​Knights of Columbus, Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko Council #9599 was formed at the request of Fr. Joseph Karp, with the assistance of then District Deputy Tony Marinelli and was chartered on June 26, 1987. The first Grand Knight was Polish born Michael Dutkowski. The council is named after a very popular Polish parish priest who was murdered by the Communist authorities for supporting the Solidarity Union. The original council was made up of recent Polish Immigrants and second generation Polish Americans who attended the Pope John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda, CA.  Over the years our membership has expanded to include all Catholic gentlemen throughout the area.

 

The council has made numerous contributions to the Community through various activities to promote fraternalism. The main social activity is the Annual Steak Fry initiated Ray Rex with the help of Joe Kozak. This event is a sell out every year!  Our annual Tootsie Roll Drive (ID Drive) supports many charities including OCAAC and the Knights of Columbus Orange Chapter Charities. With the assistance of Fr. Kolbe Charities they support many other local charities.

 

The Council  over the years has actively supported our local seminarians with yearly scholarships!  We  also sponsor seminarians from the Orchard Lake Schools in Detroit, Michigan, who provide clergy of Polish decent for many of the Diocese across the United States.

 

The council serves our Church with the duty of attending First Friday adoration, providing coverage during the wee hours of the night, they support our local Life Centers with their annual roses for mothers on Mother's Day at the Polish Center, and serve as chairman for the refreshment/bar booth at the annual Dozynki celebration.