https://tkofc.org RSS feeds for Texas KOFC State Council 60 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10420/Texas-State-Council-Celebrates-122-Years#Comments 0 https://tkofc.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=213&ModuleID=2144&ArticleID=10420 https://tkofc.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10420&PortalID=3&TabID=213 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10420/Texas-State-Council-Celebrates-122-Years History and Impact of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus The Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus is a branch of the Order of the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal and service organization of Catholic men with headquarters at New Haven, Connecticut. The order was founded at New Haven in 1882 under the leadership of a local priest, Father Michael J. McGivney. In founding it, McGivney sought to provide for its members insurance benefits, support in their Catholic faith, and an entry into American fraternalism. Working with second generation Irish Americans who still encountered bigotry directed against their religion and ethnicity, McGivney thought that a fraternity claiming Columbus as its patron would be a way of asserting the Americanism of its members. From the original San Salvador Council at New Haven other local councils, each headed by a grand knight and other officers, quickly spread around and beyond New England and included various ethnic groups. At the head structure was the Supreme Council, presided over by a supreme knight. Three degrees of membership, with the respective mottos of unity, charity, and fraternity, soon evolved. A fourth degree, patriotism, was established in 1900 and is considered the "visible" degree because its members are authorized to wear Columbian regalia at public ceremonies and other appropriate occasions. On February 28, 1907, the Southern Messenger reported that the first Texas showing had occurred that month in Dallas. By 1900 the order had crossed the Mississippi. The first local council in Texas was El Paso No. 638, founded on April 13, 1902. Its prime movers were James Clifford, who became its first grand knight, and his friend E. V. Berrien, a territorial delegate and organizer for the region. In the spring of 1903 Berrien and others chartered a Pullman car, the Tisonia, and made a tour of the state on which they helped to found councils at Dallas, Fort Worth, Galveston, and San Antonio. One followed at Houston in 1905. On the pattern of the order in other states, the Texas knights on May 13, 1904 established a state council headed by a state deputy. For years it lacked permanent headquarters. In 1953 a secretariat was established in rented quarters at Austin, where a headquarters building was constructed in the early 1960s. Another tier of the state structure is the district, a cluster of local councils assisted by a district deputy. In 1989 the Texas State Council was comprised of 436 local councils. It holds annual conventions at rotating sites. Local councils carry out many of their activities in conjunction with the state program. The Texas State Council has sponsored a number of major projects in addition to insurance. In its early days it was much occupied with fighting defamation and with educating the public about Catholicism in environments where it was often misunderstood. The rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the early 1920s added to the urgency of this effort. Related to this and to the order's longstanding aim of getting American Catholics accepted as fully American was the State Council's decision in the early 1920s to form a historical commission to oversee the publication of a history of Catholicism in Texas from its beginnings under the Spanish flag. Documents collected for that purpose grew into the Catholic Archives of Texas at Austin. This and other collections were used for the writing of the multivolume history, Our Catholic Heritage in Texas, of which Carlos E. Castañeda was the author and Paul J. Foik the editor. Its volumes were issued successively between 1936 and 1958. Higher education was another early interest of the TSC. A student loan fund, especially for the benefit of students at Catholic colleges in Texas, was initiated shortly after 1920 and continued for many years. It has been replaced by a program of scholarship that may be used at any college. TSC has also given substantial assistance to Catholic campus ministries at state universities. Patriotic causes figure largely in the history of the Texas Knights. In 1916 they initiated for soldiers on the Mexican border a program of canteens that expanded into a project of the order nationally during World War I. With their slogan, "Everybody welcome, everything free" the "huts" as the servicemen called them, became familiar around military camps at home and abroad. During World War II the Knights contributed to the USO. From the "Red Scare" through the Cold War they maintained a stout anti-Communist position. Their Columbus Day celebrations are traditionally patriotic as well as fraternal occasions. Youth and recreational projects have been important in the history of the TSC as well as in that of the order generally. TSC sponsors a junior branch of the order, the Columbian Squires. A free-throw tournament for youngsters as well as tournaments in golf, bowling, and softball are major annual events in the state recreational program. Since the early 1970s the religious education of the deaf has been TSC's main charity. In 1989, TSC was reported to have a membership of 58,200. In 1994 membership had increased to 64,000, and as of 2026 the TSC membership has almost doubled. Chad Sandwell Wed, 13 May 2026 13:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10420 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10419/Two-Texans-Among-First-Class-of-McGivney-Fellows#Comments 0 https://tkofc.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=213&ModuleID=2144&ArticleID=10419 https://tkofc.