Programs

The Supreme Council provides elements of the Faith Program area which were gathered from the annual fraternal survey form and are noted here:

The elements of the Faith Program area which are noted in the Columbian Award application and the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity forms are:

1. RSVP Program
2. Church Facilities
3. Catholic Schools/Seminaries
4. Marian Icon Prayer Program
5. Religious/Vocations Education
6. Prayer & Study Programs
7. Sacramental Gifts
8. Into the Breach
9. Building the Domestic Church Kiosk
10. Rosary Program
11. Holy Hour
12. Spiritual Reflection Program (which is a required program)
13. Miscellaneous Faith Activities

Our Council Faith Programs and Projects are elements of these activity areas as shown below:

• Parish Campus and Activity Support (Parish Council, Grounds Maintenance, Giving Program, Parish Calendars, Parish Picnic, Religious Education, Women of Saint Andrew)

The BSC Brothers and family members significantly participate in the Parish operations whether in the front office, executive committees, facility or campus maintenance, religious education programs, crisis response, liturgical supply, and social support.  Volunteers can hold committee positions in the Parish committees as well as BSC committees, or they can perform grass root-level actions that improve and maintain our Parish ministry programs.  Parish Nurses' Association, ViCap, Good Neighbor Alliance, Stephen Ministry, the Community Food Bank, RCIA instruction, CCD instruction, Eucharistic Apostles of Devine Mercy, and Bible Study are just t some of the ministries which need support and commitment.  BSC supports the preparation and conduct of the fundraisers of the Women of Saint Andrew’s Parish by supporting the annual White Elephant Sale, St Nicholas Fair, and Children’s Christmas Party.

• Spiritual Reflection Program

The council  sponsors a Silver Rose prayer service in conjunction with the Supreme Knight’s program Running of the Roses.

• Mass Ministry Support

BSC has many members who support the Sunday and Daily Masses with volunteers as Ministers of Hospitality, Ushers, Sacristans, Eucharistic Ministers, Choir, and Altar Servers.  All Deacons and our Priest-are members of the BSC.

• Evangelization, Ministry Conferences, Rosary Distribution and Arizona State Rosary Celebration

From the local coordination of Rosary making and distribution, to the State-level celebration of the Rosary and Ministerial Conferences sponsored by the Diocese of Tucson or by the Parish, BSC Brothers and their family members actively support and participate in the activities that bring prayer into private and community life.  Volunteers can help with making or distributing rosaries, prayer cards, liturgical booklets, and many other tangibles connected with prayer support.  They can also participate in Diocese, Parish or Council programs that carry the Gospel to those who need to hear it, whether in homeless shelters, prisons, schools, or other benevolent associations.  Council members participate in the Prison Ministry and St Paul Street Evangelization Ministry to reclaim lost souls as well as appeal to those who are looking for meaning in their lives.  Brother Knights also sponsor the Keep Christ in Christmas initiative of the Knights of Columbus by selling religious Christmas cards and other media to promote the true meaning of the Christmas celebration.

• Annual Catholic Appeal Dinner

The BSC provides for free, a dinner of all parishioners who attend the Annual Catholic Appeal dinner which is provided at the Columbian Association Hall.  The free dinner is in appreciation for Parishioners who donate generously to the Annual Catholic Appeal fund.  Brothers, family members and Youth ministries provide all the volunteer support for set-up, serving and cleanup after the event.  Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish has thus become a significant contributor to the Annual Catholic Appeal through the Diocese of Tucson.

• Refund Support Vocations Programs (RSVP)

Through the Knights of Columbus Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP), BSC supports seminarians or postulants and provides them with financial assistance and moral support throughout their discernment and training.  BSC provides support, encouragement and prayer for the sponsored individuals. 

• Keep Christ in Christmas Religious Christmas Cards

BSC sells Christmas Cards as a means for evangelizing.  A small amount of profit is used to fund youth recognition programs in our parish.  Download the brochure to select and order products.

If you would like to order and send religious Christmas cards, you may order them from us at the Knights of Columbus using the attached pamphlet at the link below contains an order form on the last page.  You may contact SK Larry Carter at his email [email protected] or phone 520-249-9524 for coordination to order, pay, pick-up or deliver.

