Twenty-five years ago, a group of dedicated men from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church had a vision: to build a strong brotherhood and serve their community. Today, that vision has blossomed into a thriving and vibrant Knights of Columbus Council, making a profound impact on countless lives.
Council 12422 is based at St. Francis of Assisi and has distinguished itself by its unwavering commitment to promoting vocations, supporting pro-life efforts, charitable giving and youth programs. More than 500 men now serve the parish as Knights, collaborating with the priests to support the spiritual and temporal needs of our community.
Parish Support
Since the early days of the council, the Knights of Columbus members have hosted Lenten fish fries. The tradition continues today as members organize meals for every Friday during Lent except Good Friday.
“Every year, the Knights of Columbus help serve the parish with their Lenten fish fries,” says Fr. Joseph Pins, pastor at St. Francis of Assisi. “These evenings are filled with prayer, community and food. The event brings people from around the area to be a part of St. Francis parish. It is a wonderful time to meet new people and the food is great! Thank you, Knights of Columbus!”
The money raised during the meals goes to support the council’s priorities. These include updating the parish kitchen, which the council uses during fish fries.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 and parish tithing collections dipped, the Knights of Columbus at St. Francis stepped forward and offered to do lawn maintenance for the parish. Doing so saves the parish more than $20,000 annually.
Council members also sing in a choir at Mass once a month, provide traffic support at parish events and prepare food for parish celebrations like the annual Francis Fest.
Community Support
One of the most recognizable fundraising efforts hosted by the council is the annual Campaign for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, which is also known as “CPID.” Knights gather donations from people going into or out of local stores. They also collect donations after Masses to round out the fundraising effort. In 2024, the council raised more than $10,000 to be given to local non-profit organizations.
Council members support the annual Wreaths Across America event each December. At the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Knights assist with various tasks as family members and friends gather to remember deceased veterans by placing wreaths on headstones.
Rob Szalay, deputy grand knight, says, “We can always count on our brothers to participate in the Wreaths Across America program, which honors Iowa veterans most beautifully. And the fact that this matches up with the Christmas holiday, makes this program a truly special way to connect our Christianity to the sacrifice these Iowans made for our country.”
The council also has hosted blood drives, participated in events to support Iowa Catholic Radio and local pro-life clinics, and Habitat for Humanity.
Vocations Support
Supporting priests, religious and seminarians is a priority for the council. The council provides ongoing financial assistance or gifts to seminarians from the parish and the Diocese of Des Moines.
“We invite the parish seminarians to speak to us at council meetings and to attend our council events when their schedules allow,” says Dan Werner. “We also coordinate the collection of funds from all councils in the Des Moines Diocese to purchase Christmas and birthday gifts for all the diocesan seminarians every year. We have also provided direct financial support to seminarians from other diocesan parishes, including those who attend large events such as World Youth Day.
“We also collect money for vocations at each council meeting; that money is turned over to the State Council every year to pay for statewide gatherings of seminarians and new priests.”
Currently, the council provides financial assistance to a diocesan seminarian studying in New York. When another member of parish who joined a religious order reached out to the council for financial assistance to go on a mission trip, the council took up a collection to support the brother.
Youth Support
The council previously raised funds to help create a scholarship fund for parish youth.
“Our scholarship program began over 18 years ago by our council donating many hours of service work to fund the beginning balances,” says Joe Pollpeter. “Over the years, through thoughtful planning and discipline, the scholarship fund has grown to the amount that our program is now self-funded. Because of this, we have recognized St. Francis of Assisi students going to Dowling Catholic High School and college-bound seniors with scholarships.”
The council has held spelling bees, poster contests and athletic contests for the youth of the parish.
Patriotic Support
The Knights of Columbus offers a fourth degree, focused on patriotism, and encourages members who achieve this milestone to join and actively participate in the local Assembly. The Assembly includes Knights from St. Francis of Assisi and Sacred Heart in West Des Moines.
The Next 25 Years
A firm foundation provided by the leadership of many council members in the first 25 years provides a path toward continued growth. The council remains committed to the tenets of the Knights of Columbus and looks for ways to provide service to the parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi.
Technology is a priority and will be emphasized as the council looks for ways to enhance communications and recruitment, as well as improve operations. An example of this is the adoption of electronic payment methods like Venmo and Square.
Digital marketing plays a bigger role in promoting the council and its activities. Tactics include a council website, social media and email to reach younger generations of Catholic men. Business cards include a QR Code that prospective individuals can scan and, in a few minutes, can submit their information to apply for membership.
Learn more about our members by reading profiles of men who are making a difference.
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