Coats for Kids (above, below): In support of families in Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia (CCEVA)’s Grandparents as Parents (GAP) program, several local Knights of Columbus councils and Ladies’ Auxiliaries partnered for a coat drive.
This year, the Knights and Ladies’ Auxiliaries provided 183 coats and 200 sets of hats and gloves for over 40 families, leaving some coats to be distributed throughout the winter to those who seek help at CCEVA. The coats were distributed during the annual Christmas party for families in the GAP program.
Knights, Angels, and Santa (below): On Dec. 15, 2024, the Knights of Columbus Council #11042 and Redeemer’s Angels Court #2456 – both based at Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville – had a special guest at their pancake breakfast. To support the fundraiser, which went toward future outreach programs of the Knights and the Angels Court, Santa Claus was in attendance, as were around 120 hungry guests.
Robed for Christmas (below): Mrs. Lusia Tupea presented the choir of St. Jude, Franklin, with choir robes for Christmas. The robes were gifted in honor of her late husband, Iese Tupea, who was choir director at St. Jude for many years. The choir is pictured here with Father Emmanuel Mensah, pastor.
Leaving their mark (below): The new gymnasium at Our Lady of Lourdes School, Richmond – which began construction on Oct. 13, 2023 – is nearing completion. In December, students were able to enter the building, check out the progress, and sign their names on the wall. Before the gym opens, the space will be covered by a new rock wall, but the names will remain.
Peninsula Catholic grad a champion again (below): Audrey Muth, who graduated from Peninsula Catholic High School, Newport News, in 2022, became part of a winning tradition when she joined the Juniata College Eagles women’s volleyball team. Now, she’s helping to keep that winning tradition going.
Muth played all five sets in the Division III women’s volleyball championship game against Wisconsin-Whitewater Dec. 7, 2024, as the Eagles took home their third consecutive championship. The Eagles have won 97 straight games, a record for Division III women’s volleyball, and Muth was named an American Volleyball Coaches’ Association All-American Honorable Mention Nov. 26, 2024.
