Welcome To The Knights of Columbus New Hyde

Welcome To The Knights of Columbus New Hyde Park Council # 2852 Open House – October 8 2008

• Welcome – Grand Knight Joe Renta • History and Principles of K of C • Video – NHP K of C Year In Review • The Knights Organization • Meetings & Events • Insurance Program • The “ 24 Hour Knight” • Q & A • Next Steps

History On October 2, 1881, Father Michael J. Mc. Givney, 29 -year-old assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, brought together a group of laymen with whom he discussed his dream for a Catholic fraternal benefit society. It not only would assist widows and orphans of deceased members through its life insurance program, but also would boost members' sense of pride in their Catholic religion, then frequently challenged in the anti-Catholic climate of 19 thcentury America. Father Mc. Givney and his associates met James T. Mullen First Supreme Knight several more times over the next several months to continue Father Michael J Mc. Givney planning, and the new organization --the Knights of Columbus -- was formally launched in early February, 1882. The founder and first officers of the fledgling organization chose the name "Knights of Columbus" because they felt that, as a Catholic group, it should relate to Christopher Columbus, the Catholic discoverer of America. This would emphasize that it was Catholics who discovered, explored and colonized the North American continent. At the same time "Knights" would signify that the membership embodied knightly ideals of spirituality and service to Church, country and fellowman.

History The Emblem of the Order dates from the Second Supreme meeting, May 12, 1883, when it was designed by James T. Mullen, who was then the first Supreme Knight. A quick glance at the Emblem indicates a shield mounted upon a cross similar to a Maltese cross, turned sideways. The shield is that associated with a medieval Knight. The cross of Malta is the representation, in a traditionally artistic design, of the Cross of Christ through which all graces of redemption were procured for mankind. This, then, represents the Catholic spirit of the Order. v. White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God's Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God had for man, and of the overwhelming affection which the God-man had for each individual. White then is the symbol of Christ-like Charity. v. Blue is the color of Our Lady's mantle, in which she draped her beloved Son, through Whom salvation came to a sinful world. Blue is then the symbol of Hope.

History "The Knights of Columbus flag combines in its field, red and white colors from the emblem of the Order, yellow from the papal flag and white and green from the expeditionary flag of Columbus. A broad band of yellow and a narrow band of red, in parallel, divide the flag diagonally from lower left to upper right corners. The triangular white upper field features the green cross of the ensign flown by Christopher Columbus on his voyages of discovery. On the triangular blue lower field is the emblem of the Knights of Columbus. "

The Principles of the Order Charity is the first principle of the Order. Knights are followers of Christ and men of faith. As St. James reminds us, “faith without works is dead. ” Therefore, as Knights we are committed to charity, easing the plight of those less fortunate. Unity is the second principle of the Knights of Columbus. In unity there is strength. Existing in an environment that was openly hostile to Catholics, the founders of the Order relied on the strength of unity to remain steadfast in the Faith while claiming their rightful place in society. Today the Order uses that strength to speak out for religiously-grounded moral values in a culture that has forsaken them. Fraternity is the third principle of Order. In 19 th century America, life insurance was beyond the financial reach of many poor Catholics, and social services did not exist. Through the Knights of Columbus men were able to band together as brothers to help one another in times of distress, sickness and death. Patriotism is the principle of the Fourth Degree. One of the reasons the Order was founded was to emphasize that Catholics are proud citizens of their countries. Today Fourth Degree Knights in full regalia, the visible arm of the Order, serve to witness to the values of devotion to God and country, the bedrock of patriotism.

History & Principles 1942 New Hyde Park Council 2852 was founded in 1942 through the efforts of fifty-eight male residents of the New Hyde Park area who felt that they wanted to get involved in religion, in charity, in a united organization, and in each other. The answer to their needs was, of course, The Knights of Columbus. Other communities had charters, why not New Hyde Park? Requirements, as set forth by Supreme, were met by eager men who knew what they wanted. On February 15, 1942 New Hyde Park Council became a reality. 2008 The New Hyde Park Council 2852 works closely with the Holy Spirit and Notre Dame Parishes in New Hyde Park, and Our Lady of The Snows Parish in Floral Park, providing funds for various projects, participating in fundraisers and council members being active participants in the parish. The council also works closely with the New Hyde Park community area providing funds where needed, such as local charities and little league, and council member participation in community affairs such as fundraisers, parades and street fairs.

