Florida Catholic | Knights Gather In Orlando For Annual State Convention

Knights gather in Orlando for annual state convention

KAREN OSBORNE | FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF

Published: 06.06.08

ORLANDO | To Doug Murray, general program director for the Florida State Council of the Knights of Columbus, William J. Waggener III of the St. Cloud/Kissimmee Council 6624 is “Mr. How-Do-You-Do-It-All.” To Knights from across Florida, he is the Knight of the Year.

Waggener accepted his award at the annual Knights of Columbus Florida State Council convention May 24 after Murray’s lengthy description of his volunteer work, including serving as a chairman of social events, participating in charity drives, and serving in a transportation ministries.

Over a thousand attendees, including Knights and their families from across Florida, the Bahamas and St. Lucia, gathered at the Renaissance Resort in Orlando to celebrate the lay organization’s work throughout the year, as well as to pay tribute to honorees “who have really done excellent work in the program area,” according to James Schonefeld, current state deputy and a member of St. Rose of Lima and Holy Redeemer parishes in Kissimmee.

At the yearly convention, the 67 districts and 330 councils of the Florida state council elect officers for the following year, and trade ideas and discuss changes to Florida state rules and regulations. The council also bestows a number of awards on members.

In attendance was Knights of Columbus supreme director Emilio B. Moure, a Cuban immigrant and a resident of Mission Viejo, Calif.

“The Florida State Council tradition of consecutive growth for more than 20 years stands as proof of the responsibility accepted by members and families,” he said in a banquet address. Moure challenged the Knights to “open the horizon beyond our own selves in order to see life as God does,” and encouraged them to fight for “the least among us.”

“This is not the time to rest and wait; this is time to forge ahead with more vibrancy and greater focus,” Moure said.

Originally, the Knights existed to “allow Catholics to defend themselves and their faith,” said Charles Dean of Council 4726 at St. Joseph Parish in Winter Haven. “Now, it’s to take care of everyone’s need. It’s directed out there for everyone.”

Richard Walcheck, district deputy for Okaloosa County and a parishioner at Our Lady of Victory in Crestview, called his experience at the convention “inspirational.”

“When you see a group of men who have dedicated themselves to our faith, to making a better world – there’s nothing we can’t do. When you hear the reports, they make you feel good about being a Knight,” Walcheck said. “What they do is just phenomenal,” he said.

Among the tasks taken care of by Knights of Columbus in Okaloosa County are supporting women who have crisis pregnancies, providing company for wounded members of the military at local rehabilitation centers and raising money for community organizations that help the poor, Walcheck said.

The Healy family from St. Francis Cabrini Parish in Parrish – Michael and Debbie, along with sons Kevin, 13, and Patrick, 11 – were the recipients of the state council’s Family of the Year award. Michael and Debbie Healy teach faith formation classes, chair committees and visit sick parishioners. Their sons are members of the parish’s Squires’ Circle, the Knights’ organization for young men.

“They understand and exhibit fraternity every day of their lives,” said Murray.

For Michael Healy, however – as it is for many Knights – “we’ve always done our thing,” he said. “But it’s nice to be recognized. We’re really amazed, honored and grateful.”

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Knights gather in Orlando for annual state convention

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