St. Brendan Council #12942
ABOUT KofC

About Our Council

Meeting Schedule & Location

Council Business Meeting Schedule

2nd Monday of the month at 6:30

Council Officers Meeting Schedule

1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00

Meetings Location

4633 Shiloh Rd
Cumming, GA 30040 US

 

Mailing Address

5005 Northridge Dr
Cumming, GA 30040 US

In Support Of:

St. Brendan Catholic Church
4633 Shiloh Rd.
Cumming, GA 30040 US
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COUNCIL INFORMATION

Brief History

In the Autumn of 1881, Father Michael J. McGivney a 29-year-old assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, gathered a group of laymen together in the church's basement and discussed forming a Catholic Service Organization. Four months later, in early February 1882, the Knights were formed. Today, with over 1.7 million members, the society serves churches and communities throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland and many other countries throughout the world.

 

The name of the organization

"The Knights of Columbus" - was selected to honor Christopher Columbus, the Catholic discoverer of America and the new frontier. The term Knight serves as a constant reminder to all, of the Knightly qualities of spirituality, loyalty and service to the Catholic Church, embodied in the work of the Knights of Columbus.

 

The Knights first order of business was to form a financial net for Catholic widows and orphans, to care for their needs when their husbands and fathers passed away. It gave a boost to the men of this era, to collectively help one of their own and to hold their heads high and not be ashamed to be called a Catholic at a time when Catholics were ridiculed, mocked, and persecuted.

 

Today the Knights walk a parallel path with the Church. Often called the "right arm of the Church", we follow the rules and order of faith and provide charitable activities in which the proceeds of our fundraising efforts are turned over to the Church. We swear allegiance to our Supreme Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI, and promote family values through our abortion views, sponsor drives to make people aware of the rights of the unborn and other activities to help the disabled and retarded.

 

Above all, the "Knights" are Catholic Gentlemen. We have sworn an oath of Fraternity and Loyalty to ourselves, the Catholic Church and Jesus Christ. We do not depend on riches to buy advancements or positions in our order. Politics are checked at the door. Our prayers before and after each meeting keep us focused on the original intent of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney: "The good of the Family always comes first". Our Council's Chaplain, Father Ed Danneker, insures that this rule is followed and therefore keeps our heads and our hearts pointed toward God.

 

We invite all dedicated Catholic men to join our special group. Just tell any man whom you know is a knight: "I would like to join the Knights of Columbus." Think about it: think about your relationship with your family and God. Then think about joining us, to help others. Many people will walk in and out of your life but the Knights of Columbus will leave lasting footprints on your heart!

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Who are the Knights

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.6 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.

 

Attention:

For information or interest in joining the Knights of Columbus, Please contact David Cravens at dmcravens@hotmail.com

 

Membership Benefits  
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbiamagazine, 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.

Our council provides many opportunities for men to become involved in service to our parish and our youth.   We sponsor and assist in many social and fraternal activities, providing an opportunity to meet others who share your Catholic values.

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.

 

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.

 

Why Participate in the Knights?

Knights of Columbus like to say their membership is its own reward. It's a way to acknowledge the fulfillment they receive from belonging to a diverse group of Catholic men whose shared principles are needed more than ever in the world today. These are the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism handed down by Father McGivney and the Order's first leaders.

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The FOUR Principles of Our Order - CHARITY, UNITY, FRATERNITY, AND PATRIOTISM

 Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and defense of the priesthood. The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Order is unequivocal in its loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth. It is firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the family. It was on these bedrock principles that the Order was founded over a century ago and remains true to them today.

 

The St Brendan’s Knights ARE working to fulfill the central mission of the Order: striving in charitable works; serving the Church and unified in following its teachings; supporting brother Knights in their temporal and spiritual needs; acting for the good of their country; and giving aid to widows, orphans, the sick and the poor. This is Father McGivney's dream, echoing across the century, and living today in the hearts of his brothers and all of those they touch.

 

Vivat Jesu!

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Overview of each Officers Duties

 

Chaplain


The Chaplain provides spiritual guidance and direction to the Council. The Chaplain is selected by the Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight and the three Trustees on an annual basis in accordance with the rules of the Bishop of the diocese. His jewel is the Isabella Cross in silver and blue suspended from a black ribbon. The Chaplain's Ceremonial Office Robe is black with black trimming and a yoke with white projecting collar. The cincture is black with silver fringe.

