Simply click the button above, or the button on the Home Page and you will be redirected to our SQUARE account where you can pay your 4th Degree Assembly dues ONLINE!
Paying online is not just convenient for you, but it makes it easier for our Faithful Comptroller and Faithful Purser to compile dues payments and accurately enter those payments directly into their reports.
Consider joining us. Proceeds to support our uniform regalia reimbursement program. This will greatly assist our Color Corp ability to better serve our local Churches
Consider Joining the 4th Degree and the Color Corps/Honor Guard
Faithful Knights and Sir Knights, If you are not yet a 4th Degree Knight, consider joining us. Read on! Please see the attached flyer. I ask that you print or save it for prayerful consideration. An Assembly’s Color Corp Team is made up between Flag Honor Details and Honor Guard Details. Most of the time y’all only witness the Honor Guard details. Our Assembly Color Corp Team lost three well serving members who have moved to other states. This loss was felt with our inability to serve events this year at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church and Monsignor Donovan High School. Our Color Corp Team is also aging and some of our dedicated Sir Knights are not able to march in parades or even march at the Monsignor Donovan Graduation Ceremony. Furthermore, due to the mile distance location between our Churches and Schools, it makes it difficult for the team to get all members to serve. This year, our Supreme Master has instructed Assemblies to no longer blend together Honor Guard teams with full regalia Sir Knights and Social Baldric Sir Knights. An Honor Guard Team can only be assembled by full regalia sword carrying Sir Knights. This is a major challenge, as was proven this year when some of the team was traveling with other commitments. Did you know our Assembly has a uniform reimbursement program? As voted upon by our members, our Assembly currently reimburses $300 towards the new $449 uniform, with the pledge that the member join our Color Corp Team. I have yet to hear an Assembly anywhere in the State that contributes more. In case you’re wondering, the funds for this program came from our Catholic Center & St Catherine Laboure Vidalia Onion Sale and St Joseph Pancake Breakfast Fundraisers, as well as from private donations from generous Sir Knights. We do not use any funds from our Patriotic Fundraiser accounts. Our Assembly does have enough extra swords for new members use. Here is the breakdown of our current Color Corp Team by Church location: St Joseph Catholic Church- 5 Sir Knights Catholic Center of UGA- 3 Sir Knights Saint Aelred- 3 Sir Knights St. Catherine Labouré- 1 Sir Knight So as you can see, we disparately need more Sir Knights able to join. Moving forward, ability to properly serve at Mass requests, will depend largely on more registered parishioner Sir Knights, with full regalia, from each Church location. So during the summer months, please give this careful consideration. If you have any questions, contact our Comptroller Sir John Dunn, or our Color Corp Commander Sir John Steffl, or myself. Vivat Jesus! Fraternally S.K Arnie Terrell-FN 2148 Phone-810-626-8248
Council Knights Join 4th Degree
Council Knights Join the Fourth Degree
On February 24, 2024, two Knights from Council 6514 of St. Joseph, and 1 Knight from Council 18154 of St. Aelred were elevated to Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus at an Exemplification Ceremony that took place at Holy Family Catholic Church in Marietta Georgia.
Council 6514 at St. Joseph saw Fr. Matthew Howard and Kyle Sharry made Sir Knights of the Patriotic Fourth Degree. From St. Aelred, John Miller was bestowed this honor.
Fr. Howard now joins both other Priests at St. Joseph and St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Churches as Fourth Degree Sir Knights.
Announcing the Passing of Fr. David McGuinness
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of The Very Reverend David McGuinness, V.F., on Sunday, February 4th, 2024, in Limerick, Ireland.
Fr. David, as we all knew him, was the longtime pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Athens, first at the Prince Avenue location, then at the new Epps Bridge home. He was the driving force behind selling the Prince Avenue site, purchasing the larger property to accommodate the growing Catholic community, then in 2014 spearheading and overseeing the construction of the new St. Joseph Catholic School on the Epps Bridge Campus.
