News & Announcements
Paying Your Council Dues by U.S. Mail
Regular and Honorary Members:
On the website's home page, click on "MEMBERS ONLY" in the column on the left. Then, log in with your membership number and date of birth (MMDDYYYY). On the MEMBERS ONLY screen, scroll down and click on "Access Financial Secretary's Report Library." On the next page, click on "Council Members Owing Dues for 2025" to access the list of Regular and Honorary members who owe dues for 2025.
Please do not delay making your payment. Make checks payable to: Fr. Baker Council #2243. Mail your dues payment to:
John Radwan
130 Main Street
West Seneca, NY 14224
Contact John (716-675-1804) with questions.
Upcoming Senior Knights Social Club monthly meeting
The last monthly meeting of Council 2243's Senior Knights Social Club, before summer recess, will be on Thursday, June 5, 2025. It will be held at the Matthew Glab Post of the American Legion located at 1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna. Meeting begins at 1:30 PM. Lunch will be provided following a short business meeting. Meeting fee is $6 for lunch and $10 (optional split club drawing). Two (free) drink tickets will be provided to each attendee!
All Fr. Baker Council members, age 55 and older, are invited to join the Fr. Baker Council's Sr. Knights Social Club!
Stop by, chat and laugh with members who you may not have seen in a while!
Contact the Club treasurer, Otto Johnson (716-998-4433), if you have questions.
Council #2243 donates to St Gianna Molla Pregnancy and Outreach Center in Lackawanna
On February 29, 2024, Fr. Baker Council #2243 of the Knights of Columbus presented a donation of $500.00 to the St. Gianna Molla Pregnancy Outreach Center, located at OLV Charities at 780 Ridge Road in Lackawanna. Pictured above (from left to right) are John Radwan, Financial Secretary of KofC Council #2243 and Sarah Lindstrom of the Outreach Center.
The St. Gianna Molla Pregnancy Outreach Center serves families and life by providing material, emotional and spiritual support to mothers, fathers and families in need during and after pregnancy. The Center accepts monetary donations, baby care items, infant care accessories and new (or gently used) clothing (newborn through 4T).
For more information, call 716-828-9654 or 716-842-2229.
COUNCIL 2243's SUMMER SWEEPSTAKES DRAWINGS!
Fr Baker Council #2243 will again hold its "Summer Sweepstakes Drawing$" on Sunday, August 10, 2025!
Top cash prize is $2,500 followed by cash prizes of $1,500, $500 and five $100 prizes! The seller of each winning ticket number drawn will also get an amount equal to 10% of the amount of the particular winning ticket prize!
Tickets are available to purchase from any Fr. Baker Council member or by calling 716-675-1804.
Fr Baker Council 2243 members, who would like to sell some tickets, should contact John Radwan at 716-675-1804 or see him at any scheduled Council meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of each month!
Your participation and support of Fr Baker Council #2243 is appreciated!
Monthly Council Meeting - Wednesday, , May 14, 2025 at 7 PM
The next monthly meeting of Father Baker Council #2243 members will take place on Wednesday, June 11th, at our Council's office and will start promptly at 7 PM. All Fr. Baker Council members "in good standing" are invited to attend to hear the latest KofC and Council 2243 news, including our upcoming events.
The monthly general council meetings are for all current members and are always on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 PM unless unforeseen circumstances prevent it from occurring or necessitates a change in date or location.
Our office is located at 780 Ridge Road in Lackawanna. Please use the parking lot entrance at the rear of the building, on Baker Alley (off of South Park Ave.) or Melrose Ave (off of Ridge Road). Because the building is a secure facility, doors are automatically locked at 4:30 PM. Upon your arrival, look for the glass enclosed entrance with the large numbers "780" above it. Then, contact either 716-207-9036 or 716-597-8893 to alert a Council officer to open the door and escort you up to Suite 205, via the elevator.
Upcoming Nominations and Election of Officers for Council 2243
All officer positions of Fr Baker Council #2243 are up for election (except the Financial Sec'y, the current 3rd year & 2nd year Trustees and the Chaplain).
