PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY COUNCIL # 11716
FAMILIES OF THE MONTH

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February 2024

Ray and Barbara Emma

Our Family of the Month for February 2024 is the Barbara and Ray Emma family, selected for their inspirational role in supporting the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
As founding members of Prince of Peace, Barabara and Ray are the proud parents of two adult children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. The couple will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary on Feb. 19.
Barbara has been an Extraordinary Minister for the Sick for 23 years and served as the Prince of Peace coordinator of the Hospital Ministry for seven years. At a local hospital, she regularly visits patients to offer them the Blessed Sacrament and pray with them and their visitors.
At Prince of Peace, she has also been a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion coordinator for more than 20 years. Ray has also served as an EMHC for many years, and you can generally find them attending the Saturday, 5 p.m. Mass.
Both Barbara and Ray have been involved in the Empty Nesters committee. They also enjoyed spending time with other parishioners in the Prime Timers ministry. Barbara serves on the Funeral Reception Committee also known as the Bereavement Committee. As a volunteer, she sets up and takes down meal settings for guests after funerals and serves food to guests.
For 12 years, Barbara served as the wedding coordinator at Prince of Peace. In that ministry, she would work with brides and grooms to be, and their wedding planners, to ensure each wedding went smoothly and adhered to acceptable standards in terms of Catholic teachings.
As members of the Decorating Committee, Barbara and Ray have worked with others over the years to ensure the worship space looked great in all liturgical seasons of the year.
Ray and Barbara both previously served on the St. Vincent De Paul Committee and would assist local citizens in need of the service of SVDP. Given her love of distributing prayer shawls made by women of Prince of Peace, Barbara is an honorary member of the Prayer Shawl Committee.


January 2024

Jackie and SK Mike Kelly Family

Our Family of the Month for January 2024 is the Jackie and SK Mike Kelly family, selected for their inspirational role in supporting the Knights of Columbus and the Prince of Peace community.

Serving the needs of those who are hospitalized and seeking the Blessed Sacrament is near and dear to SK Mike Kelly who joined the Knights of Columbus in 2009. He became a Fourth Degree Knight in 2013. For many years, he has served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion with an emphasis on hospital ministry. He occasionally visits parishioners in nursing homes and assisted living facilities to offer the Blessed Sacrament.

Jackie has also served for many years as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. In addition, she served for more than ten years as the coordinator of all the senior and junior acolytes who assist the clergy during each Mass and was a senior acolyte herself. A lector at Prince of Peace, Jackie previously taught religion to all children kindergarten through third grade at Prince of Peace Catholic School and before that Preschool at the Childrens Learning Center.

Both Jackie and Mike have long supported the Sister Parish Committee established when Fr. Jim Balint served as founding pastor and collaborated with Padre Ramon in the Honduran city of El Progresso.

As part of the Sister Parish ministry, Jackie traveled three times to Honduras and Mike traveled once. They also hosted guests from Honduras in their home and participated in many fundraisers for the ministry. During one visit to Honduras, Jackie was blessed to be part of a contingent of parishioners who delivered wheelchairs to those in need.

Devout in her faith, Jackie loves to participate in weekly Eucharistic Adoration. She volunteers in the Childrens Learning Center twice a week to work with children.

As a couple, the Kellys enjoy participating in the Knights of Columbus bingo and other social events. Mike previously served on the parish council when Fr. Jim was pastor.

The couple are the proud parents of one daughter and two grandchildren.


December 2023

Ricardo & Maya Guzman

Our Family of the Month for December 2023 is the Ricardo and Maya Guzman family, selected for their inspirational role in supporting the Knights of Columbus, Prince of Peace and area parishes.

With his wife, Maya, of 20 years in February, his family joined Prince Of Peace in 2022. Ricardo and Maya are the proud parents of Ricardo Jr., 18, Pablo, two weeks shy of 17, and Maria, 11. Ricardo became a Knight in 2021 and is currently a Third Degree Knight.

Natives of Mexico City, Ricardo and Maya met while working for Teleton Mexico that operates more than 25 centers throughout Mexico that serve 30,000 children and adolescents with disabilities, cancer or autism, and provide services that promote their full development and inclusion in society.

In 2008, and based on his work history, Ricardo was hired by Chris Lewis (son of famous entertainer Jerry Lewis and current president of the American Wheelchair Mission) to join the nonprofit as its executive director. Given his role, Ricardo has collaborated with the Prince of Peace Wheelchair Mission and Knights to provide thousands of wheelchairs to those who cannot afford one.

He speaks on behalf of the Knights to the Hispanic community and has delivered many pulpit talks on Wheelchair Sundays at various churches in the Diocese of Dallas and throughout Texas to raise money and build awareness. In 2021, Ricardo traveled to Tampico, Mexico, with Fr. Michael Forge, fellow Knights and Prince of Peace parishioners to distribute wheelchairs to those in need. Without mobility, says Ricardo, there is no inclusion of children. With a wheelchair, however, young people can attend Mass, go to school and play with others.

Described by a fellow Knight as someone who helps answer prayers, Ricardo and his family look forward to becoming more involved in various Prince of Peace ministries including altar service and the youth ministry. During the Knights Sunday Breakfasts, you can often find the three Guzman children refilling milk, juice and water containers to serve others.

Ricardo and Maya have been involved in the Regnum Christi apostolate as well as a ministry that helps couples to strengthen their marriage. Congratulations to the Guzman family for answering prayers!


November 2023

Rich & Suzy Frasco

Our Family of the Month for November 2023 is the Rich and Suzy Frasco family, selected based upon their outstanding service to the Knights of Columbus, Prince of Peace and the Diocese of Dallas. They were also honored as the August 2021 Family of the Year.

Rich, a Fourth Degree Knight, and Suzy have been attending POP for nearly 15 years and are involved in numerous activities. Both Rich and Suzy participated in the Christ Renews His Parish ministry, and Suzy teaches Baptism preparation classes at POP and is a coordinator of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and a lector.

Rich served as the Recorder for Assembly 3642, and is in his fourth year as District Deputy for four Knights Councils including the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dallas, Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Farmers Branch, St. Monica Catholic Church in Dallas and Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano.

Rich joined the Knights of Columbus nearly 20 years ago. He has dutifully served Council 11716 in a number of leadership roles. He was the Council’s Grand Knight from 2018 to 2020 and led this Council to Star Council status that was awarded the 2020 Council of the Year for the Dallas Diocese. He also served as Deputy Grand Knight for two years and as Recorder for three years.

Rich loves cooking and explains why he is the long-standing “go-to guy” in the kitchen for the legendary Knights Breakfasts and special events. He is also intimately involved in helping properly equip the new POP kitchen located adjacent to the Parish Hall.

Suzy has a master’s degree in theology from Loyola University and has taught theology to freshmen and seniors at Ursuline Academy for nearly 25 years. Previously, she served as the Director of Religious Education at All Saints Catholic Community. Rich and Suzy have been married for 53 years, have four children and eight grandchildren.

Please join me in congratulating SK Rich and Suzy Frasco for being tremendous servants.


October 2023

John & Christiana Stich

Our Family of the Month for October 2023 is the John and Christiana Stich Family, selected based upon their unwavering service to the Knights of Columbus, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and the Diocese of Dallas. They were also honored as the 2021-2022 Family of the Year.

John, a Fourth Degree Knight, and Christiana have been attending POP for more than 20 years and are involved in numerous activities. John is a Three-Year Trustee for Assembly 3642. Both John and Christiana participated in the Christ Renews His Parish ministry, and John served on the Pastoral Council for three years. Christiana taught yoga at POP for 18 years.

John participated on the Sister Parish Steering Committee for nearly 20 years and visited El Progresso/Las Mercedes to help fix the visa problem with the U.S. government so that visitors from Las Mercedes/El Progresso could visit POP. John helped in the distribution of wheelchairs to children in Pueblo, Mexico.

John established the weekly presence of Knights in the POP bulletin in 2015 and made Knights weekly announcements for about 5 years. John and Christiana have served many roles at the Knights Breakfast, with an emphasis on the waffle and pancake stations and batter prep. John has recommended, prepared, and issued monthly awards for the Knight of the Month (since 2015) and Family of the Month (since 2018) that which included uploading to the Council website.
Together, the couple assist and support the American Wheelchair Mission, Right to Life and Walk, tamale sales and Knight bingo socials. The couple are involved in the Honor Our Heroes, served as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and participate in Empty Nesters functions.

For 16 years, John served the Government of Japan as the Honorary Consul General of Japan in Dallas and received an Imperial Decoration, The Order of the Rising Sun with Gold Rays and Neck Ribbon, in September 2021.

Please join me in congratulating SK John and Christiana Stich for being tremendous role models.


September 2023

Tom & Tara Walsh

Our Family of the Month for September 2023 is the Walsh Family, selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and to the Diocese of Dallas.

Tom & Tara Walsh have been attending Prince of Peace for over 22 years. The Prince of Peace Catholic Community is very special to the Walsh family. Tara Walsh went through RCIA at PoP and became Catholic in 2002. She was also a member of CRHP #5. Both of their daughters have received their sacraments here and attended Prince of Peace School from pre-K thru graduation from Eighth Grade. Mary Beth graduated from Ursuline Academy in 2021 and is now a junior at TCU. Kate is a current junior at Ursuline.

Tom is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has been involved in various fund-raising efforts for the Knights. Tom also serves as lector and was one of 15 parishioners who joined the Building Committee to advise on the future needs of PoP. In the summer of 2019, Tom agreed to be the co-chair of the Capital Campaign with Deacon Joe Coleman and helped lead one of the most successful Capital Campaigns ever conducted by a parish in the Diocese of Dallas. Tom’s activities are not limited to Prince of Peace. He serves as a Member of the Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas Board of Trustees. He remains in support of Ursuline Academy where he Chaired the Ursuline Parent Campaign. But most notably, for the past 26 years, he has volunteered to be the play-by-play radio announcer for the Jesuit football games.

Tara has spent the last 20 years staying home to raise their daughters while actively volunteering at their Catholic schools and other non-profits. Her roles have included, but are not limited to, Parent Volunteer Board Co-President, Parish Liaison, and too many homeroom committees to count at Prince of Peace Catholic school. She is currently serving as St. Ursula’s Closet Chair at Ursuline Academy. She also previously co-chaired the Ursuline Academy auction in support of scholarships. She has most recently joined the St. Mary of Carmel School board. She especially loves volunteering with her daughters and husband.


August 2023

Alan and Marianna Thiebaud

The Prince of Peace Family of the Month for August 2023 is Alan and Marianna Thiebaud. They have been members of Prince of Peace for 25 years. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Alan became a Knight four years ago. He is a Trustee for Knights Assembly 3462 and administers the RSVP Program which provides support to two seminarians. Alan is a regular volunteer at the Monthly Knights Breakfast, other cooking events, and at various fund-raising events.

Alan managed the Sister Parish Ministry for 20 years. He led the support to the Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Las Mercedes, in El Progresso Honduras, including making over 18 visits and coordinating visits from the Sister Parish. Under his leadership, a new Nutrition Center was established to help severely malnourished children, and the Hogar Suyapa was established to help children who cannot be cared for by their families. His work was recognized when he received the Dallas Diocese Bishops Award for Service to the Church. Currently, both Alan and Marianna serve on the Sister Parish Advisory Board.

Marianna has worked on the Outreach Ministry since 1998 and is Co-Chair of the Shoe Ministry which provides money for shoes to three Catholic elementary schools. She is Co-Founder of Honor our Heroes (HOH) which provides support to the deployed military, their families, and veterans. Each year the members prepare 500 boxes filled with 21 items and deliver them to the USO for distribution to deploying troops. In addition, HOH provides support to veterans by donating items and money to the Dallas Veterans Hospital, the Plano Veterans Medical Clinic, and the VA Hospital in Bonham, where many veterans from Collin county go for help. HOH also places flags around the Prince of Peace property at appropriate holidays,

Both Alan and Marianna have been members of a Rosary Group for 20 years, and they believe it has contributed greatly to their faith journey. They are members of the Empty Nesters, and volunteer in numerous other ministries.

Alan and Marianna Thiebaud, thank you for your service to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community, the Knights of Columbus and beyond. And congratulations for being the Family of the Month for August 2023.


July 2023

Wayne and An Chen

The July 2023 Prince of Peace Family of the Month is the Wayne and An Chen Family. This Award recognizes the Chen Family for making significant contributions to Prince of Peace and for being a faithful Catholic family.

Wayne and An were the second couple married at the newly opened Prince of Peace Catholic Community sanctuary in 1994, almost 29 years ago. They are examples of good Catholics who practice their faith.

Wayne has served as a Eucharistic Minister since 1994 and became a Coordinator for Eucharistic Ministers in 1997. As a Coordinator he prepares the credence table with the chalices (cups), ciboria (bowls), hosts, wine purificators, and other items needed to celebrate the Liturgy, and ensures that there are sufficient Eucharistic Ministers for the Mass. During the week, Wayne serves as a Sacristan for two or three Masses, which additionally includes the setup of the House of God’s Glory (HOGG) facility every Saturday and Monday morning until the renovations are completed. More recently, for about two years, he is a Senior Acolyte for Sunday Mass as well as special Masses (Healing Mass, funerals and school Mass).

In January of this year, Wayne received the Bishop’s Award for Service to the Church from Bishop Edward Burns.

An has served as an usher for about 25 years, now primarily at the Sunday 10:00AM Mass. She also, in the past, was the Baptism Coordinator and served in this function for 10 years.

Wayne and An usually attend daily Mass and on Saturdays bring Wayne’s elderly parents to Prince of Peace to attend Sunday Mass.

Wayne and An, you are highly appreciated for your broad support to Prince of Peace. Please join me in congratulating and honoring the faith and service of the Wayne and An Chen family, the July 2023 Prince of Peace Family of the Month.


June 2023

Mark and Marty Dama

The June 2023 Prince of Peace Family of the Month is the Mark and Marty Dama Family. This Award recognizes the Dama Family for making significant contributions to Prince of Peace and for being a faithful Catholic family.

Mark and Marty have been married for 36 years and have three adult children in the Dallas area. They are examples of good Catholics who practice their faith. Mark joined the Knights of Columbus and Council 11716 about ten years ago.

