Awards and Honors

In 1995, Knights of Columbus Council 10567 instituted the Colombo Service Award to honor a St. Patrick parishioner for a lifetime of service to Church, Diocese and Community.

The Knights felt it was important to recognize those who had contributed many years of service to the parish in a variety of ministries. Often these dedicated servants are the heart and soul of a parish, frequently serving quietly in many areas unknown to others.

The award is named in honor of the late Lou Colombo, longtime St. Patrick parishioner and charter member of Knights of Columbus Council 10567. Mr. Colombo, who served as Music Director of St. Patrick Catholic Church, was instrumental in the formation of the Council, working with founder and Charter Grand Knight, Louis N. Muro, to recruit members from the parish.

The inscription on the award reads: "For Outstanding and Dedicated Service to St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, and the Community."

The first winner of the award, Catherine Barrett, was originally a member of St. Catherine Church, one of the four churches that merged to form St. Patrick. Miss Barrett was Sacristan for many years and served the parish and diocese in many roles. The second honoree, Benny Bakane, was one of the most respected and loved Knights in the history of the Council. Benny's spirit, love of the Lord and selfless volunteerism inspired those around him and helped earn him the Colombo award in 1996.

Since that time, many other deserving recipients have been honored.

Below is a list of all recipients of the Colombo Service Award.

Each year Council 10567 presents the Family of the Year award to a Council family who has exhibited the ideals of a true Catholic family. The family chosen for this award each year serves as role models for all Catholic families.

The presentation is made during a special awards ceremony in June of each year.

A committee, under the leadership of the Council Family Director, is responsible for determining which family will receive this prestigious award.

Listed below are the most recent recipients of the Council 10567 Family of the Year.

2003-2004: Gaeton Conte and Joseph Conte
2004-2005: Don and Louise Meadows
2005-2006: Rob and Bobbie Smith
2006-2007: Sammy and Julie Owen
2007-2008: Phil and Julia Neely
2008-2009: Clay and Pat Reece
2009-2010: Wayne and Margaret Wellborn
2010-2011: Larry and Ellen Cannon
2011-2012: Bobby and Pam Black
2012-2013: Anthony and Sara Jean Brooklere
2013-2014: Joe and Anna Dush
2014-2015: James and Desi Nelson
2015-2016: Douglas and Betty Balcom
2016-2017: Gary and Pam Palmer
2017-2018: Shane and Daphne Davis
2018-2019: Danny and Carolyn Bradley
2020-2021: Don and Patsy Byrd
2022-2023 Wayne, Margaret and Todd Wellborn

Knights of Columbus Council 10567 began awarding a scholarship to deserving high school seniors in 1995. Applicants are selected based on high academic achievement, outstanding service to Church, participation in church youth activities and service to Community.

In 1996 the award was renamed the Louis N. Muro Memorial Scholarship to honor the founder and Charter Grand Knight of Council 10567. Louis N. Muro was a man who believed in learning, academic excellence, and service to church.

Forty-nine young people of St. Patrick have benefited from this scholarship since its inception. We are proud that our past recipients are now teachers, lawyers, writers, nurses, psychologists, and we also have a member of the military.

You may download the application and apply for the scholarship by clicking here.

Below is a list of past Louis N. Muro Memorial Scholarship recipients:

Awards and Honors

Colombo Service Award

Family of the Year Honorees

Knight of the Month

Family of the Month

Louis N. Muro Scholarship

Knight of the Year Honorees