https://kofc9924.org RSS feeds for Council 9924 | Knights of Columbus 60 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10387/May-2026-Letter-from-the-Grand-Knight--The-Cross-Compass#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10387 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10387&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10387/May-2026-Letter-from-the-Grand-Knight--The-Cross-Compass CROSS & COMPASS May 1, 2026 Dear Brothers, Welcome to the May issue of Cross & Compass. The month of May is also considered the month of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is customary to honor her with special prayers, devotions, and celebrations throughout May. Monday, May 10th is Mothers Day when we honor the mothers in our families. Sunday, May 17th is Ascension Sunday coumarates Jesus Christ ascending into Heaven, completing his ministry on earth 40 days after his resurrection (40 days is technically a Thursday and celebrated in certain Provinces on Thursday, May 14th). I have often wondered what the disciples were feeling at this moment. Fortunately, the following Sunday, May 24th is Pentecost Sunday, commemorating when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus' disciples and inspired them to share the Gospel throughout the world. Thank you to everyone who attended the Corporate Communion Mass & Breakfast on April 19th. We were pleased to bring back the Mass & Breakfast in conjunction with the CCW after a two-year absence. We were inspired by Jim Gontis’s presentation on the Eucharist. Jim can be reached at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org for more information. The Florida 2026 State Convention, will be held May 22-25, 2026 at the Rosen Shingle Creek 9939 Universal Blvd Orlando, FL 32819. May 1st is deadline for Hotel Reservations. Please visit our website kofc9924.org and click on the Calendar link each month for a complete list of events and activities. May 4th Monday, Parish Bingo 5:30 (Set-up) 7:00-8:00PM (Bingo) May 6th KofC Officers Meeting 1:00PM to 2:00PM in Library May 13th KofC Meeting & Elections 5:30 (Rosary) 6:00 (Dinner) 6:45PM-8:00PM (Meeting) May 17th Sunday, One Blood Drive in the Red Bus OLOL, from 8:00AM to 1:00PM May 19th Tuesday 8:00PM Financial Webinar kocaa.com/InvestWithIntegrity FBE** May 30th & 31st Saturday & Sunday 5th Sunday Rosary 30 minutes before all Masses May 30th & 31st Saturday & Sunday Food Collection 40 minutes before all Masses **FBE - Fraternal Benefit Event (we need a number of sign-ups to qualify for Star Council) Eric Bisighini, Grand Knight Council 9924 Bob Rinda Sat, 02 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10387 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10390/Council-9924-Member-Anniversaries-for-May-2026#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10390 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10390&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10390/Council-9924-Member-Anniversaries-for-May-2026 Name Years of Service Xavier  Almeyda 1 Richard Anderson 21 William Barrett 40 James Bosley 9 Dan Dacey 13 Charles Dawson 48 Paul Driscoll 7 John Early 13 Scott Hiltgen 20 Robert Jacobsen 2 Janusz Jancarz 37 Marcin Koziola 20 James Loggins 9 Hugh Mac Donald 22 Richard Maier 52 Michael Mauti 1 Kirby Meagher 13 Denis Merchant 29 Joseph Porsella 46 Andrii Romankiv 8 Joseph Saracena 2 Larry Smith 28 Matthew Soldano 18 Dennis Tuszynski 14 Steven Vacca 1 Charles Williams 35 James Winslow 33 Thomas Zacaroli 1 Bob Rinda Fri, 01 May 2026 14:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10390 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10389/Council-9924-Member-Birthdays-for-May-2026#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10389 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10389&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10389/Council-9924-Member-Birthdays-for-May-2026 Name   George Bevis Brian Blanchfield Joe Browne Keith Chasse Michael Chiaramonte Michael Cleary Gary Costello John Dalessandro Michael Didyk John Early Saji Ellickal Edward Farrell Theophane Frechette Thomas Galek James Griffin Vincent Hagerty Joseph Hayduk Scott Hiltgen Justin Junkus Marcin Koziola Richard Kuertz Bernard Lanza Michael O'Kane Normand Pouliot John Raymond Richard Rosenbach Joseph Saracena Joseph Schmenk Daniel Stanley Robert Sweeney Peter West Bryan Zapf Bob Rinda Fri, 01 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10389 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10388/What-We-Believe#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10388 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10388&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10388/What-We-Believe What We Believe By Ray Ross I thought this month it might make sense to do a recap of beliefs and principles held by those of us who Respect Life: We oppose abortion and believe that not only is it a violation of God’s command ‘thou shalt not kill’, but also that the right to life is a fundamental right endowed by our Creator. Concern: Despite Dobbs, there were 1,124,000 abortions in the U.S. last year. In women ages 15-44 the abortion rate was 16.7 per 1000 women in 2025. We believe in the value of the Sacrament of Marriage. Concern: Today’s overwhelming acceptance of co-habitation keeps couples away from Mass and the Eucharist. Recent studies say there is a 48% greater rate of divorce for couples that live together before they are engaged. We support the nuclear family and, most importantly, mothers who make the decision to have their child. Concern: We oppose today’s norm of delaying the decision to have children until material goals are satisfied - $100,000+ wedding, career, home ownership, pool, 2 cars, dog etc. By age 36 a woman has lost 90-95% of her egg supply and by age 40 95-99% of her egg supply. Concern: