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Knights of ColumbusKnightly News
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May 15, 2022
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Planning for Retirement?
The Knights of Columbus can help!
Join us for an informative webinar as the Order hosts "Retirement Planning in a Changing Landscape," featuring Mr. Ed Slott, America's IRA Expert. Whether your retirement is near or years away, it’s never too early to plan ahead. To register, please click on the date of the session you'd like to attend.The Texas sessions are set for May 26 & June 23.
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Sessions in May & JuneTimes Posted in Central Time
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May 8, 2022
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Our Council Shines Brightly!
What a week for Council 10776! We welcomed our newest member, Richard Gaunt, into the Council. We celebrated our first in-person business meeting in two years on Wednesday evening with 15 Knights present. We gathered over delicious pizza provided by the St. Austin staff – thank you! To top off the evening, District Deputy Pat Ortiz presented us with a plaque naming St. Austin Knights a Star Council. The award from our Supreme Officers recognizes the many activities we undertook in 2020 - 21 to realize our founder's mission for the organization rooted in the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity.
Since 1882 when first organized by Father Michael J. McGivney, Knights are men from every stage of life striving to be servant leaders in their communities. Want to be part of our winning council? We'd welcome you into our midst! We hope five new members will join us this year. Join online for FREE until June 30, 2022. Contact Paul Lewis at plewis5340@sbcglobal.net with any questions. Find additional information and the opportunity to become a member online at
Knights of Columbus
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April 7, 2022
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Good Friday, April 15
Bring your family to celebrate the Good Friday Liturgy of Our Lord’s Passion. Good Friday has a central role in the heart of Christianity yet attendance at services remains low. As one of its Faith In Action programs, the Knights of Columbus conducts the Good Friday Family Promotion. Its purpose is to foster a more robust practice and better understanding of our Catholic faith and the Triduum. We do this by encouraging greater attendance at Good Friday services. Setting an example for our community, Knights will attend Good Friday services with their families. Whether in person or virtually, please join us on Good Friday!
By Your holy cross,
You have redeemed the world.
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April 3, 2022
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Many Thanks
The Knights wish to thank the many loyal parishioners for their support of our first-ever Fish Fry! We were busy Thursday and Friday prepping, cooking and delivering over 75 orders. We hope you enjoyed this classic
K of C Lenten meal!
Just as we tried something new this week, so too did the founding fathers of the Order 140 years ago on March 29, 1882, now recognized as Founders Day. On this date the fledgling organization started by Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney was legally incorporated by the State of Connecticut.
In honor of the beatification of Fr. McGivney, the K of C continues to offer FREE on-line memberships until June 30, 2022. Much more information about the Order and membership signup can be viewed atKnights of Columbus
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March 27, 2022
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The KC Fish Fry - April 1, 2022No Foolin', We're Cooking!
As the photos testify, we've been practising and taste-testing. NOW, we're ready to take your orders for our April 1st Fish Fry Dinner consisting of Southern Fried Catfish, French Fries, Hush Puppies, Cole Slaw and condiments. And all this for only $10!
The funds we raise with this endeavor will go to the projects and programs and support we provide within our parish and throughout the community.
We hope you'll join us for dinner in the Ministry Center at 500 W. MLK after the Stations of the Cross. For your convenience, we also offer three drive through pick up options for a carry-out meal! Please place your order for a delicious dine-in or carry-out meal. Pick-up times are at 5:30, 6:00, or 6:30. We've made sure ordering is easy by clicking the link below.Feed Me Fish!
Thank You for Supporting
the Knights of Council 10776! -
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March 20, 2022A Novena In Solidarity with Ukraine
Across the globe, the Knights of Columbus collected over $6.2 million to date for the Ukraine Solidarity Fund. Thank you to all who have donated! Their support is not just financial, however, the Knights are praying fervently for peace and ask your prayerful support in joinging their Novena.
Knights worldwide will be praying a special novena beginning March 17th. Initiated by Catholics in Ukraine, the novena leads up to the Feast of the Annunciation, on March 25th, when Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said “Together, we’ll ask Our Lady to intercede on behalf of those directly impacted by the conflict, to give strength to our Ukrainian and Polish Knights working so hard to deliver relief, and to help bring peace to the region.” Please join the Knights in this special.
