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 own Council 1643 has over 300 members, many of whom are active and regularly partake in service projects and fundraisers. Bob Adams is the Grand Knight who oversees the council and makes sure that the group is accomplishing its mission of community outreach.
“Our whole focus, as an organization, is to help Catholic and non-Catholic families in need,” Bob says. “We host food drives to support the local food pantry. We gave away 300 coats to kids last winter. We put on a golf tournament for school scholarships and we try to raise enough money to sponsor at least one child for the entire year at all the local Catholic schools.”
In addition, the Knights host many events that build up the local community. For example, they put on a fishing derby at Columbus Park and coordinate with the Fish and Wildlife Commission to supply fish for kids to catch.
To organize these events and make their fundraisers successful, the Knights meet on the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in Columbus Hall. These meetings start with a meal that is prepared by one of the Knights and is followed by a Rosary and a business meeting.
The meetings give the Knights a great opportunity to build each other up in faith and fellowship. In fact, the brotherhood that the Knights share is the greatest aspect of the group.
“The brotherhood is like no other,” Bob says. “When I was asked to be the Grand Knight, I didn’t know if I could do it, but my brothers immediately encouraged and supported me. One even said that they would not let me fail.”
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.
“My brother Knights are my friends and they go out of their way to help me,” Bob says. “Now that my eyesight isn’t that good, I don’t drive at night and I am only able to make it home from the meetings because my brothers generously take me.”
Being a Knight has made Bob a better man and has encouraged him in his faith.
“It has helped me with my prayer life, specifically with family prayer,” he says. “When we get together, we talk about life and faith. I have learned a lot about our faith from the lessons that are shared at the monthly meetings. I am a convert and joining the Knights of Columbus has helped me find out what it means to be Catholic.
“The witness of the brothers’ faith is inspiring,” he adds. “The Knights of Columbus pushes you to be selfless and gives me a place to get involved in Church and community.”
All men are welcome to join the Knights of Columbus. If you are a man who is yearning to get more involved and grow in faith, please consider joining the Knights!
To learn more, or to sign up to be a Knight, visit www.kofc.org
