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February 5, 2026Supporting Catholic immigrants who suffered from discrimination based on their religion was the starting point for the creation of the Knights of Columbus, a group originally established by Blessed Michael McGivney in 1882.
Today, with 143 years of history and more than two million members worldwide, the councils established in parishes continue the faith-based mission, through the principles of unity, charity and fraternity.
Last November, the Knights of Columbus council 12819 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Norman, celebrated its 25th anniversary, following the steps and main principes that lead this organization.
Recounting his past, Frederick Pope Jr., joined the Knights of Columbus when he was a parishioner at Saint Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. When he and his wife moved to Norman in 1997, he transferred his membership into the only council available in Norman, which was at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church.
Several of its members also came from other parishes, like Saint Joseph Catholic Church and Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. With the years, the Catholic population was large enough to support a council at each parish and then, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 12819 at Saint Joseph was created in November 2000 with 34 members.
When a man becomes a Knight, he is given a rosary and a command to pray it as often as possible.
“We make a promise to stay faithful to the Church and conduct our lives as Catholic gentlemen. This promise carries forward to our family life, public life and working life. This promise develops pride to be a Catholic and a Knight,” said Joaquin Patlan, one of the founding members.
Father Joseph Irwin, pastor of Saint Joseph, said he appreciates having this council in the parish.
“They have served the parish faithfully for these many years,” he said. “May they continue to find ways to serve and glorify God for many more years to come."
Over the years, the service of many men in the parish has supported charitable programs for the benefit of the poor, pregnant mothers, children with special needs, and less fortunate people.
The programs at Saint Joseph focus on service, support and visibility. This includes church improvement projects, assisting with parish events, supporting Mass attendance initiatives, and helping where the parish has specific needs.
What do 25 years of commitment and faith mean to the organization? For Grand Knight Mark Kurschinski, a quarter century represents perseverance, sacrifice and answered prayers.
“It means generations of Knights who chose service over convenience, faith over comfort, and brotherhood over standing alone,” he said. “This milestone is not just about the past, it’s a reminder of our responsibility to carry the mission forward.
“It honors those who laid the foundation and challenges us to ensure the next 25 years are even stronger, rooted in the same faith and dedication that brought us here.”
St. Joseph Catholic Church Knights of Columbus council 12819 members in Norman. Photos provided.