NovenaPrayer
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March 13, 2022Meeting Need in Ukraine
Council 10776 has stepped up to meet the challenge! The Council just donated $1,900 to the K of C Ukraine Solidarity Fund established by Supreme to meet humanitarian needs directly in Ukraine and refugee sites in Poland. Our local effort included $500 from Council funds and $1400 in additional donations from 11 Knights. St. Austin parishioners’ support of our fundraising activities enable us to carry out our charitable mission – Thank You!
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March 6, 2022Join Us On Retreat!
The Knights encourage all parishioners, and men especially, to participate with us in the Paulist’s online Lenten retreat “Held By Hope: Fr. Hecker’s Spirituality For Today.” Carve out a few hours on Saturday, March 19 from 12 to 2:30 CDT. Our Council Chaplain, Fr. Bruce Nieli CSP, is one of the leaders so you know it will be an uplifting event! See the program and register at
Held by Hope
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February 28, 2022St. Austin's Soared into Georgetown with Smiles
Representing St. Austin's this group gathered at the 29th Annual Clergy and Religious Appreciation Dinner hosted by the Greater Austin Area Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. The celebration on Twosday, 2/22/22 took place at St. Helen’s in Georgetown. Council 10776 not only filled a table of eight at the event and won big in the gift raffles that evening. Caught during a pause in the activities, the St. A group included (L to R) Larry Schroeder, Fr. Chuck Kullmann, CSP, Deacon Billy Atkins, Sr. Hannah O’Donoghue, CCVI,
Fr. Paolo Puccini, CSP. Dennis Moraw, Deacon John De La Garza, and Fr. Bruce Nieli, CSP.
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February 20, 2022Deadline - March 1 - for Educational Grant Applications!
The Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus will award several needs-based grants of $1,000 each to students in the Austin diocese. The applicant must be a Knight in good standing, his spouse, child, or grandchild. Descendants of a deceased Knight may also apply. Any graduating senior of a Catholic high school in Texas is eligible when sponsored by a local Council in Texas – even if the student’s parent or grandparent is not a Knight. The deadline is next week!
Download the Fillable Grant Application
Contact Paul Lewis at pslags2020@gmail.com if you have questions or are curious about the work of our Council.
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February 13, 2022Survey for Fraternal Activity Results
We’ve tallied up the numbers for our Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity for 2021 and they show the commitment of our Council to St. Austin Parish and beyond. Members reported a total of 1787 hours of volunteer time distributed among the four Faith In Action categories: Faith - 887; Family – 107; Community – 746; Life – 47. One activity in particular (Church Facilities in the Faith category) reflected the many hours of work by Larry Schroeder and others for the Trash & Treasure and the Big Sale projects.
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Celebrating Catholic Schools Week - A Look Back
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Halloween Hoot
The Knights help keep the campus safe. L to R: Frank Garcia, Charles Vernor, Larry Schroeder, Randy Cubriel, Jorge Garcia, Dennis Moraw, Eric Nichols, John de la Garza.
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Eddie's Amazing Race
Feeding the hungry racers with burgers and hot dogs. (L to R): Paul Lewis, Eric Nichols, Larry Schroeder, and Randy Cubriel.
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Keep Christ in Christmas Annual Photo Contest
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Bravo! Nearly 60 budding young artists made posters in Art Class for this annual K of C contest. Here are the Knights’ pick of the top 3 winners. The winning design, depicting a starry sky over the manger, was used for the SACS card that shared the wishes of the faculty, staff, and administration for many blessings, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Bravo, Eagle artists!
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1st place
This is the contest winner submitted by Genevieve, a 5th Grader in our parish school.
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2nd place
This year's second place winner featured an angel announcing the glorious news. It was created by a fourth grader at St. Austin Catholic School.
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3rd place
The third place winner of the contest had at it's center a star with the Christ Child, surrounded by the traditional Nativity figures in each point. This entry also represented our SACS fourth grade.
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Happy Anniversary!
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Sunday, January 23
Our Council is 30 years old! Council 10776, first named St. Austin Council and later renamed for Fr. E. Philip O’Hern, received its charter on January 6, 1992. Four Paulist priests were among the 34 original members. Two charter members are still active with the Council: Larry Schroeder, the first Grand Knight, and Fr. Bruce Nieli CSP, our Chaplain. There is no time like the present to join the Knights of Columbus. Please view our webpage Knights or contact Paul Lewis for more information at pslags2020@gmail.com.
