Knights gather for annual state convention

Courtesy photo/Andy Airriess

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Knights of Columbus Supreme Director James R. Scroggins tells Utah Knights at their annual convention that the organization could do a lot more with additional members.

PARK CITY — Knights of Columbus from all across Utah met May 2-4 for their annual convention at the Park City Marriott. The convention culminated with an awards banquet the evening of May 4.

Keynote speaker Supreme Director James R. Scroggins addressed the gathering and praised the Utah Knights’ charitable works.

“The Knights of Columbus is the most charitable, most effective Catholic lay organization in the world,” he said. “… All of you in the Utah jurisdiction should be very proud in the charitable works you’ve been doing.”

Scroggins urged the Knights to reach out to fellow Catholic men to bring new recruits into the organization.

“We could do even more if we had more men to help us. Every member should be a better recruiter,” he said.

Later, State Chaplain Father Erik J. Richtsteig spoke on behalf of Bishop Oscar A. Solis.

Fr. Richtsteig compared the damage that has been done to the Church by the sexual abuse practiced by a small number of the priesthood to the damage that befell the historic Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris in the April 19 fire.

“The damage was not as deadly as some people think,” he said of both. “The Church will endure, but we have to repair the Church.”

At the banquet, State Deputy Greg Keller reported that the Utah councils had raised $7,951.75 for funds for the bishop to use to support vocations, the Culture of Life and other programs.

 Knights of Columbus awards

Several students, councils and individual Knights of Columbus were honored for their service this past year by the Utah Knights of Columbus.

Utah State Council Scholarship – Dante Zubel,  Uintah High School (Vernal) and a member of Council 7401

Columbian Society Scholarship Winners – Samantha Villarreal from Canyon View High School in Cedar City and Rachel Bouley of Woods Cross High School. The scholarships are awarded by the Columbian Society, which is associated with the Salt Lake Council 602 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

 “To Be A Patriot” Award – “The Fisher House,” Salt Lake City, Reverend Thomas Meersman Assembly 2577

Faith Award – “Karamles Fund Raiser,” St. Ambrose Council 15418, Salt Lake City

Community Award –“Backpack Bonanza Donations to CCS,” St. Vincent de Paul Council 13297, Holladay       

Family Award – “Keep Christ in Christmas Essay Contest,” St. Vincent de Paul Council 13297, Holladay

Life Award – “Baby Bottle and Shower Campaign,” St. Teresa of Calcutta Council 12181, Draper

Chaplain of the Year – Father Robert F. (Dominic) Briese, Bishop Hunt Council 5214, Kearns

Knights of Columbus Family of the Year – Michael and Sofie Derrick and children, of St. Vincent de Paul Parish Council 13297, Holladay

Knight of the Year – VJ Simonelli, Bishop Hunt Council 5214, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kearns