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State Deputy Charity Appeal

Tony Herreth, State Deputy

As we approach this wonderful season of family and friends, rejoicing in the great gifts that God has given us,

I am reminded and sorrowful for the huge financial and emotional losses that so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ have endured this past year. Droughts and floods and fires have taken their toll in our great state, economic hardship have put strains on all our families. In the midst of all of this I have witnessed a miracle, a growth in prayer and outpouring of generosity for those who are suffering. As Marty and I have traveled this great state, I have listened to the stories of fund raisers and donations to Fire Relief and scholarships and donations to Bishops and clergy and a myriad of other charitable causes. I have watched our Brother Knights dig deep into their pockets and offer countless hours of their time to walk with Christ in taking care of our brothers and sisters. I am humbled by these countless selfish acts of Charity.

We are all reminded that Charity is the first principle of our Order. Our Order was founded as an extension to the Church for the purposes of Charity. Christ gave us but one commandment… “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” {Jn 13-34}

Charity is the Love of our neighbor. Charity is the love of God. But more than that, it is a sense of responsibility for each individual member of the faithful. It is a commandment to reach out, as Christ did, in love; it requires our Time, Talent and Treasure and selflessness to tend to our brothers and sisters. This was realized by the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney. He recognized that there was a need for an organization to assist the poor, the widows and orphans. He also recognized that the Church required help in fulfilling that responsibility. Thus our Order was formed in 1882 on the founding principle of Charity.

The Knights of Columbus this year in Texas have expressed their love of neighbor in many ways. As Knights we have raised millions of dollars for Charity and devoted countless hours but, it is only with council and individual contributions that we are able to continue to express this love in support of our Bishops and their individual charities, our scholarships to Catholic schools and to deserving students, our Special Olympics in Texas, and the many needs of our brothers, families and neighbors.

Please prayerfully consider making an individual contribution to Texas State Council Charities so that we may continue to serve Our Lord and Church by doing Christ’s work.
I ask for your prayers and your continued individual support.

The Passion to Serve
Tony & Marty Herreth
State Deputy


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