COUNCIL RECOGNITION

KNIGHTS OF THE MONTH

January 2025

Tom Risso

When I think through and watch the January activities and before… another Knight stands out…SK Tom Risso. Tom has dedicated his good work as the Worthy Financial Secretary for the Council through numerous Grand Knight Administrations. As you may or may not know, The Worthy Financial Secretary is appointed by Supreme and must have financial experience. There are many checks and balances, accountability and justification for every transaction that is made. One needs to be very detailed oriented in this role and sometimes must be very forward in communicating. Not only is the financial function of the Council maintained, so is the Membership side of the Council. As you can imagine, there is a continuous record keeping that needs maintained keeping our Council in good standing not just within the Council, but also the State and Supreme. Plus, just about every form the Grand Knight submits touches Tom’s activity…Just recently, Tom gathered the data for the six-month audit that takes place every six months of every year. This good work behind the scenes keeps our Council in good standing that only a few Members see! It is only fitting to recognize WFS Tom Rizzo for the work keeping the Council in good standing! Thank you, SK Tom Rizzo, for setting examples of unselfish dedication to the Knights of Columbus and is another perfect example of what ENGAGEMENT means… Sincerely and Vivat Jesus, K of C Council 11991 – SK Keith Eicher GK

December 2024

Frank DeAsis

When I think through and watch the December activities and before… another Knight stands out…SK Frank DeAsis. Frank has dedicated his good work to many areas within the Council and within the Parish. He has held many positions within the Council over the years. His experience and knowledge are beneficial to many of us. Frank volunteers his time as Ushers and Greeters at Mass, helping where he can. Any help that is needed coordinating and cooking the kitchen for events from Fish Fry’s, Friday morning cooking at Soup Kitchen, Deacon Dan Communion Brunch, Christmas Social, Misa De Gallo Breakfasts… plus making sure there is food for fellowship after the Business Meetings. This good work is recognized that not many Knights are able to manage this and the efforts behind the scenes that makes each Event successful…. Making trips to the grocery store, coordinating sufficient number of Knights who dedicate their time cooking, serving and clean up. This work is recognized by many! Frank always have a generous smile and handshake when you see Frank! What more can you or anyone ask for… Thank you SK Frank DeAsis for setting examples of unselfish dedication to the Knights of Columbus and is a perfect example of what ENGAGEMENT means… Sincerely and Vivat Jesus, K of C Council 11991 – SK Keith Eicher GK

November 2024

Thomas Arnold

When I think through and watch the November’s activities and before… another SK stands out…SK Tom Arnold. Few times SK Tom has fallen ill during Mass, parishioner’s and EMS have helped him. Gaining strength and medication adjustments were made, but it did not slow SK Tom down. SK Tom still sang in the choir and attended Mass. Still continued his YMP activities, plus when asked, he agreed to step up and be the temporary Recorder while Worthy Recorder Brother Chip Reeves is out on medical. The Recorder’s elected Position is a position that you must listen and pay attention to detail and hard to fill…. With his previous experience in this sensitive role, it was the first choice. SK Tom agreed, with loyalty and dedication of what Engagement means to the Knights that many of us can learn from! If that is not enough, when asked again… SK Tom lead the Essay Contest and Soccer challenge from the Faith In Action Programs! What more can you or anyone ask for? Please look around…This choice became very, very clear! Thank you SK Tom Arnold for setting examples of unselfish dedication to the Knights of Columbus and is a perfect example of what ENGAGEMENT means… Sincerely and Vivat Jesus, K of C Council 11991 – SK Keith Eicher GK

October 2024

SK Tim Zayac

When I think through and watch the October’s activities, one SK stands out…SK Tim Zayac. SK Tim is lead Usher at Saturday Mass always interacting with other Ushers making sure the isles are covered for offering and communion, plus making sure the gifts are taken up with different Parishioner’s. SK Tim will greet you with a smile, hello, how are you and can I help you. SK Tim is dedicated to the Lord and the Knights. SK Tim is the Council’s 2nd year Advocate. He has led the Clergy Memorial Committee that has shared many of us the details of the Parish from conception to present times. SK Tim has also led the Fish Fry’s during lent and also the first Fall Fish Fry. There are many hours spent behind the scenes that no one see’s when preparing for these types of Events. Plus, the Fall Festival Meetings and coordinating the funds needed to make this successful for all of us. On top of what has been stated, SK Tim unselfishly makes himself available to the Assembly 3697 Honor / Color Corp participating in many Events that the Corp participates in. Without further ado, Knight of the Month for October 2024 goes to SK Tim Zayac. Thank you SK Tim Zayac for setting examples of unselfish dedication to the Knights of Columbus and is a perfect example of what ENGAGEMENT means… Sincerely and Vivat Jesus, K of C Council 11991 – SK Keith Eicher GK