After 50 years as a priest, retiring at the age of seventy-five, he lived in Athens for a time, before eventually returned to his native Ireland to live with his family as his health began to decline.
Nevertheless, he was visited several times by friends from Athens, including Lynn Renna, and Yasek and Dorota Rzucidlo, who delivered cards and letters to him, which he received with smiles, fondly recalling each sender from his time here in Athens. Those mementos decorated his room. A priest, whose big heart and infectious smile radiated the joy of his faith, and the love he had for ministering to his parishioners, he will be greatly missed.
Here is a reprint of his death notice:
Fr. David (Davy) McGuinness
Hyde Road, Limerick City, Limerick
Fr. David (Davy) McGuinness, (Hyde Road, Limerick. Formerly of Waterford City, Kilmacthomas, Clogheen, Peachtree City and Athens Georgia, U.S.A, February 4th 2024 peacefully at Limerick University Hospital, following a long illness, bravely borne. Treasured and much-loved brother of Ita (Copley), Kathleen (Kay) (Dinneen), Martha (Sr. Marie), Olive (O’Connell), Denis and the late Detta (Smyth). Sadly missed by his loving brothers-in-law Len, Paddy and Joe, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends in Ireland and the U.S.A..
May he rest in peace.
Reposing at Thompson's Funeral Home, Thomas Street, on Friday (9th February) from 4.30pm to 6pm. Arriving at the Dominican’s Church, Glentworth Street, on Saturday (10th February) for Requiem Mass at 10am followed by burial in Mount St. Oliver Cemetery.
Assembly 2148 Provides Color Guard for Cardinal Alvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri, Bishop of Huehuetenango Guatemala
Left to right: Faithful Captain, S.K. Daniel Lackey, Faithful Admiral, S.K. Esequiel "Zeke" Barrera, Faithful Outer Sentinel S.K. Philip Trevisani, Cardinal Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri, Fr. Cyriac Mattathilanickal, Color Corp Commander, S.K. Arnie Terrell, Faithful Navigator, S.K. John M. Steffl
A Color Guard contingent from Assembly 2148 was honored to be invited to St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church in Snellville, Georgia to participate in the Holy Mass of Our Lady of the Americas, celebrated by his Eminence Cardinal Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini, Bishop of Huehuetenango, Guatemala.
Within the Roman Curia, Cardinal Ramazzini has been a member of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 1990, and from 1991 to 1996 he has been a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. In 1997 he took part in the special Assembly for America in the Synod of Bishops. He was proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 5 October 2019, of the Title of San Giovanni Evangelista a Spinaceto.
This packed mass, which took place in a beautifully decorated Sanctuary at St. Oliver's, was concelebrated with Fr. Cyriac Mattathilanickal, the Pastor.
The feast day celebration included resplendently costumed "Aztec dancers" in authentic garb, comprised of Parish youth. They reenacted a number of intricate, native dances, in which they had clearly invested many hours of rehearsal.
The Color Guard were thanked for their participation and, after the mass, the Cardinal and the Pastor graciously posed for a photo in front of the alter, at which time the Guard thanked our hosts for the honor of participating.
Knights Who Have Received The Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor Knights
Eleven members of the Knights of Columbus have gone “above and beyond the call of duty” during their service in the U.S. military
By Andrew Fowler6/30/2022
The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious military decoration of the U.S. government, given to service members who have exhibited “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.”
Among the pantheon of service members who have received the honor since the award was first presented in the American Civil War are 11 members of the Knights of Columbus:
Daniel Daly Marine Sgt. Maj. Daniel Daly stood 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighed just 132 pounds, but was a dogged fighter. During the Battle of Peking in 1900, he held a position alone overnight, repelling hundreds of “Boxer” rebels with only a rifle, bayonet and his fists. In 1915, during the Battle of Fort Dipitie in Haiti, he led his men out of an insurgent ambush to safety while crossing a river. Daly received the Medal of Honor for both of these actions — one of only 19 people to receive the honor twice. A member of Loyola Council 477 in Middle Village, New York, Daly was described by Marine Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune as “the most outstanding Marine of all time.”
