Knights of Columbus
Who are the Knights of Columbus and what do they do?
The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic men’s organization founded by the Blessed Michael J. McGivney in March 1892 in New Haven, CT. The organization has grown internationally and is now the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization, with more than 2 million members. Our mission is to work with our priests to assist in the works and needs of the church, and to provide aid in our community to those who are in need. One of the original purposes of the organization was to protect widows and families from financial ruin in the event that the husband should die and leave them without sufficient income, which led to the establishment of the highly ranked insurance products offered by the Knights
Council 3572 is the Knights of Columbus organization that is a based at Sacred Heart of Jesus church. We are an organization of approximately 240 members, and we greatly appreciate the support of our priests and our fellow parishioners that enable our charitable works.
So ““ What do Council 3572 members do, and what service projects are they a part of?
There is a varied list of services that the Knights do within our parish and our community. To name a few:
Faith and Church: We are Deacons, lecturers, ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, and cantors. We even have members of the money counting teams who are Knights, and we assist with the Eucharistic Processions. We lead the praying of the rosary before the Saturday evening masses, and we have many members who are Adorers. For many years we’ve provided annual financial assistance to 2 Seminarians from our Arlington Dioceses to help support their needs as they study and prepare for the priesthood.
Life: Members are a part of the organization team for the Life Chain, we participate in and pay for a bus to transport parishioners to the annual January March for Life in Washington, DC, we have several who volunteer, along with their wives, at the New Eve Maternity Home and we’ve made financial donations to help pay for ultrasound equipment.
Community: We have several ongoing charitable initiatives to serve those in the greater Winchester community who need help and assistance. Our Father Krempa Soup Kitchen is operated out of the Columbus Club located downtown on Cameron Street. Each Wednesday of the year alternating teams prepare and serve approximately 4 to 5 dozen hot meals to individuals for their evening meal and deliver soup, sandwiches and groceries for approximately 100 people that day. This is made possible due to the generous donations of the Sacred Heart parishioners and Catholic Charities. Working with two area agencies, we have begun a utility assistance program that has allowed over 70 families to have their water, heating, or electricity bills paid. We have a team of men who have built ramps at many homes for those that have limited mobility, and who have assisted with minor home repairs as well. At Christmas time, with the giving of the Sacred Heart of Jesus family, we sponsor and provide the manpower for the Outreach Tree that enables those who might not otherwise have a gift, to receive one.
Family: We support and assist our area families and youth in many ways. Several members volunteer a week of their time each June to be contractors and helpers for Catholic Youth Workcamp and have prepared and served meals for the Youth Group’s meetings. We have members who are scout leaders, and who on occasion, provide periodic transportation to and from mass and to health related appointments. We’ve hosted Donut Sundays and Friday Fish Dinners for families to socialize and to spend fellowship time together, and at Easter we organize and conduct an Easter Egg Hunt for the children of the parish.
In summary, we are sons, fathers, husbands, grandfathers, and a few are even great grandfathers, who feel the need and passion to give back, and to help those who can use some assistance. The Knights of Columbus have 3 foundational principles which are Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. If you are a Catholic male age 18 years or older, and would like to join us, we’d welcome you into our Council. Simply contact Grand Knight Steve Cantu at sacantu78@gmail.com or at (901) 289-7439 to get started.