Meeting Minutes November 2025

Meeting Minutes

11/04/2025

Dining Room

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 7:30 P.M.

OPENING PRAYER:  by ROBERTO NIETO

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:  by ROBERTO NIETO

OPENING ODE:  by ALL

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: P=PRESENT, A=ABSENT, EX=EXCUSED

CHAPLAIN:                                 

GRAND KNIGHT:  MARC EVANS:  P                        WARDEN: JESUS RADILLO: P

DEP GRAND KNIGHT:  PAUL RYAN:  EX                    INSIDE GUARD: RUSSELL LEROY: P

CHANCELLOR: EFRAIN OCHOA: EX                       OUTSIDE GUARD: JOEL LOPEZ: P

FINANCIAL SECRETARY:  PETER PERTA:  P            ADVOCATE: RUSSELL GULLEY; P           

LECTURER:   JOEL LOPEZ: P                                   1^ST YR TRUSTEE:  JIM RUSSELL: P

TREASURER:  JAMES SMITH:  P                           2^ND YR TRUSTEE:  DAN MURPHY: P

RECORDER: ROBERT NIETO: P                             3^RD YR TRUSTEE:  MIKE FITZGERALD: P

ARE ALL PRESENT IN POSSESSION OF A CURRENT MEMBERSHIP CARD:  per Outside Guard: Yes

All persons who are not Knights (or honored guests) shall please retire form the chamber.  The doors shall now be closed and the guards assume their positions.

Approve Minutes of the Prior Meeting – The minutes of our October 7th General Membership Meeting were posted on the Council’s website on October 28^th. A motion was made to accept the minutes as posted. The motion was seconded and the minutes were approved as posted

Paul Ryan and Efrain Ochoa are excused

Grand Knight’s Report

• New Knights attending their first meeting:   
  • Jesus Montelongo -He is widowed and has been attending Holy Spirit for about one year. He works in remodeling and he is happy to join the Knights. His sponsor is Gamaliel Hernandez.
  • Louis Salazar -He is married and has 2 daughters and one son; he is a former educator and now works as a Realtor. He has been a parishioner at Holy Spirit for 3 years. His sponsor is Zack Cazares
• GK Marc Evans met with Father Uche on July 9th.  We asked Fr. Uche what kind of direction on the Knights can best serve the parish. Fr. Uche provided emphasized the following points:
  • Knights should be living sacramental life of the Church, and Knights should be working to help all fellow Knights get there
  • Knights should be Safe Environment trained and cleared
  • Facilitate activities focused on the Family -Families will be recognized in the Bulletin
  • Knights supporting/attending Adoration
  • Knights supporting and executing a Eucharistic Procession -the Feast of Corpus Christi 2026
• Donation of Bibles to Youth Ministry

On October 8 a $1,000 donation to Youth Ministry (Director: Lindee Greer) was made to purchase designated to purchase of 40 Youth Bibles for the children who attend faith Formation classes.

This donation was voted upon and approved during our 10/07/2025 and is a budget item for the support of Faith Ministries at Holy Spirit. Faith Formation Director, Linda Greer, sent us a beautiful thank you note for this generous donation from the Knights of Columbus.

• Fraternal Breakfast

A Fraternal Breakfast was held on the morning of Saturday, October 16 at Kim and Jenny’s Restaurant. It was well attended and Ishai Arellano said it was a worthwhile event. Paul Ryan will plan another Fraternal Breakfast in the future.

• Duncanville Sister City Mass and Breakfast

On Sunday, October 19, the Duncanville Sister City group attended 9am Mass (with the K of C 4^th Degree Honor Guard present) with over 90 visitors, local sponsors and parishioners and then came to Dining Room for a K of C Hosted Breakfast.  Marc Evans reported that other area churches were present, and they were impressed by the hospitality shared by Holy Spirit parishioners and the Knights of Columbus. Fellow Knight, Fred Ciarochi helped organize this event. There are photos and a story on our website.

• Bob Straus Basketball Tournament

On October 23^rd, the K of C Dallas Diocese Chapter Bob Stras Memorial Basketball Tournament took place. We supported the event by a program advertisement fee of $250. This was  authorized by the 8157 leadership.

• K of C Dallas Diocese Chapter

K of C Dallas Diocese Chapter dues invoice of $250 received and check request issued by Grand Knight. This was paid on 10/25/2025

Financial Secretary’s Report – Worthy Financial Secretary by Sir Knight Peter Perta

• Membership: 226
• New Members:
  • Louis Salazar
  • Jesus Montelongo
• YTD Dues Paid: 75%; you do not need to pay dues on the first year you join
• Star Council 7/1/25 to 6/30/26 Membership Goal 13 – Currently at 7
• Knight in Need Fund $5,200 (part of our council’s bank account)
• We have updated Rosters-please pick up a copy
• Praying Hands Pins -Every year, the Diocese of Dallas Chapter sells pins as a fundraiser for our seminarians. We request a donation of 10 dollars per pin and we have 2 left. Please see Peter if you are interested in a pin.
• Honorary Life Members -This is awarded to Knights that have serveed as Knights for 25 years and have “reached a certain age.” We now have nice laminated cards from Supreme (no longer paper ones) , and one was awarded to our recent Honorary Life member, Sir Knight Russell Gully.

