TEXAS STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS · 2020-04-16 · 2019-2020 TEXAS STATE COUNCIL CONVENTION...

Texas State Council Knights of Columbus

116th Annual State Convention Dallas, Texas

April 24-April 26. 2019

State Convention Supplement

TEXAS STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

IndexCommittee Appointments ..........................................................................................................Page 1

Standing Rules of the State Convention ....................................................................................

Supreme Delegates Nominating Caucus ...................................................................................Page 3

Delegate Caucuses ...................................................................................................................Page 4

Supreme Convention Information ............................................................................................Page 10

Report of State Deputy ............................................................................................................ Page 11

Report of State Secretary ........................................................................................................Page 16

Report of State Treasurer ........................................................................................................Page 16

Report of State Advocate ........................................................................................................Page 17

Report of State Warden ...........................................................................................................Page 18

Report of Executive Secretary .................................................................................................Page 19

Report of Audit Committee ......................................................................................................Page 20

Texas State Council Proposed Budget ....................................................................................Page 21

Texas State Council Charities Proposed Budget .....................................................................Page 25

Report of State Membership ....................................................................................................Page 29

Report of State Council Growth ...............................................................................................Page 31

Report of Star Council Award ..................................................................................................Page 33

Report of State Programs ........................................................................................................Page 34

Report of State Training and Education ...................................................................................Page 37

Report of State Charity ............................................................................................................Page 39

2018-2019 District Deputy and Quick Start Awards ................................................................Page 43

Report of Aid to Education .......................................................................................................Page 46

Report of Emergency Response..............................................................................................Page 47

Report of State General Agent Liaison ....................................................................................Page 48

Resolutions 2020 .....................................................................................................................Page 50

ByLaws of the Texas State Council .........................................................................................Page 65

ByLaws of the Texas State Council Charities ..........................................................................Page 70

Carl A. Anderson Supreme Knight

March 29, 2020

Founder’s Day

Timothy Mark Evans

State Deputy

Texas State Council

Knights of Columbus

Worthy State Deputy and dear Brother Evans:

In my own name, and on behalf of my fellow Supreme Officers and Board of Directors, I

extend greetings to you and all my brother Knights of the Texas State Council. In this time

of worldwide uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is prudent to conduct the

business of your state convention virtually. Yet even amid the current disruptions, you and

your brother Knights are called to be men of hope who must provide for the continued

growth and good works of our Order.

Each Knight participating in this convention has been entrusted with a sacred mission

based on the vision of our founder, the Venerable Servant of God Father Michael J.

McGivney. As his spiritual sons, we carry on the vital work of building up our parishes,

passing on the Catholic faith in our homes and ensuring the financial protection of our

families. Father McGivney’s life and legacy should inspire us each day as we continue to

pray fervently for his canonization.

As we mark our Order’s 138th anniversary amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for

the Knights of Columbus is greater than ever before. Through the Order’s Leave No

Neighbor Behind pandemic response program, we can reach out to our brother Knights

and their families, as well as to fellow parishioners, neighbors and the broader community.

Our world needs Knights who will step out into the breach as sterling examples of Charity,

Unity and Fraternity, offering a helping hand where one may be needed during this

challenging moment in history.

Finally, I express my sincere gratitude to you, the state officers, district deputies, council

officers, general and field agents, and each brother Knight who has contributed to our

Order’s mission in Texas.

May Our Lady of Guadalupe watch over and guide your virtual proceedings and protect

the health of every Knight and his family, and may Venerable Father Michael McGivney

intercede for us all.

Fraternally,

Carl A. Anderson

Supreme Knight

2019-2020 Texas sTaTe CounCil ConvenTion supplemenT

Page 1

ASSISTANT WARDENS

Pat Henz, Chairman State WardenArt Aguirre El Paso Assistant Diocesan DeputyPhil Chauvin Beaumont Assistant Diocesan DeputyJohn Danley El Paso Assistant Diocesan DeputyEd Diaz Dallas Assistant Diocesan DeputyJoe Jacobo San Angelo Assistant Diocesan DeputyMarty Ledesma Lubbock Assistant Diocesan DeputyBeto Martinez Corpus Christi Diocesan DeputyWayne McCart Austin Assistant Diocesan DeputyCarlos Rene Ramirez Laredo Assistant Diocesan DeputyRay Sistos Amarillo Assistant Diocesan DeputyJoe Torres ASA Assistant Diocesan DeputyCharles Trahan Beaumont Diocesan DeputyEd Tydings Austin Diocesan DeputyLuciano Vargas Laredo Assistant Diocesan Deputy

TELLERS

Pat Henz, Chairman State Warden David Colton ASA Assistant Diocesan DeputyJoe Grillo El Paso Diocesan DeputyGeorge Huseman San Angelo Assistant Diocesan DeputyChris Johnson Amarillo Diocesan DeputyAngel Luna Laredo Diocesan DeputyArlie Markusen Lubbock Diocesan DeputyLouie Martinez El Paso Assistant Diocesan Deputy Tony Munsch Austin Assistant Diocesan DeputyDon Piwonka San Angelo Diocesan DeputyDerek Rabey ASA Diocesan Deputy

Rudy Sustaita El Paso Assistant Diocesan DeputyWillie Zapata Corpus Christi Assistant Diocesan DeputyDavid Zeigler Tyler Diocesan Deputy

CREDENTIALS

Alfredo A. Vela, Chairman State SecretaryKenneth Baker, Council 759Leonard Gruca, Council 14679Mark Johnson, Council 12522Kenneth Trochta, Council 9394

GREETINGS & APPRECIATION

Leonardo Archuleta, Chairman Grand Knight Council 15105 Bob Beckley, GK Council 9748 Michael Constantino, GK Council 8302Rick Espinosa, GK Council 17314 Eduardo Hernandez, GK Council 9129

CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY

Dean Hansen, Chairman Grand Knight Council 17304 Michael Drab, GK Council 10224John Hennessy, GK Council 5052Orlando Martinez, GK Council 2791

RESOLUTIONS

Robert Goss, Chairman State Advocate Mikell West, RecorderChris Hamm, Legal AffairsJim Collins, Past State DeputyLupe Rodriguez, District Deputy 224Francisco Carpinteyro, GK Council 13165 Eric McKuzes, GK Council 7099 Daniel Gomez, GK Council 2597Andreas Neuber, GK Council 16451

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Diego J. Pena, State Treasurer Committee ChairmanTom Clark Culture of Life ChairmanMatthew Cassaday, GK Council 17039 John Flickinger, GK Council 10131Jose Hernandez, GK Council 10879Jose Lara, GK 6403Miguel Nevarez, GK Council 5061Joseph Toliver, GK Council 10985Juan Villarreal, GK Council 10711James Weber, GK Council 16778Charles Youngblood, GK Council 2574

Texas State Council Knights of Columbus 116th Annual State Convention

Dallas, TexasCOMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS


Page 2


116th Annual State Convention Hilton Anatole Hotel

Dallas, Texas April 24-26, 2020

Standing Rules of the State Convention

The State Officers recommend the following standing rules for the 116th Annual Convention of the Texas State Council: Rule 1. The Nominating Committee for supreme delegates shall consist of the eight chairmen from the eight caucus areas established by the State Officers. Each of the eight caucus areas shall nominate one delegate and one alternate delegate to the Supreme Convention. The nominations for Supreme Delegates and Alternate Supreme Delegates shall be limited to the nominations of one delegate and one alternate delegate made by each of the eight caucuses. Upon presentation of the nominations by the Nominating Committee of the eight delegates and eight alternates nominated by the caucuses, the nominations shall be closed and no further nominations be accepted. The eight delegates and eight alternates shall be elected by acclamation. Rule 2. The rules contained in the 2000/10th edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the convention in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Texas State Council’s Bylaws and the Charter Constitution Laws of the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus and these standing rules.

________________________________________________________ Caucus Meetings – These are conducted as official convention business and it is considered a part of the “Order of Business” delegates are required to attend. This is a reminder and reference to our Texas State Council Bylaws Article VI – Section 11, which states “Members of the State Council shall not leave the business meeting portion of the Convention without permission of the presiding officer. Violators of this section shall be subject to forfeiture of all mileage and per diem. The State Deputy or the presiding officer may require a roll call at any time to determine that all delegates are present.”


Page 3

SUPREME CONVENTION DELEGATE NOMINATING CAUCUS

PURPOSE

The purpose of the caucus is to elect eight (8) delegates to represent Texas at the Supreme Convention. Texas is entitled to ten (10) delegates to the Supreme Convention. This is the maximum number permitted from any jurisdiction. The State Deputy and Immediate Past State Deputy are delegates by virtue of their office. Texas has been divided into eight (8) areas with all councils assigned to one of the areas for the purpose of selecting the other eight (8) delegates.

The purpose of the area caucus is to ensure two important factors: (1) That each area of the State is given an opportunity to be represented and (2) That members who have given outstanding service to the Order be selected to represent Texas at the Supreme Convention.

The purpose of this system is to select a man in a given area who has done an outstanding job. Where a member has been extraordinarily successful in promoting Columbianism, the delegates to the convention will be anxious to recognize such a member and give him the honor of representing Texas at the Supreme Convention.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

These rules are not debatable and may not be amended.

The meeting is called to order by the Caucus Chairman appointed by the State Deputy.

The Caucus Chairman will appoint a recording secretary and two tellers. Non-delegates may fill these positions.

The recording secretary will call the roll of voting delegates present. The tellers will organize a supply of ballots equal to the number of voting delegates present. Only voting delegates are eligible to vote.

State Convention voting delegates wanting to nominate a candidate for delegate to the Supreme Council meeting shall contact the Caucus Chairman at the start of the caucus. Only voting delegates may nominate or second the nomination of a candidate for Supreme Convention delegate. Nominating speeches will be limited to five (5) minutes each. The order of nominating speeches shall be determined by the drawing of lots. Voting delegates wanting to second a nomination will limit their remarks to stating their name and council number.

Once all nominations are made, there will be no need for a motion to close nominations.

Votes will be cast by secret ballot. The tellers will collect the ballots and they will be counted in front of the caucus. All elections will be decided by a majority of votes cast. Blank ballots will not be counted.

The candidate receiving the most votes will be the delegate. The candidate receiving the second most votes will be the alternate delegate. In the case of three or more candidates, and no one receives a clear majority, then a run-off election will be held for the two candidates receiving the most votes. After the second set of ballots is counted, the candidate receiving the most votes will be the delegate, while the second place candidate will be the alternate. The delegate and alternate shall complete the Nomination of Delegate and Alternate form contained in the Caucus Chairman’s binder. After adjournment of the caucus meeting, the caucus chairman will return this binder to the Executive Secretary.


116th Annual State Convention Hilton Anatole Hotel

Dallas, Texas April 24-26, 2020

Standing Rules of the State Convention

The State Officers recommend the following standing rules for the 116th Annual Convention of the Texas State Council: Rule 1. The Nominating Committee for supreme delegates shall consist of the eight chairmen from the eight caucus areas established by the State Officers. Each of the eight caucus areas shall nominate one delegate and one alternate delegate to the Supreme Convention. The nominations for Supreme Delegates and Alternate Supreme Delegates shall be limited to the nominations of one delegate and one alternate delegate made by each of the eight caucuses. Upon presentation of the nominations by the Nominating Committee of the eight delegates and eight alternates nominated by the caucuses, the nominations shall be closed and no further nominations be accepted. The eight delegates and eight alternates shall be elected by acclamation. Rule 2. The rules contained in the 2000/10th edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the convention in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Texas State Council’s Bylaws and the Charter Constitution Laws of the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus and these standing rules.

________________________________________________________ Caucus Meetings – These are conducted as official convention business and it is considered a part of the “Order of Business” delegates are required to attend. This is a reminder and reference to our Texas State Council Bylaws Article VI – Section 11, which states “Members of the State Council shall not leave the business meeting portion of the Convention without permission of the presiding officer. Violators of this section shall be subject to forfeiture of all mileage and per diem. The State Deputy or the presiding officer may require a roll call at any time to determine that all delegates are present.”


Page 4

Caucus Areas Caucus 1 Caucus 5

Lubbock Diocese Dallas Diocese El Paso Diocese Caucus 6 San Angelo Diocese Galveston-Houston Diocese

Caucus 2 Caucus 7 Austin Diocese Victoria Diocese

Tyler Diocese Caucus 3 Beaumont Diocese

San Antonio Diocese Caucus 8

Caucus 4 Fort Worth Diocese Brownsville Diocese Amarillo Diocese Corpus Christi Diocese Laredo Diocese

The Dioceses of Texas


Page 5

Texas State Council Knights of Columbus116th State Convention

Delegate Caucuses Caucus 1 Chairman –Robert AlcalaMeeting Room – Topaz (1st Floor)

El Paso, Lubbock, San Angelo Dioceses638 El Paso2136 San Angelo2163 Abilene2571 Slaton2592 El Paso2636 Rowena2772 Olfen3008 Lubbock3071 Midland3203 Odessa3686 El Paso3867 Brownwood4316 Wall4412 Plainview4497 El Paso4542 Levelland5096 Alpine5537 Pep6204 Marfa6634 Sweetwater6711 El Paso6811 Miles6914 El Paso7094 New Deal7563 El Paso7590 Lubbock7713 San Elizario7720 Pecos7882 Littlefield7953 Lamesa8044 El Paso8097 Lubbock8517 Denver City8572 Ozona

8574 Winters8744 Stanton8773 Odessa8788 Abilene8875 Snyder9067 El Paso9129 El Paso9130 Big Spring9215 Midland9641 Garden City9674 Fort Stockton9701 Marathon10129 Presidio10256 Monahans10310 Plainview10404 Odessa10420 El Paso10480 Stamford10509 Kermit10609 Sonora10750 Midland10788 El Paso10862 El Paso10985 Ballinger11012 Seminole11282 Eldorado11344 Van Horn11365 O'Donnell11613 El Paso11807 Lubbock11864 El Paso11926 El Paso12008 San Angelo12066 Colorado City

12084 El Paso12160 El Paso12292 Brownfield12360 El Paso12657 Midland12697 El Paso12798 San Angelo12803 Lubbock12828 Plainview13342 El Paso13447 Lubbock13514 San Angelo13824 Brady14050 Abilene14412 Andrews14413 El Paso14426 Lubbock14584 Ft Bliss15017 El Paso15727 El Paso15799 Fabens15876 Lubbock16041 El Paso16210 Idalou16287 El Paso16358 Shallowater16390 Crane16391 Midland16394 Woodrow16451 Lubbock16775 Olton16778 El Paso17204 San Angelo17420 El Paso17449 El PasoCaucus 2 Chairman – Tom Oaks

Meeting Room – Sapphire (1st Floor)Austin Diocese

1017 Austin1235 Taylor1358 Waco1834 Bryan2305 West2559 Austin2574 La Grange3168 Fayetteville3205 College Station3287 Brenham3444 Temple3458 San Marcos4329 Marlin4457 Granger4724 Killeen4868 Smithville5053 Bremond5967 Austin6366 Caldwell6453 Georgetown6658 Copperas Cove6978 Lampasas7014 Rockdale7196 Belton7197 Temple7202 Bellmead7600 Cedar Park7975 Kyle8085 Giddings8131 Lockhart8135 Waco

8141 Austin8156 Austin8190 Luling8225 Elgin8935 Burnet9038 Buda9151 Wimberley9368 Round Rock9743 Rosebud9796 Austin9930 Harker Heights9997 Austin10012 Taylor10131 Austin10148 Austin10186 Cyclone/Marak10209 Austin10294 Gatesville10309 Somerville10333 Austin10373 Pflugerville10391 Waco10426 Austin10463 Lago Vista10555 Hearne10624 College Station10659 Austin10776 Austin10836 Austin11015 Waco11277 Chappel Hill

11502 Mexia11695 Dripping Springs11759 Bryan12148 Round Rock12409 Austin12522 Andice12574 San Saba12601 Cameron12642 Rockne-String Prairie12927 Hutto12931 Rogers13005 Waco13198 Salado13245 Kingsland13255 Marble Falls13460 Creedmoor13534 Fort Hood13577 Waco13902 Westphalia13927 Austin14025 Lakeway14055 Austin14166 Austin14674 Manor14741 Uhland14844 Blanco14943 Bastrop15365 Horseshoe Bay17224 China Spring17470 Jarrell


Page 6

Caucus 3 Chairman – Tony HernandezMeeting Room - Governors (1st Floor)

Archdiocese of San Antonio

786 San Antonio2512 Falls City2618 Poth2687 Del Rio3245 Uvalde3266 Jourdanton3345 San Antonio3412 Seguin4140 San Antonio4183 New Braunfels4298 San Antonio4315 San Antonio4786 San Antonio5090 Gonzales5192 Devine5262 San Antonio5982 San Antonio6358 Schertz6409 Kerrville6641 Floresville6757 San Antonio6782 Karnes City6833 San Antonio6856 Selma7016 San Antonio7163 Hondo7256 San Antonio7265 San Antonio7323 San Antonio7347 Canyon Lake7386 San Antonio7409 San Antonio7613 San Antonio7697 San Antonio7770 San Antonio

7808 San Antonio7865 San Antonio7965 San Antonio7983 San Antonio8001 Pleasanton8036 Elmendorf-Saspamco8065 San Antonio8067 San Antonio8158 San Antonio8223 Brackettville8267 Kenedy8302 San Antonio8306 Helotes8327 Pearsall8416 San Antonio8436 San Antonio8521 Bulverde8621 Lytle8738 San Antonio8769 San Antonio8789 San Antonio8807 San Antonio9017 San Antonio9291 San Antonio9342 San Antonio9463 San Antonio9624 San Antonio9681 Converse9682 San Antonio9702 San Antonio9730 San Antonio9765 Fredericksburg9902 San Antonio9967 San Antonio10002 San Antonio10090 San Antonio

10145 San Antonio10181 San Antonio10191 San Antonio10240 San Antonio10258 Bandera10270 San Antonio10295 San Antonio10431 Poteet10433 Stockdale10434 Losoya10593 La Coste10712 San Antonio10940 Boerne11298 San Antonio11342 San Antonio11596 San Antonio11599 San Antonio12208 La Vernia12367 Dilley12521 San Antonio13041 San Antonio13523 San Antonio13572 Alamo Heights/San Antonio13704 San Antonio13957 Leming14190 San Antonio14690 Leon Springs15053 San Antonio15240 San Antonio15343 San Antonio16063 San Antonio16180 Comfort16730 San Antonio16748 Seguin16760 San Antonio16854 San Antonio17179 San Antonio17314 San Antonio17492 San Antonio


Page 7

Caucus 5 Chairman – David KeatingMeeting Room – Emerald (1st Floor)

Dallas Diocese

799 Dallas830 Denison1289 Sherman1353 Ennis3460 Grand Prairie3593 Dallas4370 Dallas5052 Dallas-Farmers Branch5211 Corsicana5243 Irving5538 Dallas5656 Dallas6065 Plano6402 Garland6887 Terrell7017 Dallas7438 Greenville7850 Plano8157 Duncanville8417 Waxahachie8787 Dallas/Ft Worth Metro

8954 Richardson9337 Rockwall9903 McKinney10245 Coppell10523 Grand Prairie10646 Rowlett10879 Bonham11169 Dallas11293 Allen11414 Dallas11716 Plano11721 Kaufman11771 Irving11862 Garland11937 Dallas12021 Richardson12153 McKinney12300 Wylie12480 Frisco12484 Lancaster12964 Ferris13044 Allen

13068 Dallas13133 Talty13158 Mesquite13322 Dallas13520 Dallas14568 Dallas14810 Dallas14872 Irving15033 Irving15852 Dallas16047 Van Alstyne16202 Commerce16375 Dallas16546 Garland16665 Dallas16677 Richardson16820 Dallas17026 Dallas17111 Dallas17146 Irving17154 Madisonville

Caucus 4 Chairman – Carlos X. Martinez Meeting Room – Senators (1st Floor)

Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Laredo Dioceses

1202 Corpus Christi1553 Brownsville1651 Refugio1653 Beeville2304 Laredo2543 Eagle Pass2597 Rio Grande City2623 Kingsville2698 Mission2701 Falfurrias2710 Corpus Christi2785 Harlingen2791 San Diego2810 Hebbronville2992 Alice3003 Robstown3098 Weslaco3110 Robstown3169 Alice3367 Roma3389 Kingsville3493 San Benito3494 Benavides3499 George West3919 San Isidro4157 Corpus Christi4554 Mercedes4779 Port Isabel5348 Premont5598 Edinburg5919 Corpus Christi6280 Corpus Christi6413 Portland6832 Odem7038 Corpus Christi7167 Freer7185 Corpus Christi7290 Corpus Christi7362 Taft7692 Laredo7797 Laredo8028 Rockport8066 Corpus Christi8142 Carrizo Springs8170 Corpus Christi8298 McAllen

8312 Asherton8335 Orange Grove8368 Crystal City8717 Gregory9220 Corpus Christi9283 Raymondville9318 Robstown9626 Laredo9650 Zapata9698 Elsa9791 Pharr9982 Escobares10040 Brownsville10372 Los Fresnos10380 Alamo10403 Alice10413 Laredo10600 Edinburg10677 Corpus Christi10711 Eagle Pass10764 Sinton10887 Mission10931 Corpus Christi10939 Laredo11070 Harlingen11107 Corpus Christi11121 Three Rivers11238 Corpus Christi11420 Aransas Pass11567 Corpus Christi11570 Ingleside11620 Laredo11663 Mathis11840 Alton11897 Edcouch11980 Hidalgo12034 Brownsville12040 McAllen12081 Corpus Christi12091 Donna12135 La Feria12234 McAllen12337 Harlingen12535 Harlingen12552 San Juan12661 La Joya

12776 Pharr12789 McAllen12869 Mercedes12928 Laredo13135 Progreso13173 Mercedes13232 Weslaco13250 Corpus Christi13257 Banquete13287 McAllen13434 Ben Bolt13439 Laredo13675 La Pryor13683 Agua Dulce13838 Laredo13876 Mission13941 Cotulla13970 Corpus Christi13978 Brownsville14064 Beeville14100 Laredo14261 Mission14316 Laredo14369 Skidmore14739 Port Aransas14756 Beeville14776 Sinton14805 Rio Bravo/El Cenizo15104 Corpus Christi15233 Brownsville15246 Laredo15262 Edinburg15301 Harlingen15326 Taft15362 McAllen15448 Brownsville15512 Taft15661 Edinburg15760 Alice15776 La Villa15783 Laredo15828 Corpus Christi16074 Laredo16275 Bishop16514 Batesville16796 Pharr16917 Weslaco


Page 8

Caucus 6 Chairman – Tom Krueger Meeting Room – Metro (Atrium Mezzanine)

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

787 Galveston803 Houston2788 Baytown2801 Rosenberg2917 Houston3077 Houston3217 Dickinson3229 Crosby3313 Sealy3365 Freeport3700 Pasadena3793 Wallis3910 Houston4054 Anderson4204 Sugar Land4550 Houston4577 Houston5077 Houston5155 Angleton5232 La Porte5236 La Marque5678 Houston5921 New Waverly6234 Nassau Bay6403 Alvin-Manvel6456 Conroe6527 Houston6557 Spring-Woodlands6812 Lake Jackson6826 Houston6859 Houston6878 Humble6950 Katy7036 Houston7067 Needville7136 Houston7153 Huntsville7206 Baytown7230 Houston7345 Texas City7382 Houston7445 Richmond7468 Baytown

7532 Houston7728 Missouri City7901 Houston8024 Houston8096 Houston8247 Houston8293 Houston8374 Houston8404 Houston8482 Houston8494 Friendswood8548 Brazoria8734 Houston8771 Houston8960 Pearland9041 Channelview9201 Houston9268 Bellville9310 League City9321 Houston9367 Navasota9629 Highlands9686 Clute9708 Houston9759 Katy9794 Huffman9817 Danbury9978 Galveston10207 Houston10224 Industry10390 Houston10393 Hitchcock10562 Pasadena10574 Deer Park10591 Houston10656 Houston10720 Houston10779 Houston10861 Spring10872 Spring10959 Houston10995 Houston11023 Houston11343 Sugar Land

11438 Houston11472 Tomball11662 Galena Park11866 Magnolia12320 Kingwood12327 The Woodlands12385 Houston12474 Houston12475 Houston12500 Galveston12558 Frydek12564 Pattison12602 Houston12632 Richmond12672 Hempstead12748 Houston12818 Houston12837 Houston12866 Houston12955 Katy13151 Rosenberg13165 Houston13166 New Caney13357 Houston13615 Houston13629 Houston13940 Houston14058 Houston14512 Spring14617 Missouri City14700 Houston15059 Channelview15105 Houston15321 Houston15322 South Houston15796 Houston15949 Houston16103 Fulshear16146 Galveston16158 Houston16195 Houston16218 Houston16430 Houston17060 Houston17225 Cypress


Page 9

Caucus 7 Chairman – Peter DonahoeMeeting Room – Monet (Atrium Mezzanine)

Beaumont, Tyler, Victoria Dioceses

951 Beaumont1003 Texarkana1304 Port Arthur1323 Palestine1329 Victoria1422 Marshall1502 Tyler1582 Yoakum1680 Orange1682 Cuero2153 Weimar2433 Hallettsville2461 Port Neches2480 Yorktown2490 El Campo2500 East Bernard2771 Longview2902 Schulenburg2971 Columbus3070 Bay City3081 Shiner3195 Port Arthur3201 Liberty3204 Ganado3244 Moulton3253 Port Lavaca3262 Wharton3295 Flatonia3371 Nada3404 Lufkin3406 Bridge City

3421 Edna3452 Winnie3491 Groves3952 Kilgore4307 Blessing4843 Eagle Lake5035 Beaumont5145 Nederland5157 Frelsburg5789 Vidor6699 Daingerfield, Mt Pleasant, Pittsburg6763 Fannett6889 Palacios7058 Lumberton7512 Goliad7553 Nacogdoches7696 Paris7946 Port Arthur8388 Victoria8594 Silsbee8806 Gun Barrel City8871 Dayton8975 Sulphur Springs9088 Victoria9393 El Campo9394 Louise-Hillje9564 Livingston10249 Mentz10405 Cleveland10524 Athens

10660 Atlanta10751 Bloomington10790 Nacogdoches10875 San Augustine11026 Carthage11093 Longview11151 Sour Lake11351 Inez11462 Henderson11530 Jacksonville11865 Whitehouse11869 Mauriceville11933 Mineola11978 Canton12122 Diboll12253 Malakoff12711 Lindale12809 Port Arthur13010 Meyersville13070 Orangefield13136 Trinity13498 Mont Belvieu13798 Jasper13825 Orange14355 Port Arthur14473 China14636 Flint15174 Holly Lake Ranch16078 Emory16464 Beaumont

Caucus 8 Chairman – Kevin Brinkman Meeting Room – Morocco (Atrium Mezzanine)

Amarillo, Fort Worth Diocese

759 Keller1167 Gainesville1450 Amarillo1459 Muenster1473 Wichita Falls1715 Scotland1766 Rhineland1824 Windthorst2045 Pilot Point2123 Ranger2654 Nazareth2767 Pampa2776 Dalhart2778 Hereford2808 Umbarger2813 Fort Worth3558 Borger3740 Seymour4101 Fort Worth4621 Amarillo4635 Amarillo4709 Fort Worth4771 Denton5061 Dumas5426 Bovina-Friona5552 Spearman6269 Arlington7099 Grapevine7175 Burleson7264 Weatherford

7371 Burkburnett7435 Vernon7458 Fort Worth7573 Amarillo7641 Bedford-Euless7736 Mansfield7840 Canyon8347 Cleburne8464 Mineral Wells8493 The Colony8512 North Richland Hills8895 Arlington8938 Hereford9299 Arlington9413 Amarillo9503 Iowa Park9600 Perryton9634 Graham9644 Decatur9748 Granbury9868 Fort Worth9884 Lewisville10375 Hillsboro10816 Stephenville10930 Fort Worth10998 Wichita Falls11230 Abbott11423 Fort Worth11638 Albany/Breckenridge11905 Lindsay12445 Fort Worth12493 Canadian

12534 Tulia12553 Denton12563 Amarillo12575 Fort Worth13134 Amarillo13317 Fort Worth13363 Arlington13408 Carrollton13470 Arlington14339 Montague/Nacona/Bowie/ Henrietta14549 Arlington14679 Fort Worth14789 Denton15320 Glen Rose15782 Childress15789 Colleyville15882 Fort Worth16042 Cleburne16205 Amarillo16258 Fort Worth16393 Denton16522 Wichita Falls16663 Fort Worth16666 Amarillo17024 Fort Worth17039 Fort Worth17196 Aledo17304 Prosper17404 Azle17410 Fort Worth


Page 10

138th Supreme Council Meeting Convention Information

Washington, D.C. August 4-6, 2020

Mileage and Per Diem for Elected Delegates: Mileage and Per Diem, Section 27, Charter Constitution Laws; “…mileage one way at the rate of thirty cents per mile for the first fifteen hundred miles and twenty cents for each additional mile from place of residence to place of meeting, and per diem of $400.00 for each day actually spent in attendance at committee meetings or in duties assign to them...” Expenses: 1. Hotel Lodging – All attendees will be assigned to a hotel with their delegation. You can request a hotel room online at: www.kofc.org/reservations. There are multiple hotels:

● The Washington Hilton 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009. (202) 483-3000. https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/district-of-columbia/washington-hilton-DCAWHHH/index.html

● The Normandy Hotel, 2118 Wyoming Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008. (202) 483-1350. https://www.thenormandydc.com/

● The Churchill Hotel, 1914 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202) 797-2000. https://www.thechurchillhotel.com/

● The Generator Hotel, 1900 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009. (202) 332-9300 https://staygenerator.com/hostels/washington-dc?lang=en-GB

2. Room Rates vary from $198.00 - $209.00 per night plus tax. 3. All convention events will be held in the Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 except for the Opening Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Busses will be provided from the Washington Hilton Hotel. 4. Supreme Council States Dinner Ticket: $80.00 per person. The cost of the Delegate’s ticket will be deducted from his mileage and per diem check. 5. Supreme Registration Fee: $35.00: www.dckofc2020.com 6. Texas Hospitality Room (Food and Refreshments): $25.00 per person 7. Texas Wednesday Morning Breakfast: $35.00 8. Host Events – Washington D.C. Host website per person (approx.) 9. Texas Wednesday Evening Dinner: $60.00 per person (approx.) Hotel Lodging: In order to receive per diem, delegates must stay at the convention hotel. The Supreme Secretary must receive requests for hotel room reservations, no later than June 30, 2020. Room types are not guaranteed. Preference is given to Delegates and Clergy. Reservations may be made online at kofc.org/reservations States Dinner Tickets: Each delegate is required to reserve a ticket to the States Dinner which will be held Tuesday evening, August 4, 2020. The Supreme Secretary must receive requests for dinner tickets by Wednesday, July 15, 2020. White dinner jacket for all Brother Knights, except members of the clergy, is required for the States Dinner. Host Events/Host Tour Events: More information on the Supreme Convention and host activities is available on the host website. Register online, www.dckofc2020.com Items of Interest: We like to display our Texas pride. We wear our Texas Flag Shirts as a group a couple of times during the convention. We recommend you purchase a Texas Flag Shirt. It is traditional to trade state-oriented lapel pins on Monday evening and throughout the convention. Conventioneers from all jurisdictions participate. Bring plenty of pins to trade. Elected Delegates/Alternates will be contacted by the Executive Secretary Mike McLaughlin. All others interested in attending the 138th Supreme Convention in Washington DC. as a guest please contact the Executive Secretary Mike McLaughlin at the State Office 512 442-1492 or [email protected] and he will send you the information. The State Office needs to know who is interested in attending so the needed information can be sent to them.


Page 11

Texas State Council Knights of Columbus2019-2020 Report of the State Deputy

T. Mark Evans

Your Eminence, Your Excellencies, Reverend Fathers, Supreme Director, Supreme Representative, State Officers, Past State Deputies, District Masters, Major Directors, General Agents, State Com-mitteemen, Diocesan and Assistant Diocesan Deputies, District Deputies, Convention Delegates, my

Brother Knights, and Lovely Ladies.

Mary and I welcome you to the 116th Annual Knights of Columbus Texas State Council Convention. Even though our convention to be held in Dallas was canceled, I want to thank the Convention Co-Chairs Reed and Donna Fontenot and Mike and Karen Courtney and the entire Convention Committee for all the hard work and time that was put into the planning for that convention.

At the time of this writing, we are in the middle of the COVID -19 crisis and our thoughts and prayers are for all of our Texas Knights of Columbus family. We do not know when the all-clear will be issued, but we do know that during this stressful time, the Knights of Columbus are standing up and answering the call to service. We are stepping into the breach. My pride in this brotherhood continues to exceed my wildest dreams. You guys are the best!

This convention is dedicated to Bishop Thomas J. Flanagan and Past State Deputy, Floyd Tafelski. Two wonderful men and Brother Knights that truly lived the vision of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney. Their work in our Order and our Catholic community was an inspiration for all of us to strive to be better Knights.

On behalf of the Texas State Family, I also want to give special thanks and gratitude to Most Reverend Joseph E. Strickland, Bishop of the Tyler Diocese, for serving as our State Chaplain and to Reverend Monsignor Louis Pavlicek for serving as our Associate State Chaplain. Thank you also to our Assistant to the State Chaplain, Deacon Clarence Blalock and his wife Kathy for their spiritual guidance. Thank you for all that you do for the Church and the Knights of Columbus.

