Knights of Columbus

Knights of Columbus located in Union, NJ. We support charitable organizations as well as St. Michael's and Holy Spirit churches. Eugenio Gonzalez Grand Knight “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt Knight Digest What do you call two birds in love? Answer Brothers - Your assistance is requested on Saturday, 1/17/26 to take down the Nativity Scene at the Town Hall. We will be meeting at 10am at the Town Hall. 2026 Convention - (May 15th - May 18th) See Mike Peter to reserve room s . Banquet Hall Rental Looking to rent a hall for your next celebration, meeting event or social get-together? Be sure to click the button below, enter your details, and someone will get back to you about the availability and further details. Banquet Hall Rental Request

Knight Digest Knight Digest Knight Digest Knight Digest Council #4504 1034 Jeanette Avenue Union, New Jersey 07083 (908-686-4504 Join our mailing list Email* Subscribe Message from the Pastor Message from the Grand Knight Worthy Brothers, Families, and Friends, As we enter the month of December, we find ourselves surrounded by the spirit of Advent — a time of joyful anticipation, reflection, and renewal. It is a season that invites us to slow down, look inward, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Amid the busyness of our daily lives, the shopping lists, the events, and the noise of the world, let us not forget the true center of this season: the gift of our Savior, born in a humble manger, bringing hope and salvation to all. Looking back over the past year, I am filled with deep gratitude for each one of you. Our council has continued to embody the principles that define who we are as Knights — charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Through your dedication, generosity, and faith, we have supported our parish, aided families in need, and strengthened the bonds of brotherhood that make Council 4504 such a special part of this community. Whether it was volunteering at our events, attending meetings, lending a hand to a brother Knight, or simply offering a prayer for someone in need, your actions have truly made a difference. This month, as we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that charity begins at home and extends outward. There are so many around us who may be struggling — families facing hardship, seniors who feel forgotten, and neighbors who need a reminder that they are loved and cared for. I encourage each of you to look for opportunities, big or small, to bring light into someone’s life this season. A kind word, a warm meal, a visit, or a simple act of kindness can mean more than we can ever imagine. The New Year also gives us a moment to look ahead — to renew our commitment to our mission as Catholic men of faith and action. Let us continue to strengthen our council by inviting new members to join our ranks, by deepening our spiritual lives through prayer and sacraments, and by standing together in service to our Church, our families, and our community. Each of us has a role to play, and together, we can continue to build upon the strong foundation laid by those who came before us. To our council officers and all those who volunteer their time behind the scenes — thank you. Your leadership, organization, and willingness to serve often go unnoticed, but your efforts keep this council moving forward and thriving. To the families of our Brother Knights — thank you for sharing your husbands, fathers, and sons with us. Your patience, encouragement, and support allow us to carry out our mission with strength and purpose. As we close out 2025 and prepare for the year ahead, let us do so with hearts full of faith and gratitude. May we continue to walk proudly in the footsteps of Blessed Michael McGivney, inspired by his vision of brotherhood and service. May the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones throughout this holy season and into the New Year. On behalf of the officers and members of Council 4504, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year filled with joy, health, and hope. Vivat Jesus! Eugenio Gonzalez, Jr Grand Knight, Council 4504 Honorary & Honorary Life Memberships Our Supreme Council recognizes Brother Knights who have been members of our Order for 25 and 50 years of Continuous Service with Honorary and Honorary Life status and issues special membership cards to them. Honorary Membership Members who have attained the actual age of sixty-five years and who have been members of the Order twenty-five consecutive years, shall be designated as Honorary members and shall be exempt from general fund charges, except payment of the sum of State and Supreme Council per capita charges and levies. These members are still charged a $10.00 per year membership dues to offset the NJ State Per Capita charge that our Council is charged