Thank you, Father Gregg, for this opportunity to talk about the Knights of Columbus and what our local council - the Mary’s Millennium Council #12801 does here in our parish and community. 

In 1882 Father Michael McGivney started the Knights of Columbus to uplift his parish in New Haven. His vision was for councils to put programs of faith into action that would protect families and build a better world. Our gift to you is “A Family Prayer” prayer card. Please pick them up as you leave mass today. 

Knights of Columbus membership offers countless opportunities for Catholic men – and their families – to live and grow in faith. Through our support of critical societal needs, we Knights have the opportunity to leave a positive and lasting impact in our communities and around the world. Here at St. John’s, we are fortunate to also have a Ladies Auxiliary that works in conjunction with us to serve the needs of our parish, community, and beyond. 

We are everyday people helping people every day. Whether it is aiding the less fortunate, local volunteering, networking with others of shared values and beliefs, or participating in fun, family-inclusive events, the Knights of Columbus welcome, and value Catholic men seeking community and ways to put their faith into action. Some examples of what we’ve accomplished in the past year include hosting holy hours of prayer, praying monthly rosaries at various locations, supporting various Hanover Township programs, providing funds and items for homeless veterans, supporting organizations that provide for people with intellectual disabilities, providing financial assistance to Mercy Homes for Boys and Girls, providing labor and funding various needs in the parish and school, including the new scholarship program, and aiding seminarians studying to become priests. 

Often times we hear that people are too busy with family and work to help out. This is really not the case! We do not want you to leave your family to participate in a charitable program, we want you to lead your family in charitable action. What we have found was that just an hour here or an hour there could make a big difference to people in need, while putting our common faith into action. 

Today you will have an opportunity to talk with several of our members after mass. We also have a great opportunity for you to take a test drive, so to speak. With just your email address we will be happy to send you information about charitable outreach projects. 

To learn more about the Knights or Ladies Auxiliary, please take a moment to fill out a request for information card and hand it to one of our Knight Ambassadors at the doors on your way out of Mass. No obligation! We will only send some information once a week. Or if you want to join now it is quite simple: go to KofC.org/joinus, use Promo Code BLESSEDMCGIVNEY and fill out the information. Be sure to put in our council #12801 where asked, and simple as that, you are in. You can also visit the Knights & Ladies website (www.kofc12801.org)