Leadership Across the Generations

From Zoomers to Boomers and beyond, Knights answer the call to serve as council officers

6/1/2024

Knights of Columbus young and old — and those in between — are encouraged to step up to leadership positions in their councils and jurisdictions, strengthening the Order with their different skills and perspectives. With Christ as the model, age is less of a criterion for K of C leadership than a spirit of sacrificial service: Jesus told the Apostles at the Last Supper, “Let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant” (Lk 22:26). Here, Knights representing several different generations share their experience of taking on leadership roles and responsibilities, navigating challenges and growing in faith and charity.

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Nicholas Gartonzavesky, 27, joined the Knights in 2019 and, beginning in 2021, served two years as grand knight of Mater Misericordiae Council 15576 in Phoenix. Married and the father of three young children, he teaches math and science at St. Mary’s Catholic High School.

Foundation of Faith: My mom is a cradle Catholic, and my dad is a convert who has taught at a number of Catholic schools all over the country. I’m the oldest of five boys, and all five of us remain close to the Lord and his Church. We’ve run with the faith instilled by our parents and made it our own. I met my lovely wife, Mariah, while studying at Thomas Aquinas College in California, and we got married in the summer of 2019.

Sharing Time & Talent: I joined the Knights for two reasons. First, my father is a Knight, and I remember helping him with Operation L.A.M.B. when I was 5 years old. I wanted to be like him, and I saw the good that being a Knight did for him. Second, we were raised to help the Church with our time, talent and treasure, and we didn’t have much treasure growing up, so I learned to donate time and talent however I can. I didn’t seek to become a leader, but the need was there.

Difference Makers: I’m proud of the role our council has had in helping our parish transition to a larger church building in the last few years. Our members have helped with installing flooring and pews; they serve as ushers, porters and choir members. The best way to engage other men, I believe, is simply to be a man of Christ and be present to those around you. Your prayers and example will lead other men to join!

Courage & Communion: In this day and age, apathy and isolation are among the biggest challenges men face. In response, courageous men need to be leaven, to lift up their parish community by their prayers and actions. It is a great sign of hope to me to see young families and especially young fathers living their faith. Nothing could be of greater importance than a strong domestic church.

Looking Forward: We stand on the shoulders of saints. Millions of other Catholic gentlemen have held true to the Catholic faith and the Order’s timeless principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. It is never easy to witness to the truth, but Christ never said it would be easy. He promised we would have victory if we are steadfast and hand on the gift of faith we have received.

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Mark Anthony Lodrigito, 36, works in human resources at Bulacan State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in governance and innovative leadership from the University of the Philippines Diliman. A past grand knight and former district deputy and state warden, he currently serves as executive secretary to the Luzon North State Council in Manila.

Family Reinforcement: My mother raised me and my two stepsiblings by herself, and thanks to my extended family I grew up involved in parish life. They would take me to Sunday Mass and traditional practices such as the reading of the Passion of Christ, or Pabasa, during Lent and the Journey to the Inn, or Panuluyan, during Christmas.

Called to Serve: I became a Columbian Squire when I was 15 years old. Having grown up without the presence of a biological father, it was a joy for me to be part of an organization where I found many father figures. I became a Knight at 18, and since that time I have taken on various leadership roles within the Order. I am driven by a desire to bring Catholic men closer to Christ.

New Horizons: In 2018, the Luzon North State Council asked me to travel to the northernmost islands of the Philippines, in the province of Batanes. With the help of Father Ronaldo Manabat, we established three new councils, the first in the region. As state program director during the COVID-19 pandemic, I initiated Faith in Action Talks to connect with Knights despite the lockdowns. Now, I’m honored to help our councils implement Cor and other evangelization and faith formation initiatives.

Challenges & Opportunities: One significant challenge has been the lack of financial resources to meet various needs, such as helping families in our community — including those of members — who were affected by a typhoon and severe flooding. There have also been challenges to being a young leader: When I was still a new council officer in my early 20s, I felt hesitation from my fellow brothers in listening to me because I was young. Over time, though, I gradually felt their respect.

