2 minute read
The Knights Of Columbus: Building Community Through Charity, Unity And Fraternity
When parishioner Norman Stauffer decided to make All Saints his church home, he knew that he wanted to get as involved as possible to make new friends within the faith community. Norman was also looking for a ministry that would enable him to serve alongside his daughter. The Knights of Columbus, as he soon discovered, was the perfect blend of these two desires.
“The Knights of Columbus is designed to be a family-friendly organization,” Norman says. “When you join the Knights of Columbus, you know you are joining an organization of like-minded individuals. We share a common bond — a devotion to our Catholic faith and our brotherhood in Christ.”
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Founded on the core values of charity, unity, and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus is designed to enable Catholic men to make a lasting difference in their families, community, and world. Working together within the context of Christian brotherhood, they help support local Catholic parishes, provide emergency relief to those in need, advocate for family life, support youth and religious vocations, and work to uphold the sacred dignity of all human life.
“If you are looking to get involved in the parish and community, this is one way to do so,” Norman says. “We have several projects we do with our council and others from the national level in which we participate. And the best part is, if we’re not doing something you are passionate about, we encourage you to pursue your passion. I guarantee, if there is something you want to do, you will likely find several fellow Knights who are willing to support your effort.”
One example of these initiatives is the weekly Rosary for Life. Always occurring on Saturday following the 9 a.m. Mass, members of the Lumen Christi Council 13520 carpool to a local abortion facility where they pray for an end to abortion. The Knights also cover each hour of overnight Eucharistic Adoration on the first Friday of the month, currently postponed due to the pandemic. This allows the men to spend quality time with our Eucharistic Lord, growing in their relationship with Him and interceding for others. Another big event coming up is the annual Light Up for Christ gathering. Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1, this event includes performances from the Children’s Choir and an orchestra, desserts, hot chocolate and mulled cider, and finally the lighting of the Christmas Star on the side of the church.
In the process of planning and participating in these events and programs, Norman says the Knights themselves benefit from a spiritual brotherhood that challenges and encourages them in the spiritual journey.
“I feel we make each other better,” Norman says. “There are several men in the Knights of Columbus who inspire me — in their faith, their passion, and their devotion to God and family.”
Any male parishioner 18 years or older is encouraged to consider becoming part of this organization. It’s an ideal way for men to live out stewardship, embodying gifts of time, talents, and treasure.
“Most men, when asked why they haven’t joined the Knights of Columbus, reply they were never asked,” Norman says. “Please take this as an invitation. Would you like to join the Knights of Columbus?”
