About Us
Mission Statement:
The Knights of Columbus council #11949 is a Catholic, social, fraternal organization based on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism dedicated to serving the Church through its involvement in the campus community and in the neighboring communities of the University of St. Thomas.
It offers students an opportunity to unite with fellow Catholics and to participate in an active campus organization which encourages service and prayer with the entire campus while promoting a life of study, prayer, and Christian charity.
The Knights in Brief:
- The Knights of Columbus began in the basement of St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Haven, Connecticut by one priest, Servant of God Father Michael J. McGivney, and several male Catholics in 1882.
- Today, there are more than 13,000 councils and 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
- Council #11949 at the University of St. Thomas began on April 5, 1997.
There are currently around 75 men involved with the Knights of Columbus on campus.
- The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest organization of Catholic men and their families. It has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been cited by popes, presidents and other world leaders for support of the Church, for programs of evangelization and Catholic education, for civic involvement and aid to those in need.
- The Knights of Columbus are a Catholic Family, Fraternal and Service
Organization. They participate in the following outreaches:
- Contribute over $3 million to Pro-Life efforts.
- Sponsor Daily Mass at St. Mary's Church for deceased members and their families.
- Established the Pope John Paul Institute for the study of marriage.
- Promote patriotism through the Fourth Degree of the order.
- The Knights of Columbus has a Fraternal Insurance Program with over $20 billion currently in force. It is the #1 Catholic Fraternal Insurance Company in the world & 75th largest insurance company in the world with assets in the top 6%.
For more information about the Knights of Columbus, visit <www.kofc.org>.
For information about the Minnesota State Council, visit <www.mnknights.org>.
For more information about Servant of God Father James McGivney and the history of the Knights of Columbus: <www.kofc.org/about/history/index.cfm>.
Officers:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chaplain | Fr. Thomas Thakadipuram |
| Grand Knight | Spencer Howe |
| Deputy Grand Knight | Philip Schumaker |
| Chacellor | Scott Nolan |
| Financial Secretary | Mike Brandell |
| Treasurer | Mike Brandell |
| Recorder | Brett McCaw |
| Warden | John Burger |
| Inside Guard | Paul Shovelain |
| Outside Guard | Darrel Kempf |
| Trustee 3rd Year | Bob Parisi |
| Trustee 2nd Year | John Bauer |
| Trustee 1st Year | Ben Kociemba |
| Academic Advisor | Fr. Thomas Thakadipuram |
| Directors of Recruitment | Nick Shannon, Sam Patet |
| Directory of Community | Joe Librande |
| Directory of Service | Bob Parisi |
| Director of Pro-Life Activities | Brett McCaw |