Diocese of Laredo Knights of Columbus Leadership Team

Diocesan Deputy 

Hector Chapa Jr -   The Diocesan Deputy provides overall leadership, vision, and coordination for all councils within a diocese. He ensures unity with diocesan priorities, supports District Deputies, and strengthens collaboration between councils and clergy. Through consistent leadership, strategic communication, training, and mission alignment, he helps councils grow in membership, deepen their charitable impact, and fully live out the principles of the Knights of Columbus.

Call to action: Lead with clarity and purpose. Inspire every council in the diocese to work together, support their pastors, and advance the mission of the Order with excellence and fraternity.

Assistant Diocesan Deputy 

Jose Ramos - The Assistant Diocesan Deputy supports the Diocesan Deputy in guiding councils, coordinating programs, and strengthening communication across districts. He helps ensure councils receive timely information, training, and encouragement, while assisting in the execution of diocesan‑level initiatives and events. His role reinforces unity, accountability, and mission‑driven collaboration.

Call to action: Serve as a bridge of support and coordination. Help every district and council stay engaged, informed, and committed to growth, service, and the Knights of Columbus mission.

District Warden 

Humberto Esquinca - The District Warden serves as the right hand of the District Deputy in matters of coordination, protocol, and ceremonial readiness. At the diocesan level, the Warden ensures that councils within the district are properly prepared for meetings, exemplifications, and official visits.

Key responsibilities include verifying that council locations are properly arranged for meetings, assisting with the setup of ceremonial spaces, and ensuring that regalia, flags, and degree materials are properly displayed and handled with dignity. The Warden also supports the District Deputy in maintaining order and timing during official functions.

Call to action: In essence, the District Warden safeguards the structure and dignity of all fraternal proceedings, ensuring that every event reflects the professionalism and unity of the Order.

Charity

Humberto Esquinca - Leads the Order’s commitment to charity by mobilizing councils to serve families, parishes, and communities in need. Drives major initiatives such as Disaster Relief, the Global Wheelchair Mission, and Food for Families.

Call to action: Inspire councils to take bold, consistent action that brings real help to those who need it most. 

Council Growth / Church Drives

Jose Ramos - Strengthens councils by promoting membership growth, parish engagement, and a culture of invitation. Supports councils in welcoming new members and integrating online members into active fraternal life.

Call to action: Encourage every council to grow intentionally and build a thriving brotherhood.

Culture of Life / Pilgrim Icon / Cor

Jose Ramos - Champions a strong culture of life through prayer, witness, and support for seminarians. Coordinates the Pilgrim Icon program and RSVP to deepen devotion and strengthen vocations.

Call to action: Motivate councils to defend life and support vocations with visible, prayerful leadership.

Emergency Response Coordinator

Julian Luna - Directs emergency response efforts by preparing councils to act quickly and effectively during crises. Coordinates relief operations, parish partnerships, and community support.

Call to action: Equip councils to be first responders of faith, hope, and charity when disaster strikes.

Faith / EFF Director 

Jose Ramos -  Leads spiritual renewal through Cor meetings focused on prayer, formation, and fraternity. Helps men grow as disciples and strengthens the spiritual life of councils.

Call to action: Encourage every council to build a strong, Christ‑centered brotherhood.

Fraternal Benefits

Julian Luna - Promotes the Knights’ fraternal benefits, ensuring members and families understand the value of life insurance, long‑term care, and retirement planning.

Call to action: Empower families to protect their future through trusted Catholic financial solutions. 

Free Throw Championship

Carlos Guerrero - Oversees the Free Throw Championship, encouraging youth participation, sportsmanship, and community engagement.

Call to action: Use this event to connect with families and strengthen parish outreach.

FS Trainer

Carlos Vallarta - Provides training and support for Financial Secretaries to ensure councils operate efficiently and meet organizational standards.

Call to action: Equip officers with the tools they need to lead confidently and effectively.

Knights on Bikes 

Daniel Arevalo - Leads a brotherhood of Catholic motorcyclists who promote charity and fraternity through rides, parish support, and community service.

Call to action: Use visibility and fellowship to inspire others to join the mission.

Membership Recruitment

Jose Ramos - Supports councils in recruiting new members and keeping current members engaged.

