This is a thank you party for the Religious Sisters of our Archdiocese—the sisters that have so faithfully given their life to us and our church. We will host this Appreciation Party each year, with the help of our Ladies Auxiliary and Catholic Daughters Court #1750. Some of us may have even tried their patience and made it very challenging for them to give us a Catholic education. Now is the time to show your appreciation—whether it’s to the sister who taught you or the order she belonged to.We will offer the sisters an afternoon of entertainment, drinks, games, prizes and a meal. Each attending sister will leave with a gift bag. I am asking all members of Council 2917, Ladies Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters Court #1750 for a personal donation of 1 or more gift cards with a value of $10 each to be added to the gift bags. Suggested gift card donations: Walgreens, CVS, grocery stores, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, Whataburger, Burger King, Chick-fil-a, gas station cards, etc. Many of us have had an experience with our religious sisters.  If you would rather make a cash donation to this event, I will purchase the gift cards. If you would like to join us for this day of fun and thanks, there is a $10 charge for admission which includes your meal and drinks. If you are able to attend this day, you will find it very rewarding to see the joy on the sisters’ faces as they enjoy this special day. For more information, see the flyer or contact me,

After a 2-year COVID 19 break from our K of C Council 2917's Annual Religious Sisters’ Appreciation Celebration, we invited the sisters of our archdiocese to a celebration of appreciation for their service and commitment to the church. The theme for this year's celebration was "Thanksgiving", a thanksgiving for our sisters and for being able to return to open celebrations again.
We were not sure how many sisters we may have lost during these past years and if the sisters would be willing to attend an open gathering. However, when our hall doors opened for the sisters, the sisters were there! After a long registration period for all sisters to sign in, we had over 90 sisters sign in! Our hall was once again filled with sisters! We had sisters that attended previous celebrations and sisters that were making their first appearance. Our two oldest sisters were 92 years old and we had one sister 28 years young. In addition to the religious attending, we had about 90 Knights, Ladies and CDA members to welcome and host the sisters. We had a GRAND turnout!
On behalf of Council 2917, I would like to thank our Worthy State Deputy--Terry Fruge & his wife; 
Worthy State Treasurer--Bob Goss & guest; Worthy Diocesan Deputy--Ron Friech & his wife; Worthy Assist. Diocesan Deputy--RC Cannimar; Worthy 1st District Master James Hatcher & his wife; Worthy Diocesan Charity Committeeman and Past Diocesan Chapter President--David Keating & his wife for attending our sisters' celebration. It was an honor to have these State and Diocesan Officers attend our council event. It is not often that a council will receive this type of attendance from officers of this ranking.
Father Joseph from St. Ambrose opened the celebration with a prayer, blessing our sisters and the day of celebration. We asked the sisters to give us a list of sisters that had passed away since our last celebration, unfortunately this list was long. Father Hieu, pastor of St. Ambrose read each name and said a blessing for these sisters along with a blessing over the meal.
At our last celebration in 2019, the sisters said that they would like to perform for their fellow sisters instead of us hiring entertainment. We had about 5 different groups of sisters perform which included singing and folklorico dancing. All were very entertaining. Thank you, sisters for the courage to perform in front of your peers.
Hors d'oeuvres for the guests were provided by our Council Ladies Auxiliary and cocktails were served by our Bar Board. Staying with the theme of Thanksgiving, Council 2917 served a 'council cooked' meal of roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, candied yams, green beans, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce and a roll. After the meal, guests were served cake which was provided by CDA Christ the King Ct. #1750. I cannot forget the wonderful number of volunteers for the day who cooked, served, and greeted our sisters and guests--the number of volunteers was remarkable.
To close the afternoon, as each sister left the hall, she was given a gift bag filled with a variety of treats and gift cards. I must congratulate my Brother Knights of Council 2917, the Council Ladies Auxiliary and CDA Christ the King Ct. #1750 for all of their donations to fund this event. The Council 2917 Annual Religious Sisters’ Appreciation Celebration could not have happened without your charitable gifts and volunteerism.
To my Brother Knights of Council 2917, "Blessed Michael J. McGivney, priest and founder of the Knights of Columbus" founded our Order on 3 Principles--Charity, Unity and Fraternity. As Knights of Columbus, we should practice these Principles at every opportunity we can. Brothers, you all fulfilled this obligation of Knighthood on this day: Charity--giving financially and as a labor of love to our sisters; Unity--coming together as one to strengthen our Church and Order; Fraternity--strengthening our bond by socializing together with your fellow Catholics and Brother Knights.
The reason for celebrating our Religious Sisters is to show appreciation and thanksgiving for all they do to serve our Church and the people of God. I would like to give you an example of our sisters’ life and what was told to me by Sister Maria Goretti, a Dominican Sister of Mary Immaculate Province. Earlier this year, I apologized to Sister Maria Goretti for repeated requests of asking for prayers for sick family members and friends. Her simple response was, "our purpose in life is prayer." Council family, these few words describe their commitment to our church and to us--of their giving to others and of their humility.
Let us now offer a prayer for our sisters.
Thank you to all that helped with the promotion of this celebration, but most of all, thank you sisters for how you serve and help our church.
Next year again, YES!!!
John Buck, GK
Council 2917

See pictures to the left