Open House – October

Welcome – Grand Knight Joe Renta History and Principles of K of C Video – NHP K of C Year In Review The Knights Organization Meetings & Events Insurance Program The “24 Hour Knight” Q & A Next Steps

1882 Father Michael J McGivney On October 2, 1881, Father Michael J. McGivney, 29-year-old assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, brought together a group of laymen with whom he discussed his dream for a Catholic fraternal benefit society. It not only would assist widows and orphans of deceased members through its life insurance program, but also would boost members' sense of pride in their Catholic religion, then frequently challenged in the anti-Catholic climate of 19th-century America. Father McGivney and his associates met several more times over the next several months to continue planning, and the new organization --the Knights of Columbus -- was formally launched in early February, Charity Unity Fraternity Patriotism 1942

Organizations Supreme State Chapter District Council Carl Andersen Ed C Rich Laws Joe Renta Leaders

Hurricane Relief A total of more than $10 million was donated to Gulf States relief efforts. 100% of the money donated to the Gulf States Hurricane Relief Fund was dedicated to relief in the affected areas. The Supreme Council paid all administrative costs. Typical of the responses of local councils in the region was that of “KC Kajuns for Katrina,” which served 7,800 meals and distributed 17,000 pounds of ice and truckloads of supplies during the two weeks following Katrina’s rampage. The Knights of Columbus conducted an unprecedented relief effort in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The effort included both immediate and spontaneous responses from local councils in the Gulf region and a national effort by the Supreme Council headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut to raise needed funds and coordinate the efforts of state councils throughout the U.S. and Canada. Among the highlights of the Order’s Gulf States relief efforts:

Disaster Relief The Order donated more than $500,000 to the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 relief efforts. The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus committed $50,000 to help victims of Typhoon Durian, which struck the island of Luzon in the Philippines Nov. 30, 2006 and encouraged state and local councils of the Order and any concerned individual donor, to make contributions as well. Days after September 11, 2001 the Order established the $1.3 million Heroes Fund. Immediate assistance was given to the families of all full-time professional law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical workers who lost their lives.

2 nd Tuesday Every Month – 8pm 4 th Tuesday – Selected Months – Open Meetings “Keep Christ In Christmas”

 Knights of Columbus insurance has been “Making a Difference for Life” for more than 120 years. Since our founding in 1882, our primary mission has been to protect families against the financial ruin caused by the death of the breadwinner. Today we do this, and help families secure their financial futures, through our top-rated portfolio of life insurance, long term care insurance and annuity products. For the 16th consecutive year, the Knights of Columbus insurance program has earned Standard & Poor’s highest rating: AAA (Extremely Strong). For the 33rd consecutive year, A.M. Best Company has given the Knights of Columbus its highest financial strength rating, A++ (Superior). Knights of Columbus life insurance in force reached $66.1 billion at the end of 2007, setting a new all-time record. It was the 7th consecutive year of insurance sales growth  Permanent Plans – Policy lasts as long as you live, premium stays the same.  Term Plans – Policy ends at end of specified term: renewable or convertible.  Annuities – Provides an income that is guaranteed for life.  Long Term Care – Provides funds for long-term, out-of-hospital care.

I don't have much time to give to the Knights, so why should I join? ”12 hours a year” reading the weekly parish bulletin, the state and local council newsletters, Columbia magazine, and surfing the local council, state council and Supreme Council Web sites. The following is an illustration of just how little time it takes to be an active part of the Order. Even with this minimal commitment a man can be an important part of his council, and reap the benefit membership has to offer him and his family. “Two hours a year” volunteering at the council’s annual work with kids in Special Olympics Basketball or other worthy causes.

“Two hours a year “ attending, with his family, two corporate Communions or council prayer services at his parish. “Two hours a year” on a council-sponsored Church, community, council, family or youth project of his choosing. “Two hours a year” attending one council meeting. “Four hours a year “ enjoying (again, with his entire family) a council social function such as a dinner, dance, picnic, Christmas gatherings, etc.

I don't have much time to give to the Knights, so why should I join?  That’s only 24 hours a year, which practically any man can fit into his schedule. When you present the time commitment of joining the Order in this way, it doesn’t seem very intimidating at all. Once a man becomes a member and sees how rewarding being a part of the Knights of Columbus is, he may want to dedicate more of his time to the Order.  There are 8,760 hours in a year. By giving the Knights of Columbus 24 of those hours (less than.3 percent), a man can be a better Catholic, a better father, a better husband and a better person. Think of the difference the Knights of Columbus can make in our communities if these men join us. We only have to let each man know that he has the time — only 24 hours — to join and make a difference in his Church and community.  If a man can actually give the Council 26 Hours of his time, there is always a need for Bingo Volunteers. These volunteers can be ‘Callers’ or “Floor Workers”. Once a month on a Thursday evening and volunteering 2 hours of his time; helps the Council achieve it’s Charity goals and work !