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10419&PortalID=3&TabID=213 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10419/Two-Texans-Among-First-Class-of-McGivney-Fellows The very first class of McGivney Fellows has officially graduated—men who have spent the past two years growing in faith, sharpening their leadership, and preparing to serve with purpose. Texas Knights, State Charity Director, Joe Jacobo and Charity Fundraising Chair Josh Gomez were among the first class. The McGivney Fellowship is a leadership formation experience designed for faithful, engaged Knights of Columbus who demonstrate both spiritual depth and leadership potential. This year’s graduating class represents what happens when spiritual depth meets real-world leadership. And this is just the beginning. Think you (or someone you know) might be called to something more? Applications are now open for the next cohort. Connect with the state deputy to start the conversation or learn more at kofc.org/mcgivneyfellowship Chad Sandwell Mon, 11 May 2026 14:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10419 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10417/Bryan-Council-1834-Awards-Scholarships#Comments 0 https://tkofc.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=213&ModuleID=2144&ArticleID=10417 https://tkofc.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10417&PortalID=3&TabID=213 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10417/Bryan-Council-1834-Awards-Scholarships At their May meeting, Council 1834 awarded three Bryan ISD seniors with college scholarships for $750 per year for each student, up to four consecutive years. They are: 1. Destaney Ellis - Bryan High School 2. Diana Perez- Rudder High School 3. Demontre Franklin - Mary Catherine Harris School 4. Stephen Zermeno - Bryan High School. The scholarship was formed in February 2011 by the Bryan Knights of Columbus #1834 in honor of Matthew Budzisz, a 2011 graduate of Bryan High School. Matt worked hard throughout his years in school struggling with learning disabilities. However, he graduated from high school and completed vocational classes. His family recognized the need to honor him and all students who overcome their challenges and succeed. With the donation and support of KC Council #1834, these students can continue their education through a 4-year college, a 2-year college, a vocational school, or a job training. Chad Sandwell Mon, 11 May 2026 13:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10417 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10418/Zapata-Council-9650-Welcomes-17-New-Knights#Comments 0 https://tkofc.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=213&ModuleID=2144&ArticleID=10418 https://tkofc.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10418&PortalID=3&TabID=213 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10418/Zapata-Council-9650-Welcomes-17-New-Knights Chad Sandwell Sun, 10 May 2026 13:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10418 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10322/Ultrasound-Campaign--Saving-Children-Mothers-Fathers#Comments 0 https://tkofc.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=213&ModuleID=2144&ArticleID=10322 https://tkofc.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10322&PortalID=3&TabID=213 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10322/Ultrasound-Campaign--Saving-Children-Mothers-Fathers One of the biggest evils of our time is abortion on demand and the misinformation that is provided to women (and men) in distress. Disseminating accurate information is critical to combat abortion. Pregnancy Resource Centers are the first line of defense in providing proper information about what is actually growing inside the mother's womb. One of the most effective ways of showing the truth is through an ultrasound. More than 90% of women change their mind about having an abortion after they see the beating of their child's heart. The Knights of Columbus St. Basil Council 4204 launched the Ultrasound Initiative in our home parish, St. Theresa's in Sugar Land, TX. The outpouring of love and support from our Parishioners and other organizations was so overwhelming that we collected nearly $27,000 and were able to fund two ultrasound machines. In August 2025, the first machine was installed in a mobile unit operated by the Waller Pregnancy Care Center in Waller, TX to service the local college, high schools, and the surrounding underserved communities. In December 2025, the second was placed at the Pregnancy Resource Center East in Highlands, TX. So how did we accomplish this? First, by prayer. Then, we had to reach the hearts of Parishioners and Parish Ministries to help them understand this is a Parish campaign and they have a direct stake in the outcome of this program. Thirteen ministries took turns collecting donations after each Mass on the first weekend of each month. Chairman Dennis Mattli came up with the idea to “Shake the Can” to collect the donations. We also created a donation QR code placed on yard signs and flyers. We reached our goal within five months for our half of the first ultrasound. Even though the campaign ended, funds continued pouring in to fund a second ultrasound machine. Our community was fully engaged – heart and soul! These two ultrasound machines will save thousands of babies' lives and will protect mothers and fathers from a lifetime of regret. It is a blessing to know that we are surrounded by a community of Christians who not only pray but also act with love and generosity out of concern for others. As our Lord said in Matt. 25:40, "... Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." And there is nothing more "least" than a defenseless baby in their Mother's womb. William Griffith Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:16:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10322 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9967/Brother-Knight-and-Council-13927-Chaplain-Fr-Thomas-Reitmeyer-Appointed-Vicar-General-of-Austin#Comments 0 https://tkofc.