Star Council Awards

The focus of this edition of the Texas Knight is Charity. We have seen a great number of changes come about lately with respect to how we can place our Faith in Action and positively market the good works of Knights guided by faith. Since Charity is the first principle of our Order, and the overriding reason we do what we do as Knights, it stands to reason that Charity should be at the core of every program, every endeavor taken up by the Knights. It should also “shine the light” on why recent changes are necessary to remarket the actions of the Knights as a change agent in a global society sorely lacking in charity and civility.

The goal of every council is to achieve Star Council status every fraternal year. This goal fully enacted means the council is being a viable, growing entity wherein Charity, Unity, and Fraternity are being practiced and they are engaged in their respective Catholic and civic communities. The love of God, Brothers and their families, neighbors and communities is a call to action and that call to action is set in the Knight’s program of Faith in Action. Achieving Star Council ensures enactment, participation, and execution of the essential elements of the Faith in Action Program.

Within the Faith in Action Program are categories of programs which invite men and their families to live their faith in service to one another, their parishes and their communities in which they live and work. And since the goal for the council is to actively conduct programs that draw men closer to their faith, families, and communities, it is not a stretch to conclude that faith-filled actions are charitable actions that gladden the heart of the giver and recipient as well.

The tricky part of achieving Star Council is getting members motivated to carry-out all the required actions. Each council should be doing a self-assessment as to who is going to take ownership and responsibility for everything that needs to be done. It is a team effort and it takes all council members to be aware and onboard with achieving the goals. There is reporting (paper work or online data input), there is focusing on required programs and scheduling, there is choosing responsible directors, there is completing compliance requirements, there is ongoing recruiting, there is hosting Fraternal Benefits sessions, there is engagement of the parish and local communities, there is communications with the pastor and church staff, there is outreach to the various community/program directors and sponsors, there is leadership at so many different levels, and most importantly there is love and concern for all involved and all affected. It is not a complicated process, but it is an involved and even a detail-oriented process. It can be done by any council small or large; and if there is the will, it can joyfully be done and might even be fun.

So, for Charity’ sake, set Star Council as your council goal. There are numerous resources to get your council there. Start with the State Star Guide (available at the www.tkofc.org website), the Faith in Action Guide (available at the www.kofc.org website), and the resolve of your council members. Remember any council can achieve Star Council if they choose to do so. Make it you goal and have fun achieving it.

Vivat Jesus!