 

Grand Knight


The Grand Knight is the top ranking officer of the Council. He oversees all of the Council's activities and is elected by the members of the Council. Some of his duties include presiding over meetings, countersigning orders and checks, reading vouchers and notices relative to the Fourth Degree. His jewel is an Anchor which is suspended from a purple ribbon. The Anchor is indicative of Admiral Christopher Columbus and has also been a variant form of the Cross for centuries. The Grand Knight's ceremonial officer robe is royal purple. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe and a purple mantle with white roll collar.

 

Deputy Grand Knight


The Deputy Grand Knight is second ranking officer of the Council and is elected by the members of the Council. He shall preside in the absence or inability of the Grand Knight. His jewel is the Compass, also known as the Compass of Virtue, suspended from a purple ribbon, with the four main points representing Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The 32 points around the outside of the compass represent the virtues which a man can possess. The compass is an important tool in navigation. The Deputy Grand Knight's ceremonial officer robe is royal purple. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe.

 

Chancellor


The Chancellor is the third highest ranking officer of the Council and is elected by the members of the Council. The Chancellor shall assist the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight in the performance of their duties and shall take charge during the incapacity or extended absence of both. He shall exercise a special interest in new members and members who are sick or in distress. His jewel is the Skull and Crossed Bones on the Isabella Cross and is suspended from a black over white ribbon. The Crossed Bones remind us of our immortality. The Chancellor’s ceremonial officer robe is black robe trimmed with white. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe and a black mantle with white roll collar.

 

Recorder


The Recorder keeps the minutes of the meeting and the historical records for the Council. He is elected by the Council members. In the absence of the Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, and Chancellor the Recorder will run the meeting. Also, he is responsible for the correspondence of the Council as directed by the Grand Knight. The Recorder's jewel is Crossed Quill Pens suspended from a white over yellow ribbon. The Quill pens are symbolic of his record keeping functions of the Scribe. The Recorder's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with black. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe.

 

Financial Secretary


The Financial Secretary handles all of the financial transaction record keeping. This includes issuing and collecting bills, issuing membership cards, etc. The Financial Secretary is appointed by the Supreme Knight and is compensated in a manner approved by the Board of Directors. His jewel is the Quill Pen (record-keeper) and the Key (money, safe-keeping, and secrecy) crossed and is suspended from a white over yellow ribbon. This symbolizes his record keeping functions of the financial matters of the Council. The Financial Secretary's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with black. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe.

 

Treasurer


The Treasurer is responsible for the funds of the Council as is elected by the members of the Council. His duties include such functions as maintaining bank accounts and issuing checks based on receipts turned in by the Financial Secretary. His jewel is Crossed Keys, which represents responsibility for the safe keeping of the funds, suspended from a blue ribbon. The Treasurer's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with black. He wears a white cincture with silver fringe.

 

Lecturer


The Lecturer is responsible for the entertainment at the Knights of Columbus meetings and functions. He is selected by the Grand Knight on an annual basis. His jewel consists of the Scroll over the Lyre suspended from a white over blue ribbon. The Scroll and Lyre represent Literature and Music. The Lecturer's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with national blue. He wears a blue cincture with silver fringe.

 

Advocate


The Advocate is the Chief Legal Officer for the Council as is elected by the members of the Council. His jewel consists of a Scroll and Sword suspended from a yellow ribbon. The Scroll represents the legal literature and law and the Sword represents his authority to enfore those Laws. The Advocate's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with golden yellow. He wears a yellow cincture with silver fringe.

 

Warden


The Warden assures that all members at meetings possess the current membership card and is elected by the members of the council. He is custodian of all Council property except funds and is in charge of properly setting up the Council Chamber. He directs the activities of the Inside and Outside Guards. His jewel consists of Axe bound by Fasces and is suspended from a red over black ribbon. Guards or protectors of Roman Magistrates generally carried the Axe and Fasces as a sign of Authority. The Warden's ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with scarlet. He wears a scarlet cincture w/ silver.

 

Guards


The Inside and Outside Guards each have the same symbol for their jewel. They are in charge of security at the meetings and are to assist the Warden as needed. The jewel for the Guards consists of an Crossed Axes and Key, representing their authority as sentries at the door, is suspended from a white ribbon. The Guard's ceremonial officer robe is grey with a yoke, trimmed with black. He wears a black cincture with silver fringe.

 

Trustees


There are three Trustees in each Council, titled as 1 Year Trustee, 2 Year Trustee, and 3 Year Trustee. They oversee the financial transactions of the Council, review all bills and financial reports and audit the Council's financial records semi-annually. Their jewel is the Crossed Key and Sword, which represents their financial authority, is suspended from a green ribbon. The Trustee’s ceremonial officer robe is black, trimmed with green. He wears a green cincture with silver fringe.

 

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