History & Principles The Knights of Columbus is a lay Catholic family fraternal service organization and membership is open to all practical Catholic men, age eighteen and above, who are in communion with the Holy See. The term practical Catholic implies that a person accepts the precepts and tenets of the Catholic church, and abides by the Commandments of God. The Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and defense of the priesthood. All priests and religious brothers who have made application for membership, and have participated in the ceremonials become honorary life members of the Order, and are exempt from payment of dues. The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is unequivocal in its loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth. The Knights of Columbus are firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the family. It was on these bedrock principles that the Order was founded over a century ago, and it remains true to them today. The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church, " and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders for support of the Church, Catholic education, programs of evangelization, civic involvement, and aid to those in need. Video – NHP Year in Review <go to video>

The Knights Structure Organizations Leaders Supreme Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight The Supreme Council is responsible for the development of the organization as a whole, establishing it in new regions and setting up regional authorities, defining and advancing its values and goals, undertaking organization-wide initiatives, promoting awareness of the Knights' mission worldwide, and protecting the families of members through its extensive insurance program. State Edward F. Castellazzi, State Deputy Coordinates the activities of all the Councils throughout New York State. Chapter James R. Bellotti, Nassau Chapter President Coordinates the activities of all the Councils throughout Nassau County. District Richard laws, District Deputy Several Councils within the same geographic area join together in a District under the guidance of the District Deputy and his assistant, the District Warden.

The Knights Structure Organizations Council Leaders Joesph Renta, Grand Knight All members of the Knights of Columbus belong to a particular Council, and any group of at least thirty men may apply to found a new Council in their area. The highest elected officer of each Council is the Grand Knight, who, with the other Council Officers, is elected by the membership every two years. The Grand Knight appoints various Program Directors and Chairmen to run the Council's activities for the year. All Council activities except Membership activities, fall into one of the Program Areas, each with a Director. The Directors consist of Church Activities, Community Activities, Council Activities, Family Activities, Technology and Vocations, who report to a General Programs Director (Deputy Grand knight), who in turn reports to the Grand Knight. The majority of the Knights' beneficial work, is carried on by members working in local councils. Therefore, the organizational and financial structure of the Knights of Columbus plays a vital role in the success of the Knights' mission.

The Knights Structure Supreme Council Grand Knights Deputy Grand Knight Board of Directors Chancellor Supreme Knight Recorder Supreme Council Officers Treasurer State Council District Deputy Local Councils Advocate [ Appointed ] Warden Guards Trustees [ Elected ] Chaplain Financial Secretary Lecturer

Knights In Action �Hurricane Relief The Knights of Columbus conducted an unprecedented relief effort in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The effort included both immediate and spontaneous responses from local councils in the Gulf region and a national effort by the Supreme Council headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut to raise needed funds and coordinate the efforts of state councils throughout the U. S. and Canada. Among the highlights of the Order’s Gulf States relief efforts: A total of more than $10 million was donated to Gulf States relief efforts. 100% of the money donated to the Gulf States Hurricane Relief Fund was dedicated to relief in the affected areas. The Supreme Council paid all administrative costs. Typical of the responses of local councils in the region was that of “KC Kajuns for Katrina, ” which served 7, 800 meals and distributed 17, 000 pounds of ice and truckloads of supplies during the two weeks following Katrina’s rampage.

Knights In Action Days after September 11, 2001 the Order established the $1. 3 million Heroes Fund. Immediate assistance was given to the families of all full-time professional law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical workers who lost their lives. Did You Know? The Order funded the first renovation of the façade of St. Peter's Basilica in over 350 years. Presented a new mobile television production unit to the Vatican Television Center for the taping, recording and transmission of Vatican ceremonies at a cost of $600, 000. Brings the Pope to the world at least three times a year by providing the uplink cost for the televising of papal ceremonies, especially at Christmas and during Holy Week -- and the downlink in poor mission countries. Committed $8. 8 million to the U. S. Bishops' Pro-Life educational campaign since 1990, and budgeted an additional $1 million for the production of pro-life materials, to overturn the pro-abortion mentality and defend the right to life. Supports the spiritual welfare of armed services personnel and their families around the globe through a $900, 000 fund for the Archdiocese for Military Services.

