December 2023

Ray Heitman

During the Months of October through December Ray Heitman has distinguished himself while Chairing the Council’s annual Dinner Theater Social trip to Kansas City. He routinely volunteers his service for all council projects and activities. He has personally donated or discounted food for several Council food events, including the recent Parish Chicken Dinner, the Santa Breakfast, and the annual Thanksgiving Family Food Basket project which he chaired. He frequently volunteers to serve as a Mass Lector and Eucharistic Minister for the Parish. Ray donates blood to our Knight community blood drives on a regular basis. He is also a member of the St Joseph 4th Degree General Assembly 569, where he is an active member of the Honor Guard. His own personal charitable and service efforts reflect highly upon himself as well as the Order of the Knights of Columbus. Congratulations to Ray Heitman on his selection as Council 15126 December 2023 Knight of the Month.

April 2023

Len Archer

During the months of March and April the Council Deputy Grand Knight Len Archer completed the following activities: He coordinated and hosted two Council sponsored Lenten Reflection events – involving separate viewings of the Sight and Sound movie “JOSEPH” for both parish and school audiences. He volunteered by providing direct Audio/Visual support for the inaugural “Taste of St Francis Xavier” parish ethnic food fair event held in the PC. He coordinated the 3rd Degree Council Escort that participated in the March 26th Corporate Communion Mass. He coordinated & hosted the March 7th Council Members K of C Benefit Night virtual presentation viewed in the PC. He chaired in March the 18-member Assembly 569 New Uniform Transition Committee resulting in acceptance, ordering and implementation of the Official 4th Degree Uniform by St Joseph 4th Degree General Assembly 569. He ctoordinated & hosted one virtual presentation - “Matthew’s Insights Into Jesus” a ZOOM Retreat from the Precious Blood Education Center (for parish and Companion audiences) viewed in the PC.
He was the Organizer and Presiding Officer for the SFX Council Unified Degree Exemplification Team which produced our first live initiation ceremony in over four years resulting in the recruitment of 3 new member Knights. He developed the online formatted annual calendar of major activities proposed for our next Council year, which greatly expedites the annual planning process for our next Council officers. He has continued to enhance our council activities and communications while serving in the roles of Council Deputy Grand Knight, Program Director, Monthly Newsletter editor, and Webpage administrator. These activities have earned Len Archer the SFX Council 15126 Knight of the Month Award for April 2023.

March 2023

Roger Rohrer

Roger Rohrer has served in the officer position as our elected Council Advocate for multiple terms and before that held the position of Council Treasurer. He regularly attends all Council meetings always providing positive input and is the first to volunteer for any upcoming service projects. He often just shows up when he is concerned that we may be short. He is a frequent Mass Lector for the Parish weekend services. Roger, along with his wife Renee, has co-chaired the Christmas Giving Tree program in this Parish for multiple years. He has also participated in multiple St Joseph Walk for Life activities and pro-life events. He participates in all council social activities and volunteer events. He is an active member of the 4th Degree St Joseph General Assembly 569. Congratulations to Roger Rohrer for his selection as our SFX Council March 2023 Knight of the Month.

February 2023

James Lindsay

James Lindsay currently serves as the elected Council Recorder and is the Director of the Faith Committee under our Council’s Faith In Action program. During the months of December and January, James has distinguished himself by Co-Chairing the successful Danish Kringle Pastries Fundraiser Project and being one of the top individual salesmen and by serving as the daily moderator for the Council’s 9-Day Novena For Life event at St Francis Parish Church. James consistently volunteers his time and talents for all council activities and provides community volunteer service within the parish for faith related educational endeavors. He also serves as a Parish Eucharistic Minister. He is a Fourth Degree Knight and a member of St Joseph General Assembly 569. Congratulations to James Lindsay for his selection as Council 15126 February 2023 Knight of the Month.

January 2023

Darin Pollard

Darin Pollard is the Dean of Students at SFX Elementary School and a member of the full-time St Francis Xavier Parish Staff. Darin has distinguished himself while serving as the St Francis Xavier Elementary School Dean by providing an excellent and effective level of liaison activity and coordination between the members of this Council and the Parish School. Darin consistently gives announcements at school that promote our Council events and he is an outspoken advocate about the Knights of Columbus, and specifically our Council, when in meetings at other Catholic schools. His recent promotional efforts within the school and his personal support of the Breakfast with Santa event contributed significantly to its overall success. He is the primary individual responsible for establishing the Council’s “Student of the Month Program” and continues to provide his leadership as the Council’s Youth Welfare Chair and school staff coordinator of the student recognition program that has evolved. He is always ready and willing to provide his time and talents for all our primary Council activities. In addition, he volunteers as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for both Parish and School Masses. Congratulations to Darin Pollard on being selected as Council Knight of the Month for January 2023.

