Our Beginnings

Council 4031 was chartered in 1955 and celebrated fifty years of service to the Church, clergy, community, and families of Cody on May 21, 2005. The council was named in honor of Maurice F. Burke, first bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne.

Born in Ireland in 1845 and educated at Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary outside Chicago and the American College in Rome, Maurice Burke was named bishop of the newly created See of Cheyenne in Wyoming Territory on August 9, 1887. For six years, until his transfer to the St. Joseph, Missouri, Diocese in 1893, Bishop Burke undertook the formidable task of administering the vast new diocese with only a handful of priests and religious.

Council Meetings

General meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the social hall of the Church of St. Anthony at 1333 Monument Drive in Cody, Wyoming. Prior to most meetings, a dinner to which families are cordially invited is served at 6:00 PM. Brother Knights passing through the Yellowstone area are invited to stop by our meetings for a taste of "Western Hospitality — Wyoming Style."

The Church of St. Anthony

Our home parish, the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Cody, is the largest parish area-wise in the lower 48 states, covering over 6,000 square miles — an area greater than the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. The parish, which has one priest, also serves the mission parishes of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Meeteetse and St. Francis of Assisi in Yellowstone National Park.

How Do I Join?

We welcome new members to share in the camaraderie of the Knights while helping us to build a more dynamic parish. Membership in the Council offers the Catholic man opportunities for leadership training, volunteer service to Church and community, affordable life insurance, and so much more. We are always looking for Catholic men to assist the Parish and the Cody Community. If you are interested in joining or reactivating your membership, just attend one of our monthly meetings or contact any Council member. We'd love to have you with us!