The Knights of Columbus
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS OF ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
Fort William Council 1447 & The Father Baxter General Assembly (4th Degree)
“Blessed Michael McGivney, Pray for us!”
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October 5, 2024
A COMMUNITY EFFORT!
A huge “THANK YOU!” to the Knights of Columbus and Friends who helped move the angel stone from the Rectory parking lot: Mike Spivak, Jeff Collins, Mike Posmituk, Yvonne Begin, Mathew Covino, Pat Klug, Fabio Zorzes and Deacon Derek West for organizing the event!
September 21, 2024
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS: FR. BAXTER ASSEMBLY
The Officers were installed in Our Lady’s Chapel after the 5 pm Mass in the Cathedral.
(l. to r.) Sir Knights Mike Spivak, Faithful Pilot, Joe Salini, Faithful Comptroller, Deacon Derek West, Faithful Scribe, Keith Martinkus, Faithful Admiral, Dick O’Donnell, Worthy Former District Master, Bill Vass Faithful Navigator of the Assembly, Louis Romito, Faithful Purser, Msgr. Pat Stilla, George Romick, Faithful Sentinel, Terry Doyle, Worthy Former District Master, Brian Smith, Faithful Trustee, Claudio Monteleone, Faithful Trustee, Larry Pankuch, Faithful Captain, and Sam Spivak, Faithful Trustee.
Missing are Fr. F. Blazek, Faithful Friar and David Turmaine, Faithful Sentinel.
Thanks to Cathy Vass for taking this photo.
September 17, 2024
K.C.COUNCIL DONATION TO THE “DEW DROP INN”
Fort William Council 1447 of the Knights of Columbus recently donated a cheque for $2,950. to the “Dew Drop Inn”. Accepting the donation from Mike Spivak, Grand Knight (left) and Deacon Derek West is the Organization’s Executive Director, Michael Quibell.
LATEST MESSAGE FROM OUR FAITHFUL NAVIGATOR, BILL VASS
September 19, 2024
Worthy Sirs:
This is one last reminder of our Mass & installation of officers at St. Patrick’s Cathedral this coming Saturday, September 21 – Mass at 5 p.m. – installation to follow Mass in the small chapel – same as we did last year
Please gather in the foyer of the cathedral around 4:30 & please remember to bring your jewel of office. I will get them from you and put them in the small chapel prior to the start of Mass.
We will process in as a group (SK’s & ladies) prior to the start of Mass & sit in the two reserved rows on the right hand side at the front.
Dinner following the installation – Lot 88 on Court Street. It looks like we will have 17 people for dinner. I think that paid parking at the meters on the street is in effect until 9 p.m. so I would encourage everyone to park in their parking lot at the rear of the restaurant. Our Faithful Friar, Father Blazek will join us for dinner following Mass at his church.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday.
Bill Vass, Faithful Navigator
MESSAGE FROM OUR FAITHFUL NAVIGATOR, BILL VASS
September 9, 2024
Worthy Sir Knights:
We are now into September. I trust that you all had an enjoyable summer.
Please be aware of the following:
Mass & Installation of Officers – 5 p.m. Saturday Sept. 21 – St. Patrick’s Cathedral
– this will take the same format as last year – Sir Knights/ladies gather in the foyer of the cathedral around 4:30 p.m. – we will process in as a group to our reserved seats just prior to the start of Mass
– After Mass we will all move to the small chapel adjacent to the sanctuary – officers will be installed into their respective positions by former Masters SK Dick O’Donnell & SK Terry Doyle. Officer jewels will be blessed by Monsignor Pat.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR JEWEL OF OFFICE WITH YOU!
– Following the installation of officers, for those who are interested, we will go as a group for dinner as we did last year but this time dinner will be at Lot 88 restaurant on Court Street. SK Brian Smith had made arrangements for us to dine in a special room, not in the main restaurant. Each person will be responsible for the cost of their own dinner/drinks.
** I WILL NEED YOU TO CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE MASS/INSTALLATION OF OFFICER & WHETHER YOU/YOUR LADY WILL BE JOINING US FOR DINNER – I MUST HAVE YOUR CONFIRMATION NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY SEPT. 18.
ASSEMBLY MEETING DATES FOR 2024-25 – COLUMBUS CENTRE
Sun. Sept 29/24 – 2 p.m. – start time for future meetings to be confirmed at this meeting
Sun. Oct 27/24
Sun. Nov. 24/24
Sun. Dec. 15/24 – Christmas Luncheon – 1 p.m. – Columbus Centre
Sun. Jan 26/25
Sun. Feb. 23/25
Sun. Mar. 30/25
Sun. Apr. 27/25
Sun. May 25/25 (Nominations)
Sun. June 22/25 – Elections
I look forward to working with you all during this fraternal year. Vivat Jesus.
