ROSWELL—Our Lady of LaSalette Knights of Columbus Council #8376 on April 17 will mark 40 years of service to their parish and the local community.   

Established in 1983 at St. Ann Church, Marietta, the council is one of the largest in the Southeast. The council includes nearly 300 men from their 20s into their 80s, with more than a dozen founders.

A statue of St. Ann is displayed before the Marietta church of the same name. Photo By Michael Alexander

Council Grand Knight Dennis O’Riley said the Our Lady of LaSalette Council of the Knights of Columbus raises money to support many causes such as food banks, ultrasound machines for pregnancy aid clinics, persons with disabilities and for other efforts.  

People can find the Knights among the USO welcome group at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, participating in the music program for the annual Memorial Day Mass at the Marietta National Cemetery and taking part in the Special Olympics movement. In addition, the council offers youth programs that include scholarships and sports activities.  

During 2022 these Knights participated in more than 100 events and functions, volunteering over 4,200 hours of service and donating $129,000 to the community. The annual “Heavenly Christmas Trees” sale and their popular Lenten fish dinners draw crowds of people.  

“The Knights of Columbus are an integral part of the life and ministry of St. Ann,” said pastor, LaSalette Father Ray Cadran. “They provide many services designed to help build community, care for those with practical needs, support other ministries, essential fundraising, blood drives—and this is only a partial list of their dedication.”   

The Knights of Columbus, founded in 1882, is a Catholic fraternal benefit society with 1.8 million members worldwide serving the church and the community under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.