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Pecans, Pecans, Pecans!
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Nevermind the Pumpkin Spice, in Texas, We LOVE Pecans!
Yes! It's that time of year – the Knights of Columbus begin selling their pecans in November. The usual assortment of plain pecans, dark chocolate covered pecans, milk chocolate covered pecans, and milk chocolate covered pecans with amaretto will be available in one pound packages.We'll sell pecans both online as well as after weekend masses the first 3 weekends in November and the 1st weekend in December. For the internet orders, pecans can be picked up on each of those Saturdays 9 - 11 a.m. or Sundays 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the church parking garage on San Antonio Street. Note: No sales or pick-ups on Thanksgiving weekend!
Internet sales begin Thursday, October 28. Order early and often! Use the link below to access the pecan sales webpage.
We appreciate all your support, both in the past and for this upcoming season and wish all the best in what we hope will be a great holiday time for all. We're asking Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney, our founder to bless and protect you and yours!
St. A Knights' Pecan Sale
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Knightly NewsSunday, November 7, 2021
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The Knights of Columbus invite all St. Austin parishioners to sign up for this free webinar on Wednesday, November 10 at 7 p.m. The speaker is Van Mueller and his topic is “Faith, Family and Financial Security.” Van Mueller is an author and, dynamic speaker known for helping clients plan successful insurance and retirement strategies. He is a global speaker who has presented in all 50 states and Canada inspiring his audience to take control over their financial future. He addresses financial security from a perspective of WHAT MATTERS MOST and HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. Advance registration is required ~Please Register Here
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Sunday, October 31, 2021
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Brisk, Breezy, & BUSY!
The end of October is a busy time for the Knights!
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Annual Pecan Sale starts next week!
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Special membership deal continues!
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First anniversary of the beatification of our founder on Oct. 31st! Join us in a special Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney Founder of the Knights of Columbus.
Pray With Us
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Sunday, October 17, 2021
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Join the Knights of Columbus for Free!
Join the Knights of Columbus for Free! October 31st isn’t just a day for tricks and treats. It is also the first anniversary of the Beatification of our beloved Founder, Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney. Help us continue his legacy by joining the Knights of Columbus. Eligible men can join on-line for free (normally $30) until December 31st. Every man who joins online at kofc.org/joinus will pay $0 first-year dues by entering the promotion code MCGIVNEY2020. If you’ve been thinking about joining the Knights, now is a good time to take advantage of this special offer. Becoming a member has never been easier or faster!
For more information on becoming a Knight, find additional information on our site then emailPaul Lewis
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Sunday, October 10, 2021
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How did the name Knights of Columbus come about?
With Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day just around the corner, the Knights look back to the Order's founding in 1882. Father Michael J. McGivney and the founding members debated, eventually settling on "Knights of Columbus." The aspirational title "Knights" combined with the name of the very popular Italian explorer commissioned by the Catholic King and Queen of Spain drew people together at a difficult time for Catholics in America. The fraternal community dedicated to charitable and civic causes continues to promote virtue and protect the vulnerable. Our Fr. Philip O'Hern Council lives out the guiding principles of charity, unity, and fraternity day in and day out. Learn more about the
KofC
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Sunday, October 3, 2021
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"In service to one, in service to all." Early on September 17th, four Knights helped a parishioner who was retrieving the remaining engraved pavers from the courtyard. Equipped with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows, we finished the job in short order. Other recent activities included joining with another council to do a cookout for the residents at the Austin State School and helping at the UCC council recruiting drive."In service to one, in service to all." Early on September 17th, four Knights helped a parishioner who was retrieving the remaining engraved pavers from the courtyard. Equipped with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows, we finished the job in short order. Other recent activities included joining with another council to do a cookout for the residents at the Austin State School and helping at the UCC council recruiting drive.
