MELBOURNE | Msgr. Martin B. Power Council 14573 from Ascension Parish in Melbourne won the Division 3 Council of the Year Award at the 2025-2026 Knights of Columbus Florida State Convention last month. It was “so fulfilling and so unexpected,” said SK Rich Passarella, Grand Knight of Council 14573. “I heard my Council number announced, I looked up at the big screen, saw our Council name, and said to the couple next to me, ‘That’s my Council.’”
It is “an acknowledgment that the results of our Council’s Faith in Action programs merit the highest recognition in the State of Florida,” Passarella said, adding their success is due in part to dedicated parochial leadership, an active Ladies Auxiliary, and friendly collaboration with Ascension Catholic school.
Father John Bosco Maison, pastor of Ascension, is a Fourth Degree Knight, and six of the seven deacons who serve the parish are Knights.
“I believe that one of the most wonderful benefits our Council enjoys in carrying out our activities and programs is the presence of a lively and involved Ladies Auxiliary,” Passarella said. “(There is a) sense of togetherness (which) nurtures a feeling of belonging, unity, and shared purpose, inspiring us all to work toward our common goals.”
Passarella added “our family and community youth activities thrive through close collaboration with (our) parish school. We’ve built a warm relationship with the principal and dedicated school staff.”
Through activities like soccer and basketball challenges and poster and essay contests, their programs “give children and families a chance to see Knights in action and, hopefully, inspire young people to dream of becoming a Knight, and encourage dads to join in as well, Passarella said.
Ascension’s Knights of Columbus Council 14573 also took home four additional awards in Division 3, second place for family activities and third place for life activities, publicity activities, and community programs.
The 122nd Florida State Convention took place May 22-24, 2026, in Orlando. Awards were given out across three divisions based on council size recognizing lively participation in parish life, community involvement, support for local activities, and membership growth.
Our Lady of Hope Council 8068 Port Orange, led by Grand Knight Ernie Jackson, won two first place awards in Division 3, for faith activities and community activities, and a second-place award for faith programs.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council 10169 of Resurrection Parish in Lakeland, led by Grand Knight Derek Stross, won two second place awards in Division 2 for vocations support and publicity activities.
St. James Council 12402 in Orlando, led by Grand Knight Phil Perfito, won second place in Division 3 for community activities.
For the Diocese of Orlando, Finnian H. from Epiphany Parish in Port Orange won altar server of the year for ages 7-12, and Teresa Z. from Resurrection Parish in Lakeland won altar server of the year for ages 13-18.
By Lucas Blackwell of the Florida Catholic staff, June 18, 2026