July 2026

by Hank Kempton - Grand Knight

Our Council has almost 400 dues-paying members, yet participation remains low.  Under the 80/20 rule, we are currently in the 20% who actively participate.  At most business meetings, I typically see 40 or fewer Brothers, and the same individuals often volunteer for our events.  

As you know, we own and operate the South Charlotte Banquet Center through the Columbus Club, of which we are all members.  The Banquet Center regularly needs able-bodied Brothers to help set up for events, and this volunteer support is essential to SCBC’s cash flow.  It also helps the Columbus Club pay down the mortgage more quickly.  Once the mortgage is paid off, much of the revenue generated by SCBC events can be used for additional charitable donations and other fraternal activities.  All Brothers are encouraged to sign up for events through Sign-Up Genius, which is how we track volunteer hours reported to Supreme.

St. Matthew is having a 40th anniversary year festival on Sunday, September 20, 2026.  Our Council has agreed to support this event and provide volunteers for various needs.  We will also sponsor a food booth operating out of the Parish Center Kitchen.  We need a Brother to step up and co-chair this event to be involved in the planning later in the year.  A Sign-Up Genius will be going out closer to the event for support volunteers.

Our Council supports the Donated Goods Ministry of St. Matthew.  The Ministry works with Veterans Bridge Home to help furnish houses for Charlotte area veterans transitioning out of homelessness.  They need adult and teen volunteers who can pack, organize, and lift couches, tables, chairs, and other furniture items.  If you are interested in volunteering or donating, please contact Catherine at csforza@stmatthewcatholic.org or you may signup directly at www.stmatthewcatholic.org/bethechurch.

Thank you to all the Brothers who volunteered for our Parish Breakfasts this past year!  The events were financially successful, and attendance began to grow, especially among young families and children.  We also received increased support from the parish through bulletin announcements, cantor announcements before Mass, and priest announcements after Mass.  We are encouraged by this momentum and look forward to an even more successful event season beginning in September 2026.

Our Council Supports the Annual Monsignor McSweeny World Hunger Drive both financially and with volunteers.  As members of Council 10852, you are being asked to volunteer if you are able.  Mark your calendar and be part of this ministry:

• July 11 & 12 – Fundraising Kickoff

• August 1 – Hoops for Hunger.  Three on three basketball tournament

• August 15 – Meal Packing event

Donations and sign-up links will be available on the Parish website soon.

St. Matthew Walking with Moms Ministry is one of the pro-life ministries our Council supports.  They hold a “Hand-Up Day” on the first Sunday of the month from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Parish Center Gym.  The next Hand-Up Day will be Sunday, July 5 from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m..  They are always in need of pampers and other baby essentials.  For additional information, please email Melissa Scanlon at walkingwithmomsinneed@gmail.com or visit www.stmatthewcatholic.org/walking-with-moms-in-need 

Select Summary of the June 3, 2026 Business Meeting

Officers in Attendance:

• Chaplain:  Fr. Kramer

• Grand Knight:  Norm Smith

• Deputy Grand Knight:  Hank Kempton

• Chancellor:  Hank Kempton

• Recorder:  John Schilling

• Financial Secretary:  John Coudriet

• Treasurer:  Tom Larkin

• Lecturer:  Robert Ferrigno

• Advocate:  Bob Mrkus

• Warden:  Vacant

• Inside Guard:  John Gove

• Outside Guard:  Peter Perez

• 3rd Year Trustee:  Rory Wall

• 2nd Year Trustee:  Rich Sanna

• 1st Year Trustee:  Richard White

1. Grand Knight’s message: 

   • • The Columbiettes were invited to the meeting and were thanked for their endless assistance.  It is proposed that they attend future meetings as a show of gratitude by the Knights

     • Request assistance in setting up the South Charlotte Banquet Center – Go to the Volunteer page on the website

     • The members of LAMB also need assistance – Go to the Volunteer page on the website
       
       

2. Results of Candidate Balloting for Admission/Transfer:

   • • Christopher Oviatt

     • Rob Wieckowski (read in, and exemplification)

     • Chris Day

     • Gabe Azie (exemplification)

     • Brent Boten (transfer from Louisiana, candidate accepted)
       
       

3. Transfers Report:

   • • No report
       
       

4. Men’s Shelter:

   • • Meet at church – 1st Tuesday of each month

     • Last session – served 230 people

     • Go to Sign Up Genius to volunteer
       
       

5. Unfinished Business:

   • • No report
       
       

6. Good of the Order:

   • • Patricia Dunleavy by Bob Desch

     • Dave Donovan by John Coudriet
       
       

7. Grand Knight’s Summation:

   • • Knight of the Month:  Joe Lingden

     • Family of the Month:  Mike Hankins & family
       
       

8. Closing Prayer offered – All Knights present
   
   

9. Nominations for Officers *:

   • • Chaplain:  Fr. Kramer

     • Grand Knight:  Hank Kempton — closed

     • Deputy Grand Knight:  Robert Ferrigno — closed

     • Chancellor:  Richard White — closed

     • Recorder:  Gil Borrero — closed

     • Treasurer:  Bob Wiekowski — closed

     • Advocate:  Bob Mrkus — closed

     • Warden:  John Gove — closed

     • Inside Guard:  Peter Perez — closed

     • Outside Guard:  Chris Oviatt — closed

     • 3rd Year Trustee:  Norm Smith — closed

     • 2nd Year Trustee:  

     • 1st Year Trustee:  

Motion to close nominations passed by all Knights

* The new officers assume their responsiblities effective July 1, 2026.  The official installation ceremony for those officers will be immediately after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, July 18, 2026 on the Main campus. 

1. Pro Life:

• June 7th – Walking with Moms In Need (1:30-2:30)

• Diapers, cribs, strollers needed

• Also always looking for Spanish volunteers

• June 7th – Red Cross Blood Drive (8:00-1:00)

• Redcrossblood.org – Look for St. Matthew

• To get the recent Pro Life article, send Norm Gemignani your email address

• October 24th - Mira Via banquet

• Also in October – Help Pregnancy Center banquet
  
  

2. Bingo:

   • • Attendance is increasing.  For additional info, contact Joe Corso at (703) 340-4099
       
       

3. Breakfast:

   • • June 14th at center
       
       

4. 4th Degree:

   • • A young priest in High Point has started a ministry.  We agreed to donate $3,000 for assistance
       
       

5. District Deputy:

   • • No report
       
       

6. 2026-2027 Budget:

   • • Can be obtained from Treasurer