December 2020 Bulletin: Tree Lot, In-Person Meetings and More

Lead article from the December 2020 bulletin, online now.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas to you and yours. The Knight’s tree lot is up and running. There was a great group of guys who showed up to set up the tree lot and unload the trees. Many thanks to all the guys who showed up to work on the tree lot on November 14. Special thanks to Don Legatt who is the brains and organizer behind the tree lot. Please consider helping out the Knights by working for a shift or two at the tree lot selling trees and purchasing your Christmas tree at the tee lot which is in the parking lot of the St. Michael Catholic school. As mentioned before the proceeds from the tree lot are going to be used to support a number of different areas including the youth group, churches, as well as other groups. With all the craziness going on this year and possibly into next year, the planned budget for the remaining Knights year is going to be revisited by the officers and adjusted based on current and anticipated conditions.

I spoke with Rita at St. Albert's and as of the writing of this article in-person council meetings at St. Albert’s parish hall are still planned for the first Thursdays of the month at 7:00 pm. We will space out to keep physical distance at the meeting. Please continue to pray for one another, our church and country. Remember to keep the faith!!!!

Merry Christmas and God bless,

Andy Sipple

Grand Knight

May 2020 Bulletin: Happy Easter!

Lead article from the May 2020 bulletin, online now.

I hope that the change in routine has had some positive impact on you and your families. The Knights had a nationwide online exemplification the week after Easter and had a good showing all over the nation. It was so successful that it looks like there will be additional dates added in the future. 

Many thanks to our Worthy Deputy Grand Knight Erich Kunzman and Worthy Financial Secretary Don Legatt who figured out what happened to the check with proceeds of the tree lot that were donated to the youth group and delivered the check to the youth group.

There was a spaghetti dinner benefit planned for Lisa Mueller on May 2nd that will need to be rescheduled after the stay at home order expires. It is unknown at the time of writing this article if Friendly City days will be canceled, changed in some way, or go on as normal. Communication of what is decided with Friendly City days will be sent out via e-mail after the decision on if it will be held or canceled is made.

Many people in our community have been impacted by the slow down in the economy due to the Wuhan virus. An e-mail will be sent out to recruit guys to help out our community, especially Knights and Knights’ families, that have been negatively affected by the current situation. If you are someone who could use some help such a ride to the grocery store, running errands, driving people somewhere, etc. please let us know how the Knights can help. You can e-mail me at andrewsipple@hotmail.com, and we will get you connected with a Knight who can help.

Keep the faith.

God bless, 

Andy Sipple

Grand Knight

November 2019 Bulletin: New Kniights, St. Nick, Christmas Trees and More!

Lead article from the November 2019 bulletin.

The Knights were busy in October with multiple events including a first degree after the October council meeting. Three new Knights have joined. Many thanks to the first degree team. October finished with the pro-life dinner at St. Albert’s parish hall. Thanks to Jim Shovelain for organizing another Pro-Life dinner and for his continued work protecting life. Marie Legatt organized another Saints party at St. Alberts parish hall – thanks Marie for your continued work helping out the Knights.

As the days are getting shorter and the temperature is dropping you can feel the Knights tree lot is approaching. This year providing the weather and tree delivery cooperate, the tree lot set up starts on November 16 and lot filling on November 23. Youth from both St. Michaels and St. Alberts parishes will help with the tree lot setup. The Knights Tree Lot will be open beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 29, through Sunday December 15 (or earlier if the trees run out). There will be multiple ways to sign up for a shift or two helping to sell Christmas trees including a sign-up genius that is in this bulletin and will be sent out via e-mail. Please also consider help setting up and taking down the tree lot. As the dates get firmed up on the tree lot more information will be sent out.

