KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Story of the Knights of Columbus.
The Knights of Columbus story begins in the winter of 1882 in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn.
It was there that our Venerable founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, gathered the men of his parish together to create a solution to a recurring problem. Many Catholics, most of whom were immigrants, were working and living in unfavorable conditions. And many were tragically dying young, leaving behind widows and orphans with insufficient financial resources. It was a cold reality that had confronted Father McGivney all too often, not only in the lives of his parishioners, but in his own. As a seminarian, he was forced to leave school and return home to aid his family when his father died unexpectedly. Though this story of financial ruin for Catholic families was common, Father McGivney was convinced that there was a way to change the ending. He knew that if the Catholic men in his parish came together in mutual aid, widows and orphans could receive the support they needed. He also knew that if Catholic men banded together, united by charity and unity, they could strengthen their faith, their families, and their communities. So, he established the Knights of Columbus and with it a “pass-the-hat” insurance system to protect the Catholic families in his parish. Over time, that system has evolved and today we stay true to our founding mission through our multi-billion dollar, top-rated insurance program. Members in the United States and Canada have exclusive access to our insurance program and products, including life insurance, retirement annuities, long-term care insurance, and disability income insurance.
The Knights of Columbus stand for four principles, and four reasons to join this committed group of Catholic men, they are:
Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.
Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.
Fraternity – Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do the good works of individual Knights, who gave more than 73.5 million service hours in 2015, illustrating how Catholics serve each other in fraternity and mercy.
Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.
The Knights of Columbus are a worldwide charitable group of dedicated Catholic men. We serve all of Gods children regardless of religion, color, gender or ethnic origin. We give our time, our hearts, and our faith in God to all those in need. Please consider joining the Knights of Columbus today. There is so much need in our world; we are calling out to Christian men to share the glory and blessings that come from a kind heart and a caring soul. Please pray on content of this article and ask God to open your hearts to this most worthy organization, The Knights of Columbus Council 10170.
Please contact Fred Muzer or any of our members for information on how to become a bigger part of God’s work.
810 875 3382