Knights of Columbus continue to grow in Alaska

On Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17, the parish hall at St. John the Baptist parish in Homer was filled with the aroma of spareribs and home-cooked dishes as members of the Knights of Columbus hosted a parish-wide potluck ahead of Lent. The following day, on Ash Wednesday, Knights once again stood visibly at the heart of parish life — serving as lectors, ushers and Eucharistic ministers.

From pancake breakfasts to coat drives, raffle fundraisers to disaster relief efforts, the Knights are a familiar presence in Catholic parishes across Alaska. Leaders say these visible acts of service represent something deeper.

“Charity is the first principle for a reason,” said Jeffrey Gibson, Alaska State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus. “Wherever there is need, you will likely find the Knights. Behind all these works is something extraordinary: men living their baptismal call to love their neighbor.”

Pancake breakfasts and parish events are familiar ministries. Yet the Knights’ charitable reach extends far beyond.

In western Alaska, they spearheaded donation efforts to assist victims of Typhoon Halong, helping rebuild communities such as Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Statewide, they have supported pregnancy care centers by helping purchase 10 ultrasound machines. Internationally, Alaska Knights contributed to rebuilding a church and school in Zimbabwe.

Locally, they feed hungry families by assisting food pantries and supporting a variety of charities in the same year that assistance is requested. Many priests throughout the United States are also members of the Knights, reinforcing the close collaboration between clergy and laity in advancing parish missions.

A fourth degree ceremony. (Courtesy of Jeffrey Gibson)

Growing from Small Beginnings

The Homer Knights of Columbus Council 17517, now numbering about 40 members, began in 2018 with just three men.

“There were no active Knights Councils on the Kenai Peninsula when we started,” said Richard Hoover of the Homer council. “We began small, but we grew year by year.” Under Fr. Jaime Mencias’ shepherding, the Homer trio grew to more than 30 Knights. More joined under Fr. Jojappa Chinnabathini’s leadership this past year. 

With the encouragement of Fr. Patrick Brosamer and Fr. Robert Whitney, Council 11206, serving Kenai and Soldotna, was reactivated from 2022-2023, bringing approximately 100 additional Knights into service on the peninsula.

 “All the men in these councils have been very excited and abundantly helpful in the mission of the Knights of Columbus,” Fr. Whitney said.

Knights of Fairbanks gathered outside Sacred Heart Cathedral. (Courtesy of Jeffrey Gibson)

Looking Ahead in Alaska

New councils continue to form. Communities in Bethel, Valdez, and Glennallen are working toward establishing councils. In Utqiagvik, efforts are underway to create what would become the northernmost Knights of Columbus round table in the United States.

Church law allows a council to form in a parish with at least 30 Catholic men, while even a single Knight can begin a “round table” presence. Membership is open to practicing Catholic men 18 and over.

Gibson, who joined the Knights in 1984 in his 30s while in the military, believes the order’s enduring appeal lies in its clarity of mission.

“The Knights give men a structure to live their faith intentionally,” he said. “It forms them as husbands, fathers, and servant leaders. That kind of formation never goes out of style.”

He adds that any parish interested in forming a council is encouraged to reach out.

“For any parish that wants to explore forming a council, I’m happy to help them begin,” Gibson said.

For Hoover in Homer, the public activities are only the surface of something much deeper that began for him 36 years ago in Ketchikan. 

“Yes, we serve pancakes,” he said. “But more importantly, we lead the Rosary. We serve at Mass. We show up. We want to be known as men of faith who live what we believe — men who strengthen their families, their Church, and their communities. This strengthens the world.”

Men can join by going to www.kofc.org/join. “When you do this, two things to remember: add BLESSEDMCGIVNEY as promo for free first year dues and answer the email that will follow your application,” Gibson said.