Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
May 22, 2002
Knights of Columbus hold 100th state convention
Knights celebrate Squires Investiture, recognize new and deceased members
Denver saw the 100th convention of the Colorado State Council of the Knights of Columbus in "full regalia" April 26-29 as delegates from nearly 100 councils from around the state participated.
Attendees remembered that in 1902 three councils — 539 of Denver, 582 of Colorado Springs, and 625 of Victor — held the first state convention. The Victor council had gone out of existence but was recently re-established as the Teller County Council on the anniversary of its 100th-year founding.
Gov. Bill Owens proclaimed the week of April 23-29 as Colorado Knights of Columbus Week and congratulatory letters were received from the state's five Catholic bishops.
The convention opened with a golf tournament Friday, April 26. Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., celebrated a Mass that evening. A social evening for Knights and their families followed.
Saturday morning featured a Squires Investiture, a ceremony in which boys 10-18 become members of the Knights youth organization. It was the first time an investiture occurred in conjunction with the state convention.
A ceremony was also held to welcome 17 new members to the Knights as a prelude to the formal start of the convention.
Theme for the weekend was "In Solidarity with our Bishops and Priests."
Price Hatcher, Knights state deputy, presented remarks to the assembled delegations.
"With the current attack on the Church, its leadership and membership, we have a newfound focus of solidarity," Hatcher said, adding that organization leaders are urging solidarity with bishops and clergy. "A recent press release quoted Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson as follows: `Throughout the history of the Knights of Columbus we have taken pride in being called the strong right arm of the Church. Now we must be its spine.' This means that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with our priests throughout the crisis and also increase efforts to promote vocations to the priesthood."
Hatcher described the accomplishments of Knights in Colorado for the preceding year, noting that Colorado was leading its division nationally in membership growth, a fact he attributed both to the leadership of the state membership team and to the emphasis on spirituality through his administration's theme of "Led by the Spirit."
Exceptional achievement and commitment were recognized in the annual Mentally Handicapped Drive — which raised a record $176,000 — and in the financial commitment to support the Catholic Center at the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs, an experiment in taking the message of the Church into the public square.
Highlight of the weekend was the Sunday afternoon liturgy. Bishop José Gomez, S.T.D., was the main celebrant. Colorado Springs Bishop Richard Hanifen and other priests concelebrated. Music was provided by the United States Air Force Academy Catholic Cadet Choir. The choir and a large number of 4th-Degree honor guards added to the solemnity of the liturgy. During the Mass Hatcher read the names of Knights who died the preceding year.
On Sunday awards were given to councils for their achievements. Bishop Evans Council 10122, led by Grand Knight George Touchard Jr., was recognized for the seventh consecutive year as the top council in Colorado.
Elections were held on Monday. Elected to one-year terms on the State Council were: Price Hatcher, state deputy, second term; Jim Conlan, state secretary; Jay Nothstine, state treasurer; Claude Trujillo, state advocate; Foster Sauter, state warden.
Elected to one-year terms on the State Ladies Auxiliary were: Pam Jenkins, president, second term; Madeline Barnitz, vice president, second term; Helene Sherman, secretary/historian, second term; Fran Hogan, treasurer, second term; Ermalinda Trujillo, immediate past president.
Other Knights' state officers include State Chaplain Father Robert Kinkel, and Immediate Past State Deputy Robert G. "Jerry" O'Connor.
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