Gerry Kisters Army First Lt. Gerry Kisters was the first U.S. soldier of World War II to receive both the Distinguished Service Cross — the Army’s second-highest decoration for valor in combat — and the Medal of Honor. The first medal honored Kisters, then a staff sergeant, for bravery in North Africa in May 1943. A few months later, on July 31, 1943, Kisters was part of a small group of soldiers tasked with filling a large crater in the only available vehicle route though Gagliano, Sicily. The detachment came under attack from two enemy posts with machine guns. After Kisters and another soldier captured the first post, he advanced alone to neutralize the second. Despite being struck five times by enemy bullets, he survived and succeeded in taking the position, helping his comrades advance safely. For his actions that day, he received the Medal of Honor on Feb. 18, 1944. After the war, Kisters joined the Knights of Columbus, becoming a member of John P. O’Donnell Council 1096 in Bloomington, Indiana.
Willibald Bianchi Army Capt. Willibald Bianchi, a member of St. Patrick’s Council 1076 in New Ulm, Minn., posthumously received the Medal of Honor for actions in Bataan, Philippines, in 1942. Bianchi voluntarily led a group of American and Filipino troops against two enemy machine-gun nests near Bagnac on Feb. 3, 1942. He personally captured one of the positions despite severe wounds to his hand and chest. Though he survived that fight, Bianchi was later captured after the fall of Bataan in April. He suffered through the Bataan Death March, but according to eyewitnesses, he was known for his compassion and focus on his comrades’ health. He died on a Japanese prison ship after it was mistakenly bombed by Allied planes Jan. 9, 1945.
James P. Connor On Aug. 14, 1944, Army Sgt. James Connor was part of an amphibious assault against entrenched enemy positions on Cape Cavalaire in southern France. His 36-man platoon, attached to the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, was greatly outnumbered, and its lieutenant was soon killed by a hanging mine. Though injured by the same mine, Connor led his comrades across the mine-saturated beach, eliminating two enemy snipers in the process. When the platoon sergeant was also killed, command fell on Connor — who had sustained more wounds to his shoulder and back. Wounded a third time, this time in the leg, he continued to direct the attack from a prone position, ordering the men to outflank and rush the enemy. The strategy was successful; the positions were captured and the enemy soldiers killed or captured. Connor, one of only nine platoon members to survive the assault, received the Medal of Honor for his courage and leadership. His medal citation concluded, “By his repeated examples of tenaciousness and indomitable spirit, Sgt. Connor transmitted his heroism to his men until they became a fighting team which could not be stopped.” He was a member of Bishop Curtis Council 2867 in Wilmington, Delaware.
Paul Wiedorfer On Dec. 25, 1944, Army Pvt. Paul Wiedorfer was advancing with Company G, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division through woods outside Chaumont, Belgium. The patrol reached an open space, but was pinned down by two German machine-gun positions in the woods beyond the field. Knowing his company could not advance further if the two positions weren’t cleared, Wiedorfer charged alone toward the German positions. Despite falling a few times under a hail of enemy fire, he reached, and subsequently subdued, the enemy. According to his Medal of Honor citation, Wiedorfer’s actions “enabled the platoon to advance from behind its protecting ridge and continue successfully to reach its objective.” Wiedorfer served in the military until 1948, reaching the rank of master sergeant. He was a member of Santa Maria Council 1733 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Roger Donlon Army Capt. Roger Donlon of Bishop Gross Council 1019 in Columbus, Georgia, was the first person to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War. Donlon was commanding officer of U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 when the Viet Cong launched a pre-dawn attack on Camp Nam Dong in early July 1964. Despite sustaining several injuries, Capt. Donlon continued directing the successful defense operations and rescue of wounded soldiers under heavy fire. Watch Capt. Donlon reflect on his military service here.
