KNIGHT OF THE MONTH
JAMES GILBERT
by: Ricardo Teano, Membership Committee
Rachel, Charlie, Jordan
and
James
Congratulation James as you deservedly receive this recognition!! Hear me out why.
At first James thought that the Knights of Columbus was too big and might require too much of his time. He realized that there are many opportunities and found himself saying yes. Things took time and patience but he said he is now becoming part of something great and always needed. James is always the first knight to answer our call for help. No wonder he is again selected as knight of the month. First one was in October, 2023. Congratulations!!
James was already involved with the Lector Ministry, as Lector on Saturday Mass , one or two times a month as well as other church activities but this opportunity to serve his Faith and Ricardo’s persistence led to his 3rd degree membership on August 28, 2023 and 4th degree Sir Knight on October 9, 2023.
James’ mother was the spiritual leader of the family and had him baptized Catholic when he was a baby. At adolescence he drifted away from the church for a while. However, in 2013, he moved to Lake Forest from Northern CA. and became involved at Santiago de Compostela over time but more so when he joined the knights. His activities include walking the Camino, showing up for the Helping Hands Ministry and many knights activities and of course the Men’s Renewal Retreat. He works fulltime swing shift, and asking permission from office so he can accommodate some volunteer works for the knights. He was once a wild land firefighter before!!!
James totally enjoys the Knight’s recycling program on Monday mornings and breakfasts afterwards to solve world problems. He finds it great to see brothers at Mass throughout the year and to help out whenever possible. He enjoys participating in the 4th of July parade with the knights, and values attending the new knights exemplification and other events. He is very aware that there is much more to do.
James has a BA Degree from1985 in Religious Studies. He supports his family with different professions as school district maintenance, swim instructor and coach, lansdscaper and gardener. Currently he works in aerospace manufacturing.
The knights unfailing help during Masses, parish and diocese events impressed him a lot. Even the tiniest of support to our church is humbling and rewarding. Meeting new brother knight friends is an added bonus. Congratulations to James as our Knight of the month for the second time.