During this fraternal year, we had many of our brothers go to their eternal reward. We are indeed thankful for the inspiration and leadership of all our departed Brother Knights. All our deceased Brother Knights will be remembered in our Memorial booklet and I ask that we all remember them in our prayers.

Many of our Brother Knights and Councils have obtained some outstanding accomplishments this fraternal year and will be receiving their awards at a later time. But, all of our Brother Knights who helped grow the Order in one way or another and whether they won an award or not are winners. It is because of every Knight’s involvement that Texas continues to grow the Order to better serve the Church, our community, and do more for charity. Even though we have reached some of our goals, we still have almost 8 weeks to accomplish all the goals that we set at the beginning of this fraternal year.


Page 12

The theme for the year is “Let Your Light Shine.” It doesn’t matter who you are or what position you hold with the Knights of Columbus you have a talent that we can use and we must work together to have a successful year. If we do work together as a team, we will accomplish our goal.

Texas is very fortunate to be represented at the Supreme level by our Supreme Director and PSD Terry Simonton and his wife Estelle. Thank you, Terry and Estelle, for your many years of friendship, your guidance, and your support.

We must also extend a very special welcome and thanks to all of our wives and other family members. Without your support and encouragement, we could not succeed in meeting the challenges given to us by our Founder, the Venerable Father Michael Joseph McGivney, a young priest who uniquely called us to care for each other. We cannot do this great work without your assistance. Thank you so much.

We have a committed and talented group of men serving as your State Officers this year. Their hours of dedication and loyalty to our great Order are virtually endless. Together, we have worked tirelessly to honor, preserve and advance the trust you have placed in us. We hope our efforts to support your work and recognize your achievements across Texas have earned us the confidence we need to continue our mission.

State Secretary Alfredo and Rosa Vela, State Treasurer Diego and Pia Pena, State Advocate Bob Goss, State Warden Pat and Mary Henz, Immediate Past State Deputy Doug Oldmixon and Jo-Dee Benson - thank you for traveling to all the corners of this great state to serve the interests of over 109,000 men, their wives and the families who are the heart of our beloved Order in Texas. Your constant efforts to attend to the countless duties and myriad details of correspondence and budgets, rules and traditions, protocols and guidance are an inspira-tion to all of us and are acknowledged and appreciated by your Brother Knights. Words can hardly express the gratitude we owe you for your dedication to our success.

And we are grateful to all of the Past State Deputies and their wives who have served Texas so faithfully and so well. We continue to rely upon your advice, guidance, insights, and inspiration to assist the officers in leading the Order to higher levels of service.

Every day in every one of the 15 dioceses across this great state, more men and their families are invited to join us in our core mission and high calling to develop strong, engaged and faithful Catholic citizens; more families are organized and motivated to carry out more great works of love and charity to build up a culture of life and a civilization of love; more local councils and assemblies are formed or reactivated to become the focus for our efforts to develop leaders to support our parishes and communities; more great programs are initiated and events planned and carried out to provide more opportunities for men to serve, more men are educated and trained to become more effective as servants and leaders; and more of these local efforts are documented and recognized to provide more inspiration to one another, and other men and other families, to join in and grow these efforts in a continuous outreach to every Catholic man, and to provide every Catholic family with the same opportunities.

Thank you for a group of dedicated Major Directors and the dozens of dedicated volunteers who comprise their outstanding teams. Membership Director Bill and Karen Elliott, Charity Director Boyd and Patricia Burris, Council Growth Director Tony and Madeline Fontanelli, Programs Director Ron and Margo Alonzo, Education and Training Director Reed and Donna Fontenot, and Star Council Awards Director Reggie Vasquez and Patricia Gutierrez all work together to provide leadership to a team of chairmen and committeemen who carry out the steady work of building upon the strong foundations laid by others and also find new ways to be more effective in expanding the reach of our Order. The State Directory, which is found on our website, has the names and positions of every person who has agreed to serve in some appointed role in one of these six major areas of emphasis. Please take the time to review it and become more familiar with the many initiatives


Page 13

sponsored and carried out by Texas Knights all across this great state. We are blessed to have so many great programs started and sustained by you, and directed each year by great volunteers. We thank them sincerely for diligently carrying out the many duties that make Texas successful each year. Round Tables, College Councils, Squires, the Silver Rose, traveling Icons, ACE wings, Shield a Badge with a Prayer, Keep Christ in Christmas, Forty Cans for Lent, the American Wheelchair Mission, Ultrasound initiatives, Emergency Response efforts, blood drives, food pantries, and dozens of more projects provide many opportunities for men and their families to make a positive impact in their communities. A big thank you to two of our very successful projects is in order. One to Bill Weber for our Wheelchair program. Texas continues to set records each year in the number of wheelchairs provided to many locations in the world. A wheelchair helps not only the person receiving it but also their family by providing mobility. And of course, Andrew Clark for continuing to oversee our Ultrasound initiative. We continue to experience significant growth in the number of machines that our local councils are raising funds to purchase. It is said that each machine “saves” two babies a week.

The first principle of our Order is Charity and our sincerest gratitude must go to all of the charitable programs carried out by our councils, assemblies, circles, and auxiliary units. The single most effective effort now raises over a million dollars each year, 70 percent of which is dedicated for the 15 Bishops to support programs as designated by them. Since its inception, over $11 million has been donated to our Bishops through this program. Also, significant funds have been raised locally and donated to support Catholic education, seminarians, RSVP, scholarships, Special Olympics, the Cardinal Medeiros Fellowship, crisis pregnancy centers and the Order’s Ultrasound Project, the Archdiocese for the Military Services and many other worthy causes. Special thanks are owed to the members of the State Council Charities Board of Directors who oversee the fundraising operations and coordinate distribution of the results of many of these efforts, along with the tens of thousands of volunteers who donate their time. Also thank you to our Emergency Response team, headed by the able Harry Storey, and assisted by regional coordinators.

In our online directory, you will also find the names and contact information for our 15 Diocesan Deputies with their Assistants and local Team Leaders, and seven Diocesan Chapter Presidents, and the over 200 District Deputies who act as coaches for the officers and members of over 800 councils and 150 assemblies in every corner of Texas. Contact information for all of these regional and local leaders is available on our website so they are always available to you. Seek them out and tell them how much you appreciate their time and talents. Many other special volunteers assist us with key programs like the Football Sweepstakes, Legal Affairs, and Audit committees. Thank you all.

We all realize how important the fraternal benefits and insurance programs of our Order are to the effective-ness and success of so many of our initiatives. The strength and value of our financial products are highly competitive, and the service second to none. We are blessed to have eight great General Agents leading over 100 Field Agents in serving our members with advice and counsel. We welcome and thank Tony Rangel, John Regan, Tommy Supak, Mike Payne, Will Britten, Juan Carlos Carlin, Chris Stark, and our newest General Agent, Mickey Dougherty who covers San Antonio. A special thanks to Brother Chris Stark for also having the role of our Insurance Liaison. Their work is so fundamental to advance the vision of Father McGivney and crucial to the success of our mission that we must acknowledge their tireless efforts and express our gratitude to them regularly for their constant assistance. This year, Texas is conducting a pilot program with our insurance partners. Councils are encouraged to host “Fraternal Benefit Nights” that are open to any Catholic gentleman. This is designed to provide information about our great insurance programs and at the same time is a wonder-ful recruitment tool for the host council.

On just about any day throughout the year, men in Texas are experiencing the impressive ceremonial rites of Admission, Formation, Knighthood or patriotic citizenship as each man advances through the degree levels of our Order. Teams of exceptional volunteers conduct these ceremonies and exemplify for the edification


Page 14

of those in attendance the foundational principles of our Order – Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Effective this past March 1st, we now have a new exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity that is a combined ceremony. The veil of secrecy with regards to these ceremonials has now been lifted and we invite and encourage our wives and family members to witness this occasion.

As we usher in an exciting new era for the Knights, I would be remiss if I did not offer our thanks and gratitude to our Ceremonials team. Under the able direction of our Ceremonials Chairman Phil Apgar, a dozen special officers over many years have traveled to all parts of our great State and along with District teams conferred each degree upon the men who completed the ceremonies, in both English and Spanish. We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary commitment of these talented and dedicated volunteers. We thank them for their service.

At many of our larger gatherings, at special parish events, and at any time our Bishops request an escort, the Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree provide a special dignified ceremonial presence. Perhaps the most visible and recognizable aspect of our Order, their witness, and service are an indispensable piece of the Order’s identity. We owe profound gratitude to Vice Supreme Master David Roewe of the Guadalupe Province, the six District Masters of Texas, and our special liaison Former District Master Sir Knight Joe Rodriguez, along with the Texas Knights who are members of our patriotic degree corps.

We continue to recognize and honor those who serve us, especially our clergy and religious, our military and veterans and our law enforcement and other first responders. We asked each diocese to host one or more clergy and religious appreciation events and invite all of them to join us and be celebrated for their service, and to ensure all our diocesan seminarians are supported. We asked for a special outreach of cooperation with local Catholic War Veterans posts, many of whose members are also Brother Knights. Because all that we do is inspired by the faith that we share, and because our families are under extreme pressure, we asked our Bishops to host an annual Mass for the Celebration and Protection of Families – many did; and more are needed. Our Immediate Past State Deputy, Doug Oldmixon continues the Knights of Columbus Faith and Freedom Minute podcast on Catholic radio stations nationwide and also is serving as our Historian, offering insights and ideas as we strive to make sense of the unique challenges to religious liberty facing us in this time of profound cultural transition. We often turn for our inspiration to the work of Archbishop Lori who is one of the most respected voices of our era on this vital topic. How fortuitous that he also serves our Order as Supreme Chaplain! Thank you, Archbishop Lori!

Our State Office in Austin is staffed by three talented individuals and a host of amazing volunteers throughout the state. Our Executive Secretary Mike McLaughlin heads up the team. Our key staff consists of Kari Jordan our accountant, and Kathleen McLoughlin who manages council records, as well as Mark Johnson who man-ages our website, publishes the Texas Knight newsletter and keeps our technology humming. All of them are supported by a dedicated group of volunteers for major events. Other contributors include Mary Maresca, who manages our Fraternal & Celebrations Correspondence, Patti Bettge who manages our Prayer Line, Terry and Beth Fruge who along with Deacon Clarence and Mrs. Blalock coordinate our Liturgies, and Chris and Elena Rodriguez who coordinate hospitality for our gatherings. These and dozens of other volunteers make the op-eration of our State Council office possible. Please make sure and offer them your thanks.

We continue to use technology by having more and more documents that are available online through our website. This makes for easier access and helps lower costs. We have instituted online charitable donation op-tions via our website and consolidated our banking to lower fees where we have long-standing relationships. We have placed all of our discretionary investment funds with Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors to ensure our investments are made consistent with Church teaching and moral business practices. We expect to roll out additional upgrades to our website and database tools soon and we will continue to explore more ways to use technology to enhance our operations. As we continue to grow in Texas, it remains a great challenge to keep


Page 15

our expenses in check and find ways to be more efficient while also enhancing our effectiveness. The effective use of technology will be key. As we continue to expect more of our current staff, we also recognize the need to acquire some new skills.

All that we can accomplish within the Texas State Council is only possible because of each of you. Dedicated Knights and their families all across this great state step up each day to help us to grow in membership, increase our charitable outreach, expand and refine our programs and find new ways to support our parishes and com-munities. Officers in our local councils and assemblies step up to leadership roles to be of greater service. We ask a lot of our Knights, and we provide the support and training required to help us all become better men, better husbands, better fathers, better Catholics, and better citizens. Working closely with our Pastors and priests, we build up the domestic Church while strengthening our parishes. Encouraging and equipping men to be faithful and resourceful strengthens families, and inevitably also our parish faith community. Integrating our efforts to support the pastoral plan for each parish builds up the community of faith.

So, thanks to each of you for your efforts in your local councils and assemblies. Your dedication to each other is what makes this work so well. It is you who get up early to assist at Mass, staff the BBQ grill or the kitchen griddle, decorate the Church, maintain or repair a home or facility, staff the youth or family activity, donate blood, visit at the VA, say the rosary, visit someone who needs a smile, or any of a hundred other small acts of service or kindness that makes a difference. You do this most often with the full support, assistance and often in the company of your wives, and even your children. We Knights must fully acknowledge that only a very small portion of what we do could be accomplished without the active support of our wives and the co-operation of our family members. It is a debt we can never fully repay. It is one of the hallmarks of our Order to intentionally build up the family. Only then can we truly say we are living up to the vision of our beloved Founder; Father McGivney. You are my heroes. Thank you for letting me serve you as your State Deputy. It has been my privilege and distinct honor to do so.

And last, but certainly not least, let me thank my lovely wife, Mary. 44 years ago, she committed to be my partner on this journey back to the God who gave us both life and, in His time, brought us together. Through it all, she has remained calm and faith-filled and my inspiration. Thank you, Mary, for always being there for me. You are my rock. Mary’s selection of the Cosponsored Seminarian Program of the Archdiocese for the Military Services as her focus for the Texas Ladies Project is the perfect blend of values and virtue. We ask that you please be generous in supporting this effort.

As we go about our daily lives we must always be cognizant that the world is watching our actions. We must continually recommit ourselves to achieve the goals we set for Texas this year. By our actions let us continue to “Let our Light Shine.” God bless you all and God bless Texas.

Vivat Jesus!


Page 16

State Secretary’s Report, 2020 Alfredo Vela, State Secretary

Welcome to Dallas, Texas and the 116th State Conven-tion of the Knights of Columbus in this great State of Texas. The state convention marks the beginning

of the end for another fraternal year. We should all be proud of what the Knights of Columbus in Texas have done during the year.

I would like to thank our State Directors for all their efforts this fraternal year. Membership Director, Bill Elliot, and his team continue to grow the Order with their membership recruitment.

Star Council Director, Reggie Vasquez, and his team will answer any and all questions when it comes to your council’s requirements and achievement of Star Council.

Our Council Growth Director, Tony Fontanelli, and his team are in charge of the task of making Fr. McGivney’s vision a real-ity, a council in every parish. Once a person joins the Knights of Columbus what is going to keep him in the Knights? Answer: our programs. If you have any question on program activities around your area or around the state, contact Ron Alonzo, our State Programs Director.

If your council and or district have any question on the “how” of doing things, please call Reed Fontenot, our Education and Training Director. He will make sure you get the resources needed for your training. Boyd Burris, our State Charities Director, and his team have a tall task this fraternal year. With your help, we will surpass $1,000,000,000 in Charities, again. Keep in mind, 70% of these funds go back to your Bishops.

As you can see, we have it covered. Whatever it might be, if you have any questions, please contact any of the directors above. They are willing to help you and your council succeed.

I would be remiss, if I did not give a shout out to all of our General Agents and Field Agents. As members of the Knights of Columbus, we have an insurance company that is second to none, bar none. What would it take for your family to be taken care of if you pass away? I cannot answer that, but, if you do have a question about you and your family’s financial future, contact your Field and/or General Agent.

So, what are my duties as State Secretary? The first one is to take the minutes of all State Officers’ meetings. This helps to record and preserve the decisions made by the State Officers. These minutes are officially approved by the State Officers and kept on file at the state office.

Second, is to receive and make the officers aware of all cor-respondence received. At every meeting, all correspondence is presented to the state officers. The correspondence is dealt with by forwarding to appropriate personnel who could take care of it.

The State Secretary is also in charge of Council’s State Per Capita. A big thank you to Paul Bettge for his efforts in making

sure we are kept up to date on State Per Capita. Keep in mind, our major source of income at the state level is the per capita received from the local councils. Each of your councils is mailed a notice on amount due for State Per Capita. If it has not been paid, a reminder is sent. Please make sure you program it into your budget and pay your per capita as early as possible.

One other nice duty that I have is to represent our State Deputy at a function when he is not able to make it. This year has not been different. We, Rosa and I, have had the pleasure of traveling around the state to attend some functions. It is these travels that give us the opportunity to meet you all and make new friends. And for that, we are greatly appreciative.

I want to thank our office staff, Mike McLaughlin, Kari Jordan, and Kathleen McLoughlin for all their help. They really make our jobs a little easier. If you see them around, please tell them thank you, they really deserve it.

Thank you to our State Officers for the opportunity to work with them this fraternal year. Our State Deputy, Mark Evans, and the rest of the officers, sacrifice time and effort to make the Texas Knights of Columbus the best it can be.

A BIG thank you to my family. My wife, Rosa, and our kids, Amanda and Armando, are very patient when we do this KC thing. I could not be able to do it without their understanding.

Finally, a huge thank you to you, our council officers and mem-bers of the local councils. The successes Texas has ever had is because of you. There is no way the Texas Knights of Columbus would enjoy its success without you. You are the ones that make it happen. And, for that, THANK YOU.

State Treasurer’s Report, 2020 Diego J. Peña, State Treasurer

Greetings & Salutations! Welcome to Dallas and our 116th annual Texas State Council Convention.

For me personally, this has been a very busy and challenging fraternal year. Last year, I retired from Southwestern Bell/AT&T to set up my own arbitration and mediation business. When not traveling for arbitrations or mediations, I’ve been with family or doing KofC business. This past year, I’ve been traveling to Georgia to assist my 94 year old Uncle Ciro—a brother Knight. Many of you have asked about Pia’s MS diagnosis; fortunately, her MS appears to be under control. We thank everyone for their continued prayers for Pia and my uncle.

I want to thank our Worthy State Deputy Mark Evans and First Lady Mary Evans for their hard work and leadership. We still have two months to hit and surpass our Membership, Charities and Star Council goals. Let’s do all we can to achieve Circle of Honor!

I also want to thank our Worthy State Secretary Alfredo Vela, our Worthy State Advocate Bob Goss, our Worthy State Warden Pat Henz and our Worthy Immediate Past State Deputy Douglas Oldmixon for their hard work and dedication to the Order. I also


Page 17

want to recognize and thank our Major Directors, Bill Elliott, Reggie Vasquez, Boyd Burris, Ron Alonzo, Tony Fontanelli and Reed Fontenot and their teams.

The by-laws of the Texas State Council require the State Trea-surer to oversee the financial activities of the Texas State Council and Texas State Council Charities. Along with the State Deputy, I review and approve each payment voucher. Working with our State Office, I reconcile all accounts at the end of each month. Ms. Kari Jordan compiles and maintains the reconciliation and other financial reports. Kari and I go over these reports regularly. Compliance with the process ensures that our financial reports are transparent and accurate.

Our compliance with that process is reviewed by the Audit Committee chaired by Roy Rabenaldt. The other members of the State Audit Committee are Vincent Matocha, Joe Marusik, Mark Ulrich and Lloyd Waguespack. The Audit Committee works with our outside accounting firm to insure that our books accurately reflect the financial health of the Texas State Council and State Council Charities.

The State Treasurer is also required, along with our State Officers, to prepare the coming year’s budgets. The proposed budgets for the 2020-21 fraternal year are in this Supplement and will be submitted to the Convention for approval. Preparing these budgets is challenging because of the shifting priorities and fluctuating operating costs.

I can assure you that your State Officers, office staff and lead-ership team work hard to limit our expenditures. We are always looking to cut costs and conduct business more efficiently. As of early March 2020, our actual budget versus actual expenditures is on target. For that, I congratulate our State Officer leadership team and office staff for their frugal and efficient management. We have all done our best to operate within the budget last year’s convention approved.

The Texas State Council’s per capita assessment serves as our primary source of income. I want to thank all the Councils that have paid their per capita early and on time.

Our secondary source of income is the Football Sweepstakes Program, managed by John Plote. The more Football Sweepstakes tickets councils purchase and sell, the less likely the Texas State Council will have to raise per capita. I urge all councils to pri-oritize the sale and purchase of Football Sweepstakes tickets in the coming fraternal year. Thanks to all those councils that have supported our Football Sweepstakes this past year and have com-mitted to selling tickets in the coming fraternal year.

The Texas State Council By-Laws also require the State Trea-surer to chair the Convention’s Good of the Order Committee. I want to thank Tom Clark for his dedication to this fraternal service and to all the members of the Committee.

I would also like to give special thanks to our State Chaplain, Most Reverend Joseph E. Strickland and Associate State Chap-lain, Reverend Monsignor Louis B. Pavlicek. Please keep all our

Bishops, Priests and other Religious in your prayers. This has been a particularly challenging year for our religious shepherds, and it is imperative that we keep them in our prayers and let them know we support them.

Finally, I would like to thank Mike McLaughlin, Kari Jordan and Kathleen McLoughlin for their hard work and dedication. When you see them this weekend, please thank them.

I also want to thank you: our Grand Knights, Council officers, Council members, the District Deputies, the Assistant Diocesan Deputies, the Diocesan Deputies, General Agents and Field Agents. You are the hands and feet of the Knights of Columbus in Texas. It is your efforts that make Texas the shining star of the Knights of Columbus.

We still have two months to make this the best fraternal year ever in our history. Let’s do it!

Vivat Jesus!

State Advocate’s Report, 2020 Robert B. "Bob" Goss, State Advocate

God Bless You, Your Family and Thank You

Welcome to Dallas for the 116th annual Texas State Council Convention. I want to thank our hosts, the

Dallas Convention Committee for their hard work.

It is my privilege to represent you, my fellow Knights. So THANK YOU. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to you for allowing me to serve you as your State Advocate. Thank you! If you have a legal issue my email is [email protected].

Next, I wish to thank the Legal Affairs Committee members – Mikell West (Corpus Christi) and Chris Hamm (Dallas). Your dedication and legal prowess is greatly appreciated and helps so many Knights across our great state.

Of course, my deepest gratitude goes to our Supreme Director Terry Simonton, and our PSDs: Doug Oldmixon, Jim Collins, Tony Herreth, Larry Zapalac, Leo Hanus, Ron Gay, Jacob Gaona, Ken Otte, Tim Von Dohlen, Ray Neumann, and Lou Barbour, for their continued leadership and assistance. Prayers go to Floyd Tafelski and his family.

Thank you to our Texas State Council leadership team—State Deputy Mark Evans, State Secretary Alfredo Vela, State Treasurer Diego Pena, and State Warden Pat Henz, State Chaplain Most Reverend Joseph E. Strickland, Associate State Chaplain Rever-end Msgr. Louis Pavlicek, for their dedication and inspirational leadership. I am truly blessed to work with such fine Knights who are totally dedicated to helping other Knights, fellow Catholics, our communities, and the citizens of Texas.

A special thank you to our TSC staff – Executive Secretary Michael McLaughlin, Kari Jordan, and Kathleen McLoughlin. Your dedication and professionalism enable the TSC to help so many people across the state. Thank you very much.


Page 18

I would also like to thank our Worthy Supreme Advocate John Marrella and his legal team—particularly Brian Gedicks, Rick St. Hillaire, Matthew McGrath, and Jennifer Cordes for the almost daily support and coordination on so many issues.

I particularly want to thank our current State Directors, Bill Elliott, Tony Fontanelli, Reggie Vasquez, Ron Alonzo, Reed Fontenot, Boyd Burris, and their teams for all the heavy lifting they do. Thank you for all your leadership and action.

Most importantly, I want to thank all the District Deputies, Grand Knights and other Council officers I have assisted through-out the years; it is your dedication and hard work that really count. By strengthening your Councils and making your parishes better, it is our District Deputies and Council leaders that truly make Texas the best jurisdiction in the Order. It has been my special privilege to serve all of you.

Councils with Halls

All councils with home associations are required to be in com-pliance with Supreme’s policy regarding home associations, the Handbook for Councils using Home Corporation Facilities (the “Handbook”). The revised Handbook can be found on the Texas State Council website.

Further, every council that has a hall is required to sign the Charitable Distribution Agreements (CDA) and Terms of Use Agreements (TUA) and return those signed forms to the Texas State Council and Supreme.

Lastly, to comply with the IRS rules used to create Home As-sociations / Halls - - a Hall is supposed to return ANY monies not used for Hall expenses to the Council for charity use. An example of what not to do is charge a council $3500 / month for a business meeting. The Hall should be used to generate monies to give to the Council’s charity.

Councils Required to Maintain Insurance

Every Council should protect itself by purchasing sufficient general liability insurance to cover all reasonably anticipated risks arising in connection with activities, events, and functions involving the Knights of Columbus. Many Texas dioceses and parishes require Councils to furnish proof of insurance in order to use diocesan or parish facilities for meetings or events. It is my understanding that most dioceses are asking for at least $1 million in general liability coverage.

Neither the Supreme Council nor the Texas State Council pro-vides insurance coverage for Councils. As a matter of prudence and responsibility, Councils must maintain their own general li-ability insurance. As part of their annual budgets, Councils should purchase general liability insurance at least once a year. Consider this a mandatory expense of operating on parish grounds.

Supreme has developed a Local Council Insurance Program that is administered by Lockton Affinity, LLC. For approximately $2.40/member, a Council can purchase a $1 million general

liability policy that will satisfy diocesan requirements for insur-ance. Council leaders interested in getting additional information should contact Lockton by phone (1-800-496-0288), by email [email protected] or online https;//www.councilinsuranceprogram.com. For those councils with Halls, Lockton also provides coverage.

Background checks & Abuse Protection – Supreme & Diocesan Compliance

Without question, the most significant change that has oc-curred has been the Supreme and Texas Diocese implementation of MANDATORY Safe Environment programs. Grand Knights and District Deputies - - please make sure you and your directors do the online training or submit the background materials within 30 days after notice by e-mail. Get this done. It is a part of the job - - protect our community.

As leaders serving and protecting the Catholic Church, we as Knights must lead by example. If one brother Knight is able to stop a child or elder from being abused then all the training by every Texas State Knight is justified and worthwhile.

Let us take care of our Brothers and Lead

The number one thing we as leaders of the Texas State Council along with your districts and councils must do is adapt and ad-dress these very real issues. Be a leader in your community – the best recruitment tool is to be a good Catholic and example of the principles of the Order. Parishioners - - Catholic men, encouraged by their wives, will join by observing your good work noting you are a good person, a good Catholic, and a great Knight. Lead by your good actions of charity, unity, fraternalism, and kindness – handle your foes with kindness. “Kill ’em with kindness” is hard but it deconflicts adversity and also may lead to resolution. Bring to life to your council’s Faith in Action.

Conclusion

God bless you and your families. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to serve you as your State Advocate. I especially want to thank my family for allowing me to serve you. May God continue to bless our Holy Father, Pope Francis, our Bishops, our Clergy, our Order, our families, our State, and our Nation. God bless you. Vivat Jesus!

State Warden's Report, 2020 Pat Henz, State Warden

The call details were not very clear, just a male subject causing a disturbance and refusing to leave. When I ar-rived, the male was standing by himself and not saying

anything. He appeared dirty and probably homeless. There were a few people standing around but it was obvious they were not involved or engaged with the subject. As I approached him, he just stared at me but didn't say anything. He looked very angry, gritting his teeth, his neck mussels were flexing, and his hands were clenched. It was then that I noticed he was holding a knife. That's when things just went up a few notches.


Page 19

State Executive Secretary's Report, 2020 Michael L. McLaughlin, State Executive Secretary

Dear Brother Knights:

I bid you greetings from the State Office Staff in Austin, Texas. Kathleen, Kari and I welcome you to

the 116th Annual State Convention of the Texas State Council. Welcome to Dallas, Texas and to the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

The State Office plans, organizes and carries out many meet-ings during the year but nothing compares to our annual state convention. It is an exciting time for us as it affords us the op-

I kept talking to him trying to keep him calm. I had my hand on my gun but I knew if I drew my weapon it could escalate things. I wasn’t sure where my assist was or how long it was going to take for him to arrive. He was still tense yet not saying anything. I continued talking to him trying to ease any of his fears, while all along watching his eyes, his body language, and of course his hands.

It seemed like things were going in slow motion yet I had no time to think about anything else but to keep him from making a wrong decision. Then, out of the blue, I noticed a change in his facial expression and his eyes didn’t look as intense. He then be-gan to relax and he dropped the knife. He then turned around and allowed me to handcuff him and take him away with no problem.

It wasn’t until later after I had a chance to “recover” and get my thoughts together when I thanked God for being there with me. It wasn’t just a general “thank you Lord” but a true sincere totally grateful “THANK YOU GOD” for being with me. I also realized that I didn’t have time to ask God to be with me but someone did.

I tell you this story to give you a better idea of when I say "THANK YOU" to all of you, my Brother Knights, for your support over the past two years, that it is a true, sincere, totally grateful "THANK YOU." I appreciate all the support I received from my fellow State Officers, all the State Directors, the won-derful Staff at our State Office, and of course all of YOU across this Great State. Just as important, I am so blessed with the love and support from my wife Mary who stands by me through all my adventures. It was such an honor and a privilege to be YOUR State Warden these past two years. And it makes me very proud to be a Knight of Columbus, especially from TEXAS.

Just as important, this story points out that sometimes, Officers don’t have that extra second to say a prayer. However, when YOU pray for an Officer or First Responder, just know, that YOUR prayer will be answered. Thank you for all those councils who are praying for First Responders whether through the “Shield a Badge with a Prayer” program or just regular intentions under the Good of the Order at your council meetings. It is comforting to know that God always has our backs.

God Bless You AllGod Bless Texas

portunity of seeing and meeting the many Brother Knights that we only communicate with on the phone or by email during the year. Thanks to our extremely capable Office Staff of Kathleen McLoughlin and Kari Jordan along with Mark Johnson our Texas Knight Editor and State Web-Master and all of you who have been of assistance, we do assure you, all of us have done our very best.

Kathleen and Kari are dedicated ladies who take a lot of pride in their work. Any successes credited to me during this last year as Executive Secretary, I share equally with Kathleen and Kari. They have been loyal and dedicated employees who continue to handle the variety of duties in an efficient, professional and friendly manner. Thank you, Kathleen and Kari.

Kathleen, Kari and I want to thank the members of our State Office Convention Committee. Each year they arrive at the convention a few days ahead of everyone to help get everything ready for you. They work long hours along with Kathleen, Kari and myself on banquet seating, preparing and stuffing ticket enve-lopes, preparing delegate packets, setting up the registration area and the computer system. During the convention they assist with delegate registration, assist people with last minute banquet ticket changes and numerous other behind-the-scene details that assure a smooth-running convention. I thank my wife Dawnn, Kathleen McLoughlin, Kari Jordan, Mark Johnson, Leonard Gruca, Ken & Therese Baker, Rich & Judy Butler and Karen & Kenny Trochta, and the Dallas Registration Committee and any newcomers that came aboard this year for their long hours, tireless work effort and friendship.

During the course of each fraternal year we have many meet-ings throughout the state. The success of these meetings would not be possible without the assistance and hospitality extended to us by our Brother Knights and Ladies from across the state. To them I convey my sincere appreciation. I especially want to thank each Brother Knight and Lady who served on the Dallas State Convention Committee. Each has devoted countless hours to make this convention happen. I especially want to thank the Dallas Convention Committee Co-Chairs Reed Fontenot and Mike Courtney for bringing together this wonderful group of people who did an outstanding job.

In closing I want to thank State Deputy Mark Evans and First Lady Mary, and all of the State Officers and Ladies for their sup-port and confidence. It continues to be a privilege for me to serve as your Executive Secretary. Lastly, I’d like to again thank my wife Dawnn for her support during this last year. Knowing she was with me in my work and travels got me through the times leading to this convention.


Page 20

cial statements and the independent auditor’s report at the 2020 State Convention.

Additional items discussed during the Audit Committee meet-ing were as follows:

• Without Executive Secretary Michael McLaughlin present, the committee solicited comments from the independent auditors regarding cooperation from the staff, perceptions about the staff’s competence in financial matters, the condi-tion of financial records and the overall working conditions and relationship with the staff. The independent auditors stated that they were confident in the staff and were pleased with the level of direct involvement and oversight by the State Officers. In all respects, the independent auditors expressed that they have continued to receive excellent cooperation from staff members, particularly Brother McLaughlin. The independent auditor was then dismissed from the meeting.

• Without the independent auditor present, the committee solicited comments from the Executive Secretary regarding cooperation from the auditors, his perception about the in-dependent auditors’ competence, diligence and profession-alism, and the overall working conditions and relationship between the staff and the independent auditors. He stated that due to the familiarity of the auditors with this audit and their competence the audit was performed on a timely and professional manner. All communications by independent auditors to audit committee required under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 were verbally communicated by the independent auditors to the Committee.

Having concluded their business regarding the financial state-ment audits of the Texas State Council and State Council Charities of the Texas Knights of Columbus, the Committee adjourned. Except for routine research related to the issuance of the finan-cial statements, federal income tax returns, and special projects requested by the State Deputy, the Committee had no further business to report at that time.

On behalf of the Committee members we express our appre-ciation for the assistance we have received from the officers and staff of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus. Our sincere thanks to all of our Brother Knights who have allowed us to serve for the fraternal and financial good of the Texas Knights of Columbus. Thanks.

Report of the Audit Committee Roy D. Rabenaldt, CPA Chairman

The annual financial statement audits of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus and State Council Charities were performed by the independent accounting firm “Briggs & Veselka Co” Certified Public Accountants, Austin, Texas.

Briggs & Veselka, issued its independent auditors’ reports on October 29, 2019, and expressed its opinion as of that date, on the financial position of the Texas State Council and State Council Charities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 and on the Council’s and Charities’ changes in net assets and cash flows for the fiscal years then ended.

The professional opinions expressed by Briggs & Veselka, are described as ‘qualified’ opinions for both Texas State Council and State Council Charities. The auditors’ opinions were qualified because of certain deviations from generally accepted account-ing principals in the presentation of the financial statements. The two deviations are explained in the independent auditors’ reports, one of which is the lack of consolidated reporting of the financial statements of the Texas State Council and of the State Council Charities, which, in the opinion of the auditors, is required be-cause the Texas State Council has a direct controlling interest in the State Council Charities. The other is the investment reporting at cost rather than fair value and therefore non recognition of unrealized gain or loss in the statement of activities of the State Council Charities.

