Month: May 2026

This year we were blessed to offer two $1000 scholarships to the amazing youth here at OLP. That happened today at the 8:30AM Mass.
Our scholarship selection was based on academic excellence, service to our community and parish, demonstration of living our faith, and academic and professional career plans. We were inspired to see how are youth have excelled in all these facets in their lives.

First, we honored Bella Konz. Bella is graduating from District 20’s The Village High School where she has attained an impressive 3.85 GPA (unweighted) and a 4.22 GPA (weighted) highlighted by excelling in 8 college classes at UCCS and Pikes Peak State College! In our parish, she actively serves in the choir, both singing and cantering, assists in the Visual Ministry for both Masses and weddings, and recently led the fourth graders at Vacation Bible School. She loves participating in faith strengthening activities such as Called and the Steubenville conference. In the community, she works at the Marian House alongside her mother. Her strong faith is seen in her immediate and extended family. For example, she was honored to be the Godmother of her niece and has taught the 3-year-old, the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and to pray before a meal. Bella is planning to attend the Ave Maria University to pursue a degree in Nursing, with a minor in Theology and eventually become a Nurse Anesthetist. Her passion is to “make a difference in the world!” Congratulations to Bella for her past achievements and the award of a $1000 scholarship. We wish her the best for a bright future!

We also honored Ellie Fernandez. Ellie is graduating from District 20’s Rampart High School where she has earned a remarkable 3.91 GPA (unweighted) and a 4.22 GPA (weighted) including 24 A+ grades and 6 Advanced Placement Classes! In our parish, she has served assisting with meals for the homeless, singing and cantering with the choir, and leading activities at Vacation Bible School. For example, she enthusiastically taught young children about the Holy Rosary. Her love for sharing her faith was also evident while actively assisting in the “Called” youth groups and leading during their outreach events. The High School Faith Formation Director says Ellie is “creative, outgoing, and full of joy. She brings energy and positivity into every room she enters, and she uses her gifts with intention” … and is “a young woman rooted deeply in her Catholic faith.” Ellie plans to attend Colorado Mesa University to pursue a degree in Business – Marketing. Congratulations to Ellie for her accomplishments and the award of a $1000 scholarship. We wish her continued success in her life’s journey!

Past Grand Knight Pierre Gaudreault and current Grand Knight Jim Appleyard attended the KofC Colorado State Convention in Denver. Pierre continues going above and beyond being a delegate but also serving in the Honor Guard for several events during the Conference.

Council 11730 received two awards: St Joseph Award as well as being recognized as the #18 Council of over 140 Council in Colorado.

The St Joseph Award is about our Faith in Action. Councils earn the award for strong performance in: Fraternal benefits/insurance, Membership growth, Program activities, and Overall excellence. Congratulations to all brothers on earning this award. Your dedication to faith, family community and life–truly honors the legacy of Blessed Fr Michael McGivney and the patron St Joseph. Thank you for your hard work, leadership, and example to our parish and diocese.

We were also recognized as one of the Top 25 awards and specifically #18 is an outstanding accomplishment by our Council. This award is determined by cumulative scoring in operations, service and growth on:
– Timely and complete submission of forms and reports to State and Supreme
– Compliance with reporting throughout fraternal year
– Quality and quantity of our programs in Faith, Family, Community and Life and how they are executed and their impact
– Growth in membership, recruitment efforts and retention
With well over 140 active councils across our great state, this ranking is a true testament to your dedication, hard work and commitment to our principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity that define the Knights. This shows your strong leadership, generosity of our members, and the positive impact you all have on our parish, the Black Forest community, and beyond.

Congratulations to each and everyone of you. Our leadership is proud to serve on your behalf at this year’s Knights of Columbus State Convention.

Brother Knight Matt Weir is our Knight of the Month. Matt’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to the growth and vitality of our council have made a significant impact throughout this fraternal year. As Chancellor and Membership Director, Matt has worked tirelessly to welcome new Catholic men into the mission of the Knights of Columbus. Through his outreach, encouragement, and personal example, the council has brought in 10 new members toward our quota of 11, a remarkable achievement that reflects his passion for strengthening our brotherhood. Matt also played a key leadership role in organizing and coordinating the two Council Lenten Fish Fry Fellowships held in March. He managed the planning, purchasing, and logistics that ensured both events ran smoothly and provided a warm, welcoming experience for our parish community. Matt also generously volunteered his time to support our Breakfast Burrito Sales, helping raise funds for our Young Adult Educational Scholarships. His willingness to step in wherever needed—whether behind the scenes or on the front lines—demonstrates the spirit of service that defines our order. Brother Matt Weir’s dedication to faith, fraternity, and service makes him an outstanding example of what it means to be a Knight.

The McGuire family exemplifies the spirit of faith, service, and community that the Knights of Columbus seeks to honor. Their dedication to Our Lady of the Pines Parish and Council 11730 is evident in the countless ways they give of their time, talents, and hearts. Lady Madeline McGuire is a pillar of parish involvement and leadership. As Secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary, she provides steady organization and support to the group’s charitable efforts. She serves faithfully in the OLP Visual Ministry, contributes her insight and guidance as a member of the OLP Pastoral Council, and offers compassionate leadership as Co Chair of the OLP Caretakers Support Group. This Lent, Madeline also played an important role assisting with the Stations of the Cross and Soup Supper, helping create a meaningful and Lady welcoming experience for parishioners. Sir Knight Kevin “Mac” McGuire is an active and dependable member of Council 11730, always ready to step in where help is needed. He organizes our Breakfast Fellowship, strengthening the bonds of fraternity within the parish. This Lent, Mac volunteered at two Lenten Fish Frys and supported our Breakfast Burrito sales, contributing to the success of these important fundraising and community building events. In addition, he serves the parish as a member of the OLP Life Safety Team, helping ensure a safe environment for all who worship and gather at OLP. Together, Madeline and Mac embody the values of charity, unity, and fraternity. Their joyful service enriches our parish family and strengthens the mission of the Knights of Columbus.