Honoured by the Knights of Columbus Council, St. Rita’s
In 1994, at the request of Pastor Rev. Angelo Oliverio, a discussion with the gentlemen of the Parish centred on the feasibility of forming a Knights of Columbus Council within our Parish of St. Rita’s.
It was agreed the formation of a Council would have merit and would be of benefit to our Parish, community and the surrounding area of North Bay.
To receive our Charter the by-law stated a membership of 30 as the prerequisite. By late 1995 a recruitment process was initiated and on April 15, 1996 the designation of Council 11760 Knights of Columbus, St. Rita’s was conveyed.
Brother Isadore Leblond was elected as Charter Grand Knight and with our first election of officers July 1996 Brother Donald Halsall was elected Grand Knight. The membership throughout the years vacillated between 50 and 60.
With the advent of Nevada tickets, Bingos, Ontario State Lottery tickets and fundraising garage sales and dinners our Council during a 14 year existence donated in excess of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to various charities including the Food Bank, Hospital, Gathering Place, various elementary and secondary schools, Santa Fund, Special Olympics etc.
With parish re-alignment our Church of St. Rita closed its doors December 26, 2010. On this date Council 11760 Knight of Columbus St. Rita surrendered our charter and ceased to be operative.
Within our membership a total of sixteen Brother Knights have deceased. It is with enjoyment that the leaf at the pergola will be inscrolled in their memory.
Isadore Leblond
Past Charter Grand Knight