South Hills Council Photo Galleries
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Knight's Easter Pilgrimage to Pittsburgh Byzantine Churches
On April 23, 2022, our Council sponsored a bus tour of three Byzantine churches in Pittsburgh. Around 35 pilgrims from the South Hills visited Ascension Church, Clairton, Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Braddock, and St. John Chrysostom Church, Greenfield. Lunch was also enjoyed at GoodFella's in Swissvale. We're very thankful for the wonderful tours led by parishioners at the churches, and it was especially nice to meet each of the pastors, too. Everybody thought they were very good, and everyone learned and saw something beautiful and new! The pilgrimage was a great success, and many were grateful to the Knights for organizing this special event at Easter time. We look forward to continuing this tradition, because there are many other great churches in our area that are worth a visit! |
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Knights Bring St. Joseph Pilgrim Icon to Parishes
Between April 4-8th, our Council brought the St. Joseph Pilgrim Icon to four of our churches for prayer and veneration to the earthly father of Jesus. Over 800 people turned out over the five days to pray before the Icon, during Masses, Stations of the Cross, Adoration and Benediction, and while the churches were open for private prayer. At St. Thomas More Church, we sponsored a special evening service presided by Bishop Mark Eckman, Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh. Nearly 70 people attended, and many stayed afterwards to pray before the Icon and get their picture with it and the Bishop. Many people were touched in a special way through seeing this Icon of St. Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church, and were thankful for the opportunity provided to them by the Knights. It was a great way to deepen our prayer life during this holy period of Lent, before the glory of Easter. Thank you to the Knights who worked with each parish to display it during the days, and to all who came out and prayed before it. St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us! |
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Knights Hang Reliefs, Whiteboards in Catholic School
On October 26, 2021, 16 Knights (and 2 future Knights!) served Jesus by serving the children at South Hills Catholic Academy. Coordinated by our Jake, our Treasurer, the project was a resounding success. Our men spent over three hours at the school hanging the Miraculous Medal reliefs and whiteboards in many of the classrooms. Working in teams of 4, Knights carefully unpacked and put up two whiteboards in each room, plus the reliefs. It was exciting to do something tangible to help the new school start their first year off great, and was very much appreciated by the school's administration. We ended the night with some good fellowship over drinks and sandwiches at Primanti Bros.’s. The Knights are men of action, and we sincerely appreciate the work that everyone put in on this and our future service projects. And we continue our steadfast support of local Catholic education. |
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South Hills Knights Council Charity Dinner 2021
On October 20, 2021, our Council hosted our annual Charity Dinner, where we recognized the numerous charities from the South Hills and Greater Pittsburgh Area that we financially support. This year, we presented over $43,000 to these organizations for their work in education, social services, life issues, etc. Those organization with representatives present to receive their checks were: People Concerned for the Unborn Child, Human Coalition, Ave Maria Academy, St. Louise School, South Hills Catholic Academy, St. Winifred Food Bank, St. Joseph's House, St. Vincent de Paul (Resurrection Parish), and Mary's House. Those unable to be with us year this included Seton LaSalle, Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Vincent de Paul (St. Paul of the Cross Parish), and St. Anthony's School. It is important for the Council to maintain good relations with the organizations/charities we serve, and it's great to put faces to names. Everyone is grateful for the opportunity to hear what they are doing in our area to help with the many needs we have. A good time, with very good food and nice company, was had by all who attended. Thank you for everyone who came, and we look forward to next year! |
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Knights Participate in Parish's Anniversary Festivities
On September 19, 2021, several Knights participated in and attended the 50th Anniversary Divine Liturgy (Mass) at St. Gregory's Byzantine Church in Upper St. Clair. At the invitation of the pastor, Fr. Valerian Michlik, four Knights carried the United States, Vatican, Pennsylvania, and Knights of Columbus flags in the Hierarchical Procession at the beginning of Mass. At the beginning of the parish's history, when they did not yet have a permanent church building, our original council hall served as their first sanctuary. Afterwards, GK Matthew Hoffman and Ryan McNamara (Recorder) were guests at the great banquet dinner at the Crown Plaza Hotel. It was an honor to be remembered at and invited to St. Gregory's Golden Anniversary, continuing our tradition of supporting our Eastern Catholic brethren! Last image courtesy of St. Gregory Byzantine Church |
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Knights Help Out (and have fun!) at SummerFest!
