Knights of Columbus celebrate Family of the Year

Friday, May. 27, 2016

SANDY — More than 30 years ago, Dan Foslid joined the Knights of Columbus in Shakopee, Minn. Now the Warden for Council 11479 at St. Thomas More Parish in Sandy, he and his wife, Ginny, with their two daughters have been honored as the 2016 Family of the Year by the Knights of Columbus Utah State Council.

They were presented with the award at the annual Knights of Columbus Utah State Convention in Park City on May 7.

“This is very humbling. … We didn’t expect this at all; it was really a surprise to be chosen among so many good people,” said Dan.

Their nomination came from Michael G. Griffin, Jr., Grand Knight of the St. Thomas More council.

Dan “exhibits a spirituality that is unparalleled – an example for all Catholics to follow,” Griffin wrote in the nomination. “To begin with, Dan is a Confirmation Class instructor who takes a genuine interest in the religious development of those in his group. His example leads those to accept the responsibility for their faith and destiny … the fulfillment of their training to become soldiers of Christ.”

Andy Airriess, Utah State Deputy-elect of the Knights of Columbus, added that the Foslids “are both extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and assist from the altar on a weekly basis. He successfully completed his multi-year training in the diocesan lay ecclesial ministry program. He also serves on the parish financial council as a primary adviser.”

This month Dan will be inducted into the Knights’ 4th Degree, the highest of the fraternal organization’s degrees. These men are allowed to wear the colorful capes, feathered chapeaux and swords that are associated with the public image of the Knights. The goals of the 4th Degree are to promote the ideals of the faith and of patriotism.

In 2014, Dan completed the lay ecclesial ministry program of the diocese, making him one of the six parishioners at St. Thomas More who have completed this program over 15 years.

His wife also is active in the parish.

“Ginny does provide weekly support to a senior through Senior Support Services; her support varies from helping them shop, to cleaning, etc.,” said Dan about his wife.

Dan also is the parish Bible study curriculum creator at St. Thomas More; for the Knights, he has led the 1st degree exemplification team.

“He has volunteered for council fish fries, garage sales, books sales, and dinner Bingo. His wife has assisted at many of these projects. His wife also serves as an RCIA candidate sponsor and Community Outreach Volunteer. ...  On occasion, as needed, they also take communion to those not able to attend Mass … those infirmed or homebound,” reads the nomination.

In addition, the Foslids have helped with many fundraising events at their parish, such as garage sales, the book sale and the dinner Bingo.

Dan has an undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in College-ville, Minn. and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. 

“His financial expertise is invaluable not only to his clients but to St. Thomas More Parish. Dan serves on the Financial Council – the primary advisory arm to the pastor in the management of all finances. Over the years Dan’s contributions have enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of parish accounting and financial management,” said Griffin.

“I never dreamed that we were going to win. We both are very honored; we do a lot, but we feel that there are always opportunities to help in so many ways,” said Dan.

The 2016 Family of the Year nominees from the various councils within Utah were judged according to their present and past involvement in activities at their parishes and with the Knights; the Foslids were chosen based on these criteria.