September 2024

Father Noly

Opening comments: As GK for Council 11991, I have the opportunity to present Awards during the Council’s Monthly Business Meeting under Good of the Order. Due to the extraordinary timing to present Knight of Month for September 2024, it is only fitting to present this Award today, the Knights of Columbus Service Sunday as the Knights serve this Parish as one… On behalf of Council 11991: The September 2024 Knight of the Month goes to Father Noly Citation: Father Sir Knight Noly Berjuega, CRM When you see Father Noly, his calming presence is overwhelming, soft spoken with a warm smile sharing the words of the Gospel. He has unselfish passion for serving the Lord, leading the Parish, caring for the parishioners, his sincereness, helping all of us navigate through some difficult times such as COVID and supporting the Knights of Columbus. His support over the last six years has been extraordinary. Father Noly is not only a Brother Knight, but a Sir Knight! He has provided unwavering support to the Knights of Columbus! Just his presence provides calmness, prayer and peace to all. Thank you Father Noly for your Leadership, Prayer and Forgiveness. We pray that your next journey will continue to provide Peace, Hope, Joy and Love to all and those who most need it like you have provided here! God Bless you Father Noly Sincerely and Vivat Jesus, SK Keith Eicher Grand Knight Council 11991

August 2024

Miguel Dolores Vazquez

KofC Council 11991 gladly nominates BK Miguel Dolores Vazquez as the Knight of the Month for August 2024 for his outstanding contributions to this council, the Spanish Round Table, and the Hispanic community of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Goose Creek, SC. Through his numerous leadership roles in our church, Brother Knight Miguel Dolores has not only demonstrated exemplary loyalty and commitment but also a deep respect for the KofC Faith in Action missions since his exemplification on 20 March 2024, only four months ago! Miguel has taken on a leadership role in rebuilding the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe within our church grounds. As a skilled master carpenter, he personally replaced the shrine's rotten wood panels and support beams. He also managed the efforts of other brother knights, ensuring the leaky roof was fixed by covering all areas with sealant and stucco material and finally repainting the entire shrine. BK Miguel Dolores Vazquez is also the leader of the Emmaus Spanish group in our council community, a vibrant community with over 80 active members, of whom 30+ are Knights of Columbus. Every month, he leads and organizes a spiritually filled evening with our Hispanic Emmaus brothers, fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose as we praise and worship our Lord God and share a Gospel teaching. He is very active in all other council activities, such as the quarterly Highway cleanup, Service Sunday, and membership drives. I am honored to recognize and recommend BK Miguel Dolores Vazquez as our council’s Member of the Month for his outstanding support, dedication, and inspiration to all KoC Council 11991, Goose Creek, SC members.

July 2024

SK Joseph Schepisi PGK

SK Joseph Schepisi PGK is selected for Knight of the Month - July 2024. SK Joseph Schepisi PGK just recently became PGK. SK Joe has been GK for Council 11991 for the last two Fraternal Years. Under his Leadership the Roundtable was established and developed to what it is today, plus achieved Star Council Awards for the two years of Leadership. Year 1 of being GK, the Council achieved double Star Award. Plus, after becoming GK, SK Joe agreed to lead the Evangelization Faith and Formation for Council 11991 has an appointed Director. SK Joe has endless energy devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ, his family, the parish and the Knights. He has been a Leader allowing the Council Members to achieve success. SK Joe will always say, it’s about the people… Always about the people… ALWAYS about the people. SK Joe has been a Knight for 21 years and his devotion to Lord, his family, his parish and the Knights is very well balanced and dedicated fully…FULLY! What more can you ask a Knight who was GK for two years not to take a break, but to continuously serve…Thank you, SK Joesph Schepisi PGK for your continuous efforts, supporting the Parish, the successful progression of Knights, K of C Council 11991 and the newly assigned position of State Family Directorship!

June 2024

Frank Bautista

SK Francisco Bautista is selected for Knight of the Month - July 2024. SK Francisco Bautista works diligently keeping the FaceBook page active. By his continuous efforts keeping this page active, you see his presence almost daily! SK Frank is always smiling with positive attitude, no matter what. SK Frank has been a Knight with 10 years of Service and is always available when needed, it doesn't matter what activity is going on, you will see SK Frank there! His continued willingness to serve the Lord....always! When you define the word Engagement, words are words... but SK Frank puts action into the words! Thank you, SK Frank, for your continuous efforts, supporting the Parish and the Knights!

