Each and every Knights of Columbus Council has no
affiliation with a particular parish. A Knights' Council may meet in
a parish facility, in a secular facility, or in a Council Hall built and
owned by the Knights of Columbus.
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal society, a Catholic lay
organization founded by a priest, Father McGivney, which has its own
special role to play in the church.
"Only practical Catholics in union with the Holy See shall be
eligible to and entitled to continue membership in the Order. An
applicant for membership shall not be less than 18 years of age on his
last birthday." (Sec. 101) Practical means that the person
attends mass on all Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, contributes to
the support of the church, is in a valid marriage, is not engaged in any
illicit or seriously sinful activities, follows the teachings of Christ
and his Church, is not a member of a forbidden or secret society, strives
to have a greater knowledge of the teachings of Christ and His church, and
is, in short an exemplary Catholic gentleman and a dutiful patriotic
citizen.
The purpose for which corporation, Knights of Columbus, is formed is
the following:
- To render pecuniary aid to its members and beneficiaries of
members
- To render mutual aid and assistance to its sick, disabled and
needy members
- To promote social and intellectual intercourse among its
members
- To promote and conduct educational, charitable, religious, social
welfare, war relief, and welfare and public relief work.
A few examples of areas of involvement include:
- Strengthening family life
- Reaching out to widows and children of deceased brother
Knights
- Keeping Christ in Christmas
- Defending the unborn and aged
- Encouraging frequent and heartfelt recitation of the Holy
rosary
- Working to increase awareness of every Catholic Christian's
vocation and taking an active part in the recruitment of candidates for
Church-related vocations
- Providing assistance to hungry, homeless, physically and mentally
handicapped individuals and anyone in need
- Assistance to parish priests and bishops in their local areas
- Cooperation with other Catholic groups in various projects
- Participation in Catholic fund drives
- Direct financial assistance to parishes
- Financial contributions to the missions and the poor
- Sponsorship of religious celebrations
- Financial assistance to seminarians
- Encourages vocations to the priesthood and religious life,
etc.
Meetings:
Each Council is to meet twice a month. One meeting is to do
the business of the Council. The other meeting is to be social in
nature. The meetings of the officers are in addition to the two
regular monthly meetings.