• Pilgrimages, Religious Relics and Prayer

BSC provides logistic and coordination support for traveling relics or displays of Saints and Apparitions.  The BSC also supports the Supreme Council in publicizing the featured programs such as their Warriors to Lourdes Military Pilgrimage, and by coordinating with those Veterans who might benefit from the pilgrimage experience.  The BSC also maintains a prayer list for those Brothers and family members who are suffering health issues.

• Council Relief Fund

BSC provides a relief fund for Brothers and Widow Families in times of financial distress.  Help for BSC Brothers-in-Need is determined by the Relief Committee members who are the Financial Secretary, Grand Knight, and Treasurer.  Brothers should nominate any Brother they know of who needs particular help – after determining if they would accept such help.  

• Life Teen

Life Teen is a High School age youth ministry.  Life Teen is Saint Andrew’s youth ministry for high school students in 9th-12th grades.  The Life Teen program combines both catechesis and relational ministry and is designed to meet the educational, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of adolescents.  BSC Brothers and family assist with supervision and direction of the program events.  As available, attendance at a Leadership Conference for Catholic Youth is also supported by the BSC with donations to defray the travel costs.

Through Sunday night “Life Nights,” weeknight events, weekend retreats, socials, and many other events, this parish ministry invites teens into a deeper relationship with Christ.  Life Teen is centered in the Eucharist to bring teens into a love for their Catholic faith.  Using a proven model, Life Teen strives to engage the youth of our church in a fun, engaging, and relevant way.  Life Nights take place on Sundays from 6:30pm – 8:00pm in rooms 6 & 7 of the Parish Hall.  BSC volunteers can assist with supervising activities and with presentations. 

• Youth Edge Nights

Edge is Saint Andrew’s youth ministry for middle school (Junior High School) students in 6th-8th grades.  The Edge program combines both catechesis and relational ministry and is designed to meet the educational, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of young adolescents.  Edge combines the best of Life Teen with the necessary adaptations to provide middle school youth with the ministry they need.  Through Tuesday night “Edge Nights,” weeknight events, weekend retreats, socials, and many other events, the parish invites teens into a deeper relationship with Christ.  Edge is centered in the Eucharist to bring teens into a love for their Catholic faith.  Using Life Teen’s ministry model, Edge helps teens learn about their Catholic faith in a fun, engaging, and relevant way.  BSC volunteers can assist with supervising activities and with presentations. 

• Catholic Men’s Conferences

Knights and parishioners have the opportuinty to attend Into the Breach conferences several times during the year.  The topics will be based on exhortations by Bishop Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix, and which has been adopted by the Knights of Columbus.  There is an annual Tucson Men's Conference each fall.  Try out a virtual men's conference: https://catholicmenleaders.org/summit-resources/ 

The Supreme Council provides elements of the Family Program area which are summarized here:

The elements of the Family program area which are noted in the Columbian Award application and the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity forms are:

1. Food for Families
2. Family of the Month/Year
3. Family Fully Alive
4. Keep Christ in Christmas
5. Family Week
6. Family Prayer Night
7. Good Friday Family Promotion
8. Consecration to the Holy Family (which is a required program)
9. Miscellaneous Family Programs

Our Council Family Programs and Projects are shown below:

• Knight and Parish Family of the Month/Year Program

The Family of the Month Program is a Supreme Council feature program.  Selection and presentation occur at the local Council level.  BSC also participates in the Family of the Year Program.  BSC Family Activities Chairman and Council Officers select deserving families for this recognition and forward a nomination packet to the Supreme Council each month and to the State council for Family of the Year.  Nominated families may be of Knights or Parishioners.  Recommendations are encouraged from all Council members and Parishioners to the Committee Chairman.

• Knight of the Month and Knight of the Year

Knights can be nominated as Knight of the Month by any council member.  The Family Activities Chairman will coordinate selection with council Grand Knight and Officers.  Recognition certificates will be provided to the winner each month.  Near the end of the Fraternal year, the council Grand Knight and Officers will select a Knight of the Year candidate from among the Knights of the Month selected during the fraternal year, and forward that selected candidate to the Arizona State Council for consideration. 

