James & Elizabeth have been quiet and dedicated servants of the church and community since becoming members of the Parish twenty years ago. They have consistently answered “yes” to the needs of their Pastor and Grand Knight, which, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has helped build our community of faith and served the needs of the Church. There is a reason why our Pastor relies so heavily on our nominee family for his many needs/requirements–because they get things done!

They have been involved in the parish’s Pro-Life Ministry as its Pro-Life Chair, which includes organizing and leading programs like the National and Virginia March for Life, Life Chain, and 40 Days for Life. They have also assisted with their parish kitchen, parish library, Lenten Soup Suppers, Parish Picnics, volunteers for both the boys and girls youth groups, and members of the Legion of Mary.

Outside of their parish, they have been involved with the Fairfax Home School Athletic Association and were coaches for multiple sports teams. They have also been volunteers for the Apostolate for Family Consecration, where their children volunteered as service corps members to serve their community in various ways. In addition, both parents served our nation in the U.S. Navy,

They have done an amazing job of raising their family of six children while instilling in them deep Catholic values that permeate every fiber of their being, which is evident to all who witness them. Even more important is the devout, pious reverence that each member of this family has for Christ and His Church, the Eucharist, and Tradition. They can be found often in Eucharistic Adoration or simply stopping by the Church at all hours to pray.

If you were to ask most parishioners from this Parish who is the most involved in Parish apostolates, the Hildebrand Family would certainly be the number one family in most everyone’s mind.

Our selection for Family of the Year is an outstanding example of what it means to be a truly Catholic family. They continue to be energetic members of their Parish, enthusiastically participating in numerous ministries and activities. They have each served three-year terms on the Parish council, acted as confirmation sponsors, volunteered with the Justice and Peace Ministry to support and shelter the homeless, and make weekly donations to the Parish food pantry. Both are heavily involved with Special Olympics Virginia.

The brother Knight has held several key positions in his Council and Assembly, including Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. He is currently serving as the Council’s Financial Secretary, an Assembly Trustee, and a member of the Color Corps. He was elected as Board Member of KOVAR in 2015. He served as the KOVAR Corporation President from 2019 to 2023 and continues his service on the Board today. On the State Staff, this brother Knight has held several roles, including Family Activities Chairman, Grand Knight Trainer, District Warden, District Deputy, State Training Director, and Convention Comptroller.

She spearheads and continues to lead the Parish’s Samaritan Ministry, which she started in 2013. She trains volunteers and personally completes an average of three visits per week to the sick and homebound, while coordinating visits by other ministry volunteers. She also serves as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a Funeral Minister, and a volunteer with the Heavenly Chef Ministry. In the past, she has served as a Religious Education teacher and chaired the Parish Life Ministry Committee for ten years. He is a dedicated Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Previously, he served as a Mass Coordinator and led the RCIA Inquiry Team for 14 years.

They are both active in the community, providing diapers to Catholic Charities monthly since 2019, and for over 25 years, supporting the Maison Fortune Foundation for an orphanage in Haiti. They are members of the Bishop’s Circle for the Annual Catholic Community Foundation Bishop’s Appeal and recently began financially supporting a breast cancer foundation in the city where their daughter lives. Additionally, she volunteers with Chosen Ministry, a faith-based program for the disabled. This brother Knight and his wife exemplify unselfish, dedicated service to their Parish, community, and Fraternal Order, inspiring others with their lives.

This family has been long-term members of the community since their father retired from military service. Their boys finished their education and scout participation, including Eagle scouts, and have always directly supported the church. One son’s Eagle Scout project centered on refinishing over a dozen well-worn teak benches. The father continues this project today by refinishing other furniture items from the parish.

Since joining the council eight years ago, Peter has served in every Officer chair, including three times as Grand Knight, and as a trustee from 2022 through the present. This brother knight, husband and father is a scout himself, serving previously as a Scoutmaster to the parish den. He continues to support and mentor younger fathers on successful leadership and assisting when needed with larger events.

Marie is an active member of the linen ministry, keeping the hundreds of cloth items clean and appropriately prepared for mass. She previously was a CCD teacher.

This family is a remarkable collection of faithful servants and leaders in the church and local community. Together they participate in a vast collection of volunteer organizations, but family participation in religious education, Knights and Scouts are key elements of their faithful example of family.