Other activities in December include the St. Nicholas party will be held at the St. Michael parish school on Saturday December 7. Thanks to Don and Marie Legatt for organizing and running another St. Nicholas party. It has been heard that another St. Nicholas is needed this year – please contact Don, Erich or myself if you are interested in dressing up as St. Nicholas at the St. Nicholas Day party. There will be a coat drive November 9-17 and a toy drive starting November 11th and ending December 15th. All of this work done by the Knights helps out the local community. 

Thank you again to all who continue to help with the busy Knights schedule on top of your home schedule. Please include brother Knights in your prayers that we can continue to help out those around us and spread by word and deed the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

God bless, 

Andy Sipple 

Grand Knight

August 2018 Bulletin: Dryer Sheets and the Pro-Life Battle

Lead article from the August 2018 bulletin, online now.

I remember well the time in my life when I discovered the dryer sheet. I believe these important little wonders are underappreciated. My clothes would sometimes linger in the machine much too long after the last cycle had spun. The result of this was a slight mildew/rot-like smell that would remain even after they were sent to the dryer. I had no idea these little gems existed until one day I extracted a small box of them from our mailbox. They were sent to me free from the manufacturer. How did they know that I would always pass through the laundry aisle indifferent to any of the products there. 

I then began to receive breakfast cereals, snack products, laundry detergent products and more. It was like mailbox magic. I would grab them and quickly look around as if I was getting away with something, then scurry home to try them. These free gifts were delightful.

Flash forward many years....The other day I came upon another freebee in my mailbox. It was a certificate for birth control pills without a prescription. (See above.)The offer was disguised as a pill study and open to all ages. It would also include a special deal to compensate participants for their time. 

Wow! We've come a long, long way since free dryer sheets and Coco Puffs. As a Catholic pro-life advocate, I suddenly felt that the pro-life movement had taken a major hit. As if a World War II "Missouri" class battleship had just emptied nine 16-inch shells from its massive gun turret directly into the home of the pro-life base. 

 How can you fight this? Free birth control pills and free cash as a reward for preventing life. What's next? Free morning-after pills? Abortion vouchers? Who on earth knows? 

The certificate that found its way into my mailbox was offered to any age participant. The picture on the certificate showed a healthy and eager group of young girls grinning happily. I am pretty sure most reading this are engaged in the pro-life struggle. If not, this sheet of paper that may or may not have arrived in your mailbox hopefully will have given you a nudge to join the battle. 

God bless,

Gary Frandsen

Grand Knight

June 2018 Bulletin: We Do Great Work...But We Need Your Support!

Lead article from the June 2018 bulletin, online now.

Hello, Knights,

It's been a very eventful year with all our annual events, plus, fundraisers, gaming, socials and such. Andy and I handed out twenty-four $750 scholarships at the high school on Wednesday evening, May 23. This is one of the great things we do for this community. 

I have decided to be your Grand Knight for a second year if you so choose. We will vote on candidates at the June meeting. They are as follows: Andy Sipple, Deputy Grand Knight, Donald Legatt, Financial Secretary; Erich Kunzman, Chancellor; Dave Miodus, Warden; Brian Beaudry, Treasurer; Jim Shovelain, Advocate; Jeff Eull, Recorder; Cory Sommer, Lecturer; Dan Lhotka, Inside Guard; and Gene Hackenmueller, Outside Guard. All directors will remain the same. 

One thing that we have noticed over the past few years is the increasing difficulty to fill our events with volunteers. Our Christmas tree lot has become a real issue. We actually considered eliminating it because of this. Losing this fundraising event would be very unfortunate as the parish youth would have to cut back their budget. I would like to appeal to the rank and file to read all correspondence from the KCs in general and our council 4174 in particular. Dan Lhotka has graciously agreed to head up a calling committee. Please consider joining this important group as we move forward in the 2018-2019 year.

I am going to ask those who head up our annual scheduled events to familiarize yourself with the KCs websites this year so you can order kits and turn in forms for your events. This will go a long way towards gaining our council the recognition it deserves. Our annual AFCD beer tent is almost here and we have many shifts to fill. Please click on the link below and sign up today. Let's have another great year! 

