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Who We Are
The Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and defense of the priesthood. The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Order is unequivocal in its loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth. It is firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the family. It was on these bedrock principles that the Order was founded over 125 years ago and remains true to them today. With a membership of over 1.8 million men, the Knights of Columbus is now the world's largest lay organization in the Catholic Church. There are over 14,000 Councils throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
Our Principles:
All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles:
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Charity - Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.
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Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.
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Fraternity – The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.
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Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.
Why Become a Knight
Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference. Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.
Come see just what we are all about and take the first steps to enhance your personal life by viewing the segment, "Why Join?"
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including twelve free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits. You'll also receive our monthly Council #7914 Newsletter through the USPS or email.
Prospective Member Q & A:
1. I don't have time to join another organization; why should I join the Knights of Columbus?
As a Knight you can choose the projects with which you wish to be involved in within your own community. What is more, the Order is dedicated to family life and the many benefits it offers. From insurance to scholarships to service and social activities and programs, all are open to the whole family.
2. What are the requirements?
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See.
3. What is a practical Catholic?
A practical Catholic accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
4. Explain what Degrees are.
There are four degrees within the Knights of Columbus. Each degree ceremony imparts a lesson on the Order's core virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
5. Do I have to purchase Insurance to become a member?
No; unlike many fraternal organizations one does not become a member by purchasing insurance. In the Knights of Columbus a man has to be a member before he may avail himself of the insurance benefit. Purchasing insurance is optional, however; the life insurance and long-term care insurance products offered by the Order are not only competitively priced, they are among the most solid and highly rated products available anywhere. Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best, the leading independent agencies that rate insurance companies, give K of C insurance their highest ratings.
How To Join
An application form can be obtained from any member of Knights of Columbus Council #7914.
Click here to fill out and submit an interest form, or contact by email:
TMDillow91@aol.com.
What We Do
Some examples of activities our council has been involved in are as follows:
- National March for Life, 22 January
- Candlelight Walk for Life in Annapolis
- Living Rosary for Life
- Legislative Action Network
- Assist in staffing the "Right to Life" booth at the St. Mary’s County Fair
- Memorial to the Innocents (2009 / 2007 / 2006)
- Ice Cream Social at the beginning of school year for St. John’s students (2007 / 2006 / 2005)
- End-of-School Cookout for St. John’s students (2008)
- Altar Server Appreciation/Youth Group pool party/BBQ (2008 / 2007 / 2006 / 2005)
- Held a Living Rosary for the CCD classes and parish
- Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest (2007 / (2006)
- Squished Penny Museum visit
- Free Throw Competition (2009 / 2008 / 2007 / 2006)
- High School and College Scholarships (2008)
Who to Contact
Grand Knight, Bill Reabe 301 863-6105
wdreabe@aol.com
Membership Director, Mickey Dillow 301 373-4507
TMDillow91@aol.com
Deputy Grand Knight, Bruce Newell 301 373-3799
brucen5@md.metrocast.net
If you are interested in growing in your faith, making a difference in your Church, family, and community, and serving others,
please contact one of the officers listed above and we will be more than happy to schedule a meeting with you which takes about
45 minutes during which we will go into detail about the order and answer any questions you may have. You may also wish to visit
the K of C website at
www.kofc.org. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is close to 2 million world wide, over 26,800 in the
State of Maryland, and just over 200 in our council. The Knights of Columbus is truly "The Experience of a Lifetime".
Council Leadership 2011 - 2012
Officers
| Chaplain |
Fr. Ray Schmidt |
| Assoc. Chaplain |
Deacon Lou Koeniger, FDD, PGK |
| Assoc. Chaplain |
Deacon Ammon Ripple |
| Grand Knight |
Bill Reabe |
| Deputy Grand Knight |
Bruce Newell |
| Chancellor |
Chris Woehrer, FDD, PGK |
| Fin. Secretary |
Bill Sneeringer |
| Recorder |
Gerry Gleckel |
| Warden |
Bill Cameron |
| Treasurer |
Ricky Lacey |
| Lecturer |
Orlan Cowan |
| 3 Year Trustee |
Mike Thompson, PGK |
| 2 Year Trustee |
Mickey Dillow, PGK |
| 1 Year Trustee |
Ray Faulstich, FDD, PGK, PFN |
| Advocate |
Charlie Widmayer, Sr., PGK |
| Inside Guard |
Bill Kelly |
| Outside Guard |
Joe Bowser |
Program Directors/Chairmen
| Programs |
Bruce Newell |
| Church |
Chris Woehrer, FDD, PGK |
| Community |
Bruce Newell |
| Youth |
Andy Holton |
| Family |
Joe Bowser |
| Council |
Mike Thompson, PGK |
| Pro-Life |
Spurgeon Terry, PGK |
| Membership |
Mickey Dillow, PGK |
Council #7914 Mailing Address
Knights of Columbus
St. John Francis Regis
PO Box 69
Hollywood, MD 20636