Popular since the end of the 18th Century is a phenomenon known
as the
”
fraternal society’
”
an association of men gathered in brotherly union for mutual aid
or benefit.
Popular since the end of the 18th Century is a phenomenon known as the “fraternal society'” an association of men gathered in brotherly union for mutual aid or benefit. Names like Elks, Masons, Moose, Odd Fellows and Foresters come to mind.
These groups seem less popular these days, perhaps because of hectic work and commute schedules, most wives working outside the home and the vastly larger entertainment opportunities available now. One of these organizations that is still alive and active, however, is the Knights of Columbus.
In 1881 a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in New Haven, Conn. Called together by their pastor, Father Michael McGivney’ “They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families, and their faith.” They were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, who brought Christianity to the New World. The following year their group was incorporated as the Knights of Columbus.
This organization has grown since then to include more than 12,000 “councils” (local parish-based groups) with 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Panama, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala and Guam.
The order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, as well as contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.
A Supreme Council governs the organization from its headquarters (which is still located in New Haven). It sponsors an evangelization program called the Catholic Information Service which provides booklets on important Catholic moral and doctrinal issues. Often free booklets are offered in advertisements printed in general circulation magazines. Free sample copies are available online at the Knights of Columbus web site: http://www.kofc.org.
Although the worldwide organization makes notable financial contributions to the work of the Catholic Church, members working in local councils carry on the majority of the Knights’ beneficial work. South County has two councils which contribute to the welfare of our community:
*About 110 men belong to the council of St. Catherine Church in Morgan Hill. Members are involved in many activities which raise money to aid the community. They sponsor an annual dance and several pancake breakfasts, provide booths at the Taste of Morgan Hill and Mushroom Mardi Gras, and sell Tootsie Rolls.
Some of the organizations which receive support are the battered women”s shelter, HOPE, students at St. Catherine’s School (through scholarships), special maintenance and building projects at the church, seminarians studying for the priesthood, and the Learning and Loving Education Center. They also hold an annual barbecue for residents of the County Boys’ Ranch.
*There are about 105 members of the council at Gilroy’s St. Mary Church. Among their fund-raising activities are an annual Tootsie Roll drive, a Crab Feed held each year in February and a car raffle held each year.Â
Some groups benefiting from these efforts are HOPE, St. Mary’s School students who receive scholarships and the parish church. Several times a year members collect litter along Highway 101 from the truck scales to Leavesley Road.
Any Catholic male, 18 years or older is eligible to join the Knights of Columbus. For more information call 847-5151 or 779-3959.