God bless,

Gary Frandsen

Grand Knight

January 2018 Bulletin: Holiday Concert

Lead article from the January 2018 bulletin, online now.

For the first time in a long time I was able to attend a holiday concert to watch and listen to my daughter sing. In previous years my job prevented me from getting there on time, if I could get there at all. I showed up an hour early this time to grab a great seat.

I found said seat and opened up the program and began to read: STMA High School proudly presents "High School Holiday Concert." My mostly under-control cynicism nerve was involuntarily activated,and I immediately started complaining about the secular public school dissing (disrespecting) Christmas and its true meaning. 

How cliché and predictable of me. I have no idea where Joseph Osowski or Brandon Berger are located in the spiritual and religious spectrum. In many ways that would be reason enough not to assume the program would be antithetical to the Christmas message. But go there I did. My doubts lasted about 10 seconds into the first bars of this magnificent performance.

As I mentioned, I have no idea if the producers of this event were Christian. I can, however, unequivocally claim with confidence piled high that Jesus Christ was not only in attendance, but indeed held the invisible baton and occupied the director's podium for this Christmas present to all who were in attendance. The traditional carols were delivered intermingled with witty arrangements of some classics, world premieres, and above all, music singing the praises of Jesus Christ. Indeed, music fit for the celebration of the Mass including the Angus Dei from William Albright's Chichester Mass. 

Our children's voices were pitch perfect (in my estimation) and quite professional in execution. The story of the first family and the birth of Christ never left the auditorium. I am quite sure Jesus was the one who locked up after the last had left.  We had starting Knights football players standing in front of the crowd to sing God's messages. Choir concerts have traveled a great distance from my high school days!  

For those of you that are worried about God's departure from the public school, go ahead and give your pillows an extra punch tonight and rest easy, because at least in our district, thanks to the wonderful work of Joseph Osowski, (Mr. "O"), Brandon Burger and a bunch of great kids, Jesus is alive and well.

God Bless,

Gary Frandsen

Grand Knight

Watch Brother Knight Steve Sustacek's recording of the STMA High School Holiday Concert.

November 2017 Bulletin: God’s Not Dead! He Is Surely Alive!

Lead article from the November 2017 bulletin, online now. Reminder: The November council meeting is moved to Thursday, Nov. 9!

OK, so in 1990 I ventured out of my indifference to embrace my higher power that was and is God almighty.  I left behind my irreligious, if not atheist, upbringing that stood at odds with that which was all around me.  I was no longer an agnostic; I was officially a believer.  What then to do?  It was much easier just to believe in God than to sort through all the organized manifestations of worship.

Because the beauty of my natural surroundings brought me to where I was, pantheism seemed the place where I stood.  I saw God everywhere!  Nature was God, and it left me underwhelmed.  It gave me little passion.  I could never bring myself to hug a tree.  Nature was awesome!  But God created nature.  I was much more likely to cut it down and have a fire.  My kids then came, and I remembered a commitment.  My wife Gina was Catholic, and Father Joe at St. Gerard's would only marry us if we agreed to raise our kids in the Catholic faith.

We started going to Mass and enrolled them in the parish school.  I found passion as I observed the way fathers and husbands led their families to Mass and conducted themselves.  I then realized and embraced the truth of Jesus Christ.  I went thru RCIA and was led into the water by Fr. Gregory Abbott at the Easter Vigil 2009, the same baptismal font my daughter Anna was baptized in five years earlier.  I then went through CRHP and joined the KCs. I became hyperactive with all things Catholic.  And then one day I was told it was my job to get my family to heaven.  What?!  Great, I was pretty sure I would not be allowed safe passage considering some things I left out of the introduction I just wrote.   Now I was faced with a heavy task, like three tons laid on my shoulders.  Just do good works, go to Mass and enroll them in the parish school? That was all I needed do, right?