December 2022

Gordon Carmichael

Gordon Carmichael distinguished himself during the month of November while serving as the event coordinator of the annual Thanksgiving Food Basket project as part of our Council Food For Families program. He has guided our Council to reach the lofty goal of 5000 pounds of donated food during the past fraternal year, the highest amount we have donated to date. His valuable and reliable efforts with this community project during the past ten years continues to bring favorable recognition from our Supreme Council.
Gordon is currently actively planning as the event chair for the Council’s Breakfast With Santa parish event planned for December. He frequently volunteers his personal service for the mission of the SFX House of Bread food pantry and is the volunteer coordinator for kitchen supplies used at the SFX Parish Center. He regularly volunteers as a Server for weekend parish Masses and is a long-time community blood donor.
He is a Past Grand Knight and presently serves as the Council’s Financial Secretary. Gordon is also an active member of the Fourth Degree St Joseph General Assembly 569 serving as their Faithful Controller and as a member of their Honor Guard.
Congratulations to Gordon Carmichael on being selected as the SFX Knight Council Knight of the Month for December 2022.

November 2022

John Morin

John Morin serves as the elected Council Chancellor and is Director of the Council’s Community Committee under our Faith In Action program. He is the appointed Council Membership Director. During the month of October he chaired both the successful community fundraising Drive For Developmental Disabilities, and the Council’s annual Membership Drive conducted in both our parish church and parish school facilities. This membership drive, expanded to include school aged parents, resulted in new personal contacts with several more potential members than any of our past parish church drives resulting in a number of new interests for council member applications. John supports and volunteers for all council projects and provides community volunteer service at Mosaic hospital. He also serves as a member of the Parish Hospitality Ministry. He is a Fourth Degree member of St Joseph General Assembly 569. Congratulations to John Morin for his selection as Council 15126 October Knight of the Month.

October 2022

Raymond Heitman

During the Months of July and September Ray Heitman has distinguished himself while Chairing the Council’s annual Dinner Theater Social trip to Kansas City and Co-chairing and helping to organize and coordinate the Council’s annual SFX Parish Chicken dinner event. He routinely volunteers his service for all council projects and activities. Ray has also served as a member of the Parish Ministry Board and the Finance Committee. He has personally donated or discounted food for several Council food events, including the recent Parish Chicken Dinner, and the annual Thanksgiving Family Food Basket projects. He frequently volunteers to serve as a Mass Lector and Eucharistic Minister for the Parish. Ray donates blood to our Knight community blood drives on a regular basis. He is also a member of the St Joseph 4th Degree General Assembly 569. His own personal charitable and service efforts reflect highly upon himself as well as the Order of the Knights of Columbus. Congratulations to Ray Heitman on his selection as Council 15126 October 2022 Knight of the Month.

September 2022

James Beesley

James Beesley exhibits values desired in the Knight of the Month Award by showing exemplary status in our council, parish, and the greater St Joseph community. Jim is a 3rd Degree Knight who is a loyal and reliable Brother who supports many of our Council’s regular and special events and is always willing to perform a variety of council, parish, and community activities. Jim is a Retired Officer of the US Army and during his military service achieved the Rank of Colonel. In April of this year James was named as the St Joseph School District Staff Person of the Year for 2022 while serving on staff as the Director of the district’s ROTC program. During his youth Jim earned the rank of Eagle Scout and is currently paying it forward to the Boy Scout community by serving in the capacity of the Camp Director at Camp Geiger in St Joseph. In May James was named as a Distinguished Alumnus of Missouri Western State University for his lifetime of community service to the university since the time of his graduation. James supports St Francis Xavier Parish as a Cantor during Parish Masses, and this month has re-committed to performing this parish ministry again for next year. His own personal charitable and service efforts reflect highly upon himself as well as the Order of the Knights of Columbus. We extend our congratulations to James Beesley on being selected as St Francis Xavier Council Knight of the Month for September 2022.

June 2022

Leo M. Violett

Mike Violett is the recipient of the SFX Council - Knight of the Month for June. He was co-event chair of the parish wide garage sale held during the month of June organized by Council 15126. This major council project was highly successful due mostly to the effective and dedicated hours of personal service effort he contributed before, during and after the scheduled event. The proceeds from this successful council sponsored event will provide a significant funding donation for this year’s parish capital campaign. He is a Past Grand Knight and currently serves as Assembly 569’s Faithful Navigator. He serves our parish as a Eucharistic Minister and completes many personal visits to the sick and bereaved. He weekly volunteers to help the parish House of Bread food pantry and is a loyal and reliable brother Knight who willingly supports all our council activities and special events. Congratulations Mike Violett on your valued service to this council and on your selection as June 2022 Knight of the Month.

