We are men who lead, serve, protect and defend, whether we are giving out Coats for Kids, donating wheelchairs, lending a helping hand in disaster relief efforts, supporting local pregnancy centers or providing top-quality financial products.
05/06/2025
Dining Room
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 7:30 P.M.
OPENING PRAYER: by MARC EVANS
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by PAUL RYAN
OPENING ODE: by MIKE FITZGERALD
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: P=PRESENT, A=ABSENT, EX=EXCUSED
CHAPLAIN: VACANT
GRAND KNIGHT: MIKE FITZGERALD: P WARDEN: ADAN LUNA: P
DEP GRAND KNIGHT: MARC EVANS: P INSIDE GUARD: GAMALIEL HERNANDEZ: EX
CHANCELLOR: PAUL RYAN: P OUTSIDE GUARD: RUSSELL LEROY: P
FINANCIAL SECRETARY: PETER PERTA: EX ADVOCATE: RUSSELL GULLEY; P
LECTURER: JAMES RUSSELL: P 1ST YR TRUSTEE: JORGE RUIZ: P
TREASURER: JAMES SMITH: P 2ND YR TRUSTEE: DAN MURPHY: P
RECORDER: ROBERT NIETO: P 3RD YR TRUSTEE: JIM RUSSELL: P
ARE ALL PRESENT IN POSSESSION OF A CURRENT MEMBERSHIP CARD: per Outside Guard: Yes
Approve Minutes of the Prior Meeting – The minutes of our April 1, 2025General Membership Meeting were posted on the Council’s website on April 15, 2025. A motion to accept the April meeting minutes as posted was made, seconded and approved.
GRAND KNIGHT’S REPORT: by Mike Fitzgerald
New Knights who are attending their first General Membership Meeting:
Randy Lampa – He has been a parishioner since 2008. He is a Hospitality Minister. He is married and has 2 children. He works for Oncor.
Ricardo Santos -He has been attending Holy Spirit for one year; He is married and has 5 children. He is a carpenter by trade.
Easter Season
I want to thank all the Knights who helped with the overflow seating in the Narthex which happened in three (3) stages.
New Certificate of Deposit
On Monday morning, April 14th, James Smith and I spent the morning with the Branch Manager of BNC Bank in order to open an 8-month $75,000 Certificate of Deposit (CD). The CD pays a rate of 3.93% with a yield of 4.0%. The interest earned at expiration of the CD will be nearly $2,000.
Fish Fries
To have a crowd of 216 for the 5th Friday of Lent is beyond remarkable. Our head count has been thirty (30) to fifty (50) above the weekly norm. Many thanks to all the Knights and their wives who have turned out and made our Lenten Fish Fries a BIG success.
a. week 1 over 250
b. week 2 over 250
c. week 3 over 250
d. week 4 over 250
e. week 5 216
f. week 6 227
By way of comparison – The number of people we served during the 2024 Lenten Fish Fries were:
a. week 1 over 250
b. week 2 over 250
c. week 3 220
d. week 4 177
e. week 5 201
f. week 6 ??
Dan Murphy said that we served over 1500 Lenten guests and the Council cleared more than $5,000.00 after deducting the nearly $2,000 we spent to purchase two (2) new friers.
Exemplification Ceremony
On Sunday, April 6th, we held an Exemplification Ceremony and welcomed four (4) new Knights into our Council. Two of the new knights are here with us this evening. Prior to this Exemplification, we had welcomed eleven (11) new members during the 2024/2025 Fraternal year against our goal of 14. Which means we are now one (1) new member over our new member goal.
Knight of the Year
I want to encourage everyone to make a point to attend the June 3rd General Membership Meeting as we will be voting on the Knight of the Year.
Knights of Columbus State Convention by Marc Evans
The State Convention was held in Corpus Christi. Marc Evan s said it was an amazing experience. Marc enjoyed visiting with other Knights and getting to how they are serving their parish communities. They also discussed processes and procedure. Marc gave a nomination speech in support of Jorge Ruiz to serve as a delegate to attend the national convention in Washington, D.C. Jorge was elected to represent Texas at the national Convention. Congratulations, Jorge! The hospitality suites were a great opportunity to meet fellow Knights from the Dallas area and also meet Knights from all over Texas. One hospitality suite featured dancing. Another featured hard liquor. Bishop Kelly (formerly the Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas, and now the Bishop of Tyler) dropped in and visited with the Knights. There were women’s activities for the spouses. The Masses and the homilies were terrific! The next state convention in 2026 will take place in Dallas.
