Responsibilities of a Knights of Columbus Council

Establishing and maintaining a Knights of Columbus Council in a Parish has many responsibilities, all of which must be adhered to in order for the Council to fulfill it’s obligations to it’s Church, it’s Community, and it’s Members.

First and foremost is the obligation to support the Parish and the Pastor in any and all ways requested. We are there to do whatever is needed to advance and strengthen the Parish Community in which each Council resides. Areas we can all help out in are Youth Ministries, Welcome Retreats, RCIA, Parish Breakfasts and Lenten Meals, Building Fund Drives, and Spiritual Development through Knights sponsored Rosaries and other Devotions. Councils should also be aware of Father McGivney’s Vision of a Knights of Columbus Presence in every Catholic Parish and Community. This Vision can effectively be spread by every Council adopting a nearby Parish without a Knights of Columbus Council and establishing a Round Table at that Parish in support of it’s needs as well. “In Support of Our Clergy” is not just a slogan. It should be the guiding principle for every Council.

A Knights of Columbus Council must always be there for the less fortunate in the Community. Knights can help in a number of different ways, both locally and nationally through programs such as Coats for Kids, the American Wheelchair Mission, Culture of Life Marches, Dinners and Ultrasound Machine Drives, Disaster Relief, Prison Ministry, Food Bank and Homeless Shelter assistance, and support of Community Outreach Programs. “In Service to One, In Service to All” is a concept at the very foundation of our Order.

Additionally, each Council has a fiduciary and moral obligation to it’s members to pay it’s Supreme per Capita, Catholic Advertising, and Supplies owed amounts in a timely manner when due so that the Council and it’s Members are not suspended. Failure to do so can lead to loss of fraternal benefits to the Members of the suspended Council. Although not required, it is recommended that each Council also pay it’s Culture of Life Assessment to Supreme so the Order can support these efforts to protect the most vulnerable from Conception to Natural Death. State per Capita obligations should also be paid each year to ensure the efficient running of the Texas State Council and it’s programs, and to provide each member the opportunity to participate in those programs. Finally, each Council owes it to it’s Members to provide meaningful and enriching Social and Spiritual Programs to encourage growth of the Order, increased Member participation, and prolonged Retention.