• Consecration to the Holy Family

To help families live out the joy of Christ, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori has composed a prayer through which families will come together to consecrate themselves under the protection of the Holy Family.  In this prayer, we ask for the aid or intercession of the perfect son Jesus Christ, Mary the perfect mother, and Joseph who is a model for every father.  Our Council and Parish will plan on attending Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family and recite this prayer to consecrate ourselves under the protection of the Holy Family.  The program details can be viewed at this link: https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/faith-in-action-programs/family/consecration-to-the-holy-family/10605-consecration-holy-family-guidesheet.pdf

• St. Vincent De Paul Service to the Poor / Food for Families

An annual week-end food drive is coordinated at the Parish by the St Vincent De Paul volunteers.  A parish-based First Sunday Food drive is also conducted monthly.  Brothers from BSC are among the volunteers who collect and store the donated food for subsequent distribution to St Vincent de Paul.  During Lent, BSC Brothers and family members collect food and cash donations to provide support to St Vincent de Paul Food Bank program.  A goal of $1,000 is set so that the Supreme Council will add 20% to the collected amount which also then goes to the food bank.  Several Brothers and their family also perform case worker functions as part of the Saint Vincent de Paul ministry to screen and assist poor people who have fallen on hard times, and sometimes require a grant to pay for essential utilities or rent.

BSC supports the St Andrew The Apostle Parish Food Pantry and St. Vincent De Paul Society Food Bank.  The St Andrew the Apostle food pantry is located in the Parish office complex and is usually stocked from the food donated by parishioners on the first Sunday of each month.  Occasionally, food items must be purchased food to stock the pantry, when required.  Food from the pantry is delivered periodically to the St Vincent De Paul food pantry for distribution to the needy in the community.  On occasion, hungry desperate people will be given food items directly by the Parish staff.  Items that are used most are canned meats, cereal, snacks and items that do not require much preparation or refrigerated storage.  Dry beans, bags of rice and some canned vegetables are also popular.  An annual week-end food drive is coordinated at the Parish campus by the St Vincent De Paul volunteers.  Brothers from Bishop Salpointe Council are among the volunteers who collect and store the donated food for subsequent distribution.  A previous section on St Vincent de Paul describes the annual food and money collections during lent to benefit poor families in our community. 

• Family Prayer Night (also known as Social Potluck)

The Family Prayer Night is a Rosary and supper for Knights and their family members combined with an abbreviated social meeting.  This event constitutes a get-together that is scheduled whenever there are no new candidates scheduled for exemplification at the second council meeting each month.  Families become more acquainted with each other which promotes friendships and support for church, council and community events.  

• Widows Breakfast/Brunch

The Brothers of BSC coordinate with the St Andrew the Apostle Parish to conduct a Mass intention for widows of deceased Brothers.  Immediately after the Mass, a complimentary brunch is served to the widows, and a small-price brunch is also offered to other attendees of the brunch.

• Good Friday Family Promotion

Our Christian faith centers on Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.  But attendance at Good Friday and Easter services is declining.  Now, through this promotion, Knights and their families will work with their pastor to create a campaign promoting the importance of Good Friday services.  Knights will take this opportunity to also educate parish families about the plight of Christians living in the Holy Land today.  Support of this event also includes sales of Solidarity Crosses by the Knights.

• Prayer Rallies/Public Rosaries for Sanctified Marriage and other Issues Affecting Family Integrity

Our Brothers and their wives and children can participate in group prayer events that show solidarity with others in our community who share our Christian values.  Prayer in public places is especially warranted during times of civil discourse when lawmakers and judiciaries undertake legislation or litigation actions that have significant impact on families.

• Free Throw Championship

BSC sponsors the local Knights of Columbus International Free Throw Championship for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14.   All competition starts at the local level.  Winners move on to the District, Regional, and State, and some make it to the International level for championship competition in their group.  To sponsor a competition, BSC needs volunteers to conduct the local competition under instructions contained in the Free Throw Championship Kit (#FT-KIT), a couple of basketballs, a hoop and a bunch of kids.

• Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest

BSC supports the Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay contest designed to promote critical thinking about upholding and defending our faith.  The annual contest begins at the local parish level and progresses to State and then National/International levels.  BSC volunteers chair the program and coordinate participation and judging.

• Lenten Friday Stations of the Cross and Fish Fry

BSC sponsors a Fish Fry each Friday before Good Friday during Lent.  The fish fry often offers music entertainment to go with the meal attended by many of the parishioners who attend the Friday Stations of the Cross.  Others from the community and surrounding parishes also like to attend.  This venue also provides an opportunity to solicit cash donations for the St Vincent de Paul Food Bank, baby clothing for the Care Net pregnancy center, ticket sales for the Arizona Council Raffle, St Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE), Solidarity Cross sales, and other worthy charitable causes.  Brothers prepare and serve the fish fry dinners to raise funds for our councils’ other charitable activities. 

• Scout Troop 464 Support

Scouts are responsible for organizing, and executing troop events in accordance with the approved Troop Meeting Plans, however adult leadership is required for oversight and protection of the scouts.  Meetings and camps involve a lot of volunteer time by the Brothers and Family members of BSC.  There are several fund-raisers such as pancake breakfasts, Sunday morning kiosk donuts and coffee, and other special events that need supervision and assistance.  The three Packs offer a variety of activity and volunteer requirements for boys of all ages.  Our council provides $500 per year in funding to the Troop.

• American Heritage Girls Arizona Troop 1464 Support

The organization offers badge programs, service projects, girl leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences to its members.  Volunteer efforts require a lot of time by the Brothers and Family members of Bishop BSC.  Sierra Vista AHG Troop AZ 1464 includes all grade levels in meetings twice a month.  This is a great benefit for sisters in different grades who can enjoy the scouting experience together.  All age levels join together for the opening and closing of each meeting.  Each grade level breaks off for small group activities during the meeting. Various opportunities are provided to enhance life skills through our merit badge program, promote service to others and foster friendships.  Our council provides $500 per year in funding to the Troop.

• Veteran and Family Support

The Knights entered a challenge donation program to raise $5,000.00 from our council members to support the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument..  The parish also committed $5,000.00.  The challenge offered a "coin" to each member donating $100 or more to the project.  The Council received recognition on a plaque at the memorial by virtue of donating mpore than $13,000.00 toward the cost of the monument.  The Knights participated in the groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies at the Southern Arizona Veterans Cemetery.  Other Veteran support and recognition programs are available in our community.

The Supreme Council provides elements of the Life Program area which are noted here:

The elements of the Life Program area which are noted in the Columbian Award application and the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity forms are:

1. Special Olympics
2. Marches for Life
3. Ultrasound Program Initiative
4. Pregnancy Center Support
5. Christian Refugee Relief
6. Memorials to Unborn Children
7. Silver Rose
8. Miscellaneous Life Activities
9. Mass for People with Special Needs
10. Novena for Life (which is a required program)

Our Council Life Programs and Projects are shown below:

• Pro-Life Booth at Cochise County Fair

BSC runs the Pro-Life booth each year at the Cochise County Fair with Brother and family volunteers who display stages-of-life models of the developing baby in the womb.  Pro-Life literature, pins and Rosaries are given to passers-by and those who ask questions about the materials on display.

• Support for Care Net Pregnancy Center of Cochise County

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Cochise County is a faith-based, non-profit organization.  The Care Net ministry is dedicated to helping women and couples who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy.  Care Net provides a list of free counseling and support services.  Care Net Pregnancy Center staff requires assistance with qualified volunteers performing Ultrasounds for pregnant mothers. Additionally, collection of supplies for expectant mothers and mothers of newborn infants are among the volunteer support activities that are needed.  Brothers and their families support the annual Care Net Banquet by coordinating attendance and publicity.

• Pro-Life Display at the Coffee and Donut Sunday’s

BSC supports the Pro-Life display table at the St Andrew the Apostle Parish Church after Sunday Masses several times throughout the year.  Brothers and family volunteers display stages-of-life models of the developing baby in the womb.  Pro-Life literature, pins and Rosaries are given to parishioners who ask questions about the materials on display.