May 2022

Daniel Deatherage

During the month of May 2022, Daniel Deatherage was Council member chairman for both the Council’s Mother’s Day Flowers Handout event and the Memorial Weekend Holy Smoked Meat Sales event. Chairing two separate events during the same month demonstrates Dan’s loyal and faithful commitment to our Council and to the Order of the Knights of Columbus overall. His continuing service during this past year as Director of the Council’s Faith in Action Life Committee also places him in a leading role for our Council’s efforts for the preservation of life. He is a 4th Degree member of St Joseph General Assembly 569 where he was re-elected this month to the office of Inner Sentinel and serves as a reliable and consistent member of the Assembly’s Honor Guard. It is with great pleasure that Council 15126 presents our Knight of the Month Award for May 2022 to Daniel Deatherage.

April 2022

Jean Paul Mundungu

Jean Paul Mundungu is the recipient of the SFX Council - Knight of the Month for April 2022. During the month of April, Jean Paul provided much needed assistance to the Saint Francis Xavier Home and School Association committee conducting the Annual School Benefit Auction by personally setting up the computer networking and database programing necessary to enable the auction registration, sales, collections, and printing of receipts to be accomplished in an efficient manner. His unsung service hours on this project alone totaled more than 10 hours, which is in addition to the many hours of technical assistance he provides to the school, the parish, and the Men of Faith on a routine basis in helping to maintain their overall technology efforts. During the month of April, he has also been the state-side coordinator of an African Mission charitable outreach project to provide a self-contained solar powered water pumping station to serve residents in a remote location in the Congo region. Soon he will personally travel to that remote region for a nearly month-long stay to facilitate the final installation of the solar power cell component for that project. He is a member of St Joseph General Assembly 569 in the 4th Degree. He is a loyal and reliable Brother Knight supporting many of our council special events. His personal charitable efforts reflect highly upon himself as well as the Order of the Knights of Columbus. We extend our congratulations to Jean Paul on being selected as the April 2022 SFX Council Knight of the Month

March 2022

Joseph A. Costanzo

Joseph Costanzo exhibits the values desired in the Knight of the Month Award by showing exemplary status in our council and parish community. In March He Took the Initiative to Complete the 4th Degree Exemplification by attending the in-person ceremony held in Parkville, MO. He Is Always Willing to perform a variety of council activities when called upon to do so. He Has Taken Public Relations Event photos for several of our local council events. He Supports the Parish as a Hospitality Minister during weekend Masses. He Demonstrates a high level of meeting and activity and attendance. He Has Demonstrated Loyal Support and involvement for the Council Refund Support Vocations Program by working directly with the staff of Conception Seminary to identify our Seminarian to support for this year. We Extend our Congratulations to Sir Knight Joseph Costanzo on being selected as Council 15126 Knight of The Month for March 2022.

December 2021

Leo M. Violett

Mike Violett is the recipient of the SFX Council - Knight of the Month for December 2021. He is a Past Grand Knight and is currently serving as the Council’s Coordinator of the Parish Bi-monthly Blood Drives. During the month of December, he was co-event chair of the successful SFX Parish Blood Drive sponsored by our Council which produced 38 units of critically needed blood for donation to the Community Blood Center. This blood drive is one of many in a continuing commitment by Mike to help demonstrate our Council’s active support of substantial community activities. As an example, he recently coordinated and performed volunteer work at one of the local Catholic Cemeteries to improve the deteriorating landscaping conditions near the grave of the mother of a fellow parishioner. He continues to serve the parish as a Eucharistic Minister and makes personal visits to the sick & bereaved. He actively supports the Food for Families programs and is an active volunteer for the SFX House of Bread program. He is a member of St Joseph General Assembly 569 in the 4th Degree serving in the current officer leadership position as Faithful Navigator. He is a loyal and reliable Brother Knight supporting all of our council dinners and special events. We extend our congratulations to Mike Violett on being selected as December 2021 SFX Council Knight of the Month.

