St. Mary of Gostyn Church March 1, 2026

Dr. Thomas A. Dooley Assembly 209  

Minutes of Meeting Held on

    February 11, 2026

Host Council: Mayslake #4053      

St. Isaac Jogues

                                            306 W. Fourth St.
                                             Hinsdale, 60521 

www.drdooleyassembly.com

www.illinoisknights.org

www.4thdegreeillinoisdistrict1.com

CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by FN Mike Madonna at 7:00 PM, Faithful Pilot reported all present had a valid membership card.  The Faithful Comptroller made a roll call of officers.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:

Faithful Navigator	Mike Madonna	P	Faithful Scribe	Dennis Burke	P
Faithful Comptroller	James Almeida	P	Faithful Sentinel	Joseph Iapichino	P
Faithful Friar	FR. Gregor Gorsic	P	Faithful Sentinel	“Mike” Mikulecky	P
Faithful Associate Friar	Dn. Fred Maier	P	Faithful Sentinel	Benny Raya	P
Faithful Captain	Will Schelli	P	Faithful Sentinel	William Dawson	E
Faithful Admiral	Mitch Raines	P	Faithful Sentinel	Tom Cifone	P
Faithful Purser	Jim McCarthy	P	1 yr. Trustee	Wayne Mitchell	P
Faithful Pilot	Matt Borgard	P	2 yr. Trustee	Leon Ivanauski	P
			3 yr. Trustee	Joaquim D’Souza	P

OPENING PRAYER: We Prayed a Decade of the Rosary, led by Faithful Friar Father Gregor Gorsic

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Commander Dennis Jensen

ROLL CALL OF COUNCILS:

650	Damen Hildebrand	P	9893	St. Matthew	P
1911	Fr. McDonald	P	10325	Holy Ghost – Wood Dale	A
3738	St. John	P	10884	St. Peter the Apostle	P
4053	Mayslake	P	11027	Christ the King	P
5516	St. Petronille	A	11092	St. Francis of Assisi	P
5732	Pope John	P	14649	Bishop James Fitzgerald	P
6090	Fr. Boecker	P	15296	St. Joachim	A
6521	Fr. Frank Anksorus	A	15806	Cardinal Nguyễn Văn Thuận	A
8002	Fr. Michael J. McGivney	A	16062	Fr. Ernie Norbeck	P
8365	Fr. John Barrett	P	17359	St. Alexis	A
8522	Fr. John Guiney	A	17474	St. Jose	A
9806	St. James the Apostle	P

Councils Present –14, Councils Absent – 9, 23 councils total, 3 Councils are Inactive (11025, 10575, 11263)

46 Assembly Members Present for Meeting

COUNCILS REPORTING: 14

VISITING COUNCILS: St. Elizabeth Seaton 10025

DIGNITARIES PRESENT:   Mike Madonna State Chairman, James Almedia State Family Chairman, Jim McCarthy, D. Thurman & Chris Simon Assistant Joliet Diocesan Chairs

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

Motion to approve the January amended meeting minutes seconded and approved.

FAITHFUL FRIAR’S REPORT: Faithful Friar Fr. Gregor Goric

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a day marked by the tradition of praying for the sick and remembering them in our hearts. While thousands have reported miraculous healings at Lourdes, only about 10% are officially recognized as medically inexplicable. These events highlight the value of prayer and Mary’s intercession, even though not everyone receives a miracle. The second luminous mystery reminds us of Mary’s role in bringing needs to Jesus and encouraging us to trust Him. This day invites us to unite our sufferings with Christ, pray for ourselves and others, and participate in the salvation of souls. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

FAITHFUL ASSOCIATE FRIAR’S REPORT: Dc. Fred Maier – No Report

DIGNITARY REPORTS: No Reports from any dignitaries

FAITHFUL NAVIGATOR’S REPORT: Mike Madonna:

I would like to begin by extending my gratitude to the council and to Mayslake 4053 for hosting tonight’s meeting and providing an excellent meal. As navigator, I attended the Exemplification event last Saturday to represent our group, alongside our dedicated comptroller, James Almeida, who participated as a member of the Color Guard. Additionally, Dave Mueller was present, and you served in the Honor Guard as well. Personally, my responsibilities were focused on safeguarding the room, which allowed me to support our assembly without additional duties this time.

