Knights of Columbus hold awards banquet

Friday, May. 09, 2025

OGDEN — Members of the Utah Knights of Columbus gathered May 3-4 at the Comfort Suites in Ogden for their 2025 state convention, which included an awards banquet.

Among the speakers at the banquet was Bishop Oscar A. Solis, who became a member of the Catholic fraternal order in 1970.

The bishop said he is proud to be a member of the organization, and thanked his brother Knights and their wives for their support of the Church and their witness to the faith. 

“Your works of charity are awesome,” he said, noting in particular their participation in their parishes and the help they give priests. “The Knights of Columbus is not just another organization, it is a work of charity that bears witness by your own efforts and whatever you do in your respective parishes. … Know that our parishes are more alive and more vibrant because of your presence and your support to all the missions of the Church.”  

The guest speaker at the banquet was Supreme Representative James Caffrey, who serves as a regional growth director.

“For the past 143 years, and 118 years in Utah, we have been committed to strengthening Catholic families and parishes as we put our faith into action by service to the less fortunate,” Caffrey said, adding that the organization was founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity. “Ultimately, the Knights of Columbus empowers Catholic men to live their faith and serve their family, parish, community and country.”

Last year worldwide, the Knights donated 47 million hours of volunteer service and $190 million in charitable donations, Caffrey said. The Utah Knights had $394,000 in charitable disbursements and almost 104,000 hours of community service, he said; they also placed five ultrasound machines and donated almost $7,000 to pro-life centers in addition to giving away almost 4,000 coats through their annual Coats for Kids program, and 41,000 pounds of food to food pantries, he said.

The local Knights added more than 200 men to their organization last year, with a total membership of 3,348; this year, they have increased their numbers even more, he said.

The recipients of the awards presented at the banquet follow. 

John Biotti, St. Rose of Lima Parish 

James and Debbie McManaman, St. Marguerite Parish

Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Breakfast and Lunch

Father Escalante Assembly 1146, St. Francis of Assisi

St. Jude Relic Tour, Council 15418, Salt Lake City

Blessed McGivney’s Relic Procession

Father Thomas Kraft Council 14764, Salt Lake City

Gomez Family Adoption, St Rose of Lima Council 6010, Layton

Ultrasound Golf Initiative, Fr. Joseph Valine Council No. 11246, Cedar City

Father McGivney Award 

Fr. Gabriel Mosher, OP

Hugo Moreno, St. Francis Xavier Parish

Dan Higgins Memorial Scholarship 

Cielo Hernandez-Nava, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish

Madison Yeager, Prince of Peace Chapel, Hill AFB

Knights of Columbus Utah 4th Degree Scholarship 

Maya Lentz, St. Thomas More Parish