September 2026

Hank Kempton - Grand Knight

Called to serve:  Stepping up to serve our Council

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s organization built on faith, fraternity, and service.  Councils are a place where men come together not only to grow in their faith, but also to actively support parish life in practical and visible ways.

Knights serve as Brothers, taking a major role in making many of our parish events possible.  From cooking and serving at pancake breakfasts to preparing food for the upcoming parish anniversary celebration, we are often the ones behind the scenes making sure things taste great, run smoothly, and provide opportunities for the flock we love to connect and grow.

We are also known for supporting fundraising efforts such Tootise Roll sales to benefit LAMB, car raffle ticket sales to support our charities, and collecting funds to purchase turkey dinners for families in east Charlotte.  We show up to sustain our parish needs and ministries.  These efforts are not just about raising money—they’re about teamwork, service, and Brotherhood.

As we start our new fiscal year and plan activities to support the parish and our Council goals, we encourage you to consider how you can support the Council not just a Knight, but as a Brother.  Even if you have never flipped a pancake, we can teach you how to make a breakfast enjoyed by thousands.  Similarly, if sales are not your thing, join us at a booth to learn how a smile and a wave could encourage a family to support LAMB or Gigi’s Playhouse.  The commitment to show up is not hard if it comes from your heart.

At its core, the Knights of Columbus is about men taking responsibility for their faith in a real, practical way.  When men show up as Brothers to serve and lead—especially through hands-on work like cooking, organizing, and serving—it sets a strong example for their families and helps build a healthier, more connected parish.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved that is about more than dues, sharing  your time and talent is a great way to start.  This year, please think about how to build a hands-on, meaningful, and enjoyable experience as a Brother. 

Council 10852 Newsletter

Second Edition | A Fraternal Year Update for Council 10852

Upcoming Dates:

• 9/20:  Parish 40th Anniversary celebration and council food booth

• 9/23 - 11/1:  40 Days for Life Fall Campaign  

• 9/26:  Paper Shredding Event to Benefit the LAMB Foundation of NC

• 9/26–9/27:  Car Raffle volunteer weekend after Masses

• 10/1:  The H.E.L.P. Pregnancy Resource Center’s Banquet 

• 10/10 – 10/11:  Car Raffle volunteer weekend after Masses

• 10/24:  Mira Via's 32nd Annual Fundraising Banquet
  
  

Upcoming Activities and Volunteer Opportunities

We have many activities already planned, and I look forward to seeing how we can continue building fellowship, service, and charitable impact together throughout the year.

Parish 40th Anniversary Food Booth

• Our parish’s 40th Anniversary celebration on 9/20 presents a wonderful opportunity for the council to help offset some of our lost charitable revenue by sponsoring a food booth. The parish will need volunteers to support the celebration, and the council will need volunteers to help staff the booth. More details will be shared as the date approaches.

40 Days for Life Fall Campaign 

• There is a huge need for prayer warriors from 9/23 - 11/1 to spend time in peaceful prayer on the sidewalk beside the Sidewalk Advocates for Life ant the Planned Parenthood Abortion facility in Uptown Charlotte at 700 Torrence Street.  You can witness there any day.  During the 40 Days for life campaign St Matthew parishioners will have suggested days and time to gather.  Check the Bulletin for more information later in the year.

Paper Shredding Event to Benefit the LAMB Foundation of NC

• Our Council will be having a free to the public paper shredding event at the South Charlotte Banquet Center (SCBC) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The SCBC is located not far from the Church on 9009 Bryant Farms Road; Charlotte, NC  28277-1611.  There is a limit of three (3) banker's boxes per vehicle.  Free will donations will be collected at this event and will be given to the LAMB Foundation of NC.  A SignUpGenius request for volunteers will go out mid-August.
  
  

Car Raffle Fundraiser

• The Car Raffle is coming up next month and remains one of our most important fundraisers. A SignUpGenius link will be sent at a later date. Please watch for it and consider signing up for the Mass that works best for your schedule.  I invite all Knights of Council 10852 to lend a hand before and after Mass on the following weekends:

  • 9/26 - 9/27

  • 10/10 - 10/11

The H.E.L.P. Pregnancy Resource Center’s Banquet 

• Banquet is on Thursday, 10/1, in Monroe, NC at the Union County Agricultural Center.  Please join with other Brothers for an inspiring evening witnessing their loving and generous ministry to save unborn babies and providing parents with the resources to provide for their families.  If you are interested please contact Brother Tony D’Angelo or Norm Gemignani.

Mira Via's 32nd Annual Fundraising Banquet

• Will be held at the Convention Center with a Keynote Address from the Sisters of Life

• There are always fellow brothers who will sponsor a table and they will come forward; you will be welcome to join them.  If you are interested please contact Brother Norm Gemignani or Tony D’Angelo 

Thank You!

