Feb

The Fifth Annual DDC Clergy Appreciation Banquet

The Fifth Annual Dallas Diocese Chapter (DDC) Clergy Appreciation Banquet of the Knights of Columbus took place on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the elegant KayCee Club, Council 799 in Dallas, Texas. This cherished tradition brought together Knights of Columbus members, clergy, and distinguished guests for an evening of gratitude, fellowship, and celebration of the dedicated priests and religious who serve our Diocese.

The event commenced with a gracious cocktail hour from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, allowing attendees to mingle and enjoy the refined atmosphere while the Chris McGuire Quartet performed Jazz numbers on stage. At 7:00 PM, Dallas Diocesan Deputy Mike Courtney called the gathering to order, followed by an opening prayer and blessing from Father Joseph Mehan, DDC Chaplain and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Kevin McGillis, District Master of the Third Texas District of Fourth Degree Knights.

A delicious dinner was served from 7:10 to 8:00 PM, setting the stage for the formal program. Mike Courtney offered welcoming and opening remarks, then introduced Reed Fontenot, Texas State Warden, who shared inspiring remarks from the Texas State Council.

Next, Mike introduced guest speaker Ricardo Guzman-Hefferan, Executive Director of the American Wheelchair Mission, who spoke movingly from 8:15 to 8:25 PM about the organization’s mission to provide wheelchairs and mobility aids to those in need around the world, highlighting the spirit of charity that unites Knights and the Church.

The evening honored exemplary individuals with special awards. John Little, DDC RSVP Chairman, presented the “Seminarians’ Best Friend Award” to Mr. Al Ladwig for his outstanding support of seminarian formation. Then, Ben Oani, DDC President, bestowed the “Chaplain of the Year Award” upon Fr. Bruce Bradley, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, recognizing his devoted pastoral service.

A highlight of the night was the presentation of a substantial state charity check in the amount of $77,392.53 by Mike Courtney to Catholic Diocese of Dallas Bishop Edward Burns, underscoring the Dallas Diocese Chapter’s steadfast commitment to charitable works that benefit the community and the Church.

Bishop Burns addressed the assembly with heartfelt remarks from 8:45 to 9:05 PM, expressing his deep appreciation for the Knights’ support and the vital role of clergy in guiding the faithful.

Jorge Ruiz, DDC Vice President, then led a roll call of attending clergy, inviting them to the stage for a memorable group photo—a striking image of unity between the Knights and their spiritual leaders.

The KayCee Club President Kirk Jockel, along with Patrick Dillon, Grand Knight of Council 799, and Patrick Vlk, Clergy Appreciation Banquet Chairman, presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.

Mike Courtney concluded with closing remarks, and Bishop Edward Burns offered the final prayer, bringing the elegant evening to a prayerful close at 9:30 PM.

This annual banquet remains a cornerstone of the Dallas Diocese Chapter’s efforts to honor and support our clergy, fostering stronger bonds of faith, charity, and fraternity. The Knights of Columbus extend sincere thanks to all who attended, contributed, and made this meaningful event possible.