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Sunday, September 12, 2021
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Educational Grant applications are now being accepted! The Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus will award several needs-based grants of $1000 each to students in the Austin diocese. The applicant must be a Knight in good standing or his spouse, child or grandchild. Descendants of a deceased Knight are also eligible to apply. Any graduating senior of a Catholic high school in Texas is eligible when sponsored by a local Council in Texas – even if the student’s parent or grandparent is not a Knight. The deadline for application is March 1, 2022 - but don’t delay! Use the button below to download the fillable application and instructions.
Grant Application
Join the Knights of Columbus for Free! Eligible men can join online for free at kofc.org/joinus and pay $0 first-year dues by entering the promotion code MCGIVNEY2020. Becoming a member has never been easier or faster! Contact Paul Lewis (plewis5340@sbcglobal.net) for more information on educational grants and/or membership.
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Sunday, August 22, 2021
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Friday the 13th is often associated with bad luck but it was our good fortune on that day to provide the wonderful teachers and staff of
St. Austin Catholic School with our annual SACS Appreciation Lunch, this year at the San José campus. With an abundance of gourmet sandwiches, drinks and other goodies set out by the Knights, the teachers and staff were able to take a break from preparations for the start of the new school year.
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Pictured (left to right) are Larry Schroeder, Paul Lewis, George Pratte, Dennis Moraw and Eric Nichols. (Photo by Matthew Lipina, SACS)
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Sunday, August 15, 2021Knightly News
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This week has two dates significant to the history of the Knights of Columbus. Our founder, now Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney, was born on August 12, 1852 - Happy 169th Birthday! Unfortunately, his life was cut short by illness on August 14, 1890, just eight years after founding the Order. This week Council members have been praying the Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney Beatification novena. Friday the 13th we celebrated
Fr. McGivney’s feast day at the morning Mass and later celebrated the teachers and staff of St. Austin Catholic School with our annual Appreciation Lunch.
Our Star is shining! Council 10776 has received the Star Council Award for our activities in 2020-2021 Fraternal Year. This award recognizes excellence in program activity, membership growth, insurance promotion, fraternal reporting, and Safe Environment compliance. We thank the Council members and the great community at St. Austin for helping us achieve this status. Here is a listing of Faith In Action and other activities resulting in the award:-
Faith Programs: Sacramental gift to Fr. Paolo; conduct the Fr. McGivney Prayer hour.
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Family Programs: Good Friday Family Promotion; Keep Christ In Christmas poster contest; Food For Families.
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Community Programs: Helping Hands; Global Wheelchair Mission donation; St. Austin’s Trash & Treasure project; Meals for Micah-6 Street Youth.
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Life Programs: Novena for Life; Gabriel Project & St. Louise House donations; Special Olympics donation.
We aren’t sitting on our laurels! Just six weeks into the new Fraternal Year, we've helped in various capacities with the Move It Sale and hosted our Paulist priests and deacons at the annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner.
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Move It Sale – Ready to Work: L-R Larry Schroeder, Eric Nichols, Michael Debner, Dennis Moraw, Chris Campana, Paul Lewis.
Clergy Dinner: L-R Grand Knight Eric Nichols, Dcn. John de la Garza, Dennis Moraw, Fr. Paolo Puccini, CSP, Dcn. Billy Atkins,
Fr. Bruce Nieli, CSP. Not shown – Fr. Chuck Kullmann, CSP, Paul Lewis (behind the camera).
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Knightly NewsJuly 18, 2021
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During the Officer Installation ceremony in June, our Chaplain Fr. Bruce Nieli, CSP, recounted some of the highlights of his service with the Knights. In preparing for the Big Move, we came across a timely piece of history: the March/April 1992 edition of the Texas Knight, the official publication of the Texas State Council. Fr. Bruce was a two-column feature story on the front page! He was the convention speaker for the 88th annual K of C State Convention to be held in Austin that year. Our Council had been founded just months before, with Fr. Bruce as a charter member. That year also marked the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s first voyage and Fr. Bruce was involved in the celebrations. The article stated:
“Father Nieli has been very much a part of the State Council’s Quincentennial Program efforts that includes the Pilgrimages: America segment, the El Camino Real Trail, and the Order’s nationwide effort on the V Centenary Crosses. He spent many hours on the El Camino Real Trail, appearing at various locations for the celebration of the liturgy and special prayer services.”
Grass doesn’t grow under Fr. Bruce’s feet!!