by the NJ State Council. The Honorary Membership cards will be mailed out in December for those members who qualify with their annual dues notice. Honorary Life Membership Members who have attained the actual age of seventy years and who have been members of the Order for twenty-five consecutive years, and those who have been members of the Order for fifty years regardless of age, shall be designated as Honorary Life members, and shall be exempt from further payment of dues, per capita charges and assessments. All priests and members of religious communities, upon taking the First Degree of the Order, shall automatically be designated as Honorary Life members and thereafter shall be exempt from further payment of dues, per capita charges and assessments. The Honorary Life Membership cards are mailed to each member upon receipt of them by the Financial secretary. Intellectual Disabilities Drive Intellectual Disabilities Drive Intellectual Disabilities Drive Intellectual Disabilities Drive The Union Knights has begun their Intellectual Disabilities Drive. To date we have had three drives. One at St Michael's and two at Holy Spirit. So far, we have collected $2000.00. Our goal is to give $1000 to 4 Union County charities: Community Access Unlimited, ARC of Union County, Camp Fatima, and Crossroads of Opportunities We are planning to have more drives in the Spring. For us to fulfill this amount we will need to collect 10 percent over in order to assist the New Jersey State Knights of Columbus with Special Olympics. Each Council in the State of New Jersey is also assisting with this fund. There have been members from other Council to volunteer as Coaches, Timekeepers, Trainers and also assist with cooking and serving throughout the event. If anyone would like to make any donation towards this, you can do so by sending it to Knights of Columbus. 1034 Jeanette Ave Union NJ 07083 C/O IDD Chairman P.S. On memo line please put Intellectual Disabilities Food Drive & Roses for Baptisms Food Drive Our council has a food drive throughout the year for needy parishioners at St. Michaels Church and Holy Spirit Church. It also benefits senior citizens in Union and St. Michael's (Union) and St. Joseph's (Elizabeth) Food Pantries. If you would like to donate non-perishable food or serve in this ministry, please text or call Chuck Cababe at 908-868-8114. Roses for Baptisms Our council celebrates life by giving roses to the newly baptized and their families at St. Michaels Church and Holy Spirit Church on the second Sunday of each month and sometimes other Sundays and Saturdays. If you would like to serve in this outreach, please text or call Chuck Cababe at 908-868-8114. Knights of Columbus / 4th Degree Apparel........... If any one is interested in purchasing Knights of Columbus or 4th Degree Apparel, please contact Michael Peter at dd18kofcmwp@gmail.com . The store will open for the Knights of Columbus merchandise on the second week of February until the final week of February. The store will open for the 4th Degree items to be processed at the end of February to have at our meeting in March. If there are any questions, please contact the above information. Coats for Kids Through a program with the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council we are able to purchase new winter coats for children for both Holy Spirit Parish and St. Michael’s Parish to distribute to children in need of a winter coat. The cost for a box of 12 new coats is $285 which is less than $25 per coat. Please consider helping our us to purchase new winter coats for those children in need of a warm winter coat this season. Monetary donations can be sent to our Council home at 134 Jeanette Ave, Union, NJ 07083 Attn: Steve Nagy PGK. Checks should be made out to Union Knights of Columbus and write Coats for Kids on the memo line. Or cash donations can be given to Steve Nagy PGK at the December and January Council meetings. We are accepting donations of any amount that you can send us but please consider donating at least $25 or more to cover the cost of a brand-new coat. Please indicate if you want your donation to be applied to either Holy Spirit or St. Michael’s Parish. If no Parish is specified, the donation will be split between both Parishes. For more information, you can contact Steve Nagy PGK with the Union Knights of Columbus at (908) 967-9060 or toys4504@aol.com . Please help us make a difference in some children's lives this winter with a gift of a warm coat. Open Position – Financial Secretary Due to personal commitments our current Financial Secretary Stephen Nagy PGK with not be accepting another three-year appointment. As of June 30,2026, he will vacate his position and our Council will be in need of a replacement for him. Any Third Degree Knight presently in the Union Council that is interested in this