The U.S. fertility rate fell in 2025 to 53.1 per 1000 women ages 15-44. The lowest rate ever recorded. We believe a marriage is between a man and a woman (Matthew 19:4-6 and Mark 10:6-9.) Concern: Pope Leo’s approval of an informal blessing of same sex marriages. No word salad, please. A blessing is a blessing. We oppose sex trafficking of children and women and pedophilia. Concern: The bishops and Catholic Charities support for illegal immigration which included trafficked women, children and drugs and billions in payments to Catholic Charities and the bishops. Bob Rinda Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10388 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10385/Food-Collection-Results--April-2026#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10385 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10385&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10385/Food-Collection-Results--April-2026 April 25th & April 26th Collection Results: $2,319 Cash Approximately 1,825 Pounds of Food Thanks to all the donors, and to our Brother Knights who volunteered! Bob Rinda Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10385 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10377/April-2026-Knight-of-the-Month-Award#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10377 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10377&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10377/April-2026-Knight-of-the-Month-Award Paul Krause Presented with the April 2026 Knight of the Month Award   At the April 8th, 2026 Council 9924 Membership Meeting, Previous Grand Knight  Paul Krause was presented with the Knight of the Month award by Grand Knight  Eric Bisighini. This is in recognition and appreciation for Paul's continued years of spearheading our council's participation in the Oneblood Drive. This past winter we set new blood donation records under Paul's enthusiastic and dependable leadership. Our drive's success has been instrumental in saving lives in our community. Again, thank you Paul, for your dedication and commitment to this lifesaving mission.   Bob Rinda Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10377 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10313/Poll-A-Majority-of-Americans-Continue-to-Support-Legal-Limits-on-Abortion#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10313 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10313&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10313/Poll-A-Majority-of-Americans-Continue-to-Support-Legal-Limits-on-Abortion NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The 2026 Knights of Columbus-Marist Poll results, released today, show that 64% of Americans support placing legal limits on abortion, and that 57% support limiting abortions to at most the first three months of pregnancy. This survey, conducted by the Marist Poll and commissioned annually by the Knights of Columbus, also found that 84% of Americans support pregnancy resource centers, which offer support to mothers both during their pregnancy and after their baby is born. Additionally, the poll found that 63% of Americans believe healthcare professionals with religious objections to abortions should not be legally required to perform them, while 88% of Americans believe that laws can protect both the mother and her unborn child. “Despite the publicly heated debates about abortion, there remains a consensus of opinion on this issue among Americans. Americans believe abortion should be limited yet include exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother,” says Dr. Barbara L. Carvalho, Director of the Marist Poll. “Despite the changes in practice that have occurred since the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision, public opinion has remained consistent.” “Once again, most Americans are steadfast in their belief that abortion should be significantly limited yet laws should include exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother,” says Dr. Barbara L. Carvalho, Director of the Marist Poll. “This clear trend found in the annual Knights of Columbus-Marist Poll has continued, nearly two years after the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision.” “The Knights of Columbus-Marist Poll continues to show that a majority of Americans support legal restrictions on abortion. At the same time, a growing majority support pregnancy resource centers, which provide assistance to mothers and their children in their time of greatest need,” said Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly. He continued, “The Knights have supported vulnerable women and their children since our founding by Blessed Michael McGivney more than 140 years ago, and our commitment has never wavered. And now, we’re guided by the encouraging words of Pope Leo XIV, who recently mentioned in his “State of the World” address, ‘life is a priceless gift,’ and that, as Catholics, we have a ‘fundamental ethical imperative’ to ‘welcome and fully care for unborn life.’ The Knights of Columbus’ mission will continue to be guided by these principles until abortion becomes unthinkable.” Knights across the United States and Canada have raised more than $19 million to support vital pregnancy resource centers through our ASAP, or Aid and Support After Pregnancy program. Knights have also funded the purchase of over 2,000 ultrasound machines, which empower vulnerable mothers to see their unborn babies. For more information, please visit kofc.org/polls. Engage Software Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10313 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10293/Pope-Leo-XIV-Receives-K-of-C-Board-of-Directors-on-Pilgrimage#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10293 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10293&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10293/Pope-Leo-XIV-Receives-K-of-C-Board-of-Directors-on-Pilgrimage Pope Leo XIV received in private audience the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors Oct. 6 and commended the Order’s charitable work, including “efforts to uphold the sanctity of human life in all of its stages.” The audience took place in the Sala del Concistoro (Hall of the Consistory) of the Vatican Apostolic Palace during the board’s pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year of Hope. “Through a variety of initiatives undertaken by local councils,” Pope Leo said, “you and your brother Knights also seek to bring the compassion and love of the Lord into your local communities, including through your efforts to uphold the sanctity of human life in all of its stages, to assist victims of war and natural disasters, and also to support priestly vocations.” The Holy Father expressed his gratitude to the Knights of Columbus for its role in restoring two 17th-century works by Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini in St. Peter’s Basilica: the iconic baldacchino and the gilt bronze monument containing the Chair of St. Peter. The monthslong cleaning and preservation projects, underwritten by the Order, were undertaken by the Fabbrica di San Pietro in 2024 in anticipation of the Jubilee Year. “These masterpieces help all who look upon them to contemplate two of the principal tenets of our faith: the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the pope as successor of Peter, who unites and guides the Church,” Pope Leo said. “I would like to express profound gratitude to the Knights of Columbus for your generosity in making these projects possible. They are a visible sign of your continued devotion to the Vicar of Christ,” he added, noting the millions of pilgrims who would see the restored masterpieces over the course of the Jubilee Year. Pope Leo XIV meets with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore before the Oct. 6 audience. (Photo by Vatican Media)   Pope Leo further noted, “Throughout its history, the Order has supported the charitable work of the Roman pontiff in a variety of ways,” enabling him “to express solidarity with the poor and most vulnerable throughout the world.” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori met privately with the U.S.-born Pope Leo for the first time on July 4. During that meeting, they pledged the Order’s loyalty to the new pontiff and provided an overview of the activities of the Knights of Columbus. The supreme knight and supreme chaplain again met with Pope Leo shortly before the Oct. 6 audience with the board of directors. In addition to discussing K of C initiatives and sharing about their recent visit to the Holy Land, Supreme Knight Kelly presented the Holy Father with a bound copy of personal petitions submitted during the Order’s novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The novena, which was prayed for the intentions of the newly elected pontiff, began June 19, the anniversary of Pope Leo’s ordination as a priest. The supreme knight also presented a calligraphed copy of a resolution in honor of the Holy Father, adopted by the delegates to the 143rd Supreme Convention in August. “It was a wonderful meeting where we were able to express our thanks to him and what he means to us,” said Supreme Knight Kelly in an interview with Vatican News following the pope’s Oct. 6 audience with the board. “We were honored that he expressed his gratitude to the Knights of Columbus and the works that we do to support the Church, to support the Vatican and to support human life.” Engage Software Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10293 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10273/Papal-Video-Greeting-to-Knights-Annual-Convention#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10273 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10273&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10273/Papal-Video-Greeting-to-Knights-Annual-Convention Dear friends, I am pleased to greet all of you gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 143rd Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus. I also greet those who are participating virtually in these opening ceremonies. You are meeting during the Jubilee Year of Hope, which encourages the Universal Church, and indeed the entire world, to reflect on this essential virtue, which Pope Francis described as “the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring” (Spes Non Confundit, 1). I’d like to reflect briefly with you on this important virtue. As Catholics, we know that the source of our hope is Jesus Christ and he has sent his followers in every age to bring the good news of his saving Paschal Mystery to the entire world. The Church has always been called to be a sign of hope through the proclamation of the Gospel in words as well as in actions. In a particular way during this Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind. Your founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, understood this well. He saw the many needs of immigrant Catholics and sought to bring relief to the poor and suffering through his faithful celebration of the sacraments as well as through fraternal assistance, fraternal assistance which continues on to this day. This year’s Convention has the timely theme of “Heralds of Hope,” reminding all Knights of Columbus of the invitation to be signs of hope in your local communities, parishes, and families. In this regard, I commend your efforts to bring together men in your communities for prayer, formation, and fraternity, as well as the many charitable efforts of your local Councils throughout the world. In particular, your generous service to vulnerable populations, including the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, those who are less