Diocese of Dallas Chapter by Jorge Ruiz
The major issues discussed at the April 12th DDC quarterly meeting was all Dallas Diocese Councils needing to report their Safe Environment information to the Diocese.
Nominating Committee’s Slate of Officers by Russell Gulley
We will have elections at our June 3rd meeting for our upcoming officers. Our fraternal year runs from July 1st to June. 30th. The nomination committee consists of Russell Gulley, Jorge Ruiz, and Jack Ramsden. Our District Deputy will be present to conduct the elections. Additional nominees can be called from the floor on election day. If you are considering nominating someone from the floor at our June 3rd meeting, please make sure you speak to that person ahead of time make sure he is ready and willing to serve in the position.
Grand Knight: Marc Evans
Deputy Grand Knight: Paul Ryan
Chancellor: Efrain Ochoa
Recorder: Roberto Nieto
Treasurer: James Smith
Advocate: Russell Gulley
Warden: Jesus Radillo
Outside Guard: Joel Lopez
Inside Guard: Russell LeRoy
Trustee 3 Years: Mike Fitzgerald
Trustee 2 Years: Dan Murphy
Trustee 1 Year: Jim Russell
Financial Secretary’s Report – Peter Perta is not able to be with us this evening, but he provided the following report:
Membership stands at: 219 Last month it stood at (245) which reflects moving thirty (30) Council members who have not paid annual membership dues for multiple years to the Affiliate Member Rolls.
Dues Collected Year to Date: 52% Last month was 42%.
Current on all form submissions including filing the Council’s Taxes which were submitted on April 10th (actual due date is May 20th)
Knight in Need Fund $5,170 (after a $1,500 disbursed to Adan Luna)
Treasurer’s Report -S/K James Smith is not able to be with us this evening, but provided the following report. James’ report advised the Council of last month’s ending balance, the overall deposits made this month, the overall expenditures for this month, and the resulting ending balance.
Fourth (4th) Degree Exemplification
The 4th degree will be having an Exemplification on Saturday June 14th at
Mary Immaculate Church
2800 Valwood Parkway
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Knight Hands – by Allen Reitmeier – We completed 2 projects for one individual (Diane Lightbody). We built a ramp and a railing near her front door. Thank you to David Ybarra, Ray Rivera, and Dan Murphy for completing these projects.
Baseball Concessions – by Allen Reitmeier
Many of the games have been rained out. We have also lost a lot of games to Red Oak as they have a turf field and can play when the rain stops. Nevertheless, we have been able to be a part of the Tim Campbell tournaments. We served food and drink for 40 games and one weekend and one Sunday this past weekend. Special thanks to the Knights who helped at the concession stand: Hector Rubio, Moises Martinez, Larry Balanga, Oswaldo Gonzalez, Jim Ouimet, Peter Perta, Frank Salazar, Dan Murphy, Russell Gulley, Jesus Aguirre, Marc Evans, Leobardo Ortiz, Robert Tovar, Vicky Tovar, Eduardo Torres, Benjamin Hernandez, Jorge Ruiz, Roberto Nieto, Daniel Kendall, Mike Fitzgerald, Efrain Ochoa, John Espree, Billy Calendar and James Smith. If you receive a text or a phone call from Miguel Hernandez, our baseball scheduling coordinator, please respond to him, even if the response is: “I am not able to work this weekend.”
Knight Life Newsletter -by Allen Reitmeier
There are several Knights who do not have e-mails. Lupe Hernandez has graciously printed copies of the Knight Life Newsletter for us to read and enjoy. Alan passed out copies of this newsletter after the meeting. Dan Murphy and Lupe Hernandez have written articles for our website. If you want to contribute a story, please contact Allen.
