March 2024

Larry & Anita Elder

Larry and Anita Elder - Our Knights of Columbus Council at St. Thomas the Apostle would like to honor you both for the support you give our Parish. Working to support the parish food ministry, including your help with the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance. We would like to also recognize Anita’s volunteering as a CCD teacher for the Parish youth. You both are vital and treasured assets and we Knights especially appreciate all you do for us and the Parish. We wish to formally recognize those efforts.

February 2024

STUDER, JOEL AND AMANDA

Joel & Amanda Studer & Children - Our Knights of Columbus Council at St. Thomas the Apostle would like to honor you and your family for the support you give our Parish, especially in the Youth Ministry, Family Ministry, and our Faith Formation Ministry. They are vital and treasured. You and your family are a constant at St. Thomas offering support to many other Ministries as well. The Knights especially appreciate all you do for us and we wish to recognize those efforts.

January 2024

Tim & Pam Geoghegan

Tim & Pam Geoghegan - Our Knights of Columbus Council at St. Thomas the Apostle would like to honor you for your longtime volunteer service to St. Thomas the Apostle parish. Tim leads the ministry to the homebound. Pam leads the repair and making of Rosaries in the parish. They both are willing to serve where ever a need is identified. Your dedication is appreciated by the Knights of Columbus.

December 2023

Egler, Harold & Joyce

Harold & Joyce Egler - Our Knights of Columbus Council at St. Thomas the Apostle would like to honor you for your longtime volunteer service for the Pancake Breakfast team. Last month, after the breakfast you donned a tie and headed to the church to celebrate your 65th wedding anniversary. Your dedication is an inspiration to all our brother Knights.

November 2023

Reed, Joel & Teresa

Joel & Teresa Reed – For all you do for the Knights of Columbus and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. You work our monthly pancake breakfasts are quick to volunteer when there is a need. Both you and Teresa are an asset for the Knights and our parish. Thank You!

October 2023

Pubillones, Raphael and Michele

Deacon Rafael & Michelle Pubillones – For all the hard work you both put in to support the programs of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

September 2023

MACH, Justin and Allison

Justin and Alison Mach along with their children – For all that they did in support of the International Food Festival at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. They worked the ticket sales table helping to assure that the line kept moving. They would pitch in to help wherever there was a need. They are all valued members of the Parish and they give themselves tirelessly in support of the Knights, the Parish and our Priests.

August 2023

Twohig, Bill & Kathy

Bill and Kathy Twohig – For all that they do in support of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and the Knights of Columbus. All their efforts to organize, direct, order supplies and insure the proper running of the PFLC kitchen. They are both valued member of the Parish and they give themselves tirelessly in support of the Knights, the Parish and our Priests.

July 2023

Schutte /Gold

Jim & Nadine Gold – For all that they do in support of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and the Knights of Columbus. All their efforts to organize, and direct our council’s projects resulted in meeting the stated objectives. Jim also is a valued member of the Parish Council and gives of himself tirelessly in support of the Parish and our Priests.

June 2023

Schutte (Russell & Karen)

Russell and Karen Schutte – For all that they do in support of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, especially their efforts to organize, prepare manning rosters and work the donation posts. Their efforts led to a very successful spring Tootsie Roll Drive in support of KIND Charities.

May 2023

CURRY, JOHN DAVID AND DONNA

John David and Donna Curry – For all that they do for St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. John David has organized and is monitoring the facility and grounds safety program. Donna is active with the Women’s Guild and the music ministry.

April 2023

Bowen, Bob and Michelle

Bob & Robin Bowen – For your work with helping to coordinate the KIND Tootsie Roll Drives, kitchen duty cooking for the Lentin Fish Fry’s, and other meals provided by the Knights as well as volunteering to serve as our Council Chancellor in FY 2024. Robin for her involvement with the Parish Eucharistic Minister Program.

March 2023

Mach

Justin and Alison Mach – For the hard work you both put in to help during the Lentin Fish Fries. Additionally, your family’s efforts to support of the Knights of Columbus and St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish makes this award most deserved.

