Knights of Columbus: 125 Years in service to One; in service to all
The fraternal year 2007-2008 marked 125 years since the founding of the Knights of
Columbus by Father Michael J. McGivney. Many things have changed since that time, but the
Order is still true to its founding principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. Charity being the
most important. Its mission is to encourage fraternity and benevolence among its members,
to evangelize, to promote tolerance, to encourage civic loyalty, and to protect the interests of
the Roman Catholic Church. Father McGivney believed his Knights could change the hearts
of men and bring peace on earth. Through their efforts of charity and evangelism the Order
has become the largest lay ministry within the Church with over 1.9 million members.
While the Order is the largest laity within the Church, it counts among its ranks seven saints
and four blesseds — laymen and priests, martyrs and untiring witnesses to our Catholic faith
and Columbianism. Most recently, three Knights have been elevated to the College of
Cardinals while hundreds of others serve as archbishops, bishops, priests and deacons.
Recently the Knights dedicated the stunning $1 million dollar Knights of Columbus
Incarnation Dome at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in
Washington, D.C.
The fraternal year 2007-2008 marked 125 years since the founding of the Knights of
Columbus by Father Michael J. McGivney. Many things have changed since that time, but the
Order is still true to its founding principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. Charity being the
most important. Its mission is to encourage fraternity and benevolence among its members,
to evangelize, to promote tolerance, to encourage civic loyalty, and to protect the interests of
the Roman Catholic Church. Father McGivney believed his Knights could change the hearts
of men and bring peace on earth. Through their efforts of charity and evangelism the Order
has become the largest lay ministry within the Church with over 1.9 million members.
While the Order is the largest laity within the Church, it counts among its ranks seven saints
and four blesseds — laymen and priests, martyrs and untiring witnesses to our Catholic faith
and Columbianism. Most recently, three Knights have been elevated to the College of
Cardinals while hundreds of others serve as archbishops, bishops, priests and deacons.
Recently the Knights dedicated the stunning $1 million dollar Knights of Columbus
Incarnation Dome at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in
Washington, D.C.
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has 293 members. Under the guidance of their Chaplain, Msgr. Duesman, the St. Ann council
the Order.
Some of the activities of the past include the “Breakfast with Santa” as a special breakfast co-
was built by the Knights. The Boy Scout troop, chartered by the Knights, completed the
walkway to the shrine as an eagle scout project funded by the Knights. Yearly renovations
and construction projects at the Pines Catholic Youth Camp allow our children the chance to
build self confidence, make new friends and deepen their faith with fun activities.
In continuing their assistance to the Missionaries of Charity, the council answered the Sisters'
request and repainted the women's shelter and paved additional sidewalks so they didn't
have to place food for the poor to eat upon the damp ground. Sister Mary Nirmala Joshi, who
is the successor of Mother Theresa, asked that the Knights of our council escort her in her
trip to Dallas and the council also provided diocesan color corp to assist with the mass.
Others include a special charity for Msgr. Duesman which is the monthly dinner that is
prepared, delivered and served at Hillcrest House for the AIDS sufferers there. The BBQ for
Life, which raises $5,000 - $6,000 annually for the White Rose women’s center, to continue
their work in saving the lives of the unborn. Donation pickup for Christian Communiy Action
(CCA); the Wheelchair Foundation program at the Veterans Hospital; Breakfast for the
Sisters in Christ, the “Keep Christ in Christmas” campaign; the pro-life rosary, bishops mass
and march to the federal building; and many, many more.
Being a Knight is more than camaraderie, it is being involved with your community. It is
supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith. It is about protecting
and enhancing your family life.
When we reflect on our history, it’s inspiring to see how Father McGivney’s dedication
has given rise to an organization that has touched so many. Decades later, councils
number in the thousands and our members in the millions. In total, the Knights of
Columbus has raised over a billion dollars for charitable causes. And our hopes and
dreams for tomorrow are greater, because the need is, too.
Today, we’re looking for the next generation of Knights. Men of character and conviction
who are driven by both faith and conscience to do truly meaningful works. And the tangible
rewards for members are numerous, from scholarships for our sons and daughters,
to being able to participate in one of the leading insurance programs in the country.
But of the countless rewards Knighthood offers, perhaps the most inviting is this:
The knowledge that, as a Knight, you can make a difference. Through fearless service.
Through heartfelt perseverance. And, above all, through unfaltering fellowship.
Ask a Knight how to join or contact the Grand Knight for more information.
the Order.
Some of the activities of the past include the “Breakfast with Santa” as a special breakfast co-
was built by the Knights. The Boy Scout troop, chartered by the Knights, completed the
walkway to the shrine as an eagle scout project funded by the Knights. Yearly renovations
and construction projects at the Pines Catholic Youth Camp allow our children the chance to
build self confidence, make new friends and deepen their faith with fun activities.
In continuing their assistance to the Missionaries of Charity, the council answered the Sisters'
request and repainted the women's shelter and paved additional sidewalks so they didn't
have to place food for the poor to eat upon the damp ground. Sister Mary Nirmala Joshi, who
is the successor of Mother Theresa, asked that the Knights of our council escort her in her
trip to Dallas and the council also provided diocesan color corp to assist with the mass.
Others include a special charity for Msgr. Duesman which is the monthly dinner that is
prepared, delivered and served at Hillcrest House for the AIDS sufferers there. The BBQ for
Life, which raises $5,000 - $6,000 annually for the White Rose women’s center, to continue
their work in saving the lives of the unborn. Donation pickup for Christian Communiy Action
(CCA); the Wheelchair Foundation program at the Veterans Hospital; Breakfast for the
Sisters in Christ, the “Keep Christ in Christmas” campaign; the pro-life rosary, bishops mass
and march to the federal building; and many, many more.
Being a Knight is more than camaraderie, it is being involved with your community. It is
supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith. It is about protecting
and enhancing your family life.
When we reflect on our history, it’s inspiring to see how Father McGivney’s dedication
has given rise to an organization that has touched so many. Decades later, councils
number in the thousands and our members in the millions. In total, the Knights of
Columbus has raised over a billion dollars for charitable causes. And our hopes and
dreams for tomorrow are greater, because the need is, too.
Today, we’re looking for the next generation of Knights. Men of character and conviction
who are driven by both faith and conscience to do truly meaningful works. And the tangible
rewards for members are numerous, from scholarships for our sons and daughters,
to being able to participate in one of the leading insurance programs in the country.
But of the countless rewards Knighthood offers, perhaps the most inviting is this:
The knowledge that, as a Knight, you can make a difference. Through fearless service.
Through heartfelt perseverance. And, above all, through unfaltering fellowship.
Ask a Knight how to join or contact the Grand Knight for more information.
Photo: Knights John Schott, Msgr. Duesman
House respite care for HIV/AIDS community.
House respite care for HIV/AIDS community.
