History of St. Martha Knights of Columbus Council #12033
The Knights of Columbus St. Martha Council #12033, Kennebunk, ME, was established June 27,1997 under the leadership of Grand Knight-Kenneth W. Campbell (1997-1999) and Chaplain -Father Laurent Laplante
Past Grand Knights
- Keneth Campbell 1997-1999
- Joseph V. Finn,III 1999-2001
- Dennis P. Homa 2001-2003
- Jeffrey M. Whittman 2003-2005
- James P. Allen,III 2005-2007
- Vincent J. Gallucci 2007-2009
- John H. Bacon 2009-2011
- Michael D. Magalski 2011-2013
- Richard Robillard 2013-2014
- Carmine T.Dolce 2014-2016
- James Saunders 2016-2018
Present Grand Knight
- Albert Gombar 2018-present
The Knights of Columbus is a charitable organization open to all Catholic men in the parish and we are involved in every area of church life. Our council began with 33 charter Brother Knights.
The following is a summary of all the positive projects and donations that have been made through the generous time and abilities of the men in this organization;
We began with our very first Tootsie Roll drive for people with developmental disabilities. It was very successful and continues today throughout Prelude weekend with volunteer Brother Knights stationed in town and at our parishes all weekend.
Our next project was to complete a roof repair for a parishioner in need and was done by all the handymen in the group.
Another project was to initiate fellowship in the church with a monthly pancake breakfast. It was so successful and continues to this day on the first Sunday of every month. Through this project and others, many donations have been made to the church family through the years.
Donations have included the Baptismal Font in the church, Summer Bible Study Program for our youth group, the Children's Christmas party, restoration of the Nativity display and sponsoring seminarians throughout their schooling. They also organize the yearly Communion breakfast for all members and their families.
The Knights honor all deceased members of the council annually with a memorial mass followed by sharing a dinner with Brother Knights and their families.
Many of the Knights are active in our RCIA program, provide catechism texts and are involved in transporting our disabled veterans to mass on Sunday in Togus.
These are just some of the examples of the active parish life provided by the Knights to the church family. Their presence is also seen in many community projects and donations they have made over the years.
The Knights have raised money for many organizations including Gramtastics (computers for home bound kids), Camp Sunshine, Carlisle Academy,Camp, Waban, Caring Unlimited, York County Shelter (donated and built the playground area with fencing), repairs to the Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk and building a handicapped bathroom and ramp in a parishioner's home so he could live with his family again. We support and run the blood drives for our community and participate regularly at Perpetual Adoration.
One of the most important projects is the annual scholarship fund, supported by the lobster raffle. The Knights have successfully raised and given over 90,000 dollars to graduating high school seniors of our parish since the scholarship program began in 1997.
Our council is by far one of the most active in our state with over 147 members and growing. Past Grand Knight Jim Allen started to record our work with surge reports and we have been recognized at the state level and received many awards. Our council members donate in excess of 10,000 hours of time annually to our church, charities and communities. We are active in all areas of church life. You will see us at the parish fair, providing the Lenten suppers or participating in Arms Around the Capitol to stop abortion. We are selfless in donating our time and talents whenever and wherever there is a need. I am proud to be a member and to serve with the men of this Council.
Respectfully,
Dennis P. Homa,
Past Grand Knight
4th Degree Member