DC Knights of Columbus Charities Awards $5,400 in Grants to Nine Parish Food Pantries Across Washington, DC

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC — The District of Columbia Knights of Columbus Charities announced the distribution of $5,400 in direct grants to nine parish-based food pantries across the city, supporting the urgent needs of families facing heightened food insecurity during a challenging moment for the nation’s capital.


In the wake of the recent federal government shutdown, many Washington-area households experienced sudden financial strain, tightening budgets and increasing demand on local parish food programs. With the holiday season underway and community needs continuing to rise, these grants will help ensure that parishes can keep their food pantry shelves stocked and continue their essential outreach to our neighbors in need.


“Washington is home to thousands of working families whose lives were disrupted during the shutdown,” said Chris Pierno, President, DC Knights of Columbus Charities. “Our parish food pantries continue to see a clear and immediate spike in need this holiday season. As Knights, part of our mission is to respond quickly and compassionately wherever families are hurting – and this support reflects that commitment.”


Founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael McGivney, the Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization, dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. In the District of Columbia, the DC Knights provide direct support to parishes, schools, families, and community partners through grants, volunteer service, and emergency assistance.


These grants were awarded through the Food for Families project, which provides ongoing financial and material support for parish food pantries serving vulnerable communities throughout the city. Community members wishing to support the Food for Families project can contribute at: charities.dcknights.org/food-for-families.

Media Contact: Chris Pierno
Email: [email protected]
Website: charities.dcknights.org

High Performers Awarded

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At the DC State Council’s meeting on November 6th, 2023, several high performing councils and District Deputies were presented with awards from the Supreme Council in recognition of their work last fraternal year.

Catholic University Council #9542 was presented with the Contest of Champions Award for highest membership gain in the jurisdiction for the 2022-2023 fraternal year. San Oscar Romero Council #15795 was presented with the Contest of Champions Award for the highest percentage membership gain in the jurisdiction for the 2022-2023 fraternal year.

Both of these councils worked hard to grow the order in the District of Columbia, contributing to the jurisdiction achieving the Supreme Knight’s Circle of Honor for 2022-2023.

In addition, District Deputy #4, Joseph Arbie, was awarded the 2022-2023 Star District Award for his district recognizing its overall membership gain, fraternal benefit night engagement, and program engagement.

Finally, Washington Council #224 was presented with a 2022-2023 Star Council award, the highest honor for a council in a fraternal year, in recognition of their achievements in membership growth and program engagement.

Congratulations to all!

2023 Supreme Convention

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This past August, the DC Knights of Columbus were well represented at the 2023 Supreme Convention in Orlando, FL. The annual event brings together brother knights and their families from all around the world. Here are some highlights from the Convention!

“Pope Francis has said ‘every Christian is a missionary’. This must include all 2 million Knights of Columbus.”

SUPREME KNIGHT PATRICK KELLY

Today, our mission is more urgent than ever.

We are men on a mission
Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ leads us to action. We lead with faith; then are driven to charity. Cor is a regular gathering of Catholic men designed to help men grow, live and boldly share their faith. All councils are encouraged to make this program a priority and invite all men of your parish to join.


We are growing
Over the past year, we have grown to more than 2,084,000 members around the world, spread across 16,672 councils. Members donated more than $185 million and 49.9 million hours of volunteer service to worthy causes in our last fraternal year.


Leaders for life
Knights stand firmly in support of life. We stand tall behind what we’ve done in support of the movement. There is much more to do.


We are Knights of the Eucharist
Recognizing the Real Presence of our Lord and Savior in the Holy Eucharist transforms lives. Now more than ever, Knights are needed to point the way to Christ. In a world beset by division, anxiety, vice and addictions, people need faith, hope and
charity—each one of us needs a relationship with Jesus Christ.


Financially strong, committed to charity
Financial solutions are among the original signs of our charity. This includes access to insurance, investments and philanthropic products and services for eligible members, individuals and institutions.

