Community Programs
As Knights of Columbus, we are called to serve our family and our god. our
first principle is Charity, at home with our families or in our communities.This
is a critical part of our Knights of Columbus mission. Have you ever wondered, “How can I make my community better?” Individuals can do great things on their own but there is something bigger than self when Knights of Columbus members come together as one through their council and accomplish great things. Councils that conduct these programs are positively shaping their communities by addressing the needs of its citizens.
Supreme Council Program Sheets
Life Programs
The urgency of the threat to a culture of life cannot be misunderstood. respect for the dignity of life demands a commitment to human rights across a broad spectrum. Both as Knights of Columbus and as followers of Christ, “Catholics must be committed to the defense of life in all its stages and in every condition” (St. John Paul II, 1995).
The Knights of Columbus defends the dignity of each human being at every stage of life. Knights work together to build a culture of life and a civilization of love. your council should stand ready to assist any pregnant woman in need, care for the elderly, aid the handicapped,empower those with special needs to realize their full potential and bring attention to the injustices of abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Faith Programs
Our goal is to strengthen our men and their families in the faith. when we entered the order, we were reminded to constantly inform ourselves in the Catholic faith. This formation goes beyond mere facts or religious practice to an authentic connection with a loving god and his son Jesus Christ. Programs in this category are designed to draw us closer to god and the Church in a tangible and meaningful way — whether through helping the future shepherds of the mother Church, quiet contemplation in a spiritual reflection program, or honoring mary, mother of God.These programs should strive to arm us for the spiritual battle that our men and families face daily.
Family Programs
Put simply, programs in this category are developed for families, by families. Father McGivney sought to strengthen the familial bond of father to mother and children to parents. Catholics often struggle with the reality that they do not have the opportunity to socialize and/or pray with other faith-filled Catholic families. it can be quite a challenge to continue to ground ourselves and raise our children in the faith when there is such limited exposure.
Our family programs are an evolution and response to a society that seeks to weaken the bonds of family. we must make it clear that society should value a family that is faithful to God and each other. Father McGivney’s vision for family life was not only financial and material aid but also spiritual strength, as holiness is the calling of all baptized Christians. Put plainly, the majority of our time is easily spent in secular circles unless we intentionally create ways to live the domestic
church. These programs help us to live this call.
Knights around the world know that the chance to roll up our sleeves and demonstrate our faith through service is as powerful as it is rewarding. That said, the demands of life today make it difficult to find time to live out the calling of our faith and our desire to serve. Our always-on smartphone means that work follows us home where we also juggle household chores and frenetic kids’ activities. Free time is precious and dedicated to family. The Faith in Action program model recognizes this new reality and invites men to lead their family in faith and service – not leave their family for service.
Faith in Action seeks to balance all of our priorities as an Order — Faith, Family, Community and Life — and offer Knights meaningful opportunities to serve people in need in our parishes and communities. Faith in Action fully integrates Building the Domestic Church programs, limits the number of requirements for Columbian Award, and most importantly, allows councils to concentrate on implementing faith-filled family programs. Our goal? Quality – not quantity.
Make an impact bigger than yourself – and build bonds of friendship and fraternity that last a lifetime.