Bill Vass, Faithful Navigator
August 20, 2024
K.C. COUNCIL 1447 DONATION OF $5,000. FROM BINGO PROCEEDS
Fort William Council 1447 of the Knights of Columbus recently donated $5,000. to our St. Pat’s Hat Roof Fund. Here, presenting the cheque to Deacon Derek West, Chair of our Roof Replacement Committee and Msgr. Pat Stilla, is Council 1447 Grand Knight, Mike Spivak. The funds were raised at the “Superior Shores Gaming” Bingos, held recently. Thanks to all the volunteers and to Josie Spivak for taking this photo.
Council 1447 – Supporting our Thunder Bay Border Cats
Enjoying the baseball and joining our local team mascot Boomer are Mike Spivak, G.K., Mike and Lisa Posmituk, Josie Spivak and Linda and Deacon Derek West.
MESSAGE FROM OUR FAITHFUL NAVIGATOR, BILL VASS
August 20, 2024
Worthy Sirs:
Please be aware that plans have been finalized for the Mass & Installation of you, the officers of the Father Baxter Assembly. We will follow the same format as last year:
– Attend the 5 p.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday Sept. 21st.
Father Blazek, this will conflict with your Mass but we hope you will join us for dinner as outlined below;
– following Mass – installation of officers in the small chapel – Former Masters SK, Dick O’Donnell and SK, Terry Doyle will install the officers, Monsignor Pat will do the blessings;
– following the installation for those who are interested – dinner at Lot 88 on Court Street. They have a private room at the restaurant which has been reserved for us. A reservation has been made for us for 7:30 p.m.
As we get closer to the date I will send out a reminder/update. Please mark the date in your calendars. I look forward to seeing most of you there.
Bill Vass, Faithful Navigator
July 14, 2024
Knights of Columbus Gift Presentation to Bishop Colli at His Final Mass of Thanksgiving
… from Faithful Navigator, Bill Vass and Past State Deputy, Joe Salini and the Father Baxter Assembly of the Knights of Columbus:
See all photos of the Mass under the “Recent Events Media” tab to the left.
June 21 2024
K.C. Mass for our Deceased Priests at St. Anthony’s Church
Thanks to our brother Knights for sponsoring this Mass for our priests each year!
Thanks also to our anonymous brother Knight photographer
May 25. 2024
Another Successful “COR” Gathering at the Columbus Centre
April 27, 2024
Cleaning up the Vandalized Wall
The damaged wall before and … after all the hard work!
Unfortunately, the wall across the street from the Cathedral was vandalized over the last several weeks! Deacon Derek West organized a cleaning up volunteer team with Knights of Columbus and students from St. Patrick’s High School and despite the rain and the inclement weather, the crew did a tremendous job, cleaning up and storing the salvageable stones! We thank Deacon Derek, Mike Spivak, G.K. and the Knights who volunteered and Tom Joseph, V.P. of St. Patrick’s High School and the student volunteers. As you can see from the before and after photos above, everything now looks awesome!
April 10, 2024
Three New Knights of Columbus Initiated
New Knights:
Leon Vaillant (Council 8602); Ivan Colmenares and Vince Stilla (Council 1447)
Exemplification Team (l.to r.)
Deacon Derek West, Msgr. Pat Stilla, Mike Spivak (G.K. of Council 1447), Louis Romito, John Guthrie (G.K. of Council 8602), David Gibb, Bruce Sutton (D.D.), Jamie Matijasik and Gaetan Fournier.
‘COR’ : A NEW PROGRAM FOR MEN SPONSORED BY THE KNIGHTS
Families need strong husbands and fathers, and the world needs courageous witnesses to Jesus Christ. Through this new Program, ‘Cor’ (Heart), the Knights of Columbus seek men who are committed to serving Christ and willing to boldly live and share their faith, to be formed and empowered as disciples of the Lord.
This district wide Program is open to all Knights and any male friends they wish to invite. Our first ‘Cor’ meeting took place at the Columbus Centre on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 9:00 am., with gatherings
planned every 2 weeks. If you would like to join our Program or if you need more information about it, please speak with Fr. Doug McClure or call Deacon Derek West (807-577-7467).
February 21, 2024
CELEBRATING MASS WITH THE CHALICE GIFT FROM THE KNIGHTS
Each month, Fr. Doug McClure visits Roseview Manor on the City’s North Side to celebrate Mass for the residents in the facility’s gathering space. The space is usually filled with the grateful residents.
Father McClure is grateful to the Father Baxter Assembly of the Knights of Columbus for their gift of the memorial Chalice, which he regularly uses when he celebrates the Eucharist.
