| About the Knights of Columbus Council #11044 |
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Who We Are The Knight of Columbus is a fraternal benefit society of Catholic gentlemen with a call to service – to each other, our parish, our faith, our country, and those who are less fortunate. The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, CT, by Father Michael J. McGivney. It was formed to render financial aid to its members and their families. At the time the biggest concern was the death of the head of the household and the impact on the family. With Father McGivney’s guidance, brother knights came together to provide financial assistance to Catholic widows and their children. The Order’s original principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism still serve as the foundation and framework for all of the work the Knights of Columbus engages in throughout the country and the world. Supporting the Catholic Church has been a hallmark of the Knights of Columbus since its founding. This support is manifest in countless ways, from funding the restoration of the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to donating more than $2 million to the Holy Father’s charities each year. Since 1882 the Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States and 13 other countries and territories (Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan). Local Council #11044Locally, we were formed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in 1993 and named after its first pastor, Farther M Joseph McDonnell. Our membership has grown to approximately 340 members and serves both St. Maria Goretti and Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishes. We have been fortunate to have received several State awards for our dedication and service including the Star Council Award, Father Michael J. McGivney State Vocations Award, and other vocations awards. We continue to seek new members who are interested in being actively involved in helping us serve our families, parishes, and communities. What We DoWe come together on several occasions throughout the month for prayer, fellowship, and service. Our council is led by our Grand Knight and our Chaplain along with ten other council leaders that are either elected by the council or appointed by the Grand Knight. Our current annual revenues from member dues and events are approximately $25,000 – all of which is given out to support the parish, vocations, and various charities. Our major programs are headed by a director with committees that are formed to organize, plan, and produce various events. Examples of some of the council’s programs, activities, and events are outlined below:
Being a Knight is about camaraderie and it is about being involved in and serving your community; it is about supporting your local Catholic parish and the Church worldwide, while enhancing your own faith; it is about evangelization and patriotism, and it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.Who can join
Any practical Catholic gentleman who is 18 years of age or older. A practical Catholic accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
What is expected of a Knight: As a Knight you will be expected to practice your Catholic faith and follow the precepts of the Church, pray the Rosary, attend council meetings, pray for your brother Knights and their families, and participate in at least 1 or 2 activities or events each year. You are also encouraged to attain your 2nd and 3rd degrees (full Knighthood) within the first 2 years of membership. The time commitment can be as much as you desire, but, the more you put in, the more you will receive. Admission: In order to be considered for membership in the Knights of Columbus, you must first complete an application form and return it to a council member. Within 1-2 weeks you will be contacted by a member of our Admission Committee who will provide some background on the Knights of Columbus and describe the council’s organization, activities, and events. You will be asked a few questions about your background and your interests in becoming a Knight. During this discussion you will have ample time to ask any questions that you may have. Initiation: Within 1-2 weeks of your discussion with the Admission Committee, you will be invited by our Membership Director to attend a 1st Degree Ceremony, either at OLMC or another nearby council. Our council holds a 1st Degree Ceremony on the third Monday of every even month (e.g., February, April, June). Dues: Annual membership dues for the Knights of Columbus are $50 and are paid at the beginning of the calendar year. Members who pay dues promptly (e.g., prior to March 1st) receive a $5 discount. Benefits: As a Knight you will not only enjoy the fellowship of your brother Knights and the many opportunities to serve your parish and community, but many other benefits as well:
CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP FORM Past & Present Grand Knights of Council #11044
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