Mary's Millennium Council Chartered
On October 2, 1881, a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary’s Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization.
Twenty-three years ago, on December 12, 2000, a small group of St. John the Evangelist Parish men were called together by their priests, Rev. Robert F. Tonelli, and Rev. Fred C. Pesek, to form Mary’s Millennium Council #12801. They were officially recognized by the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus as evidenced in the attached certificate.
Both groups of men sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country and their families and their Faith. Today we honor those founding Brothers, many of whom remain active members, and all who have followed in their footsteps. Together they have performed countless hours of service to God, the Church, and the community at large.
We call upon all the men of the parish, who are not currently members, to prayerfully consider following in their footsteps to keep this tradition alive in our parish.