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The Knights of Columbus An Overview of the Largest Catholic Fraternal Service Organization Catholic Men Demonstrating their Faith through Action

OUTLINE History Symbolism Purpose Mission Statement 4 Principles Service Special Programs Notable Statistics Organization Reasons to Join Membership Process The Degrees Life Insurance Information Resources

HISTORY Socio-Economic Backdrop Ø Rapid Development of 19 th Century Industrial & Urban Centers in the United States Ø Often Unsafe and Dangerous Working Conditions Ø Growing Number of Fraternal Benefit Societies Ø Hostility Toward Catholic Immigrants First “Knights” Meeting Ø Oct. 2, 1881, Fr. Michael J. Mc. Givney assembled men at Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut Ø Proposed a lay organization to prevent Catholic men from entering “secret societies” whose membership was hostile to Church teaching Ø Goal of uniting Catholic men in Christian service and to care for the families of deceased members

SYMBOLISM The group called themselves “Knights” because of their identification with the medieval knightly system of chivalry with its religious, moral, and social code, especially that of courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak. As a symbol that allegiance to their country did not conflict with allegiance to their Catholic Faith, the members took Christopher Columbus as their patron who was celebrated as the discoverer of America and recognized as a Catholic. Thanks to Father Mc. Givney’s persistence, the Knights of Columbus elected officers in February 1882 and officially assumed corporate status on March 29.

PURPOSE Biddeford, ME Parade 1915 Serving one’s Church, community and family with virtue Provide a means by which Catholic men could support the Catholic Church, provide financial protection for their families, and engage in works of charity to benefit the less fortunate “A Knight should live according to the virtues of loyalty, charity, courtesy and modesty, as well as self-denial and careful respect for the feelings of others. ” Supreme Knight Edward L. Hearn 1898 WWI Poster 1917 “…the Vatican admiringly describes it as the right lay arm of the Catholic Church in America. ” 1957

MISSION STATEMENT (unofficial) To provide faithful Catholic men a means to grow in their love for God by working in fraternal union with other men dedicated to serving their families, parishes and communities. By embracing the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, Knights of Columbus distinguish themselves as Christian leaders in all that they do, thereby demonstrating their Faith through action in every aspect of their personal and professional lives.

4 PRINCIPLES Charity - Knights embrace the gospel message to “love thy neighbor as thyself” by performing corporal works of mercy. They also raise money for many worthy local and national charities. Unity - Knights of Columbus know that they can accomplish far more as a team than any of them could individually. This unity-of -effort maximizes the effectiveness of their service to others. Fraternity - The Knights of Columbus was founded as a “fraternal benefits society” to provide assistance to families and widows in need. Individual Knights, give more than 10 million volunteer hours annually to assist sick or disabled brother Knights and their families. Patriotism - Knights of Columbus are patriotic and active citizens who passionately support the protection of the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They are proud of their devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both.

SERVICE Charitable Fundraising Music Ministry Lector Parish Council Healing Ministry So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2: 17 Visit the Sick Assist Senior Citizens Feed the Hungry Provide Clothing for the Needy Student Scholarships Donate Blood Home Repair & Maintenance Support Seminarians Every Knight offers their time & talents in the unique ways God calls them Eucharistic Minister Alter Server Spiritual Development Lead the Rosary A Knight’s stewardship is driven by the active practice of their Catholic faith and the fulfillment of corporal and spiritual works of mercy

Special Programs Support Vocations (RSVP) Annual Tootsie Roll Drive American Wheelchair Mission

NOTABLE STATISTICS 1. 9 Million Members 15, 100 Councils Worldwide Over 71. 5 million hours of volunteer service Over $173 Million Dollars in Charitable Donations More than $3 Million Dollars sent to Christian Refugee Relief Fund in Syria and Iraq Top-rated insurance company has earned A. M. Best’s highest rating, A++ (Superior), for the 40 th consecutive year

Past Supreme Knights Local Council Grand Knight Elected Delegates Deputy Grand Knight Chaplain Chancellor Advocate Recorder Supreme Knight State Council Officers Grand Knights Warden Financial Secretary Guards (2) Treasurer Trustees (3) Lecturer (opt. ) Council Members Immediate Re Past State sp on Deputy sib le for 4 -5 Co un cils in Dis tric t (Chief Executive) Immediate Past State Deputies Supreme Chaplain U State Deputies STATE COUNCIL Program Directors State Deputy U State Chaplain Council Delegates District Deputies Committee Chairmen District Deputy Chain of Leadership & Administration ORGANIZATION Supreme SUPREME COUNCIL Supreme Council New Haven, Connecticut Directors Officers “Round Table” Coordinator All local council officers are elected, except the Financial Secretary, Chaplain and Lecturer who are

REASONS TO JOIN üGrow in Catholic Faith üJoin a charitable service team üServe those in need üLead by Christian example üSupport the pastor and clergy üEnjoy Catholic fellowship üBe a more active parishioner üEmbrace citizenship & patriotism

MEMBERSHIP PROCESS NTS E M E R I REQU Council Approval q Male s old r a e y 8 st 1 q At lea holic t a C ” l a ic q “Pract Interview Board ng e teachi h t s t p e Catholic q Acc e h t f o y ith authorit rs of fa e t t a m n Church o als and mor ith accord w n i e v i l olic s to q Aspire epts of the Cath the prec Church the ng with i d n a t s d q In goo Church Catholic 1 st Degree Exemplification al Officai rd s bu IDh r. C olu m is C C First Council Meeting Exemplification = Induction Ceremony

THE DEGREES Ø Each of the four (4) degree ceremonies imparts lessons on the core principles of Charity (1 st Degree), Unity (2 nd Degree), Fraternity (3 rd Degree) and Patriotism (4 th Degree) Ø Degree ceremonials are kept secret to ensure they are maximally impactful to those candidates receiving them Ø Higher degrees do not represent a higher rank, but rather the attainment of a deeper understanding and commitment to the order Ø The Knight who attains up to the 3 rd Degree is considered to have achieved “Full Knighthood” Ø All K of C council officers must be 3 rd Degree or higher Ø The 4 th Degree is the highest degree and those who receive it are formally referred to as “Sir Knights”

LIFE INSURANCE The Knights of Columbus was founded on the mission of protecting families from the catastrophic loss resulting from the death or injury of the primary breadwinner. The K of C provides optional top-rated life insurance, long-term care insurance and retirement products. A. M. Best awarded the K of C insurance company a rating of A++ (Superior) for the 39 th consecutive year No insurer in North America is more highly rated than the K of C $99 billion of insurance in force and a full-time field agent staff of more than 1, 400 serving our members and their families In 2014 the Knights of Columbus was named the "World's Most Ethical Company" by the Ethisphere Institute — an independent center for research promoting best practices in corporate ethics and governance

INFORMATION RESOURCES (Click on Picture for Web Link) www. kofc. org Website Monthly Magazine Leaders’ Newsletter Kof. C Founding History Video Chaplains’ Newsletter