Activity Ideas from your State Service Directors

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• Church Activity Ideas - State Church Director Ed Mele Jr., PSD 

  • CHURCH PROGRAM THOUGHTS The lay apostolate (you and me), must respond to the call to action in the Work of the Church. Your council has the numbers, the organization, and the communication ability to get involved and spread the “Good New” of the Lord throughout the Christian community. Initiate programs through which members can practice their Catholic duties in the fields of charity, devotion and education. We all know that the summer months are the hardest to get things done. But having a positive attitude and not losing any time, you and your officers, directors, chairmen can all have action in your monthly meeting to go over projects - pro and con. Pick out ones that pertain to your council and parish’s strengths and needs. The following are categories and positive actions for Church Activities. RELIGIOUS DEVOTION PAROCHIAL SERVICES COUNCIL CHURCH ACTIVITIES

    Religious Devotions Offer the Council’s service to the Pastor. Set up a calendar for the members and their families to assist at Mass as Greeters, Ushers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Collectors (Gift Bearers; Food Pantry for example Brown Bag Sunday, depending on age children can be Altar Servers. Plan with the Pastor to have a monthly Saturday “Clean Up Day” of the Church inside and outside. Fix up small repairs (like kneelers and such). All Council members and families can donate their time and materials. Take part in the Welcoming Committee along with other parishioners, to welcome new parishioners to the parish with a signing in and a reception. Make them feel at home. Ask permission of Pastor to have a Knights Bulletin Board in Church and Keep un-dating it with KofC News, Information of catholic doings, Keep Christ in Christmas, Knights Christmas cards. 5 Dedicate your council to attend whatever Mass one attends and sit as a Family group, so parishioners can see a visible sign of the Knights. In May and November have a special Mass for Blessed Mother Mary in May and a Deceased Members and their families Mass in November with the Knights putting on a reception after. During the year at Thanksgiving time and Easter time have a contingent of Members and families as a group attend with other parishioners in the Ecumenical Services put on by the area Clergy. Walk the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

    Parochial Services “Adopt a Catholic School “program, during school vacations; summer time to fix up. paint, day with School Principles or officials. The council can Supply the paint, tools and etc. Members and families can bring their own cleaning supplies. Purchase uniforms for athletic teams of the local Catholic School or CYO Team.. Sponsor CYO teams and attend all games if possible, being a coach, Manager etc. for both school CYO. Catholic Holidays in parochial school and religious education are outlawed in public school. To off-set this councils could offer aide to teachers, to assist in creating themes with background scenes, costumes and helping with Rehearsals. Offer the council and their families to take part in the Religious Education Program as teachers, teachers aides, office helpers, monitors; hail and outdoors, arts and crafts helpers, also with materials and supplies. To make presentations of religious pamphlets available to the Religious Education and the RICA programs. As well as distributing Rosary’s to Confirmation Candidates in both programs. Have council put on a Communion breakfast for the First Communion Children in the parish center or hail, a small religious token would be nice Reminder of the Knights. Also for Reconciliation students pamphlets are available from Supreme. Host a dinner for the Confirmation candidates- husbands, wives and children can prepare, clean up after. Have linen table cloths and napkins In red/white motif. The Rosaries can be given at that time.

    Council Church Activities January has National Vocations Awareness Week and April has World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The vocation committee of each council should Plan with the Pastor and the Vocation Committee of the Parish to have a Gathering of young men and women along with seminarians, postulants, priests and sister as guest speakers to tell of the reason why they said yes And how their lives are. Videos can be used at this function. A reception should follow. Offer assistance to the Pastor with the Saint Vincent DePaul Program. With (2) two Knights interviewing those requesting assistance and then delivering To the ones not able to get out. Even though most Pastors are chaplains of councils; invite the pastor once a month to come to the council meeting to give talks on our religion. Such as “Our call to Evangelization” and other subjects that will help us to Understand our faith better. Spread the Good News about the Catholic faith in the Church community by maintaining a Catholic video lending Library for use by the parish and council families. Once an accumulation of videos are available lend them to Members, their families and parishioners. Prepare a sign out sheet and keep track of who takes what video and a time to return them on time and in good condition. Consider setting a price for renting the videos, a non-perishable food item that then can be donated to the local Soup Kitchen Organize a study group between knights , their families, parishioners, their families to read and discuss Pope John Paul II apostolic exhortation On the role of the laity, “Christifideis Laici”. Lay people need to know more about what our role in the future of the Church will be. Christifidelis Laici can be found in any Catholic Religious Book Store. Utilize the Catholic Information Service, located at the Supreme Council Office. CIS produces pamphlets outlining Catholic Doctrine on many topics. Consider setting up a rack of information of CIS material in local parishes so that parishioners or visiting non-Catholics can have them available as resources. A complete listing of pamphlets can be Obtained by writing to the Catholic Information Services, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510 Promote membership in the Father Michael J. McGivney Guild. The Guild serves as a source for information about the life, works and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild distributes informational materials about him, receives reports of favors granted through his intercession and oversees the distribution of relics. Guild members are invited to participate in promoting devotion to this Servant of God. To join the Guild, call 203-752-4087 or register directly on their web site, www. father McGivney.org

