Saint Kateri Knights of Columbus

06/09/2026

Celebrating a Milestone: Father Jude’s 80th Birthday

On Saturday, June 6th, Dominican Father Jude Eli-Ronald celebrated a remarkable milestone—his 80th birthday—at the Dominican Priory in Eagle Rock. The celebration brought together fellow Dominican friars, parishioners from St. Dominic's Catholic Church, family, friends, and special guests to honor a life dedicated to faith, service, and ministry.

I was honored to attend the celebration with my daughter, Laurel, as one of the invited guests. We had the privilege of being seated with Father Jude, alongside Father Vaughn, pastor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, making the occasion even more meaningful.

The day began with the 9:00 a.m. Mass, celebrated by Father Jude. As he reflected on his journey of faith, ministry, and service over the decades, the significance of reaching his 80th birthday became deeply apparent. Near the conclusion of the Mass, Father Jude was visibly moved with emotion as he recognized the extraordinary blessing of this milestone and the many lives he has touched throughout his vocation.

Following the Mass, family, friends, fellow friars, and parishioners gathered to continue the celebration. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, laughter, fellowship, and heartfelt appreciation for a priest whose life has been devoted to serving God and His people. Stories were shared, memories were recalled, and many offered their thanks for Father Jude’s years of spiritual guidance, friendship, and unwavering commitment to the Dominican mission.

It was a beautiful and memorable occasion, one that reflected not only the accomplishments of a remarkable man but also the love and respect he has earned from so many throughout his life. We congratulate Father Jude on his 80th birthday and pray that God continues to bless him with good health, happiness, and many more years of faithful service.

Happy Birthday, Father Jude, and thank you for the inspiration you have provided to generations of faithful Catholics. May God continue to richly bless you.

06/09/2026

A Beautiful Corpus Christi Celebration of Faith and Devotion

On the Feast of Corpus Christi, our parish community came together for a beautiful celebration of the Holy Eucharist, marked by a reverent Mass and procession through the neighborhood surrounding our church. The event was organized by Cristina Blasquez, whose dedication and planning helped make this special day a memorable expression of faith for all who attended.

At Cristina's request, the Knights of Columbus proudly participated in the celebration by leading the procession in full Color Corps regalia. Under the leadership of Color Corps Commander and Deputy Grand Knight Ray Lau, the Knights provided a dignified and inspiring presence as they escorted the Blessed Sacrament through the parish neighborhood.

A particularly moving part of the procession was the honor of carrying the beautiful canopy over the Blessed Sacrament as the faithful followed in prayer and song. The sight of the Color Corps, parishioners, clergy, and altar servers united in public witness to the Real Presence of Christ was a powerful testimony to the faith of our parish community.

The Mass was celebrated by Father Vaughn, who led the congregation in worship and reflection on the profound gift of the Eucharist. Following the procession, parishioners gathered for Eucharistic Adoration and concluding prayers at the beautiful grotto.

This special gathering concluded at the grotto, a treasured prayer space on our parish grounds that is lovingly maintained by Jorge Aguilar, chairman of the grotto committee. Through his efforts and those of his volunteers, the plaza continues to provide a peaceful and welcoming place for prayer, reflection, and parish gatherings.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cristina Blasquez for organizing this wonderful celebration, Father Vaughn for his spiritual leadership, Ray Lau and the Knights of Columbus Color Corps for their dedicated service, and Jorge Aguilar for maintaining the beautiful plaza that served as the fitting conclusion to this sacred day.

Corpus Christi reminds us that Christ remains with us always in the Holy Eucharist, and this year's celebration was a joyful and public witness to that enduring truth.

06/09/2026

A Morning of Fellowship and Support for Our Parish Widows and Widowers

On June 6th at 9:00 a.m., the Knights of Columbus joined with the Parish Bereavement Ministry to host a special brunch honoring the widows and widowers of our parish community. Held in the parish hall, the event welcomed more than 60 attendees for a morning of fellowship, friendship, and encouragement.

The Knights of Columbus, under the leadership of Dan Bunch, generously provided the manpower to make the event a success. From setting up the hall and preparing the meal to serving guests and handling the cleanup afterward, the Knights demonstrated their commitment to serving those in need with kindness and compassion.

The event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary, whose support allowed the gathering to be offered at no cost to attendees. The Parish Bereavement Ministry, led by Jan Higgins, worked diligently to organize the event and ensure that all who attended felt welcomed and cared for.

For many, the brunch provided not only a delicious meal but also an opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences of loss and healing. The warm atmosphere, heartfelt conversations, and spirit of community reflected the parish's ongoing commitment to supporting one another through life's challenges.

We extend our sincere thanks to Jan Higgins and the Bereavement Ministry, Dan Bunch and the Knights of Columbus volunteers, and Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary for their generosity and dedication. Together, they created a meaningful and uplifting event that reminded all present that they are never alone and remain an important part of our parish family.

