Following a successful Founder’s Month Church Membership Drive in March 2025, Knights of Columbus Council No. 16255 proudly welcomed a new group of men committed to faith, fraternity, and service. These candidates came forward after meaningful conversations and discernment, expressing their shared desire to build a Catholic family-friendly environment and serve the Vacaville community through charitable action.

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, our Council held a special Exemplification Ceremony at St. Joseph’s Parish, officially welcoming the following new brothers into the Knights of Columbus:

• Br. Miguel Marquez Acosta
• Br. Raul Sanchez Hurtado
• Br. Juan Vallejos Jr.
• Br. Christopher Caparas
• Br. Christopher Hoeft
• Br. Joseph Bisson
• Br. Emmanuel Enriquez

The ceremony took place in Room PCMR 1 at St. Joseph’s, with refreshments served beforehand, fostering fellowship among candidates, current members, and their families. The event was a true reflection of our Council’s spirit—marked by prayer, fraternity, and a strong commitment to the ideals of charity, unity, and patriotism.

Special thanks go out to the Exemplification Team, who arrived early to prepare the space and lead the proceedings with reverence and enthusiasm. Their dedication ensured that each candidate experienced a warm and meaningful welcome into the Order.

As our Council continues to grow, so does our ability to serve. Let us keep these new Knights in prayer as they begin their journey in the Order, and may we all be reminded of the calling we share to lead lives of service and faith.

Vivat Jesus!

The Knights of Columbus Council 16255 and Sunday Sacristans joined forces last Friday to serve a delicious Lenten Soup Dinner to 40 parishioners following Stations of the Cross. The event, which came together in just one week, showcased the community’s spirit of service and fellowship during this holy season.

A Community Effort

What began as a simple suggestion by Deacon Scott the previous weekend quickly blossomed into a parish-wide collaboration. The Knights of Columbus, Sacristans, Faith Formation students, and RCIA candidates worked together to prepare and serve seven different varieties of homemade soup, accompanied by fresh bread, rolls, butter, and fruit for dessert.

“I appreciate all of the team effort on such short notice,” said Brother James Hunter, who helped coordinate the event. “In just one week, we were able to organize enough volunteers to bring together various parish groups to make this dinner a success.”

Continuing Through Lent

The Lenten Soup Dinner will continue each Friday throughout the remainder of Lent, immediately following Stations of the Cross. Parishioners are encouraged to participate in the full evening of prayer and fellowship:

• Adoration in the Chapel
• Benediction at 5:45 PM
• Stations of the Cross at 6:00 PM (except on Good Friday)
• Soup dinner immediately following

How to Participate

The Knights of Columbus are using SignUp Genius to help organize volunteers and soup donations. Parishioners are invited to share their best soup recipes by signing up at the link below:

Lenten Soup Dinner SignUp

“I encourage all Knights to get out and participate in this fun event,” Brother Hunter added. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our parish community while observing the Lenten season together.”

The Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph the Protector Council, came together to host the St. Joseph Breakfast with Santa celebration on Sunday, December 15, 2024. This joyful event marked our Advent preparation for the arrival of our Lord at Christmas!

With heartfelt contributions from many knights and their families, this occasion became truly special. Knight Derrick and Lady Rosanna Bell, with their culinary talents, created a beautiful breakfast buffet that delighted St. Joseph parishioners and their guests. Ladies Raquel Cadriel and Donna Couture transformed Santa’s domain and ran a vibrant photo booth for all ages. Our Past Grand Knight Brian Perley brought the spirit of Jolly Ole St. Nick to life.

Many knights, ladies, and members from formation and RCIA joined together to create an unforgettable experience. The Holy Spirit guided us, filling this celebration with the magic of Christmas.

Link to Pictures: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i1P31w_omoXJd1DYEERB-Rs1BGVRmxOc?usp=sharing 

Knights of Columbus Council 16255 brothers Danny, Jim, and Lady Donna successfully delivered 62 coats to children in need through their annual Coats for Kids program. The initiative provides winter warmth and support to local families facing economic challenges.

The coat drive exemplifies the council’s commitment to community service, ensuring children stay protected during cold months. These donations offer more than just physical warmth—they provide hope and dignity to families in need.

On September 12, 2024, Grand Knight Mario Zappia of the Knights of Columbus Saint Joseph the Protector Council, #16255, along with Council Life Director PGK Dennis Tremethick, presented a check in the sum of $500.00 to Isaac Bartch, director of the Vacaville Alpha Clinic. Supreme Council, through the Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP program), will generously add one hundred dollars to the $500 donated by our local Knights Councils.

The Alpha Clinics center in Vacaville, CA, gives, at no cost to families, provides life-saving medical care to women and children who cannot afford to pay for these services elsewhere. The clinic freely gives material aid and provides educational programs & consultative services that remove some young mothers’ most significant challenges and help prepare them to welcome their babies into a healthy environment;

This past weekend, the Knights of Columbus Council 16255 had the distinct honor of witnessing a profound moment in the life of one of our own. Derrick Bell, a dedicated member of our council, and his wife Rose entered into the sacrament of holy matrimony, deepening their bond through the grace of God.

