St George New Baden
Council 10311
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Knights of Columbus |
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St George New Baden |
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Who
are the knights
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest
Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.6 million members. It
provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to
the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.
Membership
Benefits
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your
family enjoy many benefits, including 12 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.
St George New Baden Council 10311 was founded in 1990 through the efforts of the men of St George Church. The St George Council works closely with the St George Parish in New Baden and within the St George community, providing funds for various charitable projects. Our council provides a unique opportunity for the men of our parish to practice our faith in a positive way. You’ve seen our council Knights in Tootsie Roll drives benefiting the handicapped; in breakfasts and dinners to raise money for charity; in blood drives; as honor guards for liturgies; running contests for our youth; and other charitable works or service. Our member’s individual contributions vary according to their personal and family circumstances.
How
To Join
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to
practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years
old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and
the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of
the Knights of Columbus.
Please click here if
you would like to become a Knight
4th
Degree
Any
Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his
First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary
purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting
responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective
countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called
"assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor
guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide
recognition to the Knights of Columbus
During World War I the Order established soldiers' welfare centers in the U.S. and abroad. The Order raised more than $14 million for this program on its own, and was allocated another $30 million from a national fund.
During the early years of World War II, Canadian Knights set up similar soldiers' welfare centers. The U.S. Knights were the first national organization to sponsor a blood donor program, and numerous councils led war bond drives. Thousands of Knights were killed in action during the war.
During the Cold War the Knights operated speakers' bureaus, funded anti-Communist advertisements and radio addresses, and published pro-freedom pamphlets. In 1954, the Knights of Columbus led the effort to officially include the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, a crusade that resulted in federal legislation signed by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Knights of Columbus have helped to build and support the Catholic Church, from the United States to the Philippines. Knights have lived for their faith in Canada, and died for their faith in Mexico. Throughout the history of the Order, in these and many other ways, Knights of Columbus have provided immeasurable support to their families and communities, to their countries and the Church. The Knights of Columbus has enabled its members to strengthen and protect their loved ones—spiritually, by developing their faith, and financially, with the highest quality life insurance available, a product that has brought security and prosperity to millions of Knights and their families.
Through their dedication to the ideals of the Order—Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism—and through their fidelity to Christ's Church and his Vicar, the Knights of Columbus continue to be what they were called long ago: "The Strong Right Arm of the Church |
