Photo Caption: Joseph Berlinger, left, and Christian Brown of Peoria were the first in Illinois to receive the Squire of the Body of Christ Award from the Knights of Columbus.

Joseph Berlinger and Christian Brown, members of the Knights of Columbus Squires youth organization, were awarded the Squire of the Body of Christ Award at the Knights of Columbus’ mid-winter State Deputies’ meeting on Dec. 1 in Bloomington.

The Squires range in age from 10 to 18 and are the official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus. The award is the highest achievement attainable for Squires and requires completion of 96 activities throughout five levels of advancement.

Since its inception six years ago, only 30 Squires, from an order consisting of 30,000 members, have earned the Squire of the Body of Christ Award.
Joseph and Christian, members of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Squire Circle No. 5352 supported by Spalding Council No. 427 in Peoria, are the first two Squires in Illinois to achieve this level.

Joseph is the son of Michael and Katherine Berlinger and a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral parish in Peoria. Christian is the son of Daren and Lisa Brown and is a member of Holy Family Parish in Peoria.

More information on joining the Squires can be obtained by contacting Joseph Berlinger at josephberlinger@me.com or by phone: (309) 689-0709.