position should contact the Grand Knight and Trustees about their desire to be considered for the position of Financial Secretary. Below is a description of the duties of the Financial Secretary. Financial Secretary · Upon recommendation of the grand knight and the trustees, the financial secretary is appointed for a three-year term that is approved by the supreme knight. · The prospective financial secretary must also complete and submit the Application for Appointment as Financial Secretary. · Under Section 130 of the Laws of the Order, the financial secretary is automatically bonded in the amount of $5,000. Additional bonding may be provided at a cost of $7 per thousand by contacting the supreme secretary’s office. · Collects money, in the form of dues, from members. Responsible for sending billing notices and initiating retention measures by providing a list of delinquent members to the grand knight and membership committee to prevent members from being suspended for nonpayment of dues. · Ensures that the council membership records are updated and that new members sign the constitutional roll. · Files various reports and membership/ insurance transactions with the Supreme Council Office. · Responsible for completing and submitting the IRS form 990 for the council (U.S. only). · Keeps the seal of the council and affixes the same to membership cards, resolutions and other official documents as necessary. Fraternal Benefits Presentation At the conclusion of our January Council meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026 , our Insurance General Agent, Joseph Donlon, will present a brief presentation on the Fraternal Benefits offered by our Supreme Insurance company and on changes and updates to current policies and offerings to help you protect your future and your family's future. Please plan to attend if you have any insurance-related questions. JFK Fourth Degree Assembly # 0666 Greetings to readers of this publication. I have been invited by the publisher to report on News of the JFK assembly 0666. I am Andrew WNUKOWSKI, (Hard to pronounce), Six time Grand Knight of the Hillside JFK council , and currently the Faithful Navigator, (CEO, to those uninitiated) of our assembly, which encompasses, the councils of Union, Springfield, and Hillside. Our Officer staff is composed of Sir Knights belonging to Hillside and Union councils. We hope to include some from Springfield in the future. The mission of the 4th Degree is support of patriotism and the military and veterans. Examples of our activities include: Ceremonial presentations of American flags, as replacements for those worn out or damaged, to Catholic schools and other entities, participation in religious ceremonies of note, in ceremonies celebrating Veterans, deceased and living, seeking funding for and implementing placement of wreaths and flags on veteran’s graves, funding for unidentified and unclaimed deceased veterans, and on and in. We are pleased for this opportunity to submit our cause to this publication. May You all have a Blessed, safe and Wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. 2026 Dues Notices The 2026 Dues Notices will be mailed out starting December 15, 2025.Member's prompt remittance of their 2026 dues will help save our Council the added expense of having to print and mail Second Notices, Knight Alert Notices and Intent to Retain Notices. Please note that failure to pay dues for two or more years can result in a member being transferred from Union Council 4504 to the NJ State Affiliate Council. Officer Installation Congratulations to the newly installed Officers of Knights of Columbus Council 4504! On November 16th, at St. Michael’s Church, our council came together for the Installation of Officers ceremony. Surrounded by family, friends, and brother Knights, each officer proudly accepted the responsibility of serving our parish, community, and council with faith, unity, and commitment. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this meaningful event. JFK Fourth Degree Assembly Flag Presentation On Friday November 7th, Sir Knights of the JFK Assembly held a Flag replacement ceremony at St. Michael School in Union to retire it's worn Flag. Sir Knights and community members gathered together at 9am. Our Faithful Friar Fr. John Gordon blessed the new flag with the following groups present. The JFK Assembly Color Corp with acting commander SK Raymond PFN and SK Ralph Genova. The Union Fire Department. They were happy to assist in dislodging the old Flag last month, so we were able to replace. Thanks to Filomena Zalewski the School Secretary for organizing the school children to be present and part of the ceremony. Thanks to SK Steve Nagy PGK PFN for organizing this event and for the photos. The old Flag will be properly retired by the VFW Kelly Post Union NJ. God Bless America.

