When State Deputy Ron Alonzo and Diocesan Deputy Michael Courtney challenged councils across the state to get off to a fast start, Council 6065 of Plano, Texas answered the call. Through the first half of the fraternal year, the council has demonstrated exceptional momentum across membership growth, charitable impact, and service programming.
Council 6065 has truly been firing on all cylinders.
By November 30, the council had already completed five Combined Unity and Fraternity (CUF) degrees, three conducted in Spanish and two in English, reflecting both growth and inclusivity. During that same period, 33 new members were welcomed into the Order — a number that rose to 37 by December 31. This performance placed Council 6065 first in Texas for new member intake, achieving 220% of quota by the end of November and climbing to 247% by year’s end.
That success extended beyond state lines. In the Knights of Columbus Fishers of Men Contest, Council 6065 earned second place for total gains and intake across the Great Plains Territory, a region stretching from Texas through central North America to Manitoba, Canada. The council also ranked among the top ten councils for percentage of quota.
Beyond membership growth, the council has completed a number of key administrative and fraternal milestones. Council 6065 has already fulfilled the requirements for the Founders Award, completing two Fraternal Benefit Events with 17 unique members or member-eligible participants. All required directors are fully compliant with Safe Environment standards, and the council is eligible for the Charity Quick Start Award, having paid its charity obligation early along with all per capita invoices. Required forms have also been submitted ahead of schedule.
Council 6065’s service programming reflects a balanced commitment across all four program categories.
In the area of Faith, the council has been regularly hosting COR meetings in both English and Spanish at St. Mark’s, an effort that has helped generate interest and support recruitment. Corporate Communions have been conducted, and the council sponsors and operates the Building the Domestic Church Kiosk at St. Mark. In addition, Council 6065 is currently sponsoring six seminarians through the RSVP program.
The council’s Community initiatives have had a particularly far-reaching impact. A recent Wheelchair Drive raised over $55,000, funding 368 wheelchairs and assisting 3,681 individuals, including recipients’ friends and family. Building on that effort, council volunteers plan to travel to Mexico in May to assist with wheelchair deliveries. The council also hosted a Bingo event, raising more than $7,000 for veterans’ causes, and provided volunteers at the Plano Balloon Festival, netting over $4,000 for charity through glow stick sales. Council 6065 additionally sponsored the 62nd annual KofC Bob Stras Memorial Tournament for Dallas-area high schools.
Family-focused programming has remained a priority as well. The council has recognized Families of the Month, attended a minor league baseball game, hosted monthly family-friendly bowling events, and continues to support Food for Families by sponsoring and staffing monthly food truck distributions.
In support of Life, Council 6065 sponsored and participated in the Hike for Life in October, conducted a golf tournament raising over $8,000 for Bella House and other pro-life causes, and hosted a Bishop’s Pro-Life Mass on October 11 at St. Mark the Evangelist in Plano. The council also supported Our Lady of Guadalupe activities in December.
This strong first-half performance is a testament to the leadership of Father Jason Cargo, Grand Knight Oscar Sanchez, Financial Secretary Frank Miville, the council officers, and the dedicated members of Council 6065. Through their collective efforts, the council continues to bring men back to the Church, to Christ, and to serve others in His name.
Keep up the great work. Vivat Jesus!