The Arlinghaus family of Clarksville, Maryland, was honored as the 2026 Knights of Columbus International Family of the Year during the annual Supreme Knight’s Awards Session on Aug. 3, the eve of the 144th Supreme Convention in Denver.
Throughout their marriage, Frank Arlinghaus and his wife, Susan, have made faith, family and the sanctity of human life central to their lives, passing those values on to their five children and grandson.
Frank, a past grand knight of St. Louis the King Council 11898 in Clarksville, has been a Knight for 36 years, serving in a variety of leadership roles within the council. Both of his sons, Frank Jr. and Peter, are also Knights, and Frank Jr. serves as the council’s chancellor, helping to lead St. Louis Parish’s Cor group, “Men of Virtue.”
Accepting the award with Susan, Frank recognized each of their children — Frank Jr., Theresa, Elizabeth, Peter and Mary — for their servants’ hearts.
“You’re the reason we’re here tonight,” he told them. “All [of them] are involved in the faith life of the pastorate and in promoting the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. It is humbling to be challenged by my children to be a better man for Christ.”
The family participates in council and parish fundraising activities, dedicating hundreds of volunteer hours to a white elephant fundraiser that raises around $70,000 annually.
Other activities include operating a council concession stand at Baltimore Ravens games, organizing Food for Families drives, supporting seminarians and donating to the Little Sisters of the Poor. Susan, Elizabeth and Mary also organize the parish’s Advent giving tree, which raises more than $20,000 annually for charity and families in need.
The Arlinghaus family is particularly devoted to defending the sanctity of human life. Frank and Susan have served as the Maryland State Council’s Pro-Life Chair Couple for the past six years and have led their parish’s Respect Life group for even longer. Both volunteer with the Maryland March for Life; Susan serves on the steering committee and organizes the pastorate buses, while Frank leads council support for the event.
“The faith stands firm, and we should not be on the sidelines in our culture,” Frank said. “We men are called to be men for Christ, better husbands, better fathers, better sons. We need to model the behavior we want in our families. … We’re called to serve the faith, the Church, and the truth.”
Frank has given public testimony against pro-abortion legislation in Maryland, and both Sue and Theresa serve on the boards of local pregnancy help organizations.
“We need to give witness to the position of life,” Frank said. “As a faithful Catholic, I have to be on the side of the Church, not just when it’s easy, but when it’s difficult.”
The entire family is deeply involved in parish life, including Bible studies, retreats and catechism classes. Sue initiated and led a monthly Holy Hour of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and as part of a Seven Sisters group she prays a weekly holy hour for their associate pastor. Frank has led a large volunteer effort for the Maryland Men’s Catholic Fellowship Conference.
In addition to their charitable work, Frank and Frank Jr. work for the U.S. Department of Defense. Theresa is an emergency room nurse at a Catholic hospital and teaches nursing at The Catholic University of America, and Elizabeth also teaches at a Catholic school.
“When you look at the Arlinghauses and you look at what they do and how they do it, they become an example,” said Grand Knight Paul Pellegrino of Council 11898. “To me, they’re a shining light on the hill. They show you that there is a way to impact not only the Church but impact your communities in a meaningful way by serving and by supporting, not only the parish, but the community at large.”