Sixty-four knights participated overall, with four representing our assembly. I must acknowledge that this turnout is below our expectations, and we are committed to improving in future events. Our assembly had to defer to Blanchette assembly in this instance—something Dooley assembly seldom does—resulting in a humbling experience for me personally. Nevertheless, moving forward, I am pleased to introduce our new fourth degree knights.

            Welcome to our four new members of the Fourth Degree:

            Tom Cook          #4053

            Joe Stout           #4053

            John Kroll        #16062

            David Wilson   #14649

FAITHFUL COMPTROLLER Submission of Bills: FC James Almeida  

MEMBERSHIP:

Membership
Total	703
Honorary	17
Honorary Life	170
Transfers In	0
Transfers Out	0
Withdrawals	0
Suspensions	0
Disabled	6
New Members	4
Reinstatements	0
Deaths	1
Adjustments	0

FAITHFUL PURSER REPORT: Jim McCarthy   

The membership dues renewal rate through the website is up to 10%, double the rate from last year. Please utilize this method when possible. Some dues payments were received in January but will be posted in February and will be reflected in the February Purser report. Any inquiries about dues payments can be addressed by contacting Jim McCarthy directly by email jamtreeohio@live.com or by phone 216 233-6869.

Knights of the month: No report

REPORT OF COMMITTEES:

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Mitch Raines

          As the Faithful Navigator noted, only four new members joined the fourth degree at the latest exemplification, a disappointing number. We must actively promote the fourth degree in our councils by explaining its significance and encouraging full membership. Events like the Honor Flight energize participants, but many are unaware of such activities. Sharing successes and opportunities, like the Frank Rossi Assistance Fund, can motivate others to join. It’s now easier than ever to reach both third and fourth degrees, so we should work to increase participation. That’s all, sir.

MASS CARDS: SK Wally Johnson PFN: No report.

NEWSLETTER: Faithful Scribe Dennis Burke: Thank you, Worthy Faithful Navigator. Veterans interested in being interviewed for the website, like Augie Sisco last month, can email me dubkoc093@gmail.com. I will put my photos I take tonight on the website. I welcome pictures from commanders or honor guards to highlight their activities for new members on the website.

LADIES NIGHT OUT: Need Volunteer   We’re still going to volunteer to run the Ladies Night Out. If you feel like running a committee, please talk to the Faithful Navigator or anyone else on board and we’ll help you with it as well.

HOSPITALITY: Mike Madonna and Bill Schelli III: No Hospitality for February 7^th Exemplification because it is at a church this year.  

AD BOOK: FC Edgar Garcia: (Mike Madonna) We did not secure any ads for the ad book this year due to miscommunication regarding the deadline with Edgar Garcia and Tim Kosgrove. As navigator, I take responsibility and apologize. We plan to include ads in the next publication, which will be announced during new business.

MEMORIAL MASS: Dc. Fred Maier: Worthy Faithful Navigator and Brother Sir Knights,

Please accept my apologies for the short notice regarding this event. I intended to present this report last month but was unable to do so due to a severe case of the flu that rendered me unable to communicate effectively. We have now received final confirmation from St. Walter’s Church, which will host the Memorial Mass originally scheduled for last November. The date has been set for March 9th, beginning at 5:30 PM, as this time aligns with other commitments at St. Walter’s.

This Mass will honor the sixteen Brothers or Knights who passed away between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. Invitations were sent to all families three weeks ago, and thus far, none have been returned undelivered. I have already received confirmation from one family that they will attend. For those interested, I have printed sample copies of the invitation for your review; the mailed versions were prepared on quality cardstock.

