Life

The Knights of Columbus defends the dignity of each human being at every stage of life. Your council should stand ready to assist any pregnant woman in need, care for the elderly, aid the handicapped, empower those with special needs to realize their full potential and bring attention to the injustices of abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Marches for Life (*Featured Program)

Councils are encouraged to participate in or sponsor local, state and regional Marches for Life.  Councils that coordinate at least 25 participants or who organize a local March for Life will receive credit for this program.  As a featured program, March for Life counts for two credits toward the Columbian award if council meet the requirements. However, Councils that are unable to meet these requirements can still participate in these programs for one credit toward the Columbian Award.  The council must submit the Fraternal Program Report Form #10784 when completed. Councils can order brochures, posters and Choose Life Signs (#9341) at www.kofc.org/march.

Special Olympics (*Featured Program)
The purpose of this program is to celebrate the intrinsic worth and dignity of every single human being through the Special Olympics. Knights of Columbus councils have assisted with all aspects of the program from fundraising to feeding the athletes, organizing and judging events, and providing equipment and awards. Work with Special Olympics affiliates to determine how best to fund, sponsor or volunteer for events in the local community.

As a featured program, Special Olympics counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award as long as a council provides at least $2,000 in donations or 200 service hours in a fraternal year. Councils that do not donate the minimum dollars or service hours, it is important that they still submit the Fraternal Programs Report Form- Life (#10784), which is due January 31, for any time / money donated to Special Olympics.  And remember, to submit the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784)  for any activity that the council does for Special Olympics after completing the event. For more information about Special Olympics go to www.kofc.org/olympics or contact Chris Hoefer, Texas Special Olympics Chairman (info found under Charities).

Ultrasound Program (*Featured Program)

Andrew Clark, Chairman

The purpose of this program is to save lives by helping each abortion-minded woman who visits a pro-life pregnancy care center to choose life by viewing her unborn child on an ultrasound machine. This initiative is funded by state and local councils and matching grants from the Supreme Council’s Culture of Life Fund. The Knights of Columbus works together to purchase ultrasound machines for qualifying pregnancy centers. After the state and local council raises 50% of the cost, the Supreme Council will provide the other 50% to complete funding for purchase of an ultrasound. Or, if the council raises 100% of the cost of a vehicle outfitted to serve as a mobile medical unit for a pregnancy center, the Supreme Council will provide 100% of the funds for an ultrasound machine to be used in that vehicle. The Knights of Columbus has donated over 1000 ultrasound machines worldwide since the program started in 2009. In Texas, the Knights have donated 81 during that time period.

There are several steps that need to be done to complete this program. Please contact Andrew Clark, State Ultrasound Program Director, for help and guidance with all the necessary steps. All forms should be submitted to Andrew before submitting to Supreme. For more information and to order Ultrasound guidebook, brochures, and posters, go to www.kofc.org/ultrasound. A featured program, Ultrasound Program counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award when the minimum requirements have been met.

Christian Refugee Relief

The Knights of Columbus Christian Refugee Relief Fund has provided humanitarian assistance, primarily in Iraq, Syria, and the surrounding region. Councils will aid this cause by collaborating with their parishes to spread awareness and raise funds to help these Christians and those in their care. In particular, councils are encouraged to utilize Solidarity Crosses as a fundraiser and prayer campaign in their parishes. Councils can order a Christian Refugee Relief brochures, prayer cards, and posters at www.kofc.org/refugee.

Remember to complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784) after completing this program.

Mass for People with Special Needs

It can be challenging for people with special needs to participate in church due to physical and social barriers, or even family member anxiety. Councils will sponsor a distinct Mass, conducted annually, for people with special needs. Holding this Mass sends the message that all of God’s children are welcome under the parish roof and that every person is an integral part of the parish family. Additional information about hosting a Mass for People with Special Needs can be found at www.kofc.org/mpsn. Remember to complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784) after completing this event.

Pregnancy Center Support (*Featured Program)
The purpose of this program is to change the hearts and minds of society about abortion by showing that we love both mother and child before and after birth.  Councils can provide material, financial, labor and other support to pro-life pregnancy centers that help pregnant women during pregnancy and following the birth of their newborn children. Councils can “adopt” a pregnancy center and provide material, labor, and spiritual support throughout the year. For more information including brochures and posters, go to www.kofc.org/support. Remember to complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784) after completing any activities related to this program. As a featured program, Pregnancy Center Support counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award when the minimum requirements have been met.

Silver Rose

Tom Krueger, Chairman

The plan for the Silver Rose this year is to start the pilgrimage as soon as the restrictions allow Councils to do so. The current holders of the Silver Rose have been asked to continue to retain until provided further direction. Supreme will start by following the published schedule as soon as public prayer services are allowed.

The schedule for Texas is as follows:

Additional information on the Silver Rose may be found at: http://kofc.org/en/what-we-do/faith-in-action-programs/life/silver-rose.html.  Remember to complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784) after completing your Silver Rose event.

Novena for Life
The purpose of this program is to lead your community in the spiritual fight to establish a culture of life in our nations. Knights and their families will come together in both public and private acts of prayer to promote the protection of life. To commemorate and bolster this important cause, councils will promote a novena, nine days of sustained prayer, to build up a culture of life in our parishes, homes and wider community.

Councils can order Novena for Life prayer cards, posters, and a guide sheet at www.kofc.org/novena.  Remember to complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784) after completing the Novena for Life.