KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
St. John XXIII
Council 13624
About Us
WHO WE ARE
We are the local Council of the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest lay Catholic family service organization, encompassing more than 1.8 million Catholic men throughout North America and the world. From the moment we were founded by Father Michael J. McGivney on Feb. 6, 1882, we have been guided by the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. We are men of faith and men of action, raising and donating millions of dollars to charitable needs and projects while contributing millions of volunteer hours to charitable causes.
ABOUT OUR COUNCIL
Knights of Columbus St. John XXIII Council 13624 was founded in 2004 through the efforts of three parish priests, Rev. Charles Sullivan, Rev. Thomas Palko, and Rev. John Gilbert. We work closely with the parish by providing funds for various projects, members being active participants in their parish.
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
The work of the Knights of Columbus is based upon our four core principles:
Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives, donating food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, supporting Special Olympics and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Our mission and our faith compel us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need.
Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. All members know that, together, we can accomplish far more than we can individually. We stick together and we support one another. As a Knight, we can count on the support and encouragement of brother Knights as we work to make life better in our parishes and communities.
Fraternity – The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died, often prematurely. The Knight’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who have given millions of hours to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. We have each other’s back.
Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both.
WHAT WE DO
Internationally, the Knights of Columbus have donated $1.5 billion to charity, and provided more than 673 million hours of volunteer service in support of charitable initiatives during the past decade.
Our charitable activities encompass an almost infinite variety of local, national and international projects. From international charitable partnerships with Special Olympics, the Global Wheelchair Mission and Habitat for Humanity to our national Food for Families and Coats for Kids programs and other local charities, and the opportunity to work together with fellow Knights is virtually endless.
Locally, our Council actively supports our parish and our community. For our community, we donated more than $33,000 + during the last year to support organizations and programs such as: Our Seminarians Support, Social Justice and Respect for life, the Youth Ministry, Graduating Seniors, Golden Paws, Hope Hospice, Special Equestrians, St. Martin De Porres Outreach, and some of our parish family activities, such as family picnics and the family Halloween party.
In addition to the thousands of volunteer hours donated by members of the Council to support these initiatives, several money raising events and opportunities are held throughout the year to provide needed funding. These include an annual golf tournament, pancake breakfasts, Lenten fish fries, bingo, the parish Thrift Store, and parish food drives.
Why do we volunteer? Ask yourself, is there something specific you may want to do. For example would you like to make it better where you live, or you may want to meet other people from your parish, or possibly try something new, or just have something to do in your spare time. Volunteering always helps in making new friends; it also increases your self-confidence, combats depression and helps you stay physically healthy.
The Knights of Columbus is here to help. We offer the Catholic faith formation, financial protection, and family resources that can help you grow as a husband, father and leader. With the Knights, you can become the man you want to be – and your family needs.
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Council meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. Officer meeting at 6 PM, Rosary at 6:30 PM, meeting at 7 PM in the Parish Life Center located at St. John XXIII Catholic Church.
CONTACT US
Interested in learning more about the Knights of Columbus or joining, we are located at:
St. John XXIII Catholic Church
You may contact us at:
407-986-0851 or 239-561-2245
OR by email at
info@kc23.org (forwards to Grand Knight Larry Evener, Deputy Grand Knight, Financial Secretary Alan Dente, Recorder Ken Meyers, and webmaster Bryan Chung.)