All of a sudden it all seemed insufficient.  I worked 60 hours a week and only saw my wife and kids on weekends, which were also filled with doing "good works" and such.  Was I doing too much?  Was it getting in the way of my task?  It looked as if the train was going to derail.  Flash forward eight years or so, and I am now retired with two teenage girls and a wife who still needed me to help get them to heaven.

I now have more time. I also have much more to do.  I thought I could get it all in if I did not work.  What was I thinking?  I found myself losing ground to contemporary culture (they wanted to go to a movie about a homicidal clown bent on murdering kids) rather than a Christian one: smart phones, social media apps, pop song lyrics and teenage drama to beat the band!  The train is still clearly in danger of coming off the rails.  I sometimes search and long for signs of progress.  Some evidence that my duty is not left undone.  They are only going to be with us for five or six more years.  I spend much time worrying about it, praying on it, thinking about it and trying to unwrap its mysteries.

Recently, following some significant turbulence there was a time of peace and enjoyment on a family three-day outing in Rochester, where these signs came in at a pace I was not prepared for.  My daughters both made me aware upon arrival that we would need to plan for Mass.  We toured the city on foot, ate at expensive restaurants, laughed and had the most fun we have had in a long time.  Marina asked me if she could go with her friend to a Catholic youth retreat called Steubenville next summer.  Anna wanted to listen to Christian pop music the whole time there.  We walked our dogs in the park in between showing them in competition, and the girls worked together at the dog show.  It seemed too good to be true, but it was true.  An answer to my prayers?

We arrived home and my wife was at work and the kids were in school while I was chasing dust balls and dog hair bunnies with my "Shark" vacuum. When going by my little Anna's room I sent skidding across the room a piece of art that had been taped to her door and fallen.  It had been there since the third grade. The artwork read, "Gods Not Dead He Surely A Live," and it was a drawing of Anna, God, God's people, the sun and a roaring male lion, maybe representing  fathers trying to get their kids to heaven.

Was it a sign that the weekend had not been a fluke, that indeed the train to heaven was not derailed?  Had God himself caused the bonds to be loosed?  It was progress in my task to help get them where we all long to be.  God can do anything.  He can surely borrow a third-grader's illustration to bring his point home to a struggling servant on Earth.

God Bless.

Gary Frandsen

Grand Knight

March Bulletin: Father-Son/Father Daughter Events Successful!

From the March 2017 bulletin, online now.

Everyone had a great time at the Father-Son event and the Father-Daughter dance.  We had 60+ in attendance at the Father-Son day at the Monticello community center, swimming, rock climbing, shooting hoops and eating pizza.

It was wonderful watching 225+ handsome fathers and their beautiful daughters dancing and "bustin' some moves" at the Father-Daughter Dance at St Albert's Parish Center.  DJ Bill Lage spun the disks, and Michelle LeMonds snapped some great photos.  Donald Duck made an appearance and the well=dressed dancers snacked on goodies provided by the KCs. Special thanks to my wife Gina, and the Patton, Kunzman, and VanHoorik families for their help making these fantastic events happen.

God bless,

Gary Frandsen

Deputy Grand Knight

November 2016 Bulletin: Faith-Based Friendships

Lead article from the November 2016 bulletin, online now.

I’ve watched as my daughter has grown up and how some of her very best friends as a little girl have disappeared completely from her social circle.  It’s interesting because, with some, I could see the conflicting personalities at a young age while there are others who came as a surprise.  As she gets closer to leaving our home and venturing out on her own, my wife and I have some very interesting conversations on what advice we can still give to her.  The topic of friends came up recently, and it really got me thinking about the role they play in our lives.

