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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Bringing the Faith Alive Through Service and Fraternity
Charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism are the four guiding principles of the Knights of Columbus. Everything that our Knights do falls into one of these categories.
Brian Kennedy is the Grand Knight for Council 1302, which also includes men from six other surrounding Catholic Churches. Brian enjoys the opportunity to work with other men of faith to raise money for organizations throughout Bartlesville and the surrounding communities.
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“They say it takes a village,” he says. “We have men with different strengths and we need them all. There’s a lot we can get done with all the talents that are out there.”
One of the organization’s main fundraisers is the Lenten Fish Frys. With the COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, the men came up with a drive-through, to-go deal for all fish fry meals — they ended up raising more money than during a normal year. The funds raised at the dinners support seminarians and the Home and School Association at St. John Catholic School.
“It was so nice to see the community come out to support this,” Brian says. “One main goal of these meals is always to build community.”
Another major fundraiser — that fortunately did not need to be altered due to the pandemic — is held in November, as the Knights come together to make and sell about 250 apple pies. The money raised mostly goes towards supporting local organizations. Some of the funds raised last year went towards upgrading the playground at St. James. They also supported The Cottage, a pregnancy help center in Bartlesville.
The Knights are also called upon when there is a need for a meal at a community event.
In August, they handled the food and drinks for a Back to School Cookout. They also host a similar event for the Youth Group and Religious Education program.
“We are there, as Knights, to provide the food and manpower to make it all happen,” Brian says.
But it’s not all work and business — the Knights also have a social aspect. They have been meeting at a local restaurant at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month — this serves as their planning meeting, and it’s a more informal gathering with time to socialize. They also meet at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month for a business meeting in Conference Room 1 at our parish.
“The Knights is a good way to get to know other Catholic men and to build community, support our priests and help local organizations,” Brian says.
