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An Inside Look At The Knights Of Columbus: Living the Faith and Serving the Parish Community

Charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism are the four guiding principles of the Knights of Columbus. Everything that our St. Leo’s Knights do falls into one of these categories.

Greg Hamik is currently serving as Grand Knight and has been a Knight since 2003. Greg’s father was also a Knight; and, as time went on, he realized he should get involved, as well. He feels very blessed in his life, and the Knights of Columbus is one way he can give back.

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“There is always a need,” Greg says. “I feel the Holy Spirit beckons me to answer the call.”

The St. Leo’s Knights meet on Mondaynights, once a month, for about an hour. They host and help with several events throughout the year, including pancake breakfasts, Coats for Kids, the Tootsie Roll Drive, State Fair Bingo, the Central Catholic Food Stand during Husker

Harvest Days, and highway cleanup. The Knights will also step up to help in a parishioner’s home — for example, if the person has recently lost a spouse. The Knights are just there to help when it’s needed.

Knights gather for highway cleanup — just one of the organization’s many volunteer projects.

“It’s a rewarding experience volunteering your time to help others,” Greg says. “Your relationship with Christ will grow naturally when you give. But ultimately, it’s not about us — all the glory to God.”

All Knights of Columbus councils typically support organizations helping those with special needs and pro-life clinics. Greg has chaired the Tootsie Roll Drive for many years. The money raised goes to local organizations that work with individuals with special needs. There are 56 two-hour shifts during the drive, which takes place at Hy-Vee and Walmart in Grand Island. There are also several local fundraisers to help purchase ultrasound machines for pro-life clinics.

“Even if we can help an organization with a small amount of funding, they appreciate and are thankful for it,” Greg says. “Every little bit helps.”

Getting involved with the Knights is also a fantastic way to get to know other men of the parish. Men don’t always have an opportunity to share the faith — so, the Knights offer numerous opportunities to socialize and serve our Lord and the parish.

In particular, Greg enjoys everything from “flipping pancakes to doing a very physical landscaping job for the church.” Greg also recalls a very hot day where the Knights gathered to do some landscaping at St. Leo’s. Even though it was uncomfortable, the men worked hard with smiles on their faces and positive attitudes to get the job done.

Greg invites other men of the parish to consider joining the Knights of Columbus at St. Leo’s. It’s a wonderful way to grow in faith while serving our Lord and sharing in fellowship with other men.

“We appreciate all of our Knights,” Greg says. “Many men have put in their time or are very busy in their own lives. It’s a blessing to be able to help where you can.”

If you would like to learn more about the St. Leo’s Knights of Columbus, please contact Greg Hamik at ghamik@charter.net.

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