Donation for St. Joseph’s Parish

My name is Terry Fruge, and I am State Warden of the Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus. I bring Greetings from our State Deputy, Doug Oldmixon, who coordinated efforts for the Aid and Relief for our Brother Knights throughout the coastal region of Texas.

Larry Treibel, Diocesan Deputy and Emergency Response Coordinator for Beaumont Diocese was losing a battle with cancer in the Medical Center in Houston and died a few days after the storm hit. Assistant Diocesan Deputy, Charles Trahan took over as Diocesan Deputy and District Deputy Phil Chauvin assumed the roll of Emergency Response Coordinator for the Beaumont Diocese. These two gentlemen did an amazing job of contacting the Councils in the Diocese to see what assistance their Brother Knights may require. Phil coordinated with Bob Sumicek, the Regional Emergency Response Coordinator for Texas to keep the State Council informed of needs of Knights and churches devastated in the storm.

The Supreme Council provided over $550,000 and the Texas State Council received over $300,000 in donations. Through their network, they were able to identify over 600 Knights in need of assistance which $850,000 was dispersed.

The Supreme Council also provided additional funds to the Texas State Council to determine which Churches or Cathedrals were in the most need of help.

We are honored today to have Fr. Mike Jamail, Vicar General of the Diocese of Beaumont along with Fr. Kevin Badeaux, Pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Port Arthur, to present a check for the rebuilding of their church, for $100,000. We know Fr. Kevin will put it to good use.

(Excerpt from check presentation speech by Terry Fruge', State Warden)