St.
Mary's Council #7851 |
• P.O.
Box 5512 |
|
• Huntsville,
Ontario |
|
• P1H
2K7 |
The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by a 29-year-old parish
priest, Father
Michael J. McGivney.
Over a century later, the Knights of Columbus has become the largest
lay organization in the Catholic Church. 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, programs
of evangelization, Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to
those in need.
The
Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family
fraternal service organization with 1.7 million members. It provides
members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to
the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many
benefits, including 12 free issues annually of Columbia
magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to
join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program,
and many more family and personal benefits.
Membership
in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union
with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic
is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the
Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights
of Columbus.
Membership
booklet with additional information.
Any
Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of
his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The
primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of
patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and
loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership
in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of
the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious
functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the
Knights of Columbus.
The
Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council.
They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events
and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting
up and beautifying the hall for events.
Under
the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the
first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in
the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17.
Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service
for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from
their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.
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