This brother knight has supported the March for Life annually as a bus captain and ensured that every trip was conducted efficiently and safely. He has been the lead for council fish-fry and parish breakfasts. His efforts in ensuring successful meals, to include supply acquisition, meal planning/prep, interaction and care for parishioners is without match. Since joining, this man has answered the call of “send me”.

This family embodies the “from worship into service” motto for the year. This is a family that continues to answer the call even as their children are transitioning into their own adult lives. This family has been the exception to the rule of watching children leave their nest. This family stays together and shows up when needed. The family continues to serve the church in their own ministerial lanes, but routinely support each other when extra help is needed, which has led to the success of numerous events.

The family nominated this year is very active in the council. Our Brother Knight has been an excellent DGK conducting meetings when the GK has been unable to attend. He shows his Fraternalism by assisting with council activities including Bingo and Free Throw Competition. The entire family helps at the annual yard sale which takes numerous hours to set up, run, and clean up.

He helps around the parish as an usher, money counter and member of the Parish Men’s Club. When the Parish’s 40+ year old Creche was falling apart, he put his woodworking skills into action and, with the assistance of other council members, built a new Creche with solar powered lighting. When it came to staining the Creche his whole family participated. The family helped with the Parish picnic and the New Year’s Eve Party. This couple assisted with the very successful Parish Advent Party that was attended by over 50 young couples.

He is active in the community as a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and the President of the Annandale North Springfield Little League. The family is involved in youth sports which he regularly volunteers as a team manager, coach, umpire, and referee. He is also a troop committee member for his son’s BSA Troop.

He is a former Coast Guard Yeoman that later served in the Air Force and is a retired Chief Master Sergeant. He is currently working for the Judge Advocate General of the United States Coast Guard providing Information Technology, Human Resources and Resource Management support. His wife is a legal professional working as an Assistant US Attorney with the Dept. of Justice. Both could easily say they are too busy to get involved, but they always find time for their children’s activities, the Parish, Council, and community. They encourage their children to be involved, and thus, are instilling the importance of charity in their family. When I reflect upon our selection for Family of the Year, this family has been one of the most active overall. They can be seen at most of the council’s functions volunteering to help make the event a success. This family humbly embodies the Knights’ Principals of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

The members of this family are very active in both their parish and their Council. He is involved with almost every council event, including the 5-Car Raffle that involves coordinating the envelope stuffing for the parish, getting cars to the parish, collecting tickets and getting them to
All Saints Church.

The family has taken a leading role within the Council and Parish for the yard sale and Picnic. He assists with the behind-the-scenes activities for the Council’s Bingo and Pancake Breakfasts, coordinating Council activities involving the use of the School Kitchen. He produces, by hand, all the council Free Throw Challenge and Soccer Shoot Out Certificates.

He played an important role in determining an approach to prevent the flooding of the Council’s storage area. This family has shared a leadership role in the parish council, assisting the Pastor and the construction community in overseeing the building of a new Church Narthex. He is an Usher, serves on the finance committee, and in the Men’s Club. She serves the Parish as a sacristan, she’s on the flower and grounds ministries, Women’s Council, and Pro-Life Group.

This family is very involved in the community. He is a recipient of the Lord Fairfax Award. She is a volunteer at A Better Choice Women’s Pregnancy Center.

Their support of Holy Spirit School continues decades after their children went on to other schools. He approaches every challenge like an engineer trying to find a workable solution that will lead to a positive result.

He stepped up after years of serving as Council GK, Trustee, and nine years of Financial Secretary to become the Council’s Treasurer. At the installation of Officers’ Dinner, he pointed out to the Grand Knight that there was a mistake on the card with his officer title. The card read “Council Treasure” instead of “Council Treasurer. He is truly a Council Treasure” because he
and his family humbly embody the Knights’ Principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and
Patriotism.

With years of service at the State and District levels, this Knight and his family are equally committed to his Council, their church, and all of the activities. During this very trying year, this Brother Knight successfully found ways to keep the youth activities running within the guidelines of State regulations. Activities such as the Soccer Shootout, Free Throw Challenge, Christmas poster contest, and essay contest gave the youth focus on positive events during a time when most of Virginia was shut down.

This Knight also assists in other programs, such as Project 9-1-1, food collections, yard sale, parish movie nights, and is very involved with the Assembly. His wife helps out at many of the Council events, including collecting funds in support of the Parish’s pro-life committee, sign-ins for youth activities, and helping with receptions.

