Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 5780 of St. Margaret Church in Madison, CT
With over 150 Brother Knights, Sacred Heart Council 5780 continues to grow and evolve by involving all Catholic men interested in strengthening their faith, building friendships, and making a difference in our parish and community.
Knights of Columbus Council 5780 Officers
From left to right John Connolly, Tony Sasso, Justin Murphy, John Warfel, Jim Ferrara, Anthony Amplo, Peter Parisi, Paul DiVincenzo, Frank Connelly, Fr. Daniel J. McLearen, District Deputy Kevin Glazier
As discussed in our October meeting, this year’s Christmas Dinner will take place at our Parish Center. Our goal is to gather as Brother Knights, with our spouses and guests, to celebrate the season in warmth, fellowship, and gratitude. Meal Plan: A simple, hearty meal of pasta and meatballs, salad,…
The Knights of Columbus was founded on February 6, 1882, by Blessed Father Michael McGivney at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Father McGivney’s vision was to organize Catholic men to strengthen their faith, assist their families and parishes, and protect their loved ones through a pioneering insurance program which invests only in companies that do good for our society. From the earliest days of the Knights, they provided huts for all soldiers during the great war WWI. In 1954 they lobbied the US congress to add “under God” to the pledge of allegiance. Today, over 2 million Brother Knights worldwide honor Blessed Father McGivney’s mission of embracing the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.
Sacred Heart Council 5780 was established on December 6, 1965, with John M. Murphy as our first Grand Knight. For nearly six decades, we have faithfully served our church and community, and meet on the second Thursday of each month from September through June. Our past Grand Knight Justin Murphy is the son of John W. Murphy and has left his mark as our Grand Knight for an extended period during the time of Covid.
Ministries and Outreach
Our council actively contributes to St. Margaret Parish and the broader community through various ministries and service initiatives.
Church Ministries
As parish priests, deacons, and lay ministers
Eucharistic Ministry to the sick and homebound Lectors, musicians, singers, and ushers
Providing transportation for parishioners for treatments and doctor visits
Community Support
Madison Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels
Veteran outreach by Operation American Soldier at Columbus House in New Haven
Habitat for Humanity, aiding families in need of adequate housing
Programs for adults with disabilities through Sarah and Vista
Special Programs
Faith Development
Saint Margaret’s annual men’s retreat, Holy Family Retreat Center West Hartford
Youth Support
Scholarships for parishioners entering college
The St. Joseph the Worker award for students entering the trades
Advocacy
Supporting the Connecticut March for Life and Special Olympics
Fellowship and Events
Our council promotes fraternity and fellowship through a vibrant calendar of social and spiritual activities.
Faith & Fellowship
Parish Mass and Picnic on the Beach
Monthly rosary and receptions
Athlete’s Mass and after-Mass coffee gatherings
Social Events
Summer picnics on the beach every Friday evening at the Surf Club
Steak and cigar night
Annual Council Installation Dinner
Council Christmas Party at the Cafe Alegre
St. Patrick’s Party and fundraiser
Holiday Traditions
Children’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Party with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Council Christmas Party at Cafe Allegre.
Parish raising funds for the families of St Martin de Porre’s in New Haven
Tuition assistants fund raising for All Saints Elementary School
Our council meets the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the church hall during the following months: Sept, Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May. We typically hold social events in the summer, such as dinner at the Surf Club which is a bring your own food picnic.