Candidates must be 3rd (or 4th Degree) Council #2243 members "in good standing", and must be able to attend all monthly meetings (unless excused).
Current officers need to declare if they will or will not run for office again by notifying Trustee, Terry McCann. Other Interested candidates should notify Trustee Terry W. McCann (716-662-5723) of their intention to run for a particular office, before May 8. Interested candidates should notify Trustee Terry W. McCann (716-662-5723) of their intention before the June 11 election meeting.
Fr. Baker named "Venerable" on January 14, 2011
In 1987, Father Baker's Cause for Canonization began when he was named a "Servant of God" by the Vatican. In 1998, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome recommended that his remains be moved into the basilica from nearby Holy Cross Cemetery. The next year, on March 10, his coffin was unearthed and re-interred in Our Lady of Victory Basilica.
On January 14, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI named him "Venerable" Nelson Baker. Those connected to his cause remain in close contact with Vatican officials and believe that someday soon Father Baker will be named ''Blessed."
Father Baker's 60 years in the priesthood were spent sheltering the homeless, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and giving hope to the destitute. His legacy lives on today as OLV Charities and OLV Human Services, which provide many of the same kinds of charitable services Father Baker began decades ago.
Click here to read "Father Baker's Story"
Support our social partner - the Matthew Glab Post
It is important to continue to support our Council's social partner, the Matthew Glab Post of the American Legion. The Council holds its fundraising events at the Post's hall. We are still fortunate to be able to hold our annual Memorial Mass for departed Council members there. And, we able to hold our monthly council meetings there as well!
We encourage our members and friends to dine-in or to call the Post (716-825-3733) with takeout orders from their Wednesdays "Burgers & Wings" menu and Friday fish frys menu (cash only please).
Please support our social partner, the Matthew Glab Post!
Christopher Columbus - our Order's namesake
Honoring our Namesake - CLICK HERE
For much of U.S. history, Columbus has symbolized civic unity and the hope of building an inclusive society. Now, when scores of statues of Christopher Columbus have been vandalized or removed around the United States, it is important to remember why those statues were erected. Click HERE to read more
Columbus rediscovered Columbus’ virtues — including dazzling bravery and ingenuous charm — balanced his vices. He was sympathetic toward cultures other than his own, including those of Native Americans. Click HERE to read more
Five myths about Columbus - Claims about Columbus need to be tempered by a sober look at the historical record. Click HERE to read more
Lessons of history - A member of the Osage Nation and past state deputy of New Mexico, Supreme Director Patrick T. Mason explains that righting wrongs against Native Americans must start with a just appraisal of the past. Click HERE to read more
Two Saints for Niagara?
Fr. Baker Council Members & Friends,
Attached is an article about two priests who attended the former Our Lady of Angels Seminary at Niagara University at the same time (1871-1872). They were the Venerable Fr. Nelson Baker, our council's namesake and Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. The article highlights their journeys to the priesthood and the histories that they created afterward.
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ONLINE FIRST/SECOND/THIRD DEGREE COMBINATION CEREMONY
Fellow Council #2243 Members and Candidates for Membership:
We are pleased to invite you to the online ceremony of both "admission" and "advancement."
These ceremonies, known as "exemplifications", are normally done in person. However, because of current social distancing precautions due to the pandemic, we now offer these ceremonies online.
To participate in the ceremony IMMEDIATELY, use the “On Demand” link below and the 30 minute ceremony will start upon completion of your registration information. After the 30-minute ceremony, you will be a Third Degree Knight of Columbus!
On Demand link:
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Interested candidates can now join the Knights of Columbus any time of the day or night, 24/7, at their convenience. And, current First and Second Degree council members can take the next step in attaining the Third Degree! Once you reach the registration page, you should use the “On Demand” link. The 30-minute ceremony will start upon completion of your registration.
