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Mission: To foster the principle of Patriotism. We encourage active participation by exemplifying our love of country to all members, their families, church, and community.
A Message From District Master Mark Borytsky (PSD)
Dear Sir Knights and Brothers All,
Happy New Year! As we embark on 2025, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Your dedication, patriotism, and love for our church and community have been the driving force behind our success as Knights of Columbus.
Reflecting on 2024, a year marked by transformative strides. I am profoundly grateful for your invaluable contributions making this year a success. I would like to reveal the changes to our state that will allow us to better serve you as we work together for a more exciting and productive 2025:
1. Adding 4th Degree meetings at our three state business meetings: I want to thank our state deputy and officers for their support in adding this meeting to the agenda, it’s been a success.
2. Increased submissions of state forms and awards: Looking forward to an increase in the New Year.
3. Assigned Diocesan Marshal’s: We have five additional Marshal’s along with our district marshal who will support assemblies in and out of their diocese.
4. Exemplification Kits: We now have three Exemplification Kits for the state to utilize ensuring each diocese can have simultaneous Exemplifications.
5. Augmenting Exemplification Team with hosting Assembly SKs: Working with our state Exemplification Team Captain SK Shawn Wilkie we are now able to have, and have had, more Exemplifications in our state north, south, east, and west.
6. Updated Web Site: I am thrilled to announce we have an assigned Web Master Brother Mike Vaughn. Brother Mike, myself and Audrey Borytsky (administrator) collectively worked together to provide real time information for our assemblies with a touch of historical flare.
As we look forward to 2025, let us carry forward this momentum with renewed enthusiasm and ambition. Let’s bring our renewed energy into making this New Year both productive and fulfilling. The future holds exciting challenges and opportunities, and I am confident that together, we will continue to achieve greater heights in our assemblies and councils.
Wishing you and your families a joyful, prosperous, and Happy New Year!
God Bless,
Mark Borytsky, PSD
Nebraska District Master
State Officers Meet with Archbishop McGovern
Informational and spiritual meeting with the Most Reverend Michael McGovern Archbishop of Omaha
Pictured: State Chaplain Fr. Bill Cremers, State Deputy Mike Schaeffer, Archbishop McGovern, and District Master Mark Borytsky. Not pictured: District Friar Fr. Josh Brown whose pastoral responsibilities kept him from joining us.
We had a wonderful conversation informing the Archbishop of our state council and 4th Degree current status and future goals. The Archbishop gave us his experiences of being a Knight with valuable recommendations moving forward. Archbishop McGovern is looking forward to attending as many state events as his schedule will allow.
Upcoming Exemplification
St. Mary’s Cathedral Square
112 S Cedar St.
Grand Island, Nebraska
Charity, Unity, and Fraternity Exemplification and 4th Degree Exemplification
WALK-INS ARE WELCOME!
Where: St. Mary’s Cathedral Square,112 S Cedar St.,Grand Island, Nebraska
When: July 18th; CUFF at 11:00 AM; Exemplification at 1:00 PM
Info: Snacks Provided
Host: Assembly 601
- Any questions please contact District Master Mark Borytsky, PSD at 402-212-9612.
Future Events
Greeting Sir Knights,
We will be having a training session for the Honor Guard on July 25th from 9am-11am at St. Columbkille Church at 200 E Sixth St. Papillion, NE. If you are not a member of the 4th degree, you may attend, it is a great way to learn about the 4th degree. If you are a member of the 4th Degree and don’t have the uniform, you are still more than welcome to attend and learn what the Honor Guard is all about. For those with a uniform we would like you to bring your Beret, Sport Coat, gloves, sword and baldric. Our District Master Mark Borytsky, will be covering how to present the Colors, Visitation and Cemetery Services. We will also be discussing if you have a tuxedo how you can participate with the Honor Guard. If you could RSVP to me by the 20th of July that would be great or showing up the day of would be fine. If you have questions, please contact me at davidwvarney@yahoo.com or 402-350-4922.
Vivat Jesus,
David W. Varney
Diocesan Marshal
Other Events
July 19, 2026/St. Patrick Catholic Church/3400 E. 16th St., Fremont/4:30 PM
August 16, 2026/St. Columbkille, McWilliams Parish Center /200 E. Sixth St. Papillion/2:00 PM/Host: SK Dale Sorge
Contact District Master SK Mark Borytsky to plan an Exemplification at 402-212-9612 or mborytsky@cox.net.
A Celebration of Catholic Patriotism
The Knights of Columbus celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Fourth Degree and the ideals of faithful citizenship. Click the link for more.