Mark served as the Safe Environment Director for this Knights Council for five years and for the Knights of the Dallas Diocese for two years. He currently serves on the OAC (Owner, Architect, Contractor) Committee of Prince of Peace and is on the Executive Committee for the new building. Mark also serves on the Prince of Peace Finance Committee and is a past Secretary of this Committee.

Mark and Marty attend daily Mass and faithfully participate in Eucharistic Adoration (Marty on Monday, Mark on Thursday). Marty is a Eucharistic Minister and takes the Eucharist to Presbyterian Hospital patients twice per month. Mark plans to become a Eucharistic Minister after the training session which is scheduled for later this month.

Marty is a member of the Saint Vincent de Paul group at Prince of Peace, and she serves as the point person for the Memorial and Honorarium Art Campaign. Mark has volunteered in the past for several activities, including Habitat for Humanity and the Knights monthly Breakfast.

Mark and Marty, you are highly appreciated for your broad support to Prince of Peace. Please join me in congratulating and honoring the faith and service of the Mark and Marty Dama family, the June 2023 Prince of Peace Family of the Month.


May 2023

Bill & Elaine Weber

The May 2023 Prince of Peace Family of the Month is the Bill and Elaine Weber Family. This Award recognizes the Weber Family for making significant contributions to Prince of Peace and for being a faithful Catholic family.

Bill and Elaine have been members of Prince of Peace since 1991. They have been married for 43 years and are recognized as a dedicated and loving couple. They have two grown and married daughters and seven grandchildren (4 boys and 3 girls). Bill and Elaine are examples of good Catholics, practicing their faith.

Bill is a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and has served as the Wheelchair Director for the Council for 13 years, the Chalice Program Director for the Assembly for 6 years and the Texas Wheelchair Chairman for 5 years. His leadership and commitment to help handicapped children earned him the Mobility Hero Award from American Wheelchair Mission President, Chris Lewis. In addition to Prince of Peace, he has also helped 22 other parishes in the Dallas Diocese and 9 parishes in other Dioceses to have drives to support this charity. Cumulative funds raised from Prince of Peace are over $1,060,000, and Texas is the largest contributing State with $789,583 this fraternal year with still 2 months left.

Bill is a Eucharistic Minister, and supports other Knights activities (Bingo, Pro Life Events, Special Olympics). Prior to Knights Business Meetings, he leads the recitation of the Rosary.

Elaine is a trained spiritual director and serves in that role for others in the community. She has served many years as a Eucharistic Minister and a Sr. Acolyte. She is currently singing in the POP Liturgical Choir.

Bill and Elaine have led 6 trips to Mexico to distribute wheelchairs to needy, handicapped children---a blessing for the child and for the families. And they have been active for over 20 years in a Marriage Group which helps couples to enrich their marriages. They enjoy spending time together, sitting for their grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

Bill and Elaine, you are amazing and are highly appreciated for your dedication. Please join me in congratulating and honoring the faith and service of the Bill and Elaine Weber family, the May 2023 Prince of Peace Family of the Month.


April 2023

Kevin and Michelle Anderson

The April 2023 Prince of Peace Family of the Month is the Kevin and Michelle Anderson family. This Award recognizes the Anderson Family for making significant contributions to Prince of Peace and for being a faithful Catholic family.

Kevin and Michelle joined the Prince of Peace Catholic Community 30 years ago in 1993. They have been married for 34 years and have three grown children, each of whom attended Prince of Peace School, where Michelle was a teacher from 1999 until 2015. They have six grandchildren ages 5 ½ years to 9 months.

Their attendance and participation at Mass is a very important priority in their family life. They often attend daily Mass and are accompanied by Michelle’s mother, Maryann Starrett. Kevin is a lector on Friday mornings, and he serves as a cantor at Sunday Masses. He recently formed Auspice Maria Music and has started writing hymns which have been introduced for worship at Mass within our community. Michelle serves as a Senior Acolyte and is a Eucharistic Minister.

The Andersons have hosted our mission presenters for these past two seasons of Lent. For many years they have been active in ministries that focus on marriage and engaged couple preparation. They are Mentor Couple Coordinators for “Witness to Love”, our parish’s virtue-based preparation program for engaged couples, and they served as mentor couple for “Next Step” for those who are discerning the vocation of marriage (pre-engagement).

Kevin and Michelle have been actively involved in small church communities, and they have been part of a marriage-based faith group that has met regularly for over twenty years. They were members of the Fall 2022 Reach More group which focuses on Catholic discipleship and evangelization. Michelle is a currently a cohort member at Ignatian Spirituality Institute (ISI) where she is in her last semester of formation to become a Spiritual Companion who will guide others in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.

Please join me in congratulating and honoring the faith and service of the Kevin and Michelle Anderson family, the April 2023 Prince of Peace Family of the Month.


March 2023

Ben & Annette Oani

The March 2023 Knight Family of the Month is the SK Ben and Annette Oani family. This Award recognizes the Oani Family’s service to the Knights of Columbus Council 11716, to Prince of Peace and beyond.

Ben and his family joined Prince of Peace seven years ago, and he became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 2017. Ben served as the Grand Knight of this Council from 2020 to 2022. He is now serving the State of Texas Council as the District 114 Deputy, by helping and overseeing four Councils (St. Gabriel’s in McKinney, St Michael’s in McKinney, St. Paul’s in Richardson and St Jude’s in Allen).

Ben is a very active Knight and is involved in the Prince of Peace Community:
• Senior Acolyte
• Lector
• Eucharistic Minister
• Volunteers for the North Teas Catholic Men’s Conference
• Served as a Chaperone for the 80 mile, 6-day youth walk in Spain to follow the path of St. James to Santiago de Compostela.

At Prince of Peace, Annette serves as a Eucharistic Minister and is a Catechist for the Confirmation class. Together, Ben and Annette are part of the Mentor Couple Ministry which works with couples who are preparing for the sacrament of Marriage.

Their eldest daughter, Chloe, is an Admittance Councilor at Rice University. Their second daughter, Daphne, is active with the Prince of Peace Young Adults. Their third daughter, Esmee, is at Kingston University in England. All three daughters were very active at Prince of Peace.

Please join me in congratulating and celebrating the service of the Ben and Annette Oani family, the March 2023 Knight Family of the Month.


February 2023

Wes & Patti Keller

The February 2023 Knight Family of the Month is the Wes and Patti Keller family. This Award recognizes the Keller Family’s service to the Knights of Columbus Council 11716.

The Keller family has been attending Prince of Peace for about 12 years, and Wes joined the Knights of Columbus about 8 years ago. He immediately volunteered to put his cooking talent to work at the monthly Knights Breakfast. More recently, he has been serving as the “oven master”, a HOT job. In other words, he cooks the bacon, sausage, pork loins and pastries.

Wes has served as “Santa” three times at the December Breakfast. He spreads joy to the children and then poses for pictures. He is also a supporter of the Wheelchair Mission and helps with the tamale sales.

Wes and Patti have been married for 17 years and have three children, Alex (15) and twins Abby and Max (12). Alex helps at the Knights Breakfasts and recently has become the pancake chef. Max has also helped at the monthly Breakfast to obtain service hours. Abby is an avid dancer (ballet and performance) and Girl Scout (cookies!)

Wes is active with the Boy Scouts and Alex and Max are Boy Scouts in the same troop. Wes serves as the Committee Chair and the “Grub Master”—which means that he provides the food for the troop during longer campouts.

Please join me in congratulating and celebrating the service of the Wes and Patti Keller Family, the February 2023 Knight Family of the Month.


January 2023

Alex and Jane Andrion

The January 2023 Knight Family of the Month is the Alex and Jane Andrion family. This Award recognizes the Andrion Family’s service to the Knights of Columbus Council 11716.

Alex Andrion was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton for many years, but would also attend services at Prince of Peace Catholic Community from its establishment, when the services were in the movie theater. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1999 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish and is a Third Degree Knight. About 2013, fellow Knight, Dan Garasich, asked Alex to join Knights Council 11716. He agreed and he transferred to this Council at that time. Their son, Edward, joined the Knights at the same time as his father and is also a member of this Council. And Dr. David Griffin, their son-in-law, is a Knight in this Council

Alex over the years has been a steady volunteer helping at various Knights events. He has actively supported the various Knights fund raisers, including the FC Dallas concession stand and the tamale sales. And he served at many of the monthly Knights Breakfasts.

Edward is also active with this Council, and especially with his singing talents. He has contributed to the past two Christmas Parties by joining the musical group to sing the Christmas Carols. He is also a past member of the PoP choir.

Alex and his wife Jane will have been married next month for 53 years and they have four children and five grandchildren.

Please join me in congratulating and celebrating the service of the Alex and Jane Andrion Family, as the January 2023 Knight Family of the Month.


December 2022

David and Mary Haney

Our Family of the Month for December is SK David and Mary Haney. They are selected based upon their commitment to service for the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

David has a long history of leadership with Knights of Columbus Council 11716. He is a Charter Member of this Council and he has served as the Deputy Grand Knight in 1996-1997 and then as the Grand Knight in 1997-1999. He has been known as a quiet and unselfish contributor where ever he saw the need.

Currently, David continues his history of strong involvement with the Knights. He serves a Trustee, participates in the monthly Breakfasts, and has a history of being involved with the Pro-Life Ministry. That service includes Hike for Life and rosaries on Good Friday at abortion clinics.

David participates in one Bible Study group which meets weekly. Mary is also a member of one of the Bible Study groups. David and Mary both serve as Eucharistic Ministers and are both members of the Bereavement Committee.

In addition, Mary is actively serving Prince of Peace in numerous other activities. This includes making hospital visits on Wednesday to hospitalized member of Prince of Peace, visits to the Accel rehabilitation centers and nursing homes, and decorating the PoP church at Christmas and Easter times.

Please extend your congratulations to David and Mary Haney for being the Knight Family of the Month for December 2022.


November 2022

Brian & Tori Gray

Our Family of the Month for November 2022 is Brian and Victoria “Tori” Gray. They are selected based upon their service to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.

Tori and Brian met at an 81-day Rosary Novena where Brian was a leader and Tori gave the Keynote Speech at the end of the Novena. Tori is a noted author, song writer and musician. Her first book, “Holy Spirit 101” is the only Catholic curriculum with ecclesial approval which trains the faithful to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As a song writer, her music appears in the OCP hymnal “Choose Christ” and appears in the feature film, “Hoovey”. As a guitarist, she has toured and made multiple appearances with Cardinal Dolan at various March for Life events. Her song “Sweet Dolor” debuted at #2 on iTunes Christian & Gospel charts.

Tori and Brian have been married for over five years and have three children: Forge, Felicity and John. She joined the Prince of Peace staff as the “Associate Director of Communications” in July 2021 and helps the Knights of Columbus communicate on the PoP website, through social media and with the Bulletin announcements. She also broadcasts the monthly Knights Awards through a variety of media.

Both are active members of Prince of Peace in the following ways:
• They are members of Pursue, in both Group and Small Group activities.
• Tori is a member of the Moms Group and both helped at the recent Trunk & Treat.
• They attend many of the PoP events and enjoy the Knights Breakfasts.
• Brian is a member of the Men’s Fellowship and the recently formed Men’s Roundtable Ministry.

Tori is and has been an active leader in other organizations:
• She is a member of the National Board for the National Charismatic Renewal.
• She served on the Board of the National Service Committee for six years.

Brian and Tori, congratulations for being the November 2022 Knight Family of the Month.


October 2022

Rex & Ruth West

Our Family of the Month for October 2022 is SK Billy Rex and Ruth West. They are selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Rex and Ruth have been married for 33 years, and they are proud of their combined six adult children and 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. All six families have strong professions such as Toyota compensation manager, VA nurse practitioner, independent producer of Sports Reels, supervisor of St. Louis Downtown airport ground support, stay at home wife and mother, and an educator.

Rex and Ruth have been members of Prince of Peace since 1999. Rex joined the Knights 20 years ago and is a Fourth Degree. He has been active to support many different Knights activities, such as at the Knights Breakfasts and Dinners. He is a member of the Knights Responders, bingo committee core team, membership chairman of the 4th degree Assembly and has accepted the responsibility to support the weekly PoP Bulletin announcements along with establishing the Knights pages on the PoP website.

Rex and Ruth are both active with the Knights Breakfasts, Pro-Life activities, and Honor our Heroes. Ruth also serves as an usher and a monthly volunteer at the Catholic Pro-Life Committee.

Rex has been sharing his guitar skills at the Saturday evening Mass.

Rex and Ruth, you are appreciated for your service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Please extend your congratulations to SK Billy Rex and Ruth West for being the October 2022 Knight Family of the Month.


September 2022

Art & Mary Lynn Amoyo

The Knight Family of the Month for September is SK Art and Mary Lynn Amoyo. They are selected based upon their commitment for service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Art has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 2004, and became a Fourth Degree member in 2013. He served as the Deputy Grand Knight of this Council for two years, and followed that as the Grand Knight in 2014-15. He has also served as the Faithful Admiral of Assembly 3462.

Art is very active with the Knights. He has a long history of involvement with fund raising activities, including time as the Chairman of the Fund-Raising Committee. Art is a regular at the Sunday Knights Breakfasts where he can usually be found working in the kitchen. He also helps with the Wreaths Across America program at the Dallas National Cemetery and other programs.

Art supports this Knights Council and the Assembly with appropriate announcements, signs and posters for various events. This requires professional artistry and layout followed by the production. Often these signs and posters are donated to the Knights.

Art and Mary Lynn are now in a 12-week training course to join “Reach More”. This is a program which serves as a precursor to evangelizing the Catholic faith. Mary Lyn last year completed the four-year Biblical Study course at the University of Dallas. She is also teaches “Break Open the Word” lessons as part of the RCIA program.

Please extend your congratulations to SK Art and Mary Lynn Amoyo for being the Knight Family of the Month for September 2022.


August 2022

Rick and Susie Anderssen

The Knight Family of the Month for August is SK Rick and Susie Anderssen. They are selected based upon their commitment to service for the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.