November 2021

James Lindsay

James Lindsay currently serves as the elected Council Recorder and is the Director of the Faith Committee under our Council’s Faith In Action program. During the month of November, James Co-Chaired the successful Danish Kringle Pastries Fundraiser Project and was the top individual salesman. His individual coordination and sales efforts during this event significantly contributed to the project goals and overall success. James consistently volunteers for all council projects and provides community volunteer service within the parish for faith related educational endeavors. He also serves in the capacity of a Parish Eucharistic Minister. He is a Fourth Degree Knight and a member of St Joseph General Assembly 569. Congratulations to James Lindsay for his selection as Council 15126 November 2021 Knight of the Month.

October 2021

John Morin

John Morin serves as the elected Council Chancellor and is the Director of the Council Community Committee under our Faith In Action program. He is the appointed Council Membership Director and recently Chaired the successful Drive For Developmental Disabilities. During the month of October, he chaired and coordinated the Council’s annual membership drive conducted in both our parish church and parish school facilities. This event, which was expanded to include school aged parents, allowed for personal contact with many more potential members than our past parish church drives resulting in a significant number of new council member applications. John volunteers at all council projects and provides community volunteer service at Mosaic hospital. He also serves as a member of the Parish Hospitality Ministry. He is a Fourth Degree member of St Joseph General Assembly 569. Congratulations to John Morin for his selection as Council 15126 October Knight of the Month.

September 2021

Rayman Heitman

Ray Heitman serves as the Council 1-Year Trustee and the Chairman of the Council Fraternalism sub-committee under our Faith In Action Community program. He often helps to create and bring great ideas into practice within our Council. During September he Co-chaired and helped organize the Council’s annual SFX Parish Chicken dinner event which served many more patrons than originally expected in a post-COVID environment. He volunteers at all council projects and dinners. He is also a member of the Parish Ministry Board and the Finance Committee. Ray donates or discounts food for many Council dinners including the recent Chicken Dinner. He was a volunteer participant in the St Joseph Walk for Life event and serves as a Mass Lector and Eucharistic Minister for the Parish. He coordinates our Council Corporate Communion Masses aimed at better Parish public relations and new member recruitment. He is a member of the 4th Degree General Assembly 569. Congratulations to Ray Heitman for his selection as Council 15126 September Knight of the Month.

August 2021

Daniel Deatherage

During the month of August 2021, Daniel Deatherage has demonstrated outstanding leadership as the organizer and chair of the recent Council Holy Smoked Meat Sales event. Dan’s past efforts in designing and building the Council smoker and fryer trailer have resulted in much greater ease and efficiency within our Council for cooking at larger dinners and events. It has also resulted in several thousand dollars of net earned profits for our Council’s ongoing charitable efforts. His continuing service as Director of the Council’s Faith In Action Life Committee places him in the forefront of our Council’s efforts for the preservation of life. He is currently providing excellent organization for our Council’s involvement in the St Joseph area Life Day Walk, Life Chain and Rally event as he has been doing for the past several years and is our event chair and liaison with the St Joseph Pregnancy Resource Center helping to organize and coordinate the 9-Day Novena For Life event held each year in January at St Francis Xavier Parish Church. He is a 4th degree member in Assembly 569 where he holds the elected office of Inner Sentinel and is a reliable member of the assembly’s Honor Guard. It is with great pleasure that Council 15126 presents our Knight of the Month Award for August 2021 to Daniel Deatherage.

April 2021

Gordon Carmichael

Gordon Carmichael has distinguished himself during the month of April while serving as the Director of the Council’s Annual Food For Families Faith In Action Project. This Council is set to reach the lofty goal of donating 5000 pounds of food this fraternal year which is the highest amount ever donated to this effort from our Council. We have now donated over 1000 pounds of food during each of the last 7 years, which is a testament to Gordon’s efforts while directing this annual project. Gordon is a 45 year member of the Knights of Columbus and is knowledgeable, reliable, and versatile on a wide variety of Knight related matters. He is a Past Grand Knight and currently serves as Council 15126’s Financial Secretary, Fourth Degree Assembly 569’s Faithful Comptroller, Officer Nominating Committee member for both the Council and Assembly and is the Assistant District #2 State Deputy. He routinely serves weekend Mass at St Francis Xavier Parish and is a member of the Assembly 569 Honor Guard when needed for funerals and special occasions. He is a long-time community blood donor who willingly volunteers his services for all Council service events and social occasions. Congratulations to Gordon Carmichael on being selected as Council 15126 Knight of the Month for April 2021.