Walter Joseph “Joe” Marm, Jr. On Nov. 14, 1965, Army 2nd Lt. Walter Joseph Marm, a platoon leader in the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), led his men in an attempt to rescue a surrounded unit during the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam. Halted by heavy fire from a concealed position, Marm exposed himself in order to locate the machine gun. After trying unsuccessfully to destroy it with a rocket launcher, Marm charged across open ground alone, hurling grenades. Although severely wounded, he continued his assault and eliminated the remainder of the enemy. Marm received the Medal of Honor Dec. 19, 1966, for his actions. He continued to serve in the Army until 1995, retiring as a colonel. Marm joined the Knights of Columbus in 1967 and is currently a member of Msgr. Arthur R. Freeman Council 5487 in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Charles Watters Rev. (Maj.) Charles J. Watters joined the Air National Guard in 1962, but after two years, joined the Army as a chaplain. In July 1966, Watters began his 12-month tour of Vietnam with Company A, 173rd Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, during which he received the Air Medal and a Bronze Star. He then voluntarily extended his tour another six months. On Nov. 19, 1967, Watters’ unit — 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry — became engaged in a battle near Dak To. Under heavy fire, the chaplain tended to the wounded, administered last rites and retrieved men from the battlefield outside the American perimeter. According to his Medal of Honor citation, Watters was giving aid to wounded soldiers when he was killed. He posthumously received the medal Nov. 4, 1969. Watters belonged to Regina Council 1688 in Rutherford, New Jersey.
Patrick Henry Brady Army Maj. Gen. Patrick Henry Brady’s illustrious 34-year military career included two tours of duty as a medical helicopter pilot in Vietnam, during which he flew 2,000 combat missions and evacuated approximately 5,000 wounded troops. He received the Medal of Honor for actions during his second tour, when he was second in command of the 54th Medical Detachment. On Jan. 1, 1968, then-Maj. Brady flew a series of missions, in fog and under fire, to rescue American soldiers trapped in enemy territory. According to his Medal of Honor citation, Brady “utilized three helicopters to evacuate 51 seriously wounded men, many of whom would have perished without prompt medical treatment.” Brady is a member of Holy Disciples Council 11948 in Puyallup, Washington.
Gary Rose Gary Rose enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and trained as a Green Beret medic. During Operation Tailwind, a secret mission in Laos Sept. 11-14, 1970, he repeatedly braved machine-gun fire to treat more than 60 wounded soldiers. The mission remained classified for decades, and few people knew of Rose’s actions. Though recommended for a Medal of Honor in 1970, he received a Distinguished Service Cross instead. Rose continued his career in the Army, receiving a commission and retiring as a captain in 1987. After Operation Tailwind was declassified in the late ’90s, Rose’s former company commander led the effort to upgrade his Distinguished Service Cross, and Rose finally received the Medal of Honor in October 2017. He is currently a member of the Knights of Columbus Good Shepherd Council 11672 in Huntsville, Alabama Watch Capt. Rose reflect on his military service and membership in the Knights of Columbus here.
Edward Byers Jr. Dr. Dilip Joseph, an American aid doctor, was abducted by Taliban forces Dec. 5, 2012. Three days later, Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Edward C. Byers Jr. and a team of fellow Navy SEALs hiked four hours through the mountains to reach the compound where Joseph was being held in a remote area of Afghanistan. Once inside, Byers was exposed to enemy fire while trying to clear a path for the rescue team. He neutralized several enemy guards while using his body as a shield to protect the American hostage. According to his Medal of Honor citation, “His bold and decisive actions under fire saved the lives of the hostage and several of his teammates.” A member of the Knights of Columbus in Virginia, he retired after 21 years of service on Sept. 19, 2019, as a master chief petty officer. Soon after, he spoke with Columbia about his faith and military career. Read the interview here.
CREDITS: Originally published in a weekly edition of Knightline, a resource for K of C leaders and members. Access Knightline’s monthly archives.
