By Patty Marmie
LINCOLN (SNR) – The Knights of Columbus Council at St. Michael Parish in Lincoln has been working to bring to life the motto of the Knights of Columbus, “In service to one, in service to all.”
Mrs. Sabrina Kirkwood, music teacher at St. Michael School, was looking for a way to support a student with limited mobility. When other students are making music by gripping a mallet or holding an instrument, Sutton Kelly, who has a physical disability, is unable to participate independently without the help of a paraeducator.
“I wanted to find an instrument that Sutton could play independently,” said Kirkwood. “The drum set with a puff switch seemed like the perfect solution.”
The drum uses a straw to operate levers to beat the drum. Sutton can operate the drum by blowing into the straw.
Mrs. Kayla Belden, student services coordinator at St. Michael School, expressed gratitude to the Knights for providing the funds for the drum for Sutton.
“When Sutton first tried the drum, she kept asking, ‘Can I do it again?’” Belden said. “She loves it!”
In addition to responding to specific requests like items for students with special needs, the Knights have also responded to requests for larger items like the altar and cabinetry for the new church which is scheduled for dedication in April 2023.
“The Knights have a long history of charity and unity,” said Brian Rea, grand knight for St. Michael’s Knights. “It is an honor for us to serve our parish and larger community in these ways.”
The Knights provided the funds for the new altar in the church. The altar, made of Carrara marble, was designed, constructed, and installed by Pedrini, a family-owned company from Italy established in 1938. The sculpted work of art weighs in at more than 3,000 pounds.
The cabinetry and casework in the two sacristies of the new church, as well as the three meeting rooms and other areas were funded by the Knights, and custom-made by a member of the Knights.
“The beautiful artistry that went into the woodwork, not to mention the time and energy that it took, shows the level of dedication and support this council has for the parish,” said pastor Father Kenneth Borowiak. “I am very grateful for the support of the Knights of Columbus.”
The Knights support the parish in several ways including taking many overnight Eucharistic Adoration hours and working several fundraising events, including selling breakfast burritos, hosting soup suppers, a cornhole tournament, and their biggest fundraiser, “Husker Knight” in early February.
