September 2026 Meeting Minutes
September 2026 Meeting Minutes
September 21ST 2026
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Grand Knight Michael Sabella.
Warden’s Report
All present were in possession of a current membership card.
Opening Prayer
Opening prayer was led by Mike Sabella .
Pledge of Allegiance
Salute to the flag was led by the council members.
Chaplain report
Deacon Tony was absent. We were reminded of hos recent surgery and that we all need to pray for his speedy recovery.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted on a motion by Dan Fuller seconded by Robert Jacobs, approved with a unanimous vote.
Grand Knight’s Report (Mike Sabella)
September, 2026
· Chip Sturm is missed. For everyone that came to his Wake and/or his Funeral, God heard your prayers for Chip and his family. His death is a reminder that life is precious, and short, and we should give “thanks” to God every day.
· Three members passed away in 19 days…when you can get here early at 7:00pm, come and say the Rosary with us. Our Council needs prayers!
o We are all “Membership Directors” with Chip’s passing. Keep that in mind as you talk to people at church.
· CUF Degree – 9/28. Has the CUF Team started talking to one another to make sure this is executed?
o CUF Team: Tom Rohe (MofC), Don Campbell; Joe Cottone; Dan Fuller; Gerry Kaufhold; Joe Tarallo
o Mentors that are calling invitees: make sure you reach out between Wednesday – Friday this week.
o Everyone here is invited; everyone’s wife and family is invited. If you plan on coming, let me know so we order enough food.
· October 12th at 7:00pm – Officer’s Installation. Mark your calendars tonight.
· October 16-17-18 – State Retreat in Long Branch
· October 17th – Diocesan Marian Pilgrimage to Basilica in Wash DC
· 10/23-24 – Cornerstone Retreat
Other topics to be covered:
· Pull Tabs Plan
· Gerry Kaufhold: March for Life (9/24); 40 Days for Life (9/24 – 11/3); Diaper Drive (10/4-10/5); CareNet Dinner
· Gerard: Wreath Drive Dates
· Tom Rohe: Pasta Dinner
· Paul Capone: Cornerstone on Saturday and Retreat in October
Treasurer’s Report (Michael Uszacki.)
The bank statement was sent to trustees. A copy is available upon request..
Financial Secretary’s Report (Gerard Petrocelli)
Financial secretary’s report is emailed in advance to Trustees for approval of expenditures.
Memership Report (All Members) All must now continue to reach out and find new members as we have lost Chip Strum as the program leader. All officers have members that they should ne mentoring to keep them active with our council activities.
Program Reports – Led by John Waltral
Bingo (Mike Mallon) Bingo is going well. Mike stated that Bingo years ago was simple as we only ran 4 or 5 games a night. Mike stated that Mike Uszacki will now be running the pull tabs since our loss of Chip Strum. Everyone clapped for Mike Uszacki as this is a major commitment and is an essential part of our successful Bingo program. Mike U. stated that we will play fewer games per session. Mike stated that Paul, Dan and Conan will help also in the Pull Tab selling. Mike stated that we will try to keep the eye openers going. Mike stated that Lisa, Karen and Debbie have been helping every week banding the pull tabs. Mike stated that we still need help in the kitchen as Gerard is stepping down from his kitchen duties.
Stations of the Cross (Lenny Martin) Lenny stated that Father Antonio has approved the design and we are almost ready to get the project bid out and started. Lenny stated that we need to review the design with the Vicor at the Diocese of Paterson for their approval.
Soup Kitchen (Lenny Martin) Lenny stated that he will give an update after the next planned soup kitchen scheduled for next month.
Right to Life (Gerry Kaufhold)- Gerry stated the right to life 40 Day prayer vigil is scheduled to tart this Wednesday. Gerry stated that members are encouraged to join him as they travel to Planned Parenthood in Morristown and pray the rosary near the clinic. Gerry stated that we simply pray and do not interact with anyone entering or leaving the facility. Gerry stated that Mikey Sherill has signed into law a non harassment act that prohibits protecting in front of any abortion clinics. Gerry sated that members can car pool with him as he leaves St. Jude’s just after tye 9 AM morning mass.
Right to Life march to Trenton (Gerry Kaufhold) Gerry stated that the planned march for life in Trenton is scheduled for October 8TH and that all are encouraged to attend. Gerry stated that we have a bus able to take folks to the march and that there is still plenty of room available. Gerry stated that there is a sign up sheet on the back table for those who wish to join him. Bus will leave at 7:15 AM and drive us down where we will meet up with the group and all will march approximately 1 mile to the State House. Folks can expect to be back here around 2:30 PM.
Diaper Drive (Gerry Kaufhold) Gerry stated that the Diaper Drive is planned for the weekend of October 24th anf 25th as well as Octoberr 31st and November 1st.. An area will be set up in the Norvex of the church for the collection of donantions.
All Veterans Memorial (Gerry Kaufhold) POW MIA Remembrance Day was held on 9/18/26 at Turkey Brook Park. Bob Jacobs and Gerry both attended this remembrance and read names off the lists of the veterans.
Golf Outings (Jim VanDenberg) Jim stated that we need to notify Mary by Friday if they wishj to attend. Outing is planned for October 8TH and will be held in Ringoes. The Event costs $140 to attend.