As a kid your friendships are built around what you did in the past and what you are doing now.  You met your friend because you had something in common (you lived close, were in the same class, your parents knew each other, etc.).  These friendships can last for a long time but eventually if you don’t have the same outlook for the future those friendships start to dwindle.  When you start thinking about the person you want to be, we find that certain friends no longer have so much in common with us.  Personally I find it hard to maintain many of the friendships from my life prior to becoming a faithful man.  It’s nice to reconnect with an old friend and reminisce about the past, but it quickly becomes obvious that our friendship is only tied to the past, and we are more different then we are alike.  Those friendships never go away, but they aren’t the ones that drive you to be a better person.  The friendships you truly value are those that share the same values as you and help you be the person you want to be.  Those friends for me are the ones I’ve developed through the church.  We have different pasts and do different things in the present but we share the same ultimate goal in life.  That goal is to get ourselves and our families into Heaven.  These are friends I can ask for advice on anything and know that if I ever needed them they would be there to support me.  If life sent us to different ends of the world I know that those friendships would not go away.

So my advice to my daughter is to always maintain faith-based friendships no matter where life takes you.  Other friends are great and very important but those friendships created around your faith will always hold you up and never let you forget about your true goal in life.

God Bless, 

Joe VanHoorik

Grand Knight

January 2016 Bulletin: Little Sponges

Lead article from the January 2016 bulletin, online now.

As a father sometimes I wonder if my kids pay attention when I speak.  As much as I try to teach them how to be good people and strong Catholics, most of the time I feel like my words just go right past them without slowing down.  It's always reassuring when they surprise me by doing or saying something that supports my teachings.  I bring this up because there were a couple examples this month where my kids surprised me and it makes me think about how many other things I do and say (good and bad) are being absorbed by them without my knowledge.

One of my biggest challenges and frustrations is trying to get my kids to sit still and pay attention during mass.  Most times I just accept the fact that I cannot make them listen and just try to keep them upright and in the same pew.  But every once in a while when you least expect it they surprise you.  I went to mass with Avril this month and it was just the two of us.  Fr. Ellis was giving his homily and I noticed that she was looking down at her feet fidgeting not seeming to be paying attention at all.  Later that evening she was playing on the laptop and came up to show me a picture.  It was the photo “Burst of Joy”, which Fr Ellis had talked about during his homily.  It really surprised me because I thought she was completely disconnected while he was talking.

This month we also began working through the Jeff Cavins Gen2Rev program.  This is a new book that the Church is piloting with the 4th grade students.  It's basically a bible timeline for kids that is meant to get fathers to read the bible to their children for 10 min every day.  I committed to doing the 6 month program with Avril.  My plan was to try to get at least her and Owen (2nd Grade) to do this with me.  Honestly I was expecting some whining and complaining especially after the first couple times.  Not only have they not complained but they ask questions and really enjoy those 10 minutes of faith education.  It isn't just Avril and Owen that have come to enjoy that time, their older siblings have not missed an evening if they were home.  I am truly surprised how much these kids are interested in their faith.

Regardless of what they communicate back to us, these children are little sponges.  They pick up on things we say and do even when we don't think they are paying attention.  That is why it is our responsibility to lead by example as strong Catholic men.  How do you expect your children to be serious about their faith if you are not?  Remember, God is not the only one watching everything you do.

God Bless,
Joe VanHoorik
Grand Knight

2015 KC Soccer Challenge Set for Friday, Sept. 11

The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is returning to St. Michael! All boys and girls ages 9-14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2015 Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge. The event will be held on Friday September 11 at the STMA Middle School East soccer fields.

This competition is designed for players to demonstrate the most basic of soccer skills – the penalty kick. Each player will be take 15 shots at the goal from the penalty line that is 12 yards back. The goal is divided into 5 scoring zones with ropes as you can see in the image below. The upper corners are worth 20 points, the lower corners are worth 10 points, and the center is worth 5 points. The participant in each age category with the highest point total will be declared the winner.

 For more information, check out our flyer. If you are a brother Knight able to volunteer for this event, please sign up online.

Sign Up Now to Help with Albertville Friendly City Days, June 12-14

Greetings Knights!