February 2023

Filosi

Joe & Cathy Filosi – For the hard work you both put in to plan, coordinate and make the pasta dinner a complete success.

January 2023

Tarpley

Becky and Randy Tarpley were recognized as Family of the Month because of their dedication to repairing the Church, putting aside their personal Christmas plans.

December 2022

Schutte, Karen and Russell

November 2022

Benedetti, Judy and Frank

GK Gold recognized Judy and Frank Benedetti as Family of the Month for their continued service with parish meals, most recently the Veterans Day reception and the 4th Degree Exemplification luncheon.

October 2022

Scheldon, Kay and Curt

GK Gold recognized Kay and Curt Sheldon as Family of the Month for their continued personal dedication for the sanctity of life.

September 2022

Gecsei, Paula and James

August 2022

TWOHIG

July 2022

Pubillones, Rafael & Michele

June 2022

May

May 2022

Cortez, Roberto and Lupe

March 2022

Mach, Justin and Allison

Awarded to Justin and Allison Mach, mainly for their family’s serving at the Fish Fries.

February 2022

Benedetti, Frank and Judy

Frank and Judy Benedetti as Family of the Month for
their service in dinners, breakfasts, and Parish life

January 2022

Dougherty, Jerry & Mary

Mary and Jerry Dougherty as Family of the Month for their many contributions to our Parish, Diocese and the community.

December 2021

Ray and Beth Mouse

For their success with Coats for Kids program over the years, and for the recent blood drive.

November 2021

Sheldon, Curt & Kay

For all their hard work in keeping the Life Pillar in our line of sight.

October 2021

Raphael and Michele Pubillones

For their involvement in parish life. Raphael is nearing completion of his Deaconate studies and Michele has assumed the parish Sacristan role.

September 2021

Manny and Lucia Espinoza-Rojero

Family of the month awarded to Manny and Lucia Espinoza-Rojero for their hard work and involvement in the International Food Festival.

August 2021

Nadeau (Ken & Michaela)

Family of the month awarded to Ken and Michaela Nadeau for helping with food commodity packing, pancake breakfasts and for being active Parish volunteers.

July 2021

Filosi, Joe & Cathy

o Joe demonstrated exemplary leadership as a Past Grand Knight,
o He is very involved in many of our Council Activities, St Thomas Mowing Team, Present Membership Director, Organizing Membership Drives in September and March
o Joe is also an active member of the Church Choir.
o Cathy is an active member of the Council of Catholic Women and also a member of the Church Choir.
o Joe and Cathy, thank you both for all you do to serve our Parish, Community, and Council!

June 2021

Hudgens, Chuck and Glenna

GK Joe Filosi recognized Br Chuck and Glenna Hudgens for their tireless efforts in the hot afternoon working the Tootsie Roll Drive at Four Corners.

May 2021

Egler, Harold and joyce

GK Joe Filosi recognized Br Harold Egler and his wife Joyce as the Family of the Month. The Eglers are ushers and worked hard to reopen the church under COVID guidelines. They worked a double shift this past Easter, ushering the Vigil Mass that lasted until past midnight, and showed up the next morning to usher on Easter Morning. Harold is a 4th Degree, and Joyce is an active member and past officer of the CCW. They both assist at Friendship Kitchen and a part of Engage Encounter for years. They are regulars at Knights events. Harold completed his 1st Degree in 1963.

April 2021

SCHUTTE

Russell is our Lecturer, providing inspiring messages for the council meetings. He Chairs the MR fundraisers and commodity packing events. He is also an usher and eucharistic minister. Karen is active in the Council for Catholic Women and sings in our Church choir. They both help with holiday meal deliveries and pancake breakfasts. Kodi is a eucharistic minister and assists with Special Olympics. Thank you and congratulations Russell, Karen, and Kodi!

March 2021

BOWEN

GK Joe Filosi recognized Bob and Robin Bowen. East Tennessee Catholic has an article about them and Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR). Robin is involved with STAR. They have a daughter, Michelle, who is involved in STAR and has been an altar server. Bob is an usher and Robin is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Robin was area director for Special Olympics and continues to support the current directorship. They have made generous and numerous donations to our council charities.

