About Council #9053
Knights of Columbus: A Legacy of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity Since 1882
Thanks to the efforts of venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
From his own experience, McGivney recognized the devastating effect on immigrant families of the premature death of the father and wage earner. Many Catholics were still struggling to assimilate into the American economy so he, with a small group of parishioners, as a mutual aid society, began to provide financial assistance in the event of the men’s deaths to their widows and orphans. The organization developed as a fraternal society. McGivney was also known for his tireless work among his parishioners.
The Knights of Columbus was among the first groups to recruit blood donors, with formal efforts dating to 1937 during the Great Depression.
Officers and Directors

SK John Sharkey
Grand Knight
2025-2026
| OCEAN CITY COUNCIL #9053 | 2026-2027 OFFICERS |
|---|---|
| Chaplain, Father and SK Lance Martin | 410-289-0652 |
| Grand Knight, SK John Sharkey | 610-329-5651 |
| Deputy Grand Knight, SK Chris Bean | 301-440-0865 |
| Chancellor, Frank Gatley | 410-629-9860 |
| Warden, SK John Liddi | 301-807-5096 |
| Recorder, SK Dave Herlihy | 410-292-7845 |
| Financial Secretary, SK Dale Shepard | 952-807-3239 |
| Treasurer, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Lecturer, David Dancer | 240-506-7857 |
| Advocate, SK Bill Van Horn | 301-461-3660 |
| Inside Guard, SK Richard Thomas | 610-304-9773 |
| Outside Guard, SK Richard Fox | 443-966-2200 |
| TRUSTEES | |
| 3 Yr. Jim Stone, PGK / PFN | 302-436-2623 |
| 2 Yr. SK Ken Hidenfelter, PGK | 410-703-2623 |
| 1 Yr. SK Joe Kostelac, PGK / PFN | 410-726-2126 |
| CONVENTION DELEGATES | |
| SK John Sharkey, GK | 610-329-5651 |
| SK Kenneth Hidenfelter, PGK | 410-703-2623 |
| Alt. Delegate, SK Wayne Straight, PGK, PFN | 302-988-1863 |
| Alt. Delegate, SK Tom Herwig, PGK,PFN | 410-960-9019 |
| Exemplification Team Captain | |
| SK Chris Bean,DGK | 301-440-0865 |
| CHAIRMEN/DIRECTORS/MANAGERS | |
|---|---|
| Bar Manager, SK Richard Thomas | 610-304-9773 |
| Bingo, SK Thomas Anderson | 410-641-5752 |
| Charity Committee Chairman, SK Joe Kostelac | 410-250-5665 |
| Faith Director, SK Steve Mastbrook | 302-604-2694 |
| Community Director, SK Thomas Herwig | 410-960-9019 |
| Computer Specialist, John Rubino | 301-938-9239 |
| Family Director, SK John Sharkey | 610-329-5651 |
| Hall Rental Manager, SK Richard Thomas | 610-304-9773 |
| Kitchen Manager, SK Kevin Hughes | 410-726-8946 |
| Knight Times Editor, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Membership Director, Jack Kelly | 410-258-5663 |
| Life Director, SK Kevin Hughes | 410-726-8956 |
| Program Director, SK Chris Bean | 301-440-0865 |
| Public Relations, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Retention Director, Burke Pieper | 410-804-3444 |
| Sick and Distressed, Chuck Lutz | 410-208-3065 |
| Ways & Means Chair, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Youth Director, SK Eddie Mardaga | 443-220-5286 |
| Youth Director, SK John Sharkey | 610-329-5651 |
Welcome from the Grand Knight...
Weekly Update from the Grand Knight
09 November 2026

GRAND KNIGHT WEEKLY REPORT
Worthy Brothers, Ladies and friends, good Sunday evening wishes to each of you.
Let us continue to Pray for all on our Prayer List, and those Brothers, Ladies Auxiliary members and any family member who need our Prayers. Also pray for any Deceased Brothers, and Ladies Auxiliary members and their Families. Special prayers forTisha Hughes, who suffered a fall on Halloween Night. Also, Adrienne Celeste, who got a new hip and is still recovering at home. Hope Ken is not driving her nuts. Also Sir Knight Sal Castorina had an Aortic Valve replaced this last week. Sal is home and resting, and will be fine. Keep Tisha, Adrienne, and Sal in your heart, and your prayers.
Also please continue to Pray for the people in this country who need to come back to GOD, and who need our help.
We did have some excitement this week.
Events from the Past Week
** Monthly Business Meeting/Exemplification: Wednesday November 4th: We had an abbreviated Monthly Meeting due to an Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. We Exemplified 4 new Brother Knights. They are James Vigilante, Sam Card, John Karacoulakis, and Mijail Lopez. Welcome to our new Brothers. We look forward to having you in Council 9053. Thanks to the Exemplification Team, led by DGK Chris Bean, Wayne Straight, DW Tom Herwig, Richard Hubbard, Richard Thomas, Dale Shepard, and Yours Truly.