The AFCD beer tent event is almost here, and we still have shifts available to fill. Please sign up to serve beer and visit with fellow Knights of Columbus. I am not absolutely sure, but I believe the Venerable Father Michael McGivney himself would have signed up for at least two shifts.

Shifts are Friday, June 12, 7-10 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, June 13, 1 to 4 p.m., 4 to 7 p.m., 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, June 14/15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

 Attention! New this year, we are in need of your energetic older kids (or younger, focused kids) who can shag softballs at the softball tournament next door sponsored by the KofC. Your kids would shag foul balls, erratic throwing errors, home-runs, etc., during the games. 

Please go to the online signup page and add your kids in the comments line for ball shagging duty. Any questions or to have me enter your name for a shift, call or email me and leave your shift preferences, along with your name and phone number. See you there and God bless! 

Your Chancellor,
Gary Frandsen

Upcoming Events: Soccer Challenge, Blood Drive

Knights of Columbus Council 4174 is sponsoring two community events in early September -- check out the details below and don't miss out!

KC Soccer Challenge

The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is returning to St. Michael and Albertville! All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition. The event will be held at the STMA Middle School East soccer fields on Friday, Sept. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 1 p.m. until all participants have kicked.  The event is being held on two dates again this year so that more kids have an opportunity to participate, and you can come to either session regardless of your age or gender!

• Check out our flyer for complete details.
• Contact Steve Sustacek at stevesustacek@yahoo.com with questions.

KC Blood Drive for Memorial Blood Centers

KC Council 4174 is hosting a community blood drive at St. Michael Catholic Church on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• To schedule your donation, go to the Memorial Blood Centers website and enter sponsor code 3912.
• For more information, contact Scott Fredrickson at scott.fredrickson@monticello.k12.mn.us.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: Eat Well for a Good Cause!

Council 4174 youth director Ivan Weber (far left) and
brother Knight Dan Dupay collect money at the
annual St. Michael Fall Festival German Dinner.

The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner at the St. Albert's Parish Center on Sunday, July 27, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to help Brother Knight and council youth director Ivan Weber address his need for a new van that will enable him to enter the vehicle and drive it from his motorized chair. Please join us if you can and make a donation. Those not able to attend fundraiser but who wish to donate can send a check made out to the Knights of Columbus to 10461 Karston Circle, Albertville MN 55301. Thank you and God bless.

Sign Up Now for the KC Tootsie Roll Fundraiser, April 26-27

Each year Council 4174 participates in the annual KC Tootsie Roll fundraiser weekend to raise money for people with developmental disabilities in our local communities. This year's fundraiser will be Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27. We are looking for Knights (and their children) to give out Tootsie Rolls and collect free-will donations after masses that weekend at both Albertville and St. Michael parishes. We will also have donation sites at Coborns in Albertville and Marketplace in St. Michael. We are looking for two Knights to collect donations for each two-hour shift at the grocery stores. This is a good time wear that blue council shirt and enjoy fellowship with a fellow Knight! Please sign up online today!

Busy Weekend: Rectory Fundraiser, Soccer Challenge This Saturday

Brother Knights examine the renderings for a new rectory at the
St. Michael Catholic Church Fall Festival last weekend.

This coming weekend is a busy one for Council 4174. Don't miss your chance to get involved!

This Saturday evening, St. Michael parishioners and anyone else who is interested is invited to join Council 4174 and the Marv Nissel Band at Neighbors Eatery and Saloon in Albertville for a special event to raise funds and awareness for the rectory project for Saint Michael Catholic Church. The project was announced at last weekend's parish Fall Festival and already is garnering strong support in terms of donated materials, expertise, and labor.

The band will play from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. -- no cover; freewill offerings will support the new rectory. Enjoy great polka music, food specials, and fun, and learn more about how you can help support a great cause: a much needed new home for our priests!