• March for Life – Tucson

BSC supports the Tucson March for Life in January by arranging volunteers, banners and placards for participants in the march.  Transportation to the Diocese Cathedral for the kick-off Mass and the March led by the Bishop is also coordinated.

• Novenas for Life and for Our Blessed Mother

BSC will lead the parish in the spiritual battle to establish a culture of life, primarily by praying and promoting a novena (nine days of sustained prayer) with the parish, families and the wider community.  A weekly Friday Novena established by the USCCB will likely coincide with this program.  Additionally, council and parish members may be involved with the 54-day Novena to the Blessed Mother which culminates on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

• Silver Rose

BSC hosts the Silver Rose for a Mass and Prayer Service.  Knights receive a Silver Rose passed in custody from Councils in Canada then throughout the western States and finally to Mexico where the Silver Rose is delivered to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterey Mexico in time for the Feast of OurLady of Guadalupe.  The prayer service utilizes Knights of Columbus prayer booklets designed for this occassion, obtained by the Council.  The Silver Rose is then passed to another council which organizes similar prayer and devotional services to Our Lady of Guadalupe in promoting the sanctity of life.

The Supreme Council provides elements of the Community Program area which are summarized here:

The Community Program area elements which were gathered from the Columbian Award application and the Annual Fraternal Survey forms are show in this list:

1. Coats For Kids - direct contributions to purchasing and distribution of coats to those in need.
2. Global Wheelchair Mission - direct contributions to purchasing and coordination of wheelchair distribution to the needy.
3. Habitat for Humanity - direct contributions to Habitat for Humanity projects, materials, tools, and construction.
4. Disaster Preparedness/Relief - direct contributions to planning and executing disaster preparedness and response, food, water, equipment, etc.
5. Physically Disabled/Intellectual Disabilities - direct contributions to schools, care services, organizations, etc.
6. Elderly/Widow(er) Care - direct contributions to homes for the aged, retired/senior volunteer programs, construction, repairs, remodeling, gifts, etc.
7. Hospitals/Health Organizations - direct contributions to Red Cross, Hospice, heart/cancer funds, equipment, construction, donations, etc.
8. Columbian Squires - direct contributions to the operations and support of the Columbian Squires program.
9. Scouting/Youth Groups - direct contributions to sponsorship, volunteer efforts, projects, 4-H, Big Brothers, CYO, mentoring, etc.
10. Athletics - direct contributions to council sport events, youth sport sponsorships, equipment, transportation, etc.
11. Youth Welfare/Service - direct contributions to substance/child abuse, foster parents, etc.
12. Scholarships/Education - direct contributions to career nights, essay contests, scholarships, tuition, fund raising, etc.
13. Veteran Military/VAVS - direct contributions to veterans, VA hospital support/visitation, memorials, parades, etc.
14. Miscellaneous Community/Youth Activities - all other disbursements not outline above relating to Community Activities.

Our Council Community Programs and Projects are shown below:

• St Vincent De Paul Society

Food drives and collection, food distribution, shelter coordination, emergency utility assistance, and many other support activities on behalf of the poor are conducted by Saint Vincent De Paul Society.  The Society depends and needs volunteers for management (officers, accounting) and for the operation of the food bank and second-hand resale store.  Several key members are Brothers and family members of BSC.  The Society also serves a great spiritual need for its members and supported individuals.

• Good Neighbor Alliance (GNA) Banquet

The Columbian Association hosts an annual dinner for the member organizations of the GNA.  BSC pays for a table of seats at the annual GNA Banquet.  GNA provides homeless assistance to those who are desperately in need of community assistance, it is organization whose supporting members consist of many supporting businesses and charitable organizations in the community.    The dinner support is provided by BSC Brothers and family member volunteers, along with AHG and other Youth Ministries of St Andrew the Apostle Parish.  The proceeds of the dinner help maintain the Columbian Association Hall.

• Oktoberfest Support

BSC provides all the volunteers to serve drinks at the beer tent each September at the Sierra Vista Oktoberfest.  This annual 3-day event provides a significant source of income for the council.  Under management of the City of Sierra Vista, the operation incurs no financial obligation for the council, but offers a rewarding experience with the festive atmosphere and the opportunity to develop camaraderie with fellow volunteers, and to interact favorably with many members of the surrounding community.

