Knights of Columbus Council #11730

At our October 8 Council Meeting, Deputy Director Joe Graff presented the Star Award to Grand Knight Jim Appleyard.
The Star Council Award is the highest international honor a local Knights of Columbus council can achieve, recognizing overall excellence in membership growth, insurance promotion, faith formation programs, and service activities. Congratulations to all our brothers for their contributions in making this happen! We are blessed with hardworking, active Knights!

We’re pleased to recognize Daniel Szarkowski as our Knight of the Month. During the month of October, Dan demonstrated his commitment to the council and our community through his active participation in several important charitable activities. He assisted with burrito preparation and pre-cooks, helping support our Coats for Kids fundraiser and outreach efforts. His willingness to volunteer his time and effort contributed significantly to the success of these events. In addition, Dan played an important role in the council’s Roadside Cleanup program by helping provide supplies and supporting the cleanup effort. His dedication to service reflects the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity that are the foundation of the Knights of Columbus. Council 11730 thanks Daniel Szarkowski for his continued commitment and outstanding service.

The values of Faith, Family, Community, and Life are exemplified in the Snyder Family. Mike, Angela, and Jennifer Snyder are deeply committed members of Our Lady of the Pines Parish and dedicated supporters of the mission of the Knights of Columbus.
Mike serves faithfully as a Knight, Sacristan, and valued member of the parish Life Safety Team, generously sharing his time and talents in support of the church community. This last month Mike was instrumental in the Burritos in the absence of our lead. Angela is involved with the Ladies Auxiliary, Teen Activities, and the Hospitality Ministry, where her welcoming spirit and commitment to service positively impact many parishioners. Their daughter, Jennifer, continues the family tradition of service through her involvement in Hospitality and Teen Activities, while also serving on the Pastoral Council. Through their unwavering faith, generous service, and dedication to parish life, the Snyder Family serves as an inspiring example of Catholic family values in action. Their commitment to God, family, and community truly reflects the ideals of the Knights of Columbus.

Knight Matt Weir and his wife, Lady Shiloh Weir, are our Family of the Month.
They have demonstrated strong ties of faith, love, and service while making meaningful contributions to their parish and community. Matt serves as the Worthy Chancellor and Membership Director for Council 11730, where his leadership has helped the Council achieve 118% of its membership quota. Matt has been instrumental in organizing the parish Oktoberfest Fellowship in the parish hall, creating a welcoming atmosphere where families and parishioners could come together to enjoy food, refreshments, fellowship, and good conversation. Events such as these strengthen the bonds of our parish family and help build a vibrant and connected faith community. Matt also continues to be a dedicated supporter of the Council’s burrito preparation and sales ministry, generously contributing his time and effort to this successful program. The proceeds from these activities support the Knights of Columbus Food for Families initiative, helping to provide assistance to those in need within our community. Lady Shiloh Weir has likewise demonstrated outstanding service through her active involvement in the Ladies Auxiliary. Her dedication as the parish and auxiliary webmaster helps keep parishioners informed and connected through timely and effective online communication. Her behind-the-scenes efforts contribute greatly to the success of numerous parish and council activities. Together, Matt and Shiloh embody the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity through their faithful service, leadership, and commitment to strengthening family life within our parish. Their example inspires others to become more involved in serving both the Church and the community.

Brother Bruce Micciulla is the September Knight of the Month. Bruce serves as our council’s Family Director, dedicating countless hours to strengthening the bonds among the families of Our Lady of the Pines Parish. Through his leadership and enthusiasm, he helps create opportunities for parishioners to come together in faith, fellowship, and service. Most recently, Bruce played a key role in organizing our successful Oktoberfest Fellowship, bringing families together for a fun and faith-filled community event. He also supports and promotes many important family-centered programs, including Food for Families, Keep Christ in Christmas, and Consecration to the Holy Family. Bruce is also an active member of our Rosary Ministry. He faithfully leads the Rosary before many of our parish Masses, helping parishioners deepen their devotion to Our Blessed Mother and enriching the spiritual life of our parish community.
Bruce’s commitment to family life, parish fellowship, and spiritual leadership exemplifies the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity that define the Knights of Columbus. His tireless efforts have strengthened our council and enriched the lives of many families within our parish.

