Texas Parishes

Texas Parishes in the Corpus Christi, Galveston/Houston, and Beaumont Dioceses suffered greatly from the massive hurricane Harvey. Councils throughout the area jumped into action assisting in relief efforts by housing refugees, cooking meals, and offering financial assistance. Councils all over the State raised funds to help out our brother Knights, their families, and their Parishes. Sometimes it takes a disaster like a hurricane, tornado, fire, or an explosion to see our State Charity Disaster Relief Fund in action.

As of the first of November, Texas has added three new Councils. Diocesan Deputy Jose Garza and DD 217 Armando Gonzalez worked to bring a new Council 16796 on board in St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Parish. District Deputy 112 Eddie Deleon and Diocesan Deputy Roy Rabenaldt started Council 16820 at St. James Parish in Dallas. San Antonio Diocesan Deputy Derek Rabey and DD 54 Paul Gurley started Council 16854 at St. Benedict Parish in San Antonio. District Deputy 113 Javier Rodriquez, District Deputy 105 Gary Betz, District Deputy 45 Joe Hernandez, District Deputy 61 Joe Arrieta, and are in different phases for new Councils Contact Council Growth Chairman Clint Mendonca at ncdforms@gmail.com, for assistance.

Reactivation of Council 11365 in O’Donnel in the Diocese of Lubbock was perfectly executed by DD 245, Simon Resendez. 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.

We are continuously trying to get all of our Councils current in State and Supreme Per Capita. 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.

We still struggle with Round Tables. Round Table Kenneth Brazille will help in the submission of the Form 2629 for you.

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 Texas College Conferences will be held February 23 thru 25 2018 at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.