Service Program

Church Activities 

Parish Round Table

Council 1028 supports activities in the Belleville Central Cluster by participating in or directly sponsoring events such as parish picnics, being involved in liturgical roles at Masses, sponsoring dinners, and whatever else the pastors ask the Council to do.  The Parish Round Table Coordinators are:

a) St. Augustine                   George Komora                 235-8991

b) St. Mary                          Dan Joergensen                 234-3502

            c) St. Peter's Cathedral         Allen Gilbert                      277-2756
 

RSVP Adopt-A-Seminarian

The Council participates in the Supreme Council’s Refund Support Vocations Program by sponsoring a seminarian for our diocese.

Chairman:            David DeBourge, GK                                     624-5053

Priesthood Sunday

As a response to the Church’s celebration of Priesthood Sunday on the 30^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Council 1028 does a variety of things to let our priests know that we appreciate their service and commitment to the Church.

Chairman:            Craig Reuter, DGK, PFN                                 235-2272

Memorial Day Mass

The Fourth Degree Assembly provides an Honor Guard at Greenmount Cemetery for the Memorial Day Mass held each year.  All members of the Council are invited to participate.

Chairman            Rich Rodriguez, FN                                         539-3172

Shrine Healing Novena

To help the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows celebrate the closing of their Annual Healing Novena, the Fourth Degree Assembly provides an Honor Guard and Third Degree members help in other areas of the event.

Chairman:            Rich Rodriguez, FN                                         539-3172

Rosary Program

Council 1028 participates in the Rosary Program by praying a decade of the Rosary prior to each monthly business meeting.

Chairman:            Council Officers

Fifth Sunday Mass

On the months that have a 5^th Sunday, the Knights of Columbus gather as a group at an area parish to celebrate our commitment to the Church.  Members of the Fourth Degree Assembly provide an Honor Guard and all members are invited to attend Mass and a brunch afterwards.

Chairman:            Rich Rodriguez, FN                                           539-3172

Vocations Raffle

This Charitable Goal from the State Council is a fund-raiser for our seminarians.  Raffle booklets are mailed to all members and money collected throughout the year.  This program is also a moneymaker for the Council, as a portion of all ticket sales is retained in our general fund.  Our goal for 2007-2008 is $738.00.

Chairman:            Deacon  Bob Lanter                                          233-6226

Newman Fund Program

This Charitable Goal from the State Council is the annual fund-raiser that supports the Newman Centers on college campuses in our state.  Our goal for 2007-2008 is $1,845.00.

Chairman:            Gene Busckrus, FS                                          539-3172

Community Activities

Special Olympics

Volunteers are needed to help staff the annual Bowling and Track & Field events.  Track and Field competition is held in May at SIU-E.  The Bowling Tournament is held each August and September at St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon followed by Sectional Championships in October.  Other events and a sign-up sheet can be found here.

Chairman:            Joe Riassetto, PGK                                        257-8860

MR/LD Drive           

This is the Council’s largest charitable fund-raiser.  Volunteers are needed to work shifts at area businesses asking for donations to help agencies that work with people with various disabilities.  Captains for each store coordinate their location.  The Council goal set by the State Council for 2007-2008 is $5,645.40

Chairman:            David DeBourge, GK                                       624-5053

General Assistance Fund

This Charitable Goal from the State Council is an annual fund-raiser that supports causes that our State Council recommends.  Our goal for 2007-2008 is $405.90.

Chairman:            Rich Rodriguez, FN                                        539-3172

Pro-Life

Pro-Life initiatives is an activity that is near and dear to the Knights of Columbus.  In our area, the Human Chain Pro-Life Demonstration is held in October.  There is also the “Caravan for Life” which travels to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Right to Life March.  Members and their wives also participate in a Candle Lighting service at the Pro-Life Monument at Greenmount Cemetery.  The Council’s Pro-Life Couple is Roger and Diane Mueller.

Chairman:            Roger Mueller, PGK                                     277-5147

Blood Drive

Each year, the Council holds their annual Blood Drive at St. Henry's Parish Center in Belleville. Volunteers help promote the event and staff the registration table and canteen during the Drive.