Brother Mark Sullivan is our Knight of the Month for August. Mark exemplifies the spirit of charity and service through his consistent dedication to council, parish, and community activities. During the Our Lady of the Pines Parish Picnic, Mark volunteered his time cooking hotdogs and hamburgers, helping ensure a successful and enjoyable event for parish families and guests. Mark also assisted with the council’s Soccer Challenge, one of the Knights of Columbus youth programs that provides grade school children the opportunity to participate in friendly competition while developing their soccer skills and sportsmanship. Beyond these events, Mark is a dependable and consistent volunteer who can always be counted on to lend a hand whenever needed. His willingness to serve and his commitment to supporting the mission of the Knights of Columbus make him a valued member of Council 11730.

The Vrooman Family as our Family of the Month. Brother Andrew Vrooman, his wife Megan, and their children Porter, Woodrow, Roslyn, and Bosco exemplify faithful family life, parish involvement, and dedicated service to the Our Lady of the Pines community. Brother Andrew is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever the parish is in need. Most recently, he played a key role at the OLP Parish Picnic, where he spent countless hours grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for more than 500 parishioners. His cheerful spirit and commitment to serving others helped make the event a tremendous success and provided a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends to gather in fellowship. Megan serves as the parish’s Communications Director, where she leads digital strategy, editorial leadership, and community engagement initiatives. She oversees the parish website, social media platforms, and marketing materials, ensuring consistent messaging and effective communication throughout the parish community. Megan also manages editorial content, oversees parish magazine production, and leads digital campaigns that strengthen engagement and connect parishioners with the life of the parish. In addition to her professional contributions, Megan is actively involved in parish ministries, including the Mothers of the Pines. Through this ministry, she coordinates features for the parish magazine and encourages families to share photographs and stories that highlight the vibrant faith life of our parish community. Her efforts help foster a strong sense of belonging and connection among parishioners. Together, Andrew and Megan demonstrate a deep commitment to faith, family, and service. Through their generosity, leadership, and active participation in parish life, they provide a wonderful example of Christian family values for our council and parish community.

Council 11730 is proud to recognize SK Deacon Bill Bollwerk as our Knight of the Month for his extraordinary service, leadership, and dedication to both our parish and our council. Deacon Bill is also a trusted advisor to our Pastor, offering wisdom and insight on many matters affecting the Parish Council and the continued growth of our parish community. His willingness to serve wherever needed demonstrates his deep commitment to the Church and its mission. As our Acting Chaplain, Deacon Bill provides invaluable spiritual guidance and support to our brother Knights. His commitment to the faith extends far beyond the council, as he faithfully serves on the Parish Finance Council, ensuring responsible stewardship of parish resources. In his role as Parish Bookkeeper, he dedicates countless hours to managing the financial operations of the parish with professionalism, integrity, and care. In addition, Deacon Bill leads Baptismal Preparation Classes, helping new parents understand and embrace the responsibilities and blessings of raising children in the Catholic faith. He is also an integral part of the Called & Gifted program, helping parishioners discern and develop their God-given charisms so they may more fully participate in the life and ministry of the Church. Through his humble leadership, tireless service, and unwavering faith, Deacon Bill exemplifies the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity that define the Knights of Columbus.

Council 11730 is proud to recognize Brother Dick Schubert and his wife, Lady Terry Schubert, as our Family of the Month for their outstanding dedication to our parish, council, and community. Dick and Terry recently hosted a day retreat focused on Benedictine spirituality, centered on the timeless rhythm of ora et labora (prayer and work) as taught in the 1,500-year-old Rule of St. Benedict. Participants were enriched through silent reflection, guided conferences on humility and listening, lectio divina (prayerful Scripture reading), and the opportunity to join the monastic community in praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Their efforts provided a meaningful spiritual experience that strengthened the faith of all who attended. Brother Dick faithfully serves as the Council Lecturer, consistently bringing thoughtful, inspiring, and relevant messages to our meetings. His reflections help keep our council grounded in faith and focused on our mission of charity, unity, and fraternity. Lady Terry serves with distinction as Vice President of the Ladies of the Forest Auxiliary, where her leadership and commitment contribute greatly to the success of the organization and its many activities.
Dick also played a key role in the council’s annual Peach Sale. This year, the council received and distributed 572 small boxes and 714 large boxes of peaches. The event raised approximately $2,700 to support the charitable works of the council.