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=213&ModuleID=2144&ArticleID=9967 https://tkofc.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9967&PortalID=3&TabID=213 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9967/Brother-Knight-and-Council-13927-Chaplain-Fr-Thomas-Reitmeyer-Appointed-Vicar-General-of-Austin The Diocese of Austin has announced the appointment of Very Rev. Thomas J. Reitmeyer, J.C.L., as Vicar General effective January 12, 2026. Ordained in 2015 and having recently celebrated his 10-year ordination anniversary, Fr. Reitmeyer serves as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and as Chaplain of Council 13927. A Knight of Columbus since 2008, he has helped guide the council to become one of the fastest-growing in the State of Texas. During Fraternal Year 2025, Council 13927 ranked #1 in the Diocese of Austin for quota percentage, reflecting strong membership growth and engagement fostered by his steady support of the council’s mission to serve the parish and wider community. Founded in 2005 by Bishop Daniel E. Garcia while he was pastor, the council remains especially blessed to be home to Diocesan leadership. Fr. Reitmeyer will be deeply missed as both pastor and chaplain, and the faithful of St. Vincent de Paul Parish and Council 13927 join in celebrating his appointment while offering prayers for him, and for the Parish and Council as they await their next Pastor and Chaplain. The Knights of Columbus in Texas congratulate Fr. Reitmeyer on his appointment and ask Brother Knights to keep him in their prayers as he continues to serve the Church in his new expanded capacity. For more information and full details, see the Diocese of Austin announcement: 👉 https://www.austindiocese.org/news/very-rev-reitmeyer-appointed-vicar-general William Griffith Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9967 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9803/Hunters-Night-Out-awards-75000-to-Charities#Comments 0 https://tkofc.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=213&ModuleID=2144&ArticleID=9803 https://tkofc.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9803&PortalID=3&TabID=213 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9803/Hunters-Night-Out-awards-75000-to-Charities The Wimberley Knights of Columbus, Council 9151, celebrated their 22nd Annual Hunters Night Out (HNO) Saturday evening October 18 by awarding $75,000 to 20 local charities and organizations. Over 1,200 people attended the event to help make this the most successful HNO ever. A mouthwatering Bar-B-Que Dinner was prepared by award winning BBQ Cooks, also Knights, and served to the attendees along with delicious desserts donated by St. Mary’s Ladies Guild and Lady Knights. “The Knights of Columbus are committed to Hunters Night Out because this annual fundraiser allows the Knights to give back to the community. Through the generous support of this community and our HNO Sponsors we are able to channel our award grants to worthy charities to help improve our community.“ said Chris Oddo. The Highlights of the Live Auction featured two African Safaris and an after-hours special tour of the Alamo. Additionally, weekend getaways, golf equipment, a golf weekend, puppies, longhorn cattle, hunting and fishing trips, plus a Hawaii vacation all helped to raise money for local charities. Not to be outdone, the 22 Bucket Raffle items and the Silent Auction items generated significant revenue. Each admission ticket qualified the purchaser for a chance to win one of 30 guns raffled off at HNO with the proceeds going to local nonprofits and scholarships. The Hunters Night Out evening opened with local singer Ashton Naylor singing and leading the National Anthem as the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard presented our National Flag. Over 1,200 guests joined the Knights “Under the Big Tent,” on St. Mary’s parking lot. The event provided an evening for old and new friends to gather and enjoy a fun filled evening crowned by another beautiful Texas sunset. The Knights thank Wimberley, and their HNO Supporters for helping them have another successful event. This year the Knights Council 9151 contributed over $75,000 to 20 local nonprofit organizations with more endowments and emergency funding to come. These gifted funds were raised through the generosity and contributions of HNO Sponsors, local community supporters, friends, members, and spouses of the Wimberley Knights of Columbus. To date, through the Annual Hunters Night Out, the Knights have raised and contributed back to the community over $1.7 million. ### William Griffith Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9803 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9793/Father-McGivneys-Legacy-of-Care#Comments 0 https://tkofc.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=213&ModuleID=2144&ArticleID=9793 https://tkofc.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9793&PortalID=3&TabID=213 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9793/Father-McGivneys-Legacy-of-Care Father McGivney's Legacy of Care continues on across the world. Sadly one of our Brother Knights in Texas passed away unexpectedly in 2023. His dedication to his family, his community, his Council and his Parish were recently documented by Supreme. Please see the video below. William Griffith Wed, 26 Nov 2025 02:09:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9793 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9190/The-Time-is-Now#Comments 0 https://tkofc.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=213&ModuleID=2144&ArticleID=9190 https://tkofc.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9190&PortalID=3&TabID=213 https://tkofc.org/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9190/The-Time-is-Now   The Time is Now! William Griffith Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9190