This Brother is a Third Degree Knight who epitomizes what it means to serve. His service began when his father introduced him to the usher ministry at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Miami when he was just six. When in High School, he was a regular altar server for the Bishop of Miami.
He is a retired firefighter with 33 years on the force. In 1986, he became part of the Urban Search and Rescue Team. His team participated in the recovery efforts after September 11, 2001. He still wears a pin from the Father Mychal Judge Assembly that depicts a firefighter’s helmet. The assembly was named for the Chaplain to the NY City Fire Department who was killed while serving in that capacity on September 11, 2001.
Paul volunteered and assisted with the emergence of the Schott Communities, a ministry that serves the deaf and disabled in the Archdiocese of Miami.
He was a charter member and a former Deputy Grand Knight of Council 11410 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines. He made his first degree August of 1994 and in two months had become a Third Degree Knight.
Paul has been a dedicated usher at St. Peter since 2006. His son Ken is also a Third Degree Knight and his wife Laura is a Greeter. Paul and Laura delivered food for St. Peter Food for Families, back when it was delivered directly to the doors of the needy. Paul is a regular in the kitchen for our monthly Family Fellowship Breakfasts and attends meetings when his busy schedule permits.
For his contributions and dedication, we recognize Paul Gurdak as April’s Knight of the Month!
Congratulations, Paul!