The Knights of Columbus is a global fraternity of Catholic men who dedicate themselves to serving their parish and community. The brotherhood is united by the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, and was initially created by Fr. Michael McGivney to take care of widows and the poor. Today the mission continues through a network of local councils.
Our Council 1302 has members in every stage of life, many of whom are active and regularly partake in service projects and fundraisers. Jim McWilliams is the Grand Knight who oversees the council and makes sure that the group is accomplishing its mission of community outreach.
“Most of our fundraising is accomplished through our Lenten Fish Frys and our Pancake Breakfasts throughout the school year,” Jim says. “When I think of service activities, I think of things that we do to benefit our parishes, school, and community. Some examples might be repairing a fence at the school on the early childhood development playground after it was blown down by a storm, or when three or four groups of Knights took turns mowing, edging, and other lawn maintenance at St. James during the growing season.”
Service is the way that the Knights live out their core principles. By serving the Church and those in need, they are sharing the love of Christ through acts of charity. Almost all their work requires many members to unite around a common cause to provide for the community, which leads to a greater sense of fraternity and patriotism.
To organize the events and service projects they participate in and host, and to strengthen their Christian brotherhood, the Knights of Columbus meet twice a month on the second and third Tuesday of the month in conference room one at St. John’s.
The brotherhood is characterized by the deep friendships that the Knights share and the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other and the community.
“Fraternity is about a group of men taking responsibility for their actions and uniting together in faith,” Jim says. “There is no doubt some lifelong friendships have been and will be formed from the time we spend together.
“Being a Knight has helped me to understand more about being a part of a community that’s willing to help others,” he adds.
The Knights are looking to grow in number to make a greater positive impact on the Church and the local community. Jim sees a great opportunity to welcome younger men into the brotherhood to pass on the traditions and values to the next generation of Catholic men.
“We have a great group of men that are well into their retirement and we need new faces to help replace those that might not be as active in the future,” Jim says. “Now is a good time to join and work with these Knights who have much knowledge to share.”
If you are a man who is yearning to get more involved and grow in faith, consider joining the Knights!
To learn more, or sign up to be a Knight, visit www.kofc.org.