Thank you for your continued service, generosity, and commitment to the charitable mission of Council 10852. Your willingness to serve makes a meaningful difference in our parish and in the broader community! Please continue to refer to the Council's website here and the church bulletin for additional volunteer opportunities.

Some of Your Councils past accomplishments:

• • • $52,000 + hundreds of man hours renovating the Parish kitchen

    • $9,000 for adoration chapel renovation

    • $2,500 flagpole at South Campus

    • Put up and take down of two Creches each Christmas

    • Provide 10 breakfasts each year to foster parish community

    • Repair and paint all waste bin enclosures on main campus

    • Sponsor a Free throw contest each hear and donate to the school

    • Provide financial support to LAMB, St. Matthew Spread, Walking with Moms, and many other St Matthew and Community Charities.

Summary of August 5, 2026 Business Meeting Minutes

Grand Knight's Report (Hank Kempton)

• Pastapalooza scheduled and managed by Antoinette.

• Need more participation by all members.  30+ attend and over 400 are members who don’t show.

• Parish Breakfasts will occur 3rd Sunday of every month, beginning September 13.

• Parish 40th anniversary is scheduled for September 20.

• Council to show a higher visibility at church with KOC attire.  August 17 Mass to be the focus of attendance and KOC attire.

• Will have Lenten dinners occur early 2027.  We will provide different dinners which will be charged to the attendees.

• Traditional fish dinners on the 1st and 4th. The 2nd and 3rd dinner will be vegan chili and pasta.

• There is a need for a Pro-Life director.

• Community Director is needed.

• Letter of appreciation sent to Trio.

• Certificate of Appreciation and Gift Certificate to be given to Julia Turner who is retiring.  She has been very helpful to the Knights in the past.  The retirement ceremony will occur mid-August.

• A thank you from the Officers to the members for picking up their tabs at Trio Restaurant.
  
  

Financial Secretary Report (John Rojas)

• Membership 417 members currently paid.

• Membership Dues – 72 members owe $4,780.

• Deadline is the end of August.

• Check validity of the member rolls.

• Hank will send a letter and reach out to the members who are delinquent with stated dues and invitation asking them back.

• Supreme-Standard Bylaws for council.

• Chapter bylaws are from 2002.

• Compared and 1st 4 bylaws.

• Dues-$40 membership.

• Financial Secretary compensation is 10%. Requested by John Rojas to reduce to 8%.

• Spending limit is $5,000/year.

• Memorial Mass will continue even though Supreme does not contain this.

• Motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the standard bylaws along with minor modifications.

• Report is prepared in Quicken; John needs access to software.
  
  

Membership Director Report (Bob Mrkus)

• John Rojas prefers September 2nd exemplification for 2-3 members to be included.

• Membership is now done online but they will not truly be in the council until exemplification occurs.  Insurance Agent must be present at future exemplifications.

• Greg Quinn from Flowery Branch, GA is new member (formerly #13457).  Greg is a Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator, former District Deputy, Past Chapter President.

• Hank asked about preparing business cards which will have the KOC logo and QR code for membership.  Webmaster Eddy will be generating these cards.

• Proposed: Gil to meet with St. Peter’s to determine KOC members and records.  Offer is to transfer all members to St. Matthews. Also provide Bob Mrkus’ number 607-742-9354; email: bobmrkus5@gmail.com.  Also, mention that they can sign up online at www.kofc.com.

Men’s Shelter Report (Hank Kempton) 

• Hank needs volunteers SignUpGenius is available.

• Approximately 200-250 dinners were served.

• Is conducted on the 1st Tuesday of every month.  

• Shelter in located on N. Tryon Street.

Pro-Life Issues:

• October 1 - Help Pregnancy Center Banquet in Monroe.

• Accept personal donations.

• October 24 - Mira Via banquet – Charlotte Convention Center.  Kerianne Monticello – Director.  See Tony D’Angelo if you want to attend.

• Debate ensued as to who will be receiving future donations.
  
  

LAMB (Richard White)

• LAMB Golf Tournament to occur October 10.

• Need stores to make commitments, including Bi-Lo.

• 50% of contributions committed as opposed to last year. 

• Anonymous Contributions to LAMB ($1,000) and Gift of Life ($1,050)
  
  

District Deputy’s Report (Philip Giordano)

• Many programs have changed for the better.

• Columbia Award has changes in qualifications.

• COR Program will need volunteers.

• Fraternal Order Books: All programs and standards are delineated.

• Eucharistic Congress – 9/11-12 located at Charlotte Convention Center.

• Affiliate List – John R. is working on this.

• Family of the Month proposed:  Julia (Form #10784).

• Prospect List: 10-12 prospects need to be committed. Quota is 15 (max for any council in NC).

• SAFE Environment: Must attempt compliance. Two individuals not in compliance.

• Fr. McGivney Award for 2024-2025 awarded to PGK Norm Smith.