Knights serve their home parish 24/7

St. Theresa K of C does what must be done

By RAMON GONZALEZ
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

"We are available 24/7," declares Grand Knight Martin McCabe. "We are the ushers, we are the Eucharistic ministers. We and our families are everywhere in the church and the community," he says. "We are on call for seven days a week, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year."

When Father Bob Colburn's residence flooded last year, members of St. Peter's Council worked until 10 p.m. one night trying to dry out the basement.

When the relics of St. Theresa visited the church in 1991, the knights assisted the parish in countless ministries, from parking patrol to security to selling relics-related ornaments. They even provided a 24-hour colour guard for the relics during a vigil at the church. "We helped wherever there was a need."

St. Peter's Council 7070 was established March 10, 1978. Its founding grand knight was Al Mageau. It currently has 120 members.

"Over the past 25 years we have donated closed to $500,000 to the parish," noted council financial secretary Steve Dufresne. "And that doesn't count the volunteer time and the many hours serving in various ministries."

Every year, St. Peter's Council tries to give St. Theresa Parish roughly 50 per cent of the money it collects throughout the year. This year it gave the parish $35,000.

"We do bingos, we do casinos, we do silent auctions and we do pub nights to raise money for the parish and other organizations," McCabe said.

"We give to the youth, we give to the Marian Centre downtown and we give to Catholic Social Services' Sign of Hope." The Knights also contribute money to Millwoods soccer teams, schools and children in need.

Working hand in hand with the knights in every activity are the 240 members of the Columbus Club, a club made up of the members of St. Peter's Council and their wives.

"We are all very active in St. Theresa's Church Community and in the community as a whole," McCabe noted.

"When the Church expresses a need to us, we try and fulfill that need," added Dufresne. "We try to do our part. We try to help out wherever we can."

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