Council Growth

Texas ended the year with a bang. Three new Councils were developed in June. Several pieces have to come together for Texas to remain as the example to the other jurisdictions for success from successful programs, charity, and growth through membership recruitment council growth.

District Deputy 61 Joe Arrieta and San Antonio Diocesean Deputy started Council 16760 at St. Michaels Parish, District Deputy 42 Jim Abshire started Council 16730 at Our Lady of Atonement Parish, and District Deouty Joe Hernandez started Arch Bishop Patrick Flores Council 16748 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Sequin. All three new Councils came from the Arch Diocese of San Antonio. Not to be outdone, the Lubbock Diocese, with the help of Arlie Markenson and DD 243 Brad Simmons started Council 16775 in Olton. On the last day of the fraternal year, the ElPaso Diocese came through with Council 16778 at St. Patrick Cathredral. Diocesan Deputy Joe Grillo and District Deputy 4 Alfred Davis came through to help Texas make its new Council goal. The Brownsville Diocese brought in the first new Council of the year with Council 16796 at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Parish. Diocesan Deputy Jose Garza and DD 217 Armando Gonzalez worked to bring this new Council on board. District Deputy 113 Javier Rodriquez, District Deputy 105 Gary Betz, District Deputy 45 Joe Hernandez, District Deputy 61 Joe Arrieta, and District Deputy 114 Eddie Deleon are in different phases for new Councils Contact Council Growth Chairman Clint Mendonca at ncdforms@gmail.com, for assistance.

Reactivation of Council 8312 in Asherton in the Diocese of Laredo was perfectly executed by DD 235, Luciano Vargas. Following the Star Guide guidelines step by step was key to the reactivation achievement within six weeks. Meeting with the Priest and reviewing with him the positive attributes the Knights could bring to his parish initiated the process. Elements of the success was recognizing and identifying the correct team to assist with the formation of the council leadership. Other key factors included; scheduling membership drives in consecutive weekends, conducting information meetings, monitoring progress and effectively staying in touch with TSC Reactivation Chairman for guidance & support. Without a doubt this is a success story that can be implemented in any dormant council in the State . Yes, we all have the tools to get it done. All that is needed is the willingness and energy to get it done! For additional help with the reactivation of any dormant council please call Joe Torres, TSC Reactivation Chairman.

Our personal goal for this year was to bring our suspended Councils to 40. We started the year with 78 suspensions and as of July 7 we are at 93. We notified the District Deputies, Diocesan Deputies, and Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries. It is very important that Councils remain active. Members of suspended Councils are no longer eligible for fraternal benefits such as up to $2,500 accidental death for the member and his spouse, $80 per month for orphan benefits, $1,500 for a child who dies before the age of 61 days, $750 for a stillborn after 20 weeks after conception, KC scholarships, up to $5,000 of guaranteed life insurance for children under the age of 18, and participation in State activities such as golf an bowling tournaments, Free Throw competition, or State Convention. Council dues are collected to pay for the State and Supreme fees. If a Council is going to remain in-active, it would benefit the members of the inactive Councils if the District and Diocesan leadership could transfer the member into an active Council so that he and his family retain the fraternal benefits. Dues are not to be collected by the Council as a fund raiser. The Council officers are legally responsible to pay the expenses.

Our for 2016-2017 goal for Round Tables was 205, as of July 5 we have 210. So far, there are twelve Dioceses at 100%. Congratulations to Beaumont, Brownsville, Dallas, San Angelo, Lubbock, Laredo, Galveston/Houston, Fort Worth, Victoria, Tyler, San Antonio, and El Paso for reaching at least 100% of their goal. Our goal for 2017-2018 is 205 and the Diocese of Beaumont was the first to reach its goal.

Above all of our goals for new and re-activated Councils and Round Tables, the main focus is to exceed our State goal for State Charities. The State Charity goal benefits our Bishops, our Parishes, our families and our members.

The 2018 Texas College Councils Conference is an opportunity for students to come together and develop leadership skills as young knights. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss best practices and common struggles, meet with State and Supreme representatives, and network with fellow college council leaders. The dates and locations for the next College Conferences have been established. September 29 thru October 1 2017 at One Columbus Plaza and the Omni Hotel in New Haven, Connecticut and February 23 thru 25 2018 at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.