ST.
LAWRENCE PARISH
A ROMAN
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by a 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Today, more than a century later, the Knights of Columbus has become the largest family fraternal service organization in the Catholic Church, with 1.6 million members worldwide.
The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.
Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and defense of the priesthood. The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Order is unequivocal in its loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth. It is firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the family. It was on these bedrock principles that the Order was founded over a century ago and remains true to them today.
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.
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.
The council at St. Lawrence was established on June 11, 1991. Our activities include the annual Tootsie Roll sale to raise money for the help of the retarded, support of Birthright via raffles or the 'Pennies from Heaven' donations, the fundraising for the Monument for the Unborn located on the church grounds, and much more. We have lead the Rosary on Monday nights since 1991 at the request of Fr. O'Hara.
If any practicing Catholic man has questions about or
is interested in joining our council, please e-mail kofc@stlawrencechurch.com
with your name and phone number and someone will contact you to answer
your questions. Top
FR. McGIVNEY GUILD
The Knights of Columbus has established a Guild to advance the cause for canonization of their founder, Father Michael McGivney. The Guild gathers evidence on Father McGivney's life and character, collects information about favors people have received as the result of Father McGivney's intercession, promotes Father McGivney's cause for canonization, and offers spiritual benefits to its members. Those devoted to Father McGivney are encouraged to join the Guild and regularly say the prayer for his canonization, which is available on a special prayer card. Members participate in the Guild's spiritual works, pray for Father McGivney's canonization, report favors received, and in general assist in the advancement of the cause.
Membership in the Guild is open free of charge to individuals and households, but not to groups. One does not have to be a Knight to join the Guild. Top