Chairman:            John Fieker                                                 277-5525

Keep Belleville Beautiful & Annual Litter Pickup Day

To improve the appearance of the city, City Hall in Belleville sponsors a citywide large item cleanup day in the fall every other year and an annual Spring Litter Pickup Day.  We promote the Council’s participation by wearing K of C shirts, hats, on other items with the K of C logo.

Chairman:            Craig Reuter, DGK, PFN                              235-2272

Parades and Events

The Council participates annually in the Shriner’s Parade adn the Relay for life in Belleville and Freeburg.  Help is needed to decorate a trailer and march in the parades.  Lots of candy is purchased for the kids who watch the events, too.

Chairman:            Rich Rodriguez, FN                                     539-3172

Foundation for Autism Services Today & Tomorrow (F.A.S.T.T.)

Council 1028 supports FASTT through sponsoring several events during the Fraternal Year and recruiting walkers for the annual Walk FASST for Autism event.

Chairman:            Joe Riassetto, PGK                                     257-8860

Community Food Drives & Soup Kitchen Volunteers

Council members are asked to support a variety of community food drives and soup kitchens by volunteering their time and talent.  Scouts collect food in mid-November and the Post Office sponsors the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive in May.  Cathedral hosts a Saturday breakfast weekly for area homeless, and volunteers are needed to help serve meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter at locations in Belleville.

Chairman:             Delbert Tucker                                           476-9388

Council Activities

K of C Bowling League

The Bowling League season runs from the third week of August through April on Tuesday nights at St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon.  Start time is 6:30 pm. The league will celebrate 100 years in 208. Bowlers do not need to be members of the Knights of Columbus and subs are always needed!  All levels of adult bowlers are welcome. 

Chairman:            Joe Riassetto, PGK                                    257-8860

K of C Day at the Grizzlies Game

Area Councils coordinate sponsoring a booth at GMC Park to enjoy an evening of baseball with the Grizzlies.  Spouses are invited to attend, and members are asked to bring non-members to introduce them to who the Knights of Columbus are and what the organization does.

Chairman:            Joe Riassetto, PGK                                   257-8860

Annual Cook-Out

Roast hotdogs and brats and warm yourself around the campfire at this autumn event!  Members bring lawn chairs and share a potluck.  Don’t forget to invite non-members to show them the fraternity of the Knights of Columbus!

Chairman:            Craig Reuter, DGK, PFN                                    235-2272

Christmas Party

Each year, the Council celebrates Christmas with its members and their wives.  The event includes a dinner and evening entertainment.

Knight of the Month/Year

The Grand Knight presents the Knight of the Month certificate at each business meeting.  He also prepares an application for the State Knight of the Year for the annual state convention.  The Council Knight of the Year Award is presented at the June Third Degree meeting.

Chairman:            David DeBourge, GK                                  624-5053

Public Relations

The Council Program Director coordinates all of the public relations efforts of the Council.  These efforts include publishing the monthly Knights Record Newsletter, a Council tri-fold brochure, the website (URL: www.kofc1028.org), and submitting articles and photos to area media and Columbia Magazine for publication.

Chairman:                   Dan Joergensen                                               234-3507

Recycle for Special Olympics

Council members are asked to help support Special Olympics by recycling old cartridges from ink jet and laser printers, copiers, and FAX machines.  Also collected are toner cartridges from copy machines and any cartridge used in reproducing images on paper.  Old cell phones are collected, too.  A collection box will be available in the Council Hall.

Chairman:            Don Cook, PGK, PFN                              235-4997

State Council Activities

The Council participates in State functions such as the annual State Convention and the KC Academy.

Chairman:            David DeBourge, GK                                624-5053

Family Activities

Insurance

The Knights Of Columbus insurance program (Life, Long Term Care, Annuities) is open to every member and his family. Insurance program participants are also eligible for fraternal benefits relating to orphans; widows; families with children who have mental disabilities; and families facing the tragedy of a stillborn child or one who dies within 60 days after birth.  The Knights of Columbus also offer a benefit that provides free accidental death coverage to qualified members and their wives.  Contact our Field Agent, Dan Joergensen to learn about all the ways the Knights of Columbus can help you and your family with your insurance needs.