February 11, 2024
OUR ANNUAL ‘MARDI GRAS’ SUNDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
On behalf of the Parish Council and Knights of Columbus Council 1447 we would like to thank all the Brother Knights and Volunteers that worked both Saturday and Sunday to make the Pancake Breakfast a rousing success. We especially thank our own Parish Council Chair, Taran Campanotto, not only for her support and assistance, but also for the fantastic decorating she did, with the assistance of David Ronchi. Thank You also to all the Parishioners who attended the event. This could not have happened without You.
Peace and Blessings.
Linda and Derek West
…(Thanks to our photographer who wishes to remain anonymous)
January 28, 2024
NEWLY PRODUCED VIDEO OF FATHER DOUG McCLURE’S ORDINATION ONE YEAR AGO ON JANUARY 28th!
Father McClure is the current Chaplain of our Fort William Council 1447. Our best wishes to him and to Lesley on this first anniversary of his ordination.
Many thanks to the producer who wishes to remain anonymous.
F. W. COUNCIL 1447 ‘NIGHT CAP’ for January 2024
January 23, 2024
THE DECEASED KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ANNUAL MEMORIAL MASS (at St. Peter’s Church)
Many attended the Mass at St. Peter’s Church at 7 pm which was celebrated in memory of the Knights of Columbus of all six City Councils who died in 2022 and 2023. Con-celebrating the Mass with Bishop Colli were Msgr. Stilla, Fr. Arockiam and Fr. Berchmans. Assisting at the Mass were Deacon Michael McBride and Deacon Joey Terhljan. The Father Baxter Assembly provided the Honour Guard and the Grand Knights of all the six Councils read the names of the deceased Knights. Sir Knights Bill Vass and Larry Pankuch lit the memorial Candles as the names were read.
Father Baxter Assembly: 2024 Winter Newsletter
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December 29, 2023
DONATION OF $5,000. FROM BINGO PROCEEDS
Fort William Council 1447 of the Knights of Columbus donated $ 5,000. to our St. Pats Hat Roof Fund. Here, presenting the cheque to Deacon Derek West, Chair of the Roof Replacement Committee and Msgr. Pat Stilla, is Council 1447 Grand Knight, Mike Spivak. The funds were raised at the ‘Superior Shores Gaming’ Bingos held recently. A huge thanks to all who recently volunteered their time to work at the various Bingos and thanks to Josie Spivak for taking this photo.
December 2023
The Knights helping with Hogarth Riverview Manor Bingo
The Knights of Columbus hold a monthly bingo at Hogarth Riverview Manor for the residents. In December, Councils 1447 and 8602 also have a Christmas singalong after the bingo. During the singalong, that “Knight” from the North, Santa George arrived at Hogarth and presented all the residents with a gift. A big thanks goes to David Gibbs for providing the music.
December 13, 2023
The Knights helping at Christmas Cheer
December 10, 2023
A Chalice from the Knights to Honour Fr. Doug
During the 10:30 am Mass the Sir Knights of the Fr. Baxter Assembly gifted Fr. Doug McClure with a beautiful Chalice.
Front (l to r): Sir Knight Bill Vass, Faithful Navigator of the Assembly, Fr. Doug and Sir Knight Larry Pankuch, Captain of the Guard.
Back row (l to r): Deacon Derek West, Sir Knight, Joe Salini, Sir Knight, Mike Spivak, Grand Knight of K.C. Council 1447, Sir Knight, Brian Smith and Msgr. Pat Stilla.
December 8, 2023
“Keep Christ in Christmas”
We thank the Knights of Columbus for their annual reminder campaign to “Keep Christ in Christmas”. Installing the sign on our Parish Grounds are (l to r), Fort William Council 1447 Grand Knight, Mike Spivak, Deacon Derek West and Fr Baxter Assembly Faithful Navigator, Sir Knight Bill Vass.
An very large number of Knights of Columbus of all four degrees joined more than 200 parishioners of the Cathedral and of other City Parishes to bid a last farewell to Sir Knight Wayne at his Funeral Mass celebrated in the Cathedral on February 23rd. It was clearly a visible sign of the respect and affection that all of us have for this Catholic gentleman and good friend to so many!
The Mass for Sir Knight Wayne Murphy from Council 1447 will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 9:00 am at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Mass for Sir Knight Wayne Murphy from Father Baxter Assembly will be celebrated on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 9:00 am, again at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
A Myriad of Colours of Splendour
Many thanks to brother Knight, Sean, for highlighting the colourful beauty of our Cathedral on a sunny afternoon.
2022 Columbus Centre Newsletter
A WELL RESEARCHED PAPER … (WORTH THE READ)
“Jumping to conclusions without the facts in the Indigenous Residential School Question” … Report by Dr. Scott Hamilton, Anthropologist at Lakehead University: June 21 2021