Rick has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 22 years. He originally helped at the monthly breakfasts, but more recently his talents are more focused on security, the first responders and the US military. He has served on the team which planned and executed the Blue Mass, and will continue to serve for the next Blue Mass. Rick volunteered for 31 years as a non-paid Reserve Police Officer, retiring in 2016 as Assistant Chief of the Dallas Police Department in charge of the Reserve Division. He is a U.S. Army Veteran having served as a Sergeant E-5 Specialist in 1968 in Vietnam.

Rick serves as the liaison at PoP with the Plano Police Department which supplies the policemen who serve at PoP. He is involved with the PoP security team which does risk assessments and various programs such as active shooter training programs. He is also involved with security considerations for PoP facilities. Rick is a past member of the PoP Finance Committee. He brings weekly Holy Communion to Catholic Residents at Prestonwood Court Assisted Living.

Rick and Susie have been involved with the Sister Parish Committee from the beginning, have made several visits to Las Mercedes, and hosted members of Las Mercedes during visits to Plano.

Susie is a co-chair of the Honor Our Heroes Committee. Rick is at her side, but Susie, along with Marianna Thiebaud and Claudia Jennings, established the ministry in 2017. Susie currently prepares prayers and announcements for the PoP bulletin, communicates through large distribution emails, and co-chairs events such as Poppy Day and the Care Package Drive. She deserves the recognition and thanks from the entire community.

Susie has served on various committees since 1998, including the Shoe Ministry, Bereavement Ministry, Outreach, and the Thanksgiving Food Drive and has been a Eucharistic Minister. She also volunteered at Texas Health Resources teaching self-management to patients with chronic diseases and balance classes.

Please extend your congratulations to Rick and Susie Anderssen for being the Knight Family of the Month for August 2022.


July 2022

Tom & Judy Ordemann

The July 2022 Knight Family of the Month is SK Tom and Judy Ordemann. This Award recognizes their outstanding service to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.

Tom joined the Knights of Columbus Council 11716 over two years ago. He has served as the Recorder for the past two years and is now serving as a Trustee. He is a member of the Fourth Degree Assembly 3642 and is serving as the Faithful Scribe.

Tom has been a very active Knight and has achieved his Pro-Life A.C.E. Wings Award, and received the Shining Armor Award for his fast start as a member of the Knights. For three years, Tom served on the Pastoral Advisory Council of Prince of Peace, including one year as the Vice Chairman and one year as the Chairman. Tom and Judy help with a variety of tasks such as monthly breakfasts, Bingo, Pro-Life activities, and the American Wheelchair Mission.

Judy was a frequent volunteer at POP school prior to the COVID pandemic. She has served as a Board member and other leadership roles in the Dallas Junior Forum benefiting various charities in the area. Judy is a Marriage and Family Therapist, with prior experience as a counselor at Ursuline Academy. Together, they have been involved in fundraising at both Ursuline Academy and Jesuit College Preparatory School, where Judy served as a Jesuit Auction co-chair.

Tom and Judy have been married for 33 years, have had three children and three grandchildren.

Congratulations to SK Tom and Judy Ordemann, the July 2022 Knight Family of the Month


June 2022

Bill & Wendy Kula

The June 2022 Knight Family of the Month is Bill and Wendy Kula. This Award recognizes their outstanding service to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.

Bill joined the Knights of Columbus 12 years ago and is a Third-Degree member. He was a member of Christ Renews His Parish-7 and spiritual director for CRHP-11. Wendy was a member of CRHP-10.

Bill is extremely active at Prince of Peace in a variety of roles. He serves the community as a Senior Acolyte and has been doing this for seven years. He is also a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector. For 12 years, Bill has been very active with the Men’s Fellowship ministry which meets on Saturday mornings to pray the Rosary and have discussions on various virtues. He previously served as a Religious Education Catechist for 10 years.

Bill serves on the Board of the North Texas Catholic Brothers for Christ, a ministry that involves parishes from both the Dallas and Fort Worth Diocese. The latest meeting of this ministry, in April, was the 11th annual spring North Texas Catholic Men’s Conference, and Bill served as co-chair.

A career journalist and public relations professional, Bill is the Director of Marketing and Communications at The Catholic Foundation in Dallas, the nation’s longest serving Catholic community foundation in the nation. In his role, he interfaces with clergy, Catholic church and school leaders and nonprofit organizations who receive grants from the Foundation.

Wendy is a long-time active member of an ecumenical neighborhood Bible study.

Bill and Wendy have two daughters. Bethany is a senior at Baylor University studying journalism and public relations, and Grace is a sophomore at The University of Oklahoma studying speech pathology.

Congratulations to Bill and Wendy Kula, the June 2022 Knight Family of the Month.


May 2022

Dan & Monique Stoffel

The May 2022 Knight Family of the Month is Dan and Monique Stoffel. This Award recognizes their outstanding service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Dan and Monique Stoffel have been members of Prince of Peace since the first Mass was celebrated in a movie theater. He joined the Knights in 2009 and has served in a number of Officer positions including two years as Grand Knight. He is also a Charter Member of Fourth Degree Assembly 3642 where he currently serves as the Fellowship Director.

Dan has previously been recognized as the Knight of Month of Council 11716 for his continued outstanding service. His involvement and leadership have been recognized by the number of awards which this Council received while he was the Grand Knight. His remarkable service is broadly recognized, and his current position is that of the Fourth District Deputy where he oversees four Councils of the Diocese of Dallas. At the District Level, he organized the basketball free throw contest at Prince of Peace. And he is the Golf Tournament Chairman for the State Knights of Columbus Convention that will be held in Dallas next year.

But Dan is not alone in his service to the Knights of Columbus and to Prince of Peace. His wife, Monique, is also heavily involved in service. She is well known for her ability to obtain prizes and gifts for various events including Bingo, the Golf Tournament, Casino Night, and the Knights Christmas Party. Monique helped with the decorations for Bingo and helped with the decorations for the photos with Santa at our Christmas Party. She is also a regular to serve at the monthly Knights Breakfasts. Like Dan, she is there to serve when needed---and that is very often. In addition, Monique has helped to distribute wheel chairs for four years in a row to needy children in Mexico.

Dan and Monique are very special with their dedicated service, and are highly appreciated.

Congratulations to Dan and Monique Stoffel, the May 2022 Knight Family of the Month.


April 2022

Steve & Kathleen Welsh

Our Knight Family of the Month for April 2022 is Steve and Kathleen Welsh, selected based upon their involvement with the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.

Steve and Kathleen have been attending Prince of Peace since 1998. Steve joined the Knights of Columbus about five years ago and has attained the Fourth Degree. Steve helps cook everything on the stove top or fills in for Wes Keller as the oven man at the monthly breakfast. He is also a master of the Eggs Benedict along with Art Amoyo. Steve cooked for Father Tom’s retirement dinner and for the first night of the Catholic Bowl feeding hungry football players and coaches. Sometimes you might find Kathleen in the kitchen or serving food during the monthly breakfast. Steve has joined the choir and is trying hard to fulfill the tenor role, a role that is challenging because he has been singing from the pew and could sing whatever notes, octaves and style he desired. He has not been in a choir since High School days, back in 1976.

Steve and Kathleen often serve together and attend Knights activities. They participate yearly in the Hike for Life, and recently formed a team for the Ukraine relief effort by the Knights. Both Steve and Kathleen are Eucharistic Ministers. They have taken three trips together to Mexico to participate in the wheelchair distribution. Steve and Kathleen participated in the food drive during the COVID crisis, helping to take in donations of food to be distributed to the community. They are members of the Empty Nesters, enjoying monthly social events.

Steve in the past has participated in the Alpha Program which introduces Christ to those who do not know much about Him. He was asked to join the program by one of his customers, who then decided to convert. Steve served as his sponsor.

Steve serves on the Pastoral Council and is the Membership Chair for the Knights Council. Steve and Kathleen were the Knights Family of the Year in 2020, during the height of the COVID crisis.

Kathleen is very active at Prince of Peace Catholic Community. She has served on the Prince of Peace Pastoral Council. She has also been a lector for over four years, and was a frequent lector during the height of the COVID crisis. She currently is the Saturday 9:00 AM lector for daily Mass and occasionally fills in on other days. In the past she taught the First Grade Sunday School. She is also a member of the Marian group, studying various books throughout the year.

Outside of Prince of Peace Kathleen is an Ambassador for the Montserrat Retreat House. She has made a career change into hospice nursing, which is proving to be its own ministry, in educating patients and families about the end of life. Kathleen has been contacted by three people in need of wheelchairs and with the help of Steve and Bill Weber participated in giving the gift of mobility to three local people.

Steve and Kathleen make Prince of Peace and the Dallas Diocese a better community. Please extend your congratulations to Steve and Kathleen Welsh for being the Knight Family of the Month for April 2022.


March 2022

Paul and Donna Garcia

Our Family of the Month for March 2022 is Paul and Donna Garcia. They are selected based upon their commitment to service to the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.

Paul and Donna have been members of Prince of since 1998. Paul joined the Knights of Columbus about fifteen years ago, and recently became a Fourth Degree member. Paul is most noted for his commitment to the Pro-Life activities. He makes himself available as needed each week to work at White Rose, where he volunteers to do whatever help might be needed at the center.

Paul is also involved in Prince of Peace activities. He supports the Music Ministry by sharing his guitar playing skills at the 5:00PM Mass on Saturdays. He also serves on the Finance Committee, which plays a very important role in overseeing Prince of Peace’s financial activities including monitoring the spending for the campus renovation project. This is Paul’s second tour on the Finance Committee. In addition, he is the Treasurer of the newly formed St. Vincent de Paul Conference at Prince of Peace.

Donna is a member of Prince of Peace’s Respect Life Committee and is involved with Honor Our Heroes to support the troops. She is a volunteer to beautify the church with flowers at Christmas and at Easter. Donna also serves as a Lady Knight supporting the Council in many activities, most recently with the Lucky Knights Mardi Gras Bingo. In addition, she assists Paul on various project at White Rose. Both Paul and Donna were table leaders for last Fall’s session of Alpha.

Paul and Donna, you are appreciated for your service to Council 11716, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community, and beyond. Please extend your congratulations to the Garcia Family for being the Knight Family of the Month for March 2022.


February 2022

Jack and Lynette Lyon

Our Knight Family of the Month for February 2022 is Jack and Lynette Lyon, selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Jack joined the Knights about 24 years ago. He has served the community in many different ways. For many years, he was involved with the monthly Knights Breakfasts. He has also been involved with the Hike for Life. Jack has supported the American Wheelchair Mission by helping to unload the wheelchairs from the truck. He has also been a supporter of the Bingo events and of the Christmas Parties.

At Prince of Peace, for the past eight years, Jack has been the Leader of the Saturday Morning Men’s Fellowship Group. He is also a member of the Prince of Peace Choir.

Lynette has been involved with the RCIA program as a sponsor and helping start the Foster/Adopt ministry at Prince of Peace. This ministry partners with the C3 ministry at St. Gabriel’s to raise awareness of foster/adopt issues. In addition, she is in her final semester of Bible study at the University of Dallas Biblical Center, a four-year program, where she will graduate in May.

They proudly have two daughters, Teresa & Sierra, and one grandchild, Sariyah, who is one year old.

Jack and Lynette Lyon, thank you for your service to the Knights of Columbus and to Prince of Peace. And congratulations for being the Knight Family of the Month for February 2022.


December 2021

Alan and Marianna Thiebaud

Our Knight Family of the Month for December 2021 is Alan and Marianna Thiebaud, selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.

Alan and Marianna have been members of Prince of Peace since 1998. Alan became a Knight in 2019 and he is a Fourth Degree Member. He is a regular to help at the monthly Breakfast and assists the fund raising for the Wheelchair Mission. He is also a volunteer for the Casino Nights and for the reception in the honor of Fr. Tom Cloherty. They both enjoy the social events such as the Christmas parties and the Bingo Nights.

Until this June, Alan led the Sister Parish Ministry for eighteen years. He has led the support to the Parroquia do Nuestra Senora de Las Mercedes, in El Progreso Honduras, including making over 15 visits and coordinating visits from the Sister Parish. Under his leadership, a new Nutrition Center was supported to help severely malnourished children, and the Hogar Suyapa was established to help children who cannot be cared for by their families due to poverty. His work was recognized in 2012 by Bishop Kevin Farrell when he received the Bishops Award for Service to the Church. He continues an active role in the ministry.

Marianna has been a member of the Outreach Ministry since 1998 and she has been a co-leader of the Shoe Ministry. She is a co-founder of Honor our Heroes which places flags around the Prince of Peace property at appropriate holidays, and prepares 500 boxes containing items which traveling military members receive in appreciation for what they are doing. She is involved with the fund raising, the sourcing of the items, getting volunteers to pack the boxes and then delivering them to the USO at DFW Airport. Alan is also active in this program. In addition, Marianna is the past Head of the Assistance Center of Collin County Board of Directors, and is a past President of the Dallas Service Forum.

Marianna and Alan are members of a Rosary Group and they are both members of the Empty Nesters.

Alan and Marianna Thiebaud, thank you for your service to the Knights, to Prince of Peace and beyond. And congratulations for being the Knight Family of the Month for December 2021.


November 2021

John & Terri Gorman

Our Knight Family of the Month for November 2021 is John and Terri Gorman, selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.

John has been serving the Prince of Peace Catholic Community as a deacon since his ordination in June 2018. In this role, he administers Baptisms, Funerals, Final Commendations, Grave Site services and delivers homilies monthly at the Sunday Masses.

John joined the Knights of Columbus at All Saints parish at the same time that his father joined, about 10 years ago. He also became a Third Degree Knight at the same time as his father. They became Knights as a way to help his father to become more involved with the activities of the parish. While at All Saints, John served on the Finance Council for 14 years and was the Chairman for three years.

John and Terri will have been married for 30 years as of February 2022. They have an adult daughter, Jessi, who lives in this area.

Terri continues to help at All Saints, where she is involved with the Funeral Reception Ministry and she is a Bible Study facilitator.

John is a Vice President of the Industrial Division at Holt Lunsford Commercial where he is involved with leasing, sales, and development of commercial warehouse facilities.

John and Terri Gorman, thank you for your service to the Knights, to Prince of Peace and beyond. And congratulations for being the Knight Family of the Month for November 2021.


