The Latest Council News
Annual Recruitment Weekend!
Following a brief and personable introduction by Father Bill, Membership Chairperson Tom Brady (not that Tom Brady) addressed the congregation to share the story of the Knights of Columbus as Brother Mike Kane looks on. Brother Tom explained that the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney. Father McGivney’s vision was both simple and powerful: he believed that men united in faith could strengthen their families, their church, and their communities. This foundational idea served as the cornerstone for what would eventually become the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization.
Brother Tom then extended an invitation to Catholic men aged 18 and above to become part of this ongoing story, encouraging them to unite in faith and service as members of the Knights of Columbus.
Brother Tom (that Tom) deserves praise for his efforts in making the Recruitment Weekend a great success.
A little Divine assistance was offered by Father/Brother Bill.
Some of our Brothers assisting at Recruitment Weekend
Pictured are Brothers J. Costy, M. Vialpando, Chairperson T. Brady, and M. Kranchalk
The Fall Shrimparoo was a Great Success!
Getting Ready
Go Time
Enjoy!
Thank you to the following volunteers: Daniel Alford, Dan Alford, Joe Costy, Larry Dunning, Patti Dunning, Paul Johnson, Richard Clark, Phil Ley, Peter Sanza, Justin McCarthy, Bob Smith, Marco Vialpando, and Frank Weisgerber. Without your assistance, we could not have done it.
Knights of Columbus
Southeastern InterCouncil Bocce Tournament
Saturday, September 20 - Empie Park was the location for the latest Southeastern InterCouncil Bocce Tournament. The tournament started with prayers and the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. There were nine teams from 5 different councils competing in the modified double-elimination tournament. The first round was a single-elimination event that proved difficult for the St Therese team to get by and was eliminated early. Two teams from St Mary’s (Wilmington Council) were also eliminated in the first round. Two teams from All Saints, St Mark, and St Stanislaus battled it out to the last round when St Mark 2 played All Saints. St Mark 2 went into the round with one loss to play undefeated All Saints 2. St Mark 2 handed All Saints two losses and won the tournament. Because of this unexpected set of events, St Therese Bocce Victory Party has been postponed to next year, about this time.
Fourth Degree Exemplification Scheduled
The Fourth Degree Exemplification is the formal ceremony to initiate members into the Fourth Degree, or Patriotic Degree, of the Knights of Columbus. This special degree aims to foster a greater spirit of patriotism, encourage active Catholic citizenship, and serve as a visible expression of the organization's dedication to God and country. Candidates must be Third Degree Knights in good standing to be eligible for this formal process. If you are interested in becoming a Fourth Degree, don't hesitate to get in touch with Sir Knight Greg Decker of Assembly 2017 (admiral@kofc2017.org; 910-622-0250) or the Grand Knight (Sir Knight Frank A Bio - frankbio2@gmail.com; 910-899-8946).
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Host Assembly: Bishop William G. Curlin Assembly 3158
Location: St. James the Greater Catholic Church
139 Manor Ave SW, Concord, NC 28025
Schedule of Events:
• Mass: 9:00 AM
• Candidate Arrival: No later than 10:30 AM
• Exemplification Ceremony: 11:30 AM (prompt)
• Luncheon: Immediately following the ceremony
Brother Eugene C. Amedy RIP
April 25, 1942 - December 14, 2024
!
Our Brother Gene Amedy passed away on December 14, 2024, at the age of 82.
Mass for Brother Gene was held on Friday, August 8, at noon at St Therese Church.
Installation of Officers
St Therese Council 12885 held an Installation of Officers Ceremony on the second Tuesday of the month.
Past Grand Knight Anthony Melilli prepares to past the gavel as District Deputy Bob Hack prepares to start the Ceremony.
Deacon G Keenan blesses the council jewels in preparation for the installation.
Grand Knight Frank A Bio, is given congratulatory comments and instructions from Regional District Deputy Gene Ziemba (left photo). Grand Knight Bio expresses his appreciation for the work of the council and provides his vision on moving forward (Right photo).