Treasurer’s Report  –  SK James Smith

• James 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.

4^th Degree – SK James Smith

• We have our Annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, November 13^th. Not many tickets are left. Tickets will be sold after the Masses.
• Food Pantry -The Food truck will be here on Wednesday, November 8th at around 8: 30 a.m. Volunteers will be needed  to unload the food and hand out food. We expect a high demand due to defunding of SNAP benefits.

Knight Hands and Baseball Concessions -by SK Allen Reitmeier

• Knight Hands: We have completed 7 projects. We replaced a rotted floor for Martha Brow, an elderly lady in Oak Cliff. This project was made possible by Juan Torres, Hector Rubio, Morris Curlee, Jr , and Allen Reitmeier. This was Morris’ first project with Knight Hands. We moved a mailbox, replaced railings, and trimmed bushes for Gabriel Harden. Thank you to Joel Lopez, Eduardo Torres, and Jack Ramsden. We were gifted $600 for the project. We cleaned the back yard and adjusted the gate for Nancy Amarillo. Thank you,  Joel Lopez and Allen Reitmeier. We installed a pool cover for Richard Collier. Thank you , John Espree, Peter Perta, and Jack Ramsden. Also, of note, Peter Perta and John Espree also help take Rita Collier to church every Sunday. Thank you, Knights! We repaired a car for Meals on Wheels client, Ida Medrano. Jesse Radillo replaced a spark plug and fixed the brakes at his car shop for free. Allen gave him $60 for his supplies. A light fixture was replaced for Shirley Joe, a widow. Thank you, Jose Montoya and Hector Rubio. Expenses were $517 and we received $700 in donations. We have 2 jobs in the hopper.
• Baseball Concessions – S/K Allen Reitmeier

Baseball season is over. We took in over $14,000 over 90 games which averages $165 per game. After expenses, we banked $8,700. Allen was just informed that there will be a baseball tournament this weekend (even after the concession stand had been closed for the winter), and Miguel will be contacting Knights to volunteer this weekend. Only 2 fields will be played so we will require fewer volunteers at the tournament.

Awareness

• Allen Reitmeier requests that Knights take time to read the great stories on our website of all the wonderful activities out fellow Knights are doing at Council 8157. Lupe Hernandez has again graciously printed the Knight Newsletter so that you can read stories about fellow Knights and the activities we are doing as a Council.

Church Activities – Vacant need a new leader here, David Ybarra and James Smith will train/support

• On Sunday, November 2nd, there was a Food and Fellowship Breakfast after 7:30am and 9am Masses.  Youth and their parents were present.  James Smith helped with this event. If you received an e-mail about a breakfast taking place on November 9th, it was an error.