October 2021

Marty and Karyn Driscoll

Our Knight Family of the Month for October 2021 is Marty and Karyn Driscoll, selected based upon their service to Council 11716 of the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.

Marty and Karyn moved to this area and joined Prince of Peace about seven years ago. Marty joined the Knights over one year ago, and is a Third Degree member.

Marty and Karyn are a team for Knights activities. They are both involved with the monthly Knights Breakfast, with serving and cleaning duties. And they are supporters of the Hike for Life and the Bishops Pro-Life Dinner.

And they both were involved to make the Lucky Knights Bingo event a huge success. Marty was co-chair of the fundraising effort to get sponsorships. They both worked to get prizes and raffle items. Karyn, with other Lady Knights was involved with decorating the gym and helped with the food distribution. After the event, they stayed to help clean up.

Karyn is involved with other ministries at Prince of Peace. She is a Eucharistic Minister, and is active with Honor our Heroes. In addition, she has assisted with the Angel Tree at Christmas time to send gifts for the needy.

For the past twenty years, Marty has served on the Board of a non-profit, “The Barn for the Poorest of the Poor”. This non-profit supports the Missionaries of Charity in New York. In addition to being a Board Member, he has done jobs which need to be done, such as driving a truck with foods from New Jersey to New York.

Marty and Karyn Driscoll, thank you for your service to Knights Council 11716 and to Prince of Peace. And congratulations for being the Knight Family of the Month for October 2021.


September 2021

Eric & Erin Ford

Our Knight Family of the Month for September 2021 is Eric and Erin Ford, selected based upon their service to Council 11716 of the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Eric has been a member of Prince of Peace for about two years. He met Erin through Catholic Match, a dating website, and they were married almost one year ago. Their first anniversary will be this coming Sunday, September 5.

Eric joined Council 11716 about four months ago. Both Eric and Erin enjoy the monthly Knights Breakfasts. Eric has interests in various Knights activities, such as fundraising through tamale sales, the American Wheelchair Mission, Hike for Life and volunteering at the Knights Breakfast.

Erin works at Prince of Peace and is coordinating the Youth and Young Adult Programs. This includes Pursue, Alpha and other young adult activities. Eric is a Project Engineer for a general contractor which builds large commercial buildings.

Eric and Erin Ford, thank you for your service to Knights Council 11716 and to Prince of Peace. And congratulations for being the Knight Family of the Month for September 2021.


August 2021

Rich & Suzy Frasco

Our Knight Family of the Month for August 2021 is SK Rich and Suzy Frasco, selected based upon their service to Council 11716 of the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Rich joined the Knights of Columbus about 15 years ago, and has served Council 11716 in a number of leadership roles. He served as the Council’s Recorder for three years, and then as the Deputy Grand Knight for two years. As the Deputy Grand Knight, he chaired the Retention Committee and successfully reduced the number of Knights who were not paying dues. Then Rich served as the Grand Knight from 2018 to 2020 and led this Council to Star Council status and to be awarded the 2020 Council of the Year of the Dallas Diocese.

Rich considers cooking to be a hobby and a “real joy”, so the Sunday Knights Breakfasts was an area which he quickly joined. Eventually Rich became the “go-to guy” in the kitchen for the Breakfasts and special events. This includes menu planning, determining quantities, shopping at Restaurant Depot, organizing the kitchen activities, and preparing the meals. In late June, Rich planned and led the effort for the Retirement Luncheon for Fr. Tom. Both Rich and Suzy were food table captains.

Rich continues his service to the Knights as the Recorder for Assembly 3642, and has agreed to be the District Deputy for four Knights Councils (Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, Dallas; St. Joseph; Commerce; St. Anthony, Wylie; and St. William, Greenville).

Suzy has a Master’s Degree in Theology from Loyola University and has taught theology to freshmen and seniors at Ursuline Academy for 22 years. Previously, she served as the Director of Religious Education at All Saints. At Prince of Peace, Suzy was the Lay Director of two CRHP teams, is a lector, a Eucharistic Minister, and teaches the Baptism class.

Rich and Suzy this month are celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary. They have four children, Andy, Paul, Emily and Julia; and they have 7-1/2 grandchildren. Andy is a member of Council 11716 and works as a pharmacist. Paul is in New York and works for Ernst & Young. Emily is a teacher at Prince of Peace. Julia is in the corporate offices of Mary Kay and is expecting their eighth grandchild.

Rich and Suzy Frasco, thank you for your service to Knights Council 11716, to Prince of Peace and to the Diocese of Dallas. And congratulations for being the Knight Family of the Month for August 2021.


July 2021

Charles & Katherine Tanner

Our Knight Family of the Month for July 2021 is Charles and Katherine Tanner, chosen based on their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Charles and Katherine are Founding members of the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Charles joined the Knights of Columbus Council 11716 about 15 years ago and has been involved in a variety of activities. These include helping at the monthly Knights Breakfast, raising funds through the Tamale sales, joining the Hike for Life and support to the Wheelchair drives. At Prince of Peace, Charles has served as an usher for about 10 years and has been a Greeter to welcome those coming to Sunday Mass.

Charles and Katherine have been married for 57 years and have 5 children and 14 grandchildren. Together, they have enjoyed the Knights Bingo events. They are also members of the Empty Nesters group.

Katherine is involved with the Honor Our Heroes activities and has recently helped to put the flags around the Prince of Peace property in preparation for the Fourth of July. She has also prepared the coffee for the Coffee and Donuts Sundays, and she serves on the Bereavement Committee.

Congratulations to Charles and Katherine Tanner for being the July 2021 Knight Family of the Month, and thank you for your service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.


June 2021

Daniel and Victoria Golden

Our Knight Family of the Month for June 2021 is Daniel and Victoria Golden, chosen based on their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Dan joined the Knights of Columbus Council 2782 about seven years ago while a student at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Dan and Victoria met through the Newman Center at the University. He graduated from UI in 2018 and then served as a missionary at the University of Cincinnati and at Edinboro University in Edinboro, PA.

Dan and Victoria married in May 2020 and moved to Plano in June, where Victoria grew up and her parents still live here. Dan transferred to Council 11716 in December 2020, and they immediately became regular participants to the Monthly Knights Breakfasts to serve coffee and juice. Dan has also joined the Golf Committee to help prepare for the October Golf fund raiser.

At Prince of Peace, Dan and Victoria are members of PURSUE, a program for young, married couples and they are helping with a Middle School Bible Study Program.

Dan and Victoria continue their support to missionary organizations, such as the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and St. Paul’s Outreach (SPO), because Dan’s former students while he was a missionary at Cincinnati and Edinboro went on to work for those two organizations after graduating.

Congratulations to Dan and Victoria Golden for being the June 2021 Knight Family of the Month and thank you for your service to the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community, and beyond.


May 2021

Seth and Nicole Roshto

Our Family of the Month for May 2021 is SK Seth and Nicole Roshto. They are selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Seth and Nicole have been married for fourteen years and have one daughter. They joined Prince of Peace eight years ago and Seth joined the Knights about five years ago. He has achieved the Fourth Degree.

Seth has been involved in a number of Knights activities, such as:
• Laying wreaths at Wreaths Across America
• Cooking at the Lenten Fish Dinner
• Working at the FC Dallas concession stands to earn fund for the Council
• And both participated in the Hike for Life with daughter and parents, and participated in the Walk for Life with their daughter

But Seth and Nicole are a team. Nicole has interfaced with the Mom’s Group to help coordinate the Breakfast with Santa for three years. They have also been involved in a similar manner with the Easter Egg Hunt. They have volunteered to help at the Parish Casino Nights and Back to School Lunches. And they have been supporters of the American Wheelchair Mission and hope to help with the distribution in the future.

Seth and Nicole are appreciated for their support of the Knights of Columbus and the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Please join me in extending congratulations to Seth and Nicole Roshto for being the May 2021 Knight Family of the Month.


April 2021

Drew & Kathryn Dellamonica

Our Family of the Month for April 2021 is SK Drew and Kathryn Dellamonica. They are selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Drew joined the Knights of Columbus 2 years ago and is a Fourth Degree member. He is serving as the Inside Guard of this Council.

Drew and Kathryn are a team of support for Knights events. They have both been volunteering at the monthly Knights Breakfast, and Kathryn helped to make Breakfast with Santa a better event by helping to coordinate the family photo booth. They also enjoy the social events such as bingo and the casino trip to Shreveport.

Drew has been a strong supporter for the Right to Life Ministry, helping with the planning and set up for the Hike for Life in October 2019, and being involved with the virtual Hike in 2020. He has also participated in Habitat for Humanity in Wylie, the Knights Golf Tournament, the food drives and the recent St. Jude House support.

At Prince of Peace, they are involved in the Pursue group of young married adults and host twice monthly meetings in their home. They have recently become Godparents and prepared for this by attending the Baptismal classes at PoP.

They are very happy that there will be an expansion in their family, since Kathryn will be giving birth in about two months. My opinion is that this child is blessed to have Drew and Kathryn as parents.

Please join me to extend congratulations to Drew and Kathryn Dellamonica for being the April 2021 Knight Family of the Month.


March 2021

Ed and Linda Kelly

Our Family of the Month for March 2021 is SK Ed and Linda Kelly. They are selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Ed joined the Knights of Columbus about 6 years ago and is a founding member of Assembly 3642. He has served as the Chancellor of this Council for three years (2017-20) and is the Purser of the Assembly, a post which he has held since the beginning of Assembly 3642.

Ed has been involved with a variety of activities of the Knights, including fund raising for the American Wheelchair Mission, for tamale sales and a supporter of the Right to Life activities. He and Linda, a Lady Knight, are servers at the monthly Knights Breakfast. Linda was also involved in the preparations for Bingo when it was planned as a live event. She coordinated the Veterans Day activities between the Assembly and PoP school.

At Prince of Peace, both Ed and Linda are very active. Ed served on the PoP Finance Committee for four years, with two of those years as the Chair. He is currently in the second year of a three-year term on the PoP School Advisory Council and Finance Committee. For years, Ed has served as a Eucharistic Minister at the Wednesday Children’s Mass until this past March when COVID required changes.

Linda serves as the Chair of the PoP Building Committee and has Chaired the Discipleship Committee which directs the Time & Talent program and the Annual Bishops Appeal. She is also a member of the Marion Bible Study Group which meets every Tuesday (currently by ZOOM).

Ed and Linda are very active in their communities. Ed is serving in his second term (fifth year) on the City of Frisco Commission for Planning and Zoning. This is an appointment from the City of Frisco. He is also serving on the Architectural Committee for his HOA in Stonebriar Village.

Linda is well respected for her organizational skills and for her leadership. She leads the Stonebriar Legacy Association of Neighborhoods (SLAN). SLAN is a non-profit which oversees seven HOA’s with a total of 1400 homes. SLAN meets with potential developers and the city to insure proper planning for future developments.

Ed and Linda, we are fortunate to have your very active service for the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond. Please join me to extend congratulations to Ed and Linda Kelly for being the March 2021 Knight Family of the Month.


February 2021

Dick and Lorraine Leyendecker

Our Family of the Month for February 2021 is SK Dick and Lorraine Leyendecker. They are selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Dick and Lorraine have been married for 59 years. They had one daughter and they have three grandchildren and three great-grandsons.

Dick and Lorraine are Founding Members of Prince of Peace, and Lorraine served on the very first Pastoral Advisory Council. Dick joined the Knights of Columbus over 15 years ago, and is a Fourth Degree member.

Dick serves the Knights in many ways. In preparation for the monthly Knights Breakfasts, he assists with the shopping for the Breakfast food requirements. Then, at the Breakfast, he serves as a friendly greeter with a smile and maybe a quip, plus a small gift for children. He also accepts and counts the donations. In addition, Dick orders and obtains all of the Knights name tags.

Both Dick and Lorraine have completed CRHP, have belonged to Small Faith Groups, and serve on the Jewish-Catholic Group. This is a discussion/prayer group composed of members from PoP, All Saints and Shearith Israel.

Dick assists at the Prince of Peace Columbarium with niche installation and plaque placement. Lorraine serves the community as a lector and is the staff member for annulments. She also hosts a weekly prayer group, currently at their home.

Dick and Lorraine are very active in service for the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Please extend your congratulations to Dick and Lorraine for being the February 2021 Knight Family of the Month


January 2021

Mark & Marty Dama

Our Family of the Month for January 2021 is Mark and Marty Dama. They are selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and to the Diocese of Dallas.

Mark and Marty have been married for 33 years. They have 3 adult children who live in the Dallas area.

Mark joined the Knights of Columbus and Council 11716 about eight years ago. He is an active member and has been involved in many different events. Mark coordinates the Safe Environment training for this Council and has the added responsibility to lead this training for the Knights of the Dallas Diocese.

Examples of the Mark’s and Marty’s involvement at Prince of Peace include:
• Mark and Marty are faithful for First Friday Adoration on Thursday evening from 8:00 to 9:00PM.
• Mark leads the Rosary before the 5:00PM Saturday Mass.
• Mark serves on the Prince of Peace Finance Committee as the Secretary.
• Marty serves as a Eucharistic Minister

Mark has also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and has been involved in set up at the Knights monthly Breakfast.


December 2020

Wayne and Rusty Adams

Our Family of the Month for December 2020 is SK Wayne and Rusty Adams. They are selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Wayne and Rusty have been married for 18 years. They have six children between them, with three for each. Their children are in Hawaii, Michigan, California, and New Mexico. Wayne has two grandchildren and Rusty has six.

Wayne and Rusty have been at Prince of Peace since 2008. Wayne joined the Knights about 7 years ago and is a Fourth Degree member. He serves as the Faithful Comptroller for Assembly 3642. Wayne is a very active member of the Knights and assists at the monthly Knights Breakfast and various fundraising efforts such as Tamale Sales, and Wheelchair donations. He has a truck and makes himself and his truck available for many different needs. More recently, he helped at White Rose to haul off refuse from the clearing of brush from its yard. He has been involved with other Pro-Life activities such as the Hike for Life and the Rosaries at abortion clinics. In the past he has helped at Habitat for Humanity and at the Special Olympics.

Rusty is a “Lady Knight” and has been involved with helping at the monthly Breakfasts and helping with the Knights Christmas party. She is also a member of the Bereavement Committee.

