For 140 years, the Knights of Columbus organization has brought financial aid and assistance to those in need. Upon establishing the organization in 1882, Fr. Michael McGivney forged an upstanding mission of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. There are now Knights councils across the world, serving in various capacities to their own communities and parishes.
The Knights of Columbus at the Cathedral of St. Joseph was founded in 2001. Christopher Pierce is the Grand Knight for Council #12922.
“Currently, there are 356 active members in our council,” he says.
Christopher has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 2014.
“Initially, I was hesitant,” he says. “However, it is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I truly love the service aspect of our Order. The gentlemen Knights with whom I serve have made me a better Catholic gentleman and parishioner here at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. As the Grand Knight, I hope to continue the great service this council has given to our parish, school, and community.”
The Knights of Columbus has four Faith in Action programs. Those programs are Faith, Family, Community, and Life. The council participates in many events to serve our parish, school, and community.
The Faith program includes the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP), the Into The Breach series at council meetings, and leading the Rosary during the month of May. Then, the Family program includes the Food for Families Samaritan Center Food Drive, Good Friday Family Promotion, and Keep Christ in Christmas. The Community program includes Coats for Kids, the Fall and Winter Coat Drive, Global Wheelchair Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Junior High Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest, Sixth-Grade Vocation Day Celebration support, Free Throw Championship, and Soccer Challenge. Finally, the Life program includes Drive for Persons with Disabilities Tootsie Roll Drive, Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) Program, March for Life, Rosaries for Life, and Pregnancy Center Support.
Beyond the efforts, the Knights also organize and participate in numerous other services, from Lenten fish frys to BBQ events or pancake breakfasts, and much more. They also work to support families in the community, striving to assist them in the Church’s mission of evangelization and strengthening the parish.
“The Knights of Columbus seeks to strengthen family life through its building the domestic church while strengthening our parish initiative,” Christopher says. “Through this initiative, the Order endeavors to support Christian family life and encourages our council and families to more fully integrate with the sacramental and social life of our parish.”
The Knights of Columbus organization provides an opportunity for members to become part of the largest Catholic fraternity in the world. Any men 18 years or older are welcome to join.
“As you grow in faith, you are supported by a true brotherhood built on shared values — and on a shared desire to be the men God has called you to be,” Christopher says. “Knights are eligible to purchase Knights of Columbus life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, and annuity products, all backed by our ethical and faith-first business practices.”
Council #12922 meets monthly. They hold a business meeting and social every second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Cana Hall. The Officer’s meeting is held every fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Parish Office conference room.
For more information about joining the Knights of Columbus in our parish community, please contact Christopher Pierce at cmfpierce@live.com or 573-419-1910.