Between June 21-26, several Knights helped out at Resurrection Parish's "SummerFest" held at St. Thomas More Church. Our council was one of the main event sponsors, and had our name displayed prominently on the stage. Knights ran the Money Wheel booth, and it was a hit with the everyone throughout the 6 days! The knights who manned the booth were energetic and excited, and drew in a constant crowd of people to place their wagers; in the end, our booth alone raised more than $2,000 towards the total profit of the fair! This was our first time helping out at the festival, but it certainly won't be our last! We are already excited for next year's SummerFest! Last image courtesy of The Almanac |
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South Hills Council Awards Deserving Members
On June 16, 2021, the last council meeting of the fraternal year, the Grand Knight presented several awards to very deserving brother knights who have made worthy contributions to the council, both in recent months and throughout the years. It was a great evening to celebrate the dedication of six of our hardworking members! We hope their example inspires other brothers to help our council move successfully into the future. Congratulations to this year's awardees! Larry Eakin -Knight of the Year 2020 Dave Barone - Knight of the Year 2019 Ryan McNamara - Certificate of Merit Doug Derda - Certificate of Merit Dave Chaney - Certificate of Faithful Service Jim Rebel - Certificate of Faithful Service |
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South Hills Council Wins Prestigious Award
On November 4, 2020, our Council was awarded the rare Contest of Champions Award for 2019-2020. The presentation was made by State Treasurer Michael Lynch, the first time we welcomed a State Officer to our meetings in a long time. The award was earned due to our tremendous efforts at bringing in 47 new brothers to our Council last year, due in large part to the work of our Chancellor, Dave Barone. It is only awarded to two councils in each state, per year. This was the first time our Council won this great honor! Both the State Deputy and State Treasurer were very impressed with all the good work we have accomplished over the past year! |
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42 Knights Attend the "Day of Knights "Strategic and Spiritual Retreat
On September 19, 2020, our Council held its first-ever "Day of Knights", a strategic as well as spiritual retreat for all Council members. Council leaders devised a day centered around five "service pillars"; Catholic and spiritual formation; youth formation; pro-life activities; parish facilities and maintenance; special needs. Five leaders led small groups of interested brothers, who came up with ideas and actions for new initiatives. The morning session started off with Mass, celebrated by Fr. Joe Sioli, and concelebrated by our Chaplain, Fr. Joe Codori. Then there was a Holy Hour, with time for confession. A welcome talk was given by GK Matthew Hoffman, introducing the theme and purpose of the day. Two witness followed, one by Chancellor Dave Barone, and one by Treasurer Jake Pauley. After lunch, the afternoon session was kicked off with a talk by GK Matthew Hoffman about his thoughts regarding the five service pillars, and then Fr. Joe, our Chaplain, gave a spiritual reflection based on the Gospel. Next, the members split into their five small groups for an hour of discussions, gathering ideas, and thoughtful exchanges. Afterwards, the leaders of each group gave a short presentation of their group's discussions and next moves. The day ended with a Patriotic Rosary, for the intention of our country and its political leaders. This was a highly successful and enjoyable day for both Council leadership and the regular members. Lively conversations were had, and the chance to gather again for a fraternal event was very important, and needed. This retreat has positioned the Council to reach new heights through 2020-2021 and beyond. |
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50 Knights and Their Families Enjoy the Annual Summer Picnic
On August 23, 2020, Knights and their families gathered at South Park for our annual Summer Picnic. 50+ members and guests of all ages enjoyed plenty of good food, including burgers and dogs cooked fresh by our Warden and Grill Master Mike! We were happy that it only rained for a short while, and that the pavilion we get each year is large enough for everyone to comfortably fit inside of and away from the elements. Then the sun came back out to stay! We continued the tradition of having a corn hole tournament, where 20 people participated, in teams of two. The winning team was Lecturer Chris Reibold and Trustee Larry Eakin. Each won $30 in cash! Everyone was happy to gather again for this very enjoyable yearly get-together, especially this year when so many other events were canceled. Thank you to everyone who came out and made it a great afternoon! |
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Knights Help Out at St. Winifred Food Bank during Coronavirus
During the Coronavirus situation, the Knights have stepped up and been busy helping our brother Knights, our parishes, and the people in the general community through a variety of activities. We have phoned our brother knights to check up on them and say hello, and we have acted as ushers at the doors of St. Louise to make sure we let in the required maximum of people allowed for mass. The busiest thing we have done is provided much-needed help at the St. Winifred Food Pantry on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The pantry saw a large uptick in the number of people coming for food, and the Knights have been there each week to make sure everything has kept running efficiently for the sake of the people who come. We even had special Knights masks made for us so we can be identified more easily! We want to witness to people that when times get tough, Knights step up to help wherever it is needed. The Knights will continue to be there for this valued community asset in its greatest time of need, and helping serve the less fortunate in our communities. |
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Knights Sponsor Latin Mass for the Feast of
St. Valentine On February 14, 2020, our Council sponsored our first-ever Extraordinary Form (Latin) Mass in honor of the titular feast of St. Valentine, at St. Valentine's Church. Almost 200 people of all ages attended the evening mass, some of them new to the Extraordinary Form of Mass. Canon William Avis, ICKSP, Pastor of Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish in Brighton Heights, was the celebrant and homilist for the mass. In addition, the parish provided the choir and organist and altar boys for the liturgy. This was the first in what will hopefully be several Latin Masses that our council will host every year at each of our churches to celebrate that patron saint's feast day in a meaningful way for each parish community. See a recap of the mass here: https://knightsofcolumbuslatinmass.blogspot.com/2020/02/report-solemn-mass-for-feast-of-st.html Images courtesy of Knights of Columbus Woodlawn Council 2161 |
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Knights Pack Bags for the March for Life Buses
On January 22, 2020, our Council packed 200 bags filled with goodies for the adults and kids going to the March for Life in Washington, DC from three of our parishes. The Knights formed an assembly line, putting water bottles, candy, prayer cards, and more in each bag. Different colored ribbons were added to the bags based on which parish it was being sent to, so people could identify their group in the crowds. In the early morning of January 24, several Knights gather and passed them out to the people as they boarded the buses on their way to the nation's capital. This was our first project getting specifically involved with March by providing material and prayerful support to our fellow parishioners who marched. It was also a witness to show that the Knights take our pro-life mission very seriously. |
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Knight's Christmas Pilgrimage to Historic Pittsburgh Churches
On January 11, 2020, our Council sponsored a bus tour of three famous churches in Pittsburgh. Over 55 pilgrims from the South Hills visited Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Polish Hill, Sacred Heart Church, Shadyside, and St. Stanislaus, Strip District. Lunch was also enjoyed at Cafe Raymond in the Strip District. P.S. The weather held up great for us! We're very thankful for the wonderful tours led by parishioners/docents at the churches. Everybody thought they were quite good, and everyone learned and saw something new! The pilgrimage was a great success, and many were grateful to the Knights for organizing this special event at Christmastime. Hopefully we will continue this tradition, because there are many other great churches in our area that are worth a visit! |
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Knight's 1st Degree Ceremony Welcome 13 new Knights!
