CHARLESTON, SC — The Saint John XXIII Foundation recently hosted its yearly Patrons Reception in Charleston, South Carolina, in conjunction with its Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors.
During the Oct. 23 meeting, the Directors reviewed the Foundation’s audited financials and discussed next steps as the Foundation enters a new phase of growth and begins its first year of grantmaking.
The Board is seeking to expand the Foundation’s mission of “Nourishing the Faith of Catholics in the Armed Forces and Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Centers” to encompass all forms of pastoral care for the faithful served by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). As part of this effort, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services and President of the Foundation, invited Team Saint Paul, an evangelization initiative of the Archdiocese, to present its work and discuss potential future support as the Foundation looks to broaden its impact.
So far this year, the Board has approved two grants and will be a sponsor of the 17th Annual AMS Benefit on Nov. 15 in Washington, DC, marking the 40th anniversary of the AMS.
The meeting also marked a leadership transition, with Ms. Kathleen Murphy assuming the role of Chair of the Board of Directors. Ms. Murphy expressed enthusiasm for leading the Foundation as it continues to expand and enters its first year of active grantmaking.
Finally, two new Directors were welcomed to the Board: Mrs. Georgeann McRaven and General James Dickinson, USA (Ret.).
During the Patrons Reception, Mr. John Schlageter, Executive Director, opened the evening’s program with words of gratitude for the guests and the Knights of Columbus, expressing his optimism for the Foundation’s coming year of service and growth.
Due to a flight maintenance issue, Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly was unable to attend the event in person. Thinking quickly, the Foundation arranged for him to deliver his remarks via live video. During the main portion of the program, Mr. Mark Chopko, Corporate Secretary of the Foundation, read aloud the resolution unanimously passed by the Board appointing Mr. Kelly as an Honorary Patron of the Foundation. The resolution commended Supreme Knight Kelly and the Knights of Columbus for their continued generosity and steadfast support of the AMS over the four decades since its founding in 1985.
“It is only fitting that Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and the Knights of Columbus be honored with this award,” Archbishop Broglio said during the presentation of the resolution. “Historically, the Knights of Columbus have always been present, going back to the First World War, and they have continued to be supportive of our military and the Archdiocese—including catechesis, vocations programs, and so many other ways.”
“I gratefully accept this award—for myself, yes—but also on behalf of the over 2 million members of the Knights who are so committed to Charity, Unity, Fraternity, but also to Patriotism,” the Supreme Knight said during his acceptance speech.
The retired U.S. Naval officer and Judge Advocate General (JAG) spoke of his personal connection to the Archdiocese before joining the Knights, emphasizing, “One thing I saw when I was on active duty is the great value that our chaplains bring. I really had a unique perspective, because I worked very closely with chaplains—and that’s kind of an interesting aspect of being a JAG, working with chaplains, particularly when you’re deployed.”
The evening’s program concluded with a surprise. Archbishop Broglio bestowed on Mr. Joseph Starshak, the founding Chair of the Board, a Papal Knighthood of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great. Mr. Starshak proudly received the decoration of the Order and the Decree appointing him a Knight.
The Foundation looks forward to continuing its tradition of bringing the organization to a different city each year and has already begun planning the next destination for the 2026 Patrons Reception.
To view the Reception Album and for more information on the Foundation, please visit its website.