MOUNT CARMEL - Knights of Columbus Bishop Lawrence F. Schott Council 628 held a First Degree ceremony Sunday, Feb. 20. Seventeen candidates from five local councils were inducted into the world's largest Catholic lay organization. There were three inductees from Shamokin Council 458, two from Mount Carmel Council 628, one from Kulpmont Council 4281, 10 from Elysburg Council 14161 and one from Sunbury Council 14874.
Dignitaries attending the ceremony were James Bailoni, Master of Pennsylvania Central District of the Fourth Degree; David Shinskie, District 54 Deputy and Grand Knight of Council 4281; Andrew Stefanowicz, Grand Knight of Council 458; David Berezovske, Grand Knight of Council 628; Louis Ororizzi, Grand Knight of Council 14161; William Walburn, Grand Knight of Sunbury Council 14874, and Field Agent Berni Biegeleisen.
George Kroutch led the degree team and the choir was under the direction of Michael Skopatz.
The Mount Carmel Council will be hosting a Second Degree ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 13. Candidates are to present by 2:30 p.m. and bring with them their current membership card.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practicing Catholics in union with the Holy See. Those interested in becoming a Knight should contact the Council in their area.