Meetings & Events � 2 nd Tuesday Every Month – 8 pm � 4 th Tuesday – Selected Months – Open Meetings �“Keep Christ In Christmas” �Christmas Decorating Council �Christmas Light Up For Christ �Right To Life - St Patrick's Cathedral �Right To Life - March on Washington �Parades - NHP Memorial Day and St Patrick's Day

Insurance Program Many early members were recent immigrants, often living in unsanitary conditions, and performing hazardous jobs for poor pay. Since its founding, a primary mission of the Knights of Columbus has been to protect families against the financial ruin caused by the death of the breadwinner. While this method originally was intended to provide a core group of people who would support a widow and her children in light of a deceased husband, it has flourished and matured into much more. Over the years the Order’s insurance program has joined the elite ranks of the most highly rated insurance companies in North America. The Order perennially receives the highest possible designations from two top rating agencies, AAA (Extremely Strong) from Standard and Poor’s, and A++ (Superior) from A. M. Best. The Order is also a member of IMSA (Insurance Marketplace Standards Association) which is reserved only for those insurers that conduct their business by the highest ethical standards. The Knights of Columbus is the only fraternal organization and one of very few insurance and financial institutions to hold all three honors. The Agency Department’s motto, “Insurance for Brother Knights by Brother Knights, ” has provided the impetus for those high ratings.

Insurance Program Knights of Columbus insurance has been “Making a Difference for Life” for more than 120 years. Today we do this, and help families secure their financial futures, through our top-rated portfolio of life insurance, long term care insurance and annuity products. For the 16 th consecutive year, the Knights of Columbus insurance program has earned Standard & Poor’s highest rating: AAA (Extremely Strong). For the 33 rd consecutive year, A. M. Best Company has given the Knights of Columbus its highest financial strength rating, A++ (Superior). Knights of Columbus life insurance in force reached $66. 1 billion at the end of 2007, setting a new all-time record. It was the 7 th consecutive year of insurance sales growth. P R O D U C T S v. Permanent Plans – Policy lasts as long as you live, premium stays the same. v. Annuities – Provides an income that is guaranteed for life. v. Long Term Care – Provides funds for long-term, out-of-hospital care. v. Term Plans – Policy ends at end of specified term: renewable or convertible.

The “ 24 Hour Knight” I don't have much time to give to the Knights, so why should I join? The following is an illustration of just how little time it takes to be an active part of the Order. Even with this minimal commitment a man can be an important part of his council, and reap the benefit membership has to offer him and his family. ” 12 hours a year” reading the weekly parish bulletin, the state and local council newsletters, Columbia magazine, and surfing the local council, state council and Supreme Council Web sites. “Two hours a year” volunteering at the council’s annual work with kids in Special Olympics Basketball or other worthy causes.

The “ 24 Hour Knight” “Two hours a year “ attending, with his family, memorial services, wake services or parish / council prayer services. “Two hours a year” on a council-sponsored Church, community, council, family or youth project of his choosing. These include Soup Kitchens, and recruitment drives at churches and street fairs. “Two hours a year” attending one council meeting. “Four hours a year “ enjoying (again, with his entire family) a council social function such as a dinner, dance, picnic, Christmas gatherings, etc.

The “ 24 Hour Knight” I don't have much time to give to the Knights, so why should I join? That’s only 24 hours a year, which practically any man can fit into his schedule. When you present the time commitment of joining the Order in this way, it doesn’t seem very intimidating at all. Once a man becomes a member and sees how rewarding being a part of the Knights of Columbus is, he may want to dedicate more of his time to the Order. There are 8, 760 hours in a year. By giving the Knights of Columbus 24 of those hours (less than. 3 percent), a man can be a better Catholic, a better father, a better husband a better person. Think of the difference the Knights of Columbus can make in our communities if these men join us. We only have to let each man know that he has the time — only 24 hours — to join and make a difference in his Church and community. If a man can actually give the Council 26 Hours of his time, there is always a need for Bingo Volunteers. These volunteers can be ‘Callers’ or “Floor Workers”. Once a month on a Thursday evening and volunteering 2 hours of his time; helps the Council achieve it’s Charity goals!

Questions? ? Next Steps>>>