2 minute read
Meet Our Knights of Columbus Bringing the Faith Alive Through Service and Fraternity
Charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism — these are the four guiding principles of the Knights of Columbus. Everything that the Holy Family Cathedral Knights of Columbus members do falls into one of these categories.
“Knowing what the Knights stand for has made my faith in Christ come alive in the many charitable works and events our council participates in, and on a larger scale, what the worldwide order promotes,” says Paul Louderback, a Fourth Degree Knight who joins about 150 members in our parish’s Knights of Columbus council.
Advertisement
Paul serves as the Knights of Columbus lecturer and trustee. As a lecturer, he gives a brief presentation at the end of business meetings on spiritual or practical topics. He also serves as the Red Cross Blood Drive coordinator for the Knights. Since 2014, the Knights have hosted 29 blood drives and collected over 400 units of blood.
“I got involved with the Knights to help others, to make a difference, to be surrounded by other men of faith, and to be a part in something bigger than myself,” Paul says.
The Knights have assisted with or hosted many events over the years at the Cathedral. Paul places these events into four categories — community, church, prolife and youth.
The Knights of Columbus is a pro-life organization, and our local Knights support the Ultrasound Project, which uses ultrasound as a way to prevent abortion. Knights have also attended the Tulsa March for Life and the 40 Days for Life Vigil at the Garden of Hope. The Knights also fundraise to support pro-life causes.
One important mission for the Knights of Columbus is to financially support widows. Our Holy Family Cathedral Knights even collect money at meetings to support Knights facing financial stress.
“Whatever your state in life, the Knights can be a blessing,” Paul says. “The group will make you a better Christian, a better husband and a better father.”
The Cathedral Knights of Columbus members also carry out several projects to support those in need across Tulsa. One of the most unique projects is council members picking up surplus bagels from several different bagel shops and delivering them to the San Miguel School, homeless centers and veterans’ facilities.
Knights members also jump in to help at the Holy Family Cathedral School whenever they can.
“Council members donate hundreds of hours to the school, liturgical events, religious education and Christian mentoring program — TrailLife USA,” Paul says.
Fundraising, the Christmas Dinner and the Priest Appreciation Dinner are just some of the projects in which the Knights are involved at Holy Family Cathedral. Many hours and much energy are given to projects around our parish. If a task needs to be completed, you can be sure a Knight will step up to help. Paul is so thankful to the Knights of Columbus for the friendships he has formed and the many opportunities to serve.
“The brotherhood of my fellow Knights has inspired and encouraged me in my walk with Christ,” he says.