March 2021

Michael Flowers

Michael Flowers has distinguished himself during the month of March through the sacramental example of celebrating fifty years of marriage to his wife Angie and the public blessing they received from Bishop Johnston at a Mass on the Feast of the Solemnity of St Joseph at the Cathedral of St Joseph. Mike has been a long-time St Joseph Catholic community volunteer of his time and talents by serving as a weekly counselor to the Kansas City-St Joseph Diocesan Prison Ministry program, directly working with individuals serving prison sentences behind bars. He is a Fourth Degree member Knight of our Council and during the month of March, he volunteered in an additional capacity to participate in the funeral services of our fallen Chaplain and Pastor, Fr Joe Miller, by serving as a member of the Fourth Degree Honor Guard during both the visitation and funeral. Also, during March, he donated a unique 5-foot tall metal suit of shining armor to the council for use in recruiting and other council displays. He willingly has provided his services when called upon to do so at such events as the Wing Ding and council-sponsored parish dinners and is readily available to provide his time and talents for our Council in other service and social activities. His appearances as Santa Claus during the annual Breakfast With Santa events are especially noteworthy. Congratulations to Michael Flowers on being selected as Council 15126 Knight of the Month for March 2021.

February 2021

Daniel Deatherage

The nomination of this brother for the Knight of the Month is long overdue. His leadership as chair of the Life Committee puts him center stage in council 15126’s fight for the preservation of life. He always does an outstanding job organizing Council 15126’s involvement in the March for Life, which while organized and ready to go this September, had to be cancelled. This January he organized Council 15126’s Nine Day Novena for Life. His work with and through the Pregnancy Resource Center goes a long way in fulfilling Council 15126’s commitment to support those women are left to make the great moral decision about abortion. He also handles our council Smoked Meat Sales. He is a 4th degree member in Assembly 569 where he holds the elected office of Inner Sentinel and is a reliable member of the assembly’s Honor Guard. It is with great pleasure that Council 15126 awards the Knight of the Month for March 2021 to Dan Deatherage.

January 2021

Russell Foster

During the months of August 2020 through January 2021, Russell Foster has demonstrated exemplary performance as the appointed Council Public Relations Director by serving as the new coordinator of the Council Facebook page, which is a critical component of our council’s social media presence. During the same time period he has designed and written several creative PR items for the Parish Bulletin. Both of these volunteer tasks have served to improve our Council’s overall parish and community image. Russell has worked effectively in cooperation with all Council event chairs, Officers and Program Directors. He is a 3rd Degree Knight serving as a Council Officer in the position of 3-Year Trustee. He serves on the Council Family of the Month committee. He is also the Ministry Scheduler for the parish Masses and is a dedicated member of the Precious Blood Companions. His efforts for this council have not gone unnoticed by his Knight Brothers. Congratulation Russell Foster on your selection as St Francis Xavier Council 15126 Knight of the Month for January 2021.

May 2020

Leonard Archer

During the months of March, April, and May Council Recorder Len Archer performed several innovative actions that allowed our council to continue basic operations under the imposed COVID-19 restrictions by expending significant personal time and effort to develop methods for our Council and Assembly to adapt to the COVID-19 meeting restrictions:
1. He coordinated & hosted 2 council monthly business meetings and 2 officer & director meetings in video conference format.
2. He coordinated & hosted 2 Assembly 569 monthly business meetings in video conference format.
3. His actions in support of communications allowed our Council to continue its organizational function in the complete absence of face to face operations.
4. He enhanced our council communications during this time by providing needed information through the Council newsletters and email messages.
5. He also coordinated & hosted 2 telephone conference calls for use by the Assembly officer nominating committee.
6. During this time, he also organized, developed, and presented in an on-line format the annual calendar of major activities proposed for our next Council year which greatly expedited the annual planning meeting process for our Council officers.
The individual activities listed above have earned Len Archer the SFX Council 15126 Knight of the Month Award for May 2020.

August 2019

Leo M. Violett

Mike Violett is the recipient of the SFX Council - Knight of the Month for August 2019. He is a Past Grand Knight and is currently serving as the Council’s Two-Year Trustee. He is a Coordinator of the Parish Bi-monthly Blood Drives. During the month of August, he was co-event chair of the SFX Parish Garage Sale sponsored by Council 15126. This first-time council event was a great success due directly to his personal efforts. The proceeds from this single event will go a long way toward funding the many charitable projects of our council this next year. He serves the parish as a Eucharistic Minister and makes personal visits to the sick & bereaved. He actively supports and routinely contributes to the Knights of Columbus Missouri Special Olympics and the Food for Families programs and is an active member of St Joseph General Assembly 569 in the 4th Degree serving in the current officer position as Faithful Captain. He is a loyal and reliable worker supporting all our council dinners and special events. . Congratulations on being selected as Knight of the Month.