Holy Spirit Church knows that when assistance is needed, this Family of the Year can be counted on for their support — from moving things out of a flooded storage room or helping out with the Council’s Squire Circle. Within the church, this Knight’s wife is involved with the Council of Catholic Women, the Parish’s Respect Life Ministry, and helped with the fundraiser for a local women’s pregnancy center.

As a member of the Council’s First Degree Team, as Chancellor or Deputy Grand Knight, he has become the Council’s Presenter of Unity in our Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity Combined Degree Team and puts together a wonderful reception following the activity.

The members of this family are very active in both their parish and their council. The brother Knight and his wife are tireless supporters of the parish food pantry, helping to provide much needed items to the many families that rely on this parish program. The food pantry distributes over 35 bags of non-perishable food each week. There are families who would go hungry if it were not for our family’s contributions. This family can always be seen at Sunday and Friday noon mass with their children.

This family exemplifies a true catholic family. Our brother Knight and his wife have adopted two children and plan on adopting two more children in the near future. Their son is seven years old and daughter is now 3 years old. Both children are well behaved and show that they are from a very loving home. His son is the councils zero degree Knight and has joined the Polar Plunge event the past two years. The family are at all of the dinners and many other activities with the council. Our nominee’s wife, while raising two young children, contributes to the Knight Cappers and the many different projects they do. Both our nominee and his wife work tirelessly in the local community, as well as Knight of Columbus at church activities.

Once again, our family orchestrated the council’s participation in the Polar Plunge. Their goal for
donations was $2,100 and through their continuous efforts they achieved over $3,000 in donations. As part of the State Team, they were honored to be a contributing part of the check given to the State Deputy for over $117,000.

The members are very active at both their Parish and their Council. Their unwavering support shows through their involvement in youth group activities, fundraisers, Culture of Life activities as well as active support to unwed mothers on the part of parents and their children.

In addition, family participation in, and support of council family picnics, fund raisers and support to Parish festivals, religious activities, and so confirm their involvement. The member regularly serves as usher at the same weekend Mass, assists with Parish meetings, festivals and other events, and is an active worker in Youth Group activities, especially Work Camp funding efforts and on-site operations during the Work Camp week. Family members are active in Church activities. Children have participated in Youth group and Religious education classes and have all received the formational sacraments. The Brother Knight works tirelessly in Council, Church and Community activities. His wife joins him in many of these activities, and their children are, or have been very active alongside their parents. In short, good works in the Community are this family’s shining achievement.

Their commitment to Life has been the focus of their efforts for more than a decade. A pregnancy in 2005 offered great joy for the birth of a sixth child. Good news quickly became sorrow, when they learned the child might not survive birth. Nevertheless, despite urgings to abort, they decide to carry to term. Their son survived for 40 minutes. God called them to dedicate their lives to his memory by creating a foundation to save babies from abortion by providing unwed and homeless mothers with a place to live, support for their pregnancy through delivery, recovery and return to life. Starting with two homes a year later, they have saved over 130 babies and mothers. This year, following a two-year renovation project, their foundation will open a Regional Maternity and Training Center that will accommodate up to 30 mothers and their children. Truly their contributions to the Community are without equal.

This family is a bright light of Catholic values in the world by their unparalleled efforts for protection of unborn babies and support for mothers seeking to do what is right to protect life. Their dedication to their Foundation which provides shelter and care for unwed and homeless pregnant women, illustrates their Catholic values and dependence on God’s grace in everything they do.

An Honorary Life Member of the Order, serving the Order for over 53 years and his parish community for over 40 years, this Brother Knight needs no introduction.

A mainstay in his council by holding multiple positions at the Council, Assembly, District, and State Level, the Knight is known for his willingness to provide his assistance to all who he meets, with a smile on his face, and a servant’s attitude. Looking to marry council and parish activities, the family was the “driving force” behind the Polish Night celebration – not only during the setup but also during the event proper to ensure that everyone had a great time.

A former Home Owners’ Association president and currently serving on its Board of Directors, the Knight and his family have been involved with all of the fundraising programs needed to provide and maintain active, the many community sponsored activities. Working with the local fire department, they have been critical in ensuring that he (while playing the role of Santa) has a chauffeur during the Advent season to provide holiday cheer. They have been involved as judges for the annual community Christmas decoration contests. The list goes on and on in what they do for the community.