The report qualifications are consistent with the prior year’s presentation, and the Audit Committee has concurred with the auditors’ opinions and has determined that the current financial statement presentation is appropriate and in the best interest of the Knights of Columbus Texas State Council and State Council Charities.

The Audit Committee met on October 29, 2019, to accept the report of the independent auditors. In attendance were committee members, Vincent Matocha, CPA, Joe Marusik, Lloyd Wagues-pack, CPA, and Mark Ulrich, CPA. Also present at the commit-tee meeting were Mark Evans, State Deputy, Alfredo Vela, State Secretary, Diego Pena, State Treasurer, Pat Henz, State Warden, Terry Simonton, Supreme Director, Michael McLaughlin, Execu-tive Secretary, and representing Briggs & Veselka were Larry Dodson, CPA and Suzanne Rodriguez, CPA. The Committee voted unanimously to enter a motion to accept the audited finan-


Page 21

Proposed

Actual Actual Budget Budget 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021

Membership numbers Notes Membership 106,872 107,859 109,500 110,079 1

Honorary Life (13,682) (14,179) (14,468) (14,697) Disabled (627) (487) (421) (593) Honorary (3,376) (3,527) (3,557) (3,650) Inactive Insurance (4,135) (4,122) (4,140) (4,200) College Council Members (1,296) (1,203) (1,212) (1,148) Seminary Council Members (134) (90) (87) (85)

INCOME ($) Per Capita Members @ 8.00 854,976 862,872 876,000 880,632 Honorary Life @ -8.00 (109,456) (113,432) (115,744) (117,576) Disabled @ -8.00 (5,016) (3,896) (3,368) (4,744) Honorary @ -2.50 (8,440) (8,818) (8,893) (9,125) Inactive Ins. @ -3.50 (14,473) (14,427) (14,490) (14,700) College Council Members @ -$4 (5,184) (4,812) (4,848) (4,592) Seminary Council Members @ - $8 (1,072) (720) (696) (680) Per Capita Bad Debts/Adjustments (38,587) (40,997) (39,000) (39,000) 2

Total Per Capita: 672,749 686,501 688,962 690,215

Other Income Trust Interest (State Office Rent) 48,000 48,000 49,000 51,000 Interest Income (CD's & Checking) 1,731 1,960 5,625 5,700 Organizational Meeting 96,869 118,565 118,500 123,500 Supreme Convention Delegation 4,660 4,565 4,500 4,500 Mid-Year Meeting 91,567 86,217 93,000 98,000 State Convention 104,125 128,731 110,000 110,000 Other Income 4,152 3,807 2,000 2,000 Membership Incentives 3,640 - 0 - Supreme Training Reimbursement - - 0 - State Charities Reimbursements 98,374 96,307 116,594 115,677 3 St. Christopher Award 70 35 200 200 State Charities Football Sweepstakes 95,140 94,220 100,000 100,000 Athletics 24,267 16,835 17,500 20,000 4 State Squires 1,200 - 0 - College Councils - 4,096 1,000 1,000 4 Total Other Income: 573,795 603,338 617,919 631,577

TOTAL INCOME: 1,246,544 1,289,839 1,306,881 1,321,792

Texas State Council Knights of Columbus2020-2021 Proposed Budget


Page 22

Proposed


EXPENSES ($) Officers, State Officers, Admin. State Chaplain - 17 500 500 Associate State Chaplain 161 150 800 2,500 State Deputy 7,411 6,679 6,000 6,000 State Secretary 3,761 5,389 4,500 5,000 State Treasurer 3,034 3,738 3,500 4,000 State Advocate 1,301 2,975 3,000 3,500 State Warden 1,483 1,899 2,500 3,000 Immediate Past State Deputy 1,468 539 2,500 2,000 Supreme Director - 527 200 700 Per Capita Billing Expenses 1,156 1,207 1,300 1,300 Officers - General 512 761 700 700 Past State Deputies 3,393 2,442 4,000 4,000 Executive Secretary 103,442 98,625 97,392 99,191 5 Office Staff 133,213 128,090 131,570 135,217 5 State Office Lease 46,828 49,036 51,592 54,381 State Office Operations 44,550 44,978 44,000 44,000 Total Officers, State Office, Admin. 351,713 347,052 354,054 365,989

State Programs Education & Training 5,458 5,225 6,000 6,500 State Programs 6,633 3,026 3,500 4,000 Church, Vocations & Liturgy 263 275 400 400 Reports - - 0 - Pro-Life 2,223 2,484 3,000 3,000 Youth & Family 3,825 3,793 4,000 4,000 Football Sweepstakes 36,505 27,565 40,000 40,000 Athletics 21,170 14,023 15,000 15,000 Columbian Squires - - 0 - College Councils (325) 2,386 1,000 1,000 Total State Programs 75,752 58,777 72,900 73,900

Publication Relations Public Relations 306 - 1,800 1,800 Texas Knight - Postage 1 - 0 - Texas Knight - Publication 27,000 27,000 27,000 27,000 Website Newsletters - - 1,200 1,200 Annual Audit 11,327 12,177 12,500 12,500 Editor Texas Knight 165 232 150 150 Travel Insurance 2,079 1,039 1,100 1,100 Website development - - 21,000 15,000 6 Database Development - - 27,000 21,000 6 Total Public Relations 40,878 40,448 91,750 79,750

Directors, Diocesan and DDs Membership 41,391 35,000 40,000 43,000 Council Growth 2,172 6,065 5,000 11,000 Star Council Director 553 988 1,500 2,600 Diocesan Deputies 4,622 3,134 2,500 2,500 District Deputies 368 1,335 1,000 1,000 Fourth Degree 183 - 500 500


Page 23

Proposed


Ceremonials - - 0 2,000 Conferring Officers 476 - 0 General Program/State Awards 5,238 6,950 9,000 9,000 Administrative Assistants 1,935 2,330 2,500 2,500 Total Directors, Diocesan and DDs 56,938 55,802 62,000 74,100

State Office Expenses State Directory Postage - - 2,000 2,000 Program Manual (Star Guide) 4,187 4,002 4,500 8,500 Annual Report 2,000 2,200 2,000 2,000 Stationary 960 160 900 900 State Directory Publication 4,557 4,642 20,000 25,000 Online Fees for Registrations 3,750 4,878 4,000 4,000 TKofC.Org 16,800 16,800 16,800 16,800 Total State Office Expenses 32,254 32,682 50,200 59,200

Meetings and Conventions Organizational Meeting 153,870 171,172 175,000 175,000 Supreme Convention 10,718 16,269 15,000 15,000 Mid-Year Meeting 140,256 127,367 140,000 140,000 Diocesan Conferences 1,427 102 500 500 State Convention 264,818 276,607 250,000 250,000 Change of Leadership Meeting 35,770 17,746 35,000 19,500 Diocesan Deputies Meeting 21,569 18,090 22,000 35,000 College Council Meeting - - 500 500 Ceremonials Meeting 10,084 8,827 12,500 12,500 Audit Committee 470 392 500 500 Legal Affairs Committee - - 1,000 1,000 Total Meetings and Conventions 638,982 636,572 652,000 649,500

General & Miscellaneous Bishops & Guests 4,000 268 1,500 1,500 Fraternal Congress - - 150 150 Fraternal Notices 89 3,585 2,500 2,500 Flowers 1,000 - 500 500 Trust Management Fees 12,057 13,335 12,000 12,000 Miscellaneous 1,684 3,921 1,750 1,000 Bad Debts - 0 - Prior Year Expenses 383 (3,647) 500 500 Contingency - - 5,077 1,203 7 Total General and Miscellaneous 19,213 17,462 23,977 19,353

TOTAL EXPENSES 1,215,730 1,188,795 1,306,881 1,321,792 TOTAL INCOME 1,246,544 1,289,839 1,306,881$ 1,321,792

INCOME/LOSS 30,814 101,044 - (0)


Page 24

Notes to the Proposed Budget for Texas State Council (TSC) Fraternal Year 2020-2021

INCOME

1. Total Per Capita Income – Calculations are based on estimated July 1, 2019 membership, with college council members charged half and seminary council members exempted

2. Per Capita Bad Debt / Adjustments – Based on history of councils’ non-payment. After two years, no longer billed plus any amounts forgiven to facilitate reactivation.

3. Charities Reimbursement – 30 % of State Office salaries, benefits, operations, rent and website maintenance are reimbursed from State Council Charities

4. State Athletics and College Councils – restricted accounts, viewable and auditable EXPENSE

5. State Staff – Salaries, insurance, benefits and reimbursements. Reflects 2% salary & annuity increase. 6. Website & Database Development – Expenses for expansion of database tools with access and display

via enhanced tkofc.org website 7. Contingency – Difference calculated to balance income vs expense

Notes to the Proposed Budget for State Council Charities (SCC)

Fraternal Year 2020-2021 INCOME

1. Interest Income Medeiros/Christopher – Supreme provided matching interest and recent earnings history suggests more realistic budget estimate

2. Mass Collections – Contributed to Diocese in name of host/celebrant and attending Bishops 3. Contributions by Diocese – Estimate of July 1, 2019 membership, less inactive insurance category,

times $10 less college council members times $5

EXPENSE

4. Bishops’ Checks – 70% of Estimated Contributions by Diocese PLUS all amounts over 100%. 5. Catholic Archives – Based on SCC’s donation calculated on the annual cost of assistant archivist

salary and Journal expense. 6. Educational and School Grants – Adopted 7,500 member increment for equity in numbers of grants

made available per Diocese. This was adopted in 2017 and used in 2018. 7. Grants – Special Olympics – Calculated based on estimated membership minus inactive members 8. Online Fees – Increased to reflect increased on-line usage. 9. State Office Expenses – 30% of TSC staff, operations, website and rent paid by SCC 10. Website Development & Database Development – New addition to 2019-2020 SCC budget. 11. Contingency – Difference carried to balance Income with Expense


Page 25

ProposedActual Actual Budget Budget

2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021INCOME ($) Notes Other Charitable Donations - - 500 500 Other Income 487 379 1,500 1,500 Interest Income(Medeiros/Christopher) 57,909 72,471 55,000 57,000 1 Interest Income(CDs & Checking) 6,707 7,272 11,225 11,225 Gain from Investment ($250,000) 12,500 Special Olympics 50 1,164 1,000 1,000 Disaster Relief 990,000 2,405 2,500 2,500 Medeiros Contributions 12,770 6,484 10,000 10,000 Mass Collections 10,393 9,038 4,000 9,000 2 Specialty License Plates 29,309 28,052 30,000 30,000 Ladies Project 47,984 34,369 25,000 12,000 Wheelchair Mission 350 50 1,000 1,000 Frontline Faith Program 74 700 1,000 1,000 Father McGivney Icons 44 374 1,000 500

Sub Total 1,156,077 162,758 143,725 149,725

Contributions by Diocese 3 Amarillo 14,495 15,310 Austin 96,451 94,020 Beaumont 20,400 23,620 Brownsville 20,050 16,975 Corpus Christi 36,649 23,094 Dallas 93,227 103,112 El Paso 23,678 28,071 Fort Worth 233,828 236,498 Galveston/ Houston 191,682 220,006 Laredo 6,150 5,620 Lubbock 14,090 13,080 San Angelo 19,145 17,170 San Antonio 151,242 108,451 Tyler 28,681 32,953 Victoria 69,026 67,035 Contributions by Diocese 1,018,794 1,005,015 1,047,105 1,053,050

Total Income: 2,174,871 1,167,773 1,190,830 1,202,775

Texas State Charities2020-2021 Proposed Budget


INCOME












EXPENSE





Page 26


2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021

EXPENSESExpenses by Diocese Amarillo 10,147 10,717 Austin 67,516 65,814 Beaumont 14,280 16,534 Brownsville 14,035 11,883 Corpus Christi 25,655 16,166 Dallas 65,259 72,178 El Paso 16,575 19,839 Fort Worth 206,903 208,786 Galveston/Houston 134,177 154,929 Laredo 4,305 3,934 Lubbock 9,863 8,981 San Angelo 13,402 12,019 San Antonio 109,804 75,915 Tyler 21,184 25,394 Victoria 49,103 47,148 Bishops Checks 762,208 750,237 777,974 782,135 4Expense by Diocese 762,208 750,237 777,974 782,135 percent expenses to income 70% 70% 70% 70%

Directors and Committees Charities Director 1,165 3,376 2,000 3,500 Fundraising Committee 37,844 44,164 40,000 40,000 Charities Board of Directors 6,432 6,830 9,000 9,000 Directors and Committees 45,441 54,370 51,000 52,500

Other Expenses Wheelchair Mission 1,684 1,097 1,000 1,000 Infirmed Priest/Medeiros Chairman 411 499 500 500 Special Olympics 2,083 1,337 2,500 2,500 Catholic Archives 38,906 39,362 40,000 40,000 5 Education Committee 3,421 1,937 3,000 3,000 Father McGivney Icons - 14 100 100 Mass Collections 10,393 9,038 4,000 9,000 Disaster Relief - Coordinators 1,146 844 1,500 1,500 Disaster Relief - Donations 994,122 16,223 2,500 2,500 Ladies Program 47,984 - 25,000 12,000 Frontline Faith 1,200 1,700 2,200 2,000 Educational Grants 24,017 37,014 23,000 23,000 6 Catholic School Grants 37,020 37,022 42,000 42,000 6 Medeiros Trust Expense 261 124 250 250 Medieros Contributions - 10,000 10,000 Annual Audit 8,062 9,554 10,000 10,000 Financial Assistance Grants 4,500 6,000 10,000 10,000 Disaster Relief 12,500 Grants-Special Olympics 25,684 25,928 26,340 28,570 7 Grants-Infirmed Priests 29,316 28,052 30,000 30,000


Page 27


2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 Checking Account Fees 72 - 200 200 Miscellaneous 6,616 (626) 100 100 Online Fees 2,138 1,289 1,000 1,000 8Other Expenses 1,239,036 216,408 235,190 241,720

State Office Operations State Office Staff 70,160 66,702 68,688 70,322 9 State Office Operations 9,126 9,855 13,200 13,200 9 State Office Rent Expense 14,048 14,711 15,478 16,314 9 TKOFC.org 5,040 5,040 5,040 5,040 Texas Knight-Charities Issue 9,000 9,000 9,000 9,000 Texas Knight-Postage - Website Development 6,300 4,500 10 Database Development 8,100 6,300 10 Contingency - - 860 1,744 11State Office Operations 107,374 105,308 126,666 126,421

Total Expenses 2,154,059 1,126,323 1,190,830 1,202,775 Total Income 2,174,871 1,167,773 1,190,830 1,202,775

Income/Loss 20,812 41,450 - (0)


Page 28


INCOME












EXPENSE





Page 29

State Membership Director’s Report, 2020 William Elliott, State Membership Director

My Brothers All,

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful location of our convention here in Dallas. I bring you greetings

from the Membership Team. What a challenge it has been this year moving the Texas State Council forward in our quest to stay on top as the largest jurisdiction in the Americas. You know a lot of our sister jurisdictions would like to topple the achievements that Texas has accomplished over the years. All this fraternal year we have had other jurisdictions like California, Ohio, Florida, and Michigan chasing us. All I can say is we have had the great view of being in the front, and the others have been looking at our rear. We need your help to stay in front.

Texas has not been running away with the numbers we had hoped for. We have been behind all year long but the momentum has been picking up. We have been in the lead all year long in volume of new Knights joining online. As of this report we have had 669 join online this fraternal year. The Supreme Council’s idea for this program was to have an average intake age of new knights that were 33 years old. Texas has been averaging 44 year old Knights. Their thoughts were that at least 40% would convert to become council members. Texas’s conversion rate this year is around 29.3% that converted to Council Knights. We are sharing all the contact information about those who join online with their Diocesan Deputy for follow up with the local council. A council representative then contacts the E-Knight and welcomes him to become a member of their local council. The intake of this new program is working, but like all new programs it still has flaws. We have had 541 convert to Council Knights since this program started in January 2018.

The good old fashioned way of becoming a Knight is still my choice of recruiting. A Knight shakes hands with a Catholic man and asks him if is a Knight, and if he says no, then you tell him what the Knights stands for, how it is an important part of your life. You then ask and invite him to become a Knight. He might not give you a yes then, but you remember his name and you visit with him again when you see him next, and you give him brochures about the Knights and info about your Council. Not everything in life happens the 1st time you try, and you have to try again. This has worked for the 138 years our Order has been around. Not all who joined the Knights asked to join; most all Knights were invited to join. Some are not joiners, some do not visit with others, but all who are greeted with a smiling face and a firm handshake will feel welcomed. Our successful recruiters do not give up; they keep approaching until they close the deal. I have been blessed to be able to recruit 170 men into the Knights over my 33 years of membership. I have been told “Maybe”, or “I will think about it”, a bunch of times, but I still persisted. I have had a few who told me they were not Catholic; I invited them to talk to me about becoming a Catholic. Do not give up, just keep asking. For those who just want to think about joining, invite them to visit www.KofC.org/join for more information on

why they should become a Knight.

As of this report we have brought in 2,361 Knights this year and with the online E-Knights we are credited with 2,799. We have 51 councils who have met or exceeded their recruitment goal, with 19 councils who have also met or exceeded their insurance goal. So it can be done. Where does your council stand? Please do not be one of the 300 councils that have not recruited a new Knight this year. We have close to 109,568 Knights in Texas at this time. In 2,000 which was 20 years ago we were just breaking the 85,000 Texas Knights level. That was 25,000 Knights ago. Yes, the world has changed over the last 20 years. Yes, the modern technology has helped, but it has also hurt us in some areas. But the facts are the same now as then. A man wants to be a part of a group that is visible by performing good works. There is an old KC saying “By the good works of our Order, we shall be known”. Our works of Charity, performed in Unity, by men of Fraternity is what we stand for. We have asked you this year to “Let Your Light Shine”. Have you done your part? Have you shined your light on the memory of our Founder Venerable Fr. Michael J. McGivney? Well, it is not too late to do your part. Ask another man to become a Knight. Share who we are, what we do, what we stand for, and how we need every Catholic man to become a Knight. Take stock in our Order by helping to grow the Order.

God bless you all, Let your Light Shine.

Recruitment:Tom Oaks, Chairman

As of the end of February, we have 60 District Deputies across all dioceses that have either not recruited a new member or has a negative net gain this year. We have 398 dormant and non-dormant councils that have not recruited a new member this year. I encourage ALL District Deputies and 280 of those 398 councils to become recruitment active before the end of this fraternal year and that ALL active councils recruit two additional new Knights in May and in June. There are many eligible Catholic gentlemen just waiting for someone to ask them.

Additional Action Steps:

• Ensure that the District Deputy schedules an Exemplifica-tion of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity in May AND in June.

• Schedule a recruitment drive at the Council’s home parish in the last two months of the recruiting year.

• Emphasize to the community the Order’s involvement in the Parish through the Faith In Action Program.

• Ensure that the council receives and follows up with a list from the parish office of all new parishioners.

• Contact the new RCIA Catholic men while we are still in the Easter Season.

• Make an attempt to sign up every young Catholic man headed off to college before he leaves.


INCOME












EXPENSE





Page 30

• Refer the new college age member to the on campus Knights of Columbus Council at his college.

• Make follow up calls to inactive insurance members to see if they are open to reinstating their membership.

• Contact parishioners completing ACTS or CRHP retreats and invite them to become Knights. It is a great fit with the call to service in these retreat programs.

MEMBERSHIP RETENTIONDennis Trainor, Chairman

It is with hope that the retention process continues to com-pliment the recruitment process for bringing in AND keeping members in the local councils.

Over the past year I have gotten down in the trenches with various District Deputies, Financial Secretaries, Grand Knights and council members in doing the true work of retention. That is, saving brothers and bringing them back into fold. Slowly but surely, the attitude towards brothers who are no longer par-ticipating in council activities or keeping up with their fiduciary responsibilities is changing. As with a coin, there are two sides to the retention issue.

While each brother is encouraged to participate to the level he can, the council also has a duty to ensure that each brother has that opportunity. When I first took this position, I had assumed that brothers did not pay dues or participate because they had no interest. However, the reality I found is that many brothers who enter the order go through the Admission Degree and then are left to fend for themselves in the council. Many this year that were retained were done so by bridging that gap and helping the council identify ways of spreading the word to ALL brothers.

There are times, however, when a council should sever its ties to a brother. When a brother is no longer a practical Catholic as understood by the Church, or has been convicted of a felony – yes, the council has a duty to itself and the Order to suspend the brother.

When a member decides he no longer wishes to keep his membership current, the council needs to find out the reason and try to offer to the brother a way of dealing with his objection to continuing in the Order. With the new direction the Order is going with the Faith in Action programs, we are focusing more on the ideals of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.

Change in the Order is usually met with resistance because “that’s not the way we did it”. But we are the men who ‘Stand in Solidarity’ with our clergy and need to focus on our leadership to bring those changes to fruition and make us stronger as an Order, as the Jurisdiction of the Great State of Texas, of our councils, and most importantly - as the strong Catholic Gentlemen that are the Knights of Columbus.

CeremonialsPhillip E. Apgar, Chairman

Brother Knights, as we gather in Dallas for the 116th Annual Convention of the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus, I want to thank all of you for your hard work this year in convinc-ing Catholic men to join our Order and in helping them achieve full Knighthood. This year has certainly been one of tremendous change in how we conduct our Ceremonials and I will admit that I will miss the Fraternity of being part of a team which taught the lessons in the Admissions, Formation and Knighthood degrees and that helped to form these Catholic men in the knowledge of our Faith and our Order. I never anticipated the magnitude of the changes made, but I have come to appreciate the quality and simplicity of the new exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. I hope you will join me in exemplifying this new Ceremonial and also in remembering our Order in your prayers that it may ever grow and bring the message of hope that our founder, the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney did so well.

If you are a Grand Knight this year, I want to challenge you to embrace this new exemplification of our principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. You and your Council have been empowered to control your own destiny as a Council and make the Knights of Columbus known for what we stand for in your Parish and community. Imagine what can be done just by inviting someone to view this ceremonial to learn more about what the Knights are all about. Invite your parishioners to attend if they want to learn more about us.

To borrow some words from “I am a Knight”, “It’s one thing to say who you are. It’s another to live it. To put your values into action. That’s what we do at the Knights of Columbus. That’s who we are.”

To all my Brother Knights who have served on Admissions Degree Teams, as Major Degree Team Captains, Major Degree Team members and Conferring Officers, I want to thank you and to express what an honor it has been to work with you through the years! I hope that you will join me in embracing this new exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity and taking an active part in it.

Report of the 4th Degree:SK Joe Rodriguez, Master of the Sword

My Brother Knights all,

I bring you greetings from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Prov-ince. Our Worthy Vice Supreme Master David Roewe is unable to be with us this weekend. I would like to report to you that the 4th Degree in Texas stands at 20,156 Sir Knights with more that came in during the months of February and March that have not been processed at the time of this report. I would like to ask any 3rd Degree Knight to become a 4th Degree Knight and help us support all areas of Patriotism.

For 120 years we have been here to salute our Veterans and to support our Country and what it stands for. Every day we are


Page 31

thankful for the freedom and liberty that we sometimes take for granted as Americans. We the Sir Knights of our Order stand ready to support and defend our rights as Catholic American citizens.

We also understand that we must do our part to invite and encourage all Catholic men to become members of the Knights of Columbus. If they do not become 1st Degree Knights, we will never see them become 4th Degree Knights. We will do our part to support our councils in their actions to recruit new Knights.

The 4th Degree is going thru some changes in what and how we do things but our principals and our charge has not changed. I would like to thank our Texas Masters for their hard work and dedication to our Order. District 1 Master Kenneth Oradiegwu, District 2 Master Herman Poothong, District 3 Master Pat Con-way Sr., District 4 Master Dan Norman, District 5 Master Tony Schillo, and District 6 Master Don Ream. They stand ready to help the Texas State Council and all of our Texas Councils were ever they can.

Again, we invite all to become a Sir Knight of our Order.

Membership Director’s Final Comments

As we come into the last 2 months of this fraternal year, I must ask all councils to push to make their assigned membership intake goal. A council needs new Knights to keep the dreams of the Venerable Servant of God Fr. Michael McGivney’s dream alive. We must grow our councils, grow our State Council and grow our Order. Our Church, our communities, and our families need the Knights of Columbus. Just as we need new Catholic men.

I would like to thank our Grand Knights, District Deputies, Diocesan Deputies and State Council Directors, Committeemen, Field Agents and General Agents, and the State Officers for their leadership and commitment to our Order .A big thank you to Michael McLaughlin, Kari Jordan and Kathleen McLoughlin in our State Office for all they do make the Texas State Council the great operation that it is. I really appreciate our Membership Team, Tom Oaks Recruitment Chairman, Tom Watters Parish Drives & Blitz Chairman, Dennis Trainor Membership Retention Chair-man and his team members Jack Schooley and Kenneth Thies, Brad Meyer Membership Intake Tracking Chairman, Phil Apgar Ceremonials Chairman, Fred Guillory Membership Committee-man and Joe Rodriguez Master of the Sword. They along with our Insurance Liaison, General Agent Chris Stark have helped steer the Membership Ship on a straight course to sail across the finish line with Texas in the lead.

A big thank you to all of our members who have served as a part of our Ceremonial teams. Their dedication to teaching and sharing the lessons of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism to all of our Knights is a great challenge. They are the unsung heroes of our Order. They are still needed to help keep Fr. McGivney’s dreams alive.

I would like to thank my wife, Karen and my family for letting me spend the time needed to help our State Council. I have put in 33 years as a dedicated Knight. I have served the Texas State

State Council Growth Director’s Report, 2020 Tony Fontanelli, State Council Growth Director

The Theme of the Council Growth Team is “Boots on the Ground”

Our Success or Failure is determined by our Dioc-esan, Assistant Diocesan, and District Deputies hard work and perseverance, along with that of their Council Grand Knights, Officers, members and Field Agents working together with our pastors and other clergy.

You are our “Boots on the Ground”.

The mission of the Council Growth Team is to bring to reality the Venerable Fr. Michael J. McGivney’s vision of a Knights of Columbus presence in every Roman Catholic community in Texas. This can be accomplished by establishing or main-taining a Council or a Round Table in these communities. Our team’s mission is to establish new councils, re-activate dormant / suspended councils, and to merge members from suspended councils into active councils, and to ensure that active councils remain that way by paying their Supreme Council Per Capita and other required assessments. We also support the establish-ment of new Round Tables or the re-establishment on an annual basis of existing Round Tables. Our team also assists in all of these areas in primarily Hispanic or college communities. Our team is composed of these Chairmen; Round Tables is headed by Pat Poskey, New Council Development by James DeGhelder, Reactivations and Mergers by Bill Tillotson, per Capita Reporting by Paul Bettge, Council Retention by Tony Hernandez, Hispanic Council Development by Chairman Jacob Gaona, and Assistant Carlos X Martinez. All areas of Council Growth are supported by Outreach Chairman Pat Poskey. A summary of our fraternal year to date activity in each of these areas follows.

Round Tables Pat Poskey

Without question, the fastest way to establish a Knights of Columbus presence in a Parish or mission is by forming a Round Table from a nearby council. In these communities that are not large enough or strong enough to support a council, a Round Table can be established with only one member from the council attending that parish or mission. This is a great opportunity for nearby Knights to support the pastor and the community as it grows. You can also create a Round Table in a multi-cultural par-ish. Our goal for the fraternal year is to establish (or re-establish) 200 Round Tables. Our status as of March 1st is 147 Round Tables established and nine dioceses meeting or exceeding their

Council and my diocese for 30 years and now it comes to an end as I plan to only serve in my council. I thank all my Brother Knights across the State for their help and support over all these years. We keep this going to pass it on to ones like my Columbian Squire Grandson T.J. Henigan.

Make your light shine, by helping shine the spotlight on Fr. McGivney.


Page 32

exceed our goal by activating at least four additional new councils this fraternal year, at least one of which by this very convention date. Thanks to all involved to date and for the remainder of the fraternal year for your time and leadership in establishing these new councils! Well done.

Reactivations & MergersBill Tillotson

Reactivating a dormant council brings a Knights of Columbus presence back to a parish that once had one. As of March 1, three Councils have been reactivated – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council 6280 in Corpus Christi, Father Anthony Weber Council 10294 in Gatesville (Austin Diocese), and Saint Stephen Council 13198 in Salado (Austin Diocese) . Several other councils con-tinue in work. Councils become suspended for many reasons, and an effective reactivation requires overcoming those reasons. We are grateful for the Brother Knights throughout Texas who work to bring dormant councils back to life by re-engaging former members, recruiting new members and rebuilding relationships with pastors and parish organizations.

At times, a dormant council cannot be reactivated for some rea-son. In those cases, the council is merged with another council in order to give those men the opportunity to remain active Knights. As of March 1, four Councils have been merged in Texas (three in the Fort Worth Diocese and one in the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese) with several others in work. As of March 1, there were 109 Texas Councils Suspended by Supreme. It is important to reactivate or merge these councils so that the members regain their fraternal benefits. If you are aware of a suspended council you believe can be reactivated – please reach out to your District Deputy or Diocesan Deputy. Also feel free to contact Bill Tillotson at [email protected] and we will help you reactivate or merge that council.

Per Capita Reporting and Council RetentionPaul Bettge and Tony Hernandez

Knights of Columbus Councils that do not pay Supreme Council Per Capita and other Required Supreme Assessments by due dates (10/10 and 4/10) are suspended by Supreme. When suspended, they are not able to participate in State Council sponsored events such as the convention, State athletics, and State youth pro-grams. Suspended councils also forfeit automatic benefits from Supreme Council that are paid to every member – such as the $2,500 accidental death payment for a member or his spouse. The Retention Committee reviews Supreme Financial Status and Pending Suspension reports to intercede with councils pending suspension before it is too late. Our Chairman will reach out to local leadership including Diocesan Deputies, District Depu-ties, Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries to work to ensure payment is made before suspension occurs. We opened the year with 104 Suspended Councils but were at 109 on March 1st due to additional councils suspended in October. Many of those have paid and we are working diligently with the others to get them current and active again. Additionally, there are numerous councils in various stages of reactivation and merger with nearby

goals. Those Dioceses are Amarillo, Beaumont, Brownsville, El Paso, Fort Worth, Lubbock, San Antonio, Victoria, and Tyler. If you had Round Tables in place last year, please ensure they are re-established by completing & submitting form 2629 by the end of the fraternal year, although our goal each year is to have met our Round Tables goal by the Midyear meeting.

New Council Development

“The Missionaries Grew the Church in the New World. So too must we as Knights of Columbus Grow the Order”

James DeGhelder

Our objective in developing new councils is to ensure that when a parish community achieves sufficient size to support a council (20 members required) we are prepared and positioned to make that happen. This can occur as a progression from a Round Table to a council or by direct formation of a new council. This process requires a significant effort with a broad team, including the parish priest, the parish community, and our Diocesan and District Deputy, the General or Field Agents, existing Round Table members, members of nearby councils (recruiting help and transfers into the new council) and the Council Growth Team. As of March 1st Texas has been blessed by the addition of 6 new councils this year against our goal of 10. Those councils and the Brother Knights responsible for their establishment are:

• Council 17404 Holy Trinity Parish in Azle (Fort Worth Diocese) Diocesan Deputy Bruce Mallory, District Deputy 29 Bill Mechura, and Field Agent Bob Hoholick

• Council 17410 Inmalcudo Corazon de Maria in Fort Worth Diocesan Deputy Bruce Mallory, District Deputy 25 Obie Obregon, and Field Agent Luis Hernandez

• Council 17420 Hermanos San Francisco de Assis Parish in El Paso Diocesan Deputy Joe Grillo and District Deputy 5 La-Don Moten

• Council 17449 San Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Parish in El Paso Diocesan Deputy Joe Grillo and District Deputy 2 Art Aguirre

• Council 17470 Holy Trinity Parish in Jarrell (Austin Diocese) Diocesan Deputy Ed Tydings, General Agent Will Brit-ten, and Grand Knight Josh Jacobs

• Council 17492 University of Texas San Antonio Diocesan Deputy Derek Rabey, Chaplain Father Jason Martini, and Assistant Diocesan Deputy Mike Buecher

There is sufficient activity underway throughout this great State that I can be confident in stating I believe we will reach or


Page 33

active councils. We do have outstanding prospects to accomplish our goal of 74 Suspended Councils for the year, but we will need to ensure that most of the councils suspended during the last fraternal year and on October 10th reactivate by making their back due payments to Supreme and that a very minimal amount of additional suspensions occur in April.

Hispanic Council DevelopmentJacob Gaona and Carlos X Martinez

Our Supreme Knight continually reminds us of our moral obligation to offer membership in the Knights to any practical Catholic gentleman. Our demographic composition in Texas is broad, but it is hard to overstate the importance of outreach to our Hispanic Brothers in growing our beloved Order. Accordingly, we have in place a Chairman and an Assistant whose role is to provide any assistance they can to anyone requesting help in establishing Hispanic Round Tables, new councils, reactivations or retention. Please do not hesitate to reach out if they can assist you in any way from a council growth perspective, or for that matter any other aspect of Knights operations with Hispanic or predominantly Hispanic councils. We are pleased to report the formation of three new Hispanic Councils so far this fraternal year and look forward to multiple more new Hispanic Councils from this effort to accomplish Fr. McGivney’s vision of a Knights of Columbus presence in every Catholic parish.

