The Details

• When: Sunday, April 12
• Time: Served immediately following the 7:30 AM Mass and concluding just before the 11:30 AM Mass.
• Where: St John Neumann Catholic Church, Brown-McCarthy Auditorium
• On the Menu: Fluffy pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, and coffee.

Our Charity: “She Believes in Me”

This month, all proceeds from our breakfast will be donated to She Believes in Me, a local non-profit dedicated to empowering vulnerable young girls in our community.

This incredible organization provides more than just a safety net; they offer a springboard. By providing mentorship, life-skills workshops, and emotional support, they help girls overcome trauma and poverty to see their own inherent worth. Your breakfast donation directly funds:

• Mentoring programs that build confidence and resilience.
• Nutritional support for families in need.
• Educational resources to keep young dreams on track.

Come hungry and leave inspired! Your appetite makes a tangible difference in a young girl’s future. We look forward to seeing you there.

 Learn more: https://shebelievesinme.org/

Among the dedicated volunteers ensuring the event ran smoothly were four members of the Family of Man Council who stepped up to serve as marshals. Brothers Chris Gallagher, John Moran, Jim O’Donnell, and Bill McInerney joined forces with other area Knights of Columbus to guide the massive crowd safely and orderly along the march route.

Knights of Columbus have a long-standing tradition of active participation in the March for Life, providing logistical support, crowd management, and a visible witness to the defense of human dignity. As marshals, these brothers played a critical role in directing marchers from the rally site on the National Mall toward Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, ultimately leading them to the front of the Supreme Court building. Their efforts helped maintain order amid the large, enthusiastic gathering, allowing participants to focus on prayer, peaceful advocacy, and solidarity.

The presence of the Knights underscored the Catholic Church’s strong commitment to the pro-life cause, with many dioceses, parishes, and religious orders also represented through vigils, Masses, and pilgrimages in the days leading up to the event. Despite chilly January weather in the nation’s capital, the spirit of the march remained warm and resolute, with attendees carrying signs, banners, and rosaries as they chanted messages of hope and life.

Events like the National March for Life continue to draw attention to the ongoing effort to build a culture that values every human life from conception to natural death. The selfless service of marshals such as the Family of Man Knights exemplifies the hands-on charity and fraternity that define the Knights of Columbus and inspires others to join the movement.

Photos courtesy of Chris Gallagher

After completing a decade of faithful service as Council Financial Secretary, Brother Mike Swiger showed no signs of slowing down. This year, he stepped into leadership of the Keep Christ in Christmas program, guiding a highly successful Christmas card sales campaign that helped advance the mission of the Knights while keeping Christ at the center of the season.  In addition, he has served as a lector, usher, and parish council member.

Carol Swiger has long been a visible and faithful presence in parish life. She has served in numerous ministries, including Eucharistic Minister, lector, religious education teacher, finance council and member of the parish council. In addition, Carol is the founder of the Oblates’ signature “Live Jesus” series, which shares Salesian Spirituality to help believers develop a deeper relationship with God through Jesus by defining a lifestyle centered on the little virtues: gentleness, humility, patience, gratitude, perseverance, and simplicity. At this special event, attendees retreat from our fast-paced world and turn to the quietness of our hearts.

Together, Michael and Carol exemplify the Knights of Columbus commitment to faith, service, and family. Their willingness to serve wherever needed continues to strengthen both our council and our parish, making them most deserving of this recognition.

Chris is a steadfast supporter of the Family of Man Council and a dependable leader whenever service is needed. This month, we especially recognize his leadership of the Christmas Parking Crew, whose efforts played a vital role in ensuring a safe and welcoming environment throughout the busy Christmas season.

Under Chris’ guidance, the team worked efficiently and cheerfully, helping parishioners arrive and depart safely during Christmas liturgies and events. The council and parish received numerous notes of gratitude praising the professionalism, kindness, and effectiveness of the crew.

