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Knights of Columbus
Who are the Knights of Columbus? The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic service organization founded in 1882 by a 29 year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, for the purpose of providing financial security for parish widows and orphans. The original idea grew quickly, becoming an order of Catholic men and their families dedicated to promoting the concepts of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism throughout their communities. Why become a Knight? If you wish to give something back to the community and show thanks to Christ Jesus for all the blessings bestowed upon you while enjoying the company of fellowship among other practical Catholic gentlemen, then the Knights of Columbus is for you and we need you. The Knights of Columbus offers excellent life insurance benefits and investment opportunities to its members and their families. There is also a free accidental death policy for members/spouses, access to various scholarships or bursaries for dependents, a monthly copy of the "Columbia" magazine and the opportunity to participate in numerous Knights of Columbus charitable activities in support of the church and the community at large. Our Council History Council 8092 received its Charter on July 19, 1982. Membership is currently made up of brothers from Our Lady of the Visitation, St. Catherine (Metcalfe) and St. John the Apostle (Enniskerry) parishes. Our Council has had its ups and downs with respect to membership and now consists of about 60 members, almost half of which are currently very active members. Council Activities A general business meeting is held monthly on the second Tuesday of each month, except for July and August. The Knights are involved in many aspects of the parish and in service during mass. Many serve as readers, Eucharistic ministers and ushers, one or two even help out with the music. Several are involved to varying degrees helping with fundraising for the proposed Family Centre/Parish Hall, the auction, the annual harvest dinner and the bingo. In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee we head up the annual golf tournament in June. As Knights we have taken on leadership in some church projects such as the front step, and the church pews. Other projects are currently in the planning stages. We also undertake other activities such as Christmas hampers, setting up the outdoor Creche and some lights, the yard sale, basketball free throw and the sale of raffle tickets in support of the Arthritis Society. In addition to this we have a monthly mass at which we provide the coffee and treats afterwards. Because we are a fraternal organization with a focus on family, we also try to have a couple of social events each year to help foster and build our relationship with each other. If you would like to know more about us or to join with us in service, please come back to the sacristy after one of our masses and meet with us. Not ready to be a knight? You can join with other parish members in supporting parish activities to help build a vibrant Catholic community. Our Lady of the Visitation - 2009/10 Knights of Columbus Executive: Grand Knight Peter Holmes
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