COLLEGE COUNCILSPosition Currently Vacant

The objective of the Texas College Councils program is to foster excellence and growth in established councils, and to establish Round Tables or new councils on campuses where a Knights of Columbus presence does not yet exist. One primary activity of this team is to coordinate an annual conference for Texas’ Col-lege Knights. The 2020 Texas College Councils Conference was held at Baylor University in Waco and provided an opportunity for students to come together and develop leadership skills as young Knights, and to exchange ideas with leaders of other col-lege councils. The College Conference was an outstanding success this year with over 35 participants from 10 of the fourteen active college councils in Texas. One of the major objectives that came out of the conference is the planned establishment of a dedicated social media platform for our college council Knights. Plans for next year’s conference are already being discussed and we hope that the turnout will be even greater and that all of our college councils will be able to send representatives. Thanks to our col-lege Knights throughout Texas for your witness to your faith and the good works that you do!

CONCLUSION

I extend the appreciation and thanks of the Council Growth Team to Mike McLaughlin, Kari Jordan, and Kathleen McLough-lin, in our State Office. Their diligence, willingness to teach and share makes our job so much easier. I also send a hearty thank you to the members of the team this year. Without your unselfish assistance to me and those Brother Knights we served throughout

Texas, none of this would have been possible. I owe a tremendous thank you to my wife Madeline for her patience and understanding so I could do “Knights” stuff as much and as often as I do. God has richly blessed me with Madeline and I am very grateful for her love and companionship. And finally, the Council Growth Team gives a big thank you to our Diocesan Deputies, Assistant Diocesan Deputies, District Deputies, Special Assistants in the Dioceses, and local council members, for the untold hours you committed to growing our Order in this great state! Vivat Jesus! Viva Cristo Rey! The eyes of Texas and of the Order are upon you! And you have responded well!

Star Council Award Director’s Report, 2020 Reggie Vasquez, Star Council Award Director

The Star Council Award recognizes outstanding achieve-ment in membership, insurance and Faith in Action pro-gram activities. In order to earn the Star Council Award,

a council must qualify for the Father McGivney, Founder’s, and Columbian Awards. Additionally, the council must submit its An-nual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728), its Service Program Personnel Report (#365), and remain in good standing with Supreme Council assessments.

*To be eligible for the Star Council Award in the United States councils must be fully compliant with applicable safe environ-ment requirements. *

(Note: all membership and insurance transactions must be re-ceived, processed, recorded and released at the Supreme Council office by June 30.)

The sources specifying the criteria for achieving Star Coun-cil each year can be found in the Texas State publication “Star Guide”, the KofC publication “Safe Environment Program Information Guide” and “Faith in Action Guidebook” as well as the official www.kofc.org the Knights of Columbus website. Any changes to the criteria are transmitted through the State Deputy to the various councils within the jurisdiction. Texas goes a step further as described in the Star Guide and recognizes councils who meet even more criteria and become eligible for the Lone Star Award for Excellence and the Lone Star Award for Excel-lence with Distinction.

This past fraternal year we piloted a new qualification for the Founder’s Award regarding the Insurance quota. In its place was the scheduling and execution of a Fraternal Benefits Night wherein at least 10 insurance eligible prospective members, their families or members (non-insurance) and their families were invited to a Fraternal Benefits Night. This is intended to be not only an infor-mative session regarding Knights of Columbus benefits but also a recruitment opportunity, especially in regard to e-membership. Electronic or online membership (e-membership) is now an option for prospective members until they join a council via the vetting and degree process. We have also now introduced a new Degree of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity that is open to the entire Catholic community. We want our families and communities to know who


Page 34

State Programs Director’s Report, 2019 Ron Alonzo, State Programs Director

FAITH IN ACTION AND SOCIAL MEDIA

All Knights of Columbus meetings are temporarily canceled. So are sporting events, major conferences, and conventions for every vertical industry imaginable. Restaurants, bars, and movie theaters have been ordered closed by city officials. Theme parks have shut down, and the fate of the summer Olympic Games in Tokyo is up in the air. Entire countries are being placed under quarantine, and people are hoarding supplies.

Welcome to the brave new world of COVID-19.

While it is too early to assess the damage caused by this global pandemic, there are signs that it will permanently change the way society functions. From its impact on the global economy to our daily lives, COVID-19 will leave an enormous impact on how we consume, how we learn, how we work, and how we socialize and communicate.

we are, what we do, and what we believe.

Because of changes with the concerns and pressing issues re-garding Safe Environment compliance with youth and the most vulnerable among us, Star Council achievement for the State took a dip for the last two fraternal years. Now, with better communi-cations and training, the prospect of achieving Star Council is an attainable goal for all councils. We need to reach a goal of over 100 Star Councils. The most positive move a council can make is to achieve Star Council. It means putting our Faith in Action, reaching goals, and inviting Catholic friends and families into an Order of faith and charitable action. Star Councils have been around for quite a while, but now they are taking on new criteria for eligibility. Make no mistake, making Star Council requires a council to take action, be motivated, be positive, and pay atten-tion to detail. We take seriously a Safe Environment in all of our Catholic communities and will expect that all councils positively engage in the requirements by following the proper guidelines of the Knights of Columbus and our diocesan ordinaries. A word of encouragement regarding getting reports, forms, and information in on time. Yearly the State publishes a Star Guide with a forms deadline checklist included, please use that. Don’t get discouraged and frustrated, forms can be submitted on-line or via member man-agement. And be aware that there are new forms now, especially related to Faith in Action programs reporting and the new Degree of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity report (form 450). If forms are not submitted in a timely manner, how can we possibly validate all we do for our Church and communities? So, let’s be proud of what we do, and let everyone know what we are doing! Change can be scary, but we Knights are up to the challenge and we can do many things and do them well. Listen to your leadership and be the leaders of our communities. Texas and the world needs who we are.

Vivat Jesus

Streaming becomes the new way forward for content con-sumption.

We have implanted this into our business, and it allows those to attend without being physically present. I strongly advise that your councils begin researching and educating yourselves on us-ing Social Media to keep in touch. Get your council a Facebook page, go live with your events, etc.

Thanks to our information network, many of us will continue to connect despite our isolation, while those who lack access to the internet will fall behind. Regardless of the duration and severity of COVID-19, it will have a lasting impact on our society.

So, take advantage of this time and upgrade your council into the information network and use social media to evangelize to the membership and community.

You have done a great job so far, but the fraternal year is not over. Take advantage of the time left to complete your councils’ programs to receive the Columbian Award, which is one step closer to achieving Star Council. Get those forms in and Stay Safe.

2019-2020 Program Committee Members

• RSVP – Vocations Chairman – Alvin Kulcak

• Silver Rose and Marian Icon Chairman – Tom Krueger

• Faith, Family, Community Chairman –James Torline

• Softball Chairman – Stanley Pesek

• Bowling Chairman – “Skipper” Arsenault

• Golf Chairman – Ricky Meyer

• Free Throw Chairman – Michael Rademacher

• Culture of Life Chairman – Tom Clark

• Ultrasound and Pregnancy Resource Center Coordinator – Andrew Clark

RSVP & VOCATIONS – Alvin Kulcak, Chairman

Texas Knights proudly support our Seminarians.

Throughout the great state of Texas, Knights of Columbus Councils and Assemblies are supporting Seminarians and other men and women in formation as they pursue their vocations. These men and women are learning as they follow their calling to serve the Church and their communities. Helping to ease their financial burdens gives them more mental and physical energy to put into their education. This will help make them better priests and religious brothers and sisters.

Councils and Assemblies in Texas have given over $350,000 to our Seminarians and others in religious formation. These Coun-cils combined received over $88,000 in refunds from Supreme.


Page 35

It is vitally important for the Church that these men and women focus on their education, and the Knights of Columbus are committed to helping them do so with fewer concerns about their finances.

The Texas State Council thanks every Council and Assembly who have committed to support our future priests and religious, and for allowing each of them to “Let your Light Shine”.

MARIAN ICON – Tom Kruger, Chairman

We saw the 18th image introduced at the Supreme Convention since the inception of this program in 1979. The Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians Icon is available for use in every Diocese in Texas. The Marian Prayer Booklet (#5050) and Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians Prayer Card (#10740) can be ordered at http://www.kofc.org/en/programs/faith/marian-icon-prayer.html#

The prayer service held in your Council or parish is very flexible and can be as short as 20 minutes or for an hour as you determine the content with your clergy. See your District Deputy for more information.

The current Icons have been in circulation throughout our state for the past two years. If you are in possession of an Icon at the end of this fraternal year, please return them to Texas State Council Office.

SILVER ROSE – Tom Kruger, Chairman

The Knights continue to carry the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe through North America with the Silver Rose Prayer Program. Texas started July 15, 2019 and we anticipate a similar start date this year to allow all Diocese to host this program. Texas hosted 5 of the 8 Supreme Roses this year. The first International Rose started in Anchorage Alaska in March and traveled through the Yukon, British Columbia, down the West Coast, Arizona, New Mexico and transferred in El Paso to Juarez Mexico. Additional International Roses entered from Oklahoma, Louisiana and Ar-kansas. One of the International Roses was transferred to Mexico in Laredo in December to arrive at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey for the Feast Day December 12. Mark your calendars and plan on joining us for the 51st anniversary of the “Running of the Rose” in the city this originated, Laredo December 12, 2020. Watch for more details as we get closer to December 2020.

SOFTBALL – Stanley Pesek, Chairman

The State of Texas Knights of Columbus, 48th Annual Daryl Entrop Memorial 2020 Softball Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2020, in Schulenburg, Texas. We are looking forward to seeing many familiar teams. We are also looking forward to some new teams.

BOWLING – Skipper Arsenault, Chairman

The 56th Annual Texas State Council Knights of Columbus Bowling Tournament dates are April 18th – 19th and April 25th

– 26th, 2020. Location: Max Bowl Port Arthur, 3500 Regional Drive, Port Arthur, TX 77642

GOLF – Ricky Meyer, Chairman

The 46th Annual Johnny Lopez Knights of Columbus State of Texas Open Golf Championship will be held the weekend of August 28th – 30th, 2020, at River Bend Golf Course, 101 Club Dr., Floresville, TX 78114 and Pleasanton Country Club, 1801 McGuffin Dr., Pleasanton, TX 78064.

CULTURE OF LIFE ACTIVITIES – Tom Clark, Chairman

The Culture of Life continues to be in the forefront of Council activities in the great State of Texas. Thanks to all who have participated in the Programs and by doing so have helped to save many babies from the horrors of abortion. Knights and their ladies have taken the Culture of Life message back to their Diocese, Districts, Councils, and communities and lives are being changed, and many babies have been saved.

While the ACE Wings are certainly not the only program we encourage Knights to participate in it remains a barometer on the health of Pro-Life activities in our state. We remain solid and steadfast in our defense of the unborn and those who are at risk of losing their lives such as the terminally ill and those on death row.

Please do not forget that each ACE Wing represent a child lost to abortion – we wear these wings to show others that their life would have mattered, and that they would have enjoyed all the wonders that life brings to each of us… to wear them is a sign that you are a strong man of Christ, willing to place the weakest of the weak on your shoulders and to carry them, for Life!

To date (March 2020), 230 ACE Wings have been earned in Texas. Of these 141 ACE Wings earned 52 went to our ladies who worked alongside of our brothers defending life. Another 10 Councils presented ACE Wings to thank individuals in their communities for their Culture of Life efforts. I hope these numbers will increase significantly through the end of our fraternal year.

The Special Forces ACE Wings continue to grow in popularity. To date 72 SFAW have been sent out to Knights with 11 of these going to spouses.

The Gold ACE Wings, the Texas State Council Pro Life Hall of Fame, is doing well with the majority of Diocesan Deputies taking great care to choose a worthy candidate. We now also have 25 “At Large” Gold ACE Wings that any member may nominate a Pro Life Warrior, who is a Knight, to receive.

I have to thank the Diocesan Culture of Life Chairmen for their work within their respective Diocese, for without them and their tireless efforts, the Culture of Life face of Texas would look much different. I also wish to thank the Culture of Life Chairman in each Council… for they are the ones who bring the Culture of Life message to each Brother Knight in Texas.

So, have you earned the right to wear the ACE Wings? If not, then we challenge you to become one soon… your work might


Page 36

save a future teacher, engineer, or even a Priest… we lose 150 babies every hour of every day… we cannot change this unless every Knight and his lady gets involved!

God’s blessings to all my Brother Knights, and thank you for caring about Life!

PREGANCY RESOURCE – Andrew Clark, Chairman

This fraternal year has been a good year for the Ultrasound Initiative. We were able to provide seven machines to bring our total to 80 since the introduction of the program. We also have seven more machines in the works as well. Great job Texas! I believe one of the best things we can do as a state to increase our ultrasounds next year is by looking at our past. I would en-courage all councils to reach out to pregnancy centers who have received an ultrasound machine from this program and see if an update is needed. These machines are always being updated and top end ultrasound machines 5 years ago are not as clear as the machines that are currently out. Remember, a mother is more likely to choose life if she sees an ultrasound of her baby! This is a great way to keep in contact and show continued support for our pregnancy centers around our Great State.

I want to thank and congratulate these councils who were able to obtain an ultrasound machine this past year for a pregnancy center.

Our Lady of the Gulf 3253 out of Victoria Diocese, Santa Rosa de Lima 12522 out of Austin Diocese, St. Jude’s Council 6269 and Ranger Council 2123 out of Fort Worth Diocese, Father W.P. Pechal Council 11721 out of Dallas Diocese, St. Lawrence Council 9641 and St. Stephen Council 12657 out of San Angelo Diocese. Many thanks to councils who have helped with these initiatives or are finishing up current ones!

This is a great step forward for the ultrasound initiative, con-gratulations to all involved. However, there is much more work to be done! Let’s make this fraternal year a better one.

God Bless

CHAPLAIN OF THE YEAR

This year the Texas State Council will award the first Monsi-gnor James M. Kirwin, Chaplain of the Year Award to a Council Chaplain in grateful recognition of their exemplary commitment to provide extraordinary service and inspirational leadership as chaplain, mentor and guide.

FAMILY OF THE YEAR

Each year, the Texas State Council recognizes one special family from among many. The family will go on for possible selection as the Supreme Family of the Year. Congratulations!!

FREE-THROW – Michael Rademacher, Chairman

The State Free Throw contest was held at Lopez Middle School on March 7, 2020. We had over 100 participants at the Free Throw

contest. Well done! Thank you to all the participants and parents who took the time to come to San Antonio.

2020 Texas Free Throw Winners

Girls 9 Council# Boys 9 Council#

1st Reagan Domel 2500 1st William Walker 8771

2nd Madilynn Noriega 4554 2nd Justin Conlon 11716

3rd Paige Hatzman 11169 3rd Evan Garza 10240

Girls 10 Boys 10

1st Sahrah Dee 4771 1st Jaydon Garcia 10240

2nd Aliya Rodriguez 10090 2nd Jayden Schindler 2433

3rd Jaylee Trussell 3295 3rd Joseph Balgos 10995

Girls 11 Boys 11

1st Summer Sodek 3295 1st Jaydon Garcia 10240

2nd Amy Hannigan 1459 2nd Brayden Conlon 11716

3rd Ava Salanas 16275 3rd Max McCormick 9708

Girls 12 Boys 12

1st Savannah Rodriguez 10240 1st Brogan Smith 12327

2nd Jayda Brown 16202 2nd Isaiah Medina 7265

3rd Jeada Escobeda 2917 3rd Ryan Casas 2791

Girls 13 Boys 13

1st Amelia Schneider 10240 1st Joaquin Hinojosa 7016

2nd Elyssia Brooks 12153 2nd John Ward 1329

3rd Alexis Rynders 10816 3rd Casey Coley 10995

Girls 14 Boys 14

1st Samara Martinez 13520 1st Rhiley Madamba 10995

2nd Emma Vallejo 10240 2nd Andrew Estrada 16275

3rd Samiah Ybaria 7975 3rd Branden Hays 13520

Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest

Diocese Council City Winner

8th Grade

Gal/Houston 4204 Richmond Patrick J. Krall 1st place

Fort Worth 9868 Forth Worth Abby Cawyer 2nd place

Victoria 2153 Weimar Kelly McAfee 3rd place

9th Grade

Gal/Houston 4204 Sugar Land Lucille Newcomb 1st place

Tyler 10524 Athens Olivia Gonzalez Gutierrez 2nd place

10th Grade


Page 37

The mission of the Texas State Education and Training Team is to provide leadership training and resources in the State of Texas. The primary audience are the Grand

Knights, Financial Secretaries, District Deputies and Diocesan Deputies. We also offer consistent resources to supplement Su-preme materials and these are available for download on the State Website (www.tkofc.org). Spanish Financial Secretary training materials are now available. Click on the following icon on the home page.

Every Knight in Texas is our customer so we are looking for feedback on how we can improve our training products.

In addition, we are actively working to increase our social media presence, mainly through our State Facebook page. Our goal here is to increase the visibility of our charitable work and to promote e-membership.

District Deputy TrainingState Organizational Meeting, Dallas, TX – July 2019

Every year, the District Deputies are recommended by the State Deputy but appointed by the Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson. Texas is unique because of our size. We are the only jurisdiction in the order where the District Deputy does not report directly to the State Deputy. Instead, we have 15 Diocesan Deputies which report to our State Deputy and the 200+ District Deputies report to them.

Supreme developed required District Deputy training to be competed through the Supreme website training portal for this fraternal year. We were successful in transforming this online training program into a training deck that was rolled out dur-ing our Organizational Meeting. Over 85% of District Deputies completed their basic training responsibility as a result. District Deputies who did not make the meeting were able to complete their required training afterwards at the Officer Training Website. The Officer Training Website is open to all - https://goo.gl/fFrac9 (DD, GK, DGK, FS, New Officer training, Personal Recruitment Skills). Many new initiatives were reviewed and trained by the respective State Directors to include e-membership and the ‘Faith in Action’ program model. Safe environment training require-ments were also reviewed. Our Financial Secretary Training team manned a table offering many printed resources to all attendees in addition to individual Q&A sessions.

Education and Training Report, 2020 Reed Fontenot, Education and Training Director

Gal/Houston 4202 Richmond Ikeobasi Ezike 1st place

11th Grade

Gal/Houston 4204 Richmond Chidubem Ezike 1st place

12th Grade

Gal/Houston 4202 Richmond Christina Nguyen 1st place

Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest

Diocese Division Council City Winner

Age 5-7

Austin 12642 Rockne-String Prairie Sophie Hammons 1st Place

Corpus Christi 1202 Corpus Christi Mackenzie Goller 2nd Place

Austin 13902 Westphalia Aubrey Meyer 3rd Place

Age 8-10

Beaumont 3195 Port Arthur Rosanne Magana 1st Place

Tyler 11093 Longview Jasmine McKerley 2nd Place

Corpus Christi 7290 Corpus Christi Liliana Ortega 3rd Place

Age 11-14

Tyler 11093 Longview Nathan Perkins 1st Place

Fort Worth 11905 Lindsay Mary Gomulak 2nd Place

Corpus Christi 11107 Corpus Christi Maximus Rodriguez 3rd Place

State Council Service Program Awards: Refer to the Conven-tion Awards Booklet for complete details of the 2020 Program Winners.

CONCLUSION

I would like to thank my fellow Directors who have made this an enjoyable year; the Programs team who have worked so hard this year; the officers and leadership at the diocesan, district, and council levels; the knights and their families in the local councils who do all of the work. I also would like to thank Mike, Kari, and Kathleen for their support.

Finally, the most important thank you goes to my wife Margo and my family for their encouraging words and supportive action which is another way of helping me to succeed.


Page 38

District Deputy TrainingState Mid-Year Meeting, Houston, TX – December 2019

District Deputy training was rolled out with a main focus dur-ing this meeting to review planning for a successful conclusion of the Fraternal Year with a strong emphasis on membership. We trained on the role of the Council Prospect Landing Page. This is a resource where each council can request to have a customized website for their council. The ideal way to sign up a new member is now through e-membership via a smart phone, iPad or laptop. If a member is not quite ready for this commitment than their in-formation can be entered into the Council Prospect Landing Page. This is a medium which will allow weekly email follow-up and a funnel of candidates that are nearly ready to commit. This will help you keep your target lists organized following your recruiting events and not allow prospective members to fall though the gaps.

Summer and Winter Diocesan Conferences

Post State Training meetings, all Dioceses held Summer and Winter training conferences. Our team provided a combined and pared down training deck of all State Director presentations for the Diocesan Deputies. These meetings would ideally have been followed by local District Deputy meetings with their council officers.

Financial Secretary Training

We have six Financial Secretary trainers available in the state and they are assigned to specific Dioceses. The basic FS training session lasts approximately three hours and we now offer our training resources in Spanish! This class is open to all council and assembly officers as well as district deputies. We consider this to be a ‘Best in Class’ model for the Order. Financial Secretary trainers will also be able to offer one-on-one and WebEx train-ing as requested. What follows is the list of Financial Secretary trainers, their assigned Dioceses and their contact information.

• Craig Modrzynski, [email protected] – Dioceses of Dallas, Fort Worth and Tyler.

• Robert Hernandez, [email protected] – Dioceses of Austin and Amarillo.

• Peter Donahoe, Jr, [email protected] – Dioceses of San Antonio and Lubbock.

• Robert Alcala, [email protected] – Dioceses of Beau-mont, Houston and Victoria.

• David Solis, [email protected] – Dioceses of El Paso and San Angelo.

• Michael Murphy, [email protected] – Dio-ceses of Brownsville, Corpus Christi and Laredo.

Publications – Mark Johnson – State Webmaster for the Texas State Council (www.tkofc.org). Also, he is the Editor of the Texas Knight (http://www.texasknight-news.net). Submit articles and photos to Mark at [email protected]

Social Media – Austin Thurman – Austin serves as our point person with all Social Media activities in the State. We are primar-ily focused on increasing views, likes, shares, etc. on our State Facebook page. In order to increase our footprint in the State, we added a Diocesan Coordinator for each Diocese. These men have full administrative rights to our Facebook page after having been trained on our Supreme Social Media Policy. We have piloted e-membership ads and paid for boosts to reach more people. Our traffic at our page dramatically increased.

Reed Fontenot manages our Flocknotes emailing system, to include all distribution lists. We support this tool at the State level only, however all Diocesan Deputies and District managers are welcome to use at their discretion. This is a fantastic tool at the State level to ensure we get important and timely information to all key officers in the State. We recently completed a project to add all members in Texas (with an email address) to a distribution list for our State Deputy. We now have the ability to reach over 80,000 Knights in Texas!

Presentations – Greg Brown – Greg has done an outstanding job putting together and managing our presentations and audio-visual system for our three major meetings annually (Organiza-tional, Mid-Year and Convention). We now have more music and video intertwined throughout than ever before. Through his ex-pertise, Greg adds a great deal of professionalism to our meetings.

Summary

Since the men of our Order bring a wide variety of skills and backgrounds to their councils, it is essential for the State Edu-cation and Training program to be applicable and timely. The primary function of our team is to provide information and to assist in the Education and Training of the leadership in Councils, Assemblies, Districts, and each Diocese in Texas. As in the past, this has been done through the Organizational and Mid-Year meet-ing for the DD’s, Diocesan Conferences, Publications, the State Website, Social Media, and Financial Secretary Training sessions. This year we are continuing to expand the Social Media footprint.

Your role is to attend and actively participate in the Training programs and to take this knowledge back to your council so each council can use these tools to be more successful. We invite you to send us your feedback with regards to improvements that can better provide training and communications across our great State. The goal of every council should be to achieve Star Council. The training that we provide can be the very thing to bring your council to that level.

I would like to personally thank the members of the Education and Training team for their hours of service to their jobs. We could not be of service without their sacrifice!

I extend my thanks to the State Office Staff (Mike McLaughlin, Kari Jordan, and Kathleen McLoughlin) for their support through-out the year. Thank you for allowing me to serve you as we all work to elevate the Knights of Columbus in Texas and do God’s work! Finally, without the Blessing of my wife Donna I could not serve. She is my rock and I thank her for being there for me!


Page 39

State Charity Director’s Report, 2020 Boyd Burris, State Charity Director

Charity is the number one principle of our Order. We are comprised of over 108,000 Brother Knights with various talents in our great State. Each of us can find a

program to use those talents to help contribute toward expanding our charitable footprint in our communities and parishes, such as Promoting Special Olympics, Global Wheelchair Mission, volunteering as an Emergency Response Coordinator, various fundraising events, Clergy and Religious Appreciation Banquets, Blood Drives, Blue Masses, Infirmed Priest Fund, and Medeiros Fellowship Program which ultimately assists in Education Grant Recipients and Catholic School Grant Program.

This year our theme is “Let your Light Shine”. This simple phrase encompasses the whole concept of charity.

It is that commitment to service that has our State of Texas, as a whole, in a very good position to achieve 100% of our Charity Goal. At this point in our fraternal year we have twelve Dioceses that are ahead dollar wise over last fraternal year. Across the State, we have 53 Districts that all Councils have achieved a 100% or better. In addition, we have increased our performance in Quick Start Councils (436). To the councils that have made their goal or just contributed whatever they could, we give a hardy thank you!

The State is doing well but now is NOT the time to slack off in Charities.

Every year we have several dioceses that achieve 100% of their charity goal. So far this fraternal year we have the Tyler Diocese, led by Diocesan Deputy David Zeigler, continuing their streak of meeting their charity goal, this year before December 31. This will be their 27th year. Likewise, the Fort Worth Diocese led by Bruce Mallory, is racing toward their 25th consecutive year of achieving their charity goal.

This year, our State goal is $997,860. As of February 29, 2020, we have collected $761,678, or 76.3% of our goal. We still have some work to do, but I think the big hearts in our Brother Knights in Texas will bring us over our goal.

CONCLUSION In closing, I thank our Worthy State Deputy and the State Of-

ficers for putting their trust in me and affording me the honor of being your Texas State Charity Director. I would thank our State Office staff, Michael McLaughlin, Kari Jordan, and Kathleen McLoughlin for their help and knowledge. I thank the Charity Board, Fundraising and Charity Programs Chairmen and their Committee members for their efforts to make Fr. McGivney’s dream come true. We must also thank David Zwingman for the great work he does behind the scenes in keeping all of the reports and records on the history of the Texas State Charities. I offer a very big thank you to my wife Patricia and my family for their support and help. And finally, thank you to all my Brother Knights in Texas. It is your support at the local council level that makes all of this possible. Your generosity and your commitment to charity is the difference.

SPECIAL OLYMPICSCarlos Ortiz – Chairman

We are celebrating the 51st year that the Knights of Columbus in Texas has supported Special Olympics. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Our Athletes Deserve…

• To receive appropriate instruction and encouragement

• Consistent training and coaching performed at a profes-sional level.

• Opportunities to compete with athletes of equal abilities.

• New opportunities for life-changing experiences.

Benefits for Athletes…

• Demonstrated increased performance at work, school, and home that correspond directly with the length of time an athlete spends in a Special Olympics program. (Yale University Study -1995)

• Significantly improved attitudes toward school and physi-cal education activities after participation in Special Olym-pics. (Texas Tech University Research Study)

What Roles Do Volunteers Fill?

• For the Athletes: Certified Coach, Chaperone, Head of Delegation, Unified Partners

• For the Competitions: Day-of-Event Volunteer, Competi-tion Director, Local Coordinator, Games Director, Sports Director, Official or Referee

• For the Organization: Committee Member, Board Mem-bers, Fund Raising, Training Managers and Directors, SOTX Office Support

• For Your Profession: Public Relations, Accounting and Finance, Legal, Medical

Unified Sports

Special Olympics has pioneered the concept of Unified Sports, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates. The basic concept is that training together and play-ing together can create a path to friendship and understanding. Special Olympics Unified Sports is breaking down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities.


Page 40

Moberg, American Wheelchair Mission, 2600 E. Seltice Way, Suite A172, Post Falls, ID. 93854-7991. Please Let Bill Weber know about your donation via email or phone, [email protected], 214-405-8023.

Experience proves that a very good way to raise funds is to conduct a weekend parish wide Wheelchair Drive. This gives interested parishioners an opportunity to learn about this ministry and contribute to it. Some Parishes, with great results, have their drive over two weekends with pulpit talks at all the Masses and pulpit announcements at the second weekend.

Here is what needs to be done:

1. Obtain permission and support of the pastor.

2. Coordinate with the appropriate parish staff person to select a date for the event. Do not compete with other ministries and plan early.

3. Publicize the event at least six weeks before the event using all parish publications.

4. Seek opportunities to speak to parish organizations.

5. Obtain a sample pulpit announcement and materials needed for a successful drive from Bill.

6. On the day(s) of the drive read the pulpit talk at all of the Masses and have a table set up in the narthex where people can donate and get additional information.

Wheelchairs are shipped in either a small container of 110 or a large container of 280. A small one requires $18,700 while a large container requires $42,000. All arrangements for procure-ment and shipment of wheelchairs are managed by the American Wheelchair Mission.

Having a Wheelchair Drive will not only help to raise funds but will also help present an opportunity to recruit new members. Emphasize that CHARITY is the first principle of our Order and is being demonstrated by actions of the ministry. If it is not pos-sible to conduct a Parish wide Wheelchair Drive , Grand Knights should direct Council efforts that will assure that our Worthy State Deputy’s objective of raising $150 for the purchase of one wheelchair will be met.

The State Charities Team wants to thank all of those Councils and Parishes who supported the American Wheelchair Mission by raising enough funds to purchase 2,051 wheelchairs as of February 29, 2020. The Dallas Diocese leads the State, again, raising $264,652. The San Antonio Diocese has raised $18,228, El Paso $0, Fort Worth $3,605, Austin $7,199, Galveston/Hous-ton $4,127, San Angelo $150, Beaumont $675, Victoria $3,900, Lubbock $900, Tyler $3,700, Laredo $0, Corpus Christi $450, Amarillo $150 and Brownsville $0. Dallas and Tyler were the only Dioceses who showed an increase from last year at this time.

Partnership Profile with Special Olympics

The Knights of Columbus Partnership Profile with Special Olympics (Form 4584 – to be submitted by January 31) details our councils’ involvement with the Special Olympics events. These details include events attended, man hours donated, and dollars contributed. Supreme Council awards up to $9,000 to Special Olympics Texas based on council involvement in Texas. It is critical that all councils submit the Form 4584 to maximize the Supreme contributions. This year 101 Councils representing 14 of our 15 Diocese submitted the Form 4584. The 101 Councils represent only 13% of our active Councils but they were able to report working 3,134 hours and contributing $32,185. Only 47 out of the 101 Councils financially supported Special Olympics. Financial support is essential to maintaining and enhancing the programs for the Special Olympics athletes.

Charles “Chic” O’Connor Award

Chic O’Connor was a proud and honored member of the Knights of Columbus supporting Special Olympics in Texas. Criteria includes: leadership, volunteering, fundraising, and com-munity involvement for 44 years. He was instrumental in starting Special Olympics in Gregg County (Longview). His involvement in Special Olympics began because of his daughter, Monica. The O’Connor family has been everything from timers, to huggers, to chaperones, pizza providers, and much, much more for the entire Gregg County delegation and area events. The Charles “Chic” O’Connor Annual Award recognizes a Brother Knight for his exemplary contributions. This year’s winner of the Chic O’Connor award is Martin Warborg, Wylie Council 12300 in the Dallas Diocese.

I thank our Worthy State Deputy Mark Evans for the opportunity to be the Texas State Council Chairman of Special Olympics. A special thank-you goes to our State Council office staff (Mike, Kari, and Kathleen) for their outstanding support. I also thank Mr. Tim Martin, President and CEO, Services Development Director, and all the Area Directors of Special Olympics Texas.

WINNERS ARE NOT PEOPLE WHO NEVER FAIL, BUT PEOPLE WHO NEVER QUIT!

WHAT BETTER WAY TO DESCRIBE WHO SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES ARE!

WHEELCHAIR Bill Weber, Chairman

The Knights of Columbus, in partnership with the American Wheelchair Mission, raise funds to support the purchase of wheel-chairs for distribution worldwide. Many have been distributed in the USA. Our Worthy State Deputy continues to set a goal for each Council to donate at least $150 to purchase at least one wheel-chair. Council’s budget should include this as a line item. Grand Knights should include the Wheelchair Ministry as an agenda item on monthly meetings. Checks should be made payable to the AMERICAN WHEELCHAIR MISSION and mailed to Dan


Page 41

“A WHEELCHAIR IS A LIFE CHANGING GIFT OF MOBILITY”

INFIRM PRIESTS FUND Joe Govea, Chairman

“One Nation Under God” – That statement on the bottom of your vehicle license plate, along with displaying the Knights of Columbus emblem, proclaims your belief in and support of the Knights’ principles. Your proclamation has an underlying purpose: $22 of the $30 fee for each plate is returned to Texas State Council Charities. The Texas State Council Charities Committee, in turn, allocates $22 to the Infirmed Priests Fund for each K of C license plate issued. As of February 29, 2020, 1,115 K of C license plates were on the road. This is a reduction 190 participants. This was among a membership of 108,000 amounting to just 1% participa-tion. How many members in your district or council have a K of C license plate? As a leader within the Order, you should have a K of C license plate on your car. Visit the Texas DMV “specialty plates” website or Texas State K of C Website. By increasing the number of participating Brother Knights, we ensure the comfort and support of our current and future infirmed priests, while proclaiming we are truly “One Nation Under God”MEDEIROS FELLOW PROGRAM

Joe Govea, Chairman

The Cardinal Medeiros Trust Fund, named in honor of former Bishop Humberto Medeiros (State Chaplain 1969-1970) was established in 1981. In 1998, the Cardinal Medeiros Fellow Pro-gram was established in order to augment the fund’s principal. The interest earned funds the educational grants available from Texas State Charities. These educational grants benefit not only our Catholic students pursuing an education in secondary schools, but also the Catholic schools of each diocese. Refer to the “Aid to Education Report” in this supplement for further information as to determination and allocation. Your participation in becoming a Cardinal Medeiros Fellow or in bestowing this honor upon a Knight, spouse or deceased Knight, Bishop or Priest will ensure the continued support of a son, daughter, grandson, or grand-daughter in their pursuit of an advanced education. It is, in es-sence, the “gift that keeps on giving”. Three new Fellows have been added to the membership roll through February, bringing the total membership as of February 29, 2020 to 274. A “Fellow” designation is based upon the one-time payment of $1,000. A “sustaining membership” is available, with an initial submission of $100 and subsequent contributions until $1,000 is reached. All Fellows are awarded a plaque and a lapel pin. The Fellow’s name is engraved on the honor roll at the State Office. This honor roll is displayed at the annual State convention. To initiate a Fellow or Sustaining Member designation, go to the Texas State Council Web site, download and complete the application.