Program & Committee Reports

• Programs
  • Faith –  Marc Evans –The Bible Study/Men’s Spirituality Group has  started K of C “Into The Breach Series:  The Mission of the Family.” The program takes place this Saturday, November 8^th at 6 a.m. The next  session is about marriage.  The discussion will be led by Knight John Owen. John has been involved with many marriage programs here at Holy Spirit. Sessions held 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month at 6 am in the Dining Room. This study is open to all men of the parish. We hope to someday do sessions in English and Spanish.
  • Family – Vacant need a new leader here
  • Community  – Dan Murphy -He completed his Gulf to Goat Bike Ride 1,200 mile bike ride from Florida to Annapolis (Class of 1975 Naval Academy team of 15 cyclists) from October 1-23^rd. He and his team mates helped raise $165,000 in money for 5 different charities. There was only one injury but they were able to complete the ride despite the rain and wind.  Congratulations, Dan! If you wish to donate, you can still go to Gulftogoat.navy to donate.
    • Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner -This will take place on Saturday, November 8^th, after the 5 p.m. Mass. The dinner is free for the veteran. The cost per meal for others is $10. Please attend if you can. The dinner is being hosted by the Catholic Daughters of America. Thank you to all our Veterans!! Non-veterans can also volunteer to help serve. They will be serving the Canada Dry chicken.
  • Life  –  Sir Knight Mike Moloughney was absent.
    • Researching the K of C ASAP Program
    • Roberto Nieto  led us in the following prayers: Stand and Pray 3 Hail Marys to end abortions.
      • First Hail Mary – for the Unborn
      • Second Hail Mary – for the moms of those unborn babies – that they allow their babies to be born
      • Third Hail Mary -for those in the abortion industry that they turn away from evil and seek the face of God.
  • Admissions Committee – S/K Russell Gully
    • The Admissions Committee met on Sunday. Russell was not able to make it but the other members were able to meet. There were two potential candidates that were interviewed. José Diaz -he is married and lives in Cedar Hill and he is an electrician and he has a 16-year-old stepson. Geraldo Lopez, is married has three children. He lives in Arlington. He does flooring. Russell recommended that these two candidates be accepted to the Council. A motion was made to accept these two candidates. The motion was seconded, and the motion passed.
    • Exemplification Committee chair Tom Greco passing torch of leadership to Gamaliel Hernandez and Adan Luna
  • Awareness Committee – S/K Allen Reitmier
    • Come to the website and read about activities
  • Council Activities –  Vacant need a new leader here
  • Health Director
    • There will be another blood drive by Carter Blood Care on Sunday, December 7^th, from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Please sign up online but walk-ins are welcome as well.
  • Recruitment  – SK Jim Kowalski-absent
    • In his absence, Marc Evans report that we look out for an e-mail regarding the Special Olympics Bowling Tournament. There is a 4-day Tournament this weekend. They are in big need of volunteers. Jim has emphasized that any volunteer will find this to be a fun and memorable event.
      • Allen Reitmeier wrote an article called “The Aura of Humility.” Please read the article. Allen has been able to attend the bowling tournament in the past 2 days. He states that the athletes are very happy and grateful and the experience of being there is amazing. Many of the young people will never be able to do certain things in their lives but they are filled with joy. The teachers and the parents are very enthusiastic. The event is from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in Bolero Bowling Alley in Garland. The Tournament will last for several days. He encouraged all of us to consider volunteering for this event. Jim Kowalski will show you what to do.
    • The Texas State Council for the Knights of Columbus has rolled out a new program called “Go For 2.” The program is to create a culture of invitation among the Knights. The goal is to have Knights invite to men to join the organization. The program runs from 09/01/2025 through 12/31/2025. Any Knight who is able to recruit two candidates will have his name entered into a drawing to win $1,500. Second placed winners will receive a K of C branded football. Adan Luna already qualifies!
  • Retention – SK Paul Ryan: absent-no report
  • Safe Environment – SK Russel Leroy

He reports we have done an excellent job in doing the required training. As soon as you get your certificate, Russell Leroy is notified. Jorge Ruiz has been a big help in getting the process working well. Please contact Russell Leroy if you have any questions about training.

• Dallas Diocese Chapter – SK Jorge Ruiz – absent-no report
  • Insurance Agent – SK Eben Fernandez -absent
  • District Deputy – Kebran Alexander -absent

Unfinished Business 

• Jorge Ruiz was absent tonight. The plan was to purchase $1200 table at K of C Dallas Diocese Chapter Clergy Appreciation Dinner. However, this event may be sold out)
• Alex Sabo asked about the K of C Wheelchair Drive. However, no date has been set.
• Peter Perta provided a history lesson on certain traditions with Knights of Columbus. In the old tradition, when you joined, you were a First Degree Knight. When you became a Second or Third Degree Knight, you would be schooled in the traditions of the Knights. We also would salute our officers by saying “Worthy Treasurer, Worthy Grand Knight, etc” based on their office and you would move your hand up and down (vertically) to start speaking. This represents the tree of the cross. At the end of the discussion, you move your arm side to side to close out.  These gestures represent the arms of the cross.

New Business 

•  Boxes of Blessings Project – Juan Espinosa, a new Knight, invited us to help with a worthy project in Dallas called “Boxes of Blessing” -This project involves filling boxes of food (assembly line style) that will go out the various organizations throughout the city like churches and non-profits. This occurs on December 6th  at 6100 Cedar Springs Road, a few blocks from Love Field. This is a family-oriented event so you can invite your wife and children. Volunteer as many hours as you can and some help will be needed to load the boxes onto pallets as well. Please contact Juan if are available to help.
• Cuidad Juarez Service Project – Joe Eubank  inviting his fellow Knights to help with a project in Cuidad Juarez. He states that in the last weekend of January 2026, 7 men will go to help a family in need. This will involve flying to El paso and a $150 donation per person for food and lodging. The house will be a cinder block house. We will help mix the concrete and build the house. There will be a Methodist group and Baptist group present,  and Joe is trying to put together a Catholic Group of men.  Joe would like to get men to sign up to get the best prices on flights. The building project will run from Thursday, January 26-Sunday, February 1, 2026. Please contact Joe if you are interested.

Good of the Order: Paul Ryan is absent

• Knight of the Month  –  postponed to the next meeting
• Family of the Month  –  postponed to the next meeting

Prayers and Intentions – 

• Irma, Efrain Ochoa’s sister, dual lung replacement surgery
• John Owen’s mother-in-law’s broken leg
• John Espree’s mother-in-law
• Ishai Arellano’s mother-in-law
• Other intentions not stated

Closing Ode

Closing Prayer – Canonization of Blessed Fr. McGivney prayer

50/50 Meeting Drawing  – 5581 Venacio Salinas

50/50 Membership Drawing –  Antonio Rodriguez

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.