February 2021

Mazienis, Richard & Nadine

Br Richard Mazienis and his wife Nadine were awarded February Family of the Month for their years of support of our church and council. Richard is a 4th degree Knight and has been serving as one of the pancake breakfast leaders since at least the turn of the century. He has also been a cook for the Friendship Kitchen. Nadine is active with the Council of Catholic Women and has helped with the Friendship Kitchen. They both usher Saturday evening Mass and are regulars at the 4th degree dinners, as well as all our council dinners and events. They have been members of our Parish for over 20 years.

January 2021

Cosimo, Rich & Barb

For their continuing support of the Knights with their monetary donations. Rich pays annual membership fees, and he is presently not an active member.

December 2020

Baumert, Duane & Dot

We honor Br. Duane Baumert and his wife Dot. Duane is our master fish fryer at the Lenten fish fries, our master grill chef at the pancake breakfasts, and our master tomato sauce chef at our pasta dinners. Duane serves as the Finance Chair of our parish Finance Council and he chaired the 2017 Home Campaign. He is also Chairman Emeritus of the CASA Child Advocacy Center of Monroe County. Duane is also active in his Rarity Bay community, holding leadership positions with Community Gardens operation and the Infrastructure board. He also serves as Outer Sentinel for Assembly 2920. Dot is a Casa Board member and an active CASA Advocate, personally working with CASA clients. She is highly active in our parish, serving as Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and delivers holy communion to homebound parishioners. Dot is also a member of the parish Catholic Council of Women. Duane and Dot graciously host small prayer groups at their home and have been doing so for the past 8 years. Duane and Dot exemplify the model Catholic couple who freely give of their time, talent and treasure and evangelize the spirit and mission of the Catholic Church to others. We are so fortunate to have Duane and Dot as members of our parish community. Congratulations Duane and Dot and thank you for all you do!

November 2020

Pubillones, Michele & Rafael

We honor Br. Rafael Pubillones and his wife Michele. Rafael and Michele joined our parish nearly 10 years ago. Rafael is retired Air Force, and they moved here from the Washington DC area. They are deeply embedded in our St. Thomas family. Michele is a Sacristan and sees to making things ready for daily Mass, which is no small task. Both are communion ministers and readers, and both are active participants with our youth ministry. They are also active participants in the prison ministry. Michele is active in the Parish women's group and Rafael is finishing up his Diaconate studies, with his ordination imminent. We are blessed to have Rafael and Michele project our Catholic faith.

October 2020

Drish, Bill & Kathy

We honor Br. Bill Drish and his wife Kathy who both continue to volunteer a considerable amount of their time to the Council and Parish. Bill serves as Warden of our Council, chairs the spiritual retreats, and co-chairs MR fundraising events. He also serves on the Saint Vincent de Paul board.
Kathy is a member of the Council for Catholic Women.

September 2020

Mario and Doris Catani

Mario and Doris have been longtime active and incredibly supportive parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle church. Mario joined the Knights in 1953. He is one of the founding Knights of our council and served as the initial Faithful Navigator of Assembly 2920. He has held numerous other officer positions over the years. Mario and Doris attend just about every Knight’s fundraising event and work many of them.

Mario is well known for his leadership and cooking skills at our annual Pasta Dinner, which has been a long-standing, successful fundraising dinner event. His Mama Catani tomato sauce is the best! Mario works the griddle at pancake breakfasts. He also assists with MR Foundation fundraising, the fruit sales, wreath sales, and many other fundraising events.

Doris has been active in our parish’s Council of Catholic Women. She also regularly assists Mario with various dinners and meal prep.

It is a real pleasure to see Mario and Doris at Mass, as they are friends to everyone. We honor them for their many years of service to the Knights and to their parish. Mario and Doris truly set a great example for us to follow.

August 2020

Hostetler, Quin & Mary Kay

Quin and Mary Kay Hostetler, both of whom donated a lot of time to the Knights and Church activities. Quin served two years as the council Financial Secretary. Mary Kay was active in Council for Catholic Women, managing several events for them. In addition, they both are Eucharistic ministers.