Wayne and Rusty assisted with the delivery of wheelchairs to Oaxaco, Mexico in 2019. They have also been part of a University of Dallas pilgrimage to the Holy Lands.

Wayne and Rusty are very active in service for the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Please extend your congratulations to Wayne and Rusty Adams for being the December 2020 Knight Family of the Month.


November 2020

Rex and Ruth West

Our Family of the Month for November 2020 is SK Billy Rex and Ruth West. They are selected based upon their service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Rex and Ruth have been married for 31 years, and they are proud of their combined six adult children and 13 grandchildren. Their first great-grandchild is due in early November. All six families have strong professions such as Toyota payroll manager, VA nurse practitioner, independent producer of TV programs, supervisor of St. Louis Downtown airport ground support, stay at home wife and mother, and an educator.

Rex and Ruth have been members of Prince of Peace since 1999. Rex joined the Knights 18 years ago and is a Fourth Degree. He has been active to support many different Knights activities, such as at the Knights Breakfasts and Dinners. More recently, he is co-founder of the Knights Responders, membership chairman of the 4th degree Assembly and has accepted the responsibility to support the weekly PoP Bulletin announcements along with establishing the Knights pages on the PoP website.

Rex and Ruth are both active with the Knights Breakfasts, Pro-Life activities, and Honor our Heroes. Ruth also serves as an usher, monthly volunteer at the Catholic Pro-Life Committee and is a member of the Bereavement Committee.

Rex has been sharing his guitar skills at the Saturday evening Mass, and also has shared this talent at St. Thomas Aquinas church.

Rex and Ruth, you are appreciated for your service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Please extend your congratulations to SK Billy Rex and Ruth West for being the November 2020 Knight Family of the Month.


October 2020

Chuck and Linda Whitney

Our Family of the Month for October 2020 is Chuck and Linda Whitney. They are selected based upon their commitment to service to the Knights of Columbus, and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Linda has been a member of Prince of Peace since 1993. Chuck has been a member of Prince of Peace since 1997. Chuck joined the Knights of Columbus in July 2019 and recently achieved the Fourth Degree.

Chuck is very active with Council 11716. He is a regular to assist at the monthly Knights Breakfasts where he will do whatever is needed, such as making coffee, set-up, take-down, assistance in the kitchen, etc. Linda also helps at the Breakfasts and is renowned for chopping vegetables.

Chuck helps out in many Knights activities, where ever there is a need. One such activity is the loading of wheelchairs for storage. For the Prince of Peace Community, they continue their volunteerism. Chuck and Linda plant and care for flowers at the Columbarium. Linda is the captain of ushers at every other Saturday night Mass. Chuck helps to set up the sanctuary before Mass. Linda’s has also volunteered as sacristan, and with the Bereavement group.

Chuck and Linda, you are appreciated for your service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Please extend your congratulations to the Chuck and Linda Whitney for being the October 2020 Knight Family of the Month.


March 2020

Ray and Cyndy Biase

Our Family of the Month for March 2020 is Ray and Cyndy Biase. They are selected based upon their commitment to service to the Knights of Columbus, and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

Ray and Cyndy have been members of Prince of Peace for 25 years. Ray joined the Knights of Columbus about six years ago and he has achieved the Third Degree.

Ray is very active with Council 11716. He is a regular to assist at the monthly Knights Breakfasts where his specialty is making wonderful omelets. At other dining events, he will help at whatever needs to be done, from being a busboy to helping with dining services. Ray helps with the fund-raising events such as the Wheelchair Drives, the tamale sales and other fund raisers. Beyond the Knights, Ray is a participant of the Friday Breakfast Religious Book Group.

Cyndy is involved in a variety of ways. She can be seen helping as a Lady Knight at various Knights events. She has completed CRHP, is a Eucharistic Minister, participates in the Wednesday Bible Study group, is a member of the Discipleship Committee and of the Bereavement Committee. She has also been a Facilitator/Instructor for the Confirmation Class.

Both Ray and Cyndy are participants in the Social Ministry which offers the Coffee and Donuts on Sunday mornings.

Ray and Cyndy, you are appreciated for your service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Please extend your congratulations to the Ray and Cyndy Biase for being the March 2020 Knight Family of the Month.


February 2020

Bill and Elaine Weber

Our Family of the Month for February 2020 is Bill and Elaine Weber. They are selected based upon their commitment to service to the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.
Bill and Elaine have been members of Prince of Peace since 1991. Bill is a Fourth Degree Knight and is active in Council 11716 where he serves as the Wheelchair Director and in Assembly 3642 where he is a Trustee. Bill and Elaine will be celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary in a few months and are recognized as a dedicated and loving couple. They have two grown daughters and six grandchildren, ranging in age from 7 months to 10 years old.
Bill has been involved with the American Wheelchair Mission for ten years. His leadership and his commitment to help handicapped children resulted in the Mobility Hero Award in 2017 from the American Wheelchair President, Chris Lewis. He has not only organized very strong support from Prince of Peace, but also has helped other parishes to have drives to support this charity. As a result, he is now the state of Texas Wheelchair Chairman. From starting his efforts at Prince of Peace, it has expanded to at least nine parishes in the Dallas Diocese. Statewide, donations have grown from $305,000 in 2018 to $438,000 in 2019. The goal for year 2020 is $500,000, and knowing Bill Weber, it will be exceeded.
Bill is also a regular member of the Men's Fellowship, is a Eucharistic Minister, supports other Knights activities (Hike of Life, Pro-Life Mass, Special Olympics) and volunteers at God's Pantry every Tuesday.
Elaine has served as the Spiritual Director of four CRHP groups, and currently serves as a Spiritual Director today to help people. She is also a faculty member to train new spiritual directors.
Both Bill and Elaine have made multiple trips to Mexico to distribute wheelchairs to needy, handicapped children---a blessing for the child and for the families. And both have been active for 20 years in a Marriage Group which helps couples to enrich their marriages.
Bill and Elaine, you are amazing and are appreciated for your service to the Knights of Columbus, to Prince of Peace Catholic Community, and to the Wheelchair Mission. Please extend your congratulations to Bill and Elaine for being the February 2020 Knight Family of the Month.


January 2020

Josh and Katie Schwartz

Our Family of the Month for January 2020 is the Josh and Katie Schwartz family. They are selected based upon their commitment to service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
Josh and Katie have been members of Prince of Peace since 2013. Josh joined the Knights of Columbus about 10 years ago, when he and his family were members of All Saints Church. He is a third-degree Knight.
In talking to Josh, he sings the praises of the monthly Knights Breakfast, and is an attendee with his family and his parents, and is a promoter to recruit other families.
Josh serves Prince of Peace as the Director of Pastoral Ministries. In this role, he is responsible for a team which manage the Youth Ministry, the Young Adult Ministry, RCIA, Profess, Exalt, and various adult ministries including Alpha, Parish Mission and large speaker events like Scott Hahn.
Josh and Katie have seven children: Emma (15), Noah (13), Patrick (11), Thomas (9), Michael (6), Lucy (4) and Caleb (1). The children attend school at Regina Caeli Academy in Carrollton, which is a college preparatory hybrid that assists with home schooling. Noah and Patrick serve as Junior Acolytes at Prince of Peace, and Emma and Noah are involved in the Youth Ministry. The children also are involved with Sacrament preparation, help clean up after the monthly Knights Breakfast and are involved with the tear down after the weekly Coffee and Donuts.
Katie is involved with the Prince of Peace School Mom's Group and they are leaders of a Married Couple Small Faith Group.
Josh and Katie, you and your family are amazing and are appreciated for your service to Council 11716 and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Please extend your congratulations to the entire Schwartz family for being the January 2020 Knight Family of the Month.


December 2019

Paul and Donna Garcia

Our Family of the Month for December 2019 is Paul and Donna Garcia. They are selected based upon their commitment to service to the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.
Paul and Donna have been members of Prince of Peace since 1998. Paul joined the Knights of Columbus about ten years ago, and is a Third Degree member. Paul is most noted for his commitment to the Pro-Life activities. He makes himself available on the second Saturday of each month to work at White Rose, where he volunteers to do what ever help might be needed. He is also a regular participant in the Hikes For Life.
Paul is involved in other Prince of Peace activities. He supports the Music Ministry by sharing his guitar playing skills at the 5:00PM Mass on Saturdays. He also serves on the Finance Committee, which plays a very important role since Prince of Peace is in the planning stage for the building modifications. This is Paul's second tour on the Finance Committee. He has also been on the Pastoral Council and involved with the RCIA.
Donna's involvement is with Honor Our Heroes to support the troops. She is a volunteer to beautify the church with flowers at Christmas and at Easter. Donna also is involved with St. Jude Center which helps the homeless to advance to where they can support themselves to independent living.
Paul and Donna, you are appreciated for your service to Council 11716, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community, and beyond. Please extend your congratulations to the Garcia Family for being the Knight Family of the Month for December 2019.


November 2019

Robert Edsall Family

The Knight Family of the Month is the Robert Edsall family, selected based upon their service to Council 11716, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.
Robert and Sharon Edsall joined Prince of Peace twenty years ago (1999). Although Robert joined the Knights in 2015, he was involved with Knights activities before he joined. He is a Fourth Degree Knight and serves as the 3-Year Trustee.
Robert can be seen at the monthly Knights Breakfasts where he makes superb custom omelets. He is also a key contributor whenever grilling or frying is needed at such events as the Lenten Fish Fry or the Back to School events. In addition, Robert participates in Walk for Life Plano, the Knights Golf tournament and helps at Casino Night.
Beyond the Knights of Columbus, he serves as an usher, participates in the Saturday morning rosary and Men's Fellowship, and is a member of Honor Our Heroes. Beyond Prince of Peace, Robert is a Squad Leader for the Homes for Our Troops Annual Sporting Clay fund-raiser, and a member of the Carnivore Club.
Sharon Edsall is very active at Prince of Peace and outside of PoP. She is a member of WOW (Women of Wisdom), Honor our Heroes, and as a lady Knight regularly helps at the monthly Breakfasts and at Casino Night. Beyond Prince of Peace, she is a regular volunteer at the North Texas Food Bank and the Feed My Starving Children Organizations, the Bella House as well as meal coordinator for the John Paul II High School Men's Varsity and JV program.
The Edsall son, Logan, and daughter, Siarra, volunteer at the monthly Knights Breakfasts, and Siarra is currently assisting to make a video and photo montage which is currently being developed.
Thank you to the entire Robert Edsall family for your service to Knights Council 11716, to Prince of Peace and beyond. And congratulations for being the November 2019 Knight Family of the Month.


October 2019

Joe and Elaine Bindo

Our Family of the Month for October is SK Joe and Elaine Bindo. They are selected based upon their commitment to service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
Joe and Elaine were members of Prince of Peace at its beginning, but then moved away before returning in 2012. Joe joined the Knights of Columbus in 2002, and transferred to Council 11716 in 2013. He is a Fourth Degree Knight. Joe serves this Council as the Deputy Grand Knight and has been leading the member retention efforts, and he assists in new member initiation activities. He is also the Outside Sentinel for Assembly 3642. Joe led a committee at Prince of Peace to have its first Blue Mass in 2018. He has been active in various Knights activities including the monthly breakfasts and other food events, the Special Olympics, the Concession Stand, and other Knights fund raising activities.
Joe is very involved with the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. He serves as a member of the Pastoral Council and is a regular attendee at the Saturday Men's Fellowship. He attended George Davis' Bible Study.

Both Joe and Elaine serve this community as:
0 Eucharistic Ministers for the Legacy West Senior living facility
0 Members of the Choir
0 Count the collection moneys on Monday mornings
0 Members of the Pro-Life Committee
0 Members of the Empty Nesters (Group 2)
They enjoy attending Exalt and Profess events. Both are graduates of the CRHP program.
On a diocesan level, they have volunteered at the Catholic Pro-Life fund-raisers, including the Golf Tournament, the Bishop's Dinner and the Hike for Life.
Elaine is a member of the Bereavement Committee and the Catholic Book Club at PoP. She is also active in Theresians, an international Christian women's organization.
Joe and Elaine are appreciated for their service to Council 11716, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community, and to the Diocese of Dallas. Please extend your congratulations to the Bindo family for being the Knight Family of the Month for October 2019.


August 2019

Ben Oani Family

Our Family of the Month for August is SK Ben and Annette Oani and family. They are selected based upon their commitment to service for the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.
The Ben Oani family joined Prince of Peace four years ago, and he became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 2017. He is a Fourth Degree Knight. Ben has been involved with multiple Knights activities, and especially the monthly breakfast. He serves the State of Texas Council as the North East Region Emergency Response Coordinator, serving the Dioceses of Dallas, Fort Worth and Tyler.
Ben is very involved with the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Included in his activities are:
0 Eucharistic Minister
0 Senior Acolyte
0 Coordinator of Eucharistic Ministers for the Sunday evening Mass.
0 Lector
0 Catechist for the young people who are studying for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
0 Volunteer for the North Texas Catholic Men's Conference.
0 Served as Chaperone for the 80 mile (6-day) youth walk in Spain to follow the path of St. James to Santiago de Compostela.
Ben's family is also very active at Prince of Peace. His wife, Annette, serves as a Eucharistic Minister and is also a Catechist for the Confirmation class. His eldest daughter has served as a lector and as a Eucharistic Minister at Prince of Peace, but now is at St. Mary's in Houston, where she is going to university. His two younger daughters are Junior Acolytes and regularly step in when additional Jr. Acolytes are needed.
Ben, Annette and the Oani daughters are commended for their many activities. They are appreciated for their service to Council 11716, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community, to the Diocese of Dallas and to the North East Region of the State of Texas. Please extend your congratulations to the Oani family for being the Knight Family of the Month for August 2019


June 2019

Rick and Susie Anderssen

Our Family of the Month for June is SK Rick and Susie Anderssen. They are selected based upon their commitment to service for the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.
Rick has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 19 years and has achieved the fourth Degree. Rick originally helped at the monthly breakfasts, bur more recently his talents are more focused on security, the first responders and the US military. He has served on the team which planned and executed the Blue Mass, and continues to serve for the next Blue Mass.
For the Prince of Peace Catholic Community, Rick serves as the liaison with the Plano Police Department. He is involved with the PoP security team which does risk assessments and various programs such as training programs of what to do in the case of an active shooter. He is also involved with security considerations for PoP facilities and for new construction.
Rick has been involved with the Sister Parish Committee from the beginning, has made several visits to Las Mercedes, and hosted members of the Las Mercedes parish during their visits to Plano.
Susie is the co-chair of Honor Our Heroes Committee at PoP. Rick is at her side, but Susie, along with Marianna Thiebaud and Claudia Jennings, established the Ministry. Susie currently prepares prayers and announcements for the PoP bulletin, communicates through large distribution emails, and helps organize events such as Poppy Day, and co-chaired the Care Package program. She deserves the recognition and thanks from the entire community.
Susie is co-leader, along with Marianna and Claudia, of the Shoe Ministry at Prince of Peace and has been from a number of years. She also holds two separate classes through Texas Health Resources at Presbyterian Hospital and at HUD housing developments to teach self-management to patients with chronic diseases, and to improve balance.
Please extend your congratulations to Rick and Susie Anderssen for being the Knight Family of the Month for June 2019.


