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The Knights of Columbus were, or course, active in parish and community affairs long before St. Pius X Parish was formed, and they became a mainstay in the new parish from its inception. The men of the council were and are deeply devoted to the parish and serve it in every way possible. The interests of the community are the interests of the Knights.
In early spring of 1979, discussion of the possibility of forming a Knights Council within St. Pius X Parish. A committee was formed consisting of Stan Chatham, Mike Curran, Denis McInnis, Steve Mlazgar, John Paetz, Ernie Poitras, Gerry Proulx, Larry Schlosser, Ed Tancek, Bill Walton, and Fr. Mulvihill. These Knights contacted many men of the parish and on June 4, 1979, ninety members were assigned to the charter, fifty-two transferring from neighboring councils and thirty-eight newly initiated Knights. On September 15, 1979, District Deputy Walter Migowsky of Osoyoos installed the charter officers of St. Pius X Council #7359. These were:
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Chaplain: Fr. John Doherty
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Grnad Knight: Ernie Poitras
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Deputy Grand Knight: Mike Curran
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Chancellor: Denis McInnis
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Recorder: Paul Koman
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Financial Secretary: Ed Tancek
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Treasurer: Sandy Perry
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Lecturer: Stan Chathan
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Advocate: Gerry Proulx
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Warden: Bill Schwab
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Inside Guard: Henry Johnson
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Outside Guard: Lloyd Gotro
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Trustees: Eric Buckley, Steve Mlazgar, Bill Walton
Within the first year, council programs included assistance to the "Boat People." Jack Takken was an ever-loving helper in making these people welcome in our community.
We also co-sponsored weekly bingo with the Fr. Pandosy Council. The proceeds went to community charities. Within a couple of years this project was dropped as declining attendance made it unprofitable to continue.
Marian Hour of Prayer, Pennies for Vocations, canvassing for United Appeal, Heart Fund, monthly breakfasts, sponsoring youth teams in sports, all these and more kept the men active in either fund-raising or in personal input.
In the fall of 1980, the Knights of Kelowna area were fortunate to receive the visit of the Supreme Knight, Virgil Dechant. A banquet was held at Immaculate Conception Parish Hall in his honor.
In September, 1981 a holding society was formed of members of St. Pius X Council in order to sponsor a 58-unit non-profit housing complex for rental to the public. This was to coincide with the 100 years anniversary of the Knights of Columbus formed by Fr. Michael McGivney in 1882. This project came runner-up in a contest as in International Centennial Project. Many hours of work were given by the appointed directors of "The Columbia Centennial Housing Society" who were:
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Chairman: John Paetz
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Vice Chairman: Ernie Poitras
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Secretary Treasurer: Bill Walton
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And others: Sandy Perry, Ed Tancek, Denis McInnis, George Udzenja.
As parish pastors changed, so did the chaplain of the Council. Fr. John moved to Lumby and Fr. Jim Ratcliffe was assigned to the parish in 1980.
A question often asked by people is, "What do the Knights do?" In the communities and parishes everywhere there are many different answers. Ed Hicks said, "They helped me move my belongings to another home." Fr. Jim said, "They seem to be everywhere there is a need." In 1982 we began to collect canned goods for the needy at Christmas. Not it is a continuous happening for food banks in the community. The White Heather Nursing Home has received funds for Christmas gifts for residents without families. The dear sisters at Avila Center were grateful to the Knights for their deep freeze.
Many community youths have been aided by our council: Kelowna COR movement, youth seminars, C.Y.O., Catholic Adult Education, R.C.I.A.
Ed Tancek originated the idea of a parish picnic. What started as just an idea is now an annual event... The Living Rosary, an accomplishment by the members, their wives, and members of the Fr. Pierre Richard Assembly of the Fourth Degree, was held in May of 1982. For an evening of prayer participants formed a chain of the rosary around the aisles of the church. Each "bead" led their prayers to which the congregation responded - an event recommended for everyone.
Low-cost housing complex has been put on by the Columbian Centennial Housing Society: Columbus Manor on Bertram Street, Columbus Villa on Richter and Sutherland.
Grand Knights who have led the council with such distinction are Ernie Poitras, Mike Curran, Gerry Proulx and Ed Tancek.
The Knights have been an active and effective force in the parish. They look forward to even greater years of service to their fellow parishioners and to the community at large.
Reference: Ernie Poitras, Our History, 1986
The Knights of Columbus is a "Catholic, Family, Fraternal, Service Organization. All men are invited to find out more about the St. Pius X Council #7359, by contacting the office.
2002 "The
Winners" - CRUSADE FOR LIFE
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JUNQUE' SALE AND MOM'S PARTY -
May 8, 2002, Saturday |