• West End Community Fair

BSC and the Columbian Association sponsor a food tent booths at the Sierra Vista West End Community Fair.  The fair is sponsored by the businesses and community organizations on the west end of Sierra Vista in an area known as the Fry District.  While this is a depressed area of town, the businesses and organizations try to boost the dignity and community spirit in this area by making this festive event easily accessible to the nearby residents.  The Brothers who cook and provide finger food take the opportunity to hand out pamphlets and talk about the Knights of Columbus and the benefits of their fraternal activity.  BSC Knights under the auspices of St Paul's Street Evangelization provided encounters with those outside the Catholic Church who were given spiritual highlights of the faith, Rosaries, religious medals, pamphlets, and positive invitation to look toward the Catholic Faith for answers.

• Tri-annual Highway Clean-Up

BSC sponsors a one-mile section of Highway 90 by-pass under the Adopt a Highway Program.  Brothers, family members, and members of Boy Scout Troop 464 and American Heritage Girls Troop 1464 provide volunteer support to collect refuse and litter on the sides of the roadway.  This tri-annual collection is a great way to support our community by keeping the landscape free of ugly debris.

• Helping Hands

BSC will support and coordinate clean-up and repair of the Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Thrift Shop on a bi-annual basis.  Brothers will haul away unsuitable donations from the intake area to the town transfer station.  They will repair shelving and fenced areas within their capability.  The Thrift Shop sales are used by SVdP to support emergency support to families in the community, especially those facing loss of utilities and eviction.

• Fund Raisers

BSC sponsors fund raisers such as a Golf Tournament, Pancake Breakfast, Yard Sale, or others that are used to support the Service Program.  Brothers and their families, as well as other ministries provide volunteers to carry out the fund raising activities.  Sometimes, with items donated for a Yard Sale, unsold items are relinquished to the Ladies of Saint Andrews for their Bazaar and White Elephant sales which are used to fund other Parish events.

• Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest

BSC supports the Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay contest designed to promote critical thinking about upholding and defending our faith.  The annual contest begins at the local parish level and progresses to State and then National/International levels.  BSC volunteers chair the program and coordinate participation and judging.

• Children's Christmas Party

The BSC sponsors a Christmas Party at the Columbian Association Hall in December.  All neighborhood children and any needy children are invited to participate in games, receive candy and register for generous door prizes.  BSC Brothers and volunteers solicit gift cards and other gifts for the children who greatly appreciate the generosity.  They raise funds through a spaghetti dinner at the Columbian Association Hall to purchase gift cards and door prizes, and also provide the volunteers for Santa and game operations.

• Coats for Kids

The BSC may purchase winter coats for needy children.  Brothers Knights purchase coats from the Supreme council and distribute the coats through local parishes and school programs.

• Saint Joseph’s Youth Camp

BSC Brother and family volunteers support fund raisers that raise money to send needy youngsters to a one-week summer camp at St Joseph’s Youth Camp in Mormon Lake, Arizona.  Brothers also solicit and prepare candidate youths to participate in the camp.  The Brothers also drive a van to transport the youth to and from the camp each summer.  Up to 10 underprivileged youths are afforded this opportunity each summer.

• Father of Lights Festival

The BSC supports the Father of Lights Festival as a Halloween alternative at a local park which is also supported by the Columbian Association.  All Parish and neighborhood children are invited to participate in games, receive candy/food, and watch movies in an area that is lighted and monitored by parish and council members and families.  BSC Brothers and volunteers prepare and serve burgers, hot dogs and baked goods to neighborhood families with children who greatly appreciate the generosity and safe environment.  Participation of other neighborhood churches is encouraged and embraced as an ecumenical event with each faith group being encouraged to present literature and interact with visitors to the event.  Several hundred children and their parents benefit from this event each year, and that number continues to grow.

• Soccer Challenge

The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is a competition designed for players to demonstrate the most basic soccer skill – the penalty kick. Open to all boys and girls in your community, ages 9-14, where each player will be allowed 15 shots at the goal from the penalty line (12 yards from the goal).  Winners progress to the district, regional, state and international levels.  BSC needs volunteers are needed to run or oversee the competition which takes place locally in September.  The remaining timeline is as follows: District Championship – October; Regional Championship – October/November; and State Championship – November.

