Programs
The Knights of Columbus, initiated in 1882 by Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney, has remained successful and sustainable due to our Brother Knight’s Fraternal Council Programs. This year’s program’s focus is to enhance the blessed acts of service that bring sustainability to our Order.
Supreme has outlined and suggested programs for the Councils to follow, but the available programs are only limited by the depth of the Council members innovative, faith based, fraternal driven imagination. Supreme has Faith in Action, which is the driving force of our council programs.
We ask that at the conclusion of each program a council conducts, that you fill out Form
10784. This is the Fraternal Activity Report, this completed form helps not only the Texas State Council, but Supreme to keep track of hours and dollars donated to various events that we support. This accounting is required by the IRS.
Men join the Knights to help others. Programs enable Knights to serve. Strong programs run by councils, aid in the recruitment of new members - - MEN ARE DRAWN TO
PROGRAMS THAT ENABLE THE BROTHER TO SERVE AND HELP OTHERS. Men want
to be part of something bigger than themselves. If they see local councils running strong programs, that could be the driving force for their decision to be a part of our great Order.
Faith In Action
This is the guide we use to engage our councils in service to Faith, Family, Life and our Community. The following is a list of programs under the umbrella of Faith in Action:
There is a lot of information on all these programs. The Knights of Columbus website is a wonderful resource to find all the information you are looking for with regards to the Faith In Action Programs. You can use the web address to get what you need. www.kofc.com/what-we-do/programs/
We have assembled a great team for your councils to reach their goals of serving their faith, families and communities.
Culture of Life Chairman – Dr. George Brooks
Dr. Brooks will lead the Ultrasound Initiative as well as be a resource on all things Culture of Life. If your council is interested in purchasing an Ultrasound Machine, please reach out to Dr. Brooks.
ASAP Chairman – Greg Dutchover
Greg will be helping councils coordinate efforts to find an approved resource center in their area that we can donate to. He will also help make sure councils get the funds available to them for their donations.
RSVP Chairman – Ricky Solice
Ricky will be working with each diocese across the state to make sure each and every seminarian is supported by a council in Texas. Ricky will also make sure that councils are taking advantage of the refunds available to them because of their donations. If you are interested in helping a seminarian this fraternal year and have questions, Ricky is your guy.
Program Icon/Silver Rose Chairman – Freddy Rodriguez
Freddy will be on top of the Silver Rose journey across the state. He will also be coordinating with the Diocesan Deputies when the rose will be going through their areas so councils can plan to host the Silver Rose in their parishes. He will also lead the effort to make sure each council has an opportunity to host the icon this year.
Pro Life/ ACE Wings Chairman – Hector Gutierrez
Hector has run this effort for the last two years. ACE Wings stand for Pro Life without Apology, without Compromise and without Exception. This is a call to all Knights to help create that Culture of Life in the state of Texas. This is done in several ways. Please reach out to Hector for help with this. We are here to serve you and make Texas the most Pro-Life State in the country.
ACE Wings resources can be found at: Ace Wings Resources
Coats For Kids Co-Chairmen – Leo Saenz and Tom Krueger
This year we are going to make a big push across the State of Texas. We want to be able to provide as many coats for kids across the state who need one as the colder months settle in. There is a lot that goes into this and if your council is going to participate, we ask that you reach out to these gentlemen so that we can get the right number of coats that you would need.
Veterans Affairs Chairman – Lupe “Rod” Rodriguez
The Veterans play a significant role within our Order, not only have they played a role in preserving our country’s freedom and our way of life, but they also bring attributes that are reflective of their military training, like service to country and community. The question is, what are we doing for our veterans? Are we actively recruiting more veterans and are we guiding them as they join our councils?
When we invite the veterans to join our councils, we gain members with exceptional attributes that they have acquired through their military training, such as leadership, sense of service, teamwork, high moral and ethical values, discipline, and initiative. Veterans followed through on all activities, enhanced by their cross-functional skills. Should you have questions about things you can do for the Veterans in your council or your community, reach out.
Football Frenzy Chairman – Willie Balerio
Football Frenzy is the only fundraiser conducted by the Texas State Council. Here are the reasons why your participation is important:
Supporting this fundraiser helps the Texas State Council avoid increasing your council’s state per capita assessment.
Texas holds the title of the largest jurisdiction in the United States and manages an extensive budget.
Texas State Council employs 3 full-time staff members who assist State Officers, Directors, Chairmen, Committeemen, Diocesan Deputies, District Deputies and over 125,000 members throughout the state.
Texas State Council organizes multiple meetings annually, including the annual State Convention.
Funding for this program enables the Texas State Council to secure top-notch venues, ensuring you have the best experience.
This fundraiser is open to the public. You don’t need to be a member to buy tickets. Please make sure they enter the Knights name and council number in the designated fields. Here are the incentives for this year’s program:
We look for huge participation from all our councils this year. Please reach out to Willie or his team if you have any questions. His team is listed below:
Tony Butera - Archdiocese Galveston/Houston, Beaumont, Victoria
Jimmy Hernandez - Austin, El Paso, Lubbock
Frederick Garcia - Ft. Worth, San Angelo, Amarillo
Wilie Balerio - Dallas, Corpus Christi, Tyler
Ray Mendoza - Archdiocese San Antonio, Brownsville, Laredo
State Athletics
The Texas State Council hosts several events throughout the year, and we invite all the Knights across the state to participate. We host each year a state golf tournament, a state bowling tournament, a state cornhole tournament and for the kids we host the state free throw contest, and new this year we are planning a State Soccer Challenge. These events could not go on without their respective chairmen. If you would like to participate or volunteer for one of these events, the Chairs are listed below.
State Golf Tournament – Ricky Meyer
State Bowling Tournament – Michael Cook
State Cornhole Tournament – James Halfmann
State Free Throw Contest – Jesse Aguilar
State Soccer Challenge – Juan Carlos Sanchez
On behalf of the entire Program Team, I would like to wish each and everyone of you great success in the coming Fraternal Year. If you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or anyone on my team. It will be an honor to serve as your State Program Director.
Vivat Jesus!
Chad M. Sandwell
Programs Director
chadsandwell@gmail.com