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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Brings Faith Alive in Our Parish: Organization Focused on Service and Fellowship
Charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism are the four guiding principles of the Knights of Columbus. Everything the St. Benedict Cathedral Knights do falls into one of these categories.
Mike Primus has been a Knight for about four years. He enjoys the opportunity to volunteer and be more involved in his faith. He also appreciates the fact that he’s gotten to know so many men he may not have otherwise met, and not just in our own council.
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“The shared bond of brotherhood within the Knights of Columbus extends well beyond each individual council,” Mike says. “I have had great conversations with brothers across the country, with the icebreaker simply being that we were all Knights.”
For Mike, his involvement began when he started working the concessions at our parish Bingo Night and realized being involved with the Knights would likely be a good fit. He had gotten to know other Knights through the event.
But involvement in the Knights hasn’t just been a way for Mike to volunteer — he has also grown in faith. Before becoming a Knight, Mike says he was more of a “Christmas and Easter Catholic.” Through being around other Catholic men, however, he realized what he had been missing.
“For me, becoming a Knight not only helped bring me back to the Church as an active parishioner, but it also helped bring prayer and reflection back into my daily life,” Mike says. “I want my kids to stay involved in our parish as they grow up, and I know that me being a Knight will also serve as a good role model to them.”
Parishioners and community members gather for a fish fry with the Knights of Columbus prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Being a Knight has also allowed Mike to put his construction skills to use in benefiting our faith community. He owns a residential construction business, and the Knights have done several construction-related projects at the school and Cathedral.
“Anyone can write a check or drop some cash in the weekly donation basket,” he says. “But I believe that time and talent will always be a more useful donation than money alone.”
It’s a true joy for Mike to be able to help out in this way. He also appreciates having many other opportunities to give back through the Knights. The council hosts a drive each year for expectant parents in need, and have also done Habitat for Humanity builds in the past. This month, they will do a firsttime bed-building event with an organization called Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The organization provides free beds to families in need. The Knights also host two Red Cross blood drives per year. And, to have some fun, they do a Knights at the Otters event with our local minor league team.
“The Knights of Columbus are there to protect and serve our parish and community,” Mike says. “Any men who feel like they want to do more for their own parish should look into joining their local council.”
