About Us - ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI #16839

Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.

The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.

 

Knights of Columbus
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Council 16839 presented the United States Flag and the Papal Flag to Father James during our first meeting. The flags are to be displayed in the Narthrax of St. Francis of Assisi church.
 

On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Oct. 4, Knights of Columbus of St. Francis of Assisi Council 16839 officially became the newest council in North Carolina.

District Deputy Bob Hall, assisted by Field Agent Bill Matthews and Past Grand Knight of the Boone Council Matt Bagley, established the new officers at an installation ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Church Oct. 10. Father James Stuhrenberg, pastor, blessed the jewels of office, which were then presented to the following: Father Camilo Cardenas Bonilla, chaplain; Bob Breton, Grand Knight; Luis De La Cerda, Deputy Grand Knight; Ramiro Palacio, Chancellor; Rick LaBonte, Financial Secretary; John Pokorney of St. Frances of Rome Mission, Recorder; John Esser, Treasurer; Patrick Hession, Lecturer; Bob Murphy, Warden; James Bieber, Inside Guard; Patrick Bieber, Outside Guard; Paul Baschon, 3-year Board of Trustees; Lenny Andreucci, 2-year Board of Trustees; and Dr. Robert Grajewski, 1-year Board of Trustees.

Following the installation, refreshments were served in the parish hall, followed by the first official meeting of the new council.

— Patrick Hession, correspondent