The procedure to follow is very simple:
- Register for the exemplification of your choice by clicking on the On Demand link above;
- Remember to register as a member of Council 2243;
- Your families are also welcome to observe the ceremony;
- Anyone having a problem with registering should contact Council #2243 Financial Secretary, John Radwan (716-675-1804) for assistance.
- Council officers are welcome to register for the event as observers.
Donate to the Ukraine Support Fund NOW
Fellow Council #2243 Members & Friends,
By now, we are all aware of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the refugee crisis that it has created. The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council has committed $1.5 million for immediate distribution to support Ukrainian refugees, including Ukrainian Knights and their families. We will be working with our councils in Poland as well as the Latin and Greek Catholic Churches in Ukraine to provide humanitarian assistance.
Knights of Columbus Charities has launched the Ukraine Solidarity Fund for this purpose, and the Supreme Council will match all funds up to $500,000. To date, KofC members and friends have donated $11,573,436! Please prayerfully consider contributing to this effort.
Fr. Baker Council #2243 along with its members and friends have donated $4,050 to the Ukraine Solidarity Fund thus far!!
Fr. Baker Council #2243 invites all of its members and friends to join the Council in donating to the Ukraine Solidarity Fund by going to https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/donate/ukraine.html
God Bless You for your caring support and generosity! Thank You!
Learn about the four principles that the Knights of Columbus is based on. Go to https://www.kofc.org/en/todays-knights/our-principles.html
Give a Pint, Save a Life Blood Drive
Give a Pint, Save a Life!
Action Steps
- Identify and schedule appointments for existing blood drives using the Red Cross Mobile App or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org in the United States (and www.redcross.ca in Canada). If you are a ConnectLife (formerly UNYTS) blood donor, schedule an appointment to donate at one of their local blood centers by visiting https://www.connectlife.org/donate-blood or by calling 716-529-4300.
- Spread the word to eligible family members, friends, Brother Knights and parishioners to schedule an appointment and donate blood as soon as possible.
- Fr. Baker Council members should notify Financial Sec'y. John Radwan at jr0410@aol.com (or 716-675-1804) after making each of their blood donations during the year so that the Council can record the number of donors for 2023. Donate and save a life!
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K of C insurance
Fellow Council Members,
For all of your K of C insurance needs or questions, please call brother, Mike Gruszewski at 716-579-4312. Mike is our council's insurance agent. Mike's email address is: Michael.Gruszewski@KOFC.ORG.
If Mike is unavailable, contact this area's general K of C insurance agent, John P. Hoolick at (570) 654-3390. His email address is JOHN.HOOLICK@KOFC.ORG.
Council #2243 donates to Russell J. Salvatore Food Pantry in Lackawanna
On March 1, 2024, Don Thompson, Deputy Grand Knight of Fr. Baker Council #2243 along with John Radwan, Financial Secretary, presented a donation of $500 to Bill Larsen of the Russell J. Salvatore Food Pantry in Lackawanna.
The food pantry, located at 75 Caldwell Place (716-824-4760), distributes donated food and clothing to the needy and is maintained by Catholic Charities of Buffalo.
Fr. Baker Council #2243 donates to St. Vincent de Paul Society
On February 22, 2024, Fr. Baker Council #2243 of the KofC donated $500 to the St Vincent de Paul Society's Our Lady of Victory Conference. This organization provides emergency assistance to the needy. Assistance is offered to families with temporary difficulties caused by lost employment, suspended welfare payments, etc. Assistance is in the form of groceries from a pantry maintained by the Society from contributions and/or purchases at reduced cost through the cooperation of local markets. Furniture and appliances are sometimes provided through the Diocesan Council of the SVDP store or donations. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, there is an extensive distribution of food parcels and certificates with some toys for the children.
Pictured for the check presentation, from left to right are Fr. Baker Council #2243's Deputy Grand Knight, Don Thompson, and Jim Hatem of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
To view upcoming Degree dates and ceremony locations, K of C events in Western New York, and WNY Chapter meetings, hold the ctrl key and click on: https://r716.us/W/Index.html