Most Holy Trinity Knights of Columbus Council 7306 tied a council in Sierra Vista for highest honors during the Knights’ state convention in May. They each took home a pair of the state’s six highest honors.
Most Holy Trinity earned recognition for Council of the Year and Grand Knight of the Year, both top honors. It also earned the Church Service Program of the Year award.
Council of the Year — The council saw membership quadruple during the year and the number of insured members more than triple. Programs included a convent renovations project, parish leadership roles and visibility. The council was also highly supportive of state programs.
Grand Knight of the Year — Stoney Wims, Grand Knight, rejuvenated his council which saw membership quadruple and the number of insured members more than triple. His leadership helped put the council in a leadership position within the parish and community.
Church Service Program of the Year — Members renovated the parish convent that sat vacant for more than 20 years and the rectory so allow the returning SOLT sisters to move in. Work included replacing more than 5,000 square-feet of flooring, repairing sinks and faucets, replacing piping and drywall, replacing toilets, and repairing lighting and electrical fixtures. Work was valued at some $50,000.
Other awards included:
- Chaplain of the Year: Fr. Lloyd Kramlich of Fray Francisco Garces Council 3855 in Glendale — Fr. Kramlich attends every meeting and is always available to visit the hospitalized, sick or those needing spiritual support. Presided at several annual Masses and is a reputable story teller at St. Louis the King. He has written more than 25 children’s books.
- State Community Service Program of the Year: Council 13286 at St. Gabriel the Archangel in Cave Creek — Ensured that a needy family had a memorable Christmas. Raised funds through council potluck dinner and benefit caroling that raised over $1,500 despite poor weather. Funds purchased clothes, food, gifts and a gift certificate for the family.
- Council Service Program of the Year: Council 11738 at St. Helen Parish in Glendale — Recruited a temporary priest into the council and hosted a St. Patrick’s Day picnic to raise money to help the priest attend school in California.
- Family Service Program of the Year: Fray Francisco Garces Council 3855 in Glendale — Hosted benefit dinner for scholarship program that also included country dancing and horseback riding.
- Youth Service Program of the Year: Council 10062 at Corpus Christi Parish in Ahwatukee — Held fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for a shopping spree for local underprivileged children. The council held a Knights Kids event in which the kids went on their shopping spree.
- Pro-Life Service Program of the Year: Council 10062 at Corpus Christi Parish in Ahwatukee — Hosted benefit dinner for Justice for All pro-life group which promotes pro-life dialogue at colleges nationwide.
Newly elected state officers include:
- Bryant Sayers of Sierra Vista, State Deputy
- Larry Becker of Phoenix, State Secretary
- Edwin “Skip” Hopler of Glendale, State Treasurer
- Sean Halpain of Carefree, State Advocate
- Tom Kalisz of Litchfield Park, State Warden
- Fr. Carlos Gomez, pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Phoenix, is State Chaplain
