News & Announcements
Deacon Ron Routolo
Click Here for Deacon Ron's Obituary and Mass of Resurrection
Clergy Appreciation Night, October 20, 2022
Our annual Clergy Appreciation Night occurred on Thursday, October 20, 2022. Many priests and deacons were in attendance from the Antelope Valley. After dinner, the clergy competed against each other in a game of "Clergionary." Deacon Ron Routolo's Soul Snatchers defeated Father Phil Llanos's Demon Slayers by a score of 5-4.
2022 Scholarship Winners from Saint Mary School
The Saint Mary School Class of 2022 held their awards banquet on June 17. During the event, Past Grand Knight Robert Cruz awarded five scholarships from Knights of Columbus Lancaster Council #2455 to graduating 8th-graders for their first semester at Paraclete High School. The winners included Rebecca Armstrong, daughter of Brother Knight Darrin Armstrong. Pictured in the photo are, from left to right, Principal Anna Maria Rios, Diego Jorge Robles ($500), Washington, Jr. ($1000), Victoria Kay ($500), Camila Doublesin ($500), Rebecca Armstrong ($1000), Pastor John Greeley, and Robert Cruz.
PGK Mike Blischke with State Deputy Rene Trevino
Past Grand Knight Mike Blischke shared a moment with Sir Knight Rene Trevino at the California Knights of Columbus State Convention in Sacramento, California on May 19-22, 2022. Sir Knight Rene Trevino was was elected as the California State Deputy at the convention.
Blischke Brothers Join the Knights
On Saturday, November 20, 2021, Calahan and Nathaniel Blischke joined the Knights of Columbus and became 3rd degree members of our order. On hand to welcome them was their proud father, Sir Knight Michael Blischke, past Grand Knight of Lancaster Council #2455.
Brothers Volunteer at Saint Mary School Wine & Beer Festival
Brother Knights Brian Sandman, Mike Blischke and Dennis Lodovici volunteer at Bravery Beer booth during Saint Mary School Wine & Beer Festival on October 16, 2021.
1st Annual Chili Cook-Off
Click here to view more photos
Council members and their families enjoyed the first annual chili cook-off, chaired by Brother Knight Robert Harris, on Labor Day, Monday, September 6, 2021.
Passing of Council Member Sir Knight Lee Alvarez
Brother Knights, Wives and Extended Family,
Brother & Sir Knight Lee Alvarez (89) died May 14th, 2021. His family has requested Brother Knights attend his funeral, which will be held next week in Whittier, CA. Lee had been a Knight since February 1975 (46) and had been a 4th Degree Sir Knight since October 2000 (20). He became a Knight in Whittier, before transferring to the Lancaster Council.
Please join the family to celebrate Lee Alvarez's life, June 9, Wednesday evening, at Rose Hills Memorial Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier 90601. Drive to Gate 17 to Hillside Chapel- Viewing at 6:00 pm, Rosary at 7 pm.
The family also requests the 4th Degree Color Corp to participate in Lee's funeral on June 10, Thursday morning 10:30 am, Funeral Mass at St. Bruno Church, 15740 Citrustree Rd. Whittier 90603.
Burial will be at, Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier 90601, Drive to gate #17 uphill to Emerald Lawn.
If you’d like to leave a condolence note on the Rose Hill website:
https://www.rosehills.com/
Donna Marie Grindey
Click Here to View Mass of Resurrection Program
Donna Marie Grindey, wife of brother knight Michael Grindey, and mother of former council member John Grindey, passed away on February 24, 2021 On March 11, Father Leo celebrated her mass of resurrection at St Serra Church.
Joyce Elaine Willey
In loving memory of Joyce Elaine Willey, July 18, 1939 - February 25, 2021. She was the wife of Sir Knight Donald P. Willey. Don and Joyce gave a large part of their lives in service to Saint Vincent de Paul and the Catholic Community. Her rosary service was celebrated on March 3 at Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster. On March 4, her funeral service was celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, followed by a graveside service and interment at Joshua Memorial Park. May she rest in peace.
Mass of Resurrection for Catherine Pitts
Click on Me to Read Catherine Pitts' Obituary
Catherine Pitts, wife of Sir Knight Tom Pitts, passed away on December 18, 2020. Her mass of resurrection was celebrated on January 19, 2021, followed by her interment at Good Shepherd Cemetery and a reception at our council hall. Click on "Click on Me to Read Catherine Pitts' Obituary".
Mass of Resurrection for Walter Paul Schmitt
Click on Me to Read Walter Schmitt's Obituary
Brother Knight Walter Paul Schmitt passed away on December 30, 2020 of a heart attack. He was 89 years old, and had been a Knight for 48 years. Click on "Click on Me to Read Walter Schmitt's Obituary"
Council Receives Annual Fund-Raising Drive Benefactors Award For 2019-20
On January 16, 2021, our council received a letter and a plaque from the Knights of Columbus California State Council. See a picture of the plaque on the left, and read the letter by clicking on "Click Me to Read the Letter" above.
Red Cross Blood Drives Complete for 2020
Our council hosted an American Red Cross blood drive on December 3. It was our fourth and final blood drive of 2020, following blood drives on June 22, September 24, and October 8. We averaged approximately 40 donors per drive, many of whom were brother knights, as well as first-time donors. Many thanks to brother knights Robert Pelayo and Mark Velasco. Robert initiated the idea and contacted the Red Cross to arrange perhaps the first blood drive ever hosted by our council. Mark served as the event host for all four blood drives, making sure our hall was open and hospitable for the Red Cross workers and donors.
Terry Miscione Rosary and Funeral on December 1-2
Terry Miscione, beloved wife of Past Grand Knight Mike Miscione, passed away on November 18 of gastrointestinal issues resulting in lung and heart issues, not COVID related.
Final arrangements have been made:
December 1, 2020 (Tuesday):
Viewing at Joshua Memorial Park 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Rosary around 5:00 PM
808 East Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93535
December 2, 2020 (Wednesday)
Funeral at Sacred Heart Church 12:00 Noon
Lancaster, CA
Internment to follow at
Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery
43121 70th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
Reception TBD
Donations requested in lieu of flowers to:
Sacred Heart Adult Choir
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
565 W. Kettering
Lancaster, CA 93534
and/or
Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Loas Angeles
920 E. Alhambra Rd.
Alhambra, CA 91801-2704
Council Memorial Mass Celebrated on November 19
Click Here to See 9 Photos from the Mass
Our council celebrated a Memorial Mass for our deceased brothers at the hall on Thursday, November 19, at 6:00 P.M. 16 knights and family members joined Council Chaplain Reverend Father Phil Llanos for the mass:
Robert Asaro
Tim Buckley
Bill and Rosemarie Brennan
Diane Charters
Carlos and Maria Cortes
Robert Cruz
John, Dionna, and Ciana Fry
Bob Iabichella
Dennis Lodovici
Ken and Margaret Merrill
Dennis Saenz
Council Corporate Communion Celebrates Father McGivney's Beatification
Our council celebrated the Beatification of Father Michael McGivney on Saturday, October 31 by gathering for a Corporate Communion at Sacred Heart Church for the 5:30 pm mass. Council members who attended the mass were Deacon Alex Aguilar, who said the homily, Robert Asaro, Jack Conklin, who reserved 25 chairs for us, Carlos & Maria Cortes, Rob & Leesa Cruz, Larry Elston, Mike & Patty Franklin, who served as musician and singer, John & Deona Fry, Scott & Tiffany Hayes, Ken Merrill, Raymond Meza, Mike Mullich, Dennis Saenz, and Marvin Sobalvarro.