COUNCIL INFORMATION
Saint Edward the Confessor Council 14512 (Supporting St. Edward CC -Spring,Texas)
Overview of the Knights of Columbus by SK Phil Clements of Council 9930 Killen, Texas.
KofC Council 14512 was established in February 2008. It was the firm desire of St. Edward Catholic Church Pastor the Rev. Father Joe Gietl that St. Edward have their own council. Previously the Knights of St. Edward were part of Council 6557 in Spring, Texas.
The Council has grown over the last 12 years and has developed a culture that is devoted to service to our parish and to our community.
The virtues of our order founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney are:
1. Charity -(Love and service to our Parish, Family, Community, and Country
2. Unity- (As Catholic men united, we can do far more to our Families, Faith and Country within a 2 Million men strong K of C)
2. Fraternity (Simply put BROTHERHOOD, that bonds us together and can be counted on to help one another)
4. Patroitism- (The Knights of Columbus are proud of our nation and are patriotic.)
The Knights of Columbus admission requirements are simply:
1. 18 years old male
2. In communion with our Holy Catholic Church (Following the requirements and being a practicing Catholic)
3. If married, that marriage occurred in the Catholic Church or is blessed by the church.
Overview of the Knights of Columbus
https://www.kofc.org (National Knights of Columbus Website)
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
(Courtesy of SK Phil Clements of Council 9930)
The Knights of Columbus (KofC) is a Catholic, family, fraternal service organization. Founded in 1882 by Fr. Michael J. McGivney at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, it has grown to become internationally known and respected. Today there are nearly 2 million members throughout the world that provide over 55 million volunteer hours to service and who administer the objectives, goals and activities of this Order. Firmly founded upon the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, the KofC is able to accomplish numerous worthy projects while adhering to five main objectives:
- To support the Church
- To build fraternal bonds through social, religious, educational and athletic activities
- To provide comfort and assistance to the sick, disabled, and needy members and their families
- To reach out to meet community needs through programs of charity and service
- To provide for the financial security of members and their families through the KofC fraternal insurance program.
The KofC headquarters is located in New Haven, Connecticut. The society is governed by the Supreme Council that meets annually to vote on resolutions that set policy. This council is headed by a Supreme Knight. International affairs are administered by an elected board of directors that meets annually and sets policy. State councils are operated by elected state officers who administer the programs and activities under the guidance of a State Deputy.
District Deputies represent both the Supreme Knight and the State Deputy in areas known as districts. These districts are made up of several councils at the local level, normally associated with a church. Councils are presided over by a Grand Knight who is elected along with other council officers each year by council members.
Membership in this Order follows a progression of four Degrees that are named for the principles of the organization: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
Upon attaining the fourth degree, Patriotism, a member participates in many activities that focus on this principle. At this point, the member is a part of what has come to be known as the visual arm of the Order, primarily because members are then entitled to wear the regalia of the order consisting of the current uniform with sword.
Also, he becomes a member of an Assembly which has an additional meeting time each month that is for 4th Degree members only. An Assembly is presided over by a Faithful Navigator who is elected along with assembly officers each year by members of the assembly.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP ARE:
- Must be a practical Catholic male, 18 years of age
- Must be accepted by a local council, and
- Must partake in an admission exemplification of the Knights of Columbus.
THE COSTS INVOLVED:
- nominal annual dues.
- a Knight of Columbus collared shirt - Optional
- a Knight of Columbus name badge. – provided upon joining