06/09/2026

Final Officers & Directors Meeting of the Columbian Year

On June 5th, the Officers and Directors of Knights of Columbus Council 12489 gathered for the final Officers and Directors Meeting of the 2025–2026 Columbian Year. Hosted and chaired by Grand Knight Frank DeSantis at his home, the meeting brought together many of the council's leaders to review the accomplishments of the past year and prepare for the year ahead.

A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to discussing the incoming officers, the proposed budget, and the council calendar for the upcoming Columbian Year. Through thoughtful discussion and planning, the leadership team worked to ensure a smooth transition and continued success for Council 12489.

As a special gesture of appreciation, Grand Knight Frank DeSantis presented each officer and director with a gift recognizing their dedication and service throughout the year. The gifts included elegant new Council shirts, which were warmly received and symbolize the pride, unity, and commitment shared by the council's leadership.

The evening was marked by fellowship, gratitude, and optimism as the council looks forward to another successful year of serving the parish and community through the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

06/04/2026

Last evening, our parish community gathered at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church for a beautiful and moving Healing Mass. These special Masses provide an opportunity for the faithful to receive personal prayers and blessings, seeking God's healing grace for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

We were especially honored by the presence of Bishop Albert Bahhuth, whose participation made the evening even more meaningful for all who attended. His prayers, guidance, and pastoral presence brought comfort and hope to many members of our parish family.

As is our tradition of service, the Knights of Columbus were privileged to assist in facilitating the event. From welcoming parishioners and helping with logistics to ensuring that the evening ran smoothly, our Knights were honored to support this important ministry and serve our parish community.

The atmosphere throughout the church was one of faith, compassion, and hope. Many came seeking God's healing touch, and all left with a renewed sense of peace and the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. Events such as these remind us of the power of prayer, the strength of our faith community, and the healing presence of Christ in our lives.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Bishop Bahhuth, Pastor Vaughn Winters, Father Vijay, Deacon Robert Seidler our clergy, ministry volunteers, and all who attended. May the blessings received during this Healing Mass continue to bring comfort, strength, and healing to all who were present.

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

May God's healing grace be with each of us in the days ahead. 🙏🏻✝️

06/03/2026

05/28/2026

Knights of Columbus Mission High Desert Chapter note that the first through third degree is at 8AM check-in. The 4th Degree check-in is at 10AM.

05/27/2026

What a beautiful evening of faith, fellowship, and family for our council and parish community. Our second Family Prayer Night at the new Patron's Bar & Grill on Seco Canyon Road was another tremendous success, with more than 100 Knights, family members, and parishioners gathering together in prayer and friendship.

The evening was prayerfully guided by Father Vijay, whose warm and caring presence touched everyone in attendance. Father Vijay graciously stopped at every table throughout the evening, offering personal prayers and blessings with each family and guest, creating a truly meaningful and spiritual experience for all.

Our Grand Knight welcomed everyone and thanked the many brothers, families, and parish members who continue to support these wonderful gatherings of fraternity and faith. The new Patron's location once again proved to be a beautiful venue with outstanding food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere that made the night especially enjoyable.

Most importantly, the evening reminded us of the true spirit of the Knights of Columbus — bringing people together in prayer, unity, fraternity, and friendship. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this another memorable Family Prayer Night for Council 12489 and our parish family.

05/25/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear brother, Michael Alvarez, who peacefully succumbed to his long and courageous battle with cancer on May 24th.

Michael was a kind, humble, and caring man whose faith and devotion to the Church touched many lives throughout our parish community. He faithfully served as a sacristan and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever he was needed. His quiet strength, warm smile, and dedication to both the Knights of Columbus and the many ministries of the parish made him well known and deeply respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Throughout his difficult fight with cancer, Michael faced each challenge with courage, dignity, and faith. There were moments of hope and moments of hardship, but through it all he remained surrounded by the prayers and love of his family, friends, brother Knights, and fellow parishioners. On this day, his earthly body could fight no longer, and the Lord called him home into eternal peace.

We mourn the loss of our brother, but we also give thanks for the blessing of his life, his service, and his friendship. Michael will be greatly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts. We ask all who knew him to please keep Michael and his family in your prayers during this difficult time.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”

05/25/2026

Once again, the Knights of Columbus had a wonderful and inspiring presence at the parish Ministry Fair on Sunday, May 24th. Our brothers warmly welcomed parishioners throughout the day with friendly smiles, handshakes, and fellowship, helping to showcase the spirit of charity, unity, and fraternity that defines our council.

The Knights provided complimentary t-shirts to young men who stopped by our booth, along with cookies and refreshments for everyone who visited. Most importantly, we had the opportunity to speak with many parish families about our mission of service to the Church and community. We are also very pleased to share that at least two new members expressed their commitment to join our council as a result of the event.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our brother Knights who volunteered their time and energy, as well as to our parish for hosting such a successful Ministry Fair and continually supporting the many ministries that help our parish family thrive. Together, we continue to build faith, friendship, and service within our community.