P.O. Box 647   •    Great Falls, VA 22066

  

 
Charter Grand Knight's Fraternal Message

Each fraternal year brings new opportunities to do more charitable works and to carry on a tradition of unity, fraternalism and patriotism. A refreshing beginning of new resolutions for the future. However, I can't help thinking that it's always time to take a serious evaluation of our attitude toward our chosen commitment to the Knights of Columbus. How do we prioritize the activities of the Knights of Columbus in our conduct and our total responsibilities? "It certainly shouldn't come before family, and our job is also a top priority. School and higher education is part of improving our value. And then there are other things like scouts, little league, ballet, and gymnastics. WOW! When I rank all of these, where do the Knights of Columbus fit? I just can't sacrifice these very important things in my life. So I'll try to do whatever I can. But you've got to realize; it can't be too much. I have these other important responsibilities too!" Sound familiar? If it does, then let us examine our attitude. If the attitude I just described fits, and if it is completely correct, then the only people who belong in the Knights of Columbus are "Old Duffs" in retirement, single guys or independent millionaires, those who have nothing else to do. Right? Who else could find the time to attend all these different meetings and ceremonies, and take part in charity, family and spiritual events?

Let me assure you that most of the very active Knights of Columbus have large, young, busy families and challenging professional lives too. Their daily schedules are filled with responsibilities. Does this surprise you? If it does, then what is the correct attitude? What are the priorities of most members, who do come to meetings and do sacrifice other commitments? First of all, they don't compare the Knights of Columbus and its obligations against other non-spiritual commitments in their lives. Their attitude is to infuse the principles of the Knights of Columbus into everything they do. Their commitment to the Knights of Columbus complements their love of God, their love of His church, and the sacrifices they want to offer. They decided to become Knights in order to do more than just go to church each Sunday. They decided to make the Knights of Columbus a part of their religious experience and their family's quality of life. It is an honor to serve Him with sacrifices through the Knights, and like many others before us since 1882, young and old, they will reap spiritual rewards in this life and the next for the benefit of their families, their jobs, and themselves. Coming to a meeting for a couple of hours, one or two nights a month should not be so onerous that your fellow members must carry on without you. If you are to be a Knight of Columbus and being true to your pledges, you are expected to take up the cross of Jesus and the responsibility of working in unity with your fellow members. You are asked to offer your very needed talents for the good of the church and the benefit of our nation. It's a wonderful experience and you made the proper choice, and your family is and always will be proud of you. Enjoy the fellowship and the family partnership, get involved. Let us pray that God, through the Holy Spirit, will bless all the Knights and their families during this fraternal year as we prepare for the millennium.

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