Why should you be a Knight of Columbus?
The Knights of Columbus are a fraternal organization of Catholic men dedicated to improving their Church and community thru donations to charitable causes and volunteer work.
Last year the Knights of Columbus as a national organization donated over $150 million to improve our communities, to help our youth, our handicapped, our churches and our families, and performed over 68 million hours of volunteer service.
Over the Past 10 years the KofC have donated over $1.2 billion, and performed over 800 million volunteer service hours.
The Knights of Columbus were one of the first groups to act after the 911 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Philippine floods, and the Haiti earthquake, donating millions of dollars in relief funds for the victims and families in need.
These numbers are pretty amazing when you consider that the Knights only have 1.8 million members world–wide.
In our Council here at St. Pat’s we have 104 members and last year we disbursed $14,000 in charitable contributions and volunteered for over 2,500 service hours. We also helped support one Postulate and two Seminarians in their schooling costs.
In our council’s short existence we have been first place in Pro-life Activities for five years straight, Star Council honors five years in a row, and Council of the year or runner up council for four years. We have been awarded first place for our Community activity, for our Family activity, and numerous other first and second place awards. As you can see we are more than just an order for men, many of our activities include the wives and family of Knights. In fact, the only function we have that doesn’t include the wives and family are the monthly business meetings.
Another advantage to membership in the order is the Knights of Columbus insurance. Our insurance company is one of the strongest, most awarded companies on the market, and holds the highest insurance ratings given by A. M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, and the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association for ethical sales practices. Only three other companies were awarded these honors last year. Kof C insurance is in strong financial shape, rock solid with no debt and all prodcedes go to charities instead of in some CEO’s pocket. Products offered by the KofC include Life Insurance, Annuities, and Long Term Care. I won’t bore you with the specifics. There is a sheet on the back table if you would like to know more.
With this kind of benefit and this kind of impact in your community, why would you not want to become a Knight?
I know many of you have busy lives, filled with many activities. I know you are thinking that this is just one more commitment you do not need. But let me ask:
Can you afford to donate 10 to 12 hours of your time this coming year to a great Family, Community, Church, or Youth cause?
Can you donate 5, or even 1hour?
That is all it takes. We do not require a time commitment; we do not twist any arms. You only need to be as involved as you want to be.
If you only want to attend a couple of meetings and help out at a Panckae feed, or soup supper, we welcome you.
If you want to jump in and do everything you can to help out, we welcome you.
If you can only pay your dues and read the newsletters, we welcome you too.
We welcome all levels of activity and your $25 dues will help the Knights continue to do, and fund great things.
With this kind of flexibility in involvement and this kind of impact in our world, and the added benefits that come with membership;
The question should be…. “Why shouldn’t I become a Knight?”
The time is now; think about it, pray about it and contact the current Grand Knight of the council when you are ready.