|
KNIGHTS
OF COLUMBUS
NEW COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT
INITIATIVE
In Faith and In Action.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:
Advancing the Order
As a dedicated service
organization, Knights of Columbus believes that when a Knight acts
selflessly, he acts on behalf of the world. As Knights, we also act
on behalf of our faith. Such a philosophy is what has helped give
purpose to our organization and meaning to our affairs.
Today, the Order has grown
into a vital organization of more than 1.7 million members. Our
resources are utilized to support countless causes, programs, and
parishes all over the world. And through continued growth, we not
only preserve the goal of our founder, Father McGivney, of uniting
men in their faith, but we also realize his dream of one day having a
presence in every parish. While we understand the magnitude of that
goal, we also trust that through the enthusiasm and faithfulness of
our members, it can be achieved.
THE REWARDS OF ESTABLISHING A KNIGHTS OF
COLUMBUS COUNCIL
Father McGivney's hope of having a Knights of
Columbus presence in every parish stemmed from his belief that local
councils could achieve great things for the Church. In addition to
creating an Order where Catholic men could grow their faith and help
each other in times of need, Father McGivney saw an opportunity to
help parishes themselves prosper through five key areas of service -
faith, community, family, youth and fellowship.
Because of his vision, today Knights of
Columbus is a well-respected service organization of over 13,000
local councils. One that has helped countless communities, and their
parishes, flourish.
|
|
OFTENTIMES,
THE GOODNESS
OF A MAN IS MEASURED BY THE GOOD
THAT HE DOES
As men of faith, Knights strive
to make a difference by being part of the difference. Knights of
Columbus councils offer Catholic men of honour and conviction the
opportunity to be part of a truly unique service organization.
Our members are mentors,
leaders, and humanitarians. They are husbands and fathers. They are
role models dedicated to serving the Church and worthy causes,
realizing the importance of being both followers of God and leaders
in their communities.
Being a Knights of Columbus
council member holds many rewards. In addition to being instrumental
in the council's development, Knights and their families can also
partake of many advantages separate from elective participation in
Knights of Columbus Insurance. For example, Knights receive a
complimentary subscription to Columbia, the Order's monthly
magazine. Member families also benefit from various insurance
coverages and even have access to scholarships for higher education. |
DEVELOPING A NEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL
The process of establishing establishing a new
council is begun when the District Deputy, along with the State's New
Council Development Chairman, initiates the process. The District
Deputy would first contact a parish's priest and discuss the benefits
of hosting a council. Once the priest's support is garnered, members
are recruited from within the parish. Quite often, members of a
council are men who are already actively involved in their parishes.
In Fact, any Catholic male in good standing with the Catholic Church,
who is over the age of 18, can be a Knight.
In order for a local council to succeed and
attain its goal of thirty members, the expectations of its members
must be clearly communicated by the New Council Team. For instance,
members are expected to pay a modest initiation fee and annual dues.
Members are also required to attend regular council meetings,
typically held every other week.
Of Course, this is only a summary of what it
takes to start a new council. However, through the dedication of key
individuals, starting a new council can be an extremely rewarding experience.
(A
more detailed explanation of member
expectations can be found in the New Council development Guidelines
booklet #2119.) |
MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH GROWING THE ORDER
More than a century later, it's inspiring to
see how Father McGivney's steadfast dedication has been realized.
What was once an Order of only a few has grown into a service
organization of thousands, each member helping his parish while also
contributing to his community. Which is why we believe that each new
council is an opportunity to fulfill Father McGivney's dream of
unifying men of the faith and in our Church. It is a task that truly
benefits everyone - our families, our parishes, our Church, and, in
countless ways, ourselves.
For detailed guidelines on how to establish a
Knights of Columbus council in your parish, please reference the New
Council development Guidelines booklet #2119.
For more information on how to obtain this
booklet, as well as other support materials, such as New Council
Development posters, simply call 1-203-752-4161
www.kofc.org.
|