May 2024

Paul Reece

Where duty, dignity, respect, and humility collide, that is where we find our May Knight of the Month – Sir Knight Paul Reece! Our Sunday morning – Greeter (at the 7:30AM Mass) Sir Knight Paul Reece has consistently humbly served with all the dignity of a Catholic Gentleman. He also leads the Rosary; often for both the 7:30AM and 9:30AM Masses. Then, on odd numbered months (January, March, May, etc.,), SK Paul Reece works to support the Knights of Columbus/Red Cross Blood Drive. He not only provides same day support but is directly responsible for making personal telephone calls to remind donors of upcoming events… where duty, dignity, respect, and humility collide that where to find SK Paul Reece!

April 2024

SK Thomas G "Tom" Rizzo

Where duty, honor, and integrity collide, that is where you find our April Knight of the Month Sir Knight Thomas G. “Tom” Risso! Our Worthy Financial Secretary SK Tom has the incredible task of matching the financial and bank account reporting, supporting annual and semi-annual audits, and reporting them formally at every meeting, while also supporting all the Officers and Directors, and individual committee leads by providing spontaneous reporting of balances in every category. SK Tom is also the go-to IC Council 11991 for external, higher leadership mandates from Supreme and State level in the KofC. Where duty, honor, and integrity collide you’ll find SK Tom, with “down-to-the-penny” balances.

February 2024

Roberto Hereda

Brother Knight Roberto Hereda eagerly volunteers and participates in all faith, church, and council activities. In the month of February 2024, he led a kitchen crew of 8 knights procuring, preparing, and serving three delicious options to over 160 guests during the KofC February 17th, 2024, Lady’s Appreciation Dinner. He procured, stayed within the budget, and planned all aspects of the event meal, from preparation, to serving, to cleaning the facility by the night's end. He even established three separate plates to show the entree options. We are fortunate to have his support.

January 2024

Fr Sebastian Thomas

Can a smile be the reason for successful evangelization? Can a smile provide assurance to those witnessing the smile that hope, peace, joy, and love are also present? Will that smile be enough to overcome the day-to-day grind, to overcome the day-to-day trauma and strife imposed by today’s current events, and is it enough to lead us to the sanctuary of the confessional and the deep blessings of the sanctifying Love of the Lord through the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Let the smile be so genuine and so continuous as we know it to be with our Father Sabastian and we’ll know a smile that will generate HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE, and bring evangelization without a single word being spoken.

December 2023

Nick Bogart

Success begets success… more than an empty statement, for Sir Knight Nick Bogart, it is a mantra. He re-imagined the Adopt-a-Family (AF) and the Feed-the-Hungry (FH) programs supported by our Council and we now have a different successful program that better serves our Parish community. SK Nick has taken the Christmas (AF) and innovatively addressed the weekly outreach program for many homeless and poor (FH) to create the new AF for Thanksgiving. SK Nick combination of two programs into a single program more than doubled ICCC Parish support for families during Thanksgiving servicing well over 30 families. Because of SK Nick’s invaluable innovation services to the needy rose by 167% in a single year!

October 2023

Tim Zayac

Leaders come in many forms and employ many different styles, but in SK Tim Zayac’s case, leadership is easily recognized. He looks for ways to serve and then, serves. He steps forward in the absence of leadership, filling the gap without praise or seeking personal recognition. His achievements are purposeful and “speaks” volumes of his personal humility and determination to provide a better Parish community. He is flexible but intuitively knows what needs to be done and goes after the goal, refusing to step back from anything less than full realization of success. Whether it’s lead for fish fries, support as a greeter at Vigil Mass, or a new project that recognizes passed ICCC Clerical leader; Tim excels.

September 2023

frank DeAsis

A leader of the Immaculate Conception (IC) Council 11991 “Good Ol’ Boys”, Sir Knight Frank DeAsis is one of the members of the stellar internal menu developer, food services directors and resource managers, senior cooks, and a consistent “go to” person for meals at IC Council 11991. He also directly supports the IC Council 11991 program for food preparation and distribution within the “Feeding-the-Hungry” program at GCUMC. His leadership and dedication exemplifies the Knights of Columbus motto and mantra: “In service to one, in service to all”, and his standards far exceed a typical KofC life filled with charity, motivated by faith and hope, and is what will make Christ known to others!