Also, a reminder: earlier on Saturday we have the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 14. All boys and girls ages 10-14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2013 Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge.  The local competition will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. at the St. Michael Middle School East soccer fields.  In the event of inclement weather a rain date has been set for Sunday, Sept. 15, at 1 p.m. at the same location. Knights and their children who are interested in volunteering can sign up online today!

Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14

The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is coming to St. Michael! All boys and girls ages 10-14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2013 Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge.  The local competition will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. at the St. Michael Middle School East soccer fields.  In the event of inclement weather a rain date has been set for Sunday, Sept. 15, at 1 p.m. at the same location.

This competition is designed for players to demonstrate the most basic of soccer skills – the penalty kick.  Each player will be take 15 shots at the goal from the penalty line that is 12 yards back.  The goal is divided into 5 scoring zones with ropes.  The upper corners are worth 20 points, the lower corners are worth 10 points, and the center is worth 5 points.  The participant in each age category with the highest point total will be declared the winner.

The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions.  International champions are announced by the Knights of Columbus international headquarters in New Haven, Conn., based on scores from the state-level competitions.  All boys and girls age 10 to 14  are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions.  All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event.  Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. 

• Download Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge information.
• Contact KC Council 4174 coordinator Steve Sustacek at stevesustacek@yahoo.com for more information.

The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.8 million members in over 14,000 local councils.  Last year, Knights donated 70 million volunteer hours and $154 million to charitable and benevolent causes, sponsoring projects to benefit their Church, communities, councils, Culture of Life, families and youth.

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ..."

Archbishop Nienstedt prays over Deacon Paul Shovelain.

Deacon Paul's first baptism...

Last Saturday, many of our council witnessed the ordination of one of our own. Paul Shovelain, son of our former Grand Knight and long-time Pro-Life Director Jim Shovelain, was ordained to the transitional deaconate along with six other young men at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. God willing, these seven will be ordained priests next year. Numerous families drove in from Albertville and St. Michael, along with countless family members, and even the elderly priest who baptized Paul decades earlier. In addition, among the Fourth-Degree Honor Guard escorting the seminarians, clergy, and the archbishop in were at least five local Knights. Paul has given so much of himself to St. Michael parish, the St. Michael and St. Albert youth groups, and the community. It was good to give him something back, in the form of our presence and our prayers.

On Sunday morning at the 10:30 mass, Deacon Paul baptized two infants and delivered a moving homily (below) about meeting and sharing Christ. He spoke without notes, with the earnestness and joy that every knows and loves in Paul.



Congratulations, brother -- may God continue to bless and guide you. Blessed Mother, pray for him!

Youth Support KCs; KCs Support Youth

Click to enlarge.

Youth from St. Michael and St. Albert parishes joined several Brother Knights to help measure, mark and display Christmas trees at the St. Michael Catholic School Saturday morning. The teens pitch in to help the Knights, who in turn donate the proceeds from Christmas tree sales to Catholic education, youth, and community activities. Many of the teens are working to raise money to attend Winter Blast, Extreme Faith Camp, and an upcoming pilgrimage to Rome. The KC Christmas Tree Lot opens the Friday after Thanksgiving through Sunday, Dec. 16 -- consider purchasing your tree from us this year and support our Catholic teens!

Volunteers Needed to Staff the Christmas Tree Lot

Despite the rain, approximately 20 Brother Knights and teens pitched in to deliver trees and set up the Knights of Columbus Christmas Tree Lot at St. Michael Catholic School on Saturday, Nov. 10. We will reconvene on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 8 a.m. to finish set-up.

The lot opens on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, and will be open daily through Dec. 16. We need men to take shifts selling and loading trees. Shifts are two to three hours long, and we have a heated warming house on site. This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, supporting Catholic education and youth programs -- so please give a little time and volunteer today!

You can sign up for shifts online or contact Council Director Jim Thorp at jthorp@kc4174.org.