2019 – 2020 Recipients are:

Beverly SzalwinskiSam SzalwinskiEnrique “Henry” Acosta

Fundraising Report David Keating, Chairman

The Texas State charity goal for this fraternal year is $992,640. As of February 29, 2020 we have received contributions totaling $761,678 which represents 76.% of the goal. 436 Councils have achieved their Quick Start award, meeting their charity goal by December 31, 2020. History has shown us that we will see this grow by the end of the fraternal year. Will your council be among those successfully meeting their goal?

Diocese Active Councils Above 100% to 199% (as of Feb 29, 2020) Galveston/Houston 120 77 +3 San Antonio 97 55 -4Austin 85 52 +3Ft. Worth 60 49 +5Dallas 59 37 -2Corpus Christi 49 12 -5 Brownsville 41 11 +1 Victoria 32 26 +1 El Paso 32 19 -1 Tyler 31 30 +3San Angelo 31 16 +2 Beaumont 27 16 -1 Amarillo 23 13 -3Lubbock 25 11 -1Laredo 16 3 -1

There are councils that go above and beyond, when it comes to the first principle of our Order. They do not stop after achieving 100% of their goal. They understand that need never goes away. Several councils have contributed 200%, 300%, 400% and more. Congratulations to the following councils that have achieved at least 200% of their goal.

Council City Contribution Goal 200%+ (as of Feb 29, 2020)11420 Aransas Pass $1,460 $690 212% 15105 Houston $ 540 $270 200%10224 Industry $2,760 $690 400%

We also recognize the top three councils in dollars contributed (as of Feb 29, 2020).

1) Council 799 Dallas $16,1902) Council 6878 Humble $11,4903) Council 2574 La Grange $ 5,780

At the District level, we had 44 Districts make 100% of their goal with all councils at 100% or more of their goal by December 31, 2019. (See list on following pages). We thank all of those District Deputies for their leadership in earning this prestigious mark. As of February 29, 2020 we have had 53 Districts that made 100% of their goal with all councils making at least 25% of their goal. To those DD’s that have worked to make their goal, we thank you.

As of this report, we have 292 councils that have contributed


Page 42

0 or less than 100% to Texas Charities. That is a decrease of 9 Councils. Hopefully they are planning to help in this very impor-tant cause. Even if 100% of a council’s goal cannot be attained, we appreciate any contribution.

As the Charity Fundraising Chairman, I would like to thank my team: Bill Kennedy, Terry Sullivan, Greg Thompson, Joe Hernandez, and Tony Scarpa for their support as Fund Raising Committeemen. But most of all, I want to thank my wife, Linda, for her support and understanding during the many hours that this position requires.

AWARDS

There are a number of Awards that provide recognition and incentive to Diocesan Deputies, District Deputies, Grand Knights, and members in order to promote Charity contributions. The awards include:

We Got Your Back Pin – Diocesan Deputy and District Deputy whose Diocese or District made 100% of their goal with all Councils at 100%.

Quick Start Award - Councils that meet or exceed their Char-ity goal and pay their State Per Capita in full by December 31st of a fraternal year.

Honor Roll Award - Councils that meet or exceed their Charity goal by June 30th of a fraternal year.

Hall of Fame Award - Councils meet or exceed their Charity goal for 5 consecutive years.

Emil Ogden Award - Councils meet or exceed their Charity goal for 10 consecutive years.

15 Year Award - Councils meet or exceed their Charity goal for 15 consecutive years.

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Award - Councils meet or exceed their Charity goal for 20 consecutive years.

Saint Pope John Paul II Award - Councils meet or exceed their Charity goal for 25 consecutive years.

PSD Judge Ricardo H. Garcia – Councils meet or exceed their Charity Goal for 30 consecutive years.

District Deputy Award - District Deputies whose councils have met 100% of their cumulative goal with all councils having contributed at least 25%.

BISHOPS DESIGNATION FOR THEIR CHARITY FUNDS

• Bishop Patrick J. Zurek, Amarillo - Secondary Catholic education in the Amarillo Diocese

• Bishop Joe S. Vasquez, Austin -Vocation Fund/Emergency Funds for the Priests

• Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, Beaumont -Infirm Priests Fund

• Bishop Daniel E. Flores, Brownsville - Deaf Ministry/ Disabled Program

• Bishop William Michael Mulvey, Corpus Christi – Catholic Charities

• Bishop Edward J. Burns, Dallas - Persons with Disabilities and Deaf Ministries

• Bishop Mark J. Seitz, El Paso - Vocations

• Bishop Michael F. Olson, Fort Worth - Deaf Ministry and Seminarian Support

• Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Galveston Houston - Archdioc-esan Catholic Schools

• Bishop James A. Tamayo, Laredo - Evangelization/ Out-reach Charity & Seminarian Support

• Bishop Robert M. Coerver, Lubbock - Vocations/ Semi-narian Support

• Bishop Michael J. Sis, San Angelo - Seminarian Education

• Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, San Antonio - Deaf Ministry

• Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, Tyler - Seminarian Educa-tion & Training

• Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, Victoria - Continuing Education for Priests, Extension of Lay Ministry and Evangelization


Page 43

Quick Start Councils2019-2020

Diocese of El Paso 1 638 El Paso2 7563 El Paso2 10420 El Paso2 12084 El Paso3 2592 El Paso3 16778 El Paso4 4497 El Paso4 9129 El Paso4 10862 El Paso4 14584 El Paso5 12160 El Paso6 8044 El Paso6 11613 El Paso6 15017 El Paso8 7720 Pecos8 10256 Monahans9 5096 Alpine10 11864 El PasoDiocese of Fort Worth 16 8464 Mineral Wells17 7264 Weatherford17 9748 Granbury17 10816 Stephenville17 15320 Glen Rose18 759 Keller18 7641 Bedford-Euless18 15882 Fort Worth19 7736 Mansfield19 9299 Arlington20 7175 Burleson20 10375 Hillsboro

20 11230 Abbott20 16042 Cleburne21 1459 Muenster21 11905 Lindsay21 14339 Bowie/Henrietta/ Montague/Nacona22 1473 Wichita Falls22 7371 Burkburnett22 16522 Wichita Falls23 1766 Rhineland23 1824 Windthorst24 7099 Grapevine24 9884 Lewisville24 15789 Colleyville25 2813 Fort Worth25 14679 Fort Worth25 16663 Fort Worth26 8512 North Richland Hills26 10930 Fort Worth26 13470 Arlington26 16258 Fort Worth27 4771 Denton27 9644 Decatur27 12553 Denton27 16393 Denton28 6269 Arlington28 8895 Arlington28 14549 Arlington29 4101 Fort Worth29 17024 Fort Worth29 17196 Aledo30 2045 Pilot Point

Austin District 143, William TartagliaDistrict 151, Richard J. SkrokDistrict 154, Darris ChappleDistrict 155, Pat OrtizDistrict 156, George ScottDistrict 158, Kevin RusselBeaumont District 123, Bobby WilsonDistrict 126, James LangfordDallas District 103, Kevin QuinnDistrict 106, Dan StoffelDistrict 107, Robert RepkaDistrict 109, Bill DoverDistrict 111, Edward J StankunasDistrict 114, Michael SteffensFort WorthDistrict 17, Kenneth CoyDistrict 20, Walter HoesingDistrict 24, Mark HesselgraveDistrict 26, Gerald HightowerDistrict 27, Archie WrightDistrict 28, Anson GeiselDistrict 29, William MechuraDistrict 30, Robert DaleoDistrict 31, Adrian Romero

District Deputies with 100% and all councils at or above 100% as of 12/31/19 “Got Your Back” Pin Recipient Quick Start Districts

Galveston-Houston District 68, Dennis DohertyDistrict 69, Robert GuerreroDistrict 71, Jerry Moch, Jr.District 79, Samuel GonzalezDistrict 85, Patrick L. RussekDistrict 86, TBADistrict 92, Bob SchmidtDistrict 93, Daniel ArmbrusterDistrict 97, James HatcherDistrict 99, Mervin AlbertSan Angelo District 227, Michael MurraySan AntonioDistrict 40, Daniel AguilarDistrict 41, Jaime PiedraDistrict 43, William TorresDistrict 45, Joe L HernandezDistrict 46, Hermilo SilvaDistrict 63, Derek Rabey

TylerDistrict 131, Lawrence PfeiferDistrict 132, Christopher Dux District 133, Corky Valentine District 134, Chris OldmixonDistrict 135, James KennerlyDistrict 136, Travis DesjarlaisDistrict 137, Jeffrey AllenDistrict 138, Alan MebesCorpus ChristiDistrict 175, Ervey MartinezVictoriaDistrict 188, James KocurekDistrict 190, William SchuetteDistrict 192, Lukas Janak, Jr.AmarilloDistrict 196, Ron RailsbackDistrict 198, Richard RomeroEl Paso District 4, Giovani HyppoliteDistrict 6, Mario Mallari

30 8493 The Colony30 13408 Carrollton30 17304 Prosper31 7458 Fort Worth31 9868 Fort Worth31 17039 Fort WorthArchdiocese of San Antonio 36 2687 Del Rio37 5192 Devine37 8327 Pearsall38 4786 San Antonio SW38 5262 San Antonio38 9682 San Antonio39 11596 San Antonio39 11599 San Antonio40 7983 San Antonio40 8306 Helotes40 10240 San Antonio40 16730 San Antonio41 9765 Fredericksburg41 15240 San Antonio41 16180 Comfort42 10258 Bandera42 10940 Boerne42 14690 Leon Springs43 7613 San Antonio43 7965 San Antonio43 8521 Bulverde43 9967 San Antonio44 7016 San Antonio45 3412 Seguin45 4183 New Braunfels


Page 44

45 7347 Canyon Lake45 16748 Seguin46 5090 Gonzales46 6856 Selma46 9681 Converse46 12208 La Vernia48 6358 Schertz48 8807 San Antonio48 10181 San Antonio49 4298 San Antonio49 8067 San Antonio49 9291 San Antonio50 6833 San Antonio51 7265 San Antonio51 9463 San Antonio52 10002 San Antonio52 10593 La Coste54 8789 San Antonio54 15343 San Antonio54 16854 San Antonio55 10270 San Antonio56 2618 Poth57 3266 Jourdanton57 8001 Pleasanton57 10431 Poteet58 6757 San Antonio58 14190 San Antonio59 7323 San Antonio59 9902 San Antonio63 17314 San AntonioArchdiocese of Galveston-Houston 66 3365 Freeport66 6812 Lake Jackson66 9686 Clute67 9978 Galveston68 3217 Dickinson68 5236 La Marque68 9310 League City68 10393 Hitchcock69 5155 Angleton69 6403 Alvin Manvel69 9817 Danbury71 2788 Baytown71 6234 Nassau Bay71 7206 Baytown71 9708 Houston72 3700 Pasadena72 10574 Deer Park72 16218 Houston73 3229 Crosby73 9041 Channelview73 10779 Houston74 8960 Pearland74 10390 Houston75 16103 Fulshear76 7445 Richmond76 11343 Sugar Land76 14617 Missouri City77 12818 Houston77 15322 South Houston78 15949 Houston79 4204 Sugar Land79 7382 Houston79 7728 Missouri City79 16195 Houston80 3910 Houston

80 7036 Houston80 10995 Houston81 7230 Houston81 15105 Houston82 4550 Houston82 6527 Houston82 8293 Houston83 803 Houston84 14700 Houston85 6950 Katy85 9759 Katy85 12564 Pattison85 12955 Katy86 3793 Wallis86 9268 Bellville86 10224 Industry86 12558 Frydek87 8024 Houston87 13357 Houston87 13615 Houston88 2917 Houston88 12475 Houston90 8096 Houston90 8771 Houston90 10720 Houston91 10861 Spring91 13629 Houston92 6878 Humble92 9794 Huffman92 11438 Houston92 12320 Kingwood92 13166 New Caney93 6557 Spring-Woodlands93 10872 Spring93 11472 Tomball93 14512 Spring94 6456 Conroe95 11866 Magnolia95 12327 The Woodlands96 3313 Sealy99 8492 Houston99 17225 HoustonDiocese of Dallas 101 830 Denison102 5211 Corsicana102 8417 Waxahachie102 12964 Ferris103 8954 Richardson103 9337 Rockwall103 11862 Garland103 16546 Garland104 799 Dallas105 10646 Rowlett106 5052 Dallas-Farmers Branch106 5656 Dallas106 11169 Dallas106 11716 Plano107 6887 Terrell107 11721 Kaufman107 13133 Talty107 13158 Mesquite108 13520 Dallas108 15033 Irving109 7017 Dallas109 8157 Duncanville109 12484 Lancaster109 17111 Dallas110 7438 Greenville


110 16202 Commerce111 6065 Plano111 7850 Plano111 12480 Frisco111 13044 Allen112 16375 Dallas112 16820 Dallas113 13322 Dallas114 9903 McKinney114 11293 Allen114 12021 Richardson114 12153 McKinneyDiocese of Beaumont 121 5789 Vidor121 7058 Lumberton121 8594 Silsbee121 11151 Sour Lake122 2461 Port Neches123 12809 Port Arthur123 14355 Port Arthur124 1680 Orange124 13825 Orange125 6763 Fannett125 14473 China126 3201 Liberty126 8871 Dayton126 9564 Livingston126 10405 ClevelandDiocese of Tyler 131 8806 Gun Barrel City131 10524 Athens131 11978 Canton131 12253 Malakoff132 7696 Paris132 8975 Sulphur Springs132 15174 Holly Lake Ranch132 16078 Emory133 1422 Marshall133 2771 Longview133 3952 Kilgore133 11026 Carthage133 11093 Longview134 3404 Lufkin134 7553 Nacogdoches134 10790 Nacogdoches134 10875 San Augustine135 11462 Henderson135 11530 Jacksonville135 11865 Whitehouse135 14636 Flint136 1003 Texarkana136 6699 Daingerfield/Mt. Pleasant/ Pittsburg136 10660 Atlanta137 1502 Tyler137 11933 Mineola137 12711 Lindale138 1323 Palestine138 13136 Trinity138 17154 MadisonvilleDiocese of Austin 141 13005 Waco142 8135 Waco142 17224 China Spring143 3444 Temple143 7196 Belton143 7197 Temple


Page 45

144 7014 Rockdale144 12601 Cameron146 11759 Bryan147 6658 Copperas Cove147 9930 Harker Heights148 6366 Caldwell148 11277 Chappell Hill149 4457 Granger149 6453 Georgetown149 12148 Round Rock150 10373 Pflugerville151 7600 Cedar Park151 9997 Austin151 10463 Lago Vista151 13927 Austin152 4868 Smithville152 12642 Rockne-String Prairie152 14943 Bastrop153 8131 Lockhart153 8190 Luling154 2574 La Grange154 3168 Fayetteville154 8085 Giddings155 10131 Austin155 10776 Austin155 10836 Austin155 14055 Austin156 5967 Austin156 9796 Austin156 10333 Austin156 14025 Lakeway157 8141 Austin158 8156 Austin158 9151 Wimberley158 10209 Austin158 11695 Dripping Springs159 9038 Buda160 8935 Burnet160 13245 Kingsland160 13255 Marble Falls160 15365 Horseshoe Bay161 6978 Lampassas161 12522 Andice163 10186 Cyclone/Marak163 13902 WestphaliaDiocese of Corpus Christi 166 14064 Beeville167 8170 Corpus Christi167 10677 Corpus Christi168 7290 Corpus Christi168 11107 Corpus Christi171 8028 Rockport171 11420 Aransas Pass172 16275 Bishop173 15760 Alice175 14776 Sinton175 15326 Taft175 15512 Taft177 6832 OdemDiocese of Victoria 186 3204 Ganado186 3421 Edna186 11351 Inez187 3070 Bay City187 6889 Palacios188 2490 El Campo

188 3371 Nada188 9393 El Campo188 9394 Louise-Hillje189 2500 East Bernard189 3262 Wharton189 10249 Mentz190 2153 Weimar190 2902 Schulenburg190 2971 Columbus190 5157 Frelsburg191 3081 Shiner191 3295 Flatonia192 1582 Yoakum192 1682 Cuero192 2480 Yorktown192 13010 Meyersville193 1329 Victoria193 7512 Goliad193 9088 Victoria193 10751 BloomingtonDiocese of Amarillo 196 2654 Nazareth196 4621 Amarillo196 7840 Canyon197 2767 Pampa197 3558 Borger198 2776 Dalhart198 5061 Dumas198 5552 Spearman199 1450 Amarillo199 16666 Amarillo200 8938 Hereford201 16205 AmarilloDiocese of Brownsville 207 12040 McAllen207 15362 McAllen209 15262 Edinburg209 15661 Edinburg210 1553 Brownsville210 4779 Port Isabel213 4554 Mercedes213 16917 Weslaco214 10380 Alamo217 11980 Hidalgo217 12776 PharrDiocese of San Angelo 221 16391 Midland222 3203 Odessa222 9674 Fort Stockton222 10404 Odessa223 3071 Midland223 8773 Odessa223 12657 Midland224 2136 San Angelo224 12008 San Angelo224 13514 San Angelo224 17204 San Angelo226 2772 Olfen226 10985 Ballinger227 3867 Brownwood228 8788 Abilene229 9641 Garden CityDiocese of Laredo 231 2543 Eagle Pass231 10711 Eagle PassDiocese of Lubbock243 10310 Plainview


243 13447 Lubbock243 16451 Lubbock244 15876 Lubbock245 7953 Lamesa245 11365 O’Donnell246 2571 Slaton246 3008 Lubbock246 12803 Lubbock246 14426 Lubbock247 5537 Pep


Page 46

Aid To Education Report, 2020 Giacomo R. Leone, Aid to Education Committee Chairman

Educational Grants Program

Under the Educational Grants Program, there are two programs. (1) Catholic Schools Grants, and (2) Individual Educational Grants.

The Catholic Schools Grants are administered directly by the Educational Grants Program Committee through the Bishops of the Dioceses and the Superintendents of Catholic Schools in the Dioceses.

The Individual Educational Grants are administered through the Council membership in the State of Texas

Both the Catholic Schools Grants and the Student Grants are based on need.

The Educational Grant Program provides an allocated number of grants based on membership base per diocese, and for two Squires at large. All grants are $1,000 paid to the applicant’s selected institution in applicant’s name. The applicant completes the Educational Grant Application and demonstrates through the application and personal essay his/her need for assistance. After the Texas State Council Convention, the monies are disbursed ac-cording to the approved winners for each Diocese. This fraternal year, the Educational Grant Program for Students provides One Grant per Diocese and an Additional Grant for each 7,500 active Knights of Columbus members within that Diocese. The Texas State Council Educational Grant Committee received 74 grants:

The Aid to Education Committee thanks everyone - State Officers, Directors, State Charity Team, State College Council Chairman, Diocesan Deputies, District Deputies, Grand Knights and Brother Knights - for all their support in promoting the Texas Knights of Columbus Aid to Education Grant.

The Chair of the Educational Grant Committee wishes to thank the committee members for all their diligent work. They are: Gordon Smith, Mike Crivello and David Zwingman. Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus State office and staff for their valuable assistance throughout this process, and to Boyd Burris.

We must push for even more applicants for the next fraternal year. In summary, there were no Squire Recipients, 22 Diocese Re-cipients and two at large recipients from the existing field for the two Squire grants for which there were no applications, for a total of 24 recipients receiving a total amount statewide of $24,000.

Grant applications were accepted via emailed pdf attachments and a few through regular postal mail. The use of email enabled quick communication and resubmitted current forms when older forms were submitted to be replaced with the current forms. This year there was just one older form used.

The applications per diocese were a high of 18 received to a single applicant. All fifteen dioceses were represented.

Individual Educational Grants

The Texas State Council awards at least one $1,000 Educational Grant per diocese and two more $1,000 Educational Grants to members of the Columbian Squires. The total number of grants for each Diocese will be determined using a formula based on the number of Knights in each Diocese. Applications for these grants were due March 1, 2020. Winners will be announced at the State Convention. The applicants completed an Educational Grant Application including an essay that states the individual’s need. After the Texas State Council Convention, the monies are disbursed to the approved winners for each Diocese. This fraternal year, the Educational Grants Program is providing one grant per diocese and an additional $1000 Grant for each additional 7,500 active Knights of Columbus members within that Diocese.

Diocese/Squires Council CityArchdiocese of San Antonio 1. Gonzales III, James 7983 San Antonio 2. Medina, Caroline 7265 San AntonioArchdiocese of Galveston-Houston 1. Cheslock, Jeffrey 10574 Deer Park 2. Marino, Kevin 10872 Spring 3. Otto, Margaret 8494 Friendswood 4. Zakarevicz, Rachael 8960 PearlandAmarillo 1. Schmucker, April 2654 NazarethAustin 1. Ariza, Hector 3205 College Station 2. Corley, Allison 1358 WacoBeaumont 1. James, Marcus 16464 BeaumontBrownsville 1. Guerra, Andrew 9283 RaymondvilleCorpus Christi 1. Garcia, Aaron 3169 AliceDallas 1. Edgette, Allyson 830 Denison 2. Rivas, Sarai 5211 CorsicanaEl Paso 1. Valadez, Alberto 11613 El PasoFort Worth 1. DeSkeere, Jordan 8512 North Richland Hills 2. Benson, Ashley 6269 ArlingtonLaredo 1. Carranza, Javier 10939 LaredoLubbock 1. Williams, Shane 12803 LubbockSan Angelo 1. McDowell, Emery 13514 San AngeloTyler 1. Zeigler, Tyler 1422 MarshallVictoria 1. Fleener, Haley 1329 VictoriaAt-LargeVictoria Diocese 1. Siegel, Angelette 3081 ShinerBeaumont Diocese 2. Barrera, Madison 14473 China


Page 47

Catholic School Grants

Texas State Council Charities will award $2,000 or more per diocese to designated Catholic Schools within each diocese. Prior to March 1, the Educational Grant Committee asked the Bishop of each Diocese, in conjunction with the Diocesan Superintendent or Director of Catholic Education, to designate schools in the Diocese to receive the funds and the amount (at least $500) each school is to receive. Funds will be provided to the designated schools in the Diocese after the State Convention. The total amount available for each Diocese will be determined using a formula based on the number of Knights in each Diocese. Each Diocese will receive at least one $2,000 grant.

The Catholic School Grant Program is administered directly by the Aid to Education Committee through the Bishop of the Dio-cese and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese. The Educational Grants Committee received response letters indicating how they would like to have their grants awarded.

The Committee makes the following recommendations for listed Catholic School Grants:

Diocese School Amount City

San Antonio Blessed Sacrament Catholic School 500 San Antonio St. Gregory the Great Catholic School 500 San Antonio St. John Berchmans Catholic School 500 San Antonio St. Paul Catholic School 500 San Antonio St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic 500 San Antonio St. Thomas More Catholic School 500 San AntonioGalveston-Houston Holy Rosary Catholic School 2,000 Rosenberg Our Lady of Lourdes 2,000 HitchcockAmarillo Holy Cross Catholic Academy 1,000 Amarillo St. Joseph Catholic School 1,000 AmarilloAustin Santa Cruz Catholic School 1,000 Buda Cathedral School of St. Mary 1,000 Austin St. Louis Reicher Catholic School 1,000 WacoBeaumont St. Anne Catholic School 500 Beaumont St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School 500 Beaumont St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic School 500 Port Arthur St. Mary Cathedral School 500 OrangeBrownsville St. Anthony Catholic School 1,000 Harlingen Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School 1,000 McAllenCorpus Christi St. Anthony School 1,000 Robstown Holy Family Catholic School 1,000 Corpus ChristiDallas Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic 750 Dallas Good Shepherd Catholic School 750 Garland St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School 750 Dallas St. Philip & St Augustine Academy 750 DallasEl Paso Most Holy Trinity School 1,000 El Paso Fr. Yermo Schools 1,000 El PasoFort Worth All Saints Catholic School 800 Fort Worth St. George Catholic School 800 Fort Worth St. Rita Catholic School 800 Fort Worth St. Peter the Apostle School 800 Fort Worth Our Lady of Victory 800 Fort WorthLaredo Our Lady of Refuge Parochial 2,000 Eagle PassLubbock Christ the King Cathedral School 1,000 Lubbock Diocese of Lubbock High School 1,000 LubbockSan Angelo Angelo Catholic School 1,000 San Angelo St. Mary’s Central Catholic School 500 Odessa St. Ann’s Catholic School 500 Midland

Tyler Bishop Gorman Cathedral School 500 Tyler St. Gregory Cathedral School 500 Tyler St. Mary’s School 500 Longview St. Patrick’s Catholic School 500 LufkinVictoria St. Joseph High School 1,000 Victoria Nazareth Academy 1,000 Victoria

Diocesan Schools Grants total $37,000.00Individual Student Grants total 22.000.00Squire Grants total 2,000.00Total Amount Awarded for FY16-17 $61,000.00

The Texas Emergency Response Program provides guidance and assistance to our brother Knights and councils before and after disasters. Utilizing our state-wide network of Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC), we provide guidance to councils and Knights, thus allowing a concerted effort for all involved. Our relief assistance comes though charitable giving from members of the Knights of Columbus around the world.

This year the Emergency Response Committee has focused on recruiting and training the Diocesan ERCs. We now have a Diocesan ERC in each diocese in Texas. During the past year, the ERCs have assisted several brother Knights with local emergen-cies (flooding, tornadoes, etc.).

We strongly recommend every council select a Council ERC to work with their Diocesan ERC. For assistance or more informa-tion on the Texas Emergency Response Program, please stop by our table at the convention, e-mail [email protected], or contact your Diocesan or Regional ERC listed below:

TEXAS STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE

Emergency Response Harry Story - Chairman

State ERC Chairman Harry Storey 214-557-2923 [email protected]

El Paso Diocesan ERC Manuel Dixon 915-630-7222 [email protected]

San Angelo Diocesan ERC Al Novogradac 432-556-7958 [email protected]

East/Central Regional ERC Larry Pellerito 281-224-3728 [email protected]

Austin Diocesan ERC Kevin Brinkman 512-574-7855 [email protected]

Beaumont Diocesan ERC Phil Chauvin 409-963-9526 [email protected]

Galveston/Houston Diocesan ERC Jerry Giegerich 281-610-6507 [email protected]

Victoria Diocesan ERC Leroy Dettling 979-533-2245 [email protected]

North/East Regional ERC Ben R. Oani 214-843-8935 [email protected]

Dallas Diocesan ERC Serge Yudom 214-971-1776 [email protected]


Page 48

State General Agent Liaison’s Report, 2020 Chris Stark, FICF State General Agent Liaison

The Knights of Columbus recorded another great sales year, with over $8.7 billion in new life insurance sold – with more than $650 million new annuities and deposits

by the members and their families in Texas. The K. of C. now has more than $111 billion of total life insurance in force, once again ranking as a Fortune 1000 company.

In 2019 our Supreme Knight has worked to push us into the future with many new initiatives. One of the most successful of which is the launch of online membership. This has become the preferred first step to a man joining. Almost 1/3 our new members are currently joining online.

These are impressive achievements. What is even more im-pressive is that once again, Texas remains the #1 jurisdiction in insurance in force in the order with over $8.5 billion of insurance in force. This represents over 125,000 policies from approximately 40,000 insured members. I want to sincerely thank all of the leaders for your help in making this great achievement possible.

But how did we get there?

There are many reasons, but among them is the fact that we got there because our members understand – just as Father McGivney did more than 138 years ago – that Catholic families need to be protected from financial ruin.

We got there because our members understand – just as Father McGivney intended more than 138 years ago – that the Knights of Columbus can provide that needed protection.

Ft. Worth Diocesan ERC Steve Ceretto 817-807-8239 [email protected]

Tyler Diocesan ERC Darrel Vidrine 703-231-7982 [email protected]

Panhandle Regional ERC Robert Leal 806-781-9875 [email protected]

Amarillo Diocesan ERC Carlos Ruiz 806-344-6432 [email protected]

Lubbock Diocesan ERC Robert Leal 806-781-9875 [email protected]

South/West Regional ERC Mike Buecher 210-710-1457 [email protected]

Brownsville Diocesan ERC Mario Moreno 956-793-7859 [email protected]

Corpus Christi Diocesan ERC Edward Cantu 361-855-3440 [email protected]

Laredo Diocesan ERC Isaac Gonzales 830-968-9151 [email protected]

San Antonio Diocesan ERC Daniel Aguilar 210-410-1658 [email protected]

We got there because our members understand – just as Father McGivney would have wanted – that our products are top-of-the-line, while still being flexible and affordable to fit the individual member’s needs.

Put simply, we got there because our members trust us.

And why do they trust us? Three reasons: our size, our stabil-ity, our standard and the fact that our business is rooted in our Catholic faith!

When it comes to size, with more than $111 billion of life insur-ance in force and more than $25 billion in assets under manage-ment, the Knights of Columbus is in the top five percent of life insurers in North America.

When it comes to our stability, one only has to examine our 138 years of steady and positive performance to witness con-crete evidence of a stable and growing organization. In addition, record-breaking growth helps members see that our stability in not a “flash in the pan” kind of success, but rather a methodical and well planned program aimed at consistently meeting the needs of our members and their families.

And, when it comes to our standard, the Knights of Columbus is committed to being one of the most Catholic, ethical, and charitable companies in business. It’s not just a wish, it’s a duty. We owe it to our founder. We owe it to the faith that we represent. And we owe it to you.

So, as we gather here this weekend to celebrate your tremendous achievements in the past fraternal year, what does all of this mean for you and your members?

It means that as a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, you can rest assured knowing that your most valuable fraternal benefit – our insurance program – is here for you and your family when you need it most.

There will come a time in your life – if it hasn’t come already – where you will be looking for life insurance to protect your family, or retirement annuities to plan for your golden years, or long-term care insurance to make sure you’re taken care of, or disability income insurance to secure your hard-earned paycheck. When that day comes, we’ll be there for you. Where else can a Catholic family protect their family but at the same time do good for their Church, community, faith all at the same time, this is the Catholic difference that only the Knights of Columbus can provide.

Meet with your agent because we have the best products that will help you reach your families goals.

Meet with your agent because we have size, stability, and a standard that you can rely on and believe in.

Meet with your agent because he will give you that added com-fort of knowing that your premium dollars are going to a company that is committed to its communities and to the Church.


Page 49

But most of all, take the time to meet with your agent because you’re a Brother Knight, and protecting Brother Knights is what we do. It’s what we live for. We’re Knights just like you.

This organization is your organization. This company is your company. Take advantage of it. See what we have to offer, every single family here can be helped by the products and service of the Knights of Columbus.

At this time, I would like to introduce your Texas General Agents to you:

● Tom Supak: La Grange, Texas

● Tony Rangel: Houston, Texas

● John Regan: Dallas, Texas

● Mickey Doughtery: San Antonio, Texas

● Mike Payne: Lubbock, Texas

● Will Britten: Austin, Texas

● Chris Stark: Ft. Worth, Texas

● Juan Carlin: Mission, Texas

In conclusion, I want to take this opportunity to ask each of you to be advocates for this great fraternal benefit. Support from District Deputies, Grand Knights, and all the Council Officers goes a long way in helping to open the door for our hard-working Field Agents. These men are Brother Knights who are trying earnestly and honestly to carry out Father McGivney’s mission to protect Catholic families. So, I thank you in advance for encouraging your councils to let the Field Agent in and to listen to what he has to say. Congratulations again on a spectacular fraternal year and I look forward to working with you. Avail yourself today and discover the Catholic difference of the Knights of Columbus.

Vivat Jesus!


