Cottage Grove and St. Paul Park — Knights of Columbus St. John Paul II Council 5647, serving St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Cottage Grove and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Paul Park, has received the distinction of Star Council, the international organization’s top honor for local councils.
The Star Council Award recognizes overall excellence in growing membership, promoting Knights of Columbus insurance and fraternal benefits, sponsoring Catholic faith-formation programs, and volunteering time through charitable and service-oriented activities.
During the 2025–2026 fraternal year, Council 5647 demonstrated its commitment to faith and vocations by supporting Father Michael Reinhardt’s installation, escorting Bishop Kenney at St. Thomas Aquinas, participating in two men’s conferences, and supporting seminarian Steven Lang through his ordination. The council also selected seminarian Jose Ignacio Rodriguez to receive $500 through the Knights of Columbus Refund Support Vocations Program.
Council members strengthened their parishes and surrounding communities by staffing major parish events, preparing and serving meals, hosting public-safety educational programs, arranging CPR and first-aid training, and organizing an educational tour of the Washington County Environmental Center. These activities also helped the council build an even stronger relationship with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and its parish community.
The council’s commitment to life and charity included financial support for New Life Family Services, Basic Needs, Cross Catholic Outreach, SOWASCO Thunderbolts, RISE Autism, and Special Olympics programs. Council 5647 also completed its safe-environment requirements, conducted a Fraternal Benefits presentation, invested in recognizable council branding, developed a leadership-succession plan, and elected its next slate of council officers.
“Receiving the Star Council Award is an honor that belongs to our entire council and to the families, parish leaders, and community partners who served alongside us,” said Grand Knight Aaron Symicek. “Our members worked throughout the year to put their Catholic faith into action by supporting our priests and seminarians, serving our parishes, strengthening families, helping people in need, and building lasting relationships throughout Cottage Grove and St. Paul Park. This recognition inspires us to continue growing, serving, and making a positive difference in our parishes and communities.”
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical—that is, practicing—Catholics in union with the Holy See.
For information about joining St. John Paul II Council 5647, contact Grand Knight Aaron Symicek at https://kc5647.mnknights.org/.

About the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is one of the world’s leading Catholic fraternal and service organizations, with more than 2 million members in over 16,000 parish-based councils. Founded on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, Knights of Columbus members provide charitable service and financial support to parishes, families, and communities throughout the world.
To learn more about the Knights of Columbus, please visit https://www.kofc.org/.