Who are the Knights of Columbus?
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic service organization founded in 1882 by a 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, for the purpose of providing financial security for parish widows and orphans. The original idea grew quickly, becoming an order of Catholic men and their families dedicated to promoting the concepts of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism throughout their communities.
Why become a Knight?
If you wish to give something back to the community and show thanks to Christ Jesus for all the blessings bestowed upon you while enjoying the company of fellowship among other practical Catholic gentlemen, then the Knights of Columbus is for you and we need you.
The Knights of Columbus offers excellent life insurance benefits and investment opportunities to its members and their families. There is also a free accidental death policy for members/spouses, access to various scholarships or bursaries for dependants, a monthly copy of the “Columbia” magazine and the opportunity to participate in numerous Knights of Columbus charitable activities in support of the church and the community at large.
Our Council History
Council 8092 received its Charter on July 19, 1982. Membership is currently made up of brothers from Our Lady of the Visitation, St. Catherine of Siena (Metcalfe) and St. John the Apostle (Enniskerry) parishes. While membership numbers have fluctuated over the years, we currently have over 70 members, almost half of which are currently very active members.
Council Activities
The executives meet every first Monday of the month. A general business meeting is held on the second Wednesday of each month. The Knights are involved in many aspects of the parish and in service during Mass. Many serve as readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and ushers, one or two even help out with the music. Several are involved to varying degrees helping with fundraising, the auction, and the annual harvest dinner.
As Knights, we have taken on leadership in many of churches projects and community events.
We also undertake other activities such as Christmas hampers, setting up the outdoor Creche, Christmas lights decorating the parish hall. Because we are a fraternal organization with a focus on family, we also try to have a couple of social events each year like “Wives Appreciation Night” and annual BBQ for members and their families to help foster and build our relationship with each other.
If you would like to know more about us or to join with us in service, please come to our parish hall for coffee after one of the Masses and meet with us. Not ready to be a Knight? You can join with other parish members in supporting parish activities to help build a vibrant Catholic community.
Current Grand Knight: Martin Thompson
email: koc@olvottawa.ca