KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Bishop Budka Council #5914 – Why You Should become a Knight!

If you’re interested in helping those in need, serving your parish, growing in your faith and having exclusive access to top-rated insurance protection for your family, then the Knights of Columbus is the organization for you.

It is my pleasure to introduce to you today the Knights of Columbus. You may already know about the Knights from our council at St. Basil’s and St. Athanasius parishes or from some of our other nearly 15,000 councils worldwide. The nearly 2 million members of the Knights of Columbus form the largest Catholic fraternal group in existence. As Knights, we serve our local parishes and community while working each day to create a better world through charity. If you are looking to live out your faith in the spirit of charity by helping others, the Knights of Columbus welcomes you to join us.

Knights and their families have the opportunity to become involved in the council’s charitable, faith-based and social programs, becoming part of our Knights of Columbus family. Over the past decade, men like you have enabled the charitable donations of the Knights of Columbus to reach more than 1.5 billion dollars and individual Knights have donated more than 674 million volunteer hours to charity.

Since its founding in 1882 by the Venerable Servant of God Father Michael McGivney, the first principle of the Order has been charity: we actively assist the Church and our neighbours in need. We are also founded to protect the livelihood of Catholic families and that commitment means that we continue to provide our members and their families with top quality life insurance and annuity products. No life insurer in North America has a higher rating than the Knights of Columbus. Today, we would like to offer you the opportunity to join us in our work for God and neighbour. At St. Basil`s and St. Athanasius parishes, our council has taken these activities over the last year (2014) in our Church, our Community and in our families and will continue to do more good works in the year of 2015:

  • Prior to every regular council meeting held on the 1st Tuesday of each month, members gather in the church to pray the Rosary.
  • The Council provided over $14,000 to 14 different charities during the 2014 year.
  • The Council sold Canadian Mental Health calendars.
  • The Council sponsored candidates for the Saskatchewan Youth Parliament. Council members are strong supporters of the Provincial Knights Charity Appeal Fundraiser and Football Tickets sales. Knights are involved in Chapter bowling/golf.
  • The Council was part of a provincial Initiative with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Geroy Simon Foundation called `Coats for Kids` with 8,000 coats and more than $3,000 raised for the purchase of new coats.
  • The Council hosted brunches at both parishes and assisted parish priests(Chapter chaplains) at Sunday liturgies as ushers, epistle readers, serving communion and as honor guards. Also, a commerative 100th anniversary display or the Council was available for parishioners of both parishes.
  • The Council sponsored and assisted with the annual My Generation Youth Rally.
  • Gifts were provided to First Communicants at both parishes.
  • Knight members attended the Provincial State Convention in Moose Jaw.
  • Knight members attended the ProLife annual fundraising dinner.
  • Council members attended the Prolife Chain on Albert Street.
  • A memorial liturgy was sponsored by the Council for deceased members.
  • Council members assisted with the Columbus Park baseball field.
  • Knight’s members assisted in Remembrance Day ceremonies.
  • Christmas Goodie bags were provided for St. Basil’s children and subsidized for St. Athanasius children. Council members assisted in ringing bells for the Salvation Army Kettle drive.
  • A Christmas and Year End social event is held for all council members, their families and other parish members. Council members are actively involved in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree installations. Council members participate in clothing drives for the Marion Centre.
  • Council members assist at the Santa Maria and St. Basil Manor seniors home.
  • Council members sponsor and host spiritual Enrichment weekends and special presenters. The Council strives and has achieved a Star Council Award.
  • Council members look at new initiatives such as: Toys for kid’s drop-off, Carolling for Christmas season, family nights and 2015 Sask Special Olympics Winter Games.
  • Council members are actively involved in the Sask Special Olympics, parish councils, community organizations and give freely of their time and talents.
  • Council members visit the sick and elderly at hospitals and seniors homes.
  • Each month, volunteer members of the council work a Bingo.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus, a man does can strengthen his faith by supporting his church and community. He will form friendships with his brother Knights that can last a lifetime, and he can do his part to make a difference in our parish, our community and our world for generations to come. As much good work as the Knights of Columbus has done in the past, we could do even more with your help. Join us today and help be the difference in your community and Church. For more information, please contact, James Empey, Grand Knight.