Call to action: Encourage councils to invite every Catholic man to grow in faith and service.

Clergy Appreciation

Humberto Esquinca - Leads initiatives that honor and support clergy through appreciation events, prayer, and collaboration.

Call to action: Encourage councils to deepen their partnership with priests and religious.

Shoes for Kids

Ben Bondoc - Directs the Shoes for Kids program, providing new shoes to children in need through school and community partnerships.

Call to action: Mobilize councils to bring dignity and hope to local families.

Silver Rose

Jose Ramos - Oversees the Silver Rose pilgrimage honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe and promoting the sanctity of life.

Call to action: Inspire councils to host prayer services that unite communities in devotion and mission.

Silver Rose Knights on Bikes

Daniel Arevalo - Oversees the Silver Rose pilgrimage honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe and promoting the sanctity of life.

Call to action: Inspire councils to host prayer services that unite communities in devotion and mission.

Soccer Challenge

Julian Rios - Manages the Soccer Challenge, promoting youth involvement, skill development, and parish engagement.

Call to action: Use this event to strengthen ties with families and build community presence.

Social Media/Web

Manuel Medina - Develops a strong digital presence for councils through effective communication, storytelling, and online engagement.

Call to action: Help councils share their mission and reach new members through modern platforms.

Special Olympics

Ben Bondoc - Coordinates support for Special Olympics through volunteering, fundraising, and athlete engagement.

Call to action: Encourage councils to champion inclusion and celebrate the gifts of every athlete.

VAVS

Mario Pena - Leads the Serving Those Who Served initiative, organizing volunteers to support veterans through visitation, essential supplies, and reintegration assistance.

Call to action: Motivate councils to honor veterans with consistent, meaningful service.

Wheelchair Mission

Mario Pena - Directs fundraising and outreach for the Global Wheelchair Mission, providing mobility and dignity to individuals in need.

Call to action: Inspire councils to transform lives through the gift of mobility.

Exemplification Teams

Mario Pena - Leads and coordinates the Exemplification Teams, ensuring new members experience a professional, welcoming, and inspiring admission into the Knights of Columbus. Recruits, trains, and schedules team members while helping councils conduct exemplifications that reflect the dignity, values, and mission of the Order.

Call to action: Build strong teams that deliver meaningful exemplifications and inspire every new member to become an active Knight.

Helping Hands/Food Drives

Jose Ramos - Coordinates Helping Hands projects and Food Drives that provide practical assistance to families, food pantries, parishes, and community organizations. Encourages councils to respond to local needs through hands-on service and charitable outreach.

Call to action: Lead councils in serving those most in need through compassionate action that reflects the charity of Christ.

Life Director

Humberto Esquinca - Promotes and coordinates pro-life initiatives that uphold the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. Encourages councils to participate in prayer, education, advocacy, and charitable activities that foster a culture of life.

Call to action: Inspire every council to become a visible witness for life through prayer, service, and unwavering support for the vulnerable.

Family Director

Mario Pena – Strengthens Catholic family life by promoting family-centered programs that encourage prayer, faith formation, and active participation within the parish. Supports councils in creating opportunities that bring families together while living the principles of the Order.

Call to action: Help every council build stronger Catholic families that become the foundation of vibrant parishes and communities.

Community Director

Hector Chapa Jr. – Encourages councils to serve their local communities through meaningful charitable projects, civic engagement, and partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and parish organizations. Promotes programs that demonstrate the Knights of Columbus' commitment to serving others.

Call to action: Challenge every council to become a visible force for good by making a lasting impact within their communities.

RSVP (Refund Support Vocations Program)

Martin Herrera - Promotes the RSVP program by encouraging councils to provide financial assistance, prayer, and personal support to seminarians and religious vocations. Helps strengthen relationships between councils, seminarians, and diocesan vocation directors.

Call to action: Encourage every council to adopt and actively support seminarians, helping build the future of our Church.

Pregnancy Center

Julian Rios - Coordinates support for local pregnancy resource centers by encouraging councils to provide volunteer service, financial assistance, baby supplies, and ongoing advocacy for mothers, fathers, and unborn children. Builds partnerships that strengthen the Church's commitment to protecting life.

Call to action: Mobilize councils to stand beside expectant mothers and families by providing compassionate support, practical resources, and a culture of hope.