8303 Taft Street · Merrillville, IN 46410 · (219)769-1755

What the Knights are all about

The Good Shepherd Council #10811 2002-2003 Officers

Basic Information for the Prospective New Member

What the Knights are all about

The Knights of Columbus is a lay Catholic family fraternal service organization. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to all practical Catholic men in communion with the Holy See, age eighteen and above. The term practical Catholic implies that a person accepts and abides by the Commandments of God and the precepts and tenets of the Catholic Church.

On October 2, 1881, Father Michael J. McGivney, 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 19th-century America. Father McGivney and his associates met several more times over the next several months to continue planning, and the new organization --the Knights of Columbus -- was formally launched in early February 1882.

The officers of the new Catholic organization chose the name Knights of Columbus to honor Christopher Columbus, the Catholic discoverer of America. The word knights is also significant. We are ever mindful of the knightly qualities of spirituality and service to church that is embodied in the Knights of Columbus. The Order has evolved into a service organization with a strong family orientation.

By the end of 1897 the Order was thoroughly rooted in New England, along the upper Atlantic seaboard and into Canada. Within the next eight years it branched out from Quebec to California, and from Florida to Washington.

The Knights of Columbus remains headquartered in New Haven, but is now present with nearly 12000 Councils, the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, and several other countries.

One of the primary missions of the Knights of Columbus is to support local charities. The Knights are a familiar sight around town during the annual Tootsie Roll® drive, which raises funds for charities that support the retarded and handicapped. We also support other fund raising drives to aid local parishes and charities.

The Knights of Columbus promotes family values by providing numerous activities throughout the year that the entire family can participate in. Additionally, the organization provides an opportunity to ensure that a knight's family is provided for in the event of his death.

Here is short list of reasons you may want to join the Knights of Columbus:

	An opportunity to become part of the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization
	A great way to make a personal contribution to the Church and community through charity and fraternity
	Active participation in Council activities serves as a "school of leadership" which will enable you to develop qualities that enhance your strengths and abilities
	A sense of "belonging" in an organization that shares your religious beliefs and brings to together like-minded men joined in a common cause
	Concerns for your family and your retirement years can be addressed by the Orders optional, low-cost life insurance
	A sense of pride, knowing that the Knights of Columbus is second to none in support of our Holy Father, our Bishops and Priests, and our fellow man

top of page

The Good Shepherd Council #10811 2002-2003 Officers

For information on how to become a Knight in our council, please contact one of the above-mentioned individuals. Additional information is located at the back of the church.

top of page

BASIC INFORMATION FOR THE PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBER
A Catholic, Family, Fraternal Service Organization

HOW THE COUNCIL SERVICES OUR COMMUNITY AND STATE:

1. We are an active men's organization within the Merrillville Community.
2. We help support Gibault School for Boys in Terre Haute, In.
3. We help support the handicapped citizens with an annual Developmental Disability Program.
4. We sponsor a Columbian Squires Program which is directed at teaching the catholic young men leadership and the spiritual and moral guidance they will need in order to succeed.


HOW WILL I BE INDUCTED?

1. Induction into the Knights of Columbus is a three-stage program. The steps are: First degree (admission), Second degree (formation), and Third degree (Knighthood). There is after a 1 year waiting period a Fourth Degree (Patriotism).


WHEN AND WHERE DO WE MEET?

1. Our meetings our held on the first and third Thursdays of each month, at 7:30pm.
2. Our meetings are held at the Parish Activity Center (PAC) behind the church.


WHAT DO WE DO AT THE MEETINGS?

1. Open the meetings with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
2. We discuss any new or old business before the council, church, and community matters.
3. We also discuss results of past functions to undertake.
4. Reports from various committee chairmen are given.


KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS:

1. You are kept informed with what's happening in our council by monthly newsletters mailed to your home.
2. You will receive the monthly Indiana State newspaper "The Hoosier Knight", which provides many interesting articles written by our state officers.
3. You will receive the Supreme Council magazine, "The Columbia".


WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

1. When possible, attend all regular meetings.
2. A commitment for some of your time and talents for some of the fund raising projects.
3. Sponsor one new member during the year, or reinstate a former member.
4. Work on committees as appointed and accept the responsibilities of the job.

Say "YES" when asked to become a member, and remember it's
an Honor to be a proud member of the
"KNIGHTS OF COLULMBUS"

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT

JOHN YAGELSKI 663-4131
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

top of page