July 2020

May, Tom & Sharon

Br. Tom and Sharon May who both have been continuing to volunteer a considerable amount of their time to Cleaning the Church (Sharon), Ushering & Knights position as Chancellor (Tom). Nomination was unanimously supported by the Leadership Team.

June 2020

Manczko, John & Penny

For their efforts to bring live streaming of the Mass to parishioners via Facebook and procedural video development. Also recognized Brother John with his efforts in enhancing audio quality on the audio.

May 2020

Patrick & Dinah Noone

Patrick and Dinah Noone for all that Patrick has done for the Council and Dinah for her work in the parish.

April 2020

Dennis & Diane Preston

Dennis is involved in about everything with the Knights
o Pancake Breakfast Chair
o Mowing Teams
o Pasta and St. Patrick’s dinners
o Retention Chair
o Fish Fries
o Past Grand Knight
o Dennis is an usher and Eucharistic minister
o As held committee posts for the TN State Council for 15 years
- Dennis was recognized by Tellico Village in April for his volunteer work as groundskeeper for an hold cemetery in the Village, or over 10 years
- Diane is a member of Council of Catholic Women; has held many offices
- Diane set up the dining hall for Pancake Breakfasts for years
- Diane was an avid golfer at Tellico Village

March 2020

Gene & Jean Kray

- Gene is our recorder, and volunteered to do another hitch this year to fill a gap
- The Krays are very social folks in the Parish and always happy to see you
- Honoring a couple who have long served their parish and the Knights

January 2020

Jim & Paula Gecsei

Jim and Paula Gescei have been faithful servants of our parish for many years. Jim, the immediate Past Grand Knight leads the Rosary before Mass on weekends and has served as chairman of our parishes International Food Festival. This past Christmas he was invited to act the role of Joseph in our Hispanic group's La Posada presentation. Paula is an active participant in the St. Thomas Council of Catholic Women and helps with baking cookies, cooking and delivering meals with our Friendship Kitchen Ministry. In their free time they help with their 2 year old grandson while their daughter is at work.

December 2019

Kelly, Jack & Shelia

Jack & Sheila have been coordinators for more than 15 years of our council's Holidays Meals program which entails delivering hot meals to needy folks and shut-ins on Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings. Last Thanksgiving, more than 50 meals were delivered. This task involves making sure the meals are prepared and packed, delivery routes are set for 4 - 5 stops, in close fashion and drivers are solicited and assigned. We are blessed that Jack and Sheila are willing to share their holiday time for the benefit of others.

November 2019

Sheldon, Curt & Kay

Curt is our council's Life chairman and actively participates, leading by example. His wife Kay, is the current president of our parish Women's Guild, They are both Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Curt and Kay recently lead our parish through the 40 Days for Life campaign, as requested by Bishop Stika, whereby parishioners gathered across the street from the Knoxville Planned Parenthood clinic, leading folks in saying the rosaries. They faithfully go there weekly, of their own choosing, to pray for an end to abortions. They are very active with St. Vincent DePaul. They both teach our parish teenage youth on Thursday evenings. They have been participants in the Washington, DC March For Life for many years and are currently planning the trip in January 2020.

October 2019

Schutte Family

Russell leads our council's MR/ID Drives and quarterly food packaging joint effort for our county residents struggling to make ends meet. He is also our Council Lecturer and Community Programs Chairman. For our parish, is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and an usher. His wife Karen is active in the Parish Women's Guild, serving as treasurer and also sings in the choir. Together Russell and Karen deliver holiday meals for the needy, help with council breakfasts and dinners and assist in Special Olympics.
Their daughter Kody is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and also enjoys giving her time for Special Olympics. In the past, she has helped with taking participants to Atlanta, GA so the could participate in the regional games. She is following in her parent's footsteps, which is a measure of her parents' Catholic values and leadership.

