Meeting Minutes for Tuesday January 20, 2026

St. Mark’s Parish Hall (1011 Eastwood Rd), Wilmington, NC

Opening Ceremony

• SK Larry Greer opened the meeting at 7:00 pm in the Saint Mark’s Parish Hall, 1011 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC. There were 20 Sir Knights with ID cards and rosaries in attendance.

Call of Officers

Opening Prayer

• Meeting’s opening prayer was led by the SK Deacon George Keenan.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Opening Ode

• The Opening Ode, America the Beautiful, was sung.

Call for the Approval of the Minutes of the Prior Meeting

• Minutes approved as posted on website.

• FN discussed the exterior doors must remain locked during the meeting, so the Outside Sentinel truly is outside the room, so he can view any incoming Knights.

• FN wants to visit the councils, and asked the Assembly what his message should be? Why did they join the 4th Degree? Some of the response were; They liked the flag ceremonies they did, how they honor members of the Knights who have died, it’s the parotic degree and it rounds you out as a Knight, some said they just wanted to go all in and be exposed to all aspects of being a Knight, others mentioned supporting veterans programs because they are a veteran.

• FN also reported the Catholic High School is back on for the Fall at St Mary’s and they already have one student application.

Report of the Faithful Friar – Deacon Keenan

• Deacon Keenan attended the Confirmation on Camp LeJeune and got to meet the Auxiliary Bishop for Military Services. He explained what a nice ceremony it was and the 4th Degree color guard there did an outstanding job. He particularly liked walking under the row of swords.

Report of the Faithful Comptroller - SK Frank Bio

• 141 total members, two transferred out of the assembly from last month’s meeting.
  • Assembly lost 2 members James Sarno and Howard "Bud" Avil; both have passed away.
• The financials reported can be requested by contacting the Faithful Comptroller.

Report of the Faithful Purser - SK Tom Sullivan

• The financials reported can be requested by contacting the Faithful Purser.

Report of Committees

Membership Report/ Reading of Applications/ Balloting

• 4th Degree Exemplification will be in Hampstead at All Souls Catholic Church, on March 21st.
• We received an application from Gerard Roggemann of 1074 and approved his request.
• We need to start beating the bushes for candidates.

Veterans Committee

• No report

Color Guard Report

Uniform Reimbursement

• Two available to offset 50% of the cost. Contact Faithful Navigator if interested.

2026 Collegiate Scholarship SK Jack Murphy & SK John Reynolds

• Money is currently being collected for the Scholarship Program.
• To learn more about the Scholarship Program and/or to make a donation, go here.

Fraternal Socials

• The Fraternal Christmas party had 30 people attend. The food was great as well as the door prizes. A good time was had by all who attended; however, we are looking for suggestions on how to increase turn-out. Especially with 141 members in the books.

Trustees Report

• No report.

Unfinished/Old Business

• None

New Business

• January 23 – Wreaths Across America at the Wilmington National Cemetery, cleanup – bring rakes.
• February 28 – March for Life Wilmington at Long Leaf Park. More details closer to the event.

Report of Third-Degree Councils

These reports are to be forward-looking so that our membership knows what our affiliated councils will be doing over the upcoming month.

• 1074 Wilmington

  • Knights will be delivering "Valentines from Jesus" on the 14th. If you know of any widows who can use a visit, contact Kenny Levy with their information. Name, address, and phone number.
  • February 20 & 21 Polar Plunge; Kure Beach.
  • Eucharistic Miracles exhibit from 21-27 February in the Upper Room of the Tileston Center.
  • Basketball free-throw was completed and we are looking to host the District / Regional competition.

• 12017 St. Mark

  • COR runs every Wednesday. Back into the Deuterocanonicals for a month then a Lenten study from Franciscan University of Steubenville.
  • February 14 – The Sound of Music will be in he Parish Hall, free for all. DATE CHANGE
  • February 21 – Sleep In Heavenly Peace bed build.
  • Wilmington Marathon – water station.

• 12885 St. Therese *

• 11817 St. Stanislaus

  • Three state officers were present last Saturday to present the council its Star Council Award.
  • We had an exemplification following Mass last Saturday. Seven new members have joined our ranks. I believe we have already our goal for Star and pretty close to Double Star.
  • January 24 – Blood Drive in the Parish Hall.
  • January 24 – Annual Chili cookoff after the 5pm Mass.
  • February 20 – Annual Fish Fry.
  • Gearing up for 40 cans of Lent Program.

Brothers in Need

• Fr. Greg Spencer
• Greg Peters – Knee replacement
• George Plarre’s daughter Lisa – Stem cells replacement and lost vision in one eye

Good of the Order – November Reflections

• As we begin a new calendar year, January invites us to reflect, reset, and recommit – not only to our personal goals but to our mission as Catholic gentlemen and patriotic leaders.
  The world often sees the new year as a time for resolutions, but we, as Knights, are called to something deeper: conversion of heart and renewal of purpose. As members of the Patriotic Degree, our purpose is clear – to defend our faith, our freedoms, and the values that form the foundation of both Church and Country.
  This month also calls us to remember and defend the dignity of human life. January marks the tragic anniversary of Roe vs. Wade – and yet, it also inspires the March for Life, where men and women across the nation raise their voices for the voiceless. Standing for life is not only a Catholic duty – it is a patriotic one. A nation that fails to protect the unborn fails in its most basic responsibility.
  As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month, we are reminded of the power of faith in action. He showed us that peace, justice, and moral courage are not in conflict with patriotism, - they define it. We too are called to be builders of unity, in our communities and across political and cultural divides.
  Let this January be a time of recommitment – to our Church, our country, and our calling as Fourth Degree Knights. Let us enter this year with clarity of purpose and strength of conviction, ready to defend what is right and serve those in need.
  May God bless our efforts, guide our Assembly, and bless the United States of America.
  Vivat Jesus!

Closing Prayer

• Conducted by SK Deacon Keenan

Closing Ode led by SK Backes

• Sung the Star-Spangled Banner.

Adjourn

• Next regular meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 17 at Wilmington Council 1074 chambers at Tileston Center.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Minutes submitted by [SK Mike Apicella](mailto: scribe@kofc2017.org), Faithful Scribe.