Page 50

2020 RESOLUTIONS1. Resolution in RE: DEDICATION OF THE CONVENTION TO BISHOP THOMAS JOSEPH FLANAGAN AND PAST STATE DEPUTY AND FORMER VICE SUPREME MASTER FLOYD ALVIN TAFELSKI

WHEREAS in the Year of our Lord 2019, the Texas State Council lost the companionship of two exemplary Brother Knights who were enduring leaders, and we now hereby jointly honor them both by dedi-cating this 2020 State of Texas Annual Convention in their memory:

WHEREAS Bishop Thomas Joseph Flanagan was born on Oc-tober 23, 1930, in Carbury, County Kildare, Ireland, the oldest of eight children born to Patrick and Mary McNamara Flanagan; and

WHEREAS growing up in Ireland in the 1930s was difficult and hard, but Bishop Flanagan’s family’s faith and prayer life forged him and anchored him as he worked, studied and participated in sports; and

WHEREAS while Bishop Flanagan received his early education in Derrunturn Boys National School and Mungret College, a Jesuit high school, along with the strong support he received at home from his family, he discerned the Lord’s call to the priesthood and then studied at St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland, and was ordained a priest on June 10, 1956, by Archbishop Jeremiah Kinane at the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and

WHEREAS at ordination, he responded to Archbishop Robert E. Lucey’s call to serve as a diocesan priest for the Archdiocese of San Antonio; and

WHEREAS from 1956 through 1969, then Father Flanagan served as an associate pastor at various parishes including St. Michael in Weimar, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ganado and St. Peter Prince of the Apostles in San Antonio; and

WHEREAS from 1969 through 1998, then Father Flanagan served as a pastor at St. Agnes in Edna, St. Vincent de Paul Parish in San Antonio and St. Brigid Parish in San Antonio; and

WHEREAS then Father Flanagan received his master of divinity degree from Oblate College of the Southwest in 1979 and then later studied theology at the Pontifical North American College Seminary in Rome; and

WHEREAS on January 5, 1998, Saint Pope John Paul II ap-pointed then-Father Flanagan to serve as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, assisting Archbishop Patrick F. Flores, who consecrated Bishop Flanagan on February 16, 1998, and was co-consecrated by Bishop Edmond Carmody of Tyler and Bishop John McCarthy of Austin; and

WHEREAS Bishop Flanagan was a strong supporter and advo-cate for the Knights of Columbus, joining the Order in 1956, having served as Council Chaplain for various councils, Faithful Friar for Assembly 2040, Associate State Chaplain in 1981 to 1985 and 1993 to 1995, and State Chaplain for the Texas State Council in 2000-2002,

and served as Chaplain for the San Antonio Chapter of the Knights of Columbus; and

WHEREAS Bishop Flanagan was always grateful and apprecia-tive for his Irish heritage, he was a strong supporter of the Ulster Project, which brings teenaged Protestant and Catholic youth from Northern Ireland to the United States to break down barriers of intoler-ance and build bridges of cooperation and understanding;

WHEREAS Bishop Flanagan was powerfully active, taking a leadership role in the organization of the Papal visit of St. Pope John Paul II to San Antonio and on the steering committee for the visit of the Billy Graham Crusade to the Alamodome, prompting the Rever-end George Thompson of the San Antonio Community of Churches to hail Bishop Flanagan “as a builder of bridges;” and

WHEREAS on December 15, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI accepted Bishop Flanagan’s resignation due to the mandatory age 75 limitation; and

WHEREAS after his retirement, Bishop Flanagan continued to serve the Archdiocese of San Antonio and various local parishes; and

WHEREAS following his retirement and at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of his ordination, Bishop Flanagan said the following: “I thank those that have traveled these 50 years with me and those that have joined along the way. I thank God and the Blessed Mother Mary. I thank you and give praise to God at this happy moment” and

WHEREAS Bishop Flanagan passed into eternity on October 9, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus, assembled in Dallas, Texas on April 24-26, 2020, hereby recognizes and affectionately honors the late Bishop Thomas Joseph Flanagan for his love, dedication, and service as a priest, bishop, and ambassador to God—and for his service as a Past State Chaplain and mentor to so many Texas Knights of Columbus; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be placed in the official minutes of this 116th Annual Texas State Convention and that an attested copy of this Resolution & Proclamation be presented to Bishop Thomas Joseph Flanagan’s family as a lasting statement of the love, respect, admiration, and gratitude held by Knights of Colum-bus in Texas and the Texas State Council.

AND

WHEREAS Floyd Alvin Tafelski was born on June 30, 1936, in New Waverly, Texas to Stanley Tafelski and Sophie Wisniewski Tafelski; and

WHEREAS Floyd Alvin Tafelski was married to his loving and devoted wife Herma Nell Tafelski for 63 years, whom he had 3 daugh-ters, and was a loving grandfather and great grandfather to numerous grandchildren; and


Page 51

WHEREAS our beloved Brother Floyd A. Tafelski had a long and distinguished record of service and leadership in the Knights of Columbus; and

Whereas Floyd A. Tafelski joined the Order in 1960 was a member of Regina Coeli Council 4577 and Bishop Wendelin J. Nold Assembly 2084, where he served as Charter Faithful Navigator, in Houston, Texas; and

Whereas, Floyd A. Tafelski held numerous offices in the Order in his local and state councils in Texas, including serving as Grand Knight for Council 4577 from 1969 through 1971, District Deputy for District 42 from 1971 through 1973, Programs Director from 1973 through 1975, and Membership Director for the fraternal years 1975-77 (during the 1976-77 Fraternal Year, Brother Tafelski reported at that year’s State Convention that Texas was “number one” that fraternal year in membership), State Treasurer from 1977 through 1981, State Secretary from 1981 through 1983, and State Deputy for the 1983-85 fraternal years; and

Whereas during his terms as State Deputy, Floyd A. Tafelski led the Texas State Council with distinction, leading Texas to earn honors for membership gain, charity and programs; and

Whereas Floyd A. Tafelski continued his service to the Order and the Fourth Degree by serving as Vice Supreme Master for the 1987-91 fraternal years; and

WHEREAS Floyd A. Tafelski served as a Conferring Officer for the 1991-93 fraternal years; and

WHEREAS Brother Floyd A. Tafelski, throughout his career in the Order, has exhibited a strong and untiring commitment to helping others and building the Order in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Hous-ton and throughout the Texas jurisdiction; and

Whereas the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus in the 2016 State Convention assembled in Corpus Christi, Texas, pro-claimed their immense gratitude for the life, service, and leadership of our beloved Brother Knight, Past Grand Knight, Former District Deputy, Past State Deputy, and Former Vice Supreme Master Floyd A. Tafelski who exemplified the principles of our Order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism; and

WHEREAS his immediate predecessor State Deputy said of Floyd, “Floyd loved his Polish heritage and was always good natured and jovial about it, most of all he loved Herma Nell and their girls, his hill country ranch and hunting, he always found time for the Knights work at his council, chapter and the state family, and his Catholic faith was of paramount importance, rising to the top of the Order in Texas was not always easy for Floyd, but he always made decisions in the best interest of the Texas State Council and it advanced under his leadership.”

WHEREAS Floyd A. Tafelski passed into eternity on November 12, 2019, in Pearland, Texas.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus, assembled in Dallas, Texas on April 24-26, 2020, hereby recognizes and affectionately honors the late Floyd A. Tafelski and does hereby proclaim our immense gratitude for the

life, service, and leadership of our beloved Brother Knight, Past Grand Knight, Former District Deputy, Past State Deputy, and Former Vice Supreme Master Floyd A. Tafelski; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council express our love, respect and admiration for Brother Floyd A. Tafelski, his wife Herma Nell and his entire family; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be placed in the official minutes of this 116th Annual Texas State Convention and that an attested copy of this Resolution & Proclamation be presented to Past State Deputy Floyd A. Tafelski’s family as a lasting statement of the love, respect, admiration, and gratitude held by Knights of Columbus in Texas and the Texas State Council.

Submitted: State Officers

2. Resolution in RE: PRAYERS FOR ALL PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS

WHEREAS Christianity began over two-thousand years ago in the Middle East, but the conflicts and uprisings of the Arab Spring have unleashed atrocities and even martyrdom on Middle East Christians; and

WHEREAS Christians in the Middle East have been reduced to less than 4% of the population, fleeing their homes, abandoning their country to save their lives because they are Christians; and

WHEREAS Christians in China are facing an escalation of per-secution solely based on their Christian faith, with forcible detentions including, Pastors, and Christians and their families; and

WHEREAS the 2020 World Watch List documented 50 countries where being a Christian or following Jesus is dangerous. Addition-ally, this worldwide persecution is estimated to affect over 260 million people who “now experience high, very high, or extreme levels of persecution; that is a 6% more increase of Christians since 2019 who now live where Christianity is ‘illegal, forbidden, or punished,’” accord-ing to Open Door researchers the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul; and

WHEREAS the U.S. news media have attacked Christians and Catholics, including the Coventry High School students in 2019; and

WHEREAS members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary committee and individual Senators continue to attack federal court nominees over their faith, including attacking Catholic beliefs of Pro-Life as extreme and the Knights of Columbus as a terrorist organization; and

WHEREAS many nations have either remained silent or refused to assist the refugees in the face of the unspeakable and brutal violence and persecution; and

WHEREAS His Holiness, Pope Francis has urged the interna-tional community to respond to this immense humanitarian tragedy; and

WHEREAS His Holiness, Pope Francis has spoken of the signifi-cant contributions Christians have made to the Middle East and the importance of their continued presence in the region; and


Page 52

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus established the Chris-tian Refugee Relief Fund (now called Persecuted Christians Fund) in 2014. As of 12/31/2019, the Knights of Columbus has raised $25,872,779.98 in aid for the Persecuted Christians Fund enabling aid to displaced Iraqi and Syrian Christians and other persecuted Christians;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Texas State Council recognizes and offers our prayers and support for Christians and their families being persecuted across the globe, for defending and living our Christian faith and the fundamental freedoms we stand for; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council wishes the very best of God’s continued and abundant blessings upon all perse-cuted Christians worldwide.

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council and all subordinate Councils in Texas will continue to support our Supreme Knight and the Supreme Council’s efforts to provide moral and finan-cial support for our displaced Christian brothers and sisters and pray for all the victims of the current persecution; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council calls upon the President of the United States to work with the Congress, State and local governments, and the leaders of other nations to find a com-passionate solution that would allow legitimate victims of this current persecution to find safety and shelter in this country and others while still maintaining an effective deterrent from those who would seek to commit acts of violence and terror; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Supreme Council for the consideration and edification of all the delegates attending the 138th Supreme Council Convention in Washington, District of Columbia.


3. Resolution in RE: APPRECIATION FOR OUR BISHOPS AND CLERGY

Whereas the Knights of Columbus, an organization of Catholic men founded by a priest, has always held the priests of our Church in especially high regard and has always invited and welcomed all priests into our membership, and out of profound respect for their unique position and authority as representatives and leaders of the Church, has always held open our meetings and ceremonies to priests even if they were not members; and

Whereas Texas State Council Knights of Columbus is deeply grateful for the many benefits rendered to our organization and the 116th Annual State Convention by the Bishops and clergy in the State of Texas; and

Whereas we wish to always renew and do hereby reaffirm our pledge to continue to be the strong right arm of the Catholic Church and to always support and defend our Bishops, priests and other members of the clergy and religious; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus in the 116th Texas State Council convention duly assembled in Dallas, Texas, does hereby express our deepest gratitude to all Bishops and clergy, and particularly to His

Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, his Excellency the Most Reverend Edward J. Burns, Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas our host Ordinary, our State Chaplain and his Excellency the Most Reverend Joseph Strickland, Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, our Associate State Chaplain, Monsi-gnor Louis Pavlicek; along with each of the Bishops for the Dioceses of Texas; the Council and Chapter Chaplains, the Assembly and District Friars of Texas, and all clergy who aid in making the spiritual aspect of our meetings and this convention more meaningful, our sincere appreciation and our thanks for their inspiration, cooperation, and counsel.


4. Resolution in RE: MEMORIAM

Whereas Almighty God has called home many of our Brother Knights since our last convention;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this convention pause during our Memorial Mass to join our Worthy State Chaplain, Bishop Joseph Strickland, and Associate State Chaplain Monsignor Louis Pavlicek in prayer for the repose of the souls of our departed Brothers whose names are listed in the “In Memoriam” booklet, and of all Brother Knights who have passed away in prior years; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that each Grand Knight assume the responsibility of notifying the members of his Council and calling the Brothers together at the time of the death of a member of his Council to have a Mass offered for the repose of his soul; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that each Council holds appropriate Commemorative Exercises and Masses during November to pay tribute to their deceased Brothers.


5. Resolution in RE: APPRECIATION OF HOST COMMITTEE

Whereas Knights of Columbus members of the Dallas State Con-vention Committee are graciously serving as hosts to the 2020 State Convention of the 116th meeting of the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus; and

Whereas such Committee, as our host, has extended to us warm, sincere greetings and hospitality as well as consistent coopera-tion in all requirements, making the duties of the officers and staff easier to discharge;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus hereby extends to the officers and members of the Dallas State Convention Committee and their wives our sincere appreciation and profound thanks for the cordial welcome, excellent workmanship, and fine hospitality shown to all members in attendance.



Page 53

6. Resolution in RE: BEATIFICATION OF FATHER MICHAEL J. MCGIVNEY

Whereas since 1978 the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus has been pursuing the cause for the beatification of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney; and

Whereas in 2008, Pope Benedict XVI approved a decree rec-ognizing the heroic virtue of Father Michael J. McGivney, and whose declaration significantly advances his progress toward sainthood giving Father McGivney the distinction of “Venerable Servant of God”; and

Whereas the Church continues to study and investigate the life and work of our founder Father Michael J. McGivney, which also in-cludes examining a possible miracle manifested through the interces-sion of Father McGivney; and

Whereas on January 10, 2006, the book titled Parish Priest Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism, a biography of our founder, was published and made it to the New York Times Best Sellers list; and

Whereas to further promote devotion to Father McGivney, in 2013 the Texas State Council commissioned the first devotional icon of our beloved founder, the original of which hangs in the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven and copies of which are available at www.tkofc.org; and

WHEREAS the Father McGivney Guild has been established to help further the goal of saintly recognition for this worthy priest, and currently has a membership of over 150,000 individuals;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council, Knights of Columbus in Convention duly assembled in Dal-las, Texas, do hereby fully support the Supreme Council in this cause, and continue to pledge our ongoing prayers for the beatification of this great and noble priest and encourage Texas State Council members and all Catholics to join the Father McGivney Guild and pray for his beatification; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council encourages local councils to maintain and make available copies of our founder’s biography for all Knights to read and share, and display a framed copy of the devotional icon in all council chambers and to give the icon as appreciation gifts to our bishops, pastors, chaplains and oth-ers in recognition of special service accomplishments; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Supreme Council for the consideration and edification of all delegates attending the 138th Supreme Council Convention in Wash-ington, District of Columbia.


7. Resolution in RE: IN SUPPORT OF A CULTURE OF LIFE

WHEREAS the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus and the Texas State Council have demonstrated a deep, historic, and consistent opposition to any and all governmental actions and policies that promote abortion, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and other offenses against life; and

WHEREAS the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus and the Texas State Council have continued to reaffirm an uncom-promising commitment to the sacred nature of God’s gift of Life, to Natural Law, and continued encouragement to members, Councils, and their families to continue advocating and promoting life—from natural birth to natural death—and to work within our communities to promote a Culture of Life that respects all human beings, particularly women and the unborn; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus have supported our bishops in opposition to capital punishment; and

Whereas the Knights of Columbus’ Ultrasound Program has provided approximately 1196 ultrasound machines in 50 states, with Texas being one of the leading jurisdictions providing over 80 ultrasounds—said ultrasounds providing the parents and families of unborn children a window into the mother’s womb that allows them a clear glimpse of God’s gift of life; and

WHEREAS the Texas State Council continues to support federal and state investigations into Planned Parenthood’s immoral and ille-gal activities and also continues to favor the passage of any legisla-tion that would ban the illegal and immoral use or sale of any human fetal body parts or tissue; and

Whereas the Knights of Columbus has a long history of support-ing public demonstrations and rallies for the cause of life, particularly in Texas, specifically the Pro-Life Masses, Marches, Hikes-for-Life, and candlelight vigils.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council continue to support laws and other governmental actions prohibiting abortion, destructive embryonic stem cell research, eutha-nasia, and continues to call for legislation and regulations that require parental notification and consent for minors seeking an abortion, and will continue to seek the restoration of full legal protection for the lives of the unborn, the sick, persons with disabilities and the elderly; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Knights of Columbus will con-tinue to uphold and advocate the traditional teaching of the Church concerning the death penalty, as explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and that we call upon the Supreme Convention to include opposition to the death penalty in any pro-life Resolution it considers and passes; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we pledge to continue the activi-ties of the Knights of Columbus at all levels to inform, educate and motivate both our members and the public at large, including public officials who take a so-called “pro-choice” position, regarding the dignity and sanctity of human life at all stages and the evils of abor-tion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, death penalty, and other offenses against life; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we affirm our policy of not inviting to any Knights of Columbus event, persons, especially public officials or candidates for public office, who do not support legal protection of unborn children or who advocate the legalization of euthanasia, and not bestowing upon them honors or privileges of our Order of any type; and


Page 54

FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on the United States Senate to enact the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and that after a formal conference with the House, Congress submit a strong pro-life bill to the President of the United States for his consideration, on whom we call to sign into law; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon the United State Congress to act swiftly and decisively in denying all public funding and support for Planned Parenthood, and submitting this legislation to the President of the United States upon whom we call to sign it into law; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon the Texas Legisla-ture—and the Legislatures and Assemblies of the other States and Commonwealths of the United States—to continue investigating Planned Parenthood and that it act swiftly and decisively in denying any and all public funding and support for Planned Parenthood and submitting this legislation to the Governor of Texas, upon whom we call to sign it into law; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we staunchly oppose any and all efforts by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and any State Legislature, State regulatory agency and any local, county or municipal government that would force private or public employers, health plans, health institutions and providers to offer services that deprive individuals and institutions of their freedom of conscience by taking away the liberty to follow ethical, moral or religious beliefs; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that while recognizing the natural rights of parents and the dignity of children, we urge the United States and Texas governments to streamline social services regulations and laws to facilitate adoption so that suitable families may welcome children who need stable parental care; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Knights of Columbus continue to support in every manner possible the Gabriel Project, Project Rachel and other similar ministries which provides women and men facing crisis pregnancies and post-abortion problems love, physical care, counseling, spiritual, emotional and financial support; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Supreme Council for the consideration and edification of all delegates attending the 138th Supreme Council Convention in Wash-ington, District of Columbia, and a copy to the Texas Legislature, the Governor of Texas, and the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress and the President of the United States.


8. Resolution in RE: CALLING FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN PRO-LIFE MARCHES FOR LIFE

Whereas the Knights of Columbus has a long history of support-ing public demonstrations and rallies for the cause of life, particularly in Texas, specifically the Pro-Life Masses, Marches, Hikes-for-Life, and candlelight vigils; and

WHEREAS the March of Life that occurs in Washington D.C. unites, educates and mobilizes pro-life people and organizations from across the United States; and

WHEREAS other states have held and conducted their own Marches for Life, particularly Texas, which holds its own March for Life in downtown Austin, Texas, where pro-life Texans march to the Texas State Capitol and demonstrate peacefully for the cause of life; and

Whereas since 2015, the officers of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus, along with members and leaders of Texas Knights of Columbus councils, have marched in the Texas March for Life, alongside the Bishops, priests and other pro-life supporters; and

WHEREAS local communities and parishes hold and conduct their own Marches for Life along with other pro-life groups and orga-nizations.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council encourages Councils, members, and their families to continue to support and participate in the March for Life conducted in Wash-ington D.C., the Texas March for Life conducted in Austin, Texas, and any other march for life or public demonstrations and rallies for the cause of life; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council and the Knights of Columbus call upon Councils to continue to work with their bishops, pastors, priests and parish leaders in organizing, adminis-tering, and assisting with local Marches for Life conducted in their respective communities; and



9. Resolution in RE: SUPPORT FOR THE INSTITUTION OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

WHEREAS marriage is a natural institution based on ancient hu-man values that has been recognized as a unique and deeply rooted social, legal and religious institution; and

Whereas marriage reflects the natural biological complementar-ity between a man and a woman, which is woven into the social and religious fabric of every major culture and society; and

WHEREAS marriage is a natural institution that predates the state, the state is therefore obligated to recognize, respect, and protect it; and

WHEREAS our Holy Father, Pope Francis, when speaking on the subject of marriage and the family, has said, “Children have a right to grow up in a family with a father and a mother capable of creating a suitable environment for the child’s development and emotional maturity;” and

WHEREAS Pope Francis declared in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia “that only the exclusive and indissoluble union between a man and a woman has a plenary role to play in society as a stable commitment that bears fruit in new life;” and


Page 55

WHEREAS the Holy Father also stated that “Marriage is a pre-cious sign, for ‘when a man and a woman celebrate the sacrament of marriage…he impresses in them his own features and the indelible character of his love;’” and

WHEREAS the Holy Father also stated in Amoris Laetitia that “By their witness as well as their words, families speak to others of Jesus. They pass on the faith, they arouse a desire for God and they reflect the beauty of the Gospel and its way of life;” and

WHEREAS the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Columbus Councils in Texas and their members wish to support and stand in solidarity with our Supreme Council, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops, our Texas Bishops, and our clergy and religious regarding the fundamental and traditional recognition and definition of marriage as a holy and sacred union between one man and one woman, with that union being open to the creation of life.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council at its 116th annual meeting in Dallas, Texas that the Knights of Columbus stand firm in our conviction that the only valid marriage that can exist is the exclusive and indissoluble union between a man and a woman; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon all federal, state and local government officials to enact legislation that will protect the sanctity of marriage and the sanctity of a family committed to bringing new life into the world; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Supreme Council for the consideration and edification of all delegates attending the 138th Supreme Council Convention in Wash-ington, District of Columbia, and a copy to the Texas Legislature, the Governor of Texas, the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress and the President of the United States.


10. Resolution in RE: IN DEFENSE OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Whereas the right to religious freedom is based upon the inher-ent dignity of the human person, which is known through both reason and divine revelation; and

WHEREAS the right to religious freedom is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Texas State Constitution and other documents recognizing religious freedom; and

WHEREAS religious freedom means that all persons are to be free from coercion in matters of belief and conscience and that no person should be forced to act in a manner contrary to his or her own beliefs or conscience; and

WHEREAS in Dignitatis Humanae, the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on Religious Freedom, we reaffirm the Catholic Church’s consistent teaching that religious freedom is an inalienable right which should be recognized in the governing laws of each country in such a way that it is acknowledged as a basic civil right; and

WHEREAS religious freedom is not a benefit that a government confers out of a sense of mere tolerance, which can be removed, but rather is an inalienable right, rooted in the transcendent dignity of every human being; and

WHEREAS Pope Francis has called religious freedom, “a funda-mental right of man,” that is “not simply freedom of thought or private worship,” but “the freedom to live according to ethical principles, both privately and publicly, consequent to the truth one has found;” and

WHEREAS religious freedom is at the very heart of human rights because it encompasses freedom of speech, assembly, and con-science, which together form the basis of civil society and respect for the individual; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus since its founding has worked to defend religious freedom for Catholics and all people, and has done so out of our commitment to our faith and our unshakeable belief that religious freedom is a basic civil right; and

Whereas the Order’s work on behalf of religious freedom included efforts in the U.S. Supreme Court case Pierce v. Society of Sisters, which affirmed the right of children to a Catholic education in opposition to the efforts of the Ku Klux Klan; and

WHEREAS our work for religious freedom also included activities to protest the persecution of Catholics in Mexico in the 1920s, as well as efforts to combat the anti-religious worldview of Communism, and the inclusion of the phrase “under God” in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance to distinguish the United States from anti-religious govern-ments; and

WHEREAS regulatory actions by local, state and federal agen-cies have sought to force private Catholic employers—such as Catho-lic universities, colleges, schools, orders, convents, congregations, dioceses and the Knights of Columbus—to provide all employees with insurance coverage that includes abortion-inducing drugs, contracep-tion, and sterilization; and

WHEREAS the numerous threats to religious liberty that have appeared in recent years are among the most serious intrusions on religious liberty we have seen in our lifetimes;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that as citizens and as Knights of Columbus, we will remain steadfast in our support for the free exercise of religion as it is enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Texas State Constitution and other documents recognizing religious freedom; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we stand firm in our conviction that the full guarantee of religious liberty cannot be limited to “freedom of worship” as some have attempted, but must include full “freedom of religion,” which necessarily encompasses the public dimension of religion, the freedom from persecution or discrimination based on conscience and belief, and the fact that believers are called to play an active role in building the social order; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we stand in solidarity with our bish-ops in their call to the Catholic faithful, and to all Americans, to join


Page 56

together to oppose coercive regulatory schemes, orders, mandates, and also to protect religious liberty and freedom of conscience; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on the U.S. Congress to con-sider and pass a robust First Amendment Defense Act, which would protect the free exercise of religious beliefs and moral convictions of persons by preventing the federal government from taking discrimina-tory action against such persons in the areas of government con-tracts, benefits, tax treatment, accreditations and licensures; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we commend the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016 and the Conscience Protection Act of 2016, measures essential to protecting the free exercise of religion; and we call upon the U.S. Senate to pass this legislation and the President to sign it into law; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon all government officials in Texas to enact legislation that will protect the right of religious institutions and individuals to be free from government coercion in all matters; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we will join with others of goodwill to March for Religious Freedom each year in Austin, the capital of Texas, to demonstrate our resolve and to demand that government officials respect this God-given right; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that our struggle for religious freedom at this decisive moment in our history is not only for our sake but for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations, so that they too may know a country that is “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all;” and

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Supreme Council for the consideration and edification of all delegates attending the 138th Supreme Council Convention in Wash-ington, District of Columbia, and a copy to the Texas Legislature, the Governor of Texas, and the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress and to the President of the United States.


11. Resolution in RE: PRAYER FOR ALL GOVERNMENTAL LEADERS

WHEREAS in 2020, the people of the United States will be electing the President, members of the House of Representatives and various Senators; and the people of Texas will be electing new members to the Texas Legislature and judges to courts at the county, district, and appellate levels;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council calls upon all Councils, Assemblies, and Chapters to pray for our President, Governor, and all our elected officials at the federal, state, county, city, and local levels, that the Holy Spirit may counsel, insight and wisdom to keep the United States of America and our state and local communities on a path consistent with the Divine Will that we invoke daily when we pray the Lord’s Prayer – the “Our Father;” and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council encourages all members and their families to register and to vote in all federal, state, and local elections; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Knights of Columbus supports the election and appointment of officials at the federal, state and local levels of government who support and believe in a culture of life and the protection of religious freedom; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council encourages all members and councils in Texas to pray for our President, Governor and all elected representatives, legislators, judges, and other govern-ment officials in hope that they will work to defend life and to honor the religious and conscience concerns of all American citizens; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we, the Knights of Columbus and the Texas State Council, encourage all members and Councils to continue to encourage peaceful and respectful dialogue between all Americans and that we, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, find ways to bridge our differences in a respectful manner; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Supreme Council for the consideration and edification of all delegates attending the 138th Supreme Council Convention in Wash-ington, District of Columbia, and a copy to the Texas Legislature, the Governor of Texas, and the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress and to the President of the United States.


12. Resolution in RE: SUPPORT FOR OUR ARMED FORCES

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus and the Texas State Coun-cil direct support for the armed forces dates back to the early 20th Century including the original KC Huts program and in the formation of the United Services Organization (USO); and

WHEREAS our support for the armed forces continues to the present day, most notably through our support of the Archdiocese for the Military Services Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, for which our Supreme Knight and Supreme Master have committed the Order to raise $1.5 million, with the Fourth Degree having already raised over $2.0 million, and support for the annual Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes; and

WHEREAS the Texas State Council and its subordinate councils have supported the Frontline Faith Project, which distributes recorded Catholic prayers, lectures, and teachings to our troops, and has reached out in a special effort to cooperate with the local units of the Catholic War Veterans of America; and

WHEREAS the Texas Women’s Project from 2016 to 2018 raised $80,000 for the support of the Archdiocese of the Military Services Cosponsored Seminarian Program, and from 2018 to 2020 the First Lady of Texas has recommitted to continue support for this vital pro-gram to produce additional Catholic chaplains desperately needed to serve the spiritual needs of men and women and their families while serving in the Armed Forces of the USA; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council insurance program is the only domestic insurance company which pays the face amount of the policy upon the death of one of the members of


Page 57

our Armed Forces killed in combat rather than have a “war exclusion” clause as do other domestic insurance companies;

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus maintains 68 active military councils around the world and have one war-zone roundtables in Iraq and Afghanistan with another in the war-torn Horn of Africa; and

WHEREAS our Brother Knights, along with thousands of other servicemen and women, are presently deployed in hostile and unstable regions around the world in efforts to combat terrorism, maintain order and promote peace; and

Whereas the families of those courageous servicemen and women now deployed are praying for their safe return; and

WHEREAS many of these men and women have heroically given their lives or sustained a serious or debilitating injury while deployed in the service of their country; and

WHEREAS we are committed to “serving those who served” through the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services program, with Brother Knights donating more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service at over 134 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers last year.

Whereas the Knights of Columbus has demonstrated its commit-ment to “wounded warriors” by direct service, financial support, and partnering with other civic organizations and foundations to benefit those service members who have suffered traumatic injuries or wounds in the field of battle; and

Whereas the Knights of Columbus has distributed hundreds of thousands of rosaries and copies of Armed With The Faith, a prayer book for service members; and

WHEREAS the Texas State Council and its subordinate councils have supported the Frontline Faith Project, which distributes recorded Catholic prayers, lectures, and teachings to our troops, and has reached out in a special effort to cooperate with the local units of the Catholic War Veterans of America; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council, all Knights of Columbus Councils and Assemblies in Texas reaffirm our unequivocal gratitude, support, and encouragement for the men and women of the armed forces who defend our liberties and freedoms and that we will never waiver in our commitment to recognize the contributions of every service member on Active Duty, in the Guard, in the Reserves, and all veterans and retired service members; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we prayerfully support and encour-age the families of those servicemen and women who are deployed away from home; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we continue to pray for the mission success and the safe return of all our military personnel; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we now pay tribute to those men and women who have served, especially those who have suffered serious combat wounds or injuries, and we pray for the souls of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the service of their country; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council, Councils, and Assemblies in Texas will continue to support the Archdiocese of Military Services financially and with our prayers; and



13. Resolution in RE: SUPPORT FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS

WHEREAS Section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 defines first responders as emergency management, public health, clinical care, public works, and other skilled support personnel that provide immediate support services during prevention, response and recovery operations; and

WHEREAS the legal definition of emergency response/first responders generally includes Federal, State, and local government emergency, public safety, fire, law enforcement, emergency response, emergency medical (including hospital emergency facilities) and related personnel, agencies and authorities; and

WHEREAS first responders are generally considered and rec-ognized to be local law enforcement officers, which in Texas include federal officers and Border Patrol agents, police officers, sheriffs, deputies, constables and dispatch and other support personnel, and firefighters, emergency safety responders such as medics, ambulance support persons; and

WHEREAS first responders serve by responding to events situations that require assisting, rescuing, and possibly defending members of the community from dangers and hazardous events that many times place first responders in harm’s way; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus pray for the 22 first responders and their families, 19 law enforcement officers and 3 firefighters, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in Texas this past 2019; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus remain committed to contin-ued support our first responders and their families through the “Shield a Badge with a Prayer” Program, Red, White and Blue Masses.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council and all Knights of Columbus Councils in Texas reaffirm our unequivocal gratitude, support, and encouragement for the men and women and their families who are first responders who protect us from harm with unselfish and professional dedication and that we will never waiver in our commitment to recognize the contributions of every first responder and their families; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that all Texas Councils continue to re-main steadfast in supporting and praying for our first responders and their families through the Shield a Badge with Prayer Program and by scheduling, promoting and attending Red Masses, White Masses, and Blue Masses; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we prayerfully support and encour-age the families of those first responders; and


Page 58

FURTHER RESOLVED that we continue to pray for the safe return of all our first responders; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we now pay tribute to those men and women who have served, especially those who have suffered serious injuries, and we pray for the souls of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the line of duty; and



14. Resolution in RE: SUPPORT FOR THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES

WHEREAS on June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress established a national flag, resolving “that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a field of blue, representing a new constellation”; and

WHEREAS the banner adopted by the Second Continental Con-gress, hereinafter referred to as the “Flag,” has become the national symbol for the United States of America, the constellation of stars in the field of blue changing and evolving as new States entered the Union; and

WHEREAS in the 243-year history of the United States, the Flag has come to embody and reflect all aspects of American life, being displayed on government and privately owned buildings, flown by military and civilian vessels, displayed at political, social, educational and religious events on a national, state and local level, carried by soldiers and explorers and raised by students and athletes at schools and athletic contests; and

WHEREAS throughout the history of the United States, the Flag has witnessed many of America’s greatest, dramatic and tragic moments—the bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814, the assault on Fort Sumpter in 1861, the funeral procession for Presidents Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Olympic gold medal run by Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the battle on Iwo Jima in 1945, the Civil Rights Marches in the 1960s, the American landing on the Moon in 1969, the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and many other events at different times in our nation’s history; and

Whereas many of our ancestors—particularly our immigrant grandfathers and grandmothers—when coming to the United States from their original homelands, were greeted by the Flag when first stepping onto American soil; and

WHEREAS throughout the history of the United States, men and women of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds have pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor in the service of the United States, their sacrifices symbolized and represented by the Flag; and

WHEREAS while Americans can at times disagree on many issues, all Americans know that the Flag is our universal identifying national emblem; and

WHEREAS it has become a respectful tradition that all Americans honor the Flag in gratitude for the sacrifices made by all Americans in making our nation the home of the free and the refuge of those seeking the dream Dr. Martin Luther King so eloquently de-scribed and those seeking the sanctuary for life, liberty, and equality Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln so eloquently described; and

Whereas the Knights of Columbus have always honored and respected the Flag, as exemplified by the Order’s successful efforts to add the phrase “Under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council and its subordinate Councils remind all members to always show proper respect and reverence for the Flag of the United States of America, particularly by standing when the Flag is unfurled at any public event and for the National Anthem, and to continue to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at all meetings; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Knights of Columbus rededi-cate themselves to encouraging the public display of the Flag at our churches, parish grounds, homes, places of business, and at social gatherings; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we encourage our families, fellow parishioners, and countrymen and women in a charitable and fra-ternal manner to always show respect for the Flag by standing upon presentation of the Colors and for men to remove their hats during the playing of the National Anthem or the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance as a sign of respect for our all who built, supported and sacrificed to make our Country great and saluting the Flag by either giving a military salute or by placing one’s hand over their heart; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution is sent to the Supreme Council for the consideration and edification of all delegates attending the 138th Supreme Council Convention in Wash-ington, District of Columbia and that the Supreme Council encourages the Supreme Convention to adopt this or a similar Resolution that honors our Flag.


