosco and Good Shepherd Church and Sacred Heart of Jesus for their participation in our first fish dinner. We were very successful and would like to thank all who participated and volunteered and donated to this very worthy cause. The knights are so very thankful for all that you do for our success and for our ability to help others in need. Again, with heartfelt appreciation we are so very thankful for your support. The basket of cheer had two winners. The first winner was John Morris, and the second winner was Paul Gaudet. Thank you all for participating in this as well. God bless you and Viva Jesus.

Tom Pandolfi, Chairman - Fish Dinner

You are invited to participate in our monthly Eucharistic Holy Hour. It is hosted by the Knights of Columbus and held at St. John Bosco Church on the first Saturday of each month from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. It is an opportunity for private prayer in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord for your personal intentions, for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life and for an end to the evil of abortion. Mark your calendar and gather at our Church this Saturday, October 5. Confessions are available from 3-3:30 pm followed by Mass at 4 pm.

STAR COUNCIL

I am pleased to share information about one of the highest honors council can achieve within the Knights of Columbus, the Star Council award. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon councils that demonstrate excellence in membership growth, fraternal activities, and charitable service throughout the fraternal year. To qualify for the star council award, a council must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Achieve at least 100% of the council membership quota as set by the supreme council;

2. Meet the Insurance membership quota through the promotion of Knights of Columbus insurance products;

3. Faith in action programs: conduct successful programs under the faith in action initiative, which includes activities in the area of faith, family, community, and life.

4. Submission of forms. Submit key forms such as the annual survey of fraternal activity, and the service program personnel report on time.

Receiving the Star Council award signifies the hard work, ded-ication, and unity of our council members. It reflects our faith and let us continue to work together to bring faith field service to our community and beyond. Achieving the star Council is not just a recognition of our council efforts, but a reminder of the positive impact we can make in the lives of others, thank you for your continued dedication and support of our mission as Knights of Columbus. Together, we can achieve great things for the glory of God and the betterment of our community.

POLISH DINNER

Profit $3,086.88. We are grateful to all who volunteered those who gave donations and to all who patronized this annual Knights of Columbus event.

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG

Donations received $5,487. 80 baby bottles were not returned. You may drop them off at any time at the parish office. Our Council donated $4,000 to the SHINE PREGNANCY CENTER and $1,000 to VOICES OF JOHN. $487 was placed in the Council’s ULTRASOUND FUND. Thank you for your support.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: $3,500 AWARDED

Our newest project was to establish a KOC Scholarship Fund for deserving seniors from Sacred Heart Church (Weston), Good Shepherd Church (Drums) and St. John Bosco Church (Conyngham/Sugarloaf). The winners of our first awards were $1500, Lachian Segedy of Good Shepherd Church; $1,000, Sage Bacher of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and $1,000, Marcus Rosenstell, Jr. of Good Shepherd Church.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Our next scheduled Adoration Hour is on the First Saturday of the month, September 7, from 2:30-3:30 pm at St. John Bosco Church. All are welcome!

NEWLY ELECTED KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS OFFICERS: 2024-2025

We extend our prayerful best wishes to our new officers who were installed on Saturday, August 17 at Good Shepherd Church.

Grand Knight: Bill Pendziwiatr 

Treasurer: Rene Beaugard 

Chaplain: Mike Kloton

Deputy Grand Knight: Ray Triano 

Advocate: Greg Fetchko 

Inside Guard: Matt Vernborg

Recorder: John Morris 

Lector: Bob Hoppy 

Outside Guard: Joe Molitoris

Chancellor: Lew Grant 

Warden: Mike Antinozzi 

Trustees: Tom Pandolfi, Ron Bzdil, and Phil Guza

Financial Secretary: Jim White

CONGRATULATIONS to Joseph and Geraldine Molitoris and children Gianna, Celine, Tobias and Rosealia, who were named Knights of Columbus Family of the Year for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.