The Knight’s wife has been with him along the way, serving as a catechist, volunteer, and cause champion for the Knights throughout the parish and community. The work done by the family during the Lenten and Advent Reflection programs, prayer groups, and other parish programs serves as further examples of sacrifice and love that this family of the year has for their community.

Finally, closer to home, and so very dear to our hearts and tummies, this family for years has helped host state and regional hospitality suites for all to enjoy. This is just a drop in the bucket of all that the family does in the community, within the Knights, and in their parish.

Our Family of the Year is very involced with their aprish as well as the Community Spiritual Center. This Knight is a Past Grand Knight as well as a Lector, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Server and sacristan. They are actively involved with the Joseph of Arimathea Ministry where they help at funeral Masses. They are members of the World Apositolate of Fatima that involves visitng the sick at nursing homes, hopsitals and private homes.

In the community they are involved with the homeless outreach center, adopt a higheay and Special Olympics. This family is involed with their parish, their Knights of Columbus Council and is always willling to help in the community.

The Husband of this year’s Family of the Year has served as Grand Knight, Deputy
Grand Knight, Chancellor and Trustee, chaired the General Programs, KOVAR, and
KCIC committees, and has been a Brother Knight for 4 years.

This family is very involved with their Parish and community. He is a Eucharistic and lay
minister at both his parish and Spiritual Center. She has served as Hermana Mayor or head coordinator for the Santa Cruzan and Mayflower festivals and other fiestas, which involves raising funds, overseeing the nine day novenas, the mass, and the fiesta itself.

They frequently volunteer to set up and clean up the parish. At their Spiritual Center, they do the same and have helped construct cabinets and were instrumental in coordinating the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Tree of Remembrance where family members can gather to remember their loved ones who have gone before them.

They have volunteered with Feeding the Homeless and are leaders in their community. They are the “go to” people for recently arrived immigrants who need guidance and support. They provide them with training and resources to get them started.

Together, they and their four children and their families have participated in several community fund raisers and events, such as the Polar Plunge, fun runs to raise awareness for cancer and disease prevention, and fundraisers for ANCOP which helps the poorest of poor children. Both have been instrumental in leading the council and its Ladies Auxiliary to successful years. This is just a fraction of what this family that puts Christ at its center does for its parish, community, and council.

The Head of this year’s Family of the Year has served as Grand Knight, Financial Secretary and
Trustee and has chaired a number of Council charity committees and a has been a brother Knight for 19 years.

This family has been very involved with their Parish and community. Their major recent
accomplishments include coordinating the Parish’s Annual rummage sale, coordinating the annual Christmas Pageant and it’s summer Theatre program spending countless volunteer hours preparing the cast for finished production; assisting in a program to deliver cribs to families in the community and; assisting with decorating the church during the major liturgical holidays.

Our nominee family has been proactive in supporting church activities by participating at the various events; they have a CAN-DO attitude, with a smile on their faces. They:

• Regularly attend Mass on Sundays and Holidays
• Volunteer for the car-raffle envelope stuffing to raise money for the tuition assistance program
• Volunteer as Eucharistic Ministers, Usher & Lector
• Lead the Doughnut & coffee program during K of C Membership Drives
• Wife is a substitute teacher at a parochial school
• Assist with delivering cribs through ‘Project Manger’
• Pancake Breakfast & Breakfast with Santa
• Fall Festival
• Keep Christ in Christmas Sales
• Christmas Tree sales

The husband, a Knight of 34 years, has been Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, Youth Director, and Trustee in the Council as well as Faithful Navigator, Captain, and Pilot in his Assembly. He has chaired the Annual Council Picnic and Awards event, the Council Soccer Challenge, and the Council Free Throw contest. He is also chair of the Parish Liturgical Committee, the Mass Coordinator Director, and a Eucharistic Minister. His wife is active in the music ministry, serves on the Parish Finance Committee, is an auditor for the parish bingo/gaming board, and is a Eucharistic Minister. She has held various offices in the Council’s Ladies Auxiliary and has maintained a mailing list of all the Council’s widows to ensure they are invited to Ladies Auxiliary and Council events.

They worship together, obviously have a deep faith and commitment to each other and to our Church, and have raised three children. They have a true commitment and dedication to Church, community, and Council. They are always available to assist, train, or offer advice to either Council Officers or Ladies Auxiliary officers. With their experience and knowledge they have been a godsend to our Parish and Council.

