Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization for Catholic men at least 18 years old. It was founded in 1882 to provide insurance for the widows of its members. Since then, the organization has grown to over 1.5 million men who donate over $144 million and 80 million hours to charitable and church causes. We are now the largest fraternal life insurance organization in the world with a dedication to provide assistance to our members and their families.

• The proceeds from the sale of insurance is used to fund our national and international support of charity.

• Knights of Columbus Council #7197 was established November 13, 1978, to serve our St. Luke Parish Community and its families through charitable works. They give aide financially and physically to Catholic Education, to support the Office of Pro-Life and Our Lady Of Angels Maternity Shelter in addition to supporting our seminarians and several other worthwhile causes, including the annual “Jack Skyles Christmas Presence”.

• The “Christmas Presence” program began in 1998 by the St. Luke KC’s as a tribute to Jack Skyles and his wife, Geneva, for the many years of hard work they dedicated to serve those in need of help in our area. It also offers the Parishioners of St. Luke Parish a chance to participate in the “True Meaning of Christmas” by anonymously “Giving Without Expecting Anything in Return”.

• Families at St. Luke Catholic Church will have the opportunity to adopt a family this Christmas and provide a Christmas dinner and presents for each member of the adopted family.

• Less Fortunate Families who apply for the “Christmas Presence” are screened by the St. Vincent de Paul Society Staff.

• Christmas Season 2012 will mark the 15th Year of the “Christmas Presence” program.

• Details will be posted on the parish website and in the Church bulletin when sign-ups begin.

• The St. Luke Knights of Columbus #7197 support many events for our parish, which include the annual Basketball Free Throw Competition, Easter Egg Hunt, Swim/Cookout Appreciation Party for the Altar Servers with all parishioners invited, Soup Suppers and more!

• Each Friday during the Lenten Season as well as many Fridays throughout the year, the St. Luke KC’S host and prepare their Friday Fish Fry which has become very popular in our community.

• A Knight may contribute as much or as little time as desired but is encouraged to be an active member through attendance of meetings and volunteering for the council’s projects.

• Meetings are held in the Holy Family Room of the Parish Hall on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. and are preceded by a recitation of the Rosary that begins at 7:00 p.m.

• A KC candidate must be a Catholic gentleman in good standing with the Catholic Church and be at least 18 years old. He will be exemplified as a 1st Degree Knight and then will have the opportunity to get his 2nd, 3rd and 4th degrees.