September 2019

Mouse, Ray & Beth

August 2019

Finneran

Larry and Katie Finneran were nominated for Family of the Month of August 2019. They are the foundation of the St. Vincent Society at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. They are the leaders of the group and the mentors all others look up to. The couple are active in our parish dinners such as the Italian Dinner and our Irish Diner. They are also active members of our 4th Degree Assembly. Larry's working career experience of operating small-town banks makes him a natural fit working with people and networking in our rural community. He knows how to find the resources to solve issues and help people. Larry and Katy also know how to network with other similar community groups and churches in the county to assure families get what they need. Katy is a past leader of our parish Women's Guild. Not only do they attend Mass together, they also spend their free time at the Church tending to their mission.

July 2019

Hanley

To Don & Alice Hanley for Don's life saving EMR skills for Tellico Village

July 2016

Russell & Karen Schutte

For their combined efforts in supporting the Pancake Breakfasts and dinners sponsored by the council.

June 2016

Bill & Kathy Twohig

For planning and executing the Spring & Summer social activities.

May 2016

Ed & Pat Valente

Jerry Dougherty left, DGK Ray Mouse center and FOM Ed (& Pat) Valente right

April 2016

Stu and Jan McFadden

For their involvement with NPH and support of other Knight’s activities.

March 2016

Steve & Pat McAvoy

February 2016

Harold & Joyce Egler

January 2016

Rich and Barbara Comiso

December 2015

Chuck and Terry James

November 2015

Ray & Beth Mouse

October 2015

Jerry & Mary Dougherty

Sponsorship and support of the Catholic Engaged Encounter program - 22 years.

September 2015

Chet & Mary Kwiatkowski

Support and Management of the Polish Dinners over the past five years.

August 2015

Terry & Betty Camilleri

Support and Management of the MR Drives over the past two years.

July 2015

Ed & Pat Valente

For their dedication and continued involvement at our Parish events we nominate Ed and Pat Valente as the Family of the Month for July.

Their involvement in the function and management of our parish kitchen, and participation in the social activities sponsored by our Council is noteworthy.

At many of our parish functions involving social events, such the monthly Pancake Breakfast and the quarterly Engagement Encounter dinners, they can be found in the kitchen; one is managing the kitchen volunteers, the other is hard at work preparing the meals. Pat normally does a myriad of jobs, and is always helping where the need is the greatest. It is very rare that you would not find this family hard at work in support of our Council activities.

Their committed dedication allows the members of our council to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is with great pleasure to acknowledge their contribution to our Council by awarding them the Family of the Month for July 2015.

June 2015

Kevin, Mary Beth, Maggie & Luke Cooney

Family of the Month June 2015

Kevin, Mary Beth, Maggie, & Luke Cooney

Since joining the St Thomas Parish in June 2008, they, as a family, have been involved in the youth activities conducted by our parish.

The most recent noteworthy activity in which the Cooney family was involved, was the parish Spring Fling Picnic. Kevin, with help and advice of his family, planned, coordinated and conducted an outstanding day of festivities. They ensured there was plenty of delicious food and drink for all, and games to keep the youngsters busy. A petting zoo, bumper room, and water slides were a few of the games and activities for the children. The mouth-watering meals were prepared on-site, with the pork cooking overnight under the vigilance of experienced cooks.

The Youth Group and Boy Scouts were on hand to make sure the campus was kept clean, and provide other assistance where needed.

The whole family pitched in making this a wonderful event that brought the parish community together, young and old.

It is with great pleasure that we select the Cooney family as the June 2015 Family of the Month.

June 2014

Dan & Allis Hanley

May 2014

Ed & Pat Valente

April 2014

Curt & Kay Sheldon

Curt and Kay Sheldon have consistently made importatnt contributions to St. Thomas the Apostle Church and the Dioceses of Knoxville. They are leaders in the Tennessee Right to Life and every year accompany our youth to the Washington Walk of Life. Together, they are leaders in the Cursillo movement's three days of religious instruction. They continue to be involved in various men's and women's weekend activities. Additionally, Curt is the team lead for the Friendship Kitchen and assists in the preparation for the Eucharistic Adoration activities. Curt is also on the team for the upcoming Men's Weekend in October. Kay has served as a past president of the St. Thomas' Women's Guild.