Prior to the Installation Ceremony, there was a planning meeting held that reviewed past events and forward-thinking ideas for the council!
Brother Jim Tyzner, RIP
February 14, 1937 - July 1, 2025
Our Brother Jim Tyzner passed away on July 1, 2025, at the age of 88.
Mass for Brother Jim Tyzner will be held on Friday, July 25, at noon at St Therese Church.
Before the Mass (at 11:30 am), the Rosary is said.
Please take a moment to read Brother Jim's obituary here.
Pilgrimage of Eastern North Carolina for Young Adult Men
Saturday, June 28th through the 30th.
The pilgrimage was open to all young men (ages 18 and older) in the Diocese of Raleigh who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The pilgrimage gave an experience of the dynamic reality of the priesthood in the Diocese of Raleigh. During the pilgrimage, the young men had the opportunity to connect with several priests and seminarians of our diocese while they visited different parishes. They were here on Saturday, the 28th, and visited with our Pastor, Father William J. Upah. As a bonus, they also helped celebrate Father's 27th Anniversary of Ordination! (Actual anniversary was the day before)
Shrimparoo 2025!!!
Saturday, June 14th.
The funds raised at the Shrimparoo are used to support our Council 12885 contributions to non-profits like Right to Life, Pretty in Pink, St. Joseph's Food Pantry in Burgaw, Catholic Campus Ministry of UNCW, Rosary distributions, and others.
Second Year Trustee Joe Costy, cleaned and prepped the grill on Thursday (first photo). The rains came on Saturday, and so did the people. Unfortunately, the rains started and stayed for the day. All of those attending did receive a "To Go" container with shrimp, chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, and a salad. Early birds did enjoy hot dogs with chili sauce, almost as good as Yocco's, The Hot Dog King (for those who know).
Below, brother knights preparing various food and food lines for the Shrimparoo.
Council 12885 Elect 2025 - 2026 Officers
The Council elected officers for the 2025-2026 fiscal year at our June 10, Membership Meeting. Below is the list with contact information, and the "Officers" tab contains the same with the responsibilities of each office. The council's strength lies in the officers' commitment and actions. But the officers can't do it on their own, and that's the reason for various directors. Many of those positions are open and require your prayerful consideration for the future viability of the council. If you are interested, please contact the Grand Knight or any officer with your intention.
Council Knights Hosted the Confirmation and Concert Receptions
May 18th was a busy day for the Council members as they supported the Confirmation and Concert receptions.
On Saturday evening, the preparations started. They were in full swing Sunday morning with setup before, and serving after the Confirmation Mass at 9:00 conducted by Bishop Luis R. Zarama
The Musicians of St.Therese held concert at 3:00 the same day that included solos by parishioners Molly Darden (soprano), Alex Gallo (tenor). Kevin Donnelly explained the four voices of our organ and then played all four during his captivating organ solo. The concert finished with a standing ovation saluting Kevin and the choir. The Council knights provided lots of nibblies and refreshments following the concert.
Shannon Jordan, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
Shannon discussed the various services available through LifeCare, such as Hospice, Palliative Medication, Memory Partners, and Grief Care at our May business meeting. She also informed the attendees about the Community Education available and the Life Care Foundation, providing financial support for services so everyone can access high-quality care regardless of their ability to pay. Additional information is available by clicking here
Stations of the Cross was Held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Our K of C Assembly 2107 conducted Stations of the Cross at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church outdoor stations, and it was very well attended, along with family and friends. These outdoor stations are located at St. Stan's church are unique to the area and were well worth a visit. The stations began at noon on Friday, April 16th.
The Assembly's Faithful Comptroller, Greg Decker, arranged the event. He, as well as Sir Knights George Schadt, Larry Greer, Robert Philips, and Dennis Kelleher, took turns reading at each station. The book and readings were the same as those done at Medjugorje, and unlike typical readings. All in attendance were appreciative of the uniqueness they offered.
St Therese Council Supports Fairview Fire Department in Honor of Battalion Chief Tony Ray Garrison and Brandon Ruppe
Battalion Chief Tony Ray Garrison passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 51 years old.