August 2023

Omar Billigue

In-service as the Spanish Roundtable Director SK Omar Billigue was directly involved as the principal leader within the Spanish Community of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (ICCC), the KofC Immaculate Conception Council 11991, and the KofC Saint Caracciolo Assembly 3697 for the past two years that resulted in achieving record new-member level goals for both KofC first to third- and fourth-degree levels. Additionally, he follow-up to implement standard meeting times and project support for the ICCC Parish wide communities that mirrored and complemented the entire ICCC Parish in events providing service in Special Processions to special community construction projects to Adopt-a-Highway!

July 2023

Joe O'Saben

Joe O’Saben has been actively saving lives to the Glory of God as long as most of us can remember. He led us on this journey in September 1997 at the Immaculate Conception Church along with the Red Cross and has not stopped during that entire time. Yes, though greatly reduced in scope… even during GOVID-19! The collective achievement for Joe and those that have assisted him, and the Red Cross is that we are at 5049 pints (or units) of blood collected as of the July 2023 collection effort! For those that are counting, that is 758 gallons of life-saving blood! We are so proud of Joe and his ministry!

June 2023

Raul Ruiz

BK Raul Ruiz is a very active KofC Spanish Round Table member that supports 80% of all monthly activities in our KofC Council 11991. He worked very hard during the Taste of Goose Creek Annual fundraiser setting up/down tents, tables, and chairs needed for the event. Weekly, BK Raul is a Spanish Mass hospitality minister, consistently demonstrating his desire to serve and help thy neighbor. Additionally, he participated in remodeling our church Adoration Room providing great insight and expertise to the project. Finally, during the Procession of ICCC celebration of Corpus Christi, BK Stepped up to provide parking lot security and traffic management; working to keep parishioners safe.

May 2023

Mickey Tezza

Question: what do you do when you are tasked to get the Knights main method of fundraising back on track and your number one sponsor is no longer willing to sponsor you? Answer: do what our Worthy Deputy Grand Knight SK Mickey Tezza has done. You trust in the Lord, and you search for a new sponsor. You persevere because when you’ve been rejected, you continue to trust in the Lord, and you ask others. Then, suddenly you realize an answer to your prayers, but now you must field two teams of twenty Knights in less than a month to reset the entire Council back on track; it worked! So significant was the DGK’s contribution, that Council 11991 is back on track to achieve its annual 2022-2023 goal.

April 2023

Ferdi Lemus

A relatively new member of the Knights of Columbus at Immaculate Conception Catholic, ICC Council 11991, Ferdi has begun his journey as a member with the Spanish Roundtable. He is totally integrated into and is an active member of the ICCC Parish as a member in the Spanish Community and serves as a Lecturer and Eucharistic Minister at many of their services. He also leads and serves from the front as a member of the KofC and was recently a lead from the Spanish Community in painting the Church Rectory Ramp and Staining the Deck and Guard Rails at the pond on the Church grounds. Our Brother Ferdi also serves as a Leader in the Men’s Emmaus Group; we are fortunate to have him in our Order!

March 2023

Deacon Pelagio "Jerry" Caoile

Deacon Jerry works from the pulpit, delivering inspiring homilies, providing thought provoking, sensitive, controversial, or even provocative topics. He builds bridges between internal ICCC cultural communities, while leading and delivering new projects to his brother Knights. His projects lead brothers step-by-step to new ministries; more ways to serve. Taste of Goose Creek is an example: it raises funds for the Church Community while building a community cohesiveness that does not distinguish between our church and secular communities, bringing us all closer to the Lord. He has also introduced a facet of VA ministries where we are afforded an opportunity to directly assist distraught VA brethren and their families.

February 2023

SK Timothy K. Zayac

When we show up on Saturday evenings and we are greeted at the door the smile and warm welcoming Knight is Tim. When we arrive for our Business Meetings or our Exemplifications there is no doubt about where we are to sit or how the proceedings will be presented. Without our knowing it, Tim was there and pre-arranged the entire facility. As we prepared for what is arguably our most sacred part of the year, Lent and Easter, Tim is there yet again. This time, he is orchestrating fish fries and his greeting and hard work is for the entire community, the entire parish, the entire ICC Council 11991. His quiet, unassuming efforts are a witness to the Lord and our Order – thank-you good and faithful servant!

January 2023

Benny Samson

From concierge for KofC Service Sunday to the go “guy” as our IT equipment specialist in the ICCC Church and Community Center. Our Worthy SK Benny Samson is the man to see when looking to make things happen! SK Benny steps up and acts with little coercion and is humble yet competent, soft spoken yet professional, and calm yet deliberate. His timely, matter-of-fact demeanor is consistent and to the point; it delivers confidence… with a smile! SK Benny’s unassuming leadership as the Faith Director rounds out a complex array and assortment of knowledge, skills, and abilities that are invaluable to the day-to-day operations of our community of believers; we’re indeed fortunate to have him!