Agent:                   Dan Joergensen                                                531-0876

Sunshine Committee

This group sends cards and visits members and their immediate family members at local hospitals, homes and nursing homes.  The Sunshine Committee also attends viewings and funerals of members and their families.

Don Cook, PGK, PFN                                                     235-4997

Joe Riassetto, PGK                                                        257-8860

Rich Rodriguez, FN                                                         539-3172
Gene Busckrus, FS                                                        235-3590

Adopt-A-Family

During the Christmas Season, Council 1028 works with our three cluster parishes, St. Mary, St. Augustine, and St. Pete Cathedral to buy Christmas presents for a family in need.

Chairman:            Don Cook, PGK, PFN                           235-4997  

State Family of the Year

The Council participates in this State award by sending a nomination to the State Council.

Chairman:            David DeBourge, GK                              624-5053

Youth Activities

Free Throw Contest

Council 1028 sponsors the annual Free Throw Contest for boys and girls ages 10 through 14.  Winners participate in District Championships in late February and can continue on to the Regional and State Tournaments.  Awards are given for each age bracket.

Chairman:            Dan Joergensen                                    234-3507

Children’s Christmas Party

Celebrate the Season with youngsters and their families by coming out to our annual Children’s Christmas Party.  Other ways to participate include donating stuffed animals, helping prepare snacks, and wrapping gifts.  Entertainment is available as well as Santa himself!  This event is open to all.

Chairman:            NEEDED!!!

Essay Contest

8^th grade students are challenged to write an essay based on the topic “The responsibility of a Catholic Citizen in a Free Society” that comes from the Supreme Council office.  A cash award is given to the winner and participation certificates are given to all.

Chairman:            NEEDED!!!

Youth Baseball League

Council 1028 sponsors a youth baseball team in the Belleville Khoury League and the Belleville Parks & Recreation League.

Chairman:            Jeff Pauls                                            236-2989

Trunk-N-Treat

To help celebrate Halloween, Council members sponsor a booth at St. Mary’s Academy during their Trunk-N-Treat event.  We roast hot dogs and give out candy to the children at the event.

Chairman:            Dan Joergensen                                  234-3507

Youth Group

Council 1028 sponsors several church Youth Group activities throughout the year.  Financial contributions are made to support mission trips, Eagle Scout projects, and the annual Right-To-Life March in Washington, D.C.

Youth Liturgical Awards

To show our appreciation for the time young people put into serving the Church by helping in various liturgical roles, Council 1028 will work with pastors to develop an awards program to thank young people for helping as servers, lectors, and other liturgical roles.

Chairman:             Parish Coordinators

See Parish Round Table fo Names and Phone Numbers

Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest

To help young people explore the issue of drug or alcohol addiction, Council 1028 sponsors the Supreme Council’s Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest.  Volunteers are needed to help with judging and promoting this youth activity.

Chairman:             Thomas May                                       560-3595

Developing Programs

If Chairmen step forward, the following activities will help Council 1028 qualify for the highest State Award for programming.  A brief sketch of the program idea is provided if you are interested in leading one or more of these activities...

Sponsor a Parish Retreat

A number of resources are available from the Supreme Office to help with coordinating a retreat for the Council, their families, or the wider community.  Another resource is to contact our Chaplain or other priests in our Cluster Parishes to help organize a retreat.  There are also opportunities with the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.

Host regular Prayer Services

Using the Liturgical Seasons, there are many opportunities to host prayer services throughout the year.  The State Council also has resources for a Holy Hour for Peace.  There is a lot of room to be creative with planning prayer services for the Council here!

Participate in the Wheelchair Program

The Grand Knight has a detailed handbook for this activity

Conduct “Welcome Back Brother” membership drive

For the summer months, an effort is made to invite former members back into the Council

Train a certified 1st Degree Team

Self-Explanatory

Continue developing social functions for families

As one of the requirements for the Spirit of Illinois program, the Council will seek more opportunities for members and their families to gather.