First in Faith: The Knights of Columbus is adapting to meet the evolving needs of its members and the communities it serves. Beyond embracing modern technology and media to facilitate member engagement and activities, the most significant adaptation the Order has made is a paradigm shift in our programs. We are not merely a charitable organization focused on serving the Church, family and community, but a brotherhood concentrated on strengthening our relationship with Christ, which itself inspires acts of service. I am excited to see our Order become “first in faith, as in charity.”

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Samuel Llanas, 49, is a charter member and grand knight of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Council 17501 in Charlotte, North Carolina. A married father of three daughters, he runs a residential construction and remodeling company in Charlotte.

Taking Responsibility: I grew in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and my parents took us to church and catechism every Sunday. But as an adult, I only attended Mass from time to time. When my first daughter was born, however, I started to understand what a big responsibility fatherhood is, and that the best way to teach my children is by example. It was then that I began to walk again with the Church, and my faith has been strengthened little by little in the last 18 years.

Men of Action: I first heard of the Knights at a retreat I attended in 2017, where they showed us a video about the Order. When I learned about its history of service as “the strong right arm of the church,” how could I not be part of something so important? I went to my pastor, and after two years of work, Council 17501 was established. The Faith in Action programs especially impress me because they adapt to any need and place; our church is a young community, and these programs have been a success. Knights of Columbus insurance also gives me peace of mind that my family is protected if something happens to me.

A Living Faith: The phrase “Faith in Action” summarizes everything we do. As I tell my brother Knights, we have so many opportunities to serve our neighbors and at the same time exercise our faith.  St. James said that “faith without works is dead” (Jas 2:26). Our council has a great faith that cannot be hidden. We attend to the needs of the community, and our support for a Knight whose home burned down was recognized at last year’s Supreme Convention as one of the International Family Programs of the Year.

Overcoming Obstacles: Things that are worthwhile have a cost, and there have been challenges since the council was established, such as language barriers and lack of organization. I’m learning to become a more responsible leader as modeled by the district and state leaders who have always supported us.

The Founding Vision: Our council is almost entirely made up of Hispanic immigrants like me. It is a clear example of Blessed Michael McGivney’s vision, still so alive after 142 years: to protect Catholic families, especially immigrants, and to work to build a better future, just as our predecessors did. Now it is our turn to put our faith in action.

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Joseph Internicola, 62, is married with five children and works in the painting and decorating industry. He joined the Knights in 1993 and, for more than two decades, has held various officer positions for St. Rose of Lima Council 13244 in Toronto. He currently serves as grand knight.

Back to the Church: I was born in Canada to an Italian immigrant family that was nominally Catholic but didn’t live out the faith. I reverted to Catholicism at age 29, inspired by the witness of a wonderful deacon, the pontificate of St. John Paul II and EWTN. I’ve since been blessed to have many wonderful priests, religious and friends foster my faith along the way.   

Welcomed by Brothers: I was intrigued by the Order — its storied history and its legacy of charity. Newly married, my wife and I had a baby and no life insurance, which also made joining the Knights attractive. I love the fraternal aspect, as well as the shared mission to serve the Church and community. It is Christian stewardship in action. The Knights I’ve met along the way since joining have always encouraged me to take on more responsibility.

Proud to Be a Knight: I believe in leading by example. Volunteering to help whenever I am able — even if I’m busy with work and family — helps set an example for others. I’ve always encouraged our members to think of any encounter with a Catholic man as a recruitment opportunity. Sometimes, men just need to be invited to join — and they often will. I love seeing the smiling faces of new members who say they’re proud to be Knights. 

Walking with Men: I think the biggest challenge is keeping members active, engaged and motivated. People lead busier lives, and time is precious. We always tell our members that whatever way they can do to help out — no matter how little — is always appreciated. God and family come first. The Cor initiative will certainly help foster the spiritual life of the Order, and this is heartening to see. 

Passing the Torch: The Order is making use of new technology and media to communicate our message to more Catholic men, and we have made it easier for men to join the Knights through e-membership and the online exemplification. At the same time, we remain committed to our Catholic faith and our founding principles, which drive us to help each other and serve our communities. It is inspiring to know that we walk the same path as so many brother Knights who have passed the torch to us to continue the mission set forth by Blessed Michael McGivney.