Learn more about the 2023 Supreme Convention by clicking here.

“To be Good Samaritans”

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“To be Good Samaritans” is the theme of the administration of our State Deputy, Chris Pierno. It offers us an opportunity to look always further beyond self. Consider the story of the “Good Samaritan” (Lk. 10:25-37).  Jesus presents his listeners with a story that was shocking to their ears. The people prior to the Samaritan should have been the ones who stopped. The first was a priest, one who sacrificed in the Temple. He would be considered close to the Lord but did not see the connection between his sacrifice and caring for the person who was robbed and left on the side of the road. The second was a Levite, one of those that was set aside to serve the priests. Levites were seen as holy and close to the Lord. Yes, as with the priest, he “walks by on the opposite side.”

Samaritans were not considered faithful believers in the Lord. Their beliefs differed from Jewish belief. Faithful Jews would avoid going into Samaritan territory and considered them for lack of a better term, heretics. Yet, Jesus puts the Samaritan at the center of the story as the one who takes care of the robbed and wounded man. He bandages him carefully, takes him to an inn, and pays for a place for him to recover. People of faith of Jesus’s time would have found this scandalous to hear. Yet, the story was told to show that love of neighbor cannot be conditional. Our charity needs to be full and complete, especially as Knights.

Pope Francis offers us a reflection, an examination of conscience of sorts, especially as we Knights in the District of Columbia begin another fraternal year.

“It is remarkable how the various characters in the story change, once confronted by the painful sight of the poor man on the roadside. The distinctions between Judean and Samaritan, priest and merchant, fade into insignificance. Now there are only two kinds of people: those who care for someone who is hurting and those who pass by; those who bend down to help and those who look the other way and hurry off. Here, all our distinctions, labels and masks fall away: it is the moment of truth. Will we bend down to touch and heal the wounds of others? Will we bend down and help another to get up? This is today’s challenge, and we should not be afraid to face it. In moments of crisis, decisions become urgent. It could be said that, here and now, anyone who is neither a robber nor a passer-by is either injured himself or bearing an injured person on his shoulders” (Fratelli Tutti, 70).

May we always bear injured people on our shoulders, showing unconditional love of neighbor by being Good Samaritans.

Vivat Jesus!

Fr. Frank

Blessed Michael McGivney – pray for us!

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by Fr. Gary Studniewski, Associate State Chaplain

On this first feast day of Blessed Michael McGivney all Knights of Columbus are thankful to Almighty God for the heroic virtues of our founder and the inspired principles that he used to ground our worldwide order, especially unity and charity.

Father McGivney’s life (38 years) and priestly ministry (12 Years) mirrored that of our Lord Jesus, not only in its brevity, but in its import for building the Kingdom of God.  Jesus prayed that “all may be one” in the unity of the Godhead, and he gave us the universal precept of charity as the Church’s lodestar.  Father McGivney instituted our order with the same principles of unity and charity that still expands the hearts of millions of Knights and enlarges our vision for the good of the world.  Now that is a legacy!

With all of you, I am so proud to be a Catholic and a Knight, dedicated to the divinely commissioned work of building the Kingdom of God.  That Kingdom must be inclusive of all of God’s children.  The Church encompasses men of every nation, race, and culture.  And the Knights of Columbus is ordered to do the same.  Just look at the marvelous unity in diversity of the Knights of Columbus in the District of Columbia!  We are men of different races, economic, educational, and social backgrounds.  Yet, together, we manifest a unity and a fraternity that transcends our individual stations.  We bond together, as brothers in the Lord, to fulfill the sacred obligation of our founder, charity.

Knights of Columbus are such a force for good in the world, as our District Knights are for the good of our local community.  Father McGivney, modelling Christ, dedicated himself to touching the lives of those who needed a helping hand.  We continue his legacy.  Our unity, our fraternity, is ordered to this end—to offer ourselves in service to the Church in expanding the Kingdom where all are welcome, and all are cared for.

