Community Monthly Letter
March 2010
Did You Know
Did You Know
Did you know that charity is one of the primary facets of the Knights of Columbus? It should come as no surprise that members of the Knights throughout the fraternity strive to build up the church and reach out to those in need.
Not commonly known, Knights align with the Global Wheelchair initiative and distribute thousands of wheelchairs throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico as well as other countries throughout the world. Adults and children realize freedom of movement; some for the first time in their lives. Yet the need is great with an estimated 100-million people in need and not just in developing countries. Knights are working to fill that need. Recently the Supreme Board of Directors voted to donate $150,000 to purchase 1000 wheelchairs for distribution to those amputees in Haiti. Other councils in our order are working to provide hundreds of thousands of wheelchairs as a means of independence and hope.
Did you know during these trying times of economic challenges for life insurance companies, Knights of Columbus Insurance continues to grow and prosper. The Knights of Columbus was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, CT in 1882 to protect the families of factory workers at a time during the industrial revolution when workers often were killed or injured on the job. Today, that same sense of security can be found by family members of the Knights of Columbus because of the vision of Father McGivney. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson recently said, "As we begin 2010, my pledge to every brother Knight and his family is this: We will stay the course that has proven so successful in the current financial crisis. We will continue to build upon the ethical and financial strength of the Knights of Columbus, and that strength will continue to be a strong shield to protect the financial futures of our families."
Did you know the Knights of Columbus is starting a new program for our veterans; "Serving Those Who Served?" The goal of the program is to have an active group of Knights willing to serve in every Veterans Administration medical facility in the State of Indiana and the nation. Knights of Columbus councils and Fourth Degree Assemblies are asked to volunteer in transportation, distribution of personal items, "Pet Therapy", vocational rehabilitation, arts and crafts, patient visitations, organizing parties and celebrations and well as escorting patients to sporting events and picnics. The list is almost endless. Our veterans have given more than most people will ever have the privilege of giving. Your freedom and mine has always been the result of those men and women who have sacrificed so much. It is time to give back with an extended hand of love and thanks.
Did you know each year during the month of March; councils from around the state will conduct membership blitz campaigns to further grow our order.
Indiana State Deputy Stephan Ziemba continues to stress our "Vision to Action", as Indiana Knights begin their final push to regain the title of "Circle of Honor," As many organizations see membership slipping, the Knights of Columbus continues to grow as a fraternity. That growth allows our Catholic brothers to continue to serve and continue to defend the truth of our Catholic faith.
March 29th is also the time when Knights from around the order celebrate Founders Day in honor of Father Michael J. McGivney. If you are over the age of 18 and are a practical Catholic and want to learn more about the Knights of Columbus, contact Dale Waters, State Membership Director at membership@indianakofc.org
Bob Hartenstein
State Community Director