fortunate, and those affected by the scourge of war, brings hope and healing to many and continues the noble legacy of your founder. With these brief words, I offer my good wishes for the work of the Supreme Convention, which I entrust to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and to the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney. And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you for ever. Amen. Engage Software Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10273 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10253/Hardwired-for-Mission#Comments 0 https://kofc9924.org/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=1399&ModuleID=3753&ArticleID=10253 https://kofc9924.org:443/DesktopModules/CM.NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10253&PortalID=17&TabID=1399 https://kofc9924.org/Resources/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10253/Hardwired-for-Mission Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly delivered opening remarks and participated in a panel discussion at the inaugural Symposium on Young American Men, held Nov. 3 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The daylong symposium, organized by the Lafayette Company, was a bipartisan gathering of lawmakers, researchers and leaders of men’s organizations convened to address the crisis of isolation and the search for meaning among young men in the United States. “It’s no secret that many young men in America today are struggling,” Supreme Knight Kelly said in his opening remarks. “Plenty of experts, scholars and observers have explored the reasons behind this crisis. At the Knights of Columbus, we’ve encountered the crisis firsthand, and I believe our experience shows a way to help young men move forward.” He noted that since its founding in 1882 by a Catholic priest in New Haven, Connecticut, the Knights of Columbus has united men in faith-based fraternity and helped them find purpose through charitable service. “We are hardwired, as men, for purpose and mission,” Supreme Knight Kelly said. “That’s why, last year, our members contributed more than 48 million hours of volunteer service. By serving shoulder to shoulder and making sacrifices to help those in need, men find the meaning they’re looking for.” The supreme knight stressed young men’s need for authentic human connection rather than its digital surrogates. “Many are drowning in the depths of the internet and social media,” he said, noting that many young men are now turning to artificial intelligence and “chatbots” for companionship. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly (right) is pictured beside U.S. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma during the Nov. 3 panel discussion at the National Press Club. (Photo by Matthew Barrick) “These are AI tools that tailor their responses to the emotional needs of the user, and they offer comfort, support and validation — but it’s not real,” he explained. “This isn’t the road to friendship and meaning. It’s the road to further isolation.” To overcome such isolation, Supreme Knight Kelly said, the Knights of Columbus helps men find authentic fraternity centered on their faith and identity in God. He highlighted Cor — Latin for “heart” — the Order’s faith-formation initiative that brings men together in more than 6,000 parishes worldwide. “It connects men with the truth about themselves, their world and their Creator,” he said. “Ultimately, these men grow together as friends, pursuing a life of virtue.” Survey data released in conjunction with the symposium by the polling firm Cygnal found that 48% of Gen Z males have two or fewer friends, with 11% reporting they have no friends at all. Of the 1,000 males ages 16 to 28 who were surveyed, half said they spend more than five hours a day streaming content, using social media, playing video games or engaging in other online recreational activities. Young men who participated in single-sex or coed organizations reported better mental health than their non-affiliated peers, and those who identified as religious were more likely to report stronger well-being than those who did not. In the afternoon, Supreme Knight Kelly took part in a panel discussion titled “The Role of Faith and Civic Institutions in Restoring Male Community,” together with U.S. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma; Larry Wiese, executive director of Kappa Alpha Order; and Michael DeVaul, national director of the YMCA’s Boys and Young Men of Color program. The panel was moderated by Michael Mayer, chief executive of Theta Chi Fraternity and a member of Father M. Joseph McDonnell Council 11044 in Carmel, Indiana. During the panel, the supreme knight emphasized that many young men are seeking an antidote to relativism in organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, which is on pace to welcome 100,000 new members this year. “A lot of young men are coming out of their parents’ relativistic view of life,” he said. “It’s those men who are yearning for more of an institution — and yearning for moorings.” In response to a question about changing attitudes toward organizational membership among Gen Z and millennial men, the supreme knight noted that the Order has expanded its digital presence and adjusted membership requirements to accommodate busy family schedules. Equally important, he said, is what has not changed. “We haven’t changed the fact that we’re a service organization — that we believe, based on our faith in Jesus Christ, that we are in service to others.” While culture changes, Supreme Knight Kelly explained, human nature remains fundamentally the same. “The organizing principle of the person,” he said, “is the longing for love and the longing to be part of something bigger than yourself.” Engage Software Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10253