Volunteer Series – Knights of Columbus

Knights of Columbus, Mary Queen of Peace Council 9575

 by Daniel Schramm, Past Grand Knight 9575

CHARITY-UNITY-FRATERNITY-PATRIOTISM

These are the principals established in 1882. By Fr. Michael McGivney when establishing the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus were formed to render financial aid to Catholic men and their families. Assistance to the sick, disabled and needy are services offered. They also vowed to assist and protect our God, Church, and Country and provide assistance and support to the clergy whenever needed. There are 14,000 Councils and 1.8 million members throughout the world in countries including Canada, Philippines, Mexico, Poland, and the Dominican Republic, just to mention a few.

Here at Jesus Our Risen Savior the Knights are 174 members strong, their ages ranging from 19 to 86. They are described by many as “the strong arm of the church,” and are involved in many church activities; they also volunteer time to the community-at-large. When you look around you will notice many of our men wearing blue or red name tags signifying that they are Knights (a badge of honor). I am sure you have noticed that Knights are ministers of communion, lectors, ushers, choir members and that they serve at all masses. They don the uniform of carpenters, interior & exterior decorators, painters, electricians and general handymen for projects too many to mention. If you get a moment take a look at the rectory basement and the prayer room, also in the rectory, you will see the fine work these Knights have done – all without pay. Additionally, they are active members of various committees within the church community

They conduct fish fries during the Lenten season, decorate the parish property at Christmas, assist the JORS Food Pantry both with food donations and cash contributions. Knights work at the Bi-Lo Center and at Clemson for concerts, and all earnings go to charity. Knights sponsor the “Keep Christ in Christmas Program” by selling magnets and marching in the Spartanburg Christmas Parade and “Operation Hope Program” for the developmentally disabled. Those earnings have gone to Special Olympics, Charles Lea Center and The Family Connection of Spartanburg. In addition they work with the youth by supporting the Soccer Challenge Program, Essay Contest, and sponsor the Boys Scout at Jesus Our Risen Savior. The programs and areas of volunteerism given by the Knights are so numerous, it is too difficult to mention them all. 

If you are a practicing Catholic man and want to get involved in any of the activities listed above, contact any Knight you might see and ask for more information or request an application. This is an organization dedicated to God, Family, Church and Country and your time will be well spent in making you a better Catholic, father and citizen in the greatest country in the world. For direct contact send an e-mail or call Grand Knight Brian Folkman at teeitup_75@yahoo.com Ph- 357-8612 or Membership Chairman, Ed Hedbloom, ehedbloom@aol.com. Ph-680-8015.