Program Manual

Message from Programming Director

Joe Torres, Programs Director

“Simple, but effective Programs keeps members active and ensures Council Growth”

Programs conducted by Councils should always be centered on good wholesome Church, Family, Youth, Council, and Community events. This fraternal year’s theme is “The Passion to Serve”. As we develop and conduct our programs, remember to concentrate on meaningful and relevant programs of action with the desire to Serve. 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 suggestions on activities a council can conduct. No council need undertake all of these programs or 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

This award is designed to encourage councils to participate in the documentation and submittal of Service Programs. Qualifications for the award are as follows:

  • PACE Setter Status - Councils who submit three (3) Service Programs by March 1, 2112.
  • PACE Setter Award - Councils who submit (6) Service Programs by March 1, 2012. Award will to be presented at the 2012 State Convention.
  • STSP (State Council Service Program Award Entry Form) (Supreme Form) – must be filled and mailed at anytime, but no later than March 1, 2012 to

State Programs Director:
Joe Torres
7118 Crapemyrtle Dr
Corpus Christi, Texas 78414

NOTE: These STSP forms will be the foundation for councils to submit their entires for the State Program Booklet Award (Scrapbook) that is also awarded at the convention.