Strong communities grow from the people who shape them.
The heart of Saint John Neumann Catholic Church (SJN) in Reston is its members, and those from Gabriel Homes bring energy and commitment to the parish. Some residents give back to their communities and form lifelong bonds through the Knights of Columbus.
Residents Giving Back at the Knights of Columbus
The Family of Man council, the chapter that hosts the members from SJN, holds monthly pancake breakfasts to raise money for causes that reflect the Knights’ values of unity. Rich and Chris (first and second photos respectively), two brother Knights at Gabriel Homes, help serve meals to congregants before Masses. Gabriel Homes has previously been the recipient of donations from breakfasts, and staff have had the chance to speak about the nonprofit’s mission to the congregation.
“The pancake breakfasts build community among the Knights and the parish as a whole. All the Gabriel Homes residents who go to SJN participate in and socialize at every breakfast. The funds raised from the meals allow us to assist those in need in our community, and our residents play an important role in bringing SJN together.”
Dave, another resident at Gabriel Homes, sits on the council as a warden.
The council’s property, like its charter, falls under his watch. Dave (right) also organizes council business meetings and oversees guards like Rich, who check membership cards and serve as security.
“As a leader of the Reston Knights of Columbus, I try to teach as much as possible to the new members. I explain the history of the Knights and what responsibilities are to new brothers, and I help make them comfortable when they go out to our socials.”
The Knights’ support for Gabriel Homes goes beyond the dollar amount.
In 2024, a group of Knights volunteered one Saturday to help refresh some of the homes. Brothers bagged leaves, weeded flower beds, trimmed shrubbery, and painted one home’s living room and bathroom.