July 2019

Daniel L. Deatherage

The recipient of the Council 15126 Knight of the Month award for July 2019 is Dan Deatherage. He is a reliable and valued member of this council and is currently serving as the Life Director of the council’s Faith In Action service committee. He has long been actively involved with the St Joseph Pregnancy Resource Center. He has helped to coordinate the six previous Walk for Life events in St. Joseph held each year in October which has resulted in improved participation by more church denominations each year. He was the major designer and builder of the council’s meat smoker and fryer trailer. His talents and efforts in this area have allowed our council dinner events to proceed much smoother. During the month of June he contributed a commendable performance as a member of the Fry Cook Team during the Parish Chicken Dinner and during the very next week he chaired and coordinated the Council’s initial Holy Smoker’s meat sales fundraiser event. Due to his personal commitment of time, his independent initiative and his high energy the Council cleared more than $1,000 in proceeds in this single event that will help to fund our many Charitable projects. He is extremely active in all our council work and social events (such as Tootsie Roll drive, House of Bread, Dinner Theater and our parish dinners). He continues to accomplish his annual mission trip to Guatemala in support of a children’s orphanage. He is an active member of the Fourth Degree Assembly 569 where he serves in the officer position as Inner Sentinel and is a dependable and frequent 4th Degree Honor Guard participant. Congratulations Dan Deatherage on being awarded the Council 15126 Knight of the Month award for July 2019.

March 2019

Ronald J. Olinger

Ron Olinger has distinguished himself while serving in the officer position of Council Treasurer by providing reliable financial services in support of our council activities especially during our March events to include the Parish Lenten dinners and Enchilada sales weekend. His independent, efficient and reliable performance is noteworthy. He is the primary individual responsible for administering the Council’s operating funds account and provides steady leadership in maintaining our annual budget planning and execution. He willingly provides his expertise when called upon to do so and is readily available to provide his time and talents for our Council activities. He also volunteers his time as a Hospitality Minister for Parish Masses. He is a Third Degree member Knight of our Council who can be counted on to attend all Council Business and Officer meetings on a regular basis. Congratulations to Ron Olinger on being selected as Council 15126 Knight of the Month for March 2019

January 2019

Darin Pollard

Darin Pollard has distinguished himself while serving as the St Francis Xavier Elementary School Principal by providing an excellent and effective level of liaison activity and coordination between the members of this Council and the Parish School. He is the primary individual responsible for establishing the Council’s “Student of the Month” program and continues to provide his leadership as Coordinator of the student awards program that has evolved. He willingly provides his talented MC services for Council events when called upon to do so and is readily willing to provide his time and talents for all our primary Council activities. He also volunteers as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for both Parish and School Masses. He is a 3rd Degree member Knight of our Council who attends all Council Business meetings on a regular basis. Congratulations to Darin Pollard on being selected as Council Knight of the Month for January 2019.

June 2018

Fr. Joseph Miller, C.PP.S.

Knight of the Month for June 2018 is hereby awarded to Fr. Joseph Miller in appreciation for the spiritual leadership and fraternal support he has given to the members of Council 15126 while serving as our Chaplain during the past year. He is a 4th Degree member Knight and as Pastor of the Parish has been a very effective spiritual leader for our entire congregation. While experiencing some serious personal health issues, he continued to be an active brother Knight participating fully in all our monthly business meetings by delivering messages that challenged each of us to grow in our faith and to become more involved as member Knights. Through his loyal support of this Council, Fr. Joe has helped to create meaningful improvements in both the fraternal and social interactions that we have experienced as member Knights. This Council sincerely thanks you for your dedicated and selfless service and for sharing so much of yourself with our Parish and the Knights of Columbus. God is truly good to share Fr. Joseph Miller with us.

May 2018

Jean Paul Mundungu

Jean Paul has distinguished himself by volunteering many hours as an Instructional Technology consultant for SFX School. He recently assisted with the upgrading of SFX School teaching staff computers and the repurposing of their used computers for donation and shipping to Lycee Siama Elementary School in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. He recently made program presentations to a Parish Lenten Soup Supper and an Interfaith Alliance for Immigrants community program. He actively participated in the SFX Knights of Columbus Parish Center Technology upgrade project committee serving as the network installer and network administrator. He is a current member of the SFX Parish Council and along with wife Mijo are involved as members of the SFX Mr. and Mrs. Club. He is a 4th Degree Member of St Joseph General Assembly 569 and serves as the Council 15126 Outside Guard. Congratulations Jean Paul on selection as the Council 15126 May 2018 Knight of the Month.