15. Resolution in RE: TO SUPPORT THE ANNUAL COMMEMORATION OF COLUMBUS DAY IN THE AMERICAS

WHEREAS Christopher Columbus was the first European to sail west in search of the Orient and to discover the American continents as a result, returning multiple times to explore and establish settle-ments in this New World, opening it to the enduring influence of Western civilization and also providing for the development of trade, commerce and prosperity; and

WHEREAS the Admiral of the Ocean Sea was not focused as a profiteer or adventurer, but rather as a faithful Catholic – a “Christ-bearer” – intent on spreading the Good News to the indig-enous peoples as evidenced by his request to Pope Alexander VI for missionary priests to accompany him on his initial journey with these words “I trust that, by God’s help, I may spread the Holy Name and Gospel of Jesus Christ as widely as may be”; and


Page 59

WHEREAS in the same spirit of evangelization, Father Michael McGivney and a small group of men chartered the Knights of Colum-bus to spread the Good News in a new way to address the challenges of the industrial era, by serving the temporal and spiritual needs of families and faith communities with programs that provide financial security and strengthen the social fabric with acts of charity; and

WHEREAS four hundred years after Columbus’ triumphant expe-dition, and ten years after the chartering of the Knights of Columbus, Pope Leo XIII recognized the important contribution of Columbus in is his encyclical, Quarto Abeunte Saeculo, writing: “it is fitting that we should confess and celebrate in a special manner the will and designs of the Eternal Wisdom, under whose guidance the discoverer of the New World placed himself with a devotion so touching”; and

WHEREAS in this modern era the Knights of Columbus continue to respond fervently to the call to evangelize the cultures in which we have been placed by God, adapting to meet the acute challenges of consumerism, hedonism, sexual libertinism and a profound loss of respect for the God-given values of human life, religious freedom, and traditional complementary marriages and families; and

WHEREAS in the spirit of acknowledging his extraordinary contributions, regional celebrations have been held since 1792, and a special public holiday was established in 1934 in the USA to celebrate the singular and enduring influence of the accomplishments of Chris-topher Columbus; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that as Knights of the great Christopher Columbus, and all Christian men and women of goodwill, we will continue to celebrate the example of Christopher Columbus as a visionary and evangelist, both on the holiday set aside to honor his accomplishments and throughout the year, by placing our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the center of all our endeavors; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that Knights of Columbus in Texas will endeavor to celebrate the Columbus Day Holiday by attending Mass together and sharing a fraternal meal; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that we will, without diminishing the unique contributions of native peoples to the remarkable cultural tapestry of the Americas, encourage our public officials to preserve the intended spirit of the public holiday tradition with its cultural and patriotic implications, and not allow it to be undermined or diminished by neglect, dilution or replacement; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that all Knights of Columbus endeavor and commit to speaking out in our communities before local, munici-pal, county and state governmental agencies in support of the contin-ued celebration of the accomplishments of Christopher Columbus and educate others regarding the positive aspects of his efforts, discovery, and legacy; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Supreme Council for the consideration and edification of all delegates attending the 138th Supreme Council Convention in Wash-ington, District of Columbia, and a copy to the Texas Legislature, the Governor of Texas, the leadership of the Texas Municipal League, the Texas Association of Counties, City Councils, the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress, and to the President of the United States.


16. Resolution in RE: THE ORDER’S INSURANCE BENEFIT PROGRAMS

Whereas the Knights of Columbus was founded to provide cru-cial relief for widows and orphans of Catholic men with the foresight and courage to join the Order; and

WHEREAS our founder, the Servant of God Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney’s vision initiated an institution that has become one of the largest fraternal benefits insurance companies in the United States; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest ac-creditation possible from two of the best known, and most respected insurance rating agencies, A. M. Best and Standard & Poor’s, and as a World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus now has $113.5 billion of life insurance in force on its members and their families; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus sold 6,694 annuity con-tracts in 2019; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus also had annual sales of Long-Term Care insurance of $6.17 million in 2019; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus also had annual sales of Disability Income insurance of 957 policies in 2019; and

WHEREAS the Knights of Columbus had $542.2 million in new Annuity Deposits; and

WHEREAS in 2019 the Knights of Columbus paid out $233 mil-lion in dividends and sold $8.41 billion in life insurance to its mem-bers; and

WHEREAS Texas is the jurisdiction in the Order with the most in-surance in force, with 121,623 policies in force from 41,276 insurance members and their families totaling $9.01 billion; and

WHEREAS nearly 40 percent of Texas Knights are insurance members of the Order;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas State Council at its 116th annual meeting in Dallas, Texas, does commend the outstanding efforts of our general agents and our field agency force in Texas; and

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Council does affirm as its policy that all fraternal publications, including advertising for fraternal and fundraising events, including those of the Texas State Council, its subordinate councils, assemblies, and chapters are prohibited from accepting advertisements and news items relating directly or indirectly to the sale or servicing of life or disability income or long term care insurance or annuities, other than advertisements or news items promoting the Order’s insurance programs, and that violation of this rule by any publication from any subordinate council, assembly or chapter will constitute cause to prohibit the use of the name and emblem of the Order by those subordinate councils and/or their publications.



Page 60

17. Resolution in RE: SOLICITATION AT STATE COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

WHEREAS in the past there have been numerous and varied solicitations conducted at activities sponsored under the auspices of Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus, by groups of individuals seeking financial contributions, program participation, or donations of volunteer time or funds, and these activities are often sponsored by the standing and special committees of the State Council for the fraternal benefit, education or enjoyment of those participating;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that no solicitation or displays will be allowed at State Council functions except by written authorization of the State Deputy. It shall be the duty of the State Of-ficers to enforce this Resolution.


18. Resolution for Knights Program to address the Poverty of Native Americans

WHEREAS, the conditions on Indian Reservations are in a deplorable state, and; whereas, in 2017, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 34% of Native American children live in poverty; and according to the Economic Policy Institute, Native American, African American, and Hispanic children face the highest poverty rates, and

WHEREAS, health disparities continue to rise in these tribal communities. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) reported Native Americans die at higher rates than other Americans from tuberculosis (600% higher), alcoholism (510% higher) and diabetes (189% higher), and

WHEREAS, Native American youth have the highest rate of sui-cide among all ethnic groups in the U.S., with suicide as the second-leading cause of death for Native Americans aged 15 to 24, according to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. and

WHEREAS, the 2019 USCCB Two Rivers report (http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/upload/Two- Rivers-On-Catholic-Native-American-Culture-and-Diversity.pdf) proposed four high priority areas:

• to “be a light”, showing the needs of the American Indian

• to minister to the needs of the Native American community and the mission churches,

• strengthen Native American Catholic education and native leadership, and

• pushing for “systemic change.”

Toward this end, public awareness was a major concern – to develop ways to reach out to the greater Catholic community to inform them of the state of U.S. Indian reservations. and

WHEREAS, these same areas of concern were discussed in more detail at the USCCB sponsored Poverty Summit held at the University of Notre Dame (October 2019), and were prioritized as the Church formulates a concrete plan moving forward. and

WHEREAS, the American Indian (which includes Native Alaskan families) have deeper ancestral roots in the Americas than peoples who came to the country from Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2015, about 24 percent of the 2.9 million Native Americans Catholics in this country were Catholic amounting to a population of more than 708,000. Of these 59% are Active Catholic, 22% are returned Catho-lics and 11% are converts; 76% of Native American families were married in the Catholic church and 26% have children in Catholic schools; 85% of the children have been baptized and 75% have been confirmed. Many are veterans. The number of Catholics affected are significant.

Therefore, be it resolved that a Knights of Columbus definitive program be established to address the significant ills of our Native American citizens to relieve the health, shelter and financial crises being experienced within the impoverished reservations within the US and Canada. This can only be accomplished by:

• An aggressive public awareness effort – both within the KoC and also our local communities, with concrete steps identified for Councils to take to foster active participation and action, with the long-range goal of establishing a grass roots movement nationally.

• A program that pushes for systemic change by lobbying Congress to enact or modify the laws governing reserva-tions, enabling tribes to become self-sufficient and sustain-able by encouraging economic development. This includes school choice and other educational issues.

• A lack of sovereignty and ownership of the land leads to the conditions that foster endemic poverty on many reserva-tions. Tribal lands need to be reconsolidated, accomplished by an extensive buy-back program. Native Americans can then take control of their economic and political destinies.

• A program that puts into practice Catholic social teaching to improve conditions in these Native communities. These must include assistance to families, especially in the area of parenting.

• A program that provides immediate assistance to those most in need. Many of the elderly die of hypothermia each winter. This might include Councils and parishes volunteer-ing to adopt an Indian family, to pay for their propane, send needed clothing, contacting local businesses and corpora-tions to participate, etc.

19. Resolution to create an annuity fund for the Retired and Infirmed Priest

WHEREAS, the Priest of the State of Texas devote their entire lives to the Church.

WHEREAS, many Priest of the Catholic Church in Texas serve at very poor Parishes

WHEREAS, the Priest of Texas deserve a comfortable retirement after years of devotion to the Church and service


Page 61

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Knights of Columbus of the State of Texas here-by declare that $2 dollars per year should be assessed from each member of the Texas Knights of Columbus.

Therefore, Be it further Resolved, that the $2 per member be used to create an annuity fund through the Knights of Columbus insurance program.

This resolution of support was duly and unanimously passed atthe Regular business meeting of All Saints Council 16663 on 14th day of January, 2020.

20. RESOLUTION OF ENDORSEMENT

WHEREAS, Alfredo Vela, is a member in good standing of Escobares Council #9982 has announced that he will seek the office of State Deputy of the Texas State Council; and

WHEREAS, Alfredo has served the Order and Escobares Council 9982 and Rio Grande City Council 2597 for over 36 years in several appointed and elected offices including Grand Knight and Treasurer of Rio Grande City Council 2597. He was also the Chief Counselor for the Columbian Squires of Circle 1481 in Rio Grande City; and

WHEREAS, he joined the Fourth Degree in March, 1989, and has served Assembly #1112 as a member and Faithful Navigator, and

WHEREAS, he was appointed Diocesan Deputy from 2004-2008 by State Deputy Leo Hanus and State Deputy Larry Zapalac; and

WHEREAS, he was appointed State Program Director from 2008-2010 by State Deputy Javier Martinez ; and

WHEREAS, he was appointed State Charity Director from 2010-2012 by State Deputy Tony Herreth; and

WHEREAS, he was appointed State Council Growth Director from 2012-2014 by State Deputy Jim Collins: and

WHEREAS, he was appointed State Membership Director from 2014-2016 by State Deputy Terry Simonton; and

WHEREAS, he has served the Texas State Council as State Treasurer from 2016-2018

WHEREAS, he has served the Texas State Council as State Secretary from 2018 through the present, and

WHEREAS, he has served Immaculate Conception Church, Rio Grande City, Texas as: Usher, Lector; and as member and President of the Advisory Board of Immaculate Conception School; and

WHEREAS, he has served the community of Rio Grande City as a member, officer and President of the RGC Jaycees and RGC Quarterback Club, he has also been very involved in coaching youth baseball; and,

WHEREAS, he has been married to Rosa B. Vela for over thirty-six years and they have two children.

BE IT RESOLVED, that Escobares Council 9982 endorses the nomination and election of Brother Alfredo Vela to the office of State Deputy for the Texas State Council; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we draw attention to his out-standing leadership, commitment to the Principles of our Order, the dedicated years of service to the Knights of Columbus, our Church, and Community to the Councils of the State of Texas and their delegates to the 116th Annual Texas State Convention to be held in Dallas, Texas .

This Resolution of Endorsement was duly and unanimously passed at the Regular Business Meeting of Escobares Council 9982 on January 7, 2020.

21. COUNCIL 6269 RESOLUTION OF ENDORSEMENT

WHEREAS, Diego Jesus Pena, has been a member of the Order in good standing since 2004, and continues to be, a practical Catholic and is currently a member of St. Maria Goretti parish in Arlington, Texas, and a member in good standing of St. Jude Council 6269 in Arlington, Texas; and

WHEREAS, Diego has been married to Pia Griffith Pena for more than twenty-eight (28) years and they have three adult children, Johjanes, Tirza and Genevieve and one grandson, Aaron James; and

WHEREAS, Diego is a second-generation Knight of Columbus, his father Diego Jose Pena (deceased) and his Uncle Ciro Pena both served the Order with honor and distinction; and

WHEREAS, the 115th and 114th Conventions of the Texas State Council elected Diego to serve as State Treasurer, and the 108th, 109th, 110th, 111th, 112th, and 113th Texas State Council Conven-tions unanimously elected Diego to serve as State Advocate; and

WHEREAS, as State Treasurer, Diego has served with distinc-tion and integrity; and ,

WHEREAS, Diego has spoken at many Texas State Council meetings, Chapter meetings, Diocesan Conferences, Exemplifica-tions, council meetings and banquets across the State on topics rang-ing from District Deputy training, leadership, membership, program-ming and charity, with a perspective on providing creative leadership and was invited by the Supreme Advocate's Office to assist in the training of other State Advocates; and

WHEREAS, Diego has served the Order and his Councils (10240, 10940 and 10245) in elected and appointed positions includ-ing Council Advocate, Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight, District Deputy, Chapter Vice-President (San Antonio Chapter) and as Del-egate to the 2015 Supreme Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (representing the Dallas diocese) and attended the 2018 Supreme Convention in Baltimore, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Diego served on his Councils' First Degree teams (10240 and 10245), and also served on the San Antonio Major Degree Team; and

WHEREAS, Diego joined the Fourth Degree in April 2005, hav-ing served as a regular member of the Color Corps and as Faithful


Page 62

Trustee of the St. Anthony de Padua Assembly 1102 (San Antonio), Faithful Navigator, Faithful Captain, and Faithful Admiral of St. Ann Assembly 3181 (Coppell), Faithful Scribe of Our Lady Queen of Peace Assembly 2112 (Arlington) and assists as an Exemplar on the Third Texas District Fourth Degree Exemplification Team; and

WHEREAS, Diego and his family have been honored by St. Luke Council I0240, St. Ann Council 10245, Assembly 1102 and Assembly 3181 several times as Knight of the Month, Family of the Month, Knight of the Year, Family of the Year and Sir Knight of the Year; and

WHEREAS, since 1983, Diego has served parish communities in San Antonio, Boerne, Coppell, Lewisville and Arlington, Texas as a Religious Education instructor, Confirmation instructor, Lector, Eucha-ristic Minister, Perpetual Adorer, Member of the Liturgical Council, and Parish Finance Council; and

WHEREAS, Diego has advised and served various Catholic organizations, including the Board of Directors for the Guadalupe Home, a pro-life facility in San Antonio, Texas, the Catholic Pro Life Committee in Dallas, Texas, the Board of Trustees for Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas, and various advisory boards affili-ated with the University of Notre Dame (Former Class Officer, 1988 and 2010 Alumni Senate); and

WHEREAS, Diego is also a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, having earned his Pilgrim Shell for having traveled on pilgrimage to the Holy Land (2014); and

WHEREAS, Diego is a licensed attorney in good standing, having graduated from the University of Notre Dame (B.A. 1980), the University of Texas at San Antonio (M.A. History 2005) and the University of Texas School of Law (J.D. 1982); and

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush while serving as Gover-nor of Texas, in recognition of Diego's leadership abilities, experience and knowledge of history and the legal system, appointed Diego to serve on the Texas Judicial Council twice, from 1995-99, having both appointments confirmed unanimously by the Texas Senate; and

WHEREAS, Diego retired after 29 years working for Southwest-ern Bell Telephone Company and AT&T Communications, Inc. having held the position Assistant Vice President - Senior Legal Counsel and is currently self-employed as an Arbitrator & Mediator with The Pena Arbitration & Mediation Group in Fort Worth, Texas.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that St. Jude Council 6269 endorses the nomination and election of Brother Diego Jesus Pena to the office of State Secretary for the Texas State Council or any Officer position of the Texas State Council; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we draw attention to his outstanding leadership, commitment to the Principles of our Order, his dedicated years of service to the Knights of Columbus, our Church and Community to the Councils of the State of Texas and to their delegates attending the 116th Annual Texas State Convention to be held in Dallas, Texas.

This Resolution of Endorsement was duly and unanimously passed at the Regular Business Meeting of St. Jude Council 6269 on this day of January, 2020.

22. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF TERRY FRUGE'

WHEREAS, Texas is one of the largest jurisdictions in the Order of the Knights of Columbus , and

WHEREAS, Terry Fruge' joined Phil Kelley Council #6878 in Humble Texas in 1996, serving numerous Officer positions, and

WHEREAS, Terry served as Grand Knight of Council #6878 from 2002 to 2004, leading the council to Star Council and Lone Star Award of Excellence with Distinction as well as Quick Start Charity Awards both years. This helped continue his council's 25 consecu-tive years as Star Council as well as 28 straight years of making their State Charities Goal, and

WHEREAS, Terry made his Fourth Degree in 1999, joining St. Mary Magdalene Assembly #2517 where be has been an Officer, and

WHEREAS , Terry served the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston as District Deputy for four years attaining Star District every year as well as 100% of his District's Charity Goal every year, along with be-ing recognized as Top Twenty District Deputies in Texas, and

WHEREAS, Terry was appointed Assistant Diocesan Deputy by PSD Javier Martinez, and assisted Galveston-Houston in making their membership goal of 1100 new Brother Knights, and

WHEREAS, Terry captained his Council's First Degree Team for 14 years, performing the role of the Grand Knight , and

WHEREAS, Terry was appointed as the Texas State Council Director of Communications for two years by then WSD Tony Herreth, and

WHEREAS, Terry was appointed State Membership Direc-tor for two years by WSD Jim Collins , during which time the Texas State Council attained the Circle of Honor, and surpassed 100,000 members, and

WHEREAS, Terry was appointed as Chairman of the Welcoming Event at the 131st Supreme Convention in San Antonio in August 2013, by 2013 Convention Chairman Jim Collins, which provided food and entertainment for over 600 Brother Knights and Ladies through-out the Order, and

WHEREAS, Terry served on the Texas State Council Charity Board, appointed by WSD Terry Simonton, for two years, and

WHEREAS, Terry was elected STATE WARDEN of the Texas State Council in 2016, serving two years,

NOW BE IT RESOLVED THAT we the members of Phil Kelley Council #6878 in Humble, TX, support, and endorse the candidacy of Sir Knight Terry Fruge' for the office of STATE TREASURER, and send a copy of this resolution to all Councils in Texas, and enthusiasti-cally urge our Brother Knights across Texas to consider his outstand-ing qualifications and experience.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED this 8th day of January, 2020


Page 63

23. RESOLUTION OF ENDORSEMENT

WHEREAS, Robert Bruce "Bob" Goss , a member of St. Michael the Archangel Council 14700 in good standing has announced he will seek reelection to the office of State Advocate of the Texas State Council; and

WHEREAS, Bob has been and continues to be, a practical Catholic, having grown up in Houston, Texas, and is currently a mem-ber of St. Michael parish in Houston, Texas; and

WHEREAS, as the State Advocate , Bob has served with distinc-tion and integrity, and has been asked by the State Deputy to provide legal and fraternal guidance to councils and Diocesan Chapters, and served twice at the annual meetings of the Texas State Council since 2015 as the assistant parliamentarian, and twice on the Bylaws resolution committee, then in 2019 as the parliamentarian, leading the Bylaws resolution committee, and has worked with the Supreme Ad-vocate and the Supreme legal division on an almost daily basis, and;

WHEREAS, as the State Advocate , Bob has provided legal guidance throughout Texas to brothers, councils, Halls, on all manner of issues pertaining to the Order Resolutions and Constitution in a fraternal manner providing solutions to resolve conflict while comply-ing with Order, state and federal laws; and

WHEREAS, in addition to having served with distinction to Texas State Council and State Deputy, Bob has served the Order and his Councils in elected and appointed positions including Chancel-lor, Grand Knight, District Warden, District Deputy, Chapter Bylaws committee chair (Archdiocese Galveston-Houston Chapter), and as Delegate to the 2015 and 2016 Texas State Conventions in Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas; and

WHEREAS, Bob joined the Order in 1996 , Fourth Degree in 1997, and served as Grand Knight of St. Michael council, twice lead-ing and helping Council 14700 to earn two consecutive Triple Star Awards and two Lone Star Award of Excellence with Distinction, along with several other Texas State Council and Supreme awards each year he was Grand Knight; and

WHEREAS, Bob has been honored by St. Michael Council 14700, as Knight of the Month, and selected by Supreme for an advertising recruitment drive quoting Bob's leadership and recruitment messages - - printed advertisements were printed and mailed; and

WHEREAS, since 1993, Bob has served parish communities in the military including a combat zone in Saudi Arabia, Maxwell AFB, AL, and Montgomery, AL as a Religious Education instructor, Assistant Religious Education Director, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Member of the Parish Council, and Parish Council President, along with serving as the PTA Secretary, PTA President for Montgomery, AL Catholic High school; and

WHEREAS, Bob served in the United States Air Force for over 21 years as a Command Pilot, served in OPERATION DESERT STORM (the Gulf War), then as Mission Director for OPERATION DESERT FOX and THUNDER, retiring out of the HQ USAF, Doctrine Center, currently waiting Senate confirmation to Lt. Colonel after prior injuries resulted in Bob being blinded, several surgeries later partially returned Bob's vision; and

WHEREAS, Bob has four adult children, Cynthia , Hans, Victoria, and Christopher. Hans having served in the U.S. Army's 82nd Air-borne, and Chris currently serving in the United States Marines Corps - both sons having deployed to the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, Bob is a licensed attorney in good standing, having graduated from Texas A&M University with two Aerospace Engineering degrees (BS 1980 , MS 1982) , then after the USAF injury Bob turned to the Law Profession attending Samford Univer-sity's Cumberland School of Law (J.D. 2006) and the University of Houston Law Center for advanced law degrees in Health Law and a second advanced law degree in Intellectual Property and Information Law (LL.M.s, 2008) and is admitted to practice as an attorney and counselor of law in the State of Alabama since 2006, State of Texas since 2007, and is admitted to practice before the Department of Veteran Affairs, Board of Veteran Affairs, United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, United States District Courts for the Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court, and

WHEREAS, throughout his legal career, Bob has tried non-jury trials in state courts, all jury trials settling prior to trial, counsel in over a hundred VA hearings, with appearances before the VA and BVA Veteran Law Judges, where Bob represents veterans seeking their wrongly denied but earned VA benefits and litigates appellate cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; U.S. Federal Circuit, and

WHEREAS, he has taught veteran law to state and national audiences of attorneys and agents, driving force as the Chair-Elect and then Chair for the State Bar of Texas Military Law Section fought to add "and Veterans" as a section thereby assisting lawyers to help veterans in Texas; and

WHEREAS, Bob currently holds the highest rating for legal ability, AV Pre-Eminent, from Martindale-Hubbell, the nationally recognized independent legal appraisal agency, and he is a member in good standing of the College of the State Bar of Texas, State Bar of Texas Pro Bono College, the recipient of a national award for pro bono services to veterans in 2015, and the Bryan Spencer award in 2016 as presented by the Military and Veterans Law Section of the State Bar of Texas to the individual or group who best exemplifies providing dedicated legal service to service members, veterans, and their families , and

WHEREAS, State Bar of Texas President Allan DuBois, in recognition of Bob's experience and knowledge of the legal system, appointed Bob to serve on the State Bar of Texas, Disability Issues Committee, from 2016-22 ; furthermore Bob has three times been elected by his peers to the Board of Directors for the National Orga-nization of Veteran Advocates, with each term being three years; and Bob has received numerous legal honors including named in Housto-nian Magazine's Top Lawyers; AVVO's clients' choice award winner, AVVO's Top Attorney rating, and designated a Master Advocate by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that St. Michael the Archangel Council 14700 endorses the nomination and election of Brother Robert B. "Bob" Goss to the office of State Advocate for the


Page 64

Texas State Council or any Officer position of the Texas State Council; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we draw attention to his out-standing leadership, commitment to the Principles of our Order, the dedicated years of service to the Knights of Columbus, our Church, and Community, to the Councils of the State of Texas, the Military and their delegates to the 116th Annual Texas State Convention to be held in Dallas, Texas.

This Resolution of Endorsement was duly and unanimously passed at the Regular Business Meeting of St. Michael the Archangel Council 14700 on this 21st day of January, 2020.

24. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF BOYD BURRIS

WHEREAS, Boyd and his wife, Patricia, are members of St. Philip the Apostle parish in Lewisville. Boyd has served on the Parish Finance Committee, Building Committee, served as an usher, safety team member and Eucharistic Minister. Boyd has served his Commu-nity as a youth football and baseball coach, Chief Umpire, President of both youth football and baseball organizations, first inductee of the Lewisville Football Association Hall of Fame, and served on the Flower Mound Youth Athletic Advisory Board, and

WHEREAS, Boyd has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus and an Honorary Life member of St. Philip the Apostle Council 9884 for over 27 years, serving in every major Officer position with dedication. Boyd has served on the Admissions Degree Team in the Grand Knight role, recipient of the Pro-life ACE Wings, a member of the Father McGivney Guild, and a Texas State Delegate to the 2001 Supreme Convention in Dallas, Texas where he and his wife were, also, Tours Chairmen, and

WHEREAS, during his service as Grand Knight, he led his Coun-cil to Star Council (2 years), Joseph I. Driscol Award and the Lone Star Award with Excellence, 5 State Activity Awards and 1 Interna-tional Activity Award, guiding the Council to continue 31 consecutive years of attaining the Council's State Charites, and

WHEREAS, Boyd is a Charter Member and an Honorary Life member of Pope Paul VI Assembly 2291 since 1992 and has served as Faithful Navigator and Color Corp Commander as well as Member-ship Director of the Fort Worth Diocese for the District Master of the Third District, and

WHEREAS, Boyd served our Order as a District Deputy for three Districts (7 years) where he attained Star District 4 times, and Diocesan Deputy for the Fort Worth Diocese where he guided the Diocese to continue it's 25 consecutive years of attaining the Dioc-esan Charity Goal, and

WHEREAS, Boyd has served two terms on the State Charity Board under Past State Deputy Javier Martinez and State Deputy Mark Evans, and

WHEREAS, Boyd was appointed Council Growth Director by then State Deputy Doug Oldmixon where his committee started 20 new Councils, made the Round Table goal during both years,

re-activated and merged over 20 Councils. He was appointed State Charities Director by State Deputy Mark Evans where Texas reached over $1,000,000 in State Charity dollars, surpassed $450,000 in Wheelchair contributions and was able to, finally, to track the number of Texas Knights of Columbus License Plates, awarded 35 Educa-tional Grants,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members of St. Philip the Apostle Council 9884 in Lewisville, Texas support our Brother Boyd by endorsing his candidacy for the office of STATE WARDEN of the State of Texas Council ; and to send a copy of this resolution and brief biography to all Councils in Texas and enthusiasti-cally urge our Brother Knights across Texas to consider his outstand-ing qualifications and experience.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED this 2nd day of January, 2020.


Page 65

ByLaws of The Texas State Council

ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS:A. "Affiliated Organization" means an organization which is closely associated

with the Texas State Council and in which the officers of the Texas State Council may serve as officers or members of its board. Affiliated Organizations include, but are not limited to, the Texas State Council Charities, Inc.

B. "By-Laws" means the By-Laws of the Texas State Council, Knights of Colum-bus.

C. "Constitution" means the Charter Constitution and Laws of the Knights of Columbus.

D. "Convention" means the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus Convention.E. “Diocesan Deputies" means an individual appointed by the State Deputy to

coordinate the activities of District Deputies and Subordinate Councils within the boundaries of a Diocese of the Church in Texas.

F. “District Deputy" means an individual nominated and appointed by the State Deputy and approved by the Supreme Knight to serve as a District Deputy.

G. "Fraternal Year" means the period of time from July 1 through June 30.H. "Immediate Past State Deputy" means the Past State Deputy who most

recently served as State Deputy in Texas and who actually resides in the State of Texas.

I. "P.S.D. Advisory Committee" means Past State Deputies Advisory Committee.J. “Robert's Rules of Order" means the edition and the version of Robert's Rules

of Order, also known as Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Order, selected and designated by the State Advocate.

K. "State Council" means the Texas State Council, Knights of Columbus.L. "State Officers" means the officers of the Texas State Council as set forth in

Article III, Section 1 of these By-Laws.M. "Subordinate Council" or "Subordinate Councils" means a Knights of Columbus

Council or Councils in the State of Texas.

ARTICLE II - STRUCTURE

SECTION 1. NAME AND JURISDICTION:This organization shall be known as the Texas State Council, Knights of Columbus, hereinafter referred to as "State Council". Its jurisdiction shall be co-extensive with the boundaries of the State of Texas and it shall be subject to and governed by these By-Laws and the Constitution.

SECTION 2. LEGAL STRUCTURE:The State Council is an unincorporated association of its members and is governed by the actions of its officers under the leadership of the State Deputy.

SECTION 3. PURPOSES:The purposes of the State Council include, but are not limited to, (A) govern the Subor-dinate Councils in accordance with the Constitution and these By-Laws, (B) to organize, establish and maintain fraternal, charitable, educational, religious, public, community or civic projects to be supported, in whole or in part, by the State Council and/or the Subor-dinate Councils, and (C) assemble once each year in convention to elect certain officers and delegates, to consider resolutions, and conduct such other business as may properly come before the convention.

SECTION 4. MEMBERSHIP:(A) The voting membership of the State Council shall consist of: (1) the Grand

Knight, and a Past Grand Knight or the Deputy Grand Knight, or their duly elected representatives, actually residing in the State of Texas from each Subordinate Council in good standing, and (2) State Officers.

(B) Except as otherwise provided herein, the non-voting membership of the State Council, who shall be permitted all other privileges of membership, shall consist of: (1) Past State Deputies, (2) District Deputies, and (3) ex-officio State Officers.

(C) An ex-officio State Officer is defined as (1) a former State Deputy who fails to qualify as a Past State Deputy pursuant to the Laws of the Order, and (2) a former State Secretary, State Treasurer, State Advocate or State Warden who had not served as a State Deputy. An ex officio State Officer has no voting privileges at the state convention.

(D) Chairmen of the Standing Committees of the State Council, not to exceed twelve, who are not otherwise members of the State Council, shall be permit-ted the privilege of the floor for the limited purpose of speaking on questions pertaining to the functions of their particular committee, but without the vote therein.

(E) No member of the State Council shall be admitted to participate in the Con-vention sessions unless such member is in good standing. The Credentials Committee must certify and authenticate all credential holders as being authorized to be seated at the Convention.

SECTION 5. STANDING COMMITTEES:(A) The State Deputy shall annually establish and appoint the members to the

permanent Standing Committees which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. The Fraternal Benefits Committee shall consist of the General Agents of Texas and shall be chaired by a General Agent appointed as the Insurance Liaison.

2. The Audit Committee shall consist of at least four (4) members, not less than three (3) of whom shall be certified or chartered public accountants. The State Treasurer and the Executive Secretary shall not be members of the Committee.

3. The Budget Committee shall consist of the State Officers.4. The By-Laws Committee shall consist of at least five (5) and not more than

seven (7) members, including the State Advocate who shall be the Chair.5. The P.S.D. Advisory Committee shall consist of all Past State Deputies who

meet the requirements of Article III, Section 12(A).6. The Legal Affairs Committee shall consist of the State Advocate, who shall

be the Chair, and at least two (2) additional attorneys who are Third Degree members and admitted to the State Bar of Texas.

(B) The State Deputy may establish and appoint the members of the special Standing Committees.

(C) The membership of all Standing Committees shall consist of individuals who are in good standing from Subordinate Councils.

(D) All Committee appointments shall be for a period not to exceed the Fraternal Year, with no restrictions regarding previous service on a Committee.

(E) All Committees are advisory in nature and make recommendations for action on topics within their jurisdictions as indicated in the By-Laws or as assigned by the State Deputy. All authority for action is reserved to the State Council assembled in Convention or to the State Officers as appropriate.

SECTION 6. APPENDIXES:The Convention may establish procedural guidelines which may be attached as appen-dixes to the By-Laws. Summaries of procedural resolutions concerning organizational and financial matters may also be attached as appendices to the By-Laws.

SECTION 7. INTERPRETATION OF BY-LAWS AND ROBERT'S RULES:

(A) All questions, relating to the interpretation of these By-Laws and any ap-pendices, shall first be submitted to the State Advocate for a legal opinion and ruling. Appeals from the ruling of the State Advocate may be taken to the Supreme Advocate and, thereafter, to the Supreme Board.

(B) To the extent that Robert's Rules of Order are consistent with these By-Laws and any appendices hereto, Robert's Rules of Order, shall govern; however, Robert's Rules of Order shall be subject to the same rules of interpretation as stated in Section 7(A).

ARTICLE III - OFFICERS AND DUTIES

SECTION 1. STATE OFFICERS:(A) The officers of the State Council are: State Deputy, State Secretary, State

Treasurer, State Advocate, State Warden, Immediate Past State Deputy, and State Chaplain.

