Welcome from the OLP Knights of Columbus

Welcome to the home for the Knights of Columbus Council #11730.
All are welcomed to be a part of a fraternity that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others. Come and experience the feeling that comes with making a difference. Knights are Catholic men (18+ years) desiring to make our community and parish a better place while enhancing your faith. Come and see what we are all about.

If you’re ready to join, you can visit Join the Knights or use the QR code below

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All feedback and suggestions for this website are welcomed. To find out more or provide comments, please use the contact form or email admin@olpknights.org

Father Matt Kane delivers powerful Lenten Mission message

Father Matt calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for our Lenten Mission

Fr. Matt Kane, Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, delivered a powerful Lenten Mission over three nights at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in Colorado Springs.
Focusing on returning to the essentials of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Father Matt reminded us that Lent calls us back to the basics of our faith to deepen our relationship with God.
He emphasized that human beings crave unconditional love, and only God can provide it perfectly, like the sun that shines relentlessly on everyone, good and bad alike (echoing Matthew 5:45 and the profound demonstration of God’s love in Romans 5:6-8, where Paul declares that Christ died for us while we were still sinners). God’s love is always shining, constant, and unwavering, no matter our failings.
Father Matt spoke beautifully about suffering: it can be redemptive when offered with intention. Suffering does not have the last word—God does! While the common saying is that “God only gives you what you can handle,” the key is staying close to Him; with His grace and our reliance on Him, we find strength beyond our own limits.
The mission moved hearts from despair to hope, encouraging everyone to pray as you can, not as you can’t—meeting God honestly in whatever way possible, without forcing perfection. A grace-filled Lenten reminder: God’s love never fails, suffering can lead to glory, and hope rises when we stay near Him. Thank you, Fr. Matt Kane, for guiding us deeper into the heart of Lent!

December and January Awards – Brothers and Families

DECEMBER
We proudly recognize Brother Paul Ceciliani for his outstanding dedication and leadership within our council. As Deputy Grand Knight and Program Director, Brother Paul has been instrumental in guiding the Faith, Community, Family, and Life programs, ensuring each initiative reflects the core values of our Order and strengthens our parish and local community. Brother Paul’s commitment goes beyond planning—he leads by example. His work as Exemplification Lead has been vital in welcoming six new members into Council 11730 Knights of Columbus, fostering a spirit of fraternity and service. Additionally, his efforts in organizing the Knights and Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Party created a joyful and memorable celebration for 73 people that attended, highlighting his ability to bring people together in fellowship. Through his tireless service, organizational skills, and unwavering faith, Brother Paul exemplifies what it means to be a Knight. His contributions have enriched our council and inspired others to live out the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity.
The Kantack Family are active members of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church and exemplify the very pillars of the Knights of Columbus mission—Faith, Family, Community, and Life. Their commitment to living these values shines through in all they do.
Brother Bryan, Amanda and Ally are devoted parishioners who actively participate in a wide range of parish and community initiatives. Brother Bryan is a dedicated Knight, contributing to numerous council events and, most recently, leading the council’s burrito preparation and sales. His leadership, hard work, and reliability have been instrumental in the success of this important fundraiser. In addition, Bryan serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, sharing his faith through service at the altar. Amanda likewise serves the parish as both an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a Proclaimer, bringing the Word of God to life for the congregation. Her devotion and willingness to serve reflect the family’s deep commitment to faith and community.Ally, their daughter, is involved with young adult as a Called Lead focusing on discipleship, discernment, faith formation and service to empower young people to lead from their relationship with Christ. Bryan, Amanda and Ally support the council and parish as a united family, modeling the values we hold dear.


JANUARY
The Beschorner Family are faithful and devoted members of our parish, and they beautifully embody the four pillars of the Knights of Columbus—Faith, Family, Community, and Life. Their commitment to living these values is evident in the many ways they serve, support, and enrich our parish. John, Debbie, Vinnie, Mitch, Drew, and Ellie are active parishioners whose presence is felt throughout parish life.
John, as Sacristan, faithfully prepares the sanctuary for Mass, ensuring every detail is in place so our liturgical celebrations are reverent and uninterrupted. His reliability and quiet stewardship allow our clergy and parishioners to focus fully on worship. Debbie, as Assistant Funeral Coordinator, accompanies grieving families with compassion and dignity, helping them plan and navigate one of life’s most difficult moments. Her ministry reflects the corporal work of mercy to “comfort the sorrowful.” Vinny and Mitch serve at the altar with reverence and maturity, supporting the celebration of the Mass and serving as role models for younger parishioners.
As a family, the Beschorners regularly volunteer at parish events, Holy Day liturgies, and community gatherings. Their spirit of unity, generosity, and active discipleship strengthens our parish community. They model what it means to live the faith not just on Sundays, but every day—together, as a family. For their extraordinary service, their dedication to the life of the parish, and their unwavering commitment to the values of the Knights of Columbus, we are proud to recognize the Beschorner Family as our Family of the Month.


