Who We Are
Based at St. Augustine’s Parish in Vancouver, BC, Council 8319 carries on the legacy of M. Leo Sweeney. We are Catholic men building a bridge back to faith.
Charity
We are dedicated to helping those in need in our parish and community through fundraising and volunteer work.
Unity
We stand together as a band of brothers, supporting one another in faith, family, and daily life.
Fraternity
We provide a social and spiritual network for Catholic men to grow in their faith and leadership.
Patriotism
We are proud of our devotion to God and country, supporting our veterans and encouraging active citizenship and civic involvement.
Our History
District Deputy Frank May, realizing the potential of St. Augustine's Parish to form a Council, approached Brother Ralph Hughes, P.G.K. of Council 1081, to form a committee to look into the feasibility of forming a Council. It soon proved to be a good move and pastor, Fr. J. Rossiter, OMI gave his whole-hearted support to the idea. Everything went smoothly, and within a couple of months we were ready to apply for a charter.
On March 17, 1983, the steering committee under the auspices of District Deputy Frank May appointed Brother Ralph Hughes as Chairman for nominations. At this time nominations were accepted. On March 24, 1983, at St. Augustine's School, District Deputy Frank May installed the following officers:
Grand Knight - Ralph J. Hughes
Deputy Grand Knight - Peter A. Maxwell
Chancellor - Salvatore J. Vetro
Financial Secretary - James Keohane
Recorder - Mathew J. Walsh
Warden - William D. McDermott
Treasurer - Edward Sweeney, Jr.
Trustee 3 year - John Callaghan
Trustee 2 year - Robert J. Battle
Trustee 1 year - Thomas D. Curley
Advocate - Edward Sweeney, Sr.
Inside Guard - Harold Shillington
Outside Guard - David Kaufmann
The Charter Members are as follows: Charles W. Alford, John H. Avison, Robert J. Battle, Peter Cairns, John Callaghan, Sterling A. Colwill, Thomas D. Curley, Paul Moylan, John M. Murray, Henry Pearson, Rod S. Reofrir, Rev. J. Rossiter, Rolly Sauviat, Ferdinand Schindelke, Dennis Demert, Brent P. Guile, Ralph J. Hughes, David Kaufmann, James Keohane, Lawrence A. King, William D. McDermott, Guy J.F. McDonald, Peter A. Maxwell, William Miller, Harold Shillington, Nick Soullie, Edward C. Sweeney, Edward M. Sweeney, Carlos T. Taguba, Rev. James Tate, William J. Trainor, Salvatore J. Vetro, Matthew J. Walsh, Michael Walsh.
Who is M. Leo Sweeney
Council 8319 was named after M. Leo Sweeney and the reasons are many, as indicated in the following brief biography. M. Leo Sweeney, born in London, Ontario in 1886, was a very active and progressive person during his 91 years. His family moved to Victoria when he was a young boy and he left school to work for his father's cooperage at the age of 14. After his father's death, he expanded the operation and started the Vancouver plant at the site of what is now the new B.C. Place Stadium.
Leo and his wife, a native of New Westminster, had three daughters and five sons. The family moved to St. Augustine's Parish in 1926 and all of the children started their education at the old St. Augustine's School.
Leo's accomplishments were many, and he did not forget his Church, and in recognition was decorated by Pope Pius XII and appointed a Knight of St. Sylvester. He held all offices in the Knights of Columbus including Grand Knight of Vancouver Council 1081 and State Deputy for British Columbia and the Yukon. He was then appointed Vice Supreme Master of the 4th Degree for Western Canada.
Leo Sweeney loved his church, his family, and his country. He was especially fond of Vancouver which he often referred to in his speeches as Canada's "Evergreen Playground", and spoke affectionately of its liquid sunshine." He was a great Catholic gentleman!
Our Council Officers
Grand Knight: Peter Tusnady
Financial Secretary: Bosco Lee
Deputy Grand Knight: Jomar Tigcal