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Knightly NewsJuly 4, 2021
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A Very Special Honor forA Very Special Man
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Between Two DatesA Life of Honor & Service
Fr. Phil is buried at Austin's Assumption Cemetery.
Find Fr. Phil's photo and more about him below.
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Recognition of A Dedication toCharity, Unity, Fraternity & Patriotism
Rediscovered after years in a file cabinet, this special certificate reminds us that Fr. E. Philip O’Hern was more than the namesake of our Council. His service to the priesthood and the Knights was recognized at the highest level of the Order. All Knights at St. Austin should look to Fr. O’Hern as an example of true dedication as we start the new Fraternal Year. We look forward to the day we can proudly display it in our new facility. The certificate reads:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
SUPREME KNIGHT’S CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
To Whom These Presents May Come, Greetings.
Whereas, Rev. Edward P. O’Hern at the age of 95, has attained 63 years as a Priest, and as a member of
Council 10776 has discharged his responsibilities and obligations faithfully as a Knight of Columbus, and
Whereas, he has at all times demonstrated a dedication to the exemplary exercise of Charity, Unity,
Fraternity and Patriotism, and has conducted himself as a true Catholic gentleman.
Be It Now Known that he is hereby awarded this official expression of our special Commendation.
Signed, this 16th day of May, 2001
Carl A. Anderson
Supreme Knight
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Knightly NewsJune 27, 2021
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The Council installed new officers on June 17, for Fraternal Year 2021-22. Our District Deputy Pat Ortiz, District Warden Rudy Gonzales, and Chaplain
Fr. Bruce Nieli, CSP officiated. Knights and families celebrated afterwards with a BBQ dinner and a special cake.
Join the Knights of Columbus on-line for FREE! Contact Paul Lewis for information about the Order or go on-line at Knights of Columbus. Join Today – this special offer lasts only a few more days! The celebration will continue with a family picnic this weekend.
After our BBQ dinner, we still had room for dessert! This cake was prepared especially for us by Judy Smith.
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The newly-installed officers of Council 10776 lined up
in Hecker Hall on June 17th.
L-R: District Warden Rudy Gonzales, District Deputy Pat Ortiz, Financial Secretary David King, Past Grand Knight Mark Worman (back), outgoing GK Paul Lewis,
Deputy GK George Pratte, new GK Eric Nichols,
Recorder Charles Vernor, Chaplain Fr. Bruce Nieli CSP,
Treasurer Darrell Pargmann, Trustee Dennis Moraw,
and Chancellor Jorge Garcia.
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Fr. Philip O'Hern Council 10776
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The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic fraternal service organization. Membership is open to all men of the parish over the age of 18. Members put our faith into action with acts of charity, unity and fraternity to strengthen our parish, school and community, and beyond. Learn more about the Knights in this video (less than 5 min).
Our Knights meet on 1st Wednesdays, from 7-9 p.m.
For membership information contact Paul Lewis at 512-302-4722.
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About Our Council's Namesake
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Fr. Philip O'Hern, CSP
Father E. Philip O'Hern, CSP, was born August 6, 1906 at West Point, New York, where his father, Colonel O'Hern, had taught Generals Patton and Eisenhower as cadets. As a boy, he expected to follow the military career of his father and maternal grandfather (O'Hara), but a physical injury turned his thoughts to the priesthood of his uncle, Paulist Father Louis O'Hern. In 1924 at the age of 18 Phil was received into the Paulist community. He was in the first class to make a canonical novitiate at Ridgefield, Connecticut. He completed his college and theological studies at The Catholic University where he received the BA, STB, and MA degrees. He was ordained a Catholic priest on June 11, 1932, by his uncle John Francis O'Hern, Bishop of Rochester.
Father Phil's first assignment was to Old St. Mary's parish in San Francisco, followed by appointments to Good Shepherd in New York and Winchester, Tennessee. In 1942, he became an army chaplain, serving from Alaska through the European Theatre of Operations at forward field hospitals. Upon the liberation of the Nazi death camp in Ebensee, Austria, he saw the gas chambers and the furnaces; he buried hundreds and prayed over the sick and the dying. He probably participated in more combat action than any other Paulist during World War II, as indicated by his reception of four battle stars. (From Findagrave.com)
Read more about Fr. Phil.
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