St. Wenceslaus Parish

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Knights of Columbus

Charity Unity Fraternity Patriotism

Who are we? About our Council...

How do I join? Then what happens?

For more information Spring Bowtique Registration

Who and What?

In the late 1800s, there was religious opposition to the Catholic Church in the United States. In response to this, Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in Connecticut. His motivation was to help Catholic men remain steadfast to their faith by way of a fraternal bond and to provide insurance for their families.

Our fraternal organization is founded on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Those are summarized on the back of our membership form: "You will share in the sense of pride in knowing that their Order is second to none in support of Our Holy Father, our Bishops and Priests; in working for our fellow man, especially those most in need; and in binding together to preserve traditional values in the face of attacks against the family and innocent human life."

Our Council has over 200 parish men, belonging to the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization with over 1.5 million brother Knights and 10,000 Councils.

Simply put, our Council tries to be the "right hand" of the parish priest with service to the Church and the local community. Participation includes family, spiritual, social, civic-oriented, athletic and recreational events.

Because of the organization's size, the Knights of Columbus provide services at the diocesan and worldwide levels.

Our Council Has...

Assisted our parish priests to address needs.

Aided seminarians.

Contributed to school needs such as playground and cafeteria equipment.

Supported the pro-life movement.

Volunteered time and food to homeless shelters.

Provided bus trips to local athletic events.

Provided scholarships.

Assisted with parish fun days.

Assisted with Honey Sunday with proceeds to help the mentally and physically challenged.

Helped with parish boutiques.

Provided pancake fundraiser meals.

Provided Lenten dinners.

Sold entertainment coupon books with those funds used to help others.

As a non-profit organization, we give back all that we raise. Whether that is to the parish or community, our focus is to help others. Wouldn't you like to help us, to help your parish and others?

How Do I Join the Knights?

First, call the Council's Membership Director or Grand Knight (phone numbers follow).

They'll be able to answer most questions or concerns. They or another Knight may even meet with you at your home if you want.

If you decide to join:

You need to fill out a new member form.
You will be asked to attend an initiation ceremony with other candidates at various locations in the metro area.
Along with the form, you will be asked for a check to cover the small, initial fee.

The initiation is either at a Major degree exemplification or a First degree only. The former is recommended if possible, yet may take 4 hours (which includes a free lunch). The ceremony covers the first three degrees of our organization.

With that completed, in the future you can choose to run for officer if you want, as officers must be at least a 3rd degree. If you attend a 1st degree initiation only, it may take an hour.

Then What Happens?

After the initiation ceremony, you are an official Knight of Columbus.

You are free to do as much or as little as you want. We all get busy with work and family. Some can't attend monthly meetings or our KofC sponsored events. We have over 30 events a year and you are encouraged to volunteer for participation in some of them.

The minimum goal is to have each Knight attend at least one meeting or one event each year.

Monthly meetings are on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm, at the parish social hall, room B (subject to change).

Upcoming council activities and information are mentioned in our newsletter and parish bulletin. You will also receive a state and national magazine about current topics and events.

Just call the committee director, if you can help or volunteer.

Remember, "that it is in giving that we receive."

Thank you for your consideration.

For More Info, Contact the Following

Pat Hoke	Grand Knight	491-0748
Loren Steenson	Deputy Grand Knight	330-6649
Dan Bleyhl	Financial Secretary	691-0129
Joe Re	Membership Director	334-4950

If you have any questions or need additional information email Pat Hoke - Deputy Grand Knight at pathoke@cox.net

For more information, see the national Knights of Columbus website .