On this feast day of Blessed McGivney, we ask for his intercession, that we may be worthy Knights that expand, not only his legacy, but the mission of our Savior, to reach out to souls for inclusion in the Kingdom of God.

Pray for us, Blessed Michael McGivney, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha – a model for our times

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by Fr. Henry Sands, Associate State Chaplain

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha made a heroic decision to respond to God’s call to live a devout Christian life through her trials and deep suffering—epidemic disease, tensions and fighting among warring Indian tribes, and the severe persecution of her faith.

Even though she lost her family, her eyesight, her physical beauty, her good health, and her village, she used all of these extremely difficult personal circumstances to cultivate a life of deep prayer and sanctity.

She is a model for our own times in that she shows us how, with faith in Christ, we can persevere no matter what personal calamities, social unrest, or religious persecution may come to us. St. Kateri overcame every obstacle by submitting herself entirely to Jesus Christ.  She is also a model for young people who are striving to live a holy and chaste life, especially without the guidance of parents.

Pope St. John Paul II, at her beatification, called St. Kateri God’s “bountiful gift” to His Church and a “sweet, frail yet strong figure of a young woman.”  It is said that St. Kateri’s last words were, “Jesos Konoronkwa,” which translates, “Jesus, I love you.”

At her canonization Mass, Pope Benedict XVI remarked on the miracle of grace in her life, how she rose to such a height of sanctity despite the circumstances of her upbringing, which would otherwise have been detrimental to the fostering of a Christian vocation.

“Kateri impresses us by the action of grace in her life in spite of the absence of external help and by the courage of her vocation, so unusual in her culture. In her, faith and culture enrich each other! May her example help us to live where we are, loving Jesus without denying who we are, Saint Kateri, Protectress of Canada and the first Native American saint, we entrust to you the renewal of the faith in the First Nations and in all of North America! May God bless the First Nations!”

St. Kateri is the patron saint of the ecology and the environment, orphans, Native Americans, and people ridiculed for their piety. 

This article has been updated and was originally published in January 2013. © The Catholic Company

July Message from the State Deputy

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Let me take this opportunity as we move steadfast into the beginning of the fraternal year to invite you to take part in two tasks that lie before us. As life continues to evolve and emerge from the long, but necessary, restrictions that were placed on us over the last year and half, we may find ourselves with the opportunity to see and interact with more people. As Knights and as Catholic families, we have an intrinsic obligation to offer a helping hand, an open door, and a friendly smile to our neighbor wherever we can.

This is most especially true when it comes to welcoming our brothers and sisters back to Mass at our local parishes. This is the first task that I ask you to consider – please work with your councils to help your parishes in welcoming the faithful back to Church. This may take the form of volunteering to be greeters or ushers, or perhaps your council can offer to put on a social event after Mass, even more so maybe your council can work with your parish to make phone calls inviting parishioners back. The Knights of Columbus has developed the COVID Recovery Plan which outlines the different ways a council can re-energize and re-invigorate not only your councils, but also your parishes.

The second task I would ask you to consider is to invite one man in your social circle, your family, your workplace, your parish, or your local community to join the Knights of Columbus. You know the difference that membership can make in someone’s life – share with them your story. We must offer the opportunity to be more than a man – to be Knight – to every eligible man that we know. Not because we must meet a recruitment goal, but because this is our mission – the mission of our founder, Blessed Michael McGivney – a mission needed now more than ever. We cannot continue with business as usual.

Our Supreme Chaplain, Archbishop Lori, commented at the Organizational Meeting of State Deputies that these are perfect times to ask: “What would Blessed Michael McGivney do?” He would not give in to discouragement, defeat, or weariness, and he would not quit even in the face of criticisms from his peers – so too we must never quit in trying to advance the mission of the Knights of Columbus. Let us be innovative, inviting, and serve our communities with integrity now and well into the future.

