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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.

Today, August 26, our council led by Deputy Grand Knight Paul Ceciliani hosted the annual Soccer Challenge at the parish picnic. Fifteen youth competed and eight winners were awarded a $25 gift certificate–a good turn-out for the third year of this fun event.

Brother Jim Flannery is our Knight of the Month6. Jim exemplifies the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity through his faithful service. His dedication to multiple ministries has had a significant impact on parish life and our council’s mission.
As an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Jim serves with reverence and compassion, bringing Christ’s presence to parishioners during the celebration of the Eucharist. His commitment to this ministry reflects a deep faith and a willingness to serve others wherever needed. Jim also serves as a ministry leader for the OLP Spring Ball Committee, helping to plan and coordinate one of the parish’s most important community events. His leadership, teamwork, and attention to detail contribute greatly to the success of the Spring Ball and help strengthen fellowship within our parish family. In addition, Jim is the lead for the church’s video ministry, where he oversees the efforts that bring parish liturgies, special events, and important communications to those who are unable to attend in person. Through his technical expertise and countless hours of volunteer service, Jim helps extend the reach of the parish and keeps our faith community connected. This Summer, Jim also demonstrated outstanding leadership by organizing and leading a parish beautification project in which mulch was spread throughout the church grounds over a two-day period. Through his hands-on involvement and coordination of volunteers, the project enhanced the appearance of the parish campus and reflected his commitment to stewardship and service. Council 11730 gratefully recognizes and thanks him for the many ways he supports our parish and our community.

The Gutierrez Family is our Family of the Month. Eddie, Lindsay, Lily, and Lucy are a wonderful Catholic family whose faith-filled example and dedication to service enrich both our parish and community. Eddie and Lindsay consistently share their time and talents in support of parish ministries and youth formation. This summer, they accompanied a group of teens to WorkCamp, helping provide an opportunity for young people to grow in their faith through service to others. During June, they also volunteered with Vacation Bible School, helping create a fun and faith-filled experience for the children of our parish. Lindsay serves as the Confirmation Director at OLP, guiding young Catholics as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. She has also ministered to the homebound by bringing them Holy Communion, providing comfort and strengthening their connection to the Church. The spirit of faith and service is evident throughout the entire family. Prior to leaving for college, Lily was an active member of the parish choir, sharing her musical talents in worship. Lucy continues to be actively involved in the Called program and serves as a Teen Lead, demonstrating leadership and commitment to her Catholic faith. The Gutierrez family also contributes to the fellowship and vitality of our parish by helping host events such as Love and Leis and Turkey Bingo, bringing parishioners together in community and friendship. Through their devotion to their Catholic faith, commitment to family, and generous service to others, the Gutierrez family truly embodies the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.

Council 11730 Knights of Columbus, was part of a special Silver Rose Mass on Friday, 10 July at 0830 mass. Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Silver Rose program demonstrates the unity between Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United States and Mexico, through a series of prayer services promoting the dignity of all human life and honoring Our Lady. Thank you Pierre Gaudreault, John Steward, Paul Ceciliani, Doug Murray, and Greg Prestgard for participating.