The ceremony was a beautiful testament to their enduring love and commitment, not only to each other but also to their shared faith. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Knights, Derrick and Rosanna exchanged vows in a service that emphasized the sacredness of the sacrament. The church was filled with joy as the couple stood before the altar, pledging their lives to one another in the presence of God.

For Derrick, this sacramental marriage is a continuation of his journey within the Church, where he has been an active and faithful member, contributing his time and talents to our council’s mission of charity and unity. Rosanna, equally devoted, has been a supportive partner in all of Derrick’s endeavors, and together, they exemplify the virtues of a true Catholic marriage.

Their union is a powerful reminder of the importance of the sacraments in our lives, and their decision to be married within the Church serves as an inspiration to all of us. It is a testament to their faith, their love, and their commitment to living a life centered on Christ.

As a council, we are incredibly proud of Derrick and Rosanna and grateful to have shared in this special moment with them. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and prayers for their continued happiness and spiritual growth as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.

May their marriage be blessed with many years of joy, love, and peace.

Grand Knight Mario Zappia

Yesterday, our Knights of Columbus Grand Knight shared some powerful words at the Notre Dame Catholic School’s back-to-school BBQ. As we gather our families for another exciting school year, he reminded us of the importance of keeping our Catholic values at the forefront. Here are some highlights from the speech.

“The Eucharist is where we get our strength, and our faith grows deeper.” He emphasized how crucial it is to make the Eucharist a bigger part of our lives, not just as a routine, but as a way to feed our souls and connect with Jesus.

“In today’s world, we need God in our lives more than ever.” In these challenging times, he encouraged us all to come together at Mass, to receive God’s grace and support one another in living out our faith.

“Let’s make it a special time for our families to come together and strengthen our community.” He called on us to set a strong example for our children, showing them what it means to live a life of faith.

Join us often at Mass and let’s continue to grow as a community united by our shared Catholic values. Together, we can build a stronger future for our children and our faith!

The Knights of Columbus Council 16255 gathered on Sunday, August 25,2024, to set up tables and assist Donna Novak, Lovely Lasy of Brother Knight Alan Novak, with a Hospitality to welcome parishioners and guests with plenty of food, juices, and coffee. The event was well attended and the parishioners enjoyed eating delicious snacks and were able to joyfully fellowship with each other. Knights serving the Lord by serving God’s people.

The local Knights of Columbus Council16255 is pleased to announce its elected officers for the upcoming Columbian Year 2024-2025. These dedicated individuals will lead our council in its mission of charity, unity, and fraternity starting July 1, 2024.

Elected on June 9, 2024, the new officer roster is as follows:

• Grand Knight: Mario Zappia
• Deputy Grand Knight: James Hunter
• Financial Secretary: Matt Berger
• Chancellor: Timothy Discar
• Treasurer: Ralph Cadriel
• Advocate: Alex Knobloch
• Recorder: Ryanjay (RJ) Calungcaguin
• Warden: Derrick L. Bell
• Inside Guard: Danny Couture
• Outside Guard: Lionel Domulot
  

The council’s Trustees for the coming year will be:

• 3 Year Trustee: Dennis Tremethick
• 2 Year Trustee: Brian Perley
• 1 Year Trustee: Tom Smith

Additionally, Jay Salazar will serve as the council’s Lecturer.

These officers bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles. Under their leadership, the council looks forward to continuing its work in supporting our parish, community, and the broader initiatives of the Knights of Columbus.

The official installation of these officers will take place during a special ceremony on July 9th, 2024. This event will mark the formal beginning of their term and provide an opportunity for council members and the community to show their support for the incoming leadership.

We extend our congratulations to the newly elected officers and express our gratitude for their willingness to serve. May their efforts in the coming Columbian Year bring forth abundant fruits in charity and fellowship.

At St. Joseph Parish during the noon Holy Mass of the Feast of Corpus Christi on Sunday, June 2, 2024, the Knights of Columbus publicly proclaimed belief in Jesus’ True Presence in the Eucharist, by Participating in their Eucharistic Procession. 

 The Fourth Degree ALTIMIRA Assembly 51 provided four Honor Guards and the Canopy used during the procession – Honor Guard Captain George Bagley, David Dawa, Alex Bernardo, and Cecilio Rondolos. 

 The St. Joseph the Protector Council 16255 provided several Knights who participated as part of the procession – Mario Zappia, James Hunter, Jerry Chu, Robert Bailey, Jimmy (the elder) Peerson, and Jimmy (the younger) Spalding. Your Grand Knight assisted Fr Joshy and photographed the event. 

 Hundreds of parishioners joined the short procession honoring our Lord during this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Alleluia! Amen

Here are some Photos. 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-7u4hcqC8_KDJVV6y2M1FldDf5LX0BUG