Fraternally Yours in Christ,

Chris

A New Fraternal Year…

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My Brother Knights and Families,

I am humbled to be addressing you for the first time as the State Deputy of the District of Columbia. My sincere thanks go to the state officers and grand knights for placing your trust in me, and in my family, to lead the jurisdiction over the next year. I know that I speak on behalf of all the state officers, district deputies, and staff, that we are looking forward to collaborating with all of you to make a difference in our communities, strengthen our parishes and college campuses, and leave no neighbor behind.

As we enter the summer months, we are blessed to be moving out of the pandemic and in many ways moving closer to business as usual. While we must remain vigilant to curtail the spread of COVID and ensure the safety of our families, there is an opportunity for us to begin to emerge stronger and more vibrant than before. I encourage you, as Knights of Columbus, to take this opportunity by the horns and not only re-engage with your council, but also with your parish and local community. We must be there to offer a hand to those who need it most – we must be Good Samaritans.

Please know of my prayers and well wishes for a successful start to the fraternal year. You will be hearing from the State Council regularly as we implement programs and events designed to inspire, empower, and encourage you to be the best Knights you can be. I know that we are all busy, however, we must make the time for something – and I ask you make the time this summer for the DC Knights of Columbus.
Vivat Jesus!

Fraternally in Christ,

Chris Pierno

State Deputy

122nd DC State Convention: Election Results and Awards

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This past weekend, on April 24th and 25th, the DC State Council held its annual convention. At this annual convention, new state officers are elected, reports presented to delegates, and awards are distributed. Taking place both at the Church of the Nativity in Washington, DC and virtually through the use of Zoom, the convention began with Mass celebated by State Chaplain and Pastor of Nativity, Rev. Pawel Sass. After Mass, delegated gathered to conduct the business session of the convention.

During the business session, the following State Officers were elected to one-year terms:

  • State Deputy-elect: Christopher Pierno, FDD, PGK
  • State Secretary-elect: Le N. Nguyen, FDD, PGK, PFN
  • State Treasurer-elect: M. Fred “Jazz” Armstrong, FN, FDD, PGK
  • State Advocate-elect: Nicholas S.C. Shields, FDD, PGK
  • State Warden-elect: Joshua R. Bryant, FDD, PGK

Several awards were also announced and distributed for council programs and individual recognitions:

  • Faith: The Catholic University of America 9542 – Monday (K)night Rosary, Mass, and Donut Social
  • Family: Potomac Council 433 – Food for Families Food Drives
  • Community: Blessed Tansi Council 11496 – Charity Works Beyond our Shores
  • Life: Washington Council 224 – Pregnancy Center Support
  • Leave No Neighbor Behind: Shrine Council 4944 – Providing Thanksgiving Baskets for Needy Parish Families
  • Family of the Year: SK Chidi & Dr. Jovita Amuzie of Blessed Tansi Council 11496
  • District Deputy of the Year: Ryan Mulvey, District Deputy #3
  • Knight of the Year: Alex Cranstoun, DD, PGK

DC Knights of Columbus Announce Scholarship Winners

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DC Knights of Columbus Charities, the charitable arm of the District of Columbia Knights of Columbus State Council, is pleased to announce the winners of the three (3) $500 scholarships for 8th grade students going into 9th grade or current students in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grades moving into the next level. Applicants must be residents of the District of Columbia and be attending, or will attend, a private Catholic secondary school.

Each year, an application is offered to local schools and parishes through our local councils for students to apply. For the 2021-2022 school year the following students have been announced as winners:

  • Anthony Cole Diallo
  • Harrington Frank Mirkow
  • Frederico Alexandro Simmons

Congratulations to these students and thank you to all of the students who applied! The DC Knights of Columbus are proud of all the students throughout the community to are working to better their communities and serve their neighbors. Funds to provide these scholarships come from the annual “Columbus Classic” – our charity golf tournament. Learn more about this, other special charitable initiatives, and donate to these programs here: https://charities.dcknights.org/scholarships/