Knights of Columbus

Knight Digest Email List If you would like to add your email address or remove your email address from the monthly Knight Digest email, please fill out the information below and submit. Knight Digest Email List First Name Last Name Email Select an option * ADD me to the list REMOVE me from the list Submit Thanks for submitting!

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 St. Patrick's Day Parade 2022 Back to Events

Back to Events Back to Events

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

Back to Events Back to Events

Back Rev. Monsignor Anselm Nwaorgu, Ph.D Christmas: The Challenge of an Unknown Day Msgr. Anselm Nwaorgu, Ph.D. My dear fellow knights, during this advent season we will hear a lot about the word of god calling us to “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” A different translation of this phrase puts it this way, "Turn to God and change the way you think and act because the kingdom of heaven is near." This translation makes a lot of sense when we think about the advent season. The word, “Repent” means “to change one’s life”; “to change the way one thinks”; “to change the way one acts”. This understanding is consistent with Romans 12:2 where St. Paul uses two specific phrases to describe a repentant attitude: “Do not be conformed to this world” and “Be you transformed by the renewal of your mind.” So, repentance is not just about obtaining the forgiveness of sins but it is, more so, about being repentant enough to be a child of the kingdom; repentant enough to deal with the enemies of the soul; repentant enough to so see the world from an eternal perspective. So, the Advent call for repentance is a call to get rid from our life and our heart every property that belongs to Satan—things like anger, wrath, revenge, hatred, pride, jealousy, lust, gluttony, debauchery, covetousness, slander, unforgiveness, wickedness, etc., for these are deadly poisons to a soul that seeks the kingdom of God. It is also an invitation to live life fully by letting go of things like ingratitude, jealousy, and envy for we cannot attract what we attack; things like bigotry, racism, cynicism, gossip, and a judgmental spirit, for down deep within us we are no better than others; things like worrying, fear, procrastination, and self-deprecation for these detract from our trust and faith in God; things like misery, nonchalant spirituality, and uncharitable living for life is just too short to be wasted living like that. My friends, Advent is a season that calls us to let our eyes see the best in us and in others and to celebrate the good in us and in others; a call for us to let our words edify the soul, our hearts forgive the worst, and our minds forget the bad and the ugly. It is a call for us to stand up for what is right, for what is just, and for what is fair. It is a call never to allow ourselves to be dragged into endless and useless fights, quarrels, negativity, and debasement. It is a call for us to be reconciled with God, with our neighbor, and with ourselves. It is a time that warns us of complacency in responsible living, procrastination in what should be done today, and unbelief in the Word of God. It is a time that calls us to “Let go”, “Let God”, and “Get going” for we do not know the day nor the hour of our visitation. May God bless our advent preparation so that it may bear the desired fruit in our relationship with one another and with God! Merry Christmas!

Back Tom Mahoney Park Veterans. How do you thank them for all they have done? For their personal sacrifices to serve this great Country. We just can't thank them enough but we can make sure future generation will remember them. The Union Veterans Alliance Committee has a way. A memorial brick can be purchased for $100 to honor a veteran. These bricks will be placed at the Tom Mahoney Military Park which is located in Union on Chestnut Street. Each brick will be engraved with the veteran's name, military branch, discharge rank and years of service. Please join with the JFK Assembly in supporting this cause. Thank you. Leonard J. Komar Jr FN Back to Events

