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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

Our council held its first Catholic Citizen Essay Contest. The essay question: Out of the 267 Popes, who are your 3 favorites and why.

Ms. Leah Frey was our winner! Well done, Ms Frey! Congratulations on your award and thank for sharing your faith with your essay.

We proudly recognize Brother Greg Sullivan as Knight of the Month for his outstanding leadership, tireless service, and unwavering commitment to the principles of Charity and Community. As our council’s Worthy Advocate and Community Director, Greg has been the driving force behind many of our most successful programs this year—keeping the council legally and procedurally sound while also directing many of its major charitable/community programs. He has provided steadfast support to the Grand Knight, to our Ladies Auxiliary in all their activities, strengthened our Catholic outreach efforts – including vital aid to our neighbors in Ukraine – and ensured the continued success of our Coats for Kids initiative, keeping hundreds of local children warm during the winter months. Above all, Greg’s leadership of our council’s largest fundraiser – the famous Burrito Sales – was nothing short of extraordinary. Under his direction, the team prepared and sold an incredible 812 burritos, shattering previous records and generating critical funds ($1400) that directly support every program under Community, but also Faith, Life and Family. Our charitable works of Council 11730 have much to do with Brother Greg Sullivan and close to $13,000 each and every year. This achievement reflects not only Greg’s organizational skill but also his ability to inspire brother Knights to give their very best. Brother Greg truly lives the Knights of Columbus motto: In service to one. In service to all. His joyful spirit, humble dedication, and relentless pursuit of charity make him a shining example for us all.

The Spano Family are active members of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church and the cornerstones of the Knights of Columbus mission—Faith, Family, Community, and Life—are clearly exemplified by the Spano Family. Brother Brian, Hope and Shea are devoted members of the Parish and actively participate in a wide range of community initiatives. Brother Brian is a dedicated Knight, contributing to many of council events even though he is on the road most of the week each and every month. Brian commitment and hard work are a constant and valued presence at the Burrito preparation and sales. Hope is not only the heart of the family but also our Parish. She serves as Liturgical Administrator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant at OLP. She has been part of the parish for about three years and brings experience in management and event coordination. She is also active in the Charity and Social Justice Ministry and participates in Women’s Bible Studies. Shea, their daughter, supports events of the Parish and at times Knights events, and is active member of the Choir. Together, Brian, Hope and Shea supports the Council and this community as a united family. For their extraordinary service and unwavering dedication to every aspect of the Knights’ mission, it is with great pleasure that we recognize the Spano Family as the Family of the Month.

We have six new 3rd Degree Knights! They were part of a special exemplification ceremony after the 4:30 Mass on Saturday, December 13. They are: Jason Scanga, Doug Murray, Tom Padrnos, Rick Dings, Mike Rosas, and Greg Frye.

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. Please click through the slide shows to see the faces of joy!

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