April 2018

Mark S. Werner

Mark Werner has especially distinguished himself this past month with his work as a Knight’s committee volunteer on the Parish Center Technology Project by assisting the electrical contractor with the initial installation of additional electrical power circuits, by his work during the removal of the old speakers and installation and wiring of the new ceiling speakers, and during the installation of wall mounted cabinet racks and Internet system cabling. His team co-workers recognized him as truly an enjoyable person to work with on this project. The volunteer hours that he devoted to this project saved the Parish a significant amount of money on the overall project costs. His unselfish efforts on this project were directed toward providing a better meeting space for our Council and the entire Parish community. He is a 3rd Degree member Knight of our Council who attends all Council Business meetings on a regular basis. He volunteers many personal hours for the betterment of our Council and the Parish. He performs as a Parish Mass Server on many occasions and is a regular weekly volunteer for the St Francis Xavier House of Bread. He is truly an “Unassuming Jewel of the Parish” that needs to be recognized for his productive efforts. Congratulations to Mark Werner on being selected as Council Knight of the Month for April 2018.

March 2018

John D. Morin

John Morin is the recipient of Council 15126 Knight of the Month for Marsh 2018. He achieved the Third-Degree Knight level and serves as the Council’s 2-Year Trustee. During the past year he has stepped up his game as a member of this Council. He is now a volunteer member for several activities and committees. He is a Parish Hospitality Minister and serves on the Council Admissions Degree induction team. He has become a valued member of the council. He volunteers on a regular basis within the community at Mosaic Hospital. Congratulations to John Morin.

February 2018

John J. Bitunjac

John Bitunjac holds the office of Council Advocate and participates regularly in all council events (Faith in Action, Walk for Life, Tootsie Roll drive, parish dinners etc. He is Youth Services Director, and as such is the coordinator of the Basketball, Essay, and Alcohol & Drug awareness Poster Contests which this month have all been successfully completed for this year. He was the Director of the recent District #2 Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw Competition and accompanied the category winners to the Regional Competition in Kansas City. He is a Mass Server and a Eucharistic Minister. He is Head of the Parish Building and Grounds Committee and dedicates many personal hours to parish facility maintenance. He is a member of St Joseph 4th Degree General Assembly 569 and an Honor Guard member. He serves as a SFX Elementary School substitute teacher and as a Marriage Preparation - Lead Couple Team along with his wife Nyla. He recently donated a personally handcrafted wood and glass display case for use as the Council awards and mementos display cabinet in the Parish Center. John Bitunjac is hereby awarded the Council 15126 Knight of The Month for February 2018.

April 2017

Fr. Ronald Will, C.PP.S.

Knight of the Month Award is presented to Fr. Ron Will in appreciation for the spiritual leadership he has given to all members of this council. Fr. Ron has served as Chaplain since the establishment of our Council in August of 2010 and is a 4th Degree member Knight. As Pastor of the Parish, during the months of March and April, Fr. Ron was the spiritual leader of our entire parish for the Lenten and Easter celebrations. He has been an active Knight participant during all of our monthly business meetings by delivering to the council membership a spiritual message that challenges each of us to be a better version of our self. Fr. Ron has asked us to reach out into society and to look outside the box for the bigger picture of what God is calling each of us to do and then to have a personal relationship with Christ in all of our works and actions. Through his active support of this Council, Fr Ron has made a significant impact on the member Knights. We sincerely thank you for your service and dedication and for giving so much of yourself to the Knights of Columbus.

February 2017

Darrin M. Welchert

Darrin Welchert has volunteered his services as the Council newsletter editor during the past year. His efforts to improve the professional appearance of the new full-color newsletter using Microsoft Office Publisher software are noteworthy. The variety and timeliness of newsletter content along with the success of making it accessible directly to council member Knights through the online webpage are commendable. This reformatted and web-based newsletter has significantly improved overall council communications and information flow and has certainly enhanced the image of the council within our district. Darrin frequently volunteers his time and talents for all council projects and events, regularly providing his talents and services as a member of the smoker wagon cooking crew during our various dinners.

January 2017

Leonard J. Archer

Len Archer performs the duties of Council Webmaster, Council Public Relations Director and Council Recorder. He established the initial U-Knight Interactive council website in this district providing enhanced information flow (both through email and print). He provides timely communications of all council activities to our local council, to the public and to other councils creating improved organizational performance and a better image for recruitment. He has produced an accurate collection and archive of all council meeting activities, documents and photos which are available on-line to all members on the council website. He is a loyal and reliable council member who is active in many council work and social activities. He recently authored the council’s Wing Ding Ministry competition rules, provided the event announcements for the parish, coordinated the celebrity judging process, developed the event schedule and communicated the final event results. He proposed and initiated the new council team Membership in Action plan aimed at increasing membership activity and involvement. He coordinates the council Knight and Family of the Month recognition program. Len is an active member of the 4th Degree St Joseph General Assembly #569, also serving as their webmaster, and is a frequent member of their Honor Guard team. He and his wife Jeanne are a Lead Couple within our parish for Engaged Couple Marriage Preparation and they are also Associate Members of the St Joseph Order of Malta.

