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SERVICE
TO THE COMMUNITY
Volunteerism informed by Christian concern is the hallmark of the Knights of
Columbus and results in outstanding contributions of time and talent to the
Catholic Church, our communities, families, young people and brother Knights
through the "Surge...with Service" program.
Much of the success for the Order's volunteer record can be attributed to the fact that the Supreme Council does not mandate participation in any volunteer initiative. Fraternal and charitable programs arise at the grassroots level to meet the needs of local parishes and communities.
PRO-LIFE
ACTIVITIES
The Knights of Columbus champions life from conception to natural death. The
Order supports the Church in its work to defend human life, conducts education
programs for its members and the public, provides financial assistance to national
and local right-to-life groups, and prays for the protection of life. The Order
prints and distributes millions of pieces of pro-life literature at no charge.
Its most recent publication is a study guide to Pope John Paul II's pro-life
encyclical, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), found in the
Faith section of this site, along with Pope Paul VI's important and prophetic
encyclical, Humanae Vitae. Also, see these important pro-life links on
the Knights of Columbus website and local links here
in the Bay Area on our website.
VOCATIONS
The Knights of Columbus has always encouraged our young
Catholic men and women to listen closely to that inner calling that eminates
from God. Never before in our history has the need for priests, nuns,
brothers, and religious been so great. With many of our current religious
rapidly approaching retirement, the shortages generated are already being felt
in parishes throughout the United States. St. Elizabeth's Council 8747,
in recognition of this problem, has established a vocations
page on this website containing links to many religious orders and vocation
referral website.
SPECIAL
OLYMPICS
The Knights of Columbus supports the New Haven World Games, Special Olympics
and other programs for people with mental retardation. Individual Knights serve
as trainers, coaches, officials and in any other capacity needed at international,
state and local Special Olympics games. In 1998, the Order raised and donated
more than $20.1 million to benefit people with mental retardation and programs
supporting them.
HEALTH
PROGRAMS
Knights of Columbus members participate in a variety of health service programs.
Councils regularly join in national programs to bring public attention to heart
disease and the dangers of smoking and alcohol and drug abuse. Members help
raise money for medical research in a variety of areas. In 1998, Knights at
all levels of the organization reported raising nearly $4 million for health
and service organziations and hospitals.
Knights throughout the world organize and conduct blood drives. In 1998 they reported nearly 345,000 blood donors at Knights of Columbus-sponsored blood drives. Knights and their families regularly volunteer at veterans' hospitals, hospices and other health care facilities.
CIVIC
INVOLVEMENT
Members' civic involvement comes in many forms. Councils and assemblies run
campaigns urging citizens to vote. Knights take part in community recreation
programs, patriotic observances, penal reform programs and cultural activities.
K of C councils regularly recognize outstanding civil servants, police officers,
firefighters, emergency medical technicians and others in their communities
by presenting them with certificates of merit.
BOY
SCOUTS
St. Elizabeth's Council 8747 is most proud to be the Chartering Organization
for Boy Scout Troop 110. As the Chartering
Organization, we are responsible for reviewing the status of the leaders to
make sure that they are morally straight and have received required training.
In addition, we monitor the Troop's activities to make sure that the scouts
are learning and living the Scout Oath and Laws and advancing up the ranks.
DECENCY
The Knights of Columbus has been at the forefront of efforts to stem the flood
of pornography engulfing our culture. Councils promote programs to inform people
of the dangers of pornography and report violations of community standards to
those responsible for enforcing existing laws.
SUBSTANCE
ABUSE
Knights of Columbus members regularly participate in and sponsor programs aimed
at combatting substance abuse. Councils work with local police, youth groups
and other organizations to conduct educational programs on the dangers of drug
and alcohol abuse. The Supreme Council also offers posters on alcohol abuse
awareness to local councils for community projects. Members also participate
in programs that publicize the dangers of drunk driving.