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The Knights of Columbus
is the largest fraternal
organization of Catholic men in the world including
1.6 million members and their families, who belong
to nearly 12,000 local councils throughout the
United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico,
Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Panama, Dominican Republic,
Virgin Islands, Guatemala, and Guam.
The Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen
committed to the exemplification of charity,
unity,
fraternity, patriotism, and the defense of the
priesthood.
The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin
Mary. It is firmly committed to the protection
of human life, from conception to natural death,
and to the preservation and defense of the family.
It was on these bedrock principles that the Order
was founded over a century ago and remains true
to them today.
At the Maria Council you will find brother Knights
working to fulfill the central mission of the
Order:
Supporting brother Knights in their temporal
and spiritual needs
Serving the Church, unified in following
its teachings
Striving to perform charitable
works
Promoting patriotism for the good of their
country
Giving aid to:
-- families
-- widows and orphans
-- developmentally challenged persons
-- women in crisis pregnancies
This is Father McGivney’s dream, echoing
across the century, and living today in the hearts
of his brothers and all those they touch—especially
their families.
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| Faith... |
| Charity - In 2002, the
Knights of Columbus performed over 60 million hours
in volunteer community service and provided more
than
$128 million to various charitable organizations.
In Illinois, the nearly 72,000 Knights provided
over $5.8 million to various organizations and
volunteered over 2.1 million hours of services.
Maria Council donated more than $7,000 and over
2,000 hours of voluntary services.
Unity - The Order believes the best form of
unity exhibited in our society is the family.
The Order supports and defends family life
through programs of family prayer, participation
in parish liturgy, and the promotion of Christian
values in the home.
Fraternity - The Knights of Columbus
have consistently provided various benefits
to
its members in the form of:
Insurance protection for all members’ families
Scholarships, low interest student loans, and
fellowships to members’ families
Accidental death benefits to all members in
good standing - family & orphan benefits
are also available
Columbia monthly magazine examining issues
of concern to Catholics, mailed to each member’s
home
Patriotism - The Knights of Columbus have
always promoted patriotism & love of country.
The Order’s Fourth degree, our most advanced
- easily recognized by their colorful capes
and chapeaux - promote patriotism and responsible
citizenship as part of our Catholic heritage. |
| Community... |
For over 40 years, Maria
Council has dedicated itself to serving our community.
The following is just a sample of those organizations
and activities we help support and sponsor.
Annual Tootsie Roll Drive for persons with mental/developmental
learning disabilities
The Women’s Center
of Greater Chicago/Baby Shower and Wreath Distribution
Special Olympics Program
Sponsorship of Catholic Seminarians
Spelling Bee for 6th to 8th Grades
Basketball Free Throw Contest for Youth
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Commitment to local parishes:
Mary, Seat of Wisdom
St. Paul of the Cross
Do you fit into the Knights?
If you are a practical Catholic man aged 18 or over, this may be what you
need. You become involved as much as you want. The Knights offer an opportunity
for fellowship with people who share the same beliefs, and who recognize the
same duty to God, to family, and to the people in our community. There are
95 Knights in Maria Council. Please consider joining us to help us help others.
You may find it a perfect fit.
Costs
Initiation fee is $10
(includes costs of First Degree)
Annual dues are $25
For more information please contact :
Cristov Dosev
847.823.2163
E-mail:Ftinbengal@aol.com
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