Diocesan K of C councils honored at state convention

By Robert Condron

PHOTO: Lt. Jacob Czech of Knights of Columbus Council 12228 was named Colorado Knight of the Year at the state convention which took place April 25-27 at the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs. (Photo courtesy of Bob Condron)

COLORADO SPRINGS.  Knights of Columbus councils in the Diocese of Colorado Springs had another successful year in 2024 and were honored accordingly by the Colorado Knights of Columbus at the State Convention held recently at the Antlers Hotel.

Diocesan Knights of Columbus councils won four of the top awards presented at the ceremony.  Sts. Gabriel & John Vianney Council 12335 took home the top council honor among the 160 councils in the state. 1st Lt. Jacob Czech of St. Francis of Assisi Council 12228 in Colorado Springs was named Colorado Knight of the Year from more than 17,000 knights in the state.  Father Chance Billmeyer from Our Lady of the Woods Council 625 in Woodland Park was named The Father Francis Kappes Chaplain of the Year. Nathaniel and Carol Heithoff from Sts. Gabriel and John Vianney Council were awarded The John J. Mildenberger Pro-Life Couple of the Year.

Sts. Gabriel and John Vianney Council had an exceptional year with top overall council honors along with the Gold Award in the largest councils in the state and the Heithoffs being named the Pro-Life Couple in the state. The council also won the State Council Community Award for their support of their Parish Festival.

Lt. Czech from St. Francis of Assisi Parish and Fort Carson Army Post was honored for work in getting fellow Catholic soldiers at Drawsko Combat Training Center in Poland to the nearby town of Drawsko Pomorskie for Sunday Mass in Polish and working with the local priest to visit the Army post and leading the mass in broken English with Jacob doing the readings when time allowed.

Father Billmeyer is an enthusiastic supporter of promoting faith in the church and community, plus all of the Knights’ activities. Father Billmeyer works hard at getting his parish involved in the city’s activities, such as the Woodland Park Christmas Parade, and makes residents aware that Our Lady of the Woods Parish is a member of the Woodland Park community and is there to promote the Catholic faith and provide charitable help where needed.

The Heithoffs showed their commitment to pro-life programs in a variety of ways. They participated in the 2024 Life Network Walk and Run for Life and they stood with other pro-lifers in prayerful witness as part of the Life Chain at one of the main traffic intersections in Colorado Springs.  They also participated in the parish giving tree by purchasing a gift for a resident of Mater Filius, a maternity home for women from all backgrounds facing unexpected pregnancies who need housing and support that is located on St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish property.

The Diocese of Colorado Springs was well represented among the top 25 councils in the state. Aside from Sts. Gabriel & John Vianney’s top honor, Ave Maria Council 7880 in Parker took second after winning the title last year.  Other councils honored included Council 625 in Woodland Park (fourth); Council 12228 at St. Francis of Assisi in Colorado Springs (ninth); Council 14338 at Holy Apostles Parish (tenth); Council 8909 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Castle Rock (14th); Council 11514 at St. Peter Parish in Monument (19th); Council 11730 at Our Lady of the Pines Parish (20th); Council 13981 at Sacred Heart Parish in Colorado Springs (21st);  and Council 9993 at St. Patrick Parish (23rd).

In the division honors, the diocese won four of the six awards throughout the state.  These trophies go to the top councils compared to other councils their size. This award is earned based on administrative points, form submissions, quality programs and membership growth. The six divisions from smallest to largest are Red, White, Purple, Green, Blue and Gold.

The winner in the Red Division was Council 15956, St. Mary of the Rockies Council in Bailey. The winner in the White Division was Council 14806, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Colorado Springs. The winner in the Purple Division was Council 625, Teller County Council in Woodland Park. The winner in the Gold Division was Council 12335, Sts. Gabriel & John Vianney Council in Colorado Springs.

In the Knights of Columbus parlance, The Assembly is the highest level of Knighthood.  It is the Fourth degree of the Catholic organization, the Patriotic degree.  The top award in the state was given to Assembly 88, which is composed of councils from the Diocese of Colorado Springs. The assembly’s Color Corps is present at many events throughout the diocese.

For the second year in a row, Ave Maria Council 7880 in Parker was named the top council for Shining Knights with 18.  This award is based on recruitment of new members and active membership participation.   

St. Mary of the Rockies Council 15956 in Bailey was awarded The State Council Family Award  for their pancake breakfast which included a “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest and a visit from Santa Claus.

Teller County Council 625 in Woodland Park won The State Council Life Award for hosting the Silver Rose on its pilgrimage to Mexico City.

The State Council Community Award went to  Sts. Gabriel and John Vianney Council 12335 in Colorado Springs for their support of Briarfest.

The Supreme Council Community Award goes to Ave Maria Council 7880 in Parker for their Lenten Fish Fry which served nearly 3000 folks and brought 31 new members to their council.

(Robert Condron is Past Grand Knight of Council 12228 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Colorado Springs.)