Through his leadership and commitment to service, Chris helped make the celebration of Christmas safer, smoother, and more enjoyable for everyone in our parish. We thank him for his example of servant leadership and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.

The Family of Man Council is pleased to recognize the following Knights and families for November and December 2025:

November Knight of the Month: Mike Dimaiuta

Mike generously stepped in to support the Culture of Life ministry during the hospitalization of its long-time leader, Leo Marier. Without being asked—and during the busiest month of the program—Mike ensured the ministry continued its important work. He also volunteered his time at the parish’s Fall Festival. We thank Mike for his initiative and his faithful service.

November Family of the Month: Leo and Dottie Marier

Leo and Dottie have been devoted leaders of the Culture of Life ministry for many years. Whether distributing pro-life materials, organizing marches, or coordinating fundraisers large and small, they have always served with dedication and joy. Leo passed away shortly after the family received this honor, and we continue to hold the Marier family in prayer. We honor them for their years of unwavering service to our Council and to the Culture of Life mission.

December Knight of the Month: Pat Reilly

At 93 years old, Pat is a Korean War combat veteran, a parishioner of many years, and has been married for 71 years. A father of seven, he attends the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass regularly and is a daily Communicant—driving himself each day. Pat is well known for handing out children’s Mass books to young parishioners who may be having a hard time sitting still, much to the gratitude of parents and those nearby. His joyful dedication to God, family, parish, and country reflects the very heart of the Knights of Columbus.

December Family of the Month: Tom and Janet Broderick

Tom faithfully serves as our Worthy Recorder and is active in many parish ministries, including the Juneteenth Planning Committee, Hypothermia Planning, weekly Money Counting, and service as a substitute usher at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Janet is likewise deeply involved, serving in Care for Our Common Home, the Dishwashing Ministry, Shelter Meals, as a Eucharistic Minister, and in the weekly Centering Prayer group. Together, they participate in Just Faith and the Virginia chapter of Catholic Relief Services. Their commitment to faith and service is a blessing to our parish and Council.

This year’s event was bigger and spicier than ever, with Brothers stepping up to the stove to submit their finest chili recipes in honor of Brother Dave Craven—a man whose warmth, generosity, and love for a good bowl of chili continues to inspire us.

The Rules of the Cook-Off

No ordinary chili contest, this one follows a time-honored judging system that honors both craftsmanship and camaraderie.

Official Judging Panel

Four esteemed judges evaluated each entry:

• The Council Trustees
• Last year’s champion

Scoring Criteria

Each chili was judged on four key elements:

1. Color – A rich, hearty appearance (with a little creative leeway allowed).
2. Aroma – Must smell inviting; a good scent is the first hint of great taste.
3. Consistency – The perfect balance of tender meat and smooth gravy. Not too dry, watery, grainy, lumpy, or greasy—just right.
4. Taste – A harmonious blend of spices, heat, and depth. No single flavor should dominate.

The Brother’s Choice Award

Every council member (except the judges) played a role in the fun. Each received three voting tickets to distribute however they liked:

• All three on one favorite?
• One each to three standouts?
• Two for a top pick, one for a close second?

The chili with the most votes earned the coveted Brother’s Choice title—and those votes also counted toward the final overall ranking.

And the Winners Are…

After spoons were dipped, aromas savored, and ballots cast, the results were in!

1st Place: John Geraerdts
2nd Place: Ed Walsh
3rd Place: Dave Donnelly
Brother’s Choice: John Claman

Congratulations to our 2025 champions! John Geraerdts takes home the grand prize and the honor of defending his title next year.

A Special Thank You

A huge thank you to:

• All the Brothers who entered — your passion and creativity made this event unforgettable.
• Our judges, for their discerning palates and fair scoring.
• The setup and cleanup crews, who kept everything running smoothly.

Events like this remind us why we’re more than a council—we’re a family.

Mark Your Calendar!

The Dave Craven Memorial Chili Cook-Off will return in 2026. Start perfecting your recipe now—will you be the next champion?

Comment below: What’s your secret chili ingredient?