Most Catholics have likely seen a fourth-degree Knights of Columbus in uniform standing guard at important Masses and events. But you might be surprised to learn just how many programs and events the Knights of Columbus have started and are involved across the state.
“The biggest misconception of the Knights of Columbus in Arkansas was that we only did fish fries, pancake breakfasts, bingo and spaghetti dinners,” said Lloyd Cambre, immediate past state deputy. “Although these events raised money for the Knights, they were not providing what men, especially young men, were wanting from the Knights of Columbus. They were looking for ways to build their faith in Jesus through good works helping others.
“The Faith in Action programs was their answer. Promoting them increased membership in Arkansas with record numbers and will continue to increase as more men learn of how these programs impact individuals in so many ways,” Cambre said.
Faith in Action is broken into four categories: faith, family, life and community.
Faith
- Refund Support Vocation Program (RSVP): supports seminarians and postulants.
- Spiritual Reflection: offers opportunities for members to engage in prayer and reflection.
- Building the Domestic Church kiosk: provides religious education materials to all Catholics
“Over 4,500 individuals heard the story of Blessed Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus and had a chance to touch his first-class relic,” Cambre said of the Spiritual Reflection program.
Family
- Family of the Month/Year: encourages and supports the development of robust and vibrant families.
- Family Fully Alive: offers monthly devotions that provide practical ways for Knights of Columbus to nurture holy and loving families within the Church
- Keep Christ in Christmas: promotes the authentic spirit of Christmas in homes, schools, parishes, and communities.
Community
- Coats for Kids: ensures children in need stay warm during the winter months
- Free Throw Championship: gives boys and girls ages 9 to 14 a chance to participate in athletics
- Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest: encourages youth to become faith-based citizens through creative writing
“Over 800 coats have been distributed across Arkansas as part of the Coats for Kids program,” Cambre said. “Each year, councils hold local Free Throw events, and each winner in age categories from 9 to 14 participates in regional and state competitions.”
Life
- March for Life: advocates for the right to life
- Special Olympics: recognizes the worth and dignity of every individual through its events
- Ultrasound Initiative: encourages women to choose life by allowing them to see their unborn children through ultrasound images at pregnancy centers
- Silver Rose: promotes respect for life and shares the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe through a pilgrimage
“The Silver Rose Program demonstrates the unity between the Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United States and Mexico through a series of prayer services promoting the dignity of all human life and honoring Our Lady,” Cambre said. “Arkansas Knights of Columbus assist Special Olympics throughout the year with monetary donations but especially assists with volunteers for the Special Olympics Games in Searcy each May.”
Did you know?
- More than 7,440 Knights of Columbus members are served by 67 councils across Arkansas. St. Joseph Church in Conway has the largest council, with more than 400 members.
- Members range from 18 to 97 years old. Sixty-five percent of all new members last year were under the age of 50.
- Last year worldwide, the Knights of Columbus raised $185 million in donations and logged 49 million volunteer hours.