December 2022

Luis Class

Generally, the members of the Knights of Columbus are members of other ministries in our community of believers. This is the case of our brother Sir Knight Luis Class. A stellar member Knight, Luis is also completely immersed in the welfare of the Spanish community of believers as well. It just makes sense that whenever we need to better understand our Spanish brethren that we turn to our members that firmly have a foundation of understanding in both communities. He is at once a teacher-mentor for RCIA, highly instrumental as a recruiter-mentor for new member Knights, and one of the “GO TO” leads in the KofC Adopt-a-Family program. SK Luis brings great credit to himself and to the KofC!

November 2022

Omar Billigue

When it is time to get the job done, we must seek a person that will find a way to get the job done. Moreover, when seeking a person to meet a task not previously done, we must seek a person that is willing to get out of the box to make it happen. Finally, when we’re looking for someone that is creative about how they will approach the task, we must seek out a person that will seek unconventional means to meet the task. Omar is just such a Knight. He is innovative, creative, and driven. He is mature and knows how much and how far he can push. When we looked for the untraditional as the Roundtable Lead to take the Spanish to full membership, Omar met the call… Omar, the KofC are grateful!

October 2022

Alex Batu

Service that is electronic and musically multifaceted and is especially cherished. From a Knight whose humility and dedication are truly inspirational, our sound engineer Sir Knight Alex Batu can be counted on to deliver even when he is recovering from surgical procedures that my otherwise deter others. He is there and even slightly offended if not permitted to support our council with his ability to provide the musical background that makes our Knights of Columbus Immaculate Conception Council 11991 internal and external social events complete. Moreover, Alex insists on providing his services without charge. SK Batu is commended for his service in support of the many who serve… Many Thanks for all, Sir Knight!

September 2022

Keith Eicher

Stepping up no matter the task and smiling at the challenge! Keith Eicher went from representing our Council 11991 as the Commander of the Honor Guard in Assembly 3697, in service at two funerals from the end of August through the first half of September. He followed by selflessly serving and supporting the September Social as one of the cooks and moved into the kitchen to clean, serve in the “pot-shack” and provide general clean-up elsewhere; he was one of our Knights last to leave that night. Then, when most would stop to rest, he stepped up as the ICERT Lead after Hurricane Ian. He didn’t hesitate, and he immediately supported ICCC clean-up crews, ensuring we were ready for Vigil and Regular services!

August 2022

John Camp

Posthumous Award By his service to God, country, and corps, our Good Brother John Camp has distinguished himself as a Lord Loving, honored member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11991. Brother John Camp has been in service since the Korean War as a Korean War Veteran and was only recently (within the last month) admitted to the Ralph Johnson Veterans Hospital where he passed on to the Lord Sunday morning August 28, 2022. Brother John is remembered for his humble, sage countenance and was befriended by those that knew and loved to simply be in his company; he will be missed and until “… we meet again in heaven …” will hold a special place in the hearts and minds of his brothers and friends of Council 11991.

July 2022

David Hood

Sir Knight David Hood is a consistent, steady, Information Technologist and subject matter expert (IT SME) that is a master at his chosen ministry. His desire to excel and superior performance with IT is complemented with his working knowledge and intra and interpersonal communications skillset; he is directly responsible for the construction and delivery of the Monthly Council Newsletter – The Communicator and all IT needs of the members for the UKnight. From introducing new members to the IT supporting tools, to providing classes, and even providing troubleshooting support for individuals, Sir Knight David Hood has brought great credit upon himself and to the Knights of Columbus Council 11991.

June 2022

Nathaniel E. Burriss

Though a neophyte to the Knights of Columbus (this is only his second year in the Knights of Columbus), Nate has aggressively and diligently worked to be in the service of his brother knights and the Lord. Nate makes himself readily available at meetings and simply “pitches in” without fanfare; filling in where assistance is needed to make an event an overall success. His contribution and unassuming desire to be of value was directly responsible for his selection as the Family Directorate and his willingness to directly support the Committee Leads within the directorate is a hallmark of service as a valued virtue to the Knights of Columbus and brings great credit upon himself and the Knights of Columbus Council 11991.

September 2021

Joe Respecio

For his service as the Council Membership Director

August 2021

John Flinn

Selected for his excellent documentation & reporting on Council activities that he participated in.

July 2021

Tom Risso

February 2016

Luis Class

January 2016

PFN, PGK, SK Michael Cousino