Announcing the Passing of Sir Knight Philip Bradley Jackson
It is with great sadness, tempered by the joy of knowing his suffering has ended, that we announce the passing of Sir Knight Phil Bradley Jackson.
Please offer up your prayers, and if possible, a recitation of the Holy Rosary for his soul and in support of the grief being endured by his family, friends and fellow Knights.
The funeral Mass is set for Tuesday, November 22, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 11AM. Please attend if you are able in order that we might show our support and offer our assistance if requested.
Esequiel Barrera, Grand Knight Council 6514 Athens, Georgia
Handbooks and Manuals Now Available
Fellow Sir Knights,
We have begun uploading a number of Handbooks and Manuals in the Members Only/Assembly Documents Library. Please feel free to check out our offerings and if you have a suggestion for additions to the Library, please click this button to and give us the title of the document you suggest that we add, along with a link we can use to download the item.
In addition, if you have news story or an announcement that you would like to have added to the News & Announcements section, please click this button to and send us item(s). Also, please provide photos, if appropriate.
This website is always a work in progress and your suggestions and comments will help us to improve the site.
S.K. Daniel Lackey, Webmaster
The Holy Rosary Sponsored by Council 6514
For the second year in a row, the Knights of Columbus Council 6514 is sponsoring the recitation of the Holy Rosary with our Confirmation Class students in the Chapel of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
One half hour before every Confirmation Class begins, we gather in the Chapel to pray the Holy Rosary. Both students and adults, and anyone else are welcome to participate.
Last year, the program began to be more popular as the year went along. This year, however, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number or participants praying the Rosary together each week. In an effort to encourage and help our students want to continue with this devotion, and to honor the Knights of Columbus' commitment to supporting Catholic faith practices, Council 6514 will be gifting each second year student with their own, hopefully "teen proof" Rosary.
Members of Council 6514 and UGA Council17969 are invited and encouraged to set an example for our young men and women by attending whenever possible.
Confirmation classes alternate between a Sunday class and a Monday class, so we post a notice on the Chapel door reminding people which day we will be praying the Rosary each week. Members, please see the Assembly Event Calendar for dates and times. If you attend, please remember to click the Event Calendar link for that Rosary date and then click so that we can record your "Faith" hours for Council 6514, which count toward achieving Star Council.
We hope to see you there!
2 Adoration Guardians Needed for St. Joseph Catholic Church
Have you been unable to assist in activities or attend meetings of the Knights for whatever reason? This is a great opportunity for the Knights of Columbus Council 6514 members of our Parish to serve, and also to act as examples to others by volunteering just 1 hour each week as Adoration Guardians!
Because of fellow parishioners generosity and willingness to offer their time, St. Joseph Parish Council 6514 Co-Chaplain and Brother Knight, Fr. Brian Kuhr and Adoration Coordinator Brother Knight Paul McAdam, announce that they are again extending our hours of Adoration.
As Knights, we should be at least as generous as other parishioners! Let's set the example by exercising our mission of Service by becoming Guardians of the Blessed Sacrament!
We currently have need to fill hours on Mondays, which means the Parish is on it's way of achieving the goal of perpetual Adoration.
Please remember that you are committing to the same time each week. If you are unable to attend your time slot for some reason, you are expected to find someone else to act as a Guardian in your place, since the Blessed Sacrament cannot be left unattended!
Each hour needs at least 2 Guardians for each of these one hour time slots.
If you would like sign up to be an Adoration Guardian, please contact the Adoration Coordinator, Brother Knight Paul McAdam at pjmcadam@yahoo.com to arrange a time to serve.
Consider serving and remember that the hours you spend in Adoration or as an Adoration Guardian count toward our Faith Program which will help us achieve our goal of once again earning Star Council.
I, like many of your fellow Parishioners and Brother Knights fill a 1 hour slot per week. I can personally attest to it being one of the highlights of my spiritual life. It is truly extraordinary to spend time in the presence of the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, in Adoration and reflection!