Over the past five years, our nominee’s wife and children have come together to help their husband and father through the tough and exacting educational, psychological, and emotional
training and experiences required to achieve his dream of becoming a deacon. Last October he was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate.

Our nominee and his wife are sterling examples of a Christian family” – these are the words of the Grand Knight of the State Family of the Year. The husband, a Knight of 37 years, has been Grand Knight, Chancellor, Advocate, Community Director, Church Director and Trustee in his council. He has chaired the Lenten Fish Dinners, the Sweetheart Dinner, the KOVAR Turkey Shoot Fundraiser, and the Relay for Life. He is also the Vice-Chair of the Parish Council, Chair of the Liturgy and Worship Committee, a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and Acolyte for parish masses. His wife is Vice President of the parish Women’s Guild, Secretary of the Parish Council, a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and Sacristan.

Their Grand Knight continues – “they worship together, obviously have a deep faith and commitment to our Church, and they have raised their family of three boys, as practicing Catholics, no small feat these days. They exemplify the qualities and characteristics of a Knight and his family, by helping others. They are both extremely active in Parish, Community and Council functions, and can be relied on to assist with any venture, no matter how difficult. They approach each of the areas with a significant sense of responsibility and urgency. If they get involved with something, they take ownership and always produce outstanding results. They are always upbeat and have a kind word for all.”

Our Founder Fr McGivney saw the Family as the model of our faith. His encouragement of the
Husband and Father to lead and care for his family is a reality in this family. This father serves his parish as a Eucharistic Minister, sacristan, music ministry, lector, liturgy coordinator, and Parish Advisory Committee member. He also serves his parish as an Emmaus II teacher. Our nominee has risen through the chairs to Grand Knight and is currently a Trustee with the Council. His dedication to the Kof C continues on in the Assembly in which he has served in officer positions at our affiliated Assembly. Our nominee has served our council in many capacities including serving as chairman of numerous activities.

The family can always be seen worshiping together at Mass. Mom is a lead member of the
choir, Eucharistic Minister, lector and Emmaus II teacher. She is a charter member of the Ladies
Auxiliary and has held the office of treasurer. Their now college age daughter continues the tradition of her parents by serving her church in the same capacity as her parents she is a choir lead, altar server, and lector. Her first call when she is home from college is to Church to find out what they would like her to do sing or lector. The family of the year nominee also has a son, who believe it or not is not a member of the music ministry but does continue his parent’s example by being an altar server, a student in the Emmaus II program and is a Boy Scout in the troop chartered through their church. The words a family that prays together stays together define this year’s Family of the Year Nominee perfectly.

This family is also well known for their community involvement. Dad is a retired Navy officer
who was actively involved in the defense of our great nation for more than 20 years. He is currently serving as a contractor to the U.S.Navy developing lesson plans to enrich the skills and knowledge base of our military. Our nominee has been very active in raising funds to help support the Council’s lofty fund raising efforts in order to give back to our community. Mom is an employee of the City helping citizens of our community through her daily efforts. She is a longtime volunteer with many of the Council’s charitable efforts, not the least of which is the council’s work at the local music venue where we volunteer as vendors for tips. They raised this year alone over $9,000. Their daughter has been recognized for her many volunteer works in the community. She has assisted the community by volunteering at a local hospital, nursing home and animal shelter. This family’s son is a boy scout, assists with setup and cleanup activities at most of the council’s events. He has been selected for a prestigious program at the Virginia Aquarium. He has been recognized for numerous academic achievements and was most recently selected to attend a specialized high school program promoting technology.

The State Family of the Year is truly living their faith, the love and the dream. They are the basic
unit of society giving to society exactly what their parents expect of them and not what society expects. They are an example of all the virtues a Catholic Family should exhibit to their church, community and society. They live a life in service to others by giving several hours a month of service to others. Families like this are the backbone of the Catholic community.

The Family of the Year is truly immersed in their Church, Family and Community. The father has
been a Knight for more than 25 years and is a pillar of his Council. He is a Past Grand Knight
and has held various offices in the Council. He currently directs the Council’s Youth program. He
frequently cooks, serves and cleans up at events where the Council serves food such as pancake
breakfasts, cook-outs and picnics. He has spent many hours selling Christmas Trees to raise
funds for the Council and helps with the lot setup and clean-up. He regularly participates in the
Council Rosary before meetings. He has chaired many Council events including a Halloween
Party for Parish youth, an Altar Server Appreciation Day, an annual Council Christmas Dance and
the Council’s golf outing. He is a retired Chief Petty Officer (U.S. Coast Guard) and is active in
the retirees association.

