3. Why We Are Called Knights
History of the Knights of Columbus
Knights of Columbus Objectives
Knights of Columbus Statement
The Vision and Mission
Opportunities to Make a Difference
Why Become a Knight
Summary
4. History of
The Knights of Columbus
Founded by Father Michael J.
McGivney, in New
Haven, Connecticut
Knights of Columbus was chartered
on March 29, 1882
5. Why the Knights of Columbus?
1. To help Catholic men remain
steadfast in their faith through
mutual encouragement.
2. To promote closer ties of fraternity
3. To establish a system of insurance
to assist widows and children of
members
6. Why Columbus?
To emphasize that it was a Catholic
who discovered, explored, and
colonized North American continent.
7. Why Knights?
To signify that the membership
embodies knightly ideals of
1.Spirituality
2.Service to Church, country and
fellowman.
8. The Knights of Columbus
Today
An international society of more
than 1.6 million Catholic men
In more than 12,000 councils
United States
Canada, Mexico
The Philippines, Puerto
Rico, Guatemala,
Panama, Cuba, Guam
The Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic
and the Bahamas
9. The Knights of Columbus
Service in the Year 2000
$116,187,996 to charities
56,730,040 volunteer hours
25.9 million hrs to Church
15.3 million hrs to community
7.7 million hrs to youth
7.8 million hrs to other causes
10. Knights of Columbus
Objectives
To Support the Church.
To build fraternal bonds through
religious, social, educational, and
athletic activities.
To reach out to meet community needs
through programs of charity and
service.
11. Knights of Columbus
Objectives
To provide comfort and assistance
to sick, disabled, and needy
members and their families.
To provide for the financial security
of our members and families through
our fraternal insurance program.
12. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
A Catholic… Family… Fraternal…
Service Organization.
Catholic - the common denominator for all
our members. Catholicism serves as a
foundation for continued growth and
performance.
Family - the very basis of society around
which all our programs and activities
evolve.
13. Knights of Columbus (contd.)
Fraternal - banded together for the
purpose of providing for the spiritual
and material welfare of our
membership.
Service - our involvement with and
commitment to
Church, community, council, family,
and youth.
14. Commitment to Education
The Knights of Columbus have a
long tradition of aid to Catholic
education.
Endowment of a chair in American
history at the Catholic University of
America, Washington, D.C.,
The million-dollar "Father Michael J.
McGivney Memorial Fund for New
Initiatives in Catholic Education"
Scholarships and student loans
15. Other Major Projects
More than $1 million annually for various
projects
The construction of the Knights' Tower at
the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception in
Washington, D.C.
Lobbied to insert the words "under God"
in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag.
Contributed to the restoration of the
Facade at St. Peter's Basilica
16. The Vision and Mission
Provide leadership and support to
parish and pastor, as well as
community
Offer our local Catholic men and
their families a strong sense of
community and fellowship
17. Opportunities to Make a
Difference
Programs to use specific talents
Five areas of Involvement open to
members
Church
Community
Family
Council
Youth
18. Church Activities
Purpose – To sponsor activities which
enable the Knight to set a worthy example
as an ideal Catholic to his family, his
community and his fellow members.
Support our Religious Leaders
Lay Apostolate
Evangelization
Vocations
Parochial Services
Religious Devotions
Keep Christ in Christmas
19. Community Activities
Purpose: Offer opportunities for Knights to
make their voices heard in the community
and to make it a better place for all to live
Pro-Life
Volunteerism
Human Needs
Civic Involvement
Environment and Public Safety
Health Services
Decency
Honor Columbus
20. Family Activities
Purpose: Offer programs and activities
which aid in building family
spirit, strengthen family life and stimulate
togetherness within our family units
Family Programs
Education
Communications
Family Recognition
Recreation
Survivors’ Assistance
Memorials
21. Council Activities
Purpose: Enhance the fraternal life among
our members by offering fun and
entertaining programs and activities.
Public Relations
Fraternalism
Cultural
Social
Blood Donation
Athletics
22. Youth Activities
Purpose: Provide our youth with the
means and opportunities to become
personally committed and involved in
meeting the challenges of our times.
Scouting
4-H Activities
Athletics
Educational Programs
Youth Welfare
Religious Activities
Social Activities
Columbian Squires
23. Why Become a Knight ?
To enjoy a wide variety of benefits
Member/Spouse accidental death
benefit
“Knights to Christ” meditation
book
Columbia Magazine
K of C Rosary
Volunteer to help the youth and less
fortunate
24. Why Become a Knight ?
Daily Mass of Remembrance at
Church
Leadership Development-
Opportunity to build personal
leadership skills.
Educational Benefits- Scholarship
programs, Student loan programs
To have diversity in life with those
that share the same ideals
25. Why Become a Knight?
To learn, live, and practice
Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and
Patriotism.
To spread and share spirituality
amongst others
To grow within a Catholic
environment.
26. Council Meetings
Meetings are held once or twice
each Month
Meeting agenda typically include
prayer, activity updates, financial
and membership status, committee
reports and motions regarding
expenditures and future events and
social activities.
27. Summary
We are honored to have you join our
Council
We encourage you to become a member
Our Programs and Objectives give every
Catholic man the medium through which
he can best serve the church and mankind.
Welcome to the Knights of Columbus!
