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
19 October 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
Also please continue to Pray for the people in this country who need to come back to GOD, and who need our help.
Events from the Past Week
** Blood Drive: Monday October 12th at Columbus Hall. Great turnout, 5 Knights, and 25 people total. Thanks to all for giving Blood.
** Columbus Day Mass : At St. Mary Star of the Sea at 830am on Monday October 12th. Following the Mass FN Charlie led a contingent to go to Breakfast. Thanks to all Brothers who attended. Also thanks to Father Martin, who was the Celebrant.
** Assembly Meeting: Thursday October 15th: We held our monthly Assembly business meeting followed by State Senator Mary Beth Carrozza as our guest speaker. State Senator Carozza’s talk began with a hearty thanks to the Knights of Columbus Council 9053 and Assembly 2454 for all of the work we do.. Senator Carozza’s father Past Grand Knight Anthony Carozza attended the meeting as well, which happened to be on his birthday. The meeting was well attended by Knights, Lady Knights and guests. Wayne & Barbara Straight sponsored the Ledo pizza dinner. A beautiful birthday cake was presented to Anthony as the attendees sang a chorus of “Happy Birthday” to him. It was so joyous that Brother Alex Piela broke into song singing “Let There Be Peace On Earth!” Thanks to My Deputy Chris Bean for updating me on the meeting details. Thanks to all who attended.
** Bingo Friday October 16th: Crowd for Friday was 86 people with revenue of $2,369.00.Nice week. Thanks to Team 3
** This coming Week’s Events
** Community Supper: Tuesday October 20th from 430pm to 630pm. Oktoberfest Community Dinner. Menu includes Pork Loin, Sauerkraut, Bratwurst on a Pretzel Roll. Also a Seafood option of Fried Shrimp, Fried Oysters, and Fried Cod Fish. $15.00 includes all taxes. According to Brother Tom F., we have all the helpl we need for Tuesday evening — the list is in the attached PDF… Generally speaking, if you volunteered, Tom has put you in a spot. Check it out.
I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday for Dinner.
** Rosary: Thursday October 22nd from 10am to 11am. Come and Pray the Rosary and Honor our Glorious Blessed Mother and her Son Jesus.
** Bingo: Friday October 23rd. Doors open at 430pm. It’s a great way to spend a Friday night. Team 4 is on Duty. Tom Anderson can always use help.
** Tootsie Roll Drive at St. Mary/Holy Savior: Saturday October 24th and Sunday October 25th. WCDC will be providing help at the Holy Savior masses. Contact me if you can help.
** Sunfest Beer Truck; Ocean City Inlet: Thursday October 22nd to Sunday October 25th. Contact Jim Stone if you need a Bus Pass. Come to Sunfest and drink a beer. We promise a good “pour” for all paying retail price for a brew from the Ladies and Gents working for Captain Jim Stone — for these four days and evenings.
** Food drive at St Luke Church: Saturday and Sunday October 24-25 during and after the masses. Contact Ceil or Rich Fox if you would like to help.
**Things Beyond this Week:
** Monthly Business Meeting Wednesday November 4th: Meeting at 630pm, followed by an Exemplification at 7pm. Lite Fare will follow. Come out and show support to our new Brother Knights.
** Oyster and Bull Roast November 17th: 430pm to 630pm at Columbus Hall. Price $15.00, come out for a Fine Meal. Menu includes Sliced Roast Beef, Fried Oysters, Salad, Baked Potato, Green Beans, and dessert. Seafood Option also available.
** Knights Memorial Mass at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church: Wednesday November 18th at 6pm. Let us come out and honor our Deceased Brothers and Ladies. Father Martin will be the Celebrant.
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
Events for October 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 October 7, 2026 - 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
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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!
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