Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone recognizes the constant need for good works, and has called on the Knights of Columbus to increase their ranks to further the services they offer.
On Feb. 28, the bishop sent a letter encouraging men to join him in the fraternal organization.
“As Catholic men, we are called to a life of service. We are called to care for our families, serve our communities and serve our faith communities,” he said. “As a member of the Knights of Columbus, I have personally witnessed the tremendous work that these men accomplish in this diocese.
“However, there is much work which needs to be done in the name of charity,” the bishop continued. “I strongly encourage each man in this diocese, who is a practicing Catholic and is at least 18 years old, to prayerfully consider joining the ranks of this fine organization.”
The Knights of Columbus was founded by Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney to encourage Catholic men to live their faith through charitable works, caring for their families, and defending the faith. Their motto is “In Service to One. In Service to All.”
Today, there are more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members located in 14 countries. In 2009, they donated more than $151 million to charity, and worked more than 69 million hours of community service, according to their website.
In South Carolina, approximately 8,500 men belong to 60 councils and they donate over $800,000 to charities and provide over $8 million-worth of voluntary hours to parishes and community groups each year, reported Tom Monahon, state deputy.
Bishop Guglielmone lauded the Knights for its support of seminarians and contributions to the Boy Scouts.
The Columbus H.O.P.E. Foundation has raised over $300,000 to help people with disabilities and supports Special Olympics in the state.
They also raised over $60,000 this fraternal year to purchase five ultrasound machines for pregnancy centers throughout the state, Monahon said.
The Knights also conducted over 250 food drives, and prepared and served approximately 36,000 meals to the needy. The order donated nearly $14,000 and distributed over 3,070 pounds of goods to local food banks.
For more information about the Knights, contact your local parish representative or visit www.southcarolinaknights.org.