Abp. Elder Council Ultrasound Initiative

October is Respect Life Month. Will you help save the lives of the most vulnerable, the unborn, by helping the Knights of Columbus raise funds to purchase an ultrasound machine for the LIFE FORWARD Pregnancy Care of Cincinnati?

*** UPDATE as of 12/01/2020 ***

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. We did it.

KofC – Ultrasound Initiative – 2020 Raffle for Life –– Drawing

The Knights of Columbus Raffle for Life Drawing will be held on Saturday, December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, after the 11:30 AM Mass.  

Our Pastor, Fr. George will draw the winning ticket from the 220 tickets that were sold. The prize is a check in the amount of $5,000.00

The drawing will be held outside the Church, weather permitting.  Otherwise we will move into the Parish Center.  

You do not have to be present to win.  A member of the Knights of Columbus will notify you that you won and make arrangements for you to collect the prize. 

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, made a donation, and/or prayed for the success of this worthy initiative.

Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, and your dedication to the sanctity of life, St. Gertrude parishioners have purchased ALL 220 Ultrasound Raffle tickets ($22,000) and donated an additional $16,228 for a total of $38,128. As a result of your generosity, not only will LIFE FORWARD receive an ultrasound machine, but the Knights will apply the additional $16,128 – and any further funds collected – to help fund a second ultrasound machine.

We will coordinate with the Respect Life Office in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to identify another pregnancy center in need of an ultrasound machine. We’ll keep you apprised of the status of both machines as we work through the process.

This accomplishment of is a true testament to your commitment to saving the lives of the most vulnerable, the UNBORN.

If you have not had the opportunity to participate and want to contribute toward the purchase of a second machine, you can obtain a request to make a donation form at either the Parish office or filling out and mailing in the request form below.

  • Goal: Raise $22,000 Exceded! We’re now going for a second machine!
  • Method: A raffle sale after all Masses on the weekends of October 17-18 and 24-25
  • Cost: $100/ticket
  • Prize: $5,000
  • Drawing: December 12 (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) after the 11:30 AM Mass
  • Payment: cash, check, or credit card. Checks are payable to: KofC Elder Council #1195 (Donations will be gratefully accepted).

Request to Make a Donation:

If you have not had the opportunity to participate and want to contribute toward the purchase of a second machine, you can make a donation by mailing in a completed request (see the “Request to Make a Donation link below), or by visiting the St. Gertrude Parish Office.

Fundraiser Information

  • $22,000 is half of the purchase price of a GE Ultrasound machine for Life Forward Pregnancy Care of Cincinnati, at their third, and newest, office at 11020 S. Lebanon Rd., Loveland, Ohio.
  • The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus will contribute the other 50% ($22,000) for the cost of the machine.
  • Abp. Elder Council will donate the $5,000 prize.
  • For questions or more information, please e-mail: [email protected]

EVERY DOLLAR COLLECTED from the raffle sale or donation will go directly to the purchase of the ultrasound machine.

LifeForward Pregnancy Care Center

KofC Ultrasound Initiative

Ultrasound Machine

Crosses of the Innocents 2020

Abp. Elder Council are once again humbled and grateful for the amazing turnout and hard work by the parishioners of St. Gertrude.  This morning’s installation of the Crosses of the Innocents went so smoothly and quickly due to all the wonderful volunteers.  Also, a special thank you to our Worthy Chaplain and Pastor of St. Gertrude, Fr. George Schommer, O.P., for his support, leading us in prayer, and bestowing a blessing upon all involved.  Finally, a special recognition again should go to Brother Knight, Larry Sendelbach.  Larry provides us with all the crosses, signs, equipment, and knowledge for creating this powerful memorial. 

Vivat Jesus!

Fr. George Schommer, O.P. prays with and blesses the volunteers

My Personal Testimonial for Becoming a Knight – Dale Walczak

My wife Debra and I have been parishioners at St. Gertrude since 2014.  Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Knights will not be able to share their personal stories before Mass this year so I will do my best to share the meaning of becoming a Knight in written word.  I can personally attest that joining the Knights of Columbus has enabled me to deepen my faith and make me a better man.

I have been a Knight for three years and my only regret is that I did not join sooner.  It was something I always wanted to do but there were always the demands of the job, business travel, and family obligations that prompted me to conclude “maybe next year”.  Three years ago, I realized something was missing and if not now, when?  I stopped by a table to learn more about the Knights of Columbus after Mass.  What I quickly learned was that there was a true brotherhood based on faith, aligned values, support systems, and the flexibility to engage at the level that is right for you. 

Today, I am the Chancellor for Archbishop Elder Council and I have enjoyed the enriching experience of being part of an organization of Catholic men dedicated to building a bridge back to faith and service.  That is the mission of the Knights.  We develop and support:

Faith through weekly Adoration, completing the Five First Saturday’s Marian devotion, and praying the rosary together. 

Family events like our Christmas party, Chili Cookoffs, and making delicious pancakes! 

Communities through soup kitchens, programs for our Veterans, and launching the “Leave No Neighbor Behind” Program with food and blood drives at our Parish. 

Life by installing 4,000 white crosses on the parish lawn, collecting money in baby bottles to donate to Old St. Mary’s Pregnancy Center, and our latest ultra-sound initiative. 

If you are searching for a way to put your faith into action during these extraordinary times, please stop by our table after Mass on September 26 and 27 or go to the Knights of Columbus or Elder Council websites to learn more – www.kofc.org or www.elderkofc.org

Thank you and God Bless you and your family.

Recognition and Gratitude for PGK

(LtoR) Districy Deputy & Elder Trustee Mark Kosobud, PGK Tom Hahn, PGK Bob Stucker, GK Phil Motz, Deputy Grand Knight Pete Marcello, and Treasurer Bill Shefcik.

Worth Grand Knight, Phil Motz, and Elder Council Officers present PGK Bob Stucker, with a plaque and ball cap in fraternal gratitude and appreciation for his service as our Council’s Past Grand Knight. Thank you Worthy Brother Bob!