Preparation For A Life Of Faith And Service: Columbian Squires

Imagine a world where young men had the opportunity to practice service from a young age — a place where they became leaders by watching their mentors giving back to the community, and where they understood that having fun, growing in faith, and helping others were all things that could coexist together.

Here at All Saints, we hope that our Columbian Squires group is a place where this happens. The Columbian Squires, the youth outreach of the Knights of Columbus, was initially founded by Brother Barnabas McDonald, in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1925. Since its beginnings, the Columbian Squires has grown to an international organization, with 25,000 members worldwide.

In 2013, the Knights of Columbus Council at All Saints sponsored and initiated our Squire Circle, led by Stan Schwieterman.

“The goal of Columbian Squires is to try to get junior high and high school youth focused on their faith,” says Stan, a father of three sons who were involved in the Squires and then became Knights of Columbus on their college campuses. “We’re helping the family and the community to keep their youth focused on the church and good activities.”

A Knight for 17 years, Stan serves as the Chief Counselor of the Columbian Squires. For him, it’s an opportunity to be involved in the mission of the Knights, while mentoring and serving the youth of the parish.

“It’s a wonderful service work,” Stan says. “And for me, it’s a nice social service activity I can do with the Knights.” As part of the Columbian Squires, young men from ages 10-18 can build connections with their faith and parish community. continued on page 6

“It’s a great way to help build the faith of the youth,” Stan says.

The group meets once a month for social events, as well as to plan and prepare for their service projects. Service is a hallmark of the Columbian Squires, with the group organizing and participating in several projects throughout the year, including events that raise money for local pregnancy resource centers, providing wheelchairs for those in need, and more.

The young men who participate also have the opportunity to grow in a variety of leadership skills, as they work with their peers and the adult counselors to plan and implement various events and service projects. Similar to scouting programs, the Squires have opportunities to learn and develop skills and knowledge.

“It’s helping them in their Catholic faith, in different topics, such as home and family, community, country, and Church,” Stan says.

Columbian Squires allows fathers and sons the opportunity to spend time together as well, growing in their faith, service and friendship with other men of the parish.

“It’s a wonderful place for the dad and the son to participate in a number of different activities together,” Stan says.

He encourages all young men of the parish to consider becoming involved with the Columbian Squires at All Saints.

“I hope it’s a good experience for them,” Stan says. “I’ve met post-Squires who became Knights later on — it helps to keep them focused on their faith and family.”

If you would like more information, or to become involved in Columbian Squires — whether as a young person, or an adult mentor or “counselor” — please contact Chief Counselor Stan Schwieterman at 214-502-2394 or stanschwieterman@yahoo.com.

Squires carry their banner at Dallas Pro-Life March, January 2020.

Squires attend the Coast to Coast Rosary and Our Lady of Fatima in the procession at the Dallas Flag Pole Hill Park.

Fr. Paul Gray Squires Circle 5717 attend a recent meeting and welcome a new member.