May 2019

David and Mary Haney

Our Family of the Month for May is SK David and Mary Haney. They are selected based upon their commitment to service for the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
David has a long history of leadership with the Knights of Columbus Council 11716. He is a Charter Member of this Council and he has served as the Deputy Grand Knight in 1996-7 and then as the Grand Knight in 1997-9. He has been known as a quiet and unselfish contributor where ever he saw the need.
Currently, David continues his history of strong involvement with the Knights. He serves as Trustee, participates in the monthly Breakfasts, and has a history of being involved with the Pro-Life Ministry. That service includes the famous painting of the parking lot at White Rose, Hike for Life and rosaries on good Friday at abortion clinics.
David participates in two Bible Study groups which meet weekly. Mary is also a member of one of the Bible Study groups. David and Mary both serve as Eucharistic Ministers and are both members of the Bereavement Committee.
In addition, Mary is actively serving Prince of Peace in numerous other activities. This includes making hospital visits on Wednesday to hospitalized members of Prince of Peace, visits to the Accel rehabilitation centers and nursing homes, and decorating the PoP church at Christmas and Easter times.
Please extend you congratulations to David and Mary Haney for being the Knight Family of the Month for May 2019.


April 2019

Alfredo and Iliana Reaud

Our Family of the Month for April is SK Alfredo and Iliana Reaud. They are selected based upon their commitment to service for the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and to the Diocese of Dallas.
Alfredo and Iliana have been members of the Prince of Peace Catholic Community since 2000, and Alfredo has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1986. He is a Fourth Degree Knight.
Alfredo is very involved in the Prison Ministry, where he is a Chaplain. He visits the Lew Sterrett Justice Center four times per month and the Collin County Jail in McKinney four times per month. He makes private visits with the inmates, provides Holy Communion and gives spiritual messages based upon the gospel of the day. The visits can be in English or in Spanish.
Alfredo is involved with various Knights activities, such as the breakfasts and fund raisers. He has also been a member of the Choir for 18+ years and has been active in the Saturday morning Men's Group.
Iliana is involved with the Mediation Journey during lent where she helps to set up the sanctuary and do the decorations.
Both Alfredo and Iliana are members of the Steering Committee for the Sister Parish in Honduras. For every visit by members of the Sister Parish, they host one or two of the visitors at their home. They also provide translation services and help with the fund raising to make the Sister Parish a stronger ministry.
In addition, both are Eucharistic Ministers and are both CRHP alumni. Outside of PoP, they are active fund raisers for the Assistance League of Collin County, and support the Plano Balloon Festival, including the organization's "Garage Sales" in its parking lot.
Please extend your congratulations to Alfredo and Iliana Reaud for being the Knight Family of the Month for April 2019.


March 2019

James and Arda Widman

Our Family of the Month for March is SK James and Arda Widman. They are selected based upon their commitment to service for the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and to the Diocese of Dallas.
James and Arda have been members of the Prince of Peace Catholic Community for 13 years, and James has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 11 years. He is a Fourth Degree Knight. James has served this Council as Pro-Life Director since 2008.
When James first came to Prince of Peace, he joined the Respect Life Ministry, and soon joined the Knights to link the two ministries and further spread the Gospel of Life. James currently serves as:
0 Vice President of Hike for Life Inc., a non-profit which coordinates the Hikes for Life in the State of Texas.
0 Site Coordinator for the Hike for Life Plano location (for 11 years).
0 Co-Chair of the Raffle Committee for the Bishop's Pro-Life Dinner.
James completed CRHP-2, and served on the PoP road team that took the Christ Renews His Parish program to All Saints Catholic Church in 2015. James volunteers at the monthly breakfasts and readily volunteers to sell raffle tickets and tamales.
Arda completed CRHP-3 and is a regular volunteer at the Dallas Diocese Catholic Prolife Committee. James and Arda, as a team, are students of scripture and completed the four-year University of Dallas Catholic Biblical Studies Program in 2011. They have both served for the past 11 years as facilitators for the PoP Catholics Returning Home Program. Both are active members of the Respect Life Ministry and the Empty Nesters at Prince of Peace and also serve as Parish Representatives for Guadalupe Catholic Radio Station KATH 910 AM.
Please extend your congratulations to James and Arda Widman for being the Knight Family of the Month for March 2019.


February 2019

Art and Mary Lynn Amoyo

The Knight Family of the Month for February 2019 is Art and Mary Lynn Amoyo, selected based upon their involvement with the Knights of Columbus and with the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
Art and Mary Lynn have been members of Prince of peace since the beginning. Art joined the Knights in 2004 and became a Fourth Degree Sir Knight in 2013. He served as the Deputy Grand Knight for two years and then as the Grand Knight of this Council in 2014-2015, and did so in exemplary fashion.
Art is very active with the Knights of Columbus. He has a long history of involvement with fund raisers, including time as Chairman of the Fund-Raising Committee. He is a regular at the monthly breakfasts and other activities. Art is also active with Assembly 3462 where he serves as the Faithful Admiral and helped coordinate the Wreaths Across America program at the Dallas National Cemetery this past Christmas time.
For years, Art has been helping to recruit Filipino members to the Knights of Columbus with a traditional pig roast during December. He has also served for years in the Prince of Peace choir.
Mary Lynn is a past Development Director for the Prince of Peace School and currently is involved with "Break Open the Word" lessons for the RCIA candidates.
Please extend your congratulations to Art and Mary Lynn Amoyo for being the Knight Family of the Month for February 2019.


January 2019

Steve and Kathleen Welsh

Our Knight Family of the Month for January 2019 is Steve and Kathleen Welsh, selected based upon their involvement with the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.
Steve and Kathleen have been attending Prince of Peace since 1998. Steve joined the Knights of Columbus Council 11716 about two years ago and has attained the Fourth Degree, the highest level. Steve helps at the monthly breakfast. But it is noteworthy that Steve and Kathleen often serve together at Knights activities. They participated in the Hike for Life and both went to Mexico last year to help deliver wheelchairs to needy children.
At Prince of Peace Catholic Community, Steve is in his second season with the Alpha Program which serves to introduce Christ to those who do not know much about Him. He was asked to join the program by one of his customers, who then decided to convert. Steve was then his sponsor.
Both Steve and Kathleen are Eucharistic Ministers.
Kathleen is very active in support of Prince of Peace Catholic Community. She is now into her second year serving on the Prince of Peace Pastoral Council. She has also been a lector for over one year. And last year, she taught the First Grade Sunday School.
Kathleen serves the Catholic community beyond Prince of Peace. She is an Ambassador for the Montserrat Retreat House and she is a member of the Speakers Bureau for Catholic Charities of the Dallas Diocese.
Steve and Kathleen make Prince of Peace and the Dallas Diocese a better community. Please extend your congratulations to Steve and Kathleen Welsh for being the Knight Family of the Month for January 2019.


December 2018

Paul and Donna Garcia

Paul and Donna Garcia are the December 2018 Knight Family of the Month. This Award recognizes their outstanding service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community
Paul and Donna have been married for 41 years and have been members of Prince of Peace for the past 20 years. They have two adult daughters, and both daughters graduated from Prince of Peace School. Maria is now a teacher in Boston, and Diana is here in the Dallas area and works at the Four seasons Resort in Las Colinas.
Paul joined the Knights about ten years ago and has achieved the Third Degree. He is a leader in the support of the Right to Life and is dedicated to solving various issues at the White Rose Women's Center on a monthly basis or as emergency needs arise. He also is involved in organizing and setting up the Hike for Life, and has been helping at the monthly Knights breakfasts.
Paul is active in other activities at the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. He serves in the Music Ministry, sharing his guitar skills and his voice to enhance the Sunday Mass. In addition, he serves on the Prince of Peace Finance Committee and is a regular at the Men's Fellowship group.
Donna is very active in the Pro-Life activities, both on this Council and of the Dallas Diocese. She has also served on the altar linen team for several years. In addition, she participates every Thursday in the "Meals on Wheels" program of Collin County.
Paul and Donna are very special in their dedicated service and are highly appreciated.
Congratulations to Paul and Donna Garcia, the December 2018 Knight Family of the Month.


November 2018

Howard and Sharon Gurnas

Out Knight Family of the Month for November is Howard and Sharon Gurnas, selected based upon their involvement with the Knights of Columbus, to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community and beyond.
Howard was recognized as the Knight of the Month in June 2018. He is a Fourth Degree Knight and he currently serves as the Membership Chairman for this Council.
Howard and Sharon are an inseparable couple and do many things together. They met in high school, but started dating after college. They married in 1990, and celebrated their 25th anniversary here at Prince of Peace in 2015 with the renewal of their vows. Fr. Tom Cloherty and Bishop Michael Duca were the celebrants for the renewal. Fr. Michael Duca assisted with their Sacrament of Matrimony in 1990.
Sharon is a retired teacher and has a history of caring for others. Howard and Sharon are passionate about God and family. They are both active with scouts and can be seen together at many events at Prince of Peace such as the monthly Knights Breakfast.
Howard and Sharon make Prince of Peace a better community. Please extend your congratulations to Howard and to Sharon for being the Knight Family of the Month for November 2018.


October 2018

Dan & Monique Stoffel

Dan and Monique Stoffel are the October 2018 Knight Family of the Month. This Award recognizes their outstanding service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
Dan and Monique Stoffel have been members of Prince of Peace since the first Mass was celebrated in a movie theater. He joined the Knights nine years ago and has served in a number of Officer positions including two years as Grand Knight. He is also a Charter Member of Fourth Degree Assembly 3642 where he currently serves as the Membership Director.
Dan was recognized as the Knight of the Month of Council 11716 in July for his outstanding service. His involvement and leadership was also recognized by a number of awards which this Council received while he was the Grand Knight. His remarkable service is broadly recognized, and his current position is that of the Fourth District Deputy where he serves and oversees four Councils of the Diocese of Dallas.
But Dan is not alone in his service to the Knights of Columbus and the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. His wife, Monique is also heavily involved in service. She is well known for her ability to obtain prizes and gifts for various events including the Golf tournament, Casino Night and especially for the Knight Christmas Party. Last year, Monique, on her own, obtained enough donations so that every Knight and spouse would have a Christmas gift to take home from that party. She is also involved with the monthly breakfasts and at the FC Dallas concession stand. Like Dan, she is there to serve when needed---and that is very often. In addition, Monique has helped to distribute wheel chairs to needy children in Mexico for three years in a row.
Dan and Monique are very special in their dedicated service and are highly appreciated.
Congratulations to Dan and Monique Stoffel, the October 2018 Knight Family of the Month.


September 2018

Dick and Lorraine Leyendecker

Dick and Lorraine Leyendecker are the September 2018 Knight Family of the Month. This Award recognizes their outstanding service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
Dick and Lorraine Leyendecker are Founding Members of Prince of Peace. He joined the Knights about 8 years ago and became a Fourth Degree member about four years ago. He currently serves Knights Assembly 3642 as the pilot, and has served in numerous officer roles for Council 1716.
The Leyendecker Family is heavily involved with the Prince of Peace Catholic Community. Dick's involvement as a Knight includes sourcing food for the monthly Knights Breakfast. He is also at the entrance table of the Breakfast where he enthusiastically greets the attendees. He is known for his friendliness and clever comments while seeking donations.
Both Dick and Lorraine are heavily involved at Prince of Peace, which includes:
0 Dick provides the columbarium services at funeral events.
0 Dick participates in the Thursday morning Men's study group and the Saturday morning Men's Group. He also joins the Monday Bible Study at Zig Zigler's Baptist Group.
0 Lorraine is a Procurator/Advocate for the Annulment Process for Prince of Peace and for the Diocesan Tribunal.
0 Lorraine Facilitates a Catholic Spirituality group on Thursday mornings.
0 Lorraine serves the Community as a Lector at Mass.
0 Both Dick and Lorraine are Eucharistic Ministers.
0 Both also are members of the Empty Nesters.
0 Both are involved in the Seekers Small Faith Group.
0 Both have been on several teams of CRHP.
0 They have been involved in a Catholic/Jewish Dialogue Group for over 25 years.
0 Lorraine served on the Prince of Peace Founding Parish Advisory Board.
Congratulations to Dick and Lorraine Leyendecker, the September 2018 Knight Family of the Month.


August 2018

Larry and Mary Hahn

The August 2018 Knight Family of the Month is Larry and Mary Hahn. This Award recognizes their outstanding service to the Knights of Columbus and to the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
Larry and Mary Hahn have been members of the Prince of Peace Catholic Community since 2013. He joined the Knights in 1991 when he was in Springfield, Virginia and became a Fourth Degree member at that time. He currently serves Council 11716 as the Outer Guard and Knights Assembly 3642 as the Outer Sentinel. He also serves as the Disaster Relief Coordinator for Prince of Peace.
The Hahn Family is an excellent example of giving back to the community. They will be found serving together at many Knights events, including the monthly breakfasts, the FC Dallas concession stand fund-raiser, the going away lunches for Ismael Rodriguez and for Father Peter, the Back-to-School lunch (where they worked from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM) and the Taco Sales. They are also involved in the Blue Mass, scheduled for September 9, where they are a vital link into the First Responder community, and they are members of the Honor Our Heroes Committee.
Mary is known to extend her hand where ever there is a need. Larry also serves as the President of their Home Owner Association (Parker Estates) and is President of the Retired DEA Agents Association.
Congratulations to Larry and Mary Hahn, the Knight Family of the Month for August 2018.