What did one hat say to the other? You stay here. I'll go on ahead. Where do pirates get their hooks? Secondhand stores. What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts! Why did the picture go to jail? Because it was framed. What do you call a sad cup of coffee? Depresso. How do you organize a space party? You planet. How did the telephone propose to his girlfriend? He gave her a ring. What do horses say when they fall? Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t giddy up. I couldn't figure out why the baseball kept getting larger. Then it hit me. What runs but never goes anywhere? A refrigerator. What do you call a beehive without an exit? Unbeelievable. What did the cucumber say to the pickle? You mean a great dill to me. Why don’t we see elephants hiding in trees? Because they’re really good at it. Which is faster, hot or cold? Hot, because you can catch a cold. What did the tomato say to the other tomato during a race? Ketchup. What did one ocean say to the other ocean? Nothing, they just waved. Why can’t you trust duck doctors? They’re all quacks. What’s the difference between a hippo and a zippo? One’s pretty heavy and the other’s a little lighter. What do you call a ghost's sweetheart? A ghoul-friend. Why can't a leopard hide? Because he's always spotted. What do you call an alligator detective? An investi-gator. Did you hear the one about the roof? Never mind, it's over your head. If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving isn't for you. Why didn't the melons get married? Because they cantaloupe. How do you stop a bull from charging? Cancel its credit card. How do you fix a broken pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch. Why should you never buy anything with Velcro. It’s a total rip-off. I was going to tell a time-traveling joke, but you didn't like it. I buy all my guns from a guy called T-Rex. He’s a small arms dealer. Why is the mushroom always invited to parties? He's a fungi. What did the full glass say to the empty glass? You look drunk. What did the snail riding on the turtle's back say? Wheeeeee! Why are skeletons so calm? Because nothing gets under their skin. Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side got amputated? He’s all right now. What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? A stick. How does a rancher keep track of his cattle? With a cow-culator. Did you hear about the man who fell into an upholstery machine? He's fully recovered. Did you hear the rumor about butter? Well, I'm not going to go spreading it! Why don't sharks eat clowns? Because they taste funny. Where do cows go on Friday nights? To the moo-vies. Why don't lobsters like to share? They're shellfish. Why don’t eggs tell jokes? They’d crack each other up. What do you call a shoe made from a banana? A slipper. What do you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk. Why couldn't the pony talk? Because she was just a little hoarse. What do you call a bee that can't make up its mind? A Maybe. What do you call a bear without any teeth? A gummy bear. What's a ninja's favorite type of shoes? Sneakers. What did the two pieces of bread say on their wedding day? It was loaf at first sight. What did one wall say to the other? I'll meet you at the corner. What do dentists call their x-rays? Tooth pics. What job did the frog have at the hotel? Bellhop. What happens when a snowman throws a tantrum? He has a meltdown. What do elves learn in school? The elf-abet. What happens when frogs park illegally? They get toad. Why did the restaurant hire a pig? He was good at bacon. I used to think I was indecisive. But now I’m not so sure. Wanna hear a joke about paper? Never mind—it's tearable. What kind of shoes does a lazy person wear? Loafers. How do you open a banana? With a mon-key. How do you make a water bed bouncier? Add spring water. Why did the robber jump in the shower? He wanted to make a clean getaway. Why was the broom late to class? It over-swept. What did the buffalo say when his kid went to college? Bison. Why did the cookie go to the nurse? Because he felt crumby. What did the mayonnaise say when the refrigerator door was opened? Close the door, I'm dressing. Why do pancakes always win at baseball? They have the best batter. What do you call a fibbing cat? A lion. Why did the student eat his homework? Because his teacher said it was a piece of cake.

Back Brothers in Business Are you a brother who has his own business? From a suggestion by Mike Ibbotson during one of our regular meetings, Council 4504 has decided to spotlight, on a monthly basis, in the Digest and on the Council’s website, a brother who has his own business. That business may be in or out of Union. We, therefore, are asking all brothers who own their own businesses, to submit their names, business names, and services offered to the Grand Knight. We will then randomly pick a business to highlight. All businesses submitted will be highlighted, and submissions will be on an ongoing basis. No deadlines! We are hoping that this initiative will work at building stronger ties between our business brothers and our general membership who have a need for their services, hopefully at a special rate. Thanks Mike, for bringing the suggestion to the Council. Luke Sangiamo We would like to feature our first Brother In Business, Luke Sangiamo. Brother Luke Sangiamo is the current Financial Secretary for Union Council #4504 and is a local Realtor who works with his wife Sarah at All Towne Realty, a local family-run office. Luke specializes in working with buyers and sellers of residential properties in Union, Essex, and Middlesex counties. While being a younger agent, he has already received recognition from the NJ Association of Realtors for his achievements. He has worked with many first-time homebuyers, as well as people looking to sell and find homes that better suit their needs. Having lived in and around Union County for 30 years and attending Rutgers University in Newark, Luke has a personal familiarity with many of the neighborhoods we all live and work in. Finding the right home, or selling a home you have grown to love is one of the most important and difficult decisions to make. Luke approaches his career by getting to know his clients to relate to their perspectives and understand their situations. He does not view his role as only a transaction, but an opportunity to help his clients understand the current market and assist them in making the best decision possible for them and their families. Luke can be reached anytime on his business line at (908) 370-8660, or at his email at Luke@realtor.com . All Towne Realty is located at 30 Brant Avenue in Clark, NJ. Real estate Back to Events

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Columbiettes President - Bernadette Watson Immediate Past President - Fran Corcione Vice President - Gina Zangari Secretary - Judy Supino Financial Secretary - Fran Bashaw Treasurer - Diane Lupo Sentinel - Roseanne Torr We meet the 2nd Thursday of each Month Please email ginazangari@verizon.net for more information and applications.

