Father McGivney's Knights: Who Are They?
The Knights of Cloumbus is a fraternal insurance society open to all laymen who are practicing Catholics and who desire to share the spiritual legacy of Father Michael J McGivney. Currently the Order numbers more than 1.6 million members in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. Under the guiding principles of Unity, Charity, Fraternity and Patriotism, Knights of Columbus support one another in their committment to their families adn to the Church, and to the works of charity on both civic and religious spheres. In addition the Order offers a full program of life insurance to its members. The proceeds from the insurance side of the fraternal operations are used to support humanitarian and religious projects throughout the world.
Local councils of the Knights usually meet once a month to reprot on recent activities, share a evening of social friendliness and plan for the future. many councils pray the rosary together or engage in some other spiritual exercise. Knights come from every walk of life. Whether laborer or professional all are equally Knights of Christ and Knights of Mary. They are all committed to following the spiritual vision of Father McGivney.
Each local council charts its involvement in the needs of the local community and Catholic parish. K of C volunteers, including wives and children, help the homebound get to the doctor or to Church. They serve in soup kitchens, organize fund raisers for worthy causes and assist Catholic schools. These are but a few of the ways in which Father McGivney's Knights band together to make the world a better place in which to live.
The Knight's family is central to the Order's life and activities. Often they are invited to participate or to help out in the civic and religious programs of the local council. A K of C family is one involved in the local coummunity and alert to the needs of the world around them. The family bonds of love and mutual support are strengthened by such outreach. It is so often in giving that we receive.
As protector of Christian Family Life, Father McGivney calls his Knights to dedicate themselves anew to their families and their needs.
In 2005, Knights of Columbus at all levels raised and donated more than $139.7 million to charitable and benevolent causes. Members also performed 64 million hours of volunteer community service.