Tony's journey was marked by a profound commitment to his calling as a firefighter. Serving as a Battalion Chief with the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, his leadership and courage were exemplified through countless acts of heroism. Tragically, Tony succumbed to injuries sustained while selflessly assisting during Hurricane Helene in Fairview, North Carolina, embodying the very spirit of sacrifice and dedication that defined his life.
Brandon Ruppe, Tony Garrison’s nephew, lost his life beside Tony while bravely assisting to save their neighbors when a mudslide hit. Fairview lost 13 members of their community due to the storm.
Three Year Trustee Joe Costy presents a check to Captain J. Comann of the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department in Honor of Battalion Chief Tony Ray Garrison and Brandon Ruppe
St Therese Council at the St Mark Council Golf Outing
Grand Knight Anthony Melilli barks directions to Two Year Trustee John Dwight, who is using an unorthodox grip, as Financial Secretary Paul Johnson looks on. Absent from the photo, is Fourth-Degree Faithful Navigator, Frank A. Bio, for obvious reasons.
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Brother Johnson showing his "Skill on the Hill"
The score to beat next year!
Catholic Campus Ministry of UNC-W Rosary Dedication
Look for more joint Council and Catholic Campus Ministry activities in the Fall 2025 when the next regular semester gets underway
WE HAVE A WINNER!
(Actually, Two Winners)
Easter Basket Raffle
On March 29th through Palm Sunday, April 13th, Council 12885 members were selling Easter Basket Raffle tickets after each Mass for one of the two Easter Baskets on display. The baskets were assembled by Delores Kolenik, brother Pat's wife, again this year! Proceeds of the raffle are used to support the charitable activities of Council 12885 throughout the year.
Tickets were 5 for just $5 and were purchased at the Masses and for the first time, were available on-line!
After Stations of the Cross Meal
St. Therese Council members prepared the Lenten meal on Friday, March 28th, after the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross started at 6:00 PM and the meal began after the participants had assembled and Father gave the meal blessing in the Parish Hall.
The meal was attended by more than 70 people and included no less than three soups and various side dishes prepared by Knights with special talents, and their wives :)
Right to Life - Baby Bottle Drive
The Baby Bottle Drive Supporting Right To Life was launched in March with our goal being 250 bottle donations – It's a drive to collect funds to support culture of life initiatives at the local level. In this program, empty baby bottles were distributed to individuals or families to deposit their loose change, checks, or paper money, and the filled bottles were returned March 9.
This is a parish-wide drive led by the Knights to raise funds to Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP). The efforts support pregnant women, mothers, and their new children by serving pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes. These pro-life, non-profits are lifelines to women and babies in need and offer essential services that make the difference between a baby being aborted and a baby being born in a supportive environment.
All were asked to take a bottle last week, fill it with change, bills and/or checks and bring it to Mass Sunday, March 9.
St Patrick Day Parade
Local Council and Assembly members marched in the Wilmington St Patrick's Day Parade.
The two local Assemblies, 2017 and 3952, invited all council members to join. Our council was well represented wearing our Council shirts and tan slacks. Councils from all around Wilmington and as far as Southport were represented.
The parade kicked off at 11:00 under clear skies and warm temperatures. The downtown was lined with thousands of people sporting green in honor of St Patrick. If you look closely at the photos, you may recognize some familiar faces including the patron saint of Ireland
Brother Michael Francis McCartan, RIP
Our brother Michael McCartan passed away on February 19, 2025, at the age of 80.
Please take a moment to read Brother Michael's obituary here
Valentines Fundraiser Dinner - Pretty in Pink
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 6:00 PM
Pretty In Pink Foundation's mission is to provide uninsured and underinsured breast cancer patients in North Carolina with financial assistance for quality life-saving medical treatment. They make this happen with financial commitments through sponsorships, fundraising, donations, and pledge drives that support their Champions throughout North Carolina.
The event was well attended.
Preparation for the event began the 'knight' before with this group of napkin folders. Martha Steward has nothing on them when it comes to this type of hidden talent.
