Category: Council 16492

From the guys who create it to the guys who clean it all up. Thanks to all our volunteers who have participated in the first two fish fry events. The creators, from left to right, Steve Brennan, Mike Lassonde, Tom Holton, Mike Spigelmire, Vince Dlugos and Phil Barlage. The cleanup crew, left to right, Henry Lofton, Mark Van Engelen and Joe Shannon. Thanks to all.

This is the first State/National award Assembly 3771 has received. The Civic Award is a tribute to the spirit of patriotism and national pride exemplified by the assembly’s program of activities.  In order to qualify, the assembly must conduct and report at least four varied patriotic programs held within the fraternal year. 

Our four 2022-23 Patriotic Projects were First Responder recognition to the staff of Nocatee Fire Rescue Station 18, Patriotic Rosary for our Country, First Coast Honor Flight – 5 nominees, and BBQ for Veterans at Lassen Veterans Nursing Home.

Bishop Eric Pohlmeier said Mass at St. John Paul II in late January and was escorted by the 4^th Degree Color Guard.

Our February meeting on Feb. 13, will be our Annual Spouses’ Dinner to coincide with Valentine’s Day. This year we budgeted enough that Knights will eat for free and we will charge $25 for spouses or significant others.

We will eat at 6 p.m. with drinks available at 5:30 for socializing. Dinner will be over by 7 when we say the Rosary. Our meeting will begin at 7:15 and will have an abbreviated agenda.

We will be catered by Trattoria di Bernardone and it will be a pasta and chicken buffet. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be provided.

 Please sign up as soon as possible with your name and the name of your spouse or date. We will need a headcount by Feb. 8.

This should be a fun night paying homage to our loved ones. If you haven’t attended one, it’s a terrific way to build camaraderie and make new friendships. Hope you can make it.

Among the many volunteer opportunities this Christmas season was the annual spreading of the straw. Under the guidance of Gus Carlson, more than a dozen Knights prepped the massive tent and outdoor area for Mass, moving tables and chairs, setting up the altar and putting up hundreds of seats. Thanks guys!

Knights of Columbus Assembly Color Corps and Council 16492 members assisted in the Our Lady of Gudalupe Festival Sunday, Dec. 10, by carrying the statue and joining in the procession. From left to right posing with one of the entertainers are: Color Corps Commander Ken Robinson, John Preli, Gary Rotella, Michael Cervellera, Bob Massaglia, Kevin Minoque, Steve Miller and Ken Gault.

The SPJII Men’s Retreat, sponsored by Council 16492 Knights of Columbus, was held Saturday, Dec. 9 at our Lady of Le Leche National Shrine in St. Augustine. Part of the day was this outdoor mass said by Father Rich in absolutely perfect weather. 87 men from the parish attended. Thanks to all those who helped plan and implement and especially thanks to our shepherd Father Pagano for an excellent day of self-introspection, sharing with fellow parishioners and thought-provoking dialogue.

The Past Grand Knights of Council 16492 were feted at a Tribute Dinner Sept. 22 at St. Johns Golf & CC. Each was presented with a special portrait created by Sean Biggs. From left to right are Patrice and Bob Conlon, Dianne and Ken Gault, Julie and Steve Wilson, Marsha and Clyde Slick and Madeline and Paul Coronato.

The St. John Paul II Council 16492 Knights of Columbus recently donated 100 Bibles to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s office to be used for inmates. When asked what the greatest need might be, Corrections Chaplain Deon Johnson said “Catholic Bibles and other Catholic reading material.” The Knights give to a variety of agencies who serve people in need.

Pictured from left to right are Lt. George Harrigan; Council member Mariano Bautista, who had the original idea of donating Bibles; Sheriff, and fellow Council 16492 member, Rob Hardwick; Deputy Deon Johnson, Corrections Chaplain; and Grand Knight Pete Falcone.

More than a dozen Knights and their families helped at the Summer Special Olympics of St. Johns County swim competition this summer. 

“I want to thank you and all the Knights from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to volunteer at our swimming competition,” said Mary Jo Stansel, County Coordinator for Special Olympics. “We really appreciate all of your help setting up, helping with timing events and giving out awards to the athletes. We are so lucky to have a group like the Knights that take the time to volunteer with us.”