Hector Avila appointed Grand Knight

Hector Avila has been named Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Council. He was previously a deputy Grand Knight and a family committee leader. He has been a member since 2020.

He also sings with the church choir. "I love music. I love to sing and practice my piano and my saxophone. Whenever there is no choir, or the choir director is not there, I sing a cappella and lead the congregation in the hymns for the Mass."

Avila said being a part of the Knights enhanced his faith because he had always wanted to be closer to God. "The Knights were a source to be more involved in my faith formation."

The mission of the Knights of Columbus is to empower Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community. Knights serve at the church doors, welcoming the parishioners, ushering them to their seats, helping with the collections, assisting the church during hours of reconciliation and holy adoration and streaming Sunday Mass online. Knights also serve as Eucharistic ministers, sacristans and lectors.

The Knights carry out philanthropic work in the community, and some of their projects include the Global Wheelchair Mission, Coats for Kids, the Food for Families program and a pregnancy center support program through which they donate to the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center.

One of the goals Avila would like to accomplish during his two-year term as the Grand Knight is to expand on a program called Family of the Month/Year. "Each month, the Council of the Month Committee will select one parish family that models Christian family values and visibly lives them every day. It's a way to recognize and celebrate them, and inspire and encourage other families to keep living their faith."

Another program he would like to expand upon is Family Prayer Night. "This is a way to strengthen the bonds within our parishes and build faith-filled families. Family Prayer Night exposes children to regular people living their faith in a casual setting. It's an opportunity to gather once a month for an evening of dinner, prayer and fellowship."

As a member, he has had profound experiences. "There was a time when the brothers went above and beyond for me. There was a loss in my family – my son. I reached out to one of my brothers to see if he could help coordinate funeral arrangements. I was hesitant to ask. I felt uncomfortable, but he didn't even blink and said yes, what do you need? He helped so much in my time of need. It was a really tough time in my life. But he said that is what brothers do. I'll never forget that. That was special to me."

Avila never imagined being in this role as Grand Knight, but now that he has been elected, he feels proud and honored to have it.

"My brothers believe in me, but better said, they trust in me, and when you have someone's trust, that is everything."

He said he is excited to welcome some of the newest officers elected, including Danny Duarte as deputy Grand Knight, Tony Sanchez as Chancellor, David Ramirez as Lecturer and Leonard Ramirez as Outside Guard.

"As Knights, we never stop; we always want to keep moving forward. It's our mission to welcome everyone back to the church. I want to invite all in our community to experience God's grace, mercy and true presence through the daily or weekend Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church. Also, an open invitation to join the Knights of Columbus, regardless of how much time you have to commit. All Catholic men over the age of 18 are welcome."

For more information, visit kofc.org/join. Enter promo code BLESSEDMCGIVNEY for a year of free membership.