History

In the late 90’s, it became the policy of Supreme to encourage the formation of new Councils in local parishes. As a result, brother Walter Grabowski, a St. Raphael parishioner, and our first Grand Knight, spearheaded an effort to form Council #9774 at St. Raphael Church in 1988.

Members of surrounding Councils solicited new and existing members to form the nucleus of the new Council. I remember Jim McQuillan recruiting me, as I was a member of Prince George’s Council. We needed officers and I was drafted to be a trustee.

GK Grabowski was devoted to Mary Mother of God , and hence the Council’s name , Mater Dei. Also, since Mary is usually depicted in blue garments, our official publication was called Blue Mantle. The council grew and prospered, with much support and assistance from the good Brothers and officers of Rosensteel, Rock Creek, and Montgomery Councils.

There was tremendous fraternity among respective members , and I , as the Council’s fifth Grand Knight, am eternally grateful for their help in our formative years.