On November 11, 2019, our Council conducted a memorable 1st degree where 13 new men joined our ranks. The varied degree team consisted of several council members and knights from other councils. Many thanks to Chancellor Dave Baron who was pivotal in extending the invitation to so many men, and who organized the evening. It was also a pleasure to have our chaplain, Fr. Joe, be in attendance and give some words of welcome to the new knights. We wish our new brothers and their families all the best, and look forward to seeing them become active in our meetings and other events throughout the year. May we all work to advance the virtue of charity in the South Hills! |
Fr. Joe, Chaplain (far right, 3rd row), Matthew Hoffman, Grand Knight (center, 1st row), Mike Fircak, Warden (2nd from right, 1st row), Joe Schmitt, Financial Secretary, Council 11143 (far right, 2nd row) with our 13 new brother knights
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South Hills Knights Council Charity Dinner 2019
On October 16, 2019, our Council hosted our annual Charity Dinner, where we recognized the numerous charities from the South Hills and Greater Pittsburgh Area that we financially support. This year, we presented over $39,000 to these organizations for their work in education, social services, life issues, etc. Those organization with representatives present to receive their checks were: People Concerned for the Unborn Child, Human Coalition, Angles Place, St. Thomas More School, St. Anne School, St. Winifred Food Bank, Oakland Catholic, Central Catholic, Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Vincent de Paul, and Mary’s Place. Those unable to be with us year this included St. Louise School, Seton LaSalle, Bishop Canevin, St. Joseph House, and St. Mary of Mercy Red Door. We were happy to welcome four priests who joined us, Fr. Mike Ackerman (our keynote speaker), Fr. James Chepponis, Fr. Richard Infante, and Fr. Joseph Codori. It is important for the Council to maintain good relations with the organizations/charities we serve, and it's great to put faces to names. Everyone is grateful for the opportunity to hear what they are doing in our area to help with the many needs we have. A good time, with very good food and nice company, was had by all who attended. Thank you for everyone who came, and we look forward to next year! |
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Knight's 1st Degree Ceremony Welcome 20 new Knights!
On October 6, 2019, our Council conducted a memorable, and rather hastily organized, 1st degree where 20 new men joined our ranks. The varied degree team consisted of several council members, knights from other councils, and even the Immediate Past State Deputy, Stan Glowaski. Many thanks to Chancellor Dave Baron who was pivotal in extending the invitation to so many men, and who organized the evening. It was also a pleasure to have our chaplain, Fr. Joe, be in attendance and give some words of welcome to the new knights. We wish our new brothers and their families all the best, and look forward to seeing them become active in our meetings and other events throughout the year. May we all work to advance the virtue of charity in the South Hills! |
Fr. Joe, Chaplain (far left, 2nd row), Dave Barone, Chancellor (6th from right, 2nd row), Matthew Hoffman, Grand Knight (3rd from right, 2nd row), Mike Fircak, Warden (2nd from right, 2nd row), Stan Glowaski, Immediate Past State Deputy (far right, 2nd row), Joe Schmitt, Financial Secretary, Council 11143 (2nd from right, 3rd row), Ryan McNamara, Treasurer (far right, 3rd row) with our 20 new brother knights
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Knight's Easter Pilgrimage to Historic Pittsburgh Churches
On April 27, 2019, our Council sponsored a bus tour of three famous churches in Pittsburgh. Almost 50 pilgrims from the South Hills visited Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Polish Hill, St. Nicholas Church, Millvale, and St. Anthony's Chapel, Troy Hill. Lunch was also enjoyed at Cafe Raymond in the Strip District. We're very thankful for the wonderful tours led by parishioners/docents at the churches. Everybody thought they were quite good, and everyone learned and saw something new! The pilgrimage was a great success, and many were grateful to the Knights for organizing this special event at Easter time. Hopefully this will become a recurring annual event! |
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