Grand Knight Anthony Melilli giving last minute instructions
Wilmington March For Life Rally 2025
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00 AM till Noon
ProLife speakers included Dr. John Bruchalski (Two Patients: My Conversion from Abortion to Life-Affirming Medicine - Available on Amazon), Pastor Tony McGhee (local pastor, radio host, and pro-life activist) and Bill A. Pincus, MD (NC Right to Life President - ncrtl.org).
Then there was a march through Long Leaf Park in Wilmington with the Rosary being said.
All in attendance were chilly but inspired!
Christmas Basket Raffle
Congratulations to Heather McLaren and Trish Baker, the Christmas Basket Raffle Winners!
Sales have been very successful the past two weeks through your volunteer efforts. Tickets will be available next week (12/21 and 12/22) and the drawing will follow the 10:30 Mass on 12/22.
Brother and SK Frank Weisgerber's Volunteerism was recognized in Intercostal Living magazine
Brother Frank Weisgerber is one of the regular volunteers at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) that visit with hospitalized Veterans. His work was recently highlighted in an article published in the November edition of Intercostal Living Magazine. You can read the full article here.
Very Successful Pete Baxley Turkey Drive
Thank You to all those brothers and friends who assisted in the Pete Baxley Thanksgiving Turkey Drive. There were 200 Turkeys distributed by St. Joseph's Food Pantry this week! The pantry served over 300 client families yesterday. Brother John Dwight estimates that it is over 1,000 people!
The photo shows the turkeys after they were unloaded awaiting distribution. Thank you all for your efforts. A special thank you to Grand Knight Anthony for heading out to accept the delivery of the Turkeys at 4:30 AM on Thursday, Brother John Dwight for coordinating with Patricia at the pantry, and Brother Joe Costy for coordinating the Council's efforts.
Special thanks to Saturday Morning Men's Ministry*; they really stepped up to help us achieve the goal!
It will be a Happier Thanksgiving for many in the area!
Note: * The Men's Ministry meets at 8:00 AM on Saturdays for a light social and Bible Study, all are welcome, including non-members. Contact Jim Gibson (203-948-2880 or jim@gibson-consultants.com) for more information or just come by the Parish Center at 8:00 AM.
The DD Gene Ziemba presents the Columbian Award to the Council Grand Knight Anthony Melilli.
Some of the following criteria that must be met for programs to count towards Columbian Award program credits:
• Programs must be organized by the council or involve significant participation by council members to qualify. Program descriptions should reference how they meet these criteria.
• Programs must engage members by enhancing faith and spirituality, serving a charitable purpose, or a combination of the two. Program descriptions should reference how they meet these criteria.
• Councils must earn at least four (4) program credits in each of the Faith in Action categories: Faith, Family, Community, and Life.
The Wallace Council 12921 GK Dan Kusnierz presented the State Traveling Gavel to our Council 12885 GK Anthony Melilli.
Fourth Degree Exemplification
The exemplification to the Fourth Degree was held on Saturday, October 12, at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 11401 Leesville Road in Raleigh. Three members of local councils were made Fourth Degree.
For information about the Fourth Degree and our local K of C Assembly 2017, contact FN Frank A Bio at frankbio2@gmail.com or 910-899-8946 or click here for the website.
2024 Ministry Appreciation Cookout
Our K of C Council 12885 assisted in the annual Ministry Appreciation Cookout. The event, held Friday, October 10, is open to all parishioners who donate time to improving the St Therese Catholic Church community.
Virgin Mary Grotto Refurbished by Council Members
Catholic Campus Ministry at UNCW solicited assistance in repainting and sprucing the Virgin Mary Grotto. Led by Deacon George Keenan, the statue was relocated to Deanon Keenan's garage for a couple of weeks as it was presser washed and smoothed ready for paint. The artistic Brother Bob Smith finished the surface with multiple coats of epoxy paint sure to last for years to come.
It took six knights, a tractor, and a lot of luck to place the statue back on the were the freshly painted stand. The two concrete stools were also painted and the hedges trimmed.
Be sure to stop by Catholic Campus Ministry at UNCW at 4802 College Acres Dr, Wilmington, and have a look. Their website can be accessed here.
