Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic Men’s fraternal service organization. Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, it was named in honor of the mariner Christopher Columbus. Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to low-income immigrant Catholics, it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services, promoting Catholic education and Catholic public policy positions, and actively defending Roman Catholicism in various nations.

The 29-year-old assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., gathered a group of men at his parish on Oct. 2, 1881. He proposed establishing a lay organization, the goal of which would be to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies whose membership was antithetical to Church teaching, to unite men of Catholic faith and to provide for the families of deceased members.

The Knights of Columbus officially assumed corporate status on March 29,1882

For their support for the Church and local communities, as well as for their philanthropic efforts, Pope John Paul II referred to the Order as a "strong right arm of the Church."

The Jeannette Council was chartered May 5, 1907, and has been serving the Jeannette Catholic Churches and Community ever since.

Each Knight lives out, in his own life, the order’s principles of charity, unity, fraternity & patriotism. The organization provides members and their families opportunities for service to the Catholic Church, the community, families and young people. Any Catholic gentleman age 18 and older is eligible for membership.

The current leadership team includes:

• Grand Knight - Robert G Pacelli
• Financial Secretary - Robert J Morris
• Deputy Grand Knight - Michael A Jupina
• Chancellor - Christopher A Stoltz
• Recorder - Jeffry A Means
• Treasurer - John T Catalano
• Advocate - John Paul Evangelista
• Warden - Daniel J Wyzkiewicz
• Inside Guard - Joseph T McKissock
• Outside Guard - Christopher G Criner
• One Year Trustee - Pat Rega
• Two Year Trustee - Edward J Zelachoski
• Three Year Trustee - Richard G Harrold
• Chaplain - Rev. Job J Foote O.S.B.

Programs benefiting Jeannette Community:

• We hold bingos and donate proceeds toward community needs.
• We supply manpower for the Fish Fry at Sacred Heart Church.
• We supply manpower for the Italian Festival at Ascension Church.
• We support the Jeannette Public Library.
• We support local children with autism or other mental disabilities.
• Conduct annual Free Throw contests for boys and girls ages 9—14.
• Are a full team sponsor for the Jeannette Baseball Association for over 60 years.
• We have a $1,000 scholarship contest available to High School Seniors attending Sacred Heart or Ascension Parishes.
• We assist with placing flags at the cemeteries for Memorial Day
• Support for Eucharistic Procession from Sacred Heart Church to Ascension Church thru Jeannette.