We are proud to recognize Brother Pierre Gaudreault for his exceptional dedication and leadership within our council. As a Trustee, Brother Pierre serves as one of the council’s three board auditors, providing wise counsel to the Grand Knight on retention, membership, and operations, while also helping to oversee the financial integrity of the council. Brother Pierre’s commitment extends far beyond his trustee responsibilities. He consistently leads by example—whether supporting our burrito sales from early meal preparation through final distribution, or serving on the OLP Life Safety Team, where his vigilance plays a vital role in protecting our parish community during Mass. As the Color Corps Commander for Assembly 3523, he selflessly represents the Knights of Columbus at numerous funerals and official ceremonies. His dedication to training Fourth Degree members for this honorable duty has earned the respect and appreciation of state-level Knights of Columbus leaders. Through his tireless service, exceptional organization, and unwavering faith, Brother Pierre exemplifies the true spirit of knighthood. His contributions strengthen our council and inspire others to live the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Congratulate, Brother Pierre, on being named Knight of the Month! Your steadfast dedication and leadership are deeply appreciated.

Good Friday Service

This is such a powerful, thought-provoking, heartfelt service. Please encourage each other, family, fellow parishioners and the greater community to attend church services at your parish on Good Friday. Good Friday is central in the heart of Christianity. Our council will encourage participation in Good Friday services through a promotional campaign. Setting an example for their community, Knights will attend Good Friday services with their families and work with others to encourage increased parishioner involvement at these liturgies.

Grand Knight Reflects on a Year of Service and Joy

Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church are filled with warmth and laughter and that is especially true with the Knights of Columbus Council 11730 and the Ladies Auxiliary gathered for their annual Christmas Party—a festive finale to a year defined by faith, fellowship, and unwavering service.
A Year of Living the Mission
Throughout 2025, the Knights and Ladies embraced their shared commitment to Life, Faith, Community, and Family, making a profound impact both within the parish and beyond. Their efforts touched lives locally and globally, embodying the true spirit of Christian charity and the call by our founder Blessed Father Michael McGivney.
The over 180 Knights, that include both Father Brad and Father Matt (as Council Chaplain) and the many dedicated Deacons, carried out more than 35 programs. Program example included:

  • OLP Youth Activities, nurturing the next generation of Catholic leaders.
  • Aid and Support After Pregnancy (Pennies from Heaven), offering hope to mothers and families.
  • Support for Seminarians and Priests, ensuring the future of our faith.
  • Catholic Outreach to Neighbors in Ukraine (CONU), extending compassion across borders.

Closer to home, their hands-on service shone through initiatives like Special Olympics, Knights (Helping) Hands, Scholarship, Essay and Poster contest and the Rosary program. They brought joy and warmth with Coats for Kids, reminded us of the season’s true meaning through Keep Christ in Christmas, and strengthened parish life with events like the Parish Picnic, Black Forest Roadside Cleanup, and the ever-popular Breakfast Burritos, Oktoberfest and Fish Fry during Lent.
The Lady of the Forest Ladies Auxiliary: Grace in Action
The over 60 strong Ladies Auxiliary complemented these efforts that uplifted families and defended life. Their contributions included:

  • Right to Life Dinner and Project Rachel, affirming the dignity of every life.
  • Catholic Charities “Baby Shower”, providing essentials for mothers in need.
  • Call to Serve, Advent Tea, and Bible Studies, fostering spiritual growth and community.
  • Participation in the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children, a solemn witness to faith and compassion.

Partners in Parish Life
Together, the Knights and Ladies supported numerous parish ministries and programs, ensuring that Our Lady of the Pines remains a vibrant center of worship and service under the leadership of our Pastor, Father Brad. Their collaboration exemplifies what it means to be a parish family united in Christ.
A Celebration of Gratitude
The Christmas Party was more than a social gathering—it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude for a year of extraordinary service. Amid festive decorations, joyful celebration, and shared fellowship, members reflected on their accomplishments and renewed their commitment to the mission that binds them together.
As we look ahead to a new year, Knights of Columbus Council 11730 and the Ladies Auxiliary stand ready to continue their work—living out the values of charity, unity, and fraternity, and reminding us all that when faith and service unite, communities flourish. Join Us! Become a Knight or Lady. Go to https://OLPKnights.org or send a note to 11730kc@gmail.com, or Lady send a note to President.LOFLA@gmail.com
Grand Knight Jim Appleyard