Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
The Knights of Columbus is one of the oldest international Catholic brotherhood organizations. If you want to join this great organization of Catholic men, the Mantua chapter, with a nearby hall on St. Rt. 44, serves the St. Joseph community. The Mantua K of C’s sponsor a wide range of social and religious activities, including dances, pilgrimages, and special Masses. In addition, they participate in activities sponsored by the Portage County Chapter Knights of Columbus which may include Toys for Tots, Special Populations Basketball Shooting Contest at Happy Day School, and Portage County MRDD Special Olympics Bowling Tournament. They also offer financial services and instruments, such as life insurance.
In the K of C you will find brother Knights working to fulfill the central mission of the Order:
striving in charitable works
serving the Church and unified in following its teachings
supporting brother Knights in their temporal and spiritual needs
1st Monday (Social) and 3rd Monday (Business), 7:30 p.m.
Clean Up / Fix Up Evenings 2nd Monday, 6:00 p.m.
Fr. John Cassidy Assembly
of the K of C 4th Degree:
Meetings held 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., Mantua K of C Hall
Club Room: Open to members (friends & family welcome) every Friday evening, 7-11 p.m.
Fr. Edward Stafford (Chaplain), Deacon Gerry Scopilliti (Assistant Chaplain), Ed Zwolinski (Grand Knight), Greg D'Aurelio (Deputy Grand Knight), Brian Hirsch (Chancellor), Bob Gaglione (Recorder), Stan Carlisle (Treasurer), Bill Curtin (Lecturer), Marvin Litz (Advocate), Tim Rooth (Warden), Dan Cozzens (Trustee), Dale Zullo (Trustee), Austin Anderson (Trustee), Raymond Markward (Inside Guard), Jim Fields (Outside Guard), David W. Roberts (Insurance Field Agent)
Newsletter: Marvin Litz (330-274-0057)
**Articles due by 25th of the month
During the winter Crestwood area boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. This is a fun, free activity for area youth to compete in a Free Throw (foul shot) competition for best of fifteen consecutive shots. The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually where winners have the chance to progress through Local, District, Regional, State and possibly International competition levels. Registration forms will be available the evening of the event and at the Crestwood Intermediate and Middle Schools, St. Joseph PSR Office. or by contacting Robert Gross at 330-842-2737 or 330-995-3992.
An annual event is held to honor those in the Council, parish and community.
On Saturday, March 23, 2019, K of C Council #3766 honored the following people at their annual Founder's Night. Congratulations to all!
This organization typically holds for two nights of entertainment fun with their Reverse Raffles held in May & October at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. Ticket Price includes Dinner with Soup & Salad, Steak, Baked Potato, Vegetables, Rolls & Butter, Beverages & Dessert. There is an Open Bar, Musical Entertainment & Dancing, a chance at $1,000.00 Grand Prize along with other games of chance! Package Ticket Price: $120.00/couple or $100.00/single. Individual Event Ticket Price: $65/couple or $55/single. Tickets are available by contacting Terry Kulka (330-813-0236).
"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."
Following the United States Flag Code, the Knights periodically offer proper disposal of worn flags with a Flag Burning Ceremony.
K of C members join the hundreds of volunteers offer their time for our parish's annual Ox Roast Fair. Set-up, take-down, and the Kiddie Tractor Pulls are just a few of the areas with which they lend a hand.
The Father John Cassidy Assembly #3034 of the Knights of Columbus cordially invite all local Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMT members and their families and all St. Joseph parishioners to a Blue Mass to honor our safety forces in September each year. The intent of this Mass is to recognize all the hard work and dedication these individuals do for our communities. A reception is held in Hughes Hall immediately following, courtesy of the this 4th Degree K of C group. For more information, please contact the Grand Knight or Jim Fields.
On Respect Life Sunday, in October, a Life Chain was held at the Ravenna Court House to pray to end abortion. Mantua Knights of Columbus members routinely attend.
The K of C hosts a Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner each year the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Reservations are taken on a first come, first serve basis beginning November 1. A full Thanksgiving feast is served, entertainment is provided and door prizes are given.
For a number of years the K of C has collected food and toys for 4C's. A lot of people need help not only at Christmas time, but all year long. Non-perishable food items, toys and cash donations are donated.
The Mantua K of C conduct a Warm Hearts Warm Home winter gear collection drive. To help area kids stay warm this year, the Knights will be collecting hats, gloves and scarves for kids of all ages. New or slightly used winter coats are also being accepted. This drive is in conjunction with Portage County Catholic Charities. Each year, the K of C and Catholic Charities help hundreds of local families keep warm during winter months.
St. Joseph PSR students are encouraged to participate in an annual Poster Contest.
Knights of Columbus Council #14186 (Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora)
Knights of Columbus Council #11801 (St. Ambrose, Garrettsville)
Knights of Columbus Council #1411 (St. Patrick, Kent)
Knights of Columbus Council #3766 (St. Joseph, Mantua)
Knights of Columbus Council #2039 (St. Joseph, Randolph-Suffield Area)
Knights of Columbus Council #1417 (Immaculate Conception, Ravenna)
Knights of Columbus Council #5173 (St. Peter of the Fields, Rootstown)
Knights of Columbus Msgr. Lavelle Council #4571 (St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro)
Knights of Columbus Fr. Lambert J. Andrews Council #4433 (St. Michael, Windham)
Pope Pius XII of the K of C 4th Degree #834 - serving St. Ambrose (Garrettsville), St. Michael (Windham), St. Peter of the Fields (Rootstown), Immaculate Conception (Ravenna), St. Joseph (Randolph-Suffield Area)
Fr. Cassidy Assembly #3034 of the K of C 4th Degree - serving St. Joseph (Mantua), Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Aurora), St. Patrick (Kent), St. Joan of Arc (Streetsboro)