About Us
The Cavalier Council of the Knights of Columbus was chartered as a college council for the University of Virginia in 1994. In 1997, the name of the Council was changed to the Fr. Justin Cunningham Council, in memory of the Council's first chaplain, who had also served as pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, where the order was founded.
The Fr. Justin Cunningham Council remains a college council, committed to offering students the opportunity to participate in a Catholic fraternal organization, during their college careers, and throughout their lives. Membership is not limited to students, however, but is open to all Catholic males 18 years of age or older, and the Council seeks involvement with the whole community of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.
Our Current Officers
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Thaddeus Lewis
The grand knight is the council's chief executive officer. He is responsible for setting council goals and ensuring that all officers fulfill their duties in reaching these objectives. He presides over all meetings; appoints program and committee directors as needed; fills officer roles in the event of vacancies; countersigns checks and orders for payment; and oversees the council’s degree team.
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Barry Cushman
The deputy grand knight serves as the grand knight's right-hand man and fills in for the grand knight when he is not present. Some deputy grand knights serve as their council's program director. Ultimately, he assists the grand knight in leading the council and reaching council objectives. The deputy grand knight may serve as a liaison between the council and other groups that share similar interest (i.e. Newman Club, pro-life club, etc.).
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David Morrison
The chancellor assists both the grand and deputy grand knights in the leading of the council by engaging and strengthening the council's membership. His primary responsibilities include recruiting and retaining members and to this end he should set up events that display the values and principles of the Knights of Columbus.
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Rev Walter C Wagner O.P.
The chaplain is the spiritual leader of the council. He nurtures the faith in council members particularly through the sacraments but also through spiritual direction, retreats and other events and support.
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Xavier Urpi
The treasurer is responsible for managing the council funds, whether in bank or school accounts. He receives money from the financial secretary and deposits funds into council accounts. He is also responsible for paying all council expenses. He also balances and verifies the ledger and keeps the updated budget approved by the council.
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Mark M. Ross
The financial secretary is chosen by the trustees and the officers of the council for a three-year term and approved by the supreme knight. He provides continuity in the council and has the responsibility of collecting dues as well as ensuring that the council's financial recordings are kept up to date. Additionally, he ensures that membership records are current, issues membership cards, files regular reports to the district, regional, state and supreme offices and submits the annual 990 to the IRS.
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Guy Vocelka
The advocate acts as council parliamentarian. He should be knowledgeable in the Rules of Order and Protocol. He may seek legal assistance from the state advocate, should issues arise. The advocate should be able to take on additional responsibilities as the council deems necessary.
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Gary J. Brink
The recorder has the responsibility of recording all meetings and events held by the council. He should record minutes, conversations and other information helpful to the council and prepare them to be distributed to the membership in a timely manner.
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Martin Haggard
The warden is responsible for the property owned by the council. He is also in charge of setting up meetings and leads both the inside and outside guards. Many college councils utilize the warden and guards as custodians of the campus ministry property which may include raking leaves, shoveling snow and assisting with interior maintenance.
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Inside Guard - Michael Urpi
Outside Guard - Chris Divita
The inside and outside guards carry out tasks given to them by the grand knight and follow the warden's orders. They are responsible for checking membership cards and allowing entrance to meetings.
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One Year Trustee - Robert Savino
Two Year Trustee - Chris Broomall
Three Year Trustee - Chuck Rockacy
The trustees advise the grand knight, supervise the council's financial matters, and conduct the semiannual audits.
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Scott Durkin
The lecturer provides brief spiritual discourses and reflections during business meetings for the “Good of the Order”.
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Michael Ryan
The social media chairman is responsible for overseeing the council's social media accounts and making sure fresh content is posted on a regular basis.
Council Meetings
Our Council meets on the first Tuesday of every month. We begin the evening with a light dinner around 6:30pm, which is used as an opportunity to catch up with fellow Knights and experience the unity and fraternity of the order. We follow this dinner with a rosary beginning at 6:55pm, and aim to begin the formal meeting by 7:15pm. Meeting length varies, but typically comes to a conclusion around 8pm.
These meetings occur at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Room 12, which can be found at 401 Alderman Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
(Click the image below to be taken to Google Maps for directions)