He is also very active in the Parish serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Usher, and Religious
Education Teacher. He has been a member of the Parish Council and has been involved with the
Youth Ministry.

This Knight’s wife joins her husband in serving the Church and Community. She is also a
Eucharistic Minister and Religious Education Teacher. She has been a member of the Ladies
Auxiliary and has held leadership positions in that organization. She has worked together with
her husband in helping to run various events for the Council. She went back to school while the
children were young and is now a teacher. She was also active in the local PTA while the kids
were in school.

This Knight and his lady are fixtures in the Parish. They can always be seen together
worshipping at Mass. They have been active in their children’s sports activities. With their
children, they have volunteered for KOVAR and even manned a shift for the Council at a
Salvation Army kettle. Their older daughter is now also a Religious Education Teacher, following
the example of her parents.

This Knight was nominated by his Council because he and his family exemplify the model of a
good Catholic family. Together, they portray the Knights of Columbus and their Church in the
best possible light. It is rare that their conversation does not end with “I love you.” It is their
actions, however, that speak louder than any words. They are a true example of what a Catholic
family of the Knights of Columbus can be.

This year’s Family of the Year is truly remarkable. They are deeply committed to their church,
community, council, and, of course their own family. They raised six children and like any good Knights of Columbus family, the children grew up participating in and supporting Council activities.

He is a charter member of two councils and an assembly; has held almost all of the elected Council positions, most more than once; is a former District Deputy and an Honorary Life Member. She is an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and has served as Vice President, Secretary and Financial Secretary.

They volunteer countless hours at their parish doing everything from running the hospitality ministry, serving as director of liturgy, organist, director of the children’s choir, serving on numerous committees, as well as being in charge of maintaining all of the parish property.

They volunteer at and coordinate the Council’s support of a local shelter for abused families. He serves on the Soap Box Derby committee, is a volunteer driver for the regional service board, and he once rushed into a burning home to wake a sleeping family, saving their lives. She assists with fundraising programs for a hospice, participates in the annual community Christmas food basket program, and chairs the Public Affairs Committee of the local woman’s club. When their children were young, he coached little league and she was a scout leader.

The husband has twice held the office of Grand Knight, has Past Grand Knight of his Council,
Faithful Navigator & Captain of his Assembly, and on the state level has served as both the State
Church and State Community Chairman.

Also as a Knight, he has chaired the following events or committees: KOVAR, KCIC, Special
Olympics Soccer Championship, Spaghetti and Fish Fry Dinner fundraisers & Parents ‘Knight’
Out. In his parish community, he has been the Liturgical Coordinator for 8 years, has chaired the
Parish Festival, sat on the Liturgical Commission, helped at Parish Bingo and plays SANTA CLAUS at Christmas. He is also involved with several schools for ‘Skills Quest’ (children with
intellectual challenges. He also works with military families in solving problems with finance,
employment & family separations. Alongside his lovely wife, they collectively have been
Eucharistic Ministers for 25 years, and have worked together on the Homeless Shelter Team for a collective 18 years. His wife has been Parish Council Chair for two years and has a total of four
years on the Parish Council. She has also chaired the Bishop’s Parish Program “We will walk in
faith”, serves as a lector, works on the Parish festival committee and serves on the Parish Social
committee. She has been part of the Food Drive Program for 13 years. She has done all this
while actively serving in the Navy as a Captain. She is committed to our National Defense with
particular emphasis on environmental health issues with Federal, State, and City Governments.
She has chaired her Garden Club and continues to serve as a judge for the National Science
Fair.

Their daughter has also served on Parish Council, is a Eucharistic Minister, served on the Giving
Tree Committee and worked with ‘Youth of Ascension’ as well as being a full time college student who was selected for the prestigious Associates Program in physical therapy. She works with the community physical therapy team assisting those unable to pay for this service.

Their son has served in Giving Tree, the Emmaus II Program for the RCIC candidates and is also
a full time college student who is currently serving as assistant editor of his school newspaper,
acts as a student advisor to the City Public Library and works with student government at his
college.