Brothers in Service In 2010 the Council gathered together any member who served in World War II. They were asked to bring a service photo with them. Below is a montage of these photos. WWII Service

Back to Events Intellectual Disabilities Drive Brothers, it's time to shake a can on the street for the Intellectual Disabilities Drive. The dates and times are April 29 Friday, Saturday, April 30th, and May 1st 9:00 am to 1030 am 10:30 am to noon Noon to 1:30 pm 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm At Morris and Elmwood Morris and Liberty Rahway and Liberty Stuyvesant and Morris We would like to fill all these time slots, please Contact Mike Peter if you are available. 908 357 5673 or email mikepeter4275@gmail.com Back to Events

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* Denotes Deceased PAST GRAND KNIGHTS 1957-1959 - Howard Leary * 1959-1960 - John Zimmerman * 1960-1961 - Thomas Crimmins * 1961-1962 - George Arnold * 1962-1963 - James Confroy * 1963-1964 - William Taylor * 1964-1965 - Frank Dickerson * 1965-1966 - Warren Hehl * 1966-1967 - Walter Wasowski * 1967-1968 - J. Russell Coen * 1968-1969 - Henry F. Skarbek, Jr. * 1969-1970 - Julian "Jules" Pruszkowski * 1970-1971 - Robert Armstrong * 1971-1972 - Dominick Clementoni * 1972-1973 - Barney Capriglione * 1973-1974 - Michael Tomko * 1974-1975 - John Winters * 1975-1976 - Andrew Popp 1976-1977 - James Moran * 1977-1978 - Kenneth Pinney * 1978-1979 - Roy Trupiano * 1979-1980 - Julius Kiss * 1980-1981 - James Johnson * 1981-1982 - Roger Schur 1982-1983 - Henry Mey 1983-1984 - Thomas Hornig * 1984-1985 - Lonnie Pannucci 1985-1986 - Michael Ward 1986-1987 - Thomas McGarvey * 1987-1988 - Paul Sandy 1988-1989 - Michael Carr 1989-1990 - Michael Gasser 1990-1991 - Robert Pfarr * 1991-1992 - Donald Pfarr 1992-1993 - James O'Connell 1993-1994 - Raymond Fluet 1994-1995 - Robert Wozniak 1995-1996 - Ernie Santorelli 1996-1997 - Raymond Pruszkowski 1997-1998 - Lawrence Killmer 1998-1999 - Richard Esposito 1999-2000 - Kevin Collins 2000-2002 - Clarence Cunningham 2002-2004 - Michael Cavallo 2004-2005 - Joseph DeMarco * 2005-2006 - Harry Lupo * 2006-2007 - Buddy Cotter 2007-2008 - Andy Schopfer 2008-2009 - Mike Peter 2009-2010 - Robert Salvatore 2010-2011 - Joseph Burlew 2011-2012 - Andy Schopfer 2012-2013 - Alex Costa 2013-2014 - Steve Nagy 2014-2015 - Ed McCormick 2015-2016 - Greg Henn 2016-2017 - Giftus John 2017-2019 - Michael Willemse 2019-2020 - David Wozniak 2020-2021 - Leonard Komar Jr. 2021-2022 - Phillip Cababe 2022-2024 - Gerry Aponte * 2024-2025 - Joseph Burlew