Knights of Columbus

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 The Nominating Committee has interviewed the following candidates for 26/27 JFK Assembly officers: Inside Sential Sk Allen Pascullo PFN FAC Outside Sentinel SK Alex Rivera SK Pilot López Purser SK Michael Peter Scribe SK David Bernot Faithful Captain SK Ray Gora PFN Faithful Navigator Anthony Spina Faithful Admiral Andy Wnukowski Fathful.Chaplin fr John Gordon 1st yr trustee Sk Joe Assembly commander is a appointed position to be announced later date . The May monthly meeting and election will be held next week Wednesday May 27th at 7pm at the Union Columbain Club at 1034 Jeanette Ave Union. To be followed by a mass for former Assembly Commander Thomas Kramer at 7:45 pm. Honorary & Honorary Life Memberships The Supreme Council recognizes Brother Knights who have reached 25 and 50 years of continuous service by granting Honorary and Honorary Life status. Eligible members receive special membership cards acknowledging their dedication to the Order. Honorary Membership Brother Knights are designated Honorary Members when they meet the following criteria: Age: 65 years or older Membership: 25 consecutive years in the Order Honorary Members are exempt from general fund charges, except for State and Supreme Council per capita assessments. To cover the New Jersey State Per Capita charge, Honorary Members are assessed $10.00 per year in dues. Honorary Membership cards are mailed each December to qualifying members along with their annual dues notice. Honorary Life Membership A Brother Knight is designated an Honorary Life Member when he meets either of the following: Age 70 with 25 consecutive years of membership 50 consecutive years of membership, regardless of age Honorary Life Members are fully exempt from: Council dues State and Supreme Council per capita charges All assessments Additionally, all priests and members of religious communities automatically receive Honorary Life status upon taking their First Degree and are permanently exempt from dues and assessments. Honorary Life Membership cards are mailed to each member as soon as they are received by the Financial Secretary. Intellectual Disabilities Drive Intellectual Disabilities Drive Intellectual Disabilities Drive Intellectual Disabilities Drive The Union Knights have begun this year’s Intellectual Disabilities Drive, and we are grateful for the generosity shown by our parish communities. To date, we have held three drives—one at St. Michael’s and two at Holy Spirit—collecting a total of $2,000.00. Our Goal We aim to donate $1,000 each to the following four Union County charities: Community Access Unlimited ARC of Union County Camp Fatima Crossroads of Opportunities These organizations provide essential support and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Supporting Special Olympics To fully meet our goal, we must collect an additional 10% beyond the $4,000 total. This extra amount will help support the New Jersey State Knights of Columbus Special Olympics Program. Across the state, Knights volunteer as: Coaches Timekeepers Trainers Cooks and servers during events Every council in New Jersey participates in this effort, and your support strengthens these statewide initiatives. More Drives Coming This Spring We will continue our fundraising efforts with additional drives in the spring. Your participation—whether through volunteering or donating—helps us reach more families and expand our charitable impact. How to Donate If you would like to contribute to the Intellectual Disabilities Drive, donations may be sent to: Knights of Columbus (Include your council name in the memo line) Your generosity directly supports individuals and families in our community. 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 Ministry Our council supports a year‑round food drive to assist needy parishioners at St. Michael’s Church and Holy Spirit Church. This ongoing effort also benefits senior citizens in Union, as well as the St. Michael’s (Union) and St. Joseph’s (Elizabeth) Food Pantries. Your generosity helps ensure that families and seniors in our community never go without essential food items. How to Help If you would like to donate non‑perishable food or volunteer in this ministry, please contact: Chuck Cababe 📱 908‑868‑8114 (call or text) Roses for Baptisms Our council celebrates the gift of life by presenting roses to the newly baptized and their families at St. Michael’s Church and Holy Spirit Church. This joyful outreach takes place on the second Sunday of each month, and occasionally on additional Saturdays and Sundays as needed. This simple gesture brings warmth, welcome, and encouragement to families beginning their child’s journey of faith. How to Serve If you would like to participate in this beautiful ministry, please contact: Chuck Cababe 📱 908‑868‑8114 (call or text) 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. 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 Program Through a special program offered by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, our council is able to purchase brand‑new winter coats for children in need within Holy Spirit Parish and St. Michael’s Parish. These coats are distributed directly to families who need help keeping their children warm during the winter season. How You Can Help A box of 12 new coats costs $285, which is less than $25 per coat. Your support—whether large or small—helps ensure that every child has a warm coat this winter. We gratefully accept donations of any amount, but we encourage those who are able to consider donating $25 or more to cover the cost of one brand‑new coat. How to Donate By Mail Send monetary donations to: Union Knights of Columbus 134 Jeanette Ave Union, NJ 07083 Attn: Steve Nagy, PGK Please make checks payable to: Union Knights of Columbus Write “Coats for Kids” on the memo line. In Person Cash donations may be given to Steve Nagy, PGK at the Council meetings. Parish Designation If you would like your donation to support a specific parish, please indicate: Holy Spirit Parish, or St. Michael’s Parish If no parish is specified, your donation will be split evenly between both. More Information For questions or additional details, please contact: Steve Nagy, PGK 📞 (908) 967‑9060 📧 toys4504@aol.com Help Us Make a Difference Your generosity helps us provide the gift of warmth to children who need it most. Thank you for helping us make a meaningful impact this winter.