Church Lights (Joe Tarallo) Lights were ordered and should be in within a few weeks. We are looking for 4 Volunteers to help with the installations. Joe stated that these lights will use ¼ the power of the existing lights and will provide 3 times the light. Joe stated that we may be able to get grant money to pay for the project. We are scheduled to be complete before the holidays.
Football Mania (Tom Rohe) Tom stated that he collected all the funds owed outside of 8 people who still owe monmey for the tickets that were sold to them. Tom stated that he sold 268 tickets and that equated to a 2884.84 profit that will be used for schorships. Tom stated that he still has a few more tickets available for $20 each if anyone is interested,
4TH Degree (Tom Rohe) Tom stated that there will be a Pasta Dinner on October 24TH at St. Jude’s and all are encouraged to volunteer to help and to attend as all benefits will be given to good causes for Veterans. The price of admission is $20 for Adults, $8 for Kids and that Kids under 6 eat free.
Wreath Drive (Gerard Petrocelli) – Gerard stated that the wreath drive has started he needs volunteers to help with selling the products. Gerard stated that last year the drive collected $2500 in profits that were converted to gift cards that were in turn given to nmeedy families. Wreath Drive will officially start on October 10th and volunteers are needed before and after each mass to help sell products. Gerard stated that all orders are needed to be in by November 1ST.
Golf Outing (Jim VanDFenberg) Jim Stated that the Golf Outing is for the CJU Foundation will be holding aGolf Outing to honor Mary Holloway;’s Late Husband. A Loink will be sent out via e-mail to let members sign up for the event.
Mass of the Holy Spirit (Gerard Petrocelli) A Mass of the Holy Sprit will happen tomorrow to celebrate Father McGowan who married Gerard and his wife as well as many others in Brooklyn.
Eucharistic Minister (Paul Cappone) Paul will play a short video at each meeting to teach us about different parts of the Sunday Mass. He wants us to know what all the different mean and he wants us to learn all the symbolisms in each part of the mass.
Soccer Challenge (John Waltral) John Stated that the next planned Soccer Challenge is scheduled for October 3RD in Turkey Brook Park. John stated that volunteers are needed for setup, during the event and cleanup afterwards. All are encouraged to join and thger is a sign up sheet on the back table.
District Deputy Report
Greetings From Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, and State Deputy James Sweeney.
- My sympathies for the loss of our 2 Brother; May they rest in peace in the arms of Our Lord.
- You have 6 members awaiting entry into the brotherhood. CUF scheduled 9/28.
- Date for membership drive? Please let me know.
- Bringing men to Christ so they can bring Christ to men. We should each bring 1 gentleman to or Order this year
- Safe Environment – keep an eye on your compliance report – looks like not compliant. This is important – we have many programs where we have families and it’s our responsibility to be trained and aware
- Hold your COR meetings – It’s all about Prayer/ Formation and Fraternity. Frank Memolo is Paterson Diocese coordinator-
- It’s that time of the year: Keep Christ in Christmas Billboards; Coats for Kids; Food for Families
- Officers, Program Directors: Please take the time to read the new Faith in Action booklet – There are changes that need to be integrated into your programs – like reporting , criteria for awards
- Let’s also think about bringing men to the 4th degree – there are over 56,000 Knights in NJ – only about 10% are 4th degree
DATES
- Sept 23rd starts 40 Days for Life events
- Remember our Fallen events Sept 25/26/27 County College of Morris –
- March for Life Oct 8th
- 4th Degree Exemplification Nov 19th
- Federation raffle TICKETS – DRAWING AT NEXT MEETING Nov 20
- Pride in Priest Nov 23 ($60
- November – Exemplification of 4th Degree and Pride in priest dinner
Unfinished Business
| $3,600.00 | 2nd READING Spend up to $300 a month for 12 months for a total of $3600 to support a missonary who will be volunteering with the FOCUS Group at Colleges and Universities around the Country. |
| $750.00 | 2nd READING Up to $750 to support State retreat in October by reimbursing any knight who attends $75.00 (up to 10 people) |
| $2,000.00 | 2nd READING Donate $2,000 to support the mens’ Cornerstone retreat in October 23-24 at St. Judes for materials |
New Business
The following motions were made and passed:
| $13,000.00 | 1st READING Donate up to $13,000 to replace the lights in the church and chapel with new LEDs fixtures and bulbs. |
| $1,000.00 | 1st READING Donate Up to $1000 for a table at the annual Pride in Priests dinner to be held at the Hanover Manor on 11/23/25. |
| $500.00 | Donate $500 to support Operation Chill Out Vets Summer Fest in support of homless veterans. |
| $500.00 | Donate $500 to support “Students for Life of America” organization that routinely visits college campuses around the country. |
Good of the Order
The Good of the Order was run by Joe Tarallo
Prayer List for Sick and Deceased
Sick
Steve Sabella
Elaine Abbott
Gregg Buckalew
Tracy Richmond
Viginia Bellemo
Nicholas and Frances Tarallo
Sara Beta Dei
Deceased
Jack Abbott
Sal Bellacomo
Paul Cooper
Chip Strum
John Mania
Tish Rohe
Closing Prayer
Closing prayer was led by Paul Cappone
Attendance: 24 people.
Meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.