SERVING THE COMMUNITY

A good turnout and a well run meeting.

I was pleased with my first meeting as Grand Knight of the St. Paul's Council of the Knight's of Columbus last night. One of my pet peeves is unnecessarily long meetings. We can not escape the business and the protocol, but by tightening up the agenda and maintaining focus, meetings can run smother and faster.

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, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.

Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

Our council donates thousands of dollars in charitable donations and hundreds of hours to dozens of community programs and groups including the special Olympics, Kids Eat Smart, Coats for Kids,Virginia Park Elementary, St. Paul's Jr. High, The Community Food Association and many more. It is great to be part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference.

Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church .If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus, drop me a line.