** Bingo Friday November 6th Crowd for Friday was 50 people with revenue of $1,202.00. A below average week. Thanks to Team 2
** This coming Week’s Events
** Columbus Club Club Meeting at Columbus Hall: Tuesday November 10th at 10am: All are Welcome.
** Charity Meeting at Columbus Hall: Tuesday November 10th at 1130am. All are Welcome.
** Veterans Day Events: @ St. Luke’s after the 9am Mass and at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines at 11:00am.
** Rosary: Thursday November 12th from 10am to 11am. Come and Pray the Rosary and Honor our Glorious Blessed Mother and her Son Jesus.
** Assembly event on the 12th of November – Everyone invited for a patriotic and holiday music sing-along… Hope to see you there.
** Bingo: Friday November 13th. Doors open at 430pm. It’s a great way to spend a Friday night. Team 3 is on Duty. Tom Anderson can always use help.
** Malvern Retreat: Friday November 13th through Sunday November 15th at the Malvern Retreat Center in Malvern Pa. Contact Rich Thomas if interested. Truly an Experience.
** St Luke Church 25th Annual Christmas Bazaar: Saturday November 14th from 9am to 4pm at St Andrew Hall. There will be food, fun, auction items, and yes Santa Claus.
**Things Beyond this Week:
** Community Supper: Tuesday November 17th 4:30 to 6:30… get this on your calendar AND be on the lookout for Tom’s email looking for volunteers. (Tom’s Note: We have a few openings: Setup person to work with Richard Thomas; Richard is handling the bartenders; We are short one lady for the buffet serving line – and the ladies are taking care of that role; 2-3 guys to work the dining room; a 3rd person to be there for clean-up.)
** Knights Memorial Mass at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church: Come out and honor our deceased Knights, and Ladies Auxiliary on Wednesday November 18th at 6pm. We will need Brothers to stand up for Our fallen Brother Knightsduring the ceremony. Please make an effort to attend.
**Worcester County Developmental Center Bingo Fundraiser: Thursday November 19th 630pm to 930pm: Doors open at 5pm. The Ladies Auxiliary will be selling snacks and drinks. We will need some Volunteers To Help.
** Holy Savior Christmas Bazaar: Friday November 20, and Saturday November 21st at Holy Savior Hall. There will be food, fun, auction items, and yes Father Martin. See you there.
** Christmas Gala Thursday December 3rd at Columbus Hall from 5pm to 9pm. $100 a couple. Purchase tickets at koc9053.com, Scan QR code if you have The Flyer, or call Ken Hidenfelter at 410-703-2623. Get the Holiday Season off to a Great start.
Final Beer Truck Numbers: A note from Beer Guru Jim Stone: THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS
Through your efforts we sold 28 kegs of BEER!
NET PROFIT (After Expenses) was $12137
CHARITY JAR $2037
Total $14174
Remember that we should be Kind and Loving to Everyone, Everyday. Peace be with you!
Have a Great Week!
God Bless You All
United in Service
Vivat Jesus
GK John
Events for November 2026
Communications
The council meeting minutes are not available for viewing on our website at this time.
The Knight Times is not available for viewing on our website at this time.
◊ Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
● If 3 or more players would like to sit to gather come early
◊ Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m.
●Cost to Play $25.00, one card for every game
●Additional games are $1.00 per card 6 cards for $5.00
●There are 26 games
●The $1000 Jackpot is the last game
◊ There are pull-tab games from 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at $1 per card
◊ There are 50/50 games from 4:30 p.m. through half-time
◊Prizes are based on:
●Numbers of Players
●Some on sales, some on ball count
●Average prizes each night are over $2000
◊ Food offered/available before and at half-time
◊Bingo night ends about 9:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Discover what’s happening in our community! Explore our Events page to discover more upcoming gatherings.
Click on the specific event for further details...
Next Council Meeting
Wednesday January 6, 2027 - 6:30 p.m.
The next council meeting will take place at the Knights of Columbus, Ocean City Hall:
9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Members are encouraged to attend and participate. The agenda and related documents will be available for review via email and the meeting minutes will be available on our website.
Contact Us
We appreciate your interest in our organization and look forward to hearing from you. Please use the form below to get in touch with us.
Additional Contact Information
If you prefer to contact us directly, you can reach us through the following means:
Location
9901 Coastal Hwy
Ocean City, MD, 21842
Phone
(410) 524-7994
Follow Us
Knights of Columbus: Empowering Catholic Men to Lead, Serve, and Make a Difference
The Knights of Columbus welcomes men from diverse backgrounds, celebrating role models who embody leadership and service. Our organization fosters a commitment to protecting and defending communities in today’s world. Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community. Join us today and become part of a brotherhood dedicated to making a positive difference in the world!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
