The 121st State Convention of the Alabama State Council of the Knights of Columbus was held over the weekend of April 19-21 at the Wind Creek Hotel and Casino in Atmore.

The weekend began with the opening Mass celebrated by Father Vernon F. Huguley, State Chaplain. Following the opening Mass, attendees gathered to renew old friendships and make new ones.

Over 150 members and their guests attended the welcoming dinner followed by activities including a bowling and corn hole tournament. Additionally, attendees could go off and try their luck in the casino.

The State Council business meeting was held on Saturday, April 20. Special guests in attendance were Archbishop Thomas Rodi of Mobile, Bishop Steven Raica, Bishop Emeritus Robert Baker, and Sean Halpain of Arizona, who is a member of the Supreme Board of Directors and a representative of Supreme Knight Patrick Kelley.

State Deputy Danny Garcia gave the attendees a moving message on the state of the order, the success that the state has achieved in growing the order in Alabama, and some of the successful programs conducted within the state.

Supreme Director Halpain extended greetings from Supreme Knight Kelley and commented on the successes that the State Council has made and the great work that Alabama has accomplished for the Knights of Columbus.

The major activity conducted during the meeting was the election of state officers for the 2024-2025 Fraternal Year. Bill Mores of Hoover was elected as State Deputy, and Pat Jackson of Huntsville was elected as State Secretary. Huntsville’s Brian Lagasse was elected State Treasurer, while John Bares of Mentone was named State Advocate. Lastly, Andre Patterson of Gadsden was elected State Warden. These officers will begin their one-year term of office beginning July 1: the same date State Deputy Danny Garcia will assume the position of Immediate Past State Deputy.

Delegates were also elected to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention in Quebec, Canada: Danny Garcia as Immediate Past State Deputy, Bill Mores as State Deputy, Pat Jackson as State Secretary, Joe Flaherty III as Past State Deputy, Stephen Koach as Past State Deputy and Former District Master, and Brian Lagasse as State Treasurer.

Later in the evening the annual awards banquet was held, the state officers and guests were introduced to the attendees. From Madison, Joseph and Kathleen McCarty Family of Council 10232 were recognized as State Family of the Year. The State Knight of the Year award went to Randy Duffey of Council 10731 in Prattville. Also from Madison, Eli Mitchell of Council 10232 was named State Youth of the Year. Council 5636 of Daleville received the Outstanding Council of the Year Under 100 Members award, while Madison’s Council 10232 was recognized as the Outstanding Council of the Year Over 100 Members.

Father Den Irwin of St. Joseph Parish’s Council 10731 in Prattville received the Blessed Michael J. McGivney Award for Outstanding Council Chaplain.

The convention concluded on Sunday morning with the convention attendees participating in the annual Memorial Mass in honor of those Knights who had passed away during the previous year.