Vivat Jesu!
SK Daniel Lackey Faith Director
Columbiette Sister Marylou Griffin Passes Away After Courageous Cancer Battle
It is with sadness, tempered by the knowledge that God now holds a good woman in His loving arms, that it was announced that Marylou Christine Griffin has now ended her battle with cancer. Known by most Parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marylou was tireless in sharing her gift of the giving of herself to many in the Athens community.
Below is her Obituary as printed in the Athens Banner Herald:
On September 5th, Marylou Griffin devoted Catholic, wife, mother, nana, sister, and friend passed away surrounded by family in her home. After a 2.5 year battle with cancer, she is now peacefully resting in Heaven. Marylou was a lifelong caregiver, peacemaker, and supporter of her loved ones and community. She was married to George Griffin for nearly 45 years. They met young, fell in love, and defied the odds with their long and loving time together. She was known to bring the family together through her selfless demeanor, acts of kindness, and, of course, her delicious cooking. Whether running the bull pen at a swim meet, teaching Sunday School, acting as PTA president, providing childcare to neighbors and friends, or working with the Columbiettes, Marylou led a service-driven life. She was a second mother and grandmother to many because she created a warm and welcoming home that extended a place to stay in times of need to both family and friends.
Marylou is survived by her beloved husband, George, her three daughters and son in laws, Sarah and Ryan Clark, Charlotte and Peter Holliday, and Allison and Kyle Bridges, and her grandchildren Zachary Donegan, Isabella Donegan, Behr Holliday, Brenner Holliday, John Isaac Holiday, Alex Clark, and Evan Clark. The funeral will be held on Saturday, September 10th at 11am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Athens, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Project Safe Inc., 995 Hawthorne Ave #7, Athens, GA 30606.
Unfortunately there was a delay of our receiving the news of Marylou's passing, so this article was posted after the funeral had already taken place.
The family would surely appreciate remembrances or cards of sympathy from our Members. Your may drop off such items at the St. Joseph Catholic Church office (use drop-in slot if office is closed), and they will be forwarded to the family.
Safe America Re-Launches Vet Tran!
On August 19, 2022 Knights of Columbus Council 6514's District 10 Deputy S.K. Arnie Terrell, Past Grand Knight S.K. John Vautour and Mr. Allan Johnson met with Safe America CEO Len Pagnano to view a new transport ambulance. Staffed by trained volunteers, this ambulance will provide Vet Tran with the means to transport veterans to medical treatments, appointments requiring medical equipment and/or medical care during a transport.
Pictured left to right: Safe America CEO Len Pagano, District Deputy S.K. Arnie Terrell, Mr. Allan Johnson (not pictured-Past Grand Knight S.K John Vautour)
Mr. Pagnano gave his thanks to the Knights of Columbus and companies and organizations including AMR (American Medical Response), Primerica, MillerCoors, Jim Ellis Automotive Group, Enterprise, Lockheed Martin, Vetlanta, Checker Cab, Norfolk Southern, MillerCoors/United Distributors and the Veteran's Administration are among the companies and organizations assisting Safe America and the Welcome Home Heroes initiative to offer various transportation methods helping veterans to gain access to medical care.
To find out how to donate or volunteer, stay tuned to VETV.US and help us transport veterans!
Thanks to Kaiser Permanente’s Deputy Director of Military Services Terrill McFarland, we are re-launching ‘Vet Tran’ by this summer. Our plan is to engage the Knights of Columbus and Metro Atlanta area public safety officers as ‘volunteers’ to operate and staff these ambulances.
For More information, contact Len Pagano at (770)-509-7958.
In addition, Safe America will also expand its ‘Welcome Home, Heroes’ veterans program to offer more medical care treating mental health issues like PTSD, and even pet dogs to help minimize depression. All of this will be announced after the 4th of July, with further salutes to Checker Cab President Rick Hewatt who is working together with Safe America CEO Len Pagano.