Rhode Island State Council Knights of Columbus

03/10/2026

Did you know the first Bishop of the Diocese of Providence helped influence the life of Michael J. McGivney?

This article from the National Catholic Register highlights the impact of Thomas Francis Hendricken on the young priest who would go on to found the Knights of Columbus.

A fascinating piece of Catholic history connecting Rhode Island to the roots of our Order.

Vivat Jesus!

Long before Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, he encountered a dynamic pastor whose zeal and leadership left a lasting mark on his life.

11/26/2025

It’s beginning to look a lot like the season to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ!

11/07/2025

A Night of Faith and Fraternity at Our Lady of Providence Seminary!

We were blessed to welcome six new seminarians into the Knights of Columbus, joining Friar Council #5787 at Providence College, following a beautiful evening of Holy Hour, Vespers, and dinner together.

A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Ryan Connors for his gracious invitation and hospitality in making this evening possible.

Congratulations to our new brother Knights! Please keep these men, and all the seminarians studying here, and for our diocese in your prayers during National Vocation Awareness Week, that the Lord may continue to guide and strengthen them in their call to serve.
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10/13/2025

Happy Columbus Day!

08/01/2025

06/16/2025

Knights of Columbus Represent at the Gaspee Days Parade!

This past weekend, members of the Rhode Island Knights of Columbus proudly participated in the Gaspee Days Parade for the very first time!

This historic debut was a combined effort of Arthur S. Rebello Assembly No. 2808 and Fr. Wallace Assembly, bringing together Sir Knights and Brother Knights from across the state.

We were honored to be joined by District Master Jack Tracy and Former Master Bob Gallant, as we proudly marched in the rain to showcase our patriotic spirit and commitment to faith and country.

Together, we represented:
🔹 6 Councils
🔹 3 Assemblies
🔹 4 Districts

Thank you to everyone who came out and made this milestone possible — despite the weather, it was a great day of brotherhood, visibility, and service!

🛡️ Vivat Jesus!
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06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day from the Rhode Island Knights of Columbus!

Today, we give thanks for all fathers—biological, spiritual, and father figures—who lead with courage, sacrifice with love, and teach by example.

To all the dads who pray with their families, serve their parishes, and live their vocation with faith and integrity—you inspire us. We especially remember our brother Knights who are fathers and grandfathers, and we honor the legacy of our Founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, a true spiritual father to generations of Catholic men.

May St. Joseph, the patron of fathers and of the Universal Church, continue to intercede for you and bless your family abundantly.

🙏 “The just man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” — Proverbs 20:7

05/15/2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 2024–2025 Family Program Award 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Awarded to Lincoln Council No. 4005
Program: Supporting Families of Children with Special Needs through Camp Ruggles

The Rhode Island State Council is proud to present the 2024–2025 Faith in Action Family Program Award to Lincoln Council No. 4005, led by Grand Knight Ray Hedenskog, for their outstanding commitment to putting family first—especially families with children of differing abilities.

Over the past year, Lincoln Council hosted multiple fundraising efforts with one united goal: to provide a full, joyful summer camp experience for children who need extra care and support. Their efforts raised $2,000 in support of Camp Ruggles, a specialized summer camp located in Chepachet, RI. Camp Ruggles offers children facing emotional and behavioral challenges a chance to swim, canoe, kayak, fish, and grow in confidence—all in an environment designed for their needs.

For many of these children and their families, this camp is more than just a few weeks of fun—it’s a rare opportunity to experience belonging, build friendships, and make lifelong memories. And thanks to the Lincoln Knights, more families were able to access that gift of a “normal” summer.

This is what it means to be a fraternal organization that puts families first. Lincoln Council has shown us how faith, service, and generosity can come together to uplift those who often face the greatest barriers—and to remind them that they are not alone.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Grand Knight Ray Hedenskog and the Brothers of Lincoln Council No. 4005, our 2024–2025 Family Program Award recipients! 👏
Your work exemplifies the heart of our mission—and brings real hope to the families who need it most.

05/14/2025

🙏 2024–2025 Faith Program Award 🙏
Awarded to Friar Council No. 5787 – Providence College
Program: Veneration of the Skull of St. Thomas Aquinas
📅 Held Wednesday, December 4, 2024

The Rhode Island State Council is honored to present the 2024–2025 Faith in Action Faith Program Award to the student Knights of Friar Council No. 5787 at Providence College for organizing and leading one of the most spiritually profound and historically significant Catholic events held in our state: the Veneration of the Skull of St. Thomas Aquinas.