Programs At the Knights of Columbus, there is no shortage of activities or projects that you can either get involved with or participate in at any level. Below is a list of many of our activities offered by both the Knights of Columbus and the Columbian Club. Please look them over and seriously consider getting involved. Clothing Drive - Each year, the Council holds a clothing drive, and the profits from this event are used to support the council's charitable efforts. Collected items include any usable clothing, shoes, belts, handbags, linens, and stuffed animals. All donations should be placed in large plastic bags and securely tied. Toy Drive - Second Chance Toys is a community-based initiative that rescues unwanted plastic toys that are gently used and distributes them to children in need through local community organizations while also helping the environment. How can you help? Donate toys: Plastic only, must be clean, no small or missing parts, and battery-powered toys must be fully operational. Drop-off times will be posted on the Knight Digest and the website. Charitable Raffle - Four times per year, the Council runs a 50/50 drawing. If you are a member, tickets for this drawing will automatically be mailed to your house. Each member is asked to participate as the proceeds for this raffle help support many of our charities. Drawings occur in September, December, March, and June. Columbian Club - Many fundraising events are sponsored through the Columbian Club to help maintain and improve the building and grounds. If you're a member of the Knights of Columbus, you are also a member of the Columbian Club. Feel free to participate in the many events the Columbian Club provides. We need your support! Pool Mass - to officially open the pool for the summer, there is a mass at the poolside on Memorial Day. Swim Club - this organization maintains the pool facilities, administers the membership, and is the governing body responsible for this council entity. Tricky Tray - each year, a Tricky Tray event is run at the club. Most of the event is organized and run by the wives of council members. Council members are asked to donate instant lottery tickets to be used as a gift item at the auction. The Nativity - each year, the council is permitted to display a Nativity set on the town hall grounds. This involves transporting the statues and enclosures from the council hall to the town hall and setting up the display. Pasta Dinner for Priests - in support of our parish priests, the Knights of Columbus sponsors a pasta dinner to honor our priests. Proceeds from this event are used to fund the Holy Spirit and St. Michael's Youth Program. Golf Outing - Golf enthusiast? Each spring, the Columbian Club sponsors a golf outing, which includes 18 holes of golf, refreshments, a complete buffet dinner, and prizes. Knights Family Dinners - The Knights of Columbus Council 4504 and the Columbiettes host a monthly dinner night on the 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June. All money raised will be donated to charity! Annual Memorial Mass - Each November, we honor our members who have passed away with a memorial mass and a breakfast. New Eyes for the Needy - New Eyes provides a basic pair of single or lined bifocal lenses for individuals with no other resources to obtain a basic pair eyeglasses. Food Drive - this very important event supplies the food pantry at St. Michael's with much-needed food distributed among needy families. Bowling League - If you want to join our bowling league, contact Mike Peter at 908-759-3588 or e-mail mikepeter4275@gmail.com . We bowl every Thursday night beginning at 6:15 pm at Linden Lanes. St. Patrick's Day Parade - as part of the Union County parade, the Knights of Columbus participates in this parade. We march together as a council, and all members and their families are invited to join. Fishing Trip - Are you a fishing enthusiast or want to spend quality time with your family? The Columbian Club sponsors a fluke fishing trip each August. They depart from the Morgan marina aboard the Misty Morn for a fun-filled day of fishing. Summer Splash - during the summer, the Columbian Club picks a day and dedicates the pool facilities to the children. This is done in two sessions, depending on the children's ages. Food and ice cream are provided. Breakfast with Santa - this event allows the children to meet with Santa. Breakfast is served. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny - this event allows the children to meet with the Easter Bunny. Breakfast is served. Work Parties - Twice a year, work parties are formed to prepare the grounds and pool for the opening of the summer season or prepare for the winter season. Your help is greatly appreciated. Membership Drive - each year, we recruit new members at both churches. Members are asked to assist after each mass to talk with anyone interested in joining the Knights. Intellectual Disabilities Drive - members solicit around town and collect funds to support the special citizens. Annual Picnic - Knights of Columbus sponsors a picnic open to all members and their families. Halloween Party - take the opportunity to get dressed in a costume and have a little fun at this Columbian Club-sponsored event. Convention - the Knights of Columbus state convention is held yearly in Wildwood, NJ. Members can attend this weekend's event and join in the activities. Past Grand Knights Dinner is held to show our appreciation to the outgoing Grand Knight for his dedicated service. Yellow Ribbon Ceremony - To Honor any relative of a Brother Knight who is in the Armed Forces of the United States and is Deployed to a Combat Zone, the Council will hold a Ceremony to tie a Yellow Ribbon in front of the Council Home to remind everyone to keep them in their Prayers until their safe return home. Cell Phones for Soldier s - Each donated device allows Cell Phones for Soldiers to fulfill the mission of serving troops and veterans with free communication services and emergency funding. These donations provide Minutes that Matter to troops overseas. Donations also help provide emergency financial assistance to veterans.

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. Famous Quotes “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” – Barack Obama “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” – Maya Angelou “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill “Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” – Mother Teresa “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?'" – Martin Luther King Jr. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller. “Every person can make a difference, and every person should try.” – John F. Kennedy “Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs

Back to Events Awards Night