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Knights of Columbus Offer Valuable Opportunities for Service and Fellowship
If you ask Cory Lankford, Grand Knight of Fr. Fraher Council 3404 Knights of Columbus, why our parish men should join, his answer will be, “Why not?”
“There are lots of groups to join, such as Rotary or Lions, but as men of Catholic faith, what other group will have men who have the same values and are on the same page as you?” Cory asks. “The values on family life and abortion and what the Eucharist means to you, here’s unity.”
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Cory was installed as Grand Knight on July 1, the traditional beginning of the Knights’ fraternal year. As the new Grand Knight, he plans to work with Fr. Denzil to build council membership.
The Council consists of men from both St. Patrick and St. Andrew Parishes. The First and Third Degree members meet on the second Thursday of each month at St. Patrick and the Fourth Degree members meet the third Thursday of the month.
Council members not only enjoy fellowship, but they also enjoy beneficial activities, as well as fundraisers. The council prepares Christmas morning dinner for the Cloistered Contemplative Dominican Nuns at the Monastery of the Infant Jesus.
They also raise funds for the Joseph House, a care facility for those who are terminally ill, and also for the Pregnancy Help Center to make sure all needs are met.
Other Council activities include providing support for the Fiestas Patrias, such as the council’s donation this year of the first-prize 60-inch smart TV, as well as the prizes of a griddle set and a number of gift cards. The Council recently purchased a new lock and security system for the St. Patrick School.
They also raise awareness about abortion with their proclaiming of the Cemetery of the Innocents, to mark abortion deaths in Texas.
Throughout all the activities in which the Knights take part throughout the year, there is a strength that comes from their working together.
“Knights are stronger together,” Cory says. “We are Catholic men working together.”
Fr. Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 to provide support and financial resources to Catholic men and families who were coping with the loss of their sole provider.
“I don’t think there are fewer challenges today,” Cory says. “We need good, strong Catholic men who push the Church forward. And we have the ability to do it in a group. I’ve seen the Knights accomplish amazing things and I could not do it alone.”
Another attribute of the Knights of Columbus is that it brings men with a variety of skills together.
“We have lots of talents among our members,” Cory says. “We have unique skill sets that are really powerful when we want to help the community at large, as well as St. Andrew and St. Patrick. Anything that aligns in Catholic values, the Knights have the potential to play a role in.”
The Council donated two devices to help with sanitation at the church.
The Council donated two devices to help with sanitation at the church.
The K of C Council prepared brown bag lunches for all those taking part in a Special Olympics day.
