2023 Utah Knights of Columbus awards banquet

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OGDEN — Knights of Columbus from throughout the state gathered May 5-7 at the Comfort Suites Ogden Conference Center for the 2023 state convention, which included the traditional Saturday night awards banquet.

At the Mass before the banquet, the names of 55 Knights who had “been called home to the Father” were read by Deacon Dale Dillon, who was assisting at the Mass. The celebrant was Monsignor Terence M. Moore, a retired priest of the diocese.

Bishop Oscar A. Solis, who is a fourth-degree Knight, addressed the Knights at the banquet. He noted many of the challenges of today’s world, adding that Pope Francis “warns us of the culture of death and the indifference to the sufferings of the poor prevalent in our times. He challenges us to develop a sensitivity and a spirit of compassion to the plight of our brothers and sisters in need.”

Blessed Michael McGivney was an example of a person who met that challenge, the bishop said, and gave a brief biography of the founder of the Catholic fraternal organization.

The theme of the convention, “I Am the Good Shepherd,” encouraged those present “to reflect on its meaning in relation to the past fraternal year as well as to focus on what lies ahead of us as faithful Knights,” the bishop said.

Jesus’ message that there is one shepherd and one flock is relevant “to our polarized world that needs to be united with God and with each other,” Bishop Solis said.

“As followers of Christ, we must be people who care and love,” he added. “We must continue to keep the legacy of Blessed Michel McGivney alive by responding to the call of the Gospel to proclaim God’s message of love and salvation by promoting charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism in concrete words and actions. Christ calls us to be his good shepherds to one another, to be witnesses of his love, compassion and unity. … I encourage you to be Knights of Columbus not in name only but in practice. Don’t forget to abide by the ideals and principles of our fraternal order.”

The keynote speaker at the banquet was Knights of Columbus Supreme Director John Appelbaum.

Worldwide, the Knights of Columbus last year donated $154 million and 84 million man hours to charitable activities such as the Food for Families and Coats for Kids programs, working with Special Olympics, sending wheelchairs overseas to people with disabilities who live in developing countries, and assisting with disaster relief, Appelbaum said.

In addition, since 2009 the Knights have donated 1,700 ultrasound machines to pregnancy centers throughout the United States, “saving thousands of lives,” Appelbaum said, explaining that 95 percent of women who see their unborn child in an ultrasound image choose to not have an abortion.

Without the Knights’ programs “our world would be dark. It would be gloomy,” Appelbaum said. “But that’s what the Knights of Columbus do. We bring light where there is darkness. We bring hope where there is despair. And we bring faith where there is doubt.”

Echoing Bishop Solis’ remark that today’s world is a challenging one, Appelbaum urged those present to live their faith in the public square, in a way that shows religion is important, and to stand up for traditional marriage and for the dignity of every single life.

The international organization is making faith formation one of its tenets, Appelbaum said, and also has established the ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy) program, a new initiative that supports pregnancy resources centers and maternity homes “that allow women to save their children and support them” after the children are born, he said.

During the banquet, the Utah Knights presented Bishop Solis with a check totaling $5,922 for various pro-life efforts and support for vocations. In addition, they named the bishop the chaplain for the Utah Knights on Bikes.

Formed recently, members of the Utah Knights on Bikes ride and pray together,” said Frank Carmona, who is in charge of the group. Among their activities is being a sponsor for the Utah Ride to Fight Suicide.

 2023 Awards

Patriotic Scholarship of the Fourth Degree – Gracson Marie Milton

Dan Higgins Memorial Scholarship – Maria Teresa Pena

Knights of Columbus Utah State Council Scholarship – Nicole Ann Payne

To Be a Patriot Award – “Marine Corps Birthday Ball,” a fundraiser for the Fisher House and American Patriot Service Corps, Rev. Thomas J. Meersman Assembly in Cottonwood Heights

Faith Award – “Bible Study,” Father Joseph Valine Council 11246 in Cedar City

Family Activity Award – “Summer Knights Movie Series,” Father Joseph Valine Council 11246 in Cedar City

Community Award – “Feed the Hungry,” Deacon Douglas Sliger Council 16127 at Hill Air Force Base

Life Award – “Nocturnal Adoration for Life” Mother Teresa of Calcutta Council 12181 in Draper

Chaplain of the Year – Dominican Father Dominic Briese, pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish, Taylorsville

Family of the Year – Deacon Marcel Soklaski and Family, Corpus Christi Council 6966 in Sandy

Knight of the Year – Stacey Yeager, Council 16127 at Hill Air Force Base