The Family of the Year are relative newcomers to the Knights of the Columbus. However, their sustained, selfless devotion and contribution to the Catholic Church and community and the Knights of Columbus on the local, national and international level have made them role models.

This couple has successfully raised six children, while having a remarkable professional career, and still finding time to be extremely involved with their Church and community everywhere they have lived. He is currently an international consultant specializing in aerospace, defense industries, national security, international trade and comparative law issues. She, a Chartered Life Underwriter, is a financial services, marketing, and management professional, as well as an educator. Both have extensive educational backgrounds and provide continuing support to numerous higher education projects at various Catholic colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Even when living abroad they were involved. The husband’s work took them to Poland from 1998-2003. Theywere active members in the American Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw and participated in the activities and charitable functions related to the military chaplaincy of the diocese for the Polish military services. She was an active member of the International Women’s Group of Warsaw, which successfully raised funds for orphanages and hospitals in Poland.

Here’s just a small sampling of some of their other involvements:

• They have hosted a special Mass and Council Christmas party as wellas the Council’s annual Day of Recollection/Retreat in their home the last two years.
• They are member of the Military Archbishop’s Steering Committee for the National Campaign and hosted a Mass and reception in their home for the Archdiocese
• He is chairman of the Centurions – a group of high-end donors to the Military Archdiocese
• They assist Bishop Loverde in fundraising, specifically geared to construction of new Catholic high schools. They are similarly involved with the Diocese of Altoona, Pennsylvania.
• As a by-product of her experiences in Poland, she authored a book entitled, White Lace Covered Windows: A Window on Poland, the proceeds of which are intended to battle cancer in cooperation with the National Cancer Institute and The National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The book will be used as a fundraising vehicle for Catholic higher education in cooperation with the Diocese of Arlington.
• He serves with distinction as a member of the Catholic Order of Malta, supporting the Defense of Faith program and the outreach program to wounded military veterans by facilitating their travel to Our Lady’s Shrine in Lourdes, France. Both hosted a Mass and reception in their home honoring new candidates to the Order of Malta.

The Family of the Year does everything together. All five work together to serve God, Church,
Community, Council, and Family. Allfive are active participants in the parish’s Christian Formation class: all five the work together in collecting and delivering food baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, all five work the parish Christmas tree sale; all five are actively involved in the parish youth group; all five have participated together in Catholic Heart Work Camps. Every Sunday, the father serves as an usher or lector, while the children distribute the parish bulletins, and the mother works the welcome table and serves coffee, juice, and donuts. The entire family volunteers every year at Jerry Lewis’s Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon by manning the phone banks at the local TVstation. The entire family is involved in Scouting. Both sons are Eagle Scouts and the daughter has earned the Silver Award and is nearing completion of the Gold Award requirements. One summer, the entire family traveled to New Mexico to participate at Philmont high adventure camp.

The oldest son, although disabled, graduated from high school in three and a half years and is now a dean’s list sophomore and is listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. He and his father recently became involved with “power or wheelchair soccer. They have introduced the sport to many communities and are now involved in introducing the sport to disabled veterans returming from Iraq and Afghanistan. This son is a Brother Knight. The two younger children are members of the National Honor Society and both are listed in Who’s Who in American High Schools, which recognizes students who have excelled in academics, extra-curricular activities, and community service. Mom is active in a number of volunteer fundraising activities in the high school and the community. Dad serves on the Mayor’s committee for persons with disabilities and on the City Council’s Youth Committee. Dad is a Past Grand Knight of his Council and earmed both the State Deputy’s Award and the State’s Circle of Honor
Award. The Council also earned the Star Council Award his year. Dad and the youngest son annually work the Special Olympics goff venue tourmament. Our Family of the Year is indeed a model family that prays together, plays together, and works together.

This family is described as devoted to their Faith, dedicated to the Church, loyal to the Order and in love with one another. This family is the backbone of our council according to his Grand Knight. Both are active in the recruitment of new Knights and the family is devoted to the principles of Columbianism.

He has been a Knight for 50 years and in his council for the past 17 years. He has served as Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator and two years as a District Deputy. He is active in both the 3d and 4th Degree of the Order.

She is always stepping forward to assist in the work of the Order and in parish life. They are the first to greet newcomers to the parish. She has been president of the Ladies Auxiliary and Chairperson of the Ladies Christmas Bazaar. They have seven grown children.

