Saint Gregory the Great: Groups & Ministries: Community & Family: Knights of Columbus

Worship & Spirituality
Sacramental Ministry
Catechetical Ministry
Community & Family
Parish Operations
Music Ministry

Home » Groups & Ministries » Community & Family » Knights of Columbus

Knights of Columbus

Who are the Knights of Columbus? The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of Catholic men, represented in all 50 states, Canada, and the Philippines. The Order was founded in 1882 by Fr. Michael J. McGivney, in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, as a way of providing economic and spiritual security for Catholic men, their families, and their survivors. The Knights of Columbus insurance program grew to become one of the most highly rated within the insurance industry. The basic principles of the Knights are charity, unity and fraternity.

What do the Knights do? By the early 20th century, the Knights of Columbus was introduced into California. Throughout the state, Councils continue to afford to Catholic men and their families the economic security they seek through a variety of insurance programs. Additionally, Knights are active in promoting charitable causes such as helping people with mental disabilities. For the past 13 years, Knights in California alone have raised over $6 million for people who suffer from mental retardation, regardless of religious affiliation. Not one penny goes to wages or salaries. Through the sacrifice of time and energy, Knights work together to raise funds for our neighbors most in need and the non-sectarian organizations that provide these people much needed services.

Within the San Diego area, Knights raise money for other causes of particular interest to the region. As an example, Scripps Miramar Council 10094, whose home is St. Gregory the Great Parish Community, has donated money and time to Casa de Cuna, an orphanage in Tijuana. Throughout the region, all Councils have worked together to help young, desperate women find alternatives to abortion. Area youths have been inspired by the Knights' essay writing contests and basketball free throw contests. Some of the older Councils have established Columbian Squires, an organization of teenage boys who will hopefully become the Knights of the future.

Councils across the U.S. and throughout California promote charitable causes of particular interest to the parishes in which they meet and the communities in which they serve. Council 10094, has done considerable good work for the St. Gregory the Great Faith Community. As are all Knights of Columbus Councils, Council 10094 is a non-profit organization. Thousands of dollars have been raised on behalf of the St. Gregory the Great Parish Community building drive and on-going commitment to the Community. Funds have been raised through the sale of grocery certificates and, as the Internet has evolved, electronic-script, or e-script. As members purchase their household needs through participating companies, portions of the purchases are credited to the St. Gregory the Great Community. The Council has raised money through the sale of Entertainment Books, which make available to their purchases coupons that count toward considerable savings in the San Diego marketplace. Council 10094 currently has over 120 member Brothers, men of all ages, ethnic, professional, and spiritual backgrounds.

How does a man become a Knight? To seek admission to the Knights of Columbus, a candidate needs to be a Catholic man over the age of 18. A candidate submits a Form 100 application through his local Council, which then considers the application for approval. Upon the approval of a candidate's application, the candidate is initiated into the First Degree of the Knights of Columbus. Full Knighthood is earned upon successful completion of the Third Degree. A Fourth Degree, called the Patriotic Degree, promotes love of country through its own projects and activities.

To become a Knight or merely to learn more about the Knights of Columbus organization, contact the Council's Membership Director Adey Milo, or Grand Knight Tom Kinney. Knights are usually outside the Church before and after every mass as they raise funds through the grocery certificate and e-script programs. Stop by and ask a Knight how to get started.
Contact:
Grand Knight, Rene Trevino (rtrevino20@cox.net) 858-748-4830
Deputy Grand Knight, Larry Weiss (weissies@earthlink.net) 858-880-1109

[ back to top ]