June 2018

Rick and Susie Anderssen


May 2018

John and Annette Nevins


May 2017

John and Christiana Stich


April 2017

Kevan and Jolawn Victor


March 2017

Rusty and Wayne Adams


February 2017

Alex Adrion Family


December 2016

Charles Tanner Family


October 2016

Roland and Marta Tunez


September 2016

Jack and Lynette Lyons


August 2016

Ed and Linda Kelly


July 2016

John and Carme Mascitti


May 2016

David and Nelly Carr


January 2016

Barry and Cheryl Sy

Barry and Cheryl Sy were both born in Manila in the Philippines. While Cheryl spent her childhood years in Manila, Barry grew up in Vancouver and Toronto.
They have 3 boys – Nicholas (12), Nathan (7) and Nevan (4), and have been member of Prince of Peace for 3 years.
A longing to belong to a wonderful, Christian family-based community eventually brought them to Texas. Barry pursued his degree in International Trade while Cheryl obtained a Bachelor Degree in Banking.
The Sy Family loves to travel including to Europe, Asia and North America. They especially love meeting new people along the way.
Being “Foodies” at heart they enjoy experiencing new foods, and the Sy Family also enjoys visiting museums and are nature lovers.
Barry’s most memorable experience with the Knights are the monthly breakfasts. Barry says “I enjoy meeting great families that are filled with Christ’s love. Never fear meeting new people, as they will continuously surprise you with welcoming open arms.”
Please join our council in congratulating our Knights of Columbus Family of the Month for January, 2016, Barry & Cheryl Sy


December 2015

John and Annette Nevins


September 2015

Nicholai & Cherise de Guzman

Our September, 2015, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month is awarded to Nicholai & Cherise de Guzman.

Since their marriage at Prince of Peace in 2011, Nicholai and Cherise have been members of our congregation. Nicholai is a newly initiated Knight and he and Cherise have both volunteered at our monthly community breakfasts. Nicholai joined our council at the urging of Deacon Gene and looks forward to getting more involved with council activities.

Cherise is finishing her PhD at UT-Dallas in neuro science while Nicholai, who received his Masters at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, works as a web engineer for UT Southwestern in downtown Dallas. Both enjoy their free time biking on the trails in Richardson and Plano.

Congratulations to Nicholai & Cherise de Guzman our September, 2015, KOC Family of the Month.


August 2015

Jeff & Heidi Whitfield

Our August, 2015, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month is awarded to Jeff & Heidi Whit-field.

Jeff & Heidi’s first date was attending Mass together at St. Rita’s after being introduced to each other by a mutual friend. Jeff a native of Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh and wife Heidi, from the University of Minnesota.

Most of their spare time is spent raising their 13 year old daughter, Allie, who is an incoming 7th grader at Prince of Peace. Allie is an aspiring thespian who can also sing and dance.

Jeff & Heidi have been married for 17 years and enjoy exercise, music and the arts. Heidi is a parent volunteer at POP and Jeff is Director of Membership with Council 11716 where he has done an excellent job.

Congratulations to Jeff & Heidi Whitfield our August, 2015, KOC Family of the Month.


July 2015

none


June 2015

none


May 2015

Mark & Marty Dama

Our May 2015, Knights of Columbus Family of the Monthis awarded to Mark & Marty Dama.

Mark, an Illinois native, and Marty from Michigan, met in Dallas as telephone counselors for the Dallas Suicide & Crisis Center. They’ve been happily married for 28 years and have 3 children: son Eric is an attorney in Dallas, daughter Caitlin is a 3rd grade teacher in the Carrollton/Farmers Branch school district; while daughter Laura is a sophomore at Oklahoma University.

Marty is a Eucharistic Minister at POP and enjoys Mary Frasier’s classes on spiritual development. In addition to the Knights, Mark has been through CRHP and is on the CRHP Continuation Team.

Marty enjoys exercise on a regular basis, while Mark does his routine morning runs, and does outdoor garden railroading. Both are still currently working, with Marty as an attorney with the Treasury Department for over 30 years, and Mark for over 25 years has served as an insurance and risk manager with the Boy Scouts.

Mark’s advice for new Knights: “Get involved right away with our council and in our church community. It’s a great way to meet new folks here in our congregation.”

Congratulations to Mark & Marty Dama our May, 2015, KOC Family of the Month.


April 2015

Bill & Elaine Weber

Our April 2015, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month is awarded to Bill & Elaine Weber.

Bill and Elaine Weber are Illinois natives. After meeting at a bank where they both worked, they began dating and eventually married. This Sunday they will be celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary. Their daughters Andrea and Stephanie live in Houston and Prosper respectively. The Webers often visit Houston to see their grandkids, 5 year old Anna and 8 year old A.J. Their other grandson, 15 month old Joseph is a short drive away in Prosper.

Elaine’s career move with EDS brought them down to Texas. She later went on to work for Raytheon and will be retiring in June after 18 years of service. She plans to play more golf and to continue to pursue her passion as a spiritual director. She will serve in that role with the next CRHP class. Currently Elaine also serves as a Senior Acolyte with Prince of Peace.

Bill grew up and still is a long time Yankee fan, often watching the “Game of the Week” with the Yankees playing on television. In addition to his service with the Knights, he spearheads the local effort for the American Wheelchair Mission. This year he is proud to say that they have exceeded last year’s magnificent effort by 70 more wheelchairs, a total of 374 for 2015. Bill and his group will be heading to Mexico in September for a very emotional distribution of the wheelchairs.

Congratulations to Bill & Elaine Weber, our April, 2015, KOC Family of the Month.


March 2015

Wayne & Rusty Adams

Our March 2015, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month
is awarded to Wayne and Rusty Adams.

Wayne, an East Texas native and Rusty, a native Californian, have been married 13 years, and have 6 kids between the two of them. Their involvement at Prince of Peace includes both RCIA and CRHP. Rusty, who retired from Target, also volunteers with the Bereavement Committee. She also is an avid “Pickle Ball” player, a derivative of tennis. She plays in tournaments across the United States. Rusty also helps by working in the POP administrative offices to fill in when staff is out on vacation. Both Wayne and Rusty enjoy walking, hiking and biking.

They also enjoy visiting their second home in Phoenix, Arizona. They also visit Hawaii on a regular basis as they have kids and grandkids living there on Maui.

Wayne is still employed at AT&T where he’s been for the past 41 years and serves as a Treasury Organization Manager. He enjoys his volunteer time with the Knights and says he just fills in wherever there is work needed to be done.

Congratulations to Wayne & Rusty Adams our March, 2015, KOC Family of the Month.


February 2015

Horace & Elizabeth Solomon

Our February 2015, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month is awarded to Horace & Elizabeth Solomon

Horace and Elizabeth Solomon are native Filipinos from the Nueva Vizceya Province in the Philippine Islands. They have been married for 26 years and have an 18 year old daughter, Kaye. Horace joined the Knights in 1989 and became a 4th Degree in 1992. He served as a Eucharistic minister at his church in the Philippines. Horace also enjoyed mountain biking as a sport in the islands.

Prior to coming to Texas, Horace worked as an architectural supervisor in Ethiopia, Africa. Eventually, the family moved to Plano, TX, as Elizabeth was hired at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center. They enjoy walking in the Plano parks and regularly go to Cinemark when Filipino movies are shown.

The Solomon family has enjoyed the Knight boat outings at Lake Lavon and other Knight social events. Horace also enjoys volunteering at our community breakfasts.

Congratulations to Horace & Elizabeth Solomon
our February, 2015, KOC Family of the Month.


October 2014

Dan & Pat Garasich

Brothers - it's my pleasure to announce our family of the month for October to be Daniel & Pat Garasich. They are both Pittsburg, PA, natives and were high school sweethearts, they later married and are celebrating 46 years of married bliss. They have 2 children and also 2 grandkids that keep them young.

Pat currently works in the aircraft insurance industry, while Dan enjoys retired life after serving as vice president of sales for a national firm for over 25 years. Most guys sit around on the couch and watch TV, but not our Dan. He's a self-proclaimed "tinkerer", jack of all trades and do-it-yourselfer which keeps him very busy around the house. He also works part-time at Hirsch's Meats in customer service.

You'll find Dan & Pat on Sunday mornings after early mass helping with the hospitality crew serving coffee and donuts promoting fellowship at Prince of Peace. Serving at our monthly parish breakfasts, Dan is a master omellette chef as well as a First Team All-American with the Scrubbing Bubbas.

With our council, Dan serves as our Inside Guard. An interesting note about Dan is that he loves collecting beer steins.

So next time you see Pat & Dan, please congratulate them on being our October, 2014, KOC Family of Month.


September 2014

Howard & Sharon Gurnas

Our September, 2014, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month is awarded to Howard & Sharon Gurnas
Howard, who was born in Delaware, met Sharon, a Minnesota native, in high school at J.J. Pearce in Richardson, Texas. They later were married at All Saints officiated by Father Duca, who is now Bishop Duca. Last month they celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. Howard has been an usher at POP since 2002 and was part of CRHP 13, and they both helped with the following CRHP classes of 14, 15 & 16. They are both avid campers and enjoy their involvement with the Boy Scouts. Howard also teaches gun classes for the Circle 10 Council and is a fan of trap shooting. With our council he serves as Community Coordinator.
Howard is currently studying nursing at Richland College and hopes to move on to TWU to finish his degree. Within the next few weeks, Howard will be joining several other brothers to obtain their 4th Degree at Knights.
Next time you see Howard and Sharon, please take a moment to congratulate them for this well deserved honor as our September, 2014, KOC Family of the Month.


August 2014

Aaron & Elizabeth Koury


June 2014

Jeff & Barb Flanagan

Our June, 2014, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month is awarded to Jeff & Barb Flanagan. Jeff is from Silver Bay & Barb is from Waseca, Minnesota. They met while in college at St. Cloud State University, home of the Huskies, and later married. In just a few weeks they’ll be celebrating their 31 year wedding anniversary.
They are the proud parents of 4 beautiful daughters ranging in age from 21 – 27. Their twins are the youngest. The latest family addition is Colton, their 14 week old grandson.
Jeff is a salesman for Voya Financial, and Barb is with BG Staffing where she is the assistant to the CEO and is also a recruiter for the company. While Barb finds time to do scrapbooking, Jeff’s passion includes Special Olympics, Hope’s Door (a women’s crisis center against domestic violence), White Rose and the Ronald McDonald House. Their hobbies also include travelling where they have recently visited Italy and just recently vacationed in Hawaii which was a sales award from work.
Jeff’s advice to fellow Knights is to “get involved with more than just one project. You’re missing the boat until you find yourself immersed in several meaningful Knight endeavors. Being able to support our projects financially and especially with our time is the greatest reward.”
Congratulations to Jeff & Barb Flanagan, our June, 2014 KOC Family of the Month.


May 2014

Brijesh & Sarah Anthonypillai

Our May, 2014, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month is awarded to Brijesh & Sarah Anthonypillari.
Brijesh and Sarah met through a mutual friend while working in the banking industry, and have been married for three years and have been members of Prince of Peace for three and a half years. One of their hobbies is travel.
Sarah is from Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX. Sarah is employed with the state of Texas as a social worker. Brijesh, a native of Sri Lanka is a graduate from the University of Maryland and is employed in the insurance industry. For the last several years, they both have been heavily involved with the CRHP ministry.
Brijesh reminds all new Knights to our council to “please get involved with our various projects. It’s a great way to contribute back to our parish and to get to know the people of our congregation.” He loves cooking and often volunteers to prepare the food for our monthly meetings.
Congratulations to Brijesh & Sarah Anthonypillari, our May, 2014 KOC Family of the Month.


April 2014

Andrew & Donna Walker

Our April, 2014, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month is awarded to Andrew & Donna Walker. Donna & Andrew are practically newlyweds, as they will be celebrating their 3rd year anniversary in November.
Growing up, Donna lived throughout Texas as her father served as a postmaster in several Texas cities including Houston, Sulfur Springs, Conroe and Jefferson. Her father was a Knight for over 30 years.
Andrew is an Air Force brat who has lived in various air bases across the U.S. including Shepherd AFB, Malmstrom AFB, and Andrews AFB in his younger days. Andrew studied at Midwestern State and did his graduate studies in Public Administration at Texas A&M. They both served as sponsors in our RCIA ministry at Prince of Peace. Andrew is also an unofficial member of the Scrubbing Bubbas.
Andrew’s #1 hobby is “keeping momma happy” and as you can tell by the smile on Donna’s face, he does a great job on all the Honey Do projects on her list.
Currently serving as treasurer for our council, Andrew says he’s inspired by many fellow Knights that set a great example of how a Knight should serve our council. He says, “you get out what you put in, and I try to follow the example of my fellow Knights to lead by example so the new Knights coming in will continue our legacy. I’m always energized by the camaraderie and fellowship that abounds at all the Knight activities I attend.”
Please congratulate Andrew & Donna Walker our April, 2014, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month.


March 2014

David & Mary Ann Haney

Our March, 2014, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month
is awarded to David & Mary Ann Haney

David, a 4th Degree Knight and Mary Ann will celebrate 38 years of wedding bliss next Thursday. David, whose hometown is Houston, TX, and Mary Ann from Victoria, TX, were introduced while in college by David’s 2 sisters on a blind date. David went to Stephen F. Austin, while Mary Ann studied at Sacred Heart Dominican College.
Both are Eucharistic Ministers at Prince of Peace and they both remember their very first mass at Prince of Peace that was held in a movie theater at Park & Ohio. Mary Ann ministers to our sick in hospitals. Retired from JC Penney’s, David enjoys his involvement with the Boy Scouts, and also serves on the board of directors for a local credit union. They both enjoy traveling and have recently visited Rome, Greece, Hawaii, Colorado and Arizona where their son resides in Phoenix.
We salute the Haneys for their continuing efforts in support of the Knights and Prince of Peace Catholic Church. On behalf of KOC Council 11716, it is our pleasure to recognize David & Mary Ann Haney as our March, 2014, KOC Family of the month.