We are coordinating closely with St. Walter’s to ensure the event proceeds smoothly. If you are able to attend, please note the early start time of 5:30 PM on Monday, March 9th. I acknowledge the challenges posed by the timing and short notice and sincerely apologize. Moving forward, I will begin preparations for next year’s Memorial Mass well in advance to allow for more timely organization and ensure it takes place in November as planned.

Anyone interested in attending is welcome. If someone could let me know how many people will be coming, we can coordinate with St. Walters for refreshments and ensure we have roses ready to give out to attendees.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Veterans Committee: Mike Bruntz: No Report

Widows and Orphans: We still need a volunteer to run that program. If anybody wants to step up and run that program, let me know.

Pro Life: Need Volunteer.

New BUSINESS: FN Mike Madonna

I would like to begin by announcing that the next Fourth-Degree Exemplification event is scheduled for June 27th and will be held at St. Norbert in Northbrook. Additional information will be provided as soon as it becomes available, and we anticipate distributing the event packet within the next few weeks. Upon receipt, we will promptly circulate the materials so each council can ensure proper distribution.

It appears that the schedule for this exemplification will mirror the previous event: registration will take place at 11:00 AM, the ceremony will begin at 1:00 PM and conclude by approximately 3:00 PM, followed by Mass at 4:30 PM. The last event also included a presentation dinner after the ceremony.

In contrast, the October session was held in the morning, with registration at 9:00 AM, proceedings beginning at noon, finishing around 4:00 or 4:30 PM, and attendees could attend Mass independently afterwards. The format may vary depending on organizational preferences.

It has been noted that Supreme is encouraging Masters to hold these events consistently in church venues rather than hotels, with the intent of returning to traditions rooted in the church community. While I personally found the February sessions at hotels preferable, that is merely my opinion.

Steve Orzech: Worthy Favorite Navigator, don’t forget, you have to start putting together your nominating committee for the May elections. 

James Almeida: Faithful Navigator, just a reminder: next month is the biannual meeting for the Masters Saturday March 21^st in Batavia. As an assembly, we need the Faithful Navigator and one delegate for every hundred members. Since we have more than 700 members, we’ll require seven delegates plus alternates.

Names of the eight delegates & one alternate: Matt Borgard, D. Thurman, Frank Birner, Joe Iapichino, Tom Weiland, Bill O’Brien, Ken Smith, Joe Stout & Chuck Grassely.

Mike Madonna: I would like to bring to your attention the annual state-of-the-art Catholic band competition, scheduled for Saturday, February 21st, at Marmian Academy. The event will commence at 8:30 a.m., with the awards ceremony, including the esteemed Deacon Fred Maier Award, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

This is a significant occasion, Dan Daemicke and his committee run this event, featuring hundreds of talented Catholic youths from across the state. As one of Illinois’ largest youth activities and a longstanding Knights of Columbus-sponsored initiative. I encourage council members to consider making donations in support of this event.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES:

Question: Bill for two directional signs for $90.00, are they reuseable? Yes. Bills are in order and approved and can be sent to the purser to be paid.

COMMANDER’S REPORT:

The Assembly wants to thank the Sir Knights who participated in these Honor Guards. Knights in Uniform are the visible arm of the Knights of Columbus.

1 Commander Emeritus Wayne Mitchell: No Report

2 Commander Tom Weiland: No Report

3 Commander Dennis Jensen: Faithful Navigator on January 31st at St. Philip’s in Addison, we had confirmation mass, five Sir Knights in attendance.

On February 7 at Medina, we had the Veterans Patriotic Dinner Honor Guard, and we had six Sir Knights in attendance.

4 Commander Benny Raya: No Report

5 Commander Thomas Ngo: needs commander training.  

6 Commander Matt Borgard: No Report

7 Commander: Claude Ortega: No Report

Honor Guard Request: An Honor Guard request for noon mass on March 1st at Saint Mary of Gostyn is dedicated to Brother Sir Knight Bob Jaskula. Some of you may be familiar with him; he has been part of the fourth degree for many years. Bob and his wife Rose are celebrating their 75th anniversary.

