Program Manual

Message from Programming Director

Chris Johnson, Programs Director

Ask any Catholic parishioner what the Knights of Columbus are about and they will tell you that the KC’s perform projects and organize events in the parish. The programs that we do as Knights are what defines our Order as a whole. Programs conducted by Councils should always be centered on good wholesome Church, Family, Youth, Council, Community and Pro-Life events. Men join our ranks just for these programs. They see the things we do and they want to be a part of it. Our programs are a form of recruitment.

This fraternal year’s theme is “We Are Called”. As we develop and conduct our programs, concentrate on meaningful and relevant programs of action with the focus of our calling. Remember, we are the Texas Knights of Columbus – a Catholic, fraternal organization established to help our church, our families and those around us by retaining the precepts of the Holy Mother Church and the ideals of Fr. Michael J. McGivney.

To achieve Star Council status, a council must conduct 24 activities in a 12 month period, four activities in each of the following 6 areas: Family, Council, Church, Community, Pro-Life and Youth. We pride ourselves on the fact that whatever a members’ interests are, the Knights of Columbus has something in place to fulfill that interest. The following are some suggested activities a council can conduct. No council needs to undertake all of these programs nor should they be limited by these suggestions. Every council should conduct activities that work best for them. Remember, all activities being conducted should provide a level of FUN and a sense of excitement to serve others.

Family Activities
  * Family of the Month/Year
  * Pray the Rosary as a Family
  * Marriage Vow Renewal
  * Family Breakfast
  * Family Picnic
  * Easter Egg Hunt
  * Christmas Party
  * Adopt a Needy Family
  * Ladies Night
  * Memorial Mass for Deceased Members

Community Activities
• Blood Drives
• Toys-for-Tots
• Thanksgiving Baskets
• Lone Rose Program
• Habitat for Humanity
• High Blood Pressure Awareness
• Recognize and Support Public Safety Officials

Church/Vocations Activities
  * Corporate Communion
  * Priest’s Annuity
  * Living Rosary (October and May)
  * Prayer for Vocations/World Peace/End Abortion
  * Seminarian Support
  * Parish Roundtables
  * ACTS Retreat
  * Project Moses

Council Activities
  * Knight of the Month/Year
  * Shining Armor Award Program
  * Sick/Condolences Committee
  * Public Relations
  * Membership Socials
  * Clergy Night
  * Insurance Night
  * Athletic Teams (Softball, Golf, Bowling, etc.)
  * Installation/Awards Banquet
  * Host Columbus Day and Founder’s Day Events

Youth Activities
  * Columbian Squires
  * State Free Throw Tournament
  * Youth Mentoring Program
  * Recognize Altar Servers
  * Scholarships for Youth
  * Patriotic Essay Contest
  * Substance Abuse Poster Contest

Pro-Life Activities
  * Pro-Life Masses
  * Rosaries Outside Abortion Clinics
  * Sidewalk Counseling
  * Pro-Life Dinners
  * 40 Days for Life
  * Special Olympics
  * American Wheelchair Mission event
  * Volunteer for a nursing home or Veterans hospital


PACE Setters Award (Program Activities Council Excellence) 

As stated earlier, Programs is the core of the Knights of Columbus. Conducting programs for our parishes, our communities, and our diocese is what motivates us as Knights. A vast majority of the work done by the Knights goes unrecognized. The PACE Setters awards are designed to encourage councils to participate in the documentation and submittal of Service Programs. A council that submits a least 3 Service Program Competition entries by March 1, 2013 will be recognized with the PACE SETTER SILVER Award. A council that submits a least 6 Service

Program Competition entries before by March 1, 2013 will be recognized with the PACE SETTER GOLD Award. Qualifications for the awards are as follows:

PACE Setter Silver Award - Councils who submit three (3) Service Program Competition entries by March 1, 2013.
PACE Setter Gold Award - Councils who submit six (6) Service Program Competition entries by March 1, 2013.
STSP (State Council Service Program Award Entry Form) (Supreme Form)

Chris Johnson
2121 N. Banks
Pampa, TX 79065