Our Guiding Principles

All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles:

CHARITY

Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.

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UNITY

None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.

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FRATERNITY

The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.

Fr McGivney - by Antonella Cappuccio

PATRIOTISM

Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.

patriotism

Opening Ode

Sing ye his praises loud and long,
And let the unenlightened know,
In ev’ry echo of your song,
The great deeds done, tho’ long ago,
By Columbus of the valiant soul,
Who first old Neptune has controlled,
Despite of envy, intrigue, gold,
In the dim past of long ago.

With vessels three o’er stormy sea,
He thrilled the world of long ago,
While wisdom linked with destiny,
In justice scales its weight did throw.
We are his heirs; we wear his name;
We boast his deeds; we spread his fame;
Our Order is the shining flame,
That lights the gloom of long ago.

Closing Ode

Air: “America”

Now our evening’s work is done,
Then let us ev’ry one,
Join in a song.
Long may our Order stand
Foremost in this free land,
Ready with heart and hand
To right each wrong.

We have a mission great,
True to our Church and State,
Onward we move.
We dry the mourner’s tear,
The tired heart we cheer,
Faith in our works appear,
Upheld by Love.