• College Scholarship and Safe Night Graduate Programs

BSC provides scholarship funds annually to college-bound high school students.  Applications are distributed to local high school candidates from surrounding parishes and the BSC Brothers conduct a selection board to determine the award of several scholarships.  To read more about the scholarship fund and how to apply read more below:

The Knights of Columbus provide many scholarships at the national level.  Bishop Salpointe Council provides two annual college scholarships under the Crista Valdez Scholarship Fund and a trade school scholarship under the Petra Carter Fund.  Crista was the wife of a Past Grand Knight.  She was a great supporter of her husbands work in our council and she also organized the parish ministry for native traditional dancers known as the Youth Matachins’ Dancers.  Petra Carter was the wife of PGK Larry Carter - she was a great supporter of Larry and her mother during her illness/debilitation 

The Knights have traditionally offered two $1000 scholarships to local students.  The Crista Valdez Youth Scholarship is awarded to two applicants who are high school senior planning on attending full-time in an accredited college or university or a technical institute in the summer or fall semester immediately following high school graduation. Again we are fortunate enough to offer the Petra H. Carter Scholarship for the Trades.  This $1000 scholarship is for the essential strength and well-being of a community that the trades provide; augmenting and enhancing the backbone of the community and ensuring the smooth functioning of public and private infrastructures.  It is not in competition with the Crista Valdez Memorial Scholarship program but augments that program.  Accredited schools include Community Colleges, in person private training schools, and on-line training schools and nursing programs.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to promoting and conducting educational, charitable, religious, and social welfare works, rendering mutual aid and assistance to qualifying families in our community.

Our council also donates funds to sponsor graduation safe-night / lock-in parties to keep the graduates safe from the dangers of drunk driving on graduation night.

• Community Easter Sunrise Service Support

BSC provides sound system set up and serves coffee and donuts during the annual Easter Sunrise Service conducted at the Sierra Vista Veterans Memorial park.

• Membership Recruitment, Retention and Support

  • Church Coffee

On first Sunday of the Month, Brothers from BSC set up coffee and donuts at the St Andrew the Apostle Parish Kiosk in front of the Church.  Brothers advertise the Council while serving coffee and donuts after each morning Mass.  Potential members are approached and asked about their interests.

• Council Retention Committee

BSC Officers and committee members review and reach out to those members who fail to renew their membership dues, before entertaining any action to suspend the membership of those who fail to pay their dues.

• Founder’s Day Dinner Support

BSC provides an evening dinner for the Brothers and their wives to commemorate the establishment of the Knights of Columbus Order.  Council Officers present the Order’s history and the sacrifice and vision of Father Michael J. McGivney – the Order’s founder.  Guest speakers and other entertainment at the dinner are used to provide inspiration and camaraderie.

• Columbian Association Support

• Council and Community Organization Meeting Facility and Banquet Support

• Bingo Fundraisers

The BSC Brothers, family and friends form Bingo teams that host Bingo games open to the community.  These activities sustain the Columbian Hall as a means to support the Knights of Columbus councils and assemblies, and charitable or local fraternal organizations needs for meeting space.   

• Formation and Knighthood Degrees Exemplification Hosting; District and State Meeting Hosting

The BSC Brothers coordinate exemplification ceremonies for the Formation and Knighthood Degrees, which are conducted at the Columbian Association Hall as a combined endeavor.  Volunteers participate in the ceremonies, sell lunch tickets, run registration, and maintain security at the facility.

• District Councils and Assembly Officer Installation Banquet

BSC along with the Columbian Association hosts the District Council and Patriotic Degree Assembly Officers Installation Banquets.  Brothers set up the dining area in the Columbian Hall and assist with ceremonial formalities that involve the District and State Council officers.  District Councils and Assembly new officers take oath of office during ceremonies attended by their Brother and wives from councils and Assembly in the District.

• Cultural Heritage Celebrations

BSC and parish members help celebrate rich cultural traditions from Mexican, Filipino, German, Irish, Native American, and many other cultures with whom we share the American experience that bonds us together.