February 2014

John & Evi Martens

Our February, 2014, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month
is awarded to John & Evi Martens

John & Evi Martens moved to Plano 6 years ago, and in July will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. John is from northwest Iowa and met his beloved Evi in Omaha, Nebraska, and were married back in 1974. They have two daughters, Marisa and Megan, who both live nearby. John serves as a Eucharistic Minister, and they both are members of the Empty Nesters, Respect Life and the Coffee & Donuts groups. Evi is a medical transcriptionist at UT Southwestern and in the past had a chance to visit the hometown where her parents grew up in the Czech Republic. John is a project manager, and also teaches Statistics, Trigonometry, and Algebra at Richland College. John says he enjoys being around young college kids in an academic environment. John is an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction when not fulfilling his duties as Grand Knight of our council. We salute the Martens for all their dedication and efforts to make our parish a great place to live and raise our families.

Congratulations to John & Evi Martens,
our February, 2014, KOC Family of the Month.


January 2014

Scott & Amy Yoste

Our January, 2014, Knights of Columbus Family of the Month is awarded to Scott and Amy Yoste.
Scott and Amy lead very active lives, which includes both of them being Eucharistic Ministers at Prince of Peace. Other church activities include their involvement with CRHP, where Scott was spiritual director for Group 14 and Amy serves as Chairman of the Continuation Committee. After several years of study, Amy is a qualified Spiritual Director. She also finds time to work for Ambit Energy in downtown Dallas.
Scott is owner of Appliant Roofing in his professional career. He is also team captain of Team 1 of the Scrubbing Bubbas at the Knights’ monthly community breakfasts. Scott and Amy are empty nesters, but enjoy it when the kids come home to visit, especially during the holidays. The 6 children include Megan who resides in Frisco with her family. In school at Scott’s alma mater Ole Miss are Scott III studying law, Thomas who studies geological engineering, and William. The two youngest daughters are Tolley a high school track and basketball star, and Alli who is in the 7th grade.
In their leisure time, Scott and Amy enjoy camping and the outdoors, where they put to good use their kayak.
Congratulations to Scott & Amy Yoste, our January, 2014, KOC Family of the Month.


December 2013

Chet & Ludy Wheless

Brother Chet, an attorney, hails from Corpus Christi, and is a proud University of Texas alum. Ludy’s hometown is Las Cruces, New Mexico. They have been married for 35 years.
The couple is involved in several ministries at Prince of Peace including RCIA and CRHP. Chet is a co-leader with Men’s Fellowship, and is a member of the Pastoral Council and Brothers in Christ. While involved in all these organizations, Chet still finds time to prepare waffles at our monthly community breakfasts. Ludy & Chet attend many of our social events at the church.
Congratulations to Chet & Ludy Wheless, our December, 2013, KOC Family of the Month.


November 2013

Charles & Catherine Tanner

Family of the Month is awarded to Charles & Katherine Tanner. According to fellow Knight, John Martens, “Charles and Katherine have always been very active in many endeavors at Prince of Peace.” Evi Martens commented that “They are members of the Empty Nesters group where they both enjoy taking part in all the group activities”.
It is noteworthy that Charles consistently participates in virtually all of our Knight functions, where he is reliable in executing any assigned task successfully. Charles is a very dependable volunteer. The Tanner Family is a perfect choice for family of the month.


October 2013

Michael & Lydia Secor

Family of the Month is the Michael Secor Family. Michael & Lydia are the proud parents of 4 beautiful girls ranging in age from 10 to 24; they are Miranda, Whitney, Micah & Elizabeth.
The Secor family has been involved and part of the Prince of Peace parish from the very beginning, even when Mass services were held at one of the local schools. Lydia has been troop leader to her girl scouts for the last thirteen years and has watched twelve of her scouts eventually complete their Gold Awards. Mike’s current church project is working on the church’s network and server to bring them up to date.
When you see the Secor family members please congratulate them for this recognition; it's well deserved.


September 2013

Eduardo & Carmen Perez

Dr. Perez is a highly respected neonatal pediatric doctor here in the North Texas area, and along with his family, strives to support various ministries at Prince of Peace. Eduardo and Carmen have both been through CRHP.
They are the proud parents of three great children: Alexandra, Gabby and Nico. Eduardo and Nico were most recently seen volunteering at our recent Welcome Back BarBQ helping to serve hundreds of fellow parishioners with delicious food prepared by our Knights of Columbus. When you see the Perez Family in the upcoming weeks, please join me in congratulating them on being our Family of the Month.
They are proud members of our POP community and are a great example of what's good in our parish. Way to go Perez Family!


August 2013

Mark & Dawn Wrobel

Family of the Month is awarded to the Mark Wrobel Family. Mark & Dawn are parents of 9-year old twins: Matthew and Melissa. As a 3rd Degree Knight, Mark and his family help with community breakfasts. Mark also went through CRHP.
Congratulations to Mark & Dawn Wrobel, our August KOC Family of the Month.


June 2013

Bill & Wendy Kula


May 2013

Tom & Tara Walsh

The Walsh’s have an extended list of POP projects that they actively support, including KOC Fundraising Committee, POP school activities, POP Mom’s Group, and CHRP. Tom is also busy coaching youth athletic teams. You can hear his voice on the radio during football season where he calls the Jesuit Friday Night football games. With Tara behind the scenes, Tom also is the emcee at our annual POP Faith Walk & Run.
Congratulations to Tom & Tara Walsh, our May 2013 KOC Family of the Month.


April 2013

Ray & Cindy Biase

The Ray Bias Family Ray and Cindy Biase are frequent volunteers at both our Knight breakfasts and various church events throughout the year. They give of their time whenever they can, whenever the need arises. On a regular basis after Mass, you’ll find both Ray and Cindy serving donuts and coffee to fellow parishioners. Congratulations to Ray & Cindy Biase, our April KOC Family of the Month.


March 2013

John and Susan Beal

According to fellow Knight Dan James, “John joined the Knights back in 2009 and has al-ways been very active in all our endeavors.”
John Martens commented that “along with his lovely wife, Susan, they are members of the Empty Nesters group where they both enjoy taking part in all the group activities. It is noteworthy that John consistently participates in virtually all of our Knight functions where he is reliable in executing any assigned task successfully. John is a very dependable volunteer."
The Beal Family is a perfect choice for family of the month.


February 2013

John and Carme Mascitti

John and Carmen are regulars at many of the events at Prince of Peace. John is always at hand at the monthly community breakfasts where he takes care of all the baking needs on the menu. During the church special events Carmen also lends a hand in the kitchen,
where she adds her special Italian flavor to the prepping of the food.
The Mascitti’s smiling faces are ever present at our Knight social functions as well as during their volunteer time with the various ministries they support at the church. Their friendly nature has made them many friends within our community, especially when it comes to welcoming new families to our parish.
Congratulations to John and Carmen Mascitti, our KofC Family of the Month, February, 2013.


January 2013

Eduardo and Carmen Perez


December 2012

Greg and Mary Lou Wilson

According to Knight Dan Stoffel, “Greg is very involved with his kids in POP sports. His kids, the triplets, recently did a great job helping out at our monthly community breakfast. His daughter Hailey helped with pre-orders during the breakfast and she is basically the Pay Pal credit card expert. The kids had a blast last Saturday helping sell tamales and were excited about helping at 8:00am and 9:30am Masses the following day. They had asked their dad if they could also show up after 11:15am Mass also. It was very encouraging to see the enthusiasm the kids bring to all our events. Greg is a stellar performer in his role keeping tabs on all the accounting credits and debits for our council. To relax, Greg spends time on the basketball court in recreation play.”


November 2012

Brad and Taunya Luna

According to fellow Knight Jeff Flanagan, “Brad is a regular at breakfast, at which he often brings at least one of his kids, either Rebecca or Kacey”. He and Rebecca often attend the Special Olympic Aquatic events (2012, 2011). He joined us at the Hike for Life at John Paul II High School in October. Brad currently holds a post at JPII, and I believe he is head of the Sports Booster Club (and I think it’s for “all” sports). Rebecca is an active student, including band, at JPII. Kacey is also in private school, and is active there as well in volleyball and basketball. Wife Taunya is also front and center in all their curricular, extra-curricular, and church activities. The Luna Family is a perfect choice for family of the month.


October 2012

Dan & Monique Stoffel

Dan and Monique Stoffel -
Both were great workers at our recent Golf Benefit. They were involved in requesting and picking up donations for the goodie bags and items for the raffle, and helped to ensure the event ran smoothly. Dan is helpful as the master coordinator for the breakfast serving line and other KC food events. He also serves as chairman of the funding committee. The couple also volunteered at the Plano Balloon Festival. Dan and Monique work in front and behind the scenes at many of the POP ministries and Knight activities. They are outstanding ambassadors for the Knights.


September 2012

Jack & Lynette Lyon

The Lyon Family commitment to our parish is seen through the family’s involvement in several activities throughout Prince of Peace.
Jack & Lynette Lyon have been active in CRHP classes both in recent years past and currently.
Daughters Teresa & Sierra are avid volleyball enthusiasts and also love singing. As a family the Lyons are a fixture at our KOC community breakfasts. They are the go to crew when it comes to prepping the fruit blintzes part of our menu. They provide service with a smile.
The Knights of Columbus, Council 11716 is proud to recognize the Lyon family as the KOC Family of the Month for September, 2012.


August 2012

Ignacio & Silvia Romero

The Romero Family is often seen at our KOC community breakfasts. As a father and son team, Ignacio and his son Inaki help to serve our diners a hot and delicious breakfast. They both are also involved in Scouting.
Ignacio and his lovely wife Silvia are both graduates of the CHRP program and also help with the ongoing classes. An avid baker at home, Silvia is always lending her talents to the various ministries providing delicious baked goods for their fund raisers and get together.
Along with their daughter Regina, the Romero Family represent the typical fun loving, active and involved family at Prince of Peace. The Knights of Columbus, Council 11716 is proud to recognize the Romero family as the KOC Family of the Month for August, 2012.


July 2012

Dick and Lorraine Leyendecker

Lorraine and Dick are founding members of Prince of Peace. They left for a short time to live in South Carolina. Since their return, Lorraine once again provided leadership to ministries such as the Stewardship Committee (Discipleship Committee). She shared her love of her Catholic faith as the leader of the RCIA program. She was a member of CHRP 11 women’s team. Dick and Lorraine are also member of the Prime Timers group.
Dick’s leadership is evident throughout the year at most KOC functions, such as procuring the supplies for the monthly community breakfasts and also collecting the monies for the breakfasts. Dick continues to reach out and help his fellow brothers unselfishly whenever possible.


June 2012

John and Carm Mascitti

John and Carmen are active in both the Council and Prince of Peace. John assists at most of the Council’s food events. John is usually orchestrating the operation of the ovens in the Kitchen. Carmen often assists in the kitchen work during the Council’s food events. John regularly attends and participates in a majority of the Council events. Carmen is very active in the Prince of Peace Outreach Ministry and the Prince of Peace Bereavement Ministry. They both are also active in the Prime Times group


March 2012

All Council Families


May 2011

Blaine and Dana Cavasso


April 2011

John and Carm Mascitti


March 2011

Tom and Tara Walsh


January 2011

Brad & Taunya Luna

Brad and Taunya again this year provided the Council with a fantastic Christmas Party experience. Along with Jeff and Barb Flanagan, they planned, coordinated, and orchestrated the party. Brad and Taunya opened their residence for the party and served as gracious hosts


December 2010

Steve and Julie Ayres


November 2010

Scott & Amy Yoste

Scott and Amy have been members of PoP since creation of the parish. Scott is currently Membership Director for the Council. Scott's work for PoP includes PoP Youth, CRHP, RCIA, That Man is You, Men's Fellowship, and Seekers at Sunrise.
Amy is active with RCIA, CRHP, and Prayer Shawl Ministry.


October 2010

Dan & Monique Stoffel

Dan has been heavily involved in council activities since joining the Knights. He has doen a great job as the chairman of the Golf Tournament event. Dan has worked to get the tournament on the map as a real event and to secure the course. He, along with Monique, obtained a large number of donations for the goodie bags handed out to all the golfers. Dan put together the "to-do" list to make the Golf Tournament a successful event and then worked the list diligently.


September 2010

Raul and Bertha Flores

Raul exhibits his priority on his family and his personal involvement in the PoP parish community. Son Raul Jr. became a First Degree Knight on Aug 24th. Raul and Bertha assist the parish in many areas. Bertha is involved with Disciples In Mission and RCIA. Raul is involved in Prison Ministry, Men's Fellowship, and the ministry's in which Bertha is involved


August 2010

Mike and Jackie Kelly

Mike is active in CRHP, Men's Fellowship, and many Council activities
He is a Minister of Holy Communion
Mike has joined the fundraising committee and is co-chair of the upcoming raffle
Jackie is a Sr. Acolyte
She coordinates the Annual Talent Show and is a teacher at POP


July 2010

Mark and Lisa Molidor

In recognition for the following service offered to the Council and the PoP community:
- Active participation in CRHP events
- Work on many Council activities, especially with dishwashing and cleanup tasks
- Active role on Sound System Committee
- "That Man Is You" participation
- Leadership role on the Council’s Fund Raising Committee
- Eucharist Ministry service


June 2010

Chris and Anne Joles

Chris’ work as Membership Director and Chancellor for the Council has been excellent. Chris and Ann have assisted in and participated in most of the Council events and many Diocese K/C events. Chris’ work on the PoP weekly E-Letter and Web site has been very professional and is very rewarding for the parish. Chris’ work on the design and enhancement of the Council’s Web site has been exceptional.


May 2010

David Gonzalez & Family

Recogniton for David and his wife's work with PoP Youth.


April 2010

Scott and Amy Yoste


March 2010

Mike and Jackie Kelly


February 2010

Bob and Renee Bonomi


January 2010

Brad and Taunya Luna


December 2009

Brian Barber & family


November 2009

Bill and Elaine Weber


October 2009

Paul and Donna Garcia Del Quevedo


September 2009

Luis and Veronica Boy


August 2009

John and Annette Nevins


July 2009

John and Annette Nevins

 
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