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Council 431 Background

The Knights of Columbus Core Principles

The Knights of Columbus Schuylkill County was founded on June 6 of 1899 and is based on the core principles (Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism). The following description helps to answer questions that many of our practicing Catholic men have, who are not yet a member of the Knights of Columbus. The core message is exactly what we stand for and what we need to achieve. 

Charitas - Charity

Our Catholic faith teaches us to "Love thy neighbor as thyself."  Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by: conducting food drives and donating the food to the local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at the Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and maternally mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day. Cumulative figures show that during the past decade, the Knights of Columbus have donated nearly $1.406 Billion to charity, and provided in excess of 653 million hours of volunteer service in support of charitable causes. While impressive, these figures can be even greater if we have more men and their families involved in our good works.

Unitas - Unity

None of us, is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that together - we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together...we support one another. That doesn't mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that as a Knight of Columbus - you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you workto make life better in your parish and community.

Fraternitas - Fraternity

The venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large  part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner passes - often prematurely. The Order's top rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and / or disabled members and their families. Simply, in the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another. 

Amor Patriae - Patriotism

Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Fillipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country and believe in standing up for both. Whether it's in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholic's support their nations and are amoung the greatest citizens. As of April 30, 2010, more than 1.8 million men have taken advantage of opportunities for community and parish volunteering, fraternal benefits, and camaraderie offered through the Order by joining the Knights of Columbus. At the end of the last day of April, the official tally of Knights of Columbus around the world stood at 1,800,445 and it is our 40th consecutive year of membership growth.

Diligently Practice Our Core Principles On A Daily Basis!

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