The Removal
Preparing for paint
Deacon Keenan and Brother Bob Smith
Spraying the grotto
Finally Finished
2024 Bocce Tournament Team
On Saturday, June 16 of this year our Council 12885 participated in the Knights of Columbus Council Bocce Tournament. The event was held at Empie Park in Wilmington starting at 9:00 AM. The tournament was a double-elimination event that has been around for a few years. Although this is not our first time participating, it has been a few years since we fielded a team. We played strong in the winner's bracket, starting by 'whitewashing' the first two teams we met. Eventually, we were eliminated by St Mark's Council, the Tournament Champions.
SK Tom Rice, RIP
December 28, 1945 - July 21, 2024
Our brother and Sir Knight Tom Rice passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the age of 72.
Please take a moment to read Tom's obituary here.
2024 St Therese Golf Team
Our Council entered a team in the St Mark Council Golf Tournament. The competition was very tough as displayed by our flight position. :(
Wreaths Across America
January 19th was Wreath Cleanup Day and local knights from Assembly 2017 and knights from our Council and Councils 1074 and 12017 lent a hand, or a rake as the case may be. The weather cooperated in that it was neither too cool nor too warm.
McGivney Room Dedication
Bishop Zarama dedicated the new Parish Center at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh on January 3rd beginning with Mass in the Cathedral. This was followed by a candlelight procession to the Parish Center with the cross and Our Lady of the Americas leading us. She will be placed into a niche just outside of the Blessed Father Michael McGivney Room.
Wreaths Across America
This was the first year in a long time that our Assembly 2017 became sponsors and promoters of Wreaths Across America though we would take part in the wreath laying. The process has changed over the years, and 2023 had, by far, the largest number of volunteers show up to lay wreaths. There were so many people in the Wilmington National Cemetery on Saturday, December 16, that we couldn't gather for a group photo because we didn't know who was there! An added incentive this year was helping unload and stage the wreaths on the Friday before. Thanks to SK Kenny Levy, much heavy lifting was alleviated by his donation to use a flatbed and forklift to get the wreaths from the truck to the cemetery. Below are some photos from both days.
Scholarship for Future Saints Winners
The local Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Msgr. Christopher Dennen Assembly 2017 will be awarding $3,000 Gold award, $2,500 Silver award, and $1,500 Bronze award scholarships to Catholic students enrolling for the first time in a university or community college beginning 2023 as follows:
Winners
| Gold Award | Sarah Martin | Basilica of St. Mary Parish |
| Silver Award | Mary Dean | St. Therese Parish |
| Bronze Award | Maia Cankurtaran | St. Therese Parish |
Honorable Mentions
| Lydia Chepelsky | St. Therese Parish |
| Davis Kelly | St. Mark Parish |
| Annemarie Lewis | St. Therese Parish |
| Grace McGoldrick | All Saints Parish |
The KofC Msgr. Christopher Dennen Assembly 2017 acknowledges and thanks the Cape Fear Deanery parishes for their supporting role in encouraging research into the lives of Catholic Saints via the 2023 Scholarship for Future Saint program.
Memorial Day 2023
The Wilmington National Cemetery is the setting for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony sponsored by the New Hanover County Veterans Council. While the ceremony fits with the motto "Some Gave All, All Gave Some", the solemn part of the ceremony is the reading of the names of New Hanover County veterans that died in the past year. That number this year was around 550. The reading alone took 35 minutes!
Members of our Assembly 2017 placed a memorial wreath among those of other patriotic, veteran, or service organizations.
Honor Flight 2023
On hand to greet the returning Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area on April 29 were members of our Council and family members (Frank and Susan Bio) and of Council 12017 (George Schwartzman). George was a veteran on the Honor Flight 2022 and pictured with him is his chaperone from that flight.
Photos from Wreaths Across America 2022
Saturday, December 17, witnessed hundreds of volunteers from many local organizations come out to the Wilmington National Cemetery to pay honor to our dead veterans by placing a Christmas wreath on their tomb, every tomb.
