June 2026
General Business Meeting
Fitzgerald Council 459 June 10, 2026
May 2026 Minutes Posted
- Comment period closed 06.09.2026
Recent Happenings
- Catholic Values Award Presentation – BSSM
Awardees: Margaret Driscoll and Michael Byron
06.05.2026 - National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
06.05.2026 - Diocese of Arlington Ordination
06.06.2026 - Alex Solsma and Aaron Zanca First Masses
06.07.2026 - Reception for Newly Ordained Priest
06.07.2026 - Corpus Christi
06.07.2026 – Traffic Control & Canopy Bearers
Upcoming Schedule/Programs
- S. Bishops to Consecrate the Nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, the eve of the solemnity of the Sacred Heart
06.11.2026 - Parochial Vicar Transfers (See Below)
25.2026 - Installation of Officers (Tentative)
19.2026
Fraternal Year 2025-2026 Closeout
- Achievements
- State Deputy
- McGivney (Recruitment)
- Founders (Fraternal Benefits)
- Columbian (Faith in Action Program Execution) &
- STAR Council
- 2026-2027 Challenges – Discussion
- Enhanced esprit de corps/Engagement – Brotherhood
- Recruitment
- Parish Communications
- Engagement – spiritual offerings, fraternal & family engagement
New Business
- Diocesan Transfers
– Alex Solsma moving out on June 25th to Saint Theresa in Ashburn
– Peter Clem outgoing to Our Lady of Hope, Potomac Falls
– Jason Burchell in coming June 25th from Front Royal, VA
– Christopher Tipton incoming (TBD) from Holy Family, Woodbridge, VA - Election of Officers for 2026-2027
– Steve Teslik, Grand Knight
– Ryan Joyce, Deputy Grand Knight
– James Burkhart, Chancellor
– TBD, Recorder
– John Kim, Treasurer
– James Daniels, Advocate
– TBD, Warden
-TBD, 2nd Year Trustee - Recruitment
- Prayer Requests
District News
– Grand Knight and Financial Secretary expected to attend upcoming State organizational
meeting
Good of the Order
Recognition
-
- Knight of the Year for 2025-2026, John Kim
- Special Achievement Award(s)
2026 Review
The council executed programs in four categories, Faith, Family, Community and Life. Programs included a fall coat drive, spring & fall Saint Lucy Food Drives, Keep Christ in Christmas activities, consecration to the Holy Family, seminarian & religious vocation sponsorship, pro-life activities, leading ninety-four recitations of the rosary and support for parish activities like the annual Octoberfest Celebration & Bingo night. In 2025, the council sponsored a visit by & contemplative prayer with the Sacred Heart Icon blessed by Pope Francis and the Silver Rose for Life. The council raised and distributed over $38,000 in funds on an investment of over 2,000 service hours.
The council implemented a new monthly presentation & group discussion for our members on a topic with emphasis on the Catholic faith and formation. Subjects included Sharing the faith, Pope Leo’s request to pray the Rosary, the Dignity of Work, Friendship, and the Ascension. We added thirteen new Knights, bringing out total membership to 235. In March 2026, the Council was recognized with the Founder’s Award. In May, we earned McGivney and Columbian Awards. We also received recognition from Supreme for our Food for Families and Support for Seminarians. We closed out the year with the Virginia State Deputy Award and the Supreme Star Council award which ranks us in the top 20% of councils worldwide.
Last Words
Counsel membership and officers have a duty to shape and build the character in the love of neighbor and the love of God by offering and conducting charitable programs. These programs strengthen our parishes and build up the Domestic Church. The life, health and strength of the council is dependent upon the actions of Catholic fraternal leaders acting and working together.
The level of engagement and number of volunteers was disappointing across the council this past year. Although attendance at the business meetings improved, often doubling that of last year, it was still a challenge to staff our programs. We sought to balance our meeting content by offering a mix of information, entertainment and engagement within the KofC structure. Lastly, Steve Teslik would appreciate it if members would consider filling the officer vacancies. There are numerous opportunities to serve as recorder, warden, guard and program leaders. Please prayerfully considering assisting the counsel as an officer as the demand is but twenty-five hours a year. Thanks