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 " Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” – Mother Teresa Knight Digest What runs but never goes anywhere? Answer The Nominating Committee has interviewed the following candidates for 26/27 JFK Assembly officers . Inside Sential Sk Allen Pascullo PFN. FAC Outside Sentinel SK Alex Rivera. SK Pilot López. Purser SK Michael Peter. Scribe SK David Bernot. Faithful Captain SK Ray Gora PFN. Faithful Navigator Anthony Spina. Faithful Admiral Andy Wnukowski Fathful.Chaplin fr John Gordon. 1st yr trustee Sk Joe Marateo . Assembly commander is a appointed position to be announced later date . The May monthly meeting and election will be held next week Wednesday May 27th at 7pm at the Union Columbain Club at 1034 Jeanette Ave Union. To be followed by a mass for former Assembly Commander Thomas Kramer at 7:45 pm. JFK Celebrates the country's 250th Anniversary . Baptisms to be held on 6/14/26 at both parishes – volunteers would be appreciated. 2026 Convention - (May 15th - May 18th) See Mike Peter to reserve room s . Brother Knights and Families: It is with deep sadness that we inform all members of Council #4504 of the passing of Thomas Kramer on April 26, 2026. The Union Knights send their deep condolences to the entire Kramer Family. Thomas was a member of Holy Spirit Church.. Tom joined the Knights in 1985 and became a 4th degree knight in 1986 and served as Color Guard Assembly Commander.. The following information is provided to any brother Knight wishing to attend the services: Memorial Service / Wake: Union Funeral Home - Lytwyn & Grillo 1600 Stuyvesant Avenue - Union, NJ Thursday May 14 , 2026 4pm to 8pm The Knights prayer service will be at 6pm Funeral Service: Holy Spirit Church Union, NJ Friday May 15, 10:30am - 11:30am Thomas' obituary. 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

* 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

JFK Assembly Officers Faithful Navigator Andrew Wnukowski PGK Faithful Friar Father John Gordon Faithful Captain Anthony Spina Faithful Admiral Gerry Aponte PGK Faithful Scribe David Bernot Faithful Comptroller Steve Whoeler, PGK Faithful Pilot Roberto Lopez Faithful Purser Mike Peter DD, PGK Inside Sentinels Allen Pascullo PFN Outside Sentinels Alex Rivera Two-Year Trustee: Raymond Gora PFN Three-Year Trustee & Assembly Commander: Leonard Komar BCC, PGK, PFN Meetings are the 4th Wednesday of each month! On the evening of November 5th , Supreme Master Paul Pinkman awarded the JFK Assembly a Civic Award for 2018. This award is a tribute to the spirit of patriotism. It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of JFK Sir Knights, who took the time to assist in the many events. The Assembly cosponsored the Wreaths Across America program at the First Presbyterian Cemetery in Elizabeth and Honor and Remember Flag for Sgt Caciolo. Sir Knights and Color Corp were busy on Memorial Day attending the Memorial Day Mass at St. Michael’s and the Union Memorial Day Parade / Ceremonies. We also participating in the Memorial Day Mass at St Gertrude in Colonia. This award directly results from the Assembly’s continued endeavors to honor and respect those who served our Nation in the past and present. Well done, Sir Knights. Vivat Jesus FN Leonard J Komar Jr.

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Swim Club Swim Club Officers Michael Harms, President Michelle Schultz - Treasurer Marisol Harms - Assistant Treasurer Frank Santangelo - Comptroller Allen Pascullo - Recorder Board Members Ann Hart Phil Cababe Jason Hamilton Jim Deluca Membership Michele Schultz Marisol Harms Council Representative Phillip Cababe, GK Columbian Club Representative Alex Rivera 2023 Pool Information https://www.uniontownship.com/970/Columbian-Swim-Club

Membership Membership Benefits As a member of the Knights of Columbus, you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits. Union Council 4504 is active in Parish Activities, Youth Activities, Family Activities, Community Service, and Council Activities. Get involved and meet other parish men and their families. How To Join Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.

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.

Learn about the Knights of Columbus About the Knights of Columbus VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND INSURANCE As the Order has grown, its benevolence has multiplied. The Order continues to break all previous records for charitable contributions and volunteer service. In the past decade, the Knights donated nearly $1 billion to numerous charitable causes and nearly 400 million hours of volunteer service. In 1998 alone, the Knights donated an all-time high of more than $110 million and 55 million volunteer hours to charitable causes. Father McGivney's founding vision for the Order also included establishing a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Order's insurance program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights' growing membership. Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from A.M. Best and Standard & Poors. The Order provides the highest quality insurance and annuity products to its members, along with many other fraternal benefits. CHARITY, UNITY, FRATERNITY, AND PATRIOTISM Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and defense of the priesthood. The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Order is unequivocal in its loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth. It is firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the family. It was on these bedrock principles that the Order was founded over a century ago and remains true to them today. If you want to join this great organization of Catholic men, it is likely that there is a local council near you. There you will find brother Knights working to fulfill the central mission of the Order: striving in charitable works; serving the Church and unified in following its teachings; supporting brother Knights in their temporal and spiritual needs; acting for the good of their country; and giving aid to widows, orphans, the sick and the poor. This is Father McGivney's dream, echoing across the century, and living today in the hearts of his brothers and all of those they touch. The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by a 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Today, more than a century later, the Knights of Columbus has become the largest lay organization in the Catholic Church. The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents, and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement, and aid to those in need. As recently as 1992, Mother Teresa of Calcutta praised the Knights in a speech on the occasion of her reception of the first Knights of Columbus Gaudium et Spes Award. Thanks to the inspired work of Father McGivney—as well as that of millions of other Knights over the past century—the Knights of Columbus now stands at its pinnacle of membership, benefits, and service. Currently, there are over 1.6 million Knights of Columbus—more than ever before in our Order's history. Together with their families, the Knights are nearly 6 million strong. In addition, from the first local council in New Haven, the Order has grown to more than 12,000 councils in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Panama, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. Each year, the Order continues this strong growth.

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