Jamestown – Congratulations to Father Chad Wilhelm, pastor of St. James Basilica in Jamestown, St. Margaret Mary in Buchanan and St. Mathias in Windsor, on receiving the 2024 Blessed Michael McGivney away from the Knights of Columbus. Here’s a short video the Knights put together on Father Wilhelm and his service to the Knights of Columbus.

Blessed Michael McGivney Medal

This award is given annually to a Knights of Columbus chaplain whose priestly zeal and exemplary service are in the finest traditions of our Founder. The 2023-2024 recipient of the Blessed Michael McGivney Medal is:

Very Rev. Chad Wilhelm
State Chaplain of North Dakota
Jamestown Council 1883
Jamestown, North Dakota

Fr. Wilhelm is a priest of the Diocese of Fargo who serves as the state chaplain of North Dakota, a position he has held for 27 consecutive years. Fr. Wilhelm also serves as the chaplain for Council #1883. In addition to his pastoral work with Knights and their families, he is also a prolific recruiter, having earned multiple “Top Recruiter Awards” for the Knights in North Dakota.

Fr. Wilhelm is a true teacher who fosters spiritual growth in the men of his council and parishioners. One practical way he does this is by leading a “Holy Half Hour” before monthly council meetings.

Moreover, Fr. Wilhelm started an altar server program at his parish, is instrumental in the council-parish “thrift store,” and has played an essential role in remodeling his parish chapel and Catholic school.

He is also an avid supporter of his community. He is an advocate of his local women’s pregnancy resource center, and he goes above and beyond to protect life. Additionally, he is the chaplain of the local fire department, Catholic Daughters, and the North Dakota State Highway Patrol.

Fr. Wilhelm is an exemplary model of a Catholic priest who is dedicated to his parishioners and brother Knights and spends himself in their service. *

* From Morningstar.com