Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, May 19, 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 26 Sir Knights with ID cards and rosaries in attendance.

Call of Officers

Opening Prayer

• Meeting’s opening prayer was led by SK Greg Decker.

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.

Report of the Faithful Friar

• No report.

Report of Faithful Comptroller - SK Frank Bio

• Membership 152 members
• 1 Member died - SK Joe Marchese
• 1 Member reinstated - SK Tim Niggel
• 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

• No applications for the 4th degree.

Veterans Committee

• Bi-monthly New Hanover Veterans Council Report – next meeting on May 21.
  • See website under Resources for further information; specifically, the NHCVC information, and the Brunswick County Veterans Coalition.

Honor Guard Events

• May 25, 11:00 am - Memorial Day Laying of the Wreath National Cemetery
• June 6 - Ordination Mass of new priest at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral
• July 16 - 50th Anniversary of the St. Mark Parish
• September 26 - Installation of pastor at St. Stanislaus
• Color Guard St. Mary Catholic School, Passing of the Colors, June 2 8:15am

Uniform Reimbursement

• Three Regalia Uniforms authorized 50% of the cost reimbursement for this year:
  • SK Mark McKoy
  • SK Tim Kroll
  • SK Mike Apicella

2026 Collegiate Scholarship SK Jack Murphy & SK John Reynolds

• 1st Place Winner - $4,000 - Stephen P. Drescher is a Parishioner at All Saints Catholic Church in Hampstead.
• 2nd Place Winner - $3,000 - Isabel G. Layton is a Parishioner of St. Mark Catholic Church in Wilmington.
• 3rd Place Winner - $2,000 - Evan C. Lang is a Parishioner of St. Therese Catholic Church in Wrightsville Beach.
• All Scholarship Recipients received their Winning Certificates and Scholarship Checks at end of the meeting on Tuesday.
• Presentation of the 2026 Deanery Scholarship Awards occured following the meeting.
  
• See Website News for further details.

Fraternal Socials

• No report.

Trustees Report

• No report.

Unfinished/Old Business

• April 18 – Honor Flight from ILM.

New Business

• Election of Officers Slate Approved and Elected for 2026-27

• Installation Date TBD

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 at BSSM and ICC
  • May 10 – Baby Bottle Program to support Lifeline Pregnancy Center until June 21.
  • June 6 - Food Drive, Piggly Wiggly
  • June 9 - Council Installation at the normal Membership Meeting
  • June 26 - Blood Drive, Immaculate Conception Church, 10:00 am to 3:30 pm
  • June 27 & 28 - Membership Drive
  • COR continues at ICC on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
  • Congratulations to SK Charlie Backes. His newsletter was recognized by the NC State Knights of Columbus - The Duane Russell Award which is given to three Councils that produce the best and consistently good newsletters during the Program Year (January 1 through December 31).

• 12017 Fr. James E. Waters at St. Mark

  • June 6, 6:30 PM. Faith on Film Series - The Mission
  • June 13 - Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build - No Child Sleeps Alone
  • June 21 - Father's Day Parish Breakfast
  • June 22-26 - Vacation Bible School
  • June 23 - Council Installation
  • Congratulations to Webmaster SK Greg Decker for the #1 Web Site in the State.

• 12885 St. Therese at St. Therese

  • TBA – Blessing of the Beach
  • Received the Family Top Award for the Knights Thanksgiving Turkey Drive - "For Pete's Sake"
  • 3rd Tuesday of every month unloading of food at St. Joe's Pantry
  • COR starting on Thursdays at 7pm

• 11817 Fr. Roland Gross at St. Stanislaus

  • Parish Hall is closed for Renovations until Labor Day.
  • Knights will be doing their meetings "Al Fresco"
  • COR will meet Saturdays in Chapel
  • June 15 - Exemplification after the 5 pm Mass
  • At this time we are at the 5 Star Level

Brothers in Need

• Fr. Greg Spencer
• Teri Decker
• Barbara Schadt
• Robert Maasen
• Bob Hack

Good of the Order – May Reflections

As we enter the month of May, we are called to reflect on devotion, gratitude, and service. May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose example of humility, faith, and obedience continues to guide us in our daily lives. Let us look to her as a model of quiet strength and unwavering trust in God.

This is also a time of renewal and growth, both in nature and within our communities. As Fourth Degree Knights, we are reminded of our responsibility to stand as visible leaders in faith and patriotism. Whether through participation in civic events, support of our parishes, or acts of charity, our presence should reflect the very principles we uphold.

Let us take this opportunity to recommit ourselves to the mission of the Order – supporting one another as brothers, serving those in need, and strengthening our faith through action. Even the smallest gestures of kindness and service can have a lasting impact.

Please keep in your prayers all Sir Knights and their families, especially those who are ill or facing hardships. May we continue to support each other with compassion and unity.

As we move through this month, may we be inspired by the example of Our Lady and guided by faith in all that we do.

Vivat Jesus!

Spiritual Growth Oportunities

• That Man is You program at St. Mark's mentioned by SK Robert Smith. A 26 week program each Saturday Morning - Fall and Spring.
• Also, any man is welcome to the St. Mark's COR program, every Wednesday in the Newman Room at 7:30 pm.

Closing Prayer

• Conducted by SK Greg Decker: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Closing Ode

• Sung the Star-Spangled Banner.

50/50 Drawing

• Will be conducted at the June meeting.

  Adjourn

• Next regular meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 16, at St. Mark's Parish Hall.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.

Minutes submitted by SK Mike Apicella, Faithful Scribe.

Appendix - Important Additions

• Information from the NHCVC meeting of May 21 can be accessed at Resources>New Hanover Veterans Council>May 26.
• US Representative David Rouzer provided a plethora of links in support of the veteran community which can be accessed at Resources>Veterans.