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Providence College became a true place of pilgrimage as thousands gathered for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to venerate the first-class relic of St. Thomas Aquinas—the revered Dominican theologian, Doctor of the Church, and patron of Catholic education. The relic was on an international tour in honor of the 700th anniversary of Aquinas’ canonization, and Providence College—deeply rooted in Dominican tradition—was one of the few U.S. locations chosen to host it.

More than 2,000 pilgrims from Rhode Island and throughout New England came to Providence College’s St. Dominic Chapel to participate in a full day of solemn liturgy, reverent prayer, and public veneration. The event included a Solemn Mass, public veneration throughout the day, Solemn Vespers, and extended Eucharistic Adoration.

At the heart of it all were the student Knights of Friar Council No. 5787. These young Catholic men served with excellence and reverence as altar servers, honor guards, greeters, ushers, and liturgical ministers. Their leadership and fraternity shaped the event from start to finish, ensuring it was both dignified and deeply moving for all in attendance.

This was not just a one-day event—it was a spiritual milestone for the campus and beyond. It showed that faith is alive and thriving among young people and that campus councils are uniquely positioned to bring truth, beauty, and tradition into the heart of modern Catholic life.

👏 Please join us in congratulating the student Knights of Friar Council No. 5787 at Providence College, our 2024–2025 Faith Program Award winners! 👏
Your leadership, reverence, and joyful witness have brought honor to the Order and inspired Catholics of all ages to seek holiness and truth.

05/13/2025

💙 2024–2025 Life Program Award 💙
Honoring Bristol Council No. 379 & East Providence Council No. 1528
Program: “Smoke Out the Stigma” – Mental Health Awareness & Su***de Prevention Dinner

The Rhode Island State Council is proud to present the 2024–2025 Faith in Action Life Award to Bristol Council No. 379 and East Providence Council No. 1528 for their bold and compassionate joint program: “Smoke Out the Stigma.”

In partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Rhode Island, the two councils hosted a cigar and whiskey steak dinner that brought over 60 participants together—not just for camaraderie, but for a deeper purpose: to address the growing crisis of men’s mental health and su***de prevention.

Attendees received crisis resource packets, information on counseling and support services, and the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline. Several guests later shared that they accessed counseling because of this event—proving that faith in action can truly save lives.

This wasn’t just a fundraiser. It was a fraternal, welcoming, and dignified space to break the silence around mental health, share struggles, and show solidarity with the most vulnerable among us. In doing so, the councils modeled the best of our Order—charity through community, unity through vulnerability, and fraternity through shared strength.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Grand Knight Ed Carusi, Grand Knight Michael Bullock, and the Brother Knights of Bristol Council #379 and East Providence Council #1528—our 2024–2025 Life Award recipients! 👏
Your courage and compassion are a light to us all.

05/12/2025

🚗 2024–2025 Community Program Award 🏘
Honoring Reverend William J. Frehill Council No. 5702 – Slatersville, North Smithfield
Program: 10th Annual Frehill Council Scholarship Car Show at the Beef Barn

The Rhode Island State Council is proud to present the 2024–2025 Faith in Action Community Award to Reverend William J. Frehill Council No. 5702, led by Grand Knight Tom Carnevale, for their extraordinary work in hosting the 10th Annual Frehill Council Car Show at the Beef Barn in North Smithfield, RI.

This milestone event has grown into one of the most anticipated gatherings in the region, uniting families, parishes, and car enthusiasts for a great cause. The 2024 show was the most successful to date—featuring 425 cars from three different states, supported by 38 volunteers, including both Knights and members of the wider community.

Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Council's Scholarship Fund, supporting the educational goals of young men and women in the North Smithfield area. It’s more than a car show—it’s a community celebration of service, unity, and opportunity.

Frehill Council’s leadership and commitment to bringing people together while giving back exemplifies the very best of what the Knights of Columbus represent.

👏 Join us in congratulating Frehill Council No. 5702 on their 10th anniversary event and their well-earned title as the 2024–2025 Community Award winner! 👏
Here’s to another decade of impact and inspiration.

05/11/2025

🌷 Happy Mother’s Day from the Knights of Columbus Rhode Island State Council! 🌷

Today, we give thanks to God for the gift of mothers—biological, adoptive, spiritual, and maternal figures—whose love reflects the heart of Christ and the nurturing care of our Blessed Mother, Mary.

To all the mothers in our lives: thank you for your strength, your sacrifices, and your unwavering faith. You are the heartbeat of the family, the first teachers of the faith, and the quiet heroes of our Church and communities.

May Our Lady, Queen of Families, intercede for you and bless you with peace, joy, and love this Mother’s Day and always. 💐