Father James H. Coffey served in the dual capacity as chaplain and pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Wrentham from 1971-1988. In early 2000, Father Coffey, along with Saint Mary pastor, Father John G. Connelly, worked with parishioners to petition for the establishment of the Knights of Columbus in Wrentham to help serve the parish, support each other in faith, and help families in the community. 

On June 27th 2005, the Knights of Columbus granted the charter and created the “Father James H. Coffey Council 13845” in honor of Father James H Coffey. Father Coffey passed away in 2004. Wrentham resident Kent Shorette served as the First Grand Knight from 2005-2007, following by Ken Arnold from 2007-2009, and Frank Chillemi from 2009-2011. Since the Council’s inception in 2005, the Council has earned 11 Columbian awards, 3 Star Council awards, and 3 Double Star awards. 

Since 2005, the Wrentham Knights have helped the Wrentham community by supporting families in need and even provided grants to cover medical expenses for a child in town. The Wrentham Knights holds several annual events, including the Annual 5K Road Race, Annual Tootsie Roll Drive, Poker Night, as well as Car washes, Pie Sales, Blood Drives and other events to help raise money for the parish and community.

The Wrentham Knights of Columbus Council helps to fund several notable causes and organizations, including the mentally and physically disabled and special needs children, The Wrentham Food Pantry, Gilly’s House, My Brothers Keeper, Abundant Hope, the Providence Rescue Mission, Little Wonderers, Cape Cod Bus for Life and many other community organizations. The Knights also sponsors the Annual “Coats for Kids” Drive and provided a free Grocery Delivery service during the recent Pandemic to assist the elderly and sick.