Church Activities – by David Ybarra
We had a parish breakfast on April 6th. Thanks to the Knights who helped: Robert Tovar, Jorge Ruiz, Jim Ouimet, Barry Barksdale, Lou Lemons, Jack Ramsden, Mike Fitzgerald, John Owens, Jesus Medina, John Espree, and Pat Stepniewski. We received donations of $344 in connection with our April 6th parish breakfast and $236 for the March 16th breakfast for a total of $580, which we donated to Holy Spirit’s Capital Campaign fund. Thank you to all who helped make our parish breakfasts a big success.
Program & Committee Reports
Programs
Faith – Marc Evans – The Men’s Bible study will take place this Saturday, April 5th at 6 a.m. as we continue to study the Bible. It is wonderful to hear the guys talk and share about their faith. The program is focused on the Holy Spirit.
Family – Jose Montoya – no report
Community – by Dan Murphy – St Joseph’s Residence Cook Out
Many Knights showed up on April 26th for our annual Spring cookout and we were able to use the kitchen this year. There has been a turnover of the nuns who are present at the facility. We have 2 new parishioners who now reside at St. Joseph’s. There will be another event for them in the fall. Thanks to the Knights who served over 100 hot dogs and hamburgers: Jim Kowalski, Larry Balagna, Doug Karpan, David Ybarra, Joel Lopez, Efrain Ochoa, Jack Ramsden, Jim and Lillian Kowalski, Russell LeRoy, Adan and Norma Luna (and son), Mike Fitzgerald and Lupe Hernandez.
Life – Sir Knight Mike Moloughney was not able to attend the meeting.
Mike Fitzgerald led us in praying 3 Hail Marys to end abortions
Admissions Committee – by Russell Gully
The Admissions Committee met with one candidate, Venancio Salinas. He lives in Duncanville and is a machine operator. He is married and has 5 children. He was nominated by Adan Luna. The admissions committee requested he be accepted to our Council. A motion was made, seconded, and the motion passed. The next exemplification will take place on May 18th after 1 p.m. Spanish Mass.
Awareness Committee – Vacant
Council Activities – Vacant
Health Director – by Dr. Robert Nieto – We had a blood drive on March 30, 2025 and we had 13 units donated. Thanks to all the Knights who showed up. We plan to have another blood drive this summer.
Recruitment – by Jim Kowalski
Remind potential members of the many advantages of being a Knight. We have a scholarship program. We have daily mass remembrances at St Mary’s Church in New Haven, CT. Jim had pamphlets that we can use to recruit new members. The pamphlets are in both English and Spanish.
Retention – by Paul Ryan
There will be a Fraternal Breakfast on Saturday, May 17, 205 at 7 a.m. at Kim and Jenny’s in Duncanville. Please join your fellow Knights for a free breakfast, prayer and fellowship. We will start at 7 a.m. and try to wrap up around 8 a.m.
Safe Environment – by Russel Leroy
Russell has a list of 21 Knights who have not had Safe Environment Training. If you want to do anything with the Knights (Fish FryFries, Fall Festival, Baseball, etc.) you must be Safe Environment trained. The Council pays for the background checks. Please contact Russell LeRoy on getting trained and he will arrange/provide information to complete your training.
Unfinished Business – by Alan Sabo
The Pro-Life Raffle unfortunately raised the lowest level of funds raised in years. Alex felt this was due to doing away with paper tickets and doing the selling to tickets completely online or via a QR code. However, on a bright note, Holy Spirit parish and friends raised over 20% of the funds raised in this Diocese wide fundraiser. Way to go Holy Spirit!
New Business – by Marc Evans
There is a parishioner who is in need a rolling walker. Dan Murphy said he has three rolling walkers. Marc will get with Dan to make sure the parishioner gets the needed walker.
District Deputy – SK Kebran Alexander (absent)
Field Agent – Eben Fernandez (absent)
Good of the Order:
Knight of the Month – Robert Tovar
Family of the Month – Jim and Lillian Kowalski – for the Month of April.
Prayer Requests – For James Smith who is having a colonoscopy for our Catholic leadership who is entering the Conclave to elect our new pope, the police and first responders. We also prayed for several Knights who have passed away in all Councils -names provided by Marc Evans and other requests.
Closing Prayer: by MIKE FITZGERALD
Closing Ode: by MIKE FITZGERALD
50/50 Meeting Drawing – Daniel Kendall $40
50/50 Membership Drawing – We will do multiple membership drawings at our June meeting.
Meeting adjourned: 8: 40 p.m.
