The Knights of Columbus defends the dignity of each human being at every stage of life. Respect for the dignity of life demands a commitment to human rights across a broad spectrum. Both as Knights of Columbus and as followers of Christ, “Catholics must be committed to the defense of life in all its stages and in every condition” (St. John Paul II, 1995). Knights work together to build a culture of life and a civilization of love. 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
The Knights of Columbus encourages others to choose life through public support of the pro-life cause. 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. The Knights of Columbus has a unique partnership with the Special Olympics and has helped disabled athletes train for and compete in games around the world. 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. Without the support of the Knights, participants would not be able to train for the events that they love. 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 Special Olympic Report Form #4584, which is due January 31, for any time and money donated to Special Olympics. And remember, any activity that the council does for Special Olympics to submit the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784) after completing the event. For more information about Special Olympics got 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. 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, Pregnancy Resource Chairman, 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.
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. More than three thousand pro-life pregnancy centers now operate in jurisdictions throughout the order. With our aid, pregnancy centers can offer support to help them choose life. 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. To receive two credits, Councils are required to contact a local pregnancy center to assess its needs and support the center through fundraising, volunteering, or prayer. Remember to complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784) after completing any activities related to this program. (This is not the same as the Ultrasound Program and cannot be double counted.)
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. The protection of life is a sustained prayer intention of the Church, and in particular of the Knights of Columbus. 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.
Mass for People with Special Needs
People with special needs resulting from physical, emotional, mental or cognitive conditions are all around us in society, at school, at work and in our families. It can be challenging for these important members of our society 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. Celebrating a Mass for people with special needs can be the first of many steps toward integrating them into regular weekly or even daily Mass and more deeply into all of the Sacraments and other aspects of parish life. 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.
Christian Refugee Relief
Christians are at risk in areas all around the globe. 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.
Re... to complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784) after completing this program.
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:
Route 2
Diocese Start End
Oklahoma 11/7/2020
Ft. Worth 11/8/2020 12/3/2020
Mid Year 12/4/2020 12/6/2020
Laredo Intl. Crossing 12/9/2020 12/10/2020
Route 3
Diocese Start End
Arkansas 11/14/2020
Tyler 11/15/2020 12/3/2020
Mid Year 12/4/2020 12/6/2020
Laredo Intl. Crossing 12/9/2020 12/10/2020
Mexico 12/9/2020 12/12/2020
Return to Supreme 12/12/2020
Route 5
Diocese Start End
Louisiana 11/14/2020
Beaumont 11/15/2020 12/3/2020
Mid Year 12/4/2020 12/6/2020
Laredo Intl. Crossing 12/9/2020 12/10/2020
Return to Supreme 12/12/2020
Route 8
Diocese Start End
Dallas 5/3/2020 7/17/2020
Amarillo 7/18/2020 7/25/2020
Lubbock 7/26/2020 8/1/2020
San Angelo 8/02/2020 8/08/2020
El Paso 8/09/2020 8/22/2020
San Antonio 8/23/2020 9/5/2020
Galveston-Houston 9/6/2020 10/17/2020
Victoria 10/18/2020 10/31/2020
Corpus Christi 11/1/2020 11/14/2020
Brownsville 11/22/2020 12/3/2020
Midyear 12/4/2020 12/6/2020
Laredo Intl. Crossing 12/8/2020 12/9/2020
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.