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Who Are
The
Knights
Membership Benefits
How To
Join
4th
Degree
Squires
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Who
Are The Knights
The Order of the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic
fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882,
it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus and dedicated to the
principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. There are
more than 1.7 million members in 14,000 councils, with nearly 200
councils on college campuses. Membership is limited to practical
Catholic men aged 18 or older.
Councils have been chartered in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the
Caribbean, Central America, the Philippines, Guam, Saipan, and most
recently in Poland. The Knights' official junior organization, the
Columbian Squires, has over 5,000 Circles. All the Order's ceremonials
and business meetings are restricted to members though all other events
are open to the public. A promise not to reveal any details of the
ceremonials except to an equally qualified Knight is required to ensure
their impact and meaning for new members; an additional clause
subordinates the promise to that Knight's civil and religious duties.
In the 2005 fraternal year the Order gave US$136 million directly to
charity and performed over 63.2 million man hours of voluntary service.
For their support for the Church and local communities, as well as for
their philanthropic efforts, the Order is often referred to as the
"strong right arm of the Church". The Order's insurance program has
more than $60 billion of life insurance policies in force and holds the
highest insurance ratings given by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's,
and the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association.
Membership Benefits
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family
enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the
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.
The Roy Champeau Council is very
active in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
How
To Join
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.
Contact Financial Secretary,
Willie A. Watts at 520-297-5233 or Financial Secretary for more information.
4TH
Degree
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.
Our Council Is Part Of
The Fr. Henry Miller Assembly #2308. The Assembly
Meets At Our Parish At 7:00PM On The Third Wednesday Of
Every Month Except November When We Have Our Annual Memorial
Mass.
Squires
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.
We are currently in the process
of starting a Squires Circle at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Catholic Church.
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