Third Degree Report:

• On February 15 al you can eat breakfast at St. Alexander’s Gym from 7:00am to 12:00 p.m.; see Leon Ivaanski Pusich for details.
• On February 12, there will be a blood drive at St. Joseph’s downstairs from 3:30pm n to 7:30pm contact Matt Borgard.
• March 9^th Regional Free Throw Contest at Benedictine University starting at 5:45pm contact Teryy Folliard
• On February 20, starting at 5pm a Fish Fry at St John’s council in Westmont contact Hank Anzelone
• On February 27, starting at 5pm-7pm a Fish Fry at Christ the King Parish in Lombard contact Guy Grano
• Into the Breach 8:30am at St. Joseph’s in DG downstairs contact Mitch Raines
• Council 14649 Bishop James Fitzgerald is selling March Madness fundraising tickets for $10. See Terry Folliard or Matt Borgard for details

PRAYER FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: Prayer led by Faithful Associate Friar Fred Maier

Rita Wrobel poor health from fall

Mark Wrobel (son) repose of soul

Roberta Wrobel (daughter) car accident

Joann Mikulecky recovering from knee replacement

Linda Bedoe in hospice  

Matt Borgard cancer treatments

Jane Simmons recovering from stroke

Connor McGinnis losing eyesight  

Mary Folliard mental problems

Patrice Folliard Kidney removed- cancer

Denise Contole stage 4 cancer in hospice

Denise Manthei stage 4 Kidney Cancer

Jeff Mitchell triple bypass

Michael Alan D’Souza health

Noreen Sisco surgery

Mary Prent recovering from surgery

Sir Knights and their family members in poor health

All deceased Sir Knights

CLOSING PRAYERS: Led By Faithful Friar Father Gregor Gorsic   

ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM by Faithful Navigator Mike Mardonna

Location of upcoming Meetings: All meetings start at 7:00 PM, Dinner at 6:00

March 11^th, 2026

                                   Host Council: Fr. Boecker #6090

Sacred Heart Church

                                        114 S. Elizabeth Street
                                              Lombard, 60148 

Respectfully Submitted,

Dennis Burke

Faithful Scribe

Dr. Thomas A. Dooley Assembly 209

www.drdooleyassembly.com

dubkoc093@gmail.com

Worthy Brother Sir Knights,

In ten days, the final notice of dues payment will be going out in the mail.  You have to the end of March to send in your payment.  You can pay your dues online on our website.  It is easy, quick and safe.  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.  Take care and God Bless.

Vivat Jesus!

Fraternally yours,

James R. Almeida, Jr

Worthy Brother Sir Knights,

It is that time of year again, dues coming up soon.  I just sent out the bills earlier this week and you should receive them soon.  Please send a check, made out to Dr. Dooley Assembly #209.  Also, please consider donating to the Veteran’s Fund of $5.  This money goes to our Veterans functions like Honor Flight, Manteno Picnic, bingo and many more.  Remember, your current cards are good until March, but please pay your dues as soon as you can.  Thank you all and God Bless!

Vivat Jesus!

Fraternally yours,

James R. Almeida, Jr

Brother Sir Knights,

I am pleased to inform you that we were recognized by Supreme Master for the Exemplification of Patriotism. I will put a QR code so you can read it for yourself at your leisure. We are mentioned on our membership along with the northern district and included is our winners of the Master’s Award. Thank you for all who has participated. Also, the new packet for June 28th will be out shortly so keep your eye on the email. Take care and God Bless you all!

Yours in Patriotism,

James R. Almeida, Jr

Faithful Navigator.

Brother Sir Knights,

I was just informed that Msgr. Burnett fell and broke his wrist while he was in Barcelona, Spain. He is currently at Hines VA Hospital extended care treatment and rehab for four weeks. Please keep him in your prayers for a quick and speedy recovery. Thank you all and God Bless!

With Patriotism,

James R. Almeida, Jr-PGK

Faithful Navigator.