The Knights of Columbus Holy Cross Council 10617 celebrated their 15th anniversary at a dinner held on April 21, 2006 in the parish hall. In the program, Fr. James congratulated the Knights on their many years of faithful service to the parish: “Holy Cross Parish is very much indebted to you for your generous support to the Parish with your different projects and your time, as well as financially. On this auspicious occasion, I would like to remind you that ‘living in service to all is one of the most dynamic qualities of being a Knight.’ ”

From an original membership of 38, Holy Cross Council has grown to over 90 members. This vibrant group of parishioners carries out an ambitious program of over 40 events throughout the year. While they are sometimes highly visible in the parish, they perform the majority of their good works in the community or in the relative anonymity of behind-the-scenes help to deserving groups or individuals.

The Council’s Grand Knights have co-ordinated the efforts of the members and served as a bridge to the pastors and parishioners of Holy Cross parish. The Council has been fortunate to have attracted the devoted service of its successive Grand Knights:

• George J. G. Lavack (1991 – 1993)
• W. Vince Taillon+ (1993 – 1995)
• Hugh P. Connolly (1995 – 1996)
• Denis J. Ryan (1996 – 1998)
• Frank J. Laturnus (1998 – 1999)
• Gerard J. Vullings (1999 – 2001)
• Bryan Boyden (2001 – 2003)
• Michael Larouche (2003 – 2005)
• Patrick Wallace (2005 - )

The range of activities carried out by the Knights is extensive. A partial list of activities in the church includes:

• replaced covering of padded kneelers;
• installed two ceiling fans in the altar area;
• raised the floor behind altar and ramps in the altar area;
• installed lights over Baptismal font at the back of Church;
• constructed and enhanced the shrine to the Blessed Virgin;
• manage the parking lot during peak periods;
• serve as ushers and take collections at regular Masses.

The Knights have also made improvements to the parish hall:

• replaced ceiling tile and stage front storage doors;
• painted the hall;
• erected partitions for cloakroom and storage area;
• installed parquet flooring on stage;
• changed stage lighting for meeting room use;
• provided a new sound system;
• contributed to the purchase of new kitchen equipment.

Improvements to the exterior of the church grounds and rectory include:

• installed ‘Respect for Life’ sign;
• erected Holy Cross Church Services sign;
• constructed crèche and tree decorations at Christmas;
• constructed a large treated wood deck at rear of Rectory;
• installed new fascia and soffit, and new shutters.

Community activities include:

• “adopt a highway” cleanup work (Airport Parkway from Walkley to Hunt Club);
• an annual basketball free-throw contest for primary school students;
• Cancer Society coin box collection;
• St. Patrick’s Home Shamrock sale;
• sale of Roses for Life;
• CHEO walk;
• rosaries for the children receiving First Communion;
• bibles for grade four students in our separate schools;
• an essay contest for St. Patrick’s High School;
• field trip subsidies for schools;
• a Drug Awareness Program involving more than 600 primary school students;
• annual fundraising for the Arthritis Society.

Holy Cross Council 10617 is a welcoming, active fraternity, open to all male parishioners eighteen years of age or older.