(B) Each year, the State Deputy, State Secretary, State Treasurer, State Advocate and State Warden shall be elected to serve a one-year term by a majority of the voting membership of the Texas State Council present at the convention.

SECTION 2. DUTIES:The duties of the respective State Officers shall be those specifically mentioned in the Constitution, these By-Laws, and such other duties as the State Council may direct.

SECTION 3. STATE DEPUTY:(A) The State Deputy shall designate and appoint all committees and the chairman

thereof unless the By-Laws provide otherwise. The State Deputy shall appoint members of the Standing Committees from the Texas Knights of Columbus membership at large. All Convention Committees, other than Standing Committees, shall be appointed from the membership of the State Council, unless otherwise directed by the State Council. The State Deputy may also


Page 66

appoint special committees between annual sessions when the exigency of circumstances demands such appointments. All committee appointments shall be for a period not to exceed the Fraternal Year, with no restrictions regarding previous service on a committee. Subject to these By-Laws, members of all committees serve at the pleasure of the State Deputy until the end of the Fraternal Year.

(B) In addition to allowances granted by Supreme Council for his necessary and incidental expenses, the State Deputy shall be reimbursed by the State Council for reasonable and necessary expenses incidental to the performance of his duties. The State Officers shall be entitled to hire and determine the salary of a clerk at State Council expense to assist in performing the duties of the State Deputy.

(C) The State Deputy may call meetings of the State Officers, State Committees, Diocesan Deputies, or District Deputies and the expense incident thereto, when not chargeable to the Supreme Council, shall be paid out of the State Council funds.

(D) The State Deputy shall countersign all vouchers and all checks for the expen-diture of State Council funds, except the checks on the Executive Secretary's revolving check account.

(E) The honorarium paid to the State Deputy shall be $5.00 per Subordinate Council per annum, which shall be paid by the State Council. In addition, all reasonable and customary expenses of the State Deputy incurred while attending the Supreme Convention shall be paid by the State Council.

(F) A member who has served four terms in the office of State Deputy shall be ineligible for subsequent election or appointment to that office. Further, a member may serve no more than two full terms consecutively as State Deputy. The member must be out of office at least two years prior to being re-elected for a third term as State Deputy.

SECTION 4. STATE SECRETARY:(A) The State Secretary or his designee shall act as recorder at the meetings

of the State Council, the Convention, State Officers, the District Deputies, Diocesan Deputies, or State Committees.

(B) The State Secretary or his designee shall prepare and furnish the Convention credential blanks to the Grand Knight of all Subordinate Councils on or before forty-five (45) days prior to the Convention.

(C) The honorarium paid to the State Secretary shall be $2.00 per Subordinate Council per annum, which shall be paid by the State Council.

(D) The State Secretary shall be reimbursed by the State Council for reasonable and necessary expenses incidental to the performance of his duties. The State Officers shall be entitled to hire and determine the salary of a clerk at the expense of the State Council to assist in performing the duties of the State Secretary.

(E) The State Secretary shall have oversight responsibility for all fund raising programs of the State Council.

(F) In the event of an incapacity or absence from the State of the State Deputy or State Treasurer, the State Secretary may approve vouchers and countersign checks for the State Deputy or the State Treasurer.

SECTION 5. STATE TREASURER:(A) The State Treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds and securities of the

State Council. He shall keep sufficient, true and accurate records of all funds of the State Council and obtain similar information on Affiliated Organizations to allow the preparation of an annual report in accordance with Section 56(b) of the Constitution. Under the direction of the State Treasurer, all funds shall be immediately deposited in the name of the State Council in depositories selected, as provided in Section 5 of Article V. He shall review all vouchers and checks signed by the State Deputy. If the voucher and the checks are correct, the State Treasurer shall sign the voucher and countersign the check. He shall be a voting ex-officio member of all State Council Committees handling any money of the State Council.

(B) He shall give to the State Council a bond in an amount and with a surety ap-proved by the State Officers. The premium shall be paid by the State Council.

(C) The honorarium paid to the State Treasurer shall be $2.00 per Subordinate Council per annum, which shall be paid by the State Council.

(D) The State Treasurer shall be reimbursed by the State Council for reasonable and necessary expenses incidental to the performance of his duties. The State Officers shall be entitled to hire and determine the salary of a clerk at the expense of the State Council to assist in performing the duties of the State Treasurer.

SECTION 6. STATE ADVOCATE:(A) The State Advocate shall be an attorney admitted to the bar of the State of

Texas. He shall be the legal advisor of the State Council and the State Officers in all matters pertaining to the State Council. He may be paid such fees as the State Officers approve for the legal work performed.

(B) The State Advocate shall be the parliamentarian for the Convention. When the State Advocate is not present on the Convention floor, he shall appoint one or more alternate parliamentarians to act in his absence.

(C) When forwarding the Resolutions to the Executive Secretary, the State Advo-cate shall designate the applicable edition of Robert's Rules of Order and the appointed alternate parliamentarians. Such information shall be distributed by the Executive Secretary along with the Resolutions.

(D) The honorarium paid to the State Advocate shall be $1.00 per Subordinate Council per annum, which shall be paid by the State Council.

SECTION 7. STATE WARDEN:(A) The State Warden or his designees shall be present at all meetings of the

State Council, shall check membership cards, and shall admit non-members at the discretion of the State Council. He shall act as Sergeant-of-Arms at all meetings of the State Council.

(B) The honorarium paid to the State Warden shall be $0.75 per Subordinate Council per annum, which shall be paid by the State Council.

SECTION 8. STATE CHAPLAIN:The State Chaplain shall be appointed by the State Deputy and shall be a voting member of the State Council. He shall advise the State Council on all phases of its religious work and activities. The State Chaplain shall be in charge of and conduct all religious exercises of the State Council. The State Deputy, with the consent of the State Chaplain, shall ap-point an Associate Chaplain who, in the absence of the Chaplain, shall act in his behalf and shall vote at State Officer's meetings on behalf of the Chaplain.

SECTION 9. ELECTRONIC VOTING AND NOTICEMotions on the business of the Texas State Council may be made by email, sent simultane-ously to the last known email address of the voting State Officers. Any motion made shall be deemed to have not passed until a majority of eligible voting State Officers has voted in the affirmative. A copy of the email motion and votes cast by email shall be recorded in the official minutes of Texas State Council meetings at the next regular State Officers meeting.

SECTION 10. MEETING CALLED BY STATE OFFICERS:A majority of the State Officers may call a meeting of the State Officers upon giving five (5) days written notice to the State Officers of the time and place of the meeting. The written notice shall include an agenda of the topics to be discussed. Such written notice may be sent by email.

SECTION 11. ORDER OF SUCCESSIONIn the event that the State Deputy is no longer able to function in his capacity as State Deputy as determined by two thirds of the other State Officers, is removed from office, dies or resigns, then the State Secretary shall act as State Deputy for the remainder of the fraternal year until succeeded by the newly elected State Deputy.In the event that any other State Officer is unable to function in his capacity as a State Officer as determined by two thirds of the other State Officers, is removed from office, dies or resigns, then the State Deputy shall delegate that State Officer’s duties to one or more of the other State Officers for the remainder of the fraternal year.

SECTION 12. PAST STATE DEPUTIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE:(A) Membership in the P.S.D. Advisory Committee shall consist of all Past State

Deputies who have served in the State of Texas and who are members in good standing. They shall serve as long as they retain their eligibility. The Immediate Past State Deputy shall be chairman of the P.S.D. Advisory Com-mittee. At the beginning of each Fraternal Year, the P.S.D. Advisory Committee shall elect a Chairman Pro Tem who shall serve if the Immediate Past State Deputy is incapacitated or absent. There shall be no limit on the number of members on the P.S.D. Advisory Committee. Meetings of the P.S.D. Advisory Committee may be called by either the State Deputy or the Immediate Past State Deputy.

(B) When the position of the Executive Secretary becomes vacant, the P.S.D. Advisory Committee may provide advice to the State Officers on a replace-ment Executive Secretary.

(C) The P.S.D. Advisory Committee may provide advice to the State Officers as to the employment or approval of an individual to fill the position of Editor of the Texas Knight or any other newsletter, bulletin or broadcast for circulation to the general membership authorized by the State Officers.


Page 67

(D) If the position of the Executive Secretary or Editor of the Texas Knight becomes vacant during a Fraternal Year, it may be temporarily filled by a person selected by the State Officers to fill said position for a period not to exceed six months until the position can be filled in the normal course of business.

(E) The P.S.D. Advisory Committee shall vote upon the annual budget and such resolutions or amendments as are submitted under Article VI Section 7 (B) to indicate to the State Officers the Committee’s advice regarding the adoption of the budget and each resolution or amendment. The vote may be conducted electronically.

SECTION 13. STATE COUNCIL AND OFFICERS ANNUAL REPORTS:

All State Officers, except the State Warden and the Immediate Past State Deputy, shall annually submit a written report to the Convention. The annual report of the State Council shall include (1) a copy of the By-Laws and appendixes, (2) the minutes of the preceding Convention, (3) most recent audits and summaries of the financial condition of the State Council and Affiliated Organizations prepared by the State Treasurer for the current Fra-ternal Year, (4) the State Officer's written report and (5) summaries of the major program Committee Directors’ report on Council activities for the same period. The annual report will be distributed to each State Officer, Past State Deputy, District Deputy, Diocesan Deputy, Financial Secretary and Grand Knight in Texas.

ARTICLE IV – Executive Secretary:(A) The Executive Secretary is not a State Officer but shall work with and assist all

State Officers. The Executive Secretary shall be at least a third degree member in good standing of the Knights of Columbus. The Executive Secretary is an employee of the Texas State Council and is hired by the State Officers. The duties of this office shall be primarily assigned by the State Deputy, however, the State Officers may also assign other duties to the Executive Secretary from time to time. The office of the Executive Secretary shall be maintained in Austin, Texas; however, the site of this office may be changed upon the recommendation of the State Officers and approval by the Convention.

(B) The Convention shall approve the budget for the Executive Secretary's office, which shall include the salary and benefits for the Executive Secretary and any clerks hired by the State Officers under Article III.

(C) The Executive Secretary shall manage the clerks and be accountable to the State Deputy. The Executive Secretary shall make an annual written report to the State Council at the Convention and shall furnish a copy of said report to the State Officers prior to the Convention.

(D) He shall give to the State Council a bond in an amount and with a surety ap-proved by the State Officers. The premium shall be paid by the State Council.

(E) A bank account shall be opened and maintained in the name of the State Council in the city in which the Executive Secretary's office is located. Said account shall maintain a Two Thousand Dollar revolving fund upon which checks may be drawn by the Executive Secretary. He shall make a monthly written report to the State Deputy and the State Treasurer on all checks writ-ten on this account. Also, the monthly reconciled bank statement shall be furnished to the State Treasurer along with any other information concerning said account requested by the State Treasurer and/or the State Deputy.

(F) A State Officer may delegate a portion of his administrative duties to the Executive Secretary or to a clerk hired to assist the State Officer. However, any State Officer doing so shall remain responsible and accountable for such duties.

ARTICLE V - FINANCE

SECTION 1. BUDGET AND ASSESSMENTS:At each Convention the State Officers, acting as the Budget Committee, shall present a budget to the Convention showing the estimated income and expenditures for the ensuing Fraternal Year. A budget which exceeds the current income, including any prior budget surplus of the State Council, shall not be approved unless the Per Capita Tax is increased by the Convention in an amount sufficient that the estimated income shall exceed the estimated expenditures. The Budget Committee shall recommend to the Convention the amount of any increase or decrease in the Per Capita Tax to be assessed each Subordinate Council to insure that the State Council will not have a deficit.The Per Capita Tax to each Subordinate Council shall be based on the Subordinate Council's membership as reflected on the Supreme Council's records as of the following July 1. If no increase or decrease in the Per Capita Tax is recommended by the Budget Committee, then the Per Capita Tax shall remain at the same rate that it was in the preceding Fraternal Year.

SECTION 2. NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT:The State Secretary shall, on or before September 1 of each year, send a notice to each Subordinate Council showing the amount of Per Capita Tax Assessment levied against it by the State Council. At least one-half of the Assessment shall be paid within 30 days of receipt of the notice. The remaining amount shall be paid on or before March l of the Fraternal Year.

SECTION 3. DEFAULTING COUNCILS:Any Subordinate Council failing to timely pay an assessment duly levied by the State Council shall not be permitted representation at the Convention. It also may be suspended or dissolved, and its charter forfeited.

SECTION 4. AUTHORITY FOR DISBURSEMENT:(A) Except the Revolving Fund of the Executive Secretary, each expenditure of

the State Council funds shall be made only after the State Treasurer and the State Deputy have countersigned a voucher and a check. When counter-signing each voucher and check, the State Deputy and the State Treasurer shall ascertain that the voucher and the check are drawn in payment for an obligation specifically authorized by the State Officers or the State Council. In the event an expenditure becomes immediately necessary and there has been no authorization by the State Council or the State Officers for such an expenditure, it shall be the duty of the State Deputy, before countersigning such a voucher and check, to notify all State Officers and to obtain the concur-rence of at least three other State Officers. The State Deputy shall provide each State Officer with a written summary of the need for the action and final agreement of the State Officers within forty-eight (48) hours of the approval.

(B) Unless the funds are contained in the budget proposed under Section 1, no resolution or amendment requiring an appropriation of money from the State Council shall be acted upon by the Convention unless said resolution or amendment contains the source from which funds shall be obtained to meet the commitment and until said resolution or amendment has been submitted to and voted on by the P.S.D. Advisory Committee and the State Officers. The outcome of both votes will be disclosed as recommendations to the Convention before it votes.

SECTION 5. DEPOSIT OF MONEY:(A) All monies of the State Council shall be deposited in depositories which

have government deposit insurance. Such depositories shall be selected by a majority vote of the State Officers.

(B) Any standard business depository procedure approved by a majority of the State Officers may be utilized by the State Treasurer or his designee to improve the efficiency and operation of the State Council.

SECTION 6. RECORD OF FUNDS:A separate record of the money of each of the different funds of the State Council shall be kept in the Treasurer's books.

SECTION 7. MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES:The cost of badges and Convention printed matter, postage and other incidental expenses of the State Officers, Diocesan Deputies, District Deputies and Committee members shall be paid by the State Council when such expenses are not payable by the Supreme Council.

SECTION 8. MILEAGE AND PER DIEM:(A) Members, State Officers, Chairman of Standing Committees, Members of

Convention Committees, State Program Directors, State Membership Director, Diocesan Deputies, District Deputies and all Past State Deputies of the State Council shall receive, in lieu of all expenses, mileage reimbursement one way at the rate of fifteen cents per mile from the location of the individual's council to the site of the Convention. However, an individual shall only be paid in one such capacity. The per diem to the Convention may be reduced or not paid, at the discretion of the State Officers, if the per diem payment, in whole or in part, would cause the State Council to have a deficit at the end of the Fraternal Year. Any such reduction shall be applied equally to all those persons entitled to receive per diem.

(B) The State Council shall be responsible for the State Banquet. All members, per Article II, Section 4, shall be furnished a banquet ticket as part of their registration packet.

(C) Mileage and/or per diem to be paid to any qualified member of the Knights of Columbus for any organizational, committee or special meetings shall be paid at an equal rate and at the discretion of the State Deputy.


Page 68

SECTION 9. SPECIAL AUDIT:The P.S.D. Advisory Committee or the State Officers may require a special audit of the State Council books to be made when, in their judgment, one is necessary and shall hire the necessary personnel to carry out the audit. Expenses of the audit shall be paid by the State Council.

ARTICLE VI - CONVENTION

SECTION 1. DATE AND PLACE:(A) Each year during May, the convention shall be convened within the state. The

locations of future Convention sites and dates shall be decided by a majority of the State Officers.

(B) Each Council or Chapter desiring the annual Convention to be held in a specific city shall submit an application to the State Officers by January 1 five years preceding the year in which the Convention is to be held and shall provide such additional information and plans as may be requested by the State Officers. The State Officers shall determine which cities are qualified and shall follow the selection process for determining the Convention site five years hence.

(C) If a conflict should occur on the date or site selected for the Convention, the State Officers, by majority vote, may change the convening of the Convention as to date or site to any other date or site between April 1 and June 1 of the year in question.

SECTION 2. PRESIDING OFFICER:The State Deputy shall be the presiding officer at the Convention. If the State Deputy is incapacitated for any reason, absent or unable to preside at the Convention, the State Secretary shall preside.

SECTION 3. CREDENTIALS:The Financial Secretary of each Subordinate Council shall prepare and certify credentials of delegates on the form furnished by the State Secretary or his designee and shall submit the form in accordance with the established procedure.

SECTION 4. TEMPORARY ROLL CALL:The State Secretary or his designee shall prepare a roll of the names of all delegates and alternates based on the credentials presented to him prior to the calling to order of the Convention. The initial roll shall be the roll of the Convention until the Credentials Committee submits its report and the permanent roll is accepted by the Convention.

SECTION 5. DELEGATE SEATING CONTESTS:In a delegate seating contest, each contestant may appear and present arguments and evidence to the Credentials Committee. Except by special consent of the Committee, each contestant shall be allowed no more than a five minute presentation. The Credentials Committee shall determine which delegate shall be seated. The Committee's decision may be appealed to the Convention.

SECTION 6. MEETINGS CONDUCTED:All portions of the Convention meetings pertaining to the ceremonials and elections of the State Council shall be conducted in the third section. Any duly qualified First Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and wives may be admitted to the other portions of the Convention.

SECTION 7. RESOLUTIONS:(A) All resolutions or petitions must be submitted in writing by either an officer of

the State Council or by a Subordinate Council. The resolution or petition of a Subordinate Council shall be signed by the Grand Knight and the Financial Secretary with the seal of such council affixed thereto.

(B) All resolutions and petitions, other than amendments to the By-laws, shall be submitted to the State Advocate at least sixty (60) days in advance of the Convention. The State Advocate shall return any resolution or petition, the adoption of which would be contrary to the Constitution or to the By-laws. Copies of all other resolutions and petitions shall be sent by the State Advocate to the Executive Secretary for distribution to the Subordinate Councils and all State Officers. The Executive Secretary shall distribute the resolutions not later than forty-five (45) days prior to the Convention. However, any duly submitted resolution or petition received in due time by the State Advocate, as provided herein, dealing with assessments, expenditures, or disposition of money or the assets of the State Council shall be submitted by the State Advocate to the State Officers for its consideration. Each resolution and petition dealing with the expenditures of the State Council's funds shall designate the source from which any such funds shall be obtained and the manner in which the

funds shall be raised, if necessary. A copy of each such document shall be sent to the Executive Secretary for distribution with the other resolutions or petitions. Prior to distribution, the Executive Secretary shall certify that each resolution or petition submitted to the State Officers has been duly submitted by the State Advocate to the State Officers as referenced in this paragraph.

(C) Unless a resolution or petition has been timely filed with the State Advocate, no resolution or petition shall be considered by the State Council except under the following conditions:

(1) the resolution or petition is presented in writing for deliberation and recom-mendation at the meeting of the Resolutions Committee held in conjunction with the Convention; and

(2) is approved for consideration by a vote of two-thirds of the delegates present and voting at the Convention.

(D) Resolutions of appreciation and memorial resolutions shall not be required to meet the provisions of Section 7 (B) and (C).

SECTION 8. ORDER OF BUSINESS:

The Order of Business of the Convention shall be:(1) Call to Order.(2) Prayer and Pledge of allegiance.(3) Reading of Minutes of Last Convention.(4) Reading of Communications and recognition of special guests.(5) Report of State Deputy.(6) Report of State Secretary.(7) Report of State Treasurer.(8) Report of State Advocate.(9) Report of State Chaplain (optional at Chaplain's discretion).(10) Report of Immediate Past State Deputy.(11) Report of Credentials Committee.(12) Reports of Resolutions Committee.(13) Reports to the Convention.(14) Unfinished Business.(15) New Business.(16) Election of State Officers, and election of Delegates and Alternates to Supreme

Convention (Mandatory on Second Day).(17) Prayer Closing Convention.(18) Adjournment.

The Order of Business may be suspended by a vote of two-thirds of the delegates present.

SECTION 9. CONVENTION COMMITTEES:(A) The State Deputy shall establish and appoint the members to the Convention

Committees which shall include, but are not limited to, the following:1. The Credentials Committee which shall consist of up to five (5) members,

including the State Secretary who shall be the Chair.2. The Resolutions Committee which shall consist of not less than five (5) and

not more than nine (9) members, including the State Advocate, who shall be the Chair, a member of the Legal Affairs Committee, a Past State Deputy, a District Deputy, and Grand Knights.

3. The Good of the Order Committee, which shall consist of not less than seven (7) and not more than eleven (11) members, shall make a written report to the Convention. The State Treasurer or his designee shall be the Chair.

4. The Standing Audit Committee shall be the Convention Audit Committee and shall make a written report to the Convention of the finances of the State Council and its Affiliated Organization as of April 1. It shall also review and report on the finances of State Council and its Affiliated Organizations to the date of the Convention.

5. The Standing Budget Committee, which shall consist of the State Officers, shall make a written report to the Convention.

(B) The membership of all Convention Committees, except the Standing Com-mittees, shall consist of voting members of the State Council. All Convention Committees, except the Resolutions, the Good of the Order and the Creden-tials Committee, may be Standing Committees.

SECTION 10. CONVENTION REPORTS:The Convention may by vote accept any Convention report, including Officer and Com-mittee reports. However, any recommendations contained therein shall only be approved by a motion separate and apart from any acceptance of the report itself. Said motion shall specifically identify each recommendation presented to the Convention for approval.


Page 69

SECTION 11. LEAVING MEETING:Members of the State Council shall not leave the business meeting portion of the Conven-tion without permission of the presiding officer. Violators of this section shall be subject to forfeiture of all mileage and per diem. The State Deputy or the presiding officer may require a roll call at any time to determine that all delegates are present.

SECTION 12. MEETINGS AND ROBERT'S RULES:Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the Convention and all other meetings of the State Council and its Committees insofar as they are applicable and not inconsistent with the Constitution and these By-Laws.

ARTICLE VII- ELECTIONS

SECTION 1. FORM OF BALLOT:All State Officers, except the Chaplain, the Associate Chaplain, and any ex-officio State Of-ficer, shall be elected by the Convention. All delegates to the Supreme Convention, except the State Deputy and the Immediate Past State Deputy, shall be elected by the Convention.Nominating speeches for each State Officer shall be limited to one five minute speech and one two minute seconding speech. Nominating speeches for delegates to the Supreme Convention shall be limited to one two minute speech and a one minute seconding speech. By a majority vote, the Convention may further limit the nominating and second-ing speeches.

SECTION 2. TELLERS:Sufficient tellers shall be appointed by the presiding officer to work under the supervision of the State Warden or his designee.

SECTION 3. INDIVIDUAL BALLOTS:The elections shall be by written ballot. If, however, when the nominations are closed, only one candidate is nominated for an office or when the number of candidates nominated equals the number of delegates to be elected, the Convention may, by voice, vote to elect the candidate or candidates by acclamation.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

SECTION 1. PROCEDURE:(A) The By-laws may be amended at a Convention by a vote of two-thirds of

the delegates present and voting, provided such amendment first has been submitted in writing to the State Advocate, in accordance with Article VI, Section 7, at least ninety (90) days prior to the convening of the Convention. However, the Convention may consider an amendment to the By-Laws which had not been submitted to the State Advocate in accordance with this section if two-thirds of the delegates present and voting vote to consider the amend-ment. The Convention may adopt said amendment upon an affirmative vote by four-fifths of the delegates present and voting.

(B) Each proposed amendment to the By-laws properly submitted to the State Advocate shall be processed by the State Advocate and distributed by the Executive Secretary in the same manner that petitions and resolutions are distributed.

SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE:These By-Laws and each amendment thereto shall take effect only upon approval by the Supreme Board of Directors. All other By-Laws, rules and regulations heretofore adopted are hereby repealed.

This version contains amendments as approved by the Supreme Board of Directors per John Marrella, the Supreme Advocate’s notification dated August 24, 2015.

This version contains amendments as approved by the Supreme Board of Directors per John Marrella, the Supreme Advocate’s notification dated August 28, 2019.


Page 70

ARTICLE I - PURPOSE

SECTION 1. PURPOSE:The Corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes. In furtherance of those purposes, the corporation may establish centers for the dissemination of the truths of Christianity; maintain facilities for the proper physical, intellectual, and moral development of youth, and administer scholarship funds, and other grants for the benefit of deserving persons or entities.

ARTICLE II – OFFICE

SECTION 1. OFFICE:The principal office of State Council Charities (the “Corporation”) shall be in the City of Austin, Texas.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS

SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP:Membership of the Corporation shall consist of two classes of members: 1) Sustaining – These are voting members who shall be the certified delegates to the Annual State Convention of the Texas State Council for the year that they are delegates only; and 2) Associate – These are non-voting members who shall be every other member of any Knights of Columbus council in the state of Texas who is not a voting member (sustain-ing) as set forth above.

SECTION 2. ANNUAL MEETINGS:The annual meeting of the members shall be held each year at the time, at the place, and on a day during the weekend of the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus an-nual convention.

ARTICLE IV - DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. MANAGEMENT:The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by the Board of Directors who may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not (by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws) directed or required to be exercised or done by the members.

SECTION 2. NUMBER, QUALIFICATION, ELECTION AND TERM:

The authorized number of directors of this Corporation shall be not less than ten (10), but not more than thirteen (13) (as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors). Each director shall hold office until his successor is elected and qualified or until his death, resignation, or removal.

A. Seven of the directors shall be the officers of the Texas State Council. They shall include: President, Vice President-Secretary, Vice President-Spiritual, Vice President-Legal, Vice President-Arrangements, Treasurer and Immediate Past State Deputy.

B. Any Supreme Director who is a member of a Subordinate Council and an ex-officio state officer shall also be a Director of the Corporation. Each of-ficer and any ex-officio state officer has the right to vote as a State Council Charities Director. The term of office for each director, who is also an officer of the Texas State Council, shall be concurrent with his term of office as a state officer in the Texas State Council.

C. The remaining directors shall be elected for a two (2) year term by the Board of Directors at the first called meeting of the Board for each fraternal year. In the case of death, resignation, or dismissal, a replacement director will be elected by the Board of Directors to fill the unexpired term. If the Supreme Director is the Immediate Past State Deputy, he is not an ex-officio member of the Board, but serves on the Board as the Immediate Past State Deputy. In this case the number of two year directors shall be elected accordingly.

D. An individual must be a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus to serve as a director.

SECTION 3. CHANGE IN NUMBER:The number of directors may be increased or decreased, within said limits, from time to time, but no decrease shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in number of directors shall be filled by election at a meeting of the Directors.

ByLaws of The Texas State Council Charities

SECTION 4. PLACE OF MEETINGS:Meetings of the Board of Directors, regular or special, may be held within the State of Texas, at such place or places as shall be designated (from time to time) by the President.

SECTION 5. REGULAR MEETINGS:The Board of Directors shall meet at least two (2) times a year at such times and places as may be designated by the President. Other regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such times and places as shall, from time to time, be determined by the President.

SECTION 6. SPECIAL MEETINGS:Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President on ten (10) day’s notice to each director, either personally, by mail, by email, by facsimile, or by telephone. Special meetings shall be called by any other officer in like manner, and on like notice on the written request of two (2) directors, or the written request of one (1) director, if he should be the only director. Except as other wise expressly provided by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting need be specified in a notice or waiver of notice.

SECTION 7. QUORUM AND MAJORITY VOTE:At meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the number of directors fixed by these Bylaws shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of a majority of the quorum of the directors present at a meeting shall be the act of the Board of Direc-tors, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws. If a quorum is not present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present may adjourn the meeting, from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present. Proxy voting shall not be permitted.

SECTION 8. REMOVAL OF DIRECTOR:Any director, who is not an officer of the Texas State Council, may be removed for cause by a majority vote of the all the other directors, whether present at the meeting or not. Good Cause shall mean the failure to attend two consecutive meetings or failure to fulfill the director’s duties, or for other intentional or reckless misconduct. The meeting to remove the director must be announced in accordance with the bylaws, may not be waived and must set forth that removal of the director is on the agenda.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

SECTION 1. NUMBER, QUALIFICATION, ELECTION AND TERM:

The corporation shall have a President, Vice President-Secretary, Vice President-Spiritual, Vice President-Legal, Vice President-Arrangements, Treasurer, Immediate Past State Deputy and such other officers, assistant officers, and agents as the Board of Directors may think necessary. The term of office for each officer, who is also an officer of the Texas State Council, shall be concurrent with his term of office as a state officer in the Texas Sate Council.

SECTION 2. PRESIDENT:The President shall be the State Deputy of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the members and the Board of Directors, shall exercise general and active management of the affairs of the Corporation, and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect. He shall perform such other duties and have such other authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.

SECTION 3. VICE PRESIDENT-SECRETARY:The Vice President-Secretary shall be the State Secretary of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus. The Vice President-Secretary shall, in the absence or disability of the President, perform the duties and have the authority and exercise the powers of the President. The Vice President-Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Direc-tors and all meetings of the members and record all votes, actions and the minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. He shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the members and special meetings of the Board of Directors. The Vice President-Secretary shall perform such other duties and have such other authority and powers as the Board of Directors may, from time to time delegate.

SECTION 4. VICE PRESIDENT-SPIRITUAL:The Vice President–Spiritual shall be the State Chaplain for the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus. If the Chaplain is absent, the Associate State Chaplain for the Texas State Council shall take the Chaplain’s place and shall be entitled to vote.


Page 71

SECTION 5. VICE PRESIDENT-LEGAL:The Vice President–Legal shall be the State Advocate of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus.

SECTION 6. VICE PRESIDENT–ARRANGEMENTS:The Vice President–Arrangements shall be the State Warden of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus.

SECTION 7. TREASURER:A. The Treasurer shall be the State Treasurer of the Texas State Council of the

Knights of Columbus.B. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the Corporation’s funds and securi-

ties, shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements of the Corporation, and shall deposit all funds and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in depositories designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer may delegate all or a part of said duties to the Executive Secretary of the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus except for the custody and control of the Corporation funds and securities.

C. If required by the Board of Directors, he shall give the Corporation a bond (in such form, in such sum, and with such surety or sureties as shall be sat-isfactory to the Board) for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement, or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, monies, and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Corporation.

D. He shall perform such other duties and have such other authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe, or as the President may from time to time delegate.

E. Each year prior to the annual members’ meeting, the Treasurer shall submit to the Board of Directors for approval a budget for the next year. No money shall be spent on any unbudgeted item or purpose unless prior approval of a majority of the directors has been obtained.

SECTION 8. IMMEDIATE PAST STATE DEPUTY:The Immediate Past State Deputy shall be the Immediate Past State Deputy of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus.

ARTICLE VI – GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. BOOKS AND RECORDS:The Corporation shall keep complete books and records of accounts and minutes of the proceedings of its Annual Membership and Board of Directors meetings at its registered office or principal place of business.

SECTION 2. SEAL:The Corporation elects to have no seal.

SECTION 3. NOTICES:A. Whenever by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or otherwise,

notice is required to be given to a director or member, and no provision is made as to how the notice shall be given, it shall not be construed to require only personal notice, but any such notice must also be given either: (1) in writing by mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the director or member at the address appearing on the books of the Corporation; or (2) by any other method permitted by law or specified in Article IV, Section 6 (Special Meetings). Any notice required or permitted to be given by mail shall be deemed given at the time when the same is deposited in the United States mail.

B. Whenever, by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, notice is required to be given to members or directors, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated in such notice, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a person attends for the express purpose of objecting to the transactions of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

SECTION 4. ACTION WITHOUT MEETING - TELEPHONE AND SIMILAR MEETINGS:

A. Any action required by statute to be taken at a meeting of the members or the directors, or any action which may be taken at a meeting of the members or the directors may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting

forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the directors, as the case may be, entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof, and such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the directors, as the case may be. The signed consent or a signed copy shall be placed in the minutes book.

B. Members and directors may participate in and hold a meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment so that all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meting is not lawfully called or convened.

SECTION 5. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS:

The Corporation shall, in accordance with Article 1396-2.22A of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act defend, hold harmless and indemnify the officers and directors of the Corporation from any claim to the maximum extent provided for under the law as now exist or may hereinafter be amended. The Corporation shall purchase and maintain Officer and Director liability insurance for the benefit of its officers and directors.

SECTION 6. AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS:A. These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed at any meeting of the

Board of Directors at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at such meeting, provided notice of the proposed alteration, amendment, or appeal is contained in the notice of the meeting.

B. These Bylaws may also be altered, amended, or repealed at any meeting of the members at which a quorum is present, provided notice of the proposed alteration, amendment, or repeal is contained in the notice of the meeting.

SECTION 7. CONSTRUCTION:A. Whenever the context so requires, the masculine shall include the feminine

and neuter, and the singular shall include the plural, and conversely.B. If any portion of these Bylaws shall be invalid or inoperative, then, so far as is

reasonable an possible, the remainder of these Bylaws shall be considered valid and operative, and effect shall be given to the intent manifested by the portion held invalid or inoperative.

C. The headings are for organization, convenience, and clarity. In the interpreting these Bylaws, they shall be subordinated in importance to the other written material.

SECTION 8. RELATION TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION:

These Bylaws are subject to, and governed by, the Articles of Incorporation.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATEThese Bylaws will take effect July 1, 2003

TEXAS STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS · 2020-04-16 · 2019-2020 TEXAS STATE COUNCIL CONVENTION...

Documents

Transcript of TEXAS STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS · 2020-04-16 · 2019-2020 TEXAS STATE COUNCIL CONVENTION...