He has served the Virginia State Council in many capacities as an advisor to State Deputies. He has worked on recruitment, retention and reactivation of members. He has served as a Council Development and Assistance Chairman. He is a support of our flag and our country and the right to religious freedom. He serves as vice-president of fund raising for the Virginia Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. He is the founder of the Honor America Corps.

The Brother Knight is a Eucharistic Minister, Catechist, Junior Youth Group Coordinator, Vacation Bible School Volunteer and serves on the parish Vocations comrnittee. His wife also is a Eucharistic Minister, Catechist, Junior Youth Group Coordinator, Vocation Bible School Volunteer and serves on the parish Vocations comnittee. She also is the vacation bible school craft leader, running the activities for more than 200 children. She also serves on the Religious Education Committee.

Their 11 year old and 8 year old sons are alter servers, members of the Parish’s children choir, and both are members of the Junior Youth Group They run the council’s youth bowling program for 7 & 8 year olds. The entire family worked with a youth group and collected over 2500 articles of clothing and 150 items of food. They hosted a half day retreat for the youth of the parish. In January they arranged a “Souper Bowl” that’s S-O-U-P-E-R. Bowl. Parishioners were asked to bring a can of soup as they attended Mass and put it in the box that represented their choice to win the Super Bowl. New England received two more cans of soup than Philadelphia but the Homeless shelter received 160 cans of soup. The Council describes them as a Catholic Family dedicated to service to our Lord and their fellow man.

This couple has been active in their community by their involvement in such programs as Council’s Soup Kitchen, helping the disabled at a Regional Educational facility for the handicap and other service programs to heip the low income families of the community.

They have been involved in every aspect of the parish lay services for the past 20 years. From being CCD teachers, the children being Altar Servers to chaining the parish portion of a Diocesan Capital Campaign.

He has been a two term Grand Knight and has received State Deputy Award and Star Council awards. Their children have grown up around the Knights and have become Knights themselves

This couple has been active volunteers in their community by their activity in Habitat for Humanity and renovating facilities for a local school.

They serve their church as Lecturers, Eucharistic Ministers, Catholic Bookstore Managers, RCIA participants, Buildings and Grounds Committee and the Alter Guild. They have been active in the
Mission Church of the parish, traveling over 200 miles each way to document the requirements and participating in making the repairs. They have also been involved with a local college to bring College Students to parish families for weekends.

He has been a Grand Knight 2 times and a District Warden. She has spent so much time working on Knight’s activities, she is sometimes referred to as the only Knight that can not attend meetings.

The Family of the Year is a family of four who are unparalleled in their commitment to church, council, and community. Stephen, Patricia, and their son Edward have more than thirteen years of teaching CCD at their parish. The family has devoted countless hours to multiple church festivals. Stephen, Edward, and their daughter Christine have all played on various men’s, youth, and coed softball teams, and all four are avid bowlers and have joined together to run several tournaments.

Patricia and Christine were active participants in the Church nursery and are both excellent crafters who have made noteworthy contributions to hospitals and nursing homes. This family is also strongly involved in council functions and dinners by chairing several successful events, as well as being emcees, cooks, bartenders, and servers. They have created shared family experiences by repeatedly lending a hand to athletes at Special Olympics. Stephen has coached pee-wee football and little league baseball, while Patricia ran the concession operations.

Stephen has been a Knight for twenty-four years, is a Past Grand Knight, and a Former District Deputy. Christine is a charter member of the KC Ladies and has held various offices. Edward has served seventeen years with the Knights, first as a Columbian Squire, including Chief Squire, and now as a Third degree member.

This year’s family has spent more than twenty years serving their church, their community, and their Council. At church, this family is always visible, as an usher, Eucharistic Minister,
building and maintaining Mary’s garden, evangelization projects, the Folk Choir, Altar Server (their son), RCIA, Legion of Mary, editor of the parish newsletter, parish festivals, and more. The wife was involved in these activities even before she converted to Catholicism. A very active in community and Council activities, our Knight is a Past Grand Knight and Former District Deputy. He has chaired or currently chairs many activities, including Christmas tree sales, fireworks sales, KOVAR, Special Olympics, Bingo, and more. He is active in the Jr. Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations. He and his son are both five-gallon blood donors. His wife is a volunteer worker for the pro-life AAA Women for Choice.