December 2016

Ray F. Heitman

Ray is the Council Chancellor and the Service Director of Community. He helps to create and bring great ideas into practice within our Council. During December he chaired and organized the first SFX Parish Wing Ding Ministry Challenge event. He volunteers at all council projects & dinners. He is a Member of the Parish Ministry Board. Ray donates or discounts food for many Council dinners. He was a volunteer participant in the St Joseph Walk for Life event and serves as a Mass Lector and Eucharistic Minister for the Parish. He coordinates our Council Corporate Communion Masses aimed at better parish Public Relations and new member recruitment. He is a member of the 4th Degree General Assembly 569.

November 2016

Joseph F. Still

Joseph F. Still is serving as the present 2-Year Trustee for our Council. Frank is the Faith In Action Project Coordinator for our Council and is a member of the Faith In Action Advisory Board. He has successfully served multiple years during the month of November as the Council’s Chairperson of the Drive For Disabilities Project achieving higher collections each year. He volunteers his time and talents for all council projects and events and regularly donates his blood to our parish blood drive events. He regularly participates in the St Joseph annual Walk For Life event. He is a 4th Degree Knight and a member of the St Joseph General Assembly 569. Frank is one of four individuals from this parish who were recognized for the Mother Theresa Award by Catholic Charities of St Joseph during 2016. He is a long-time member of the Companions to the Precious Blood Priests who provide direct support and encouragement for our parish priests. In the community he serves as an elections clerk for all state, county and city elections and he is an active member of the St Joseph Chamber of Commerce Diplomats Committee and the St Joseph Hosts Lions Club.

October 2016

Daniel L. Deatherage

Dan Deatherage is the council’s Service Committee Culture of Life Chair and is actively involved with the St Joseph Pregnancy Resource Center. He helped to coordinate the four previous Walk for Life events in St. Joseph held each year in October which has resulted in significantly improved participation by other church denominations each year. He individually built the K of C Walk for Life parade float entry and was the designer/ builder of the council’s meat smoker and fryer trailer - making council dinner events go much smoother. He is active in many council work and social events (ie. Tootsie Roll drive, House of Bread, and Faith in Action). He serves parish masses both weekends and weekdays and has completed multiple annual mission trips to Guatemala in support of a children’s orphanage. Dan is involved in the efforts of the Parish Breakfast Club and is a Men of Faith participant. He is an active member of Assembly 569 where he serves in the officer position as Faithful Pilot and is a 4th Degree Honor Guard participant.

September 2016

Leo M. Violett

Mike Violett is a PGK and currently the 1-Year Trustee and Service Committee Director of Health. He coordinates each SFX Parish Blood Drive for the Red Cross on a frequency of about every 8-10 weeks. The September event collected a record number of 32 units of blood and he himself is a member of the 10 gallon donor club. He is a regular community volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Faith in Action and the St Joseph Youth Alliance performing 4-5 projects/year. He regularly serves both weekend and weekday masses, trains parish youth to serve mass, sponsors server field trips, is a Eucharistic Minister, and makes personal visits to the sick & bereaved. He very recently completed adaptation of the Quick Books financial software package for use by our council treasurer greatly assisting our council budgeting process. He actively supports and routinely contributes to the Knights of Columbus Missouri Special Olympics and the Food for Families programs and is an active member of St Joseph General Assembly 569 in the 4th Degree. He is a long time member of the SFX Sunrise Fellowship Breakfast committee and is a loyal and reliable worker supporting all of our council dinners and special events.

August 2016

John J. Catron

John Catron has worked tirelessly and effectively for Council 15126 especially during the month of August by chairing the organization of the St Francis Xavier Parish 125th Anniversary Dinner. He directly enhanced our council’s reputation through his year-long efforts leading up to this event by serving on the overall parish anniversary steering committee. He coordinated our council planning committee for the purchase and preparation of all of the food menu requirements. He compiled and supervised the Knight worker schedules, coordinated the activities for dinner site set-up through the final clean-up. He currently serves as the Deputy Grand Knight and Council Program Director. He accomplished all this while personally experiencing and enduring some major medical and health issues. No other brother Knight is considered more deserving of Council 15126 Knight Of The Month for August 2016.