Pictured (left to right) are Bob Walsh, K of C District Representative; Nancy Phalen; Maynard Iverson, Scribe, St. Steven’s Assembly; Bill Phalen, Initiate; Chuck Guillaume, Comptroller, St. Steven’s Assembly; Ron Moffatt, Initiate; and Karen Shafer.
Six Sun Lakes residents represented St. Steven’s Catholic Church at the Arizona Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Exemplification (Initiation Ceremonies) held in Casa Grande on Sept.r 28. Over 100 participants, including 44 initiates from numerous councils around the state, took part in the ritual for raising Knights to the highest status in the Order. Two Sun Lakes Knights, Bill Phalen and Ron Moffatt, were initiated into the Patriotic Degree by a ritual team rated as one of the best in the nation! Two local council officers observed, along with two ladies from the parish. Knights from the St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Casa Grande hosted the group.
The Fourth Degree promotes patriotism with a variety of activities, including the uniquely-attired Honor Guard, which performs at numerous church events, accompanies visiting dignitaries, and appears at funerals for deceased Assembly members. The St. Steven’s Assembly further promotes patriotism by providing funds and volunteers for the AZ StandDown for Homeless/Needy Veterans, which takes place in Phoenix in January each year. Sun Lakes Knights volunteer at the AZ State Fair to generate funds for the rental of the Veterans Coliseum, which hosts the three-day event. In addition, local Knights provide ice cream treats for veterans at the Phoenix VA Hospital, in cooperation with the Marine Reserve in Chandler.