• Community Activity Ideas - State Community Director Ray LeMay, FDD

  • Knights of Columbus throughout the world conduct service programs in the areas of church, council, community, family and youth.  Annually, councils endeavor to complete four (4) activities within each of these five (5) categories.  In doing so, they qualify for the Knights of Columbus Columbian Award presented annually after the end of the fraternal year.  Winning this award is an indication of the council’s resolve in attaining a high standard of excellence in furthering the cause of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney.         On the following pages, I have assembled a group of activities for the community portion of the Columbian Award.  Councils may utilize these examples in completing their programs.

    TITLE:  SPAGHETTI DINNER FUND RAISER   OBJECTIVE:  To raise funds for community wide programs such the South Manchester Little League baseball team.   DESCRIPTION:  My council has sponsored a team here in Manchester for the past 50 years.  There have been times when the funds were not readily available and a fund raiser was needed.  All Knights have at one time or another purchased tickets to a meal sponsored by an organization for the purpose of raising funds for some noteworthy cause.  Most if not all councils have at one time or another sponsored a meal as a fund raiser.  Whether it is for the renovation project at our local parish or the raising of funds to send the local high school band to participate in the annual Rose Bowl Parade, the general public will support the effort.   The council may not necessarily have to be the sponsor of the dinner, but instead they could be the recipients of the meal.   Of importance here is the fact that proper prior planning is paramount in successfully conducting this activity.  Over the course of a year, several dinners could be sponsored thereby allowing the charitable donation to grow.  After all, the more funds you raise; the less you have to take out of the council’s funds.   RESOURCES:  Not much more than three or four members with the ability to prepare the meal and then serve it are required.  A standard roll of tickets and a ticket salesman will be needed to collect the price of the meal in exchange for a ticket to present at the serving counter for your meal.  IMPORTANCE:  8   TIP:  Naturally, the more frequently you do this type of program, the larger it becomes.  A meal of this kind, done on a monthly basis, with the proceeds going to a charitable cause will draw a steady group of participants.  However, you must ensure that you publicize the fact that the proceeds are going to a charitable cause.

    TITLE:  KIDNEY FUND CAN DRIVE   OBJECTIVE:  To raise funds to help support the New Hampshire State Council’s State Kidney Program.   DESCRIPTION:  Knights throughout the State of New Hampshire have for many years collected aluminum cans for the purpose of raising funds for the kidney program.  The costs of medications have steadily increased over the years and for those with a limited income at times is far greater than they could afford.  This program was established to help relieve the burden of purchasing medications for those patients requiring financial assistance.  A quarterly allotment of $250.00 was set in 1975 and it has not been increased since that time.  Through this program the New Hampshire State Council currently supports approximately 20 patients.  At the May 2007 convention the State Council approved a recommendation to increase the quarterly allotment to $300.00.   This increase will help to eliminate patient worries in receiving their needed medications.    RESOURCES:  Not much more is required than a collection point for the donated cans and a brother knight with the ability to transport them to a recycling center.  Good record keeping is essential so that the monies received for the cans recycled can be tracked and reported annually to the membership.   IMPORTANCE:  9   TIP:   Make sure that the contact information for your chairman and the collection point is well publicized.

    TITLE:  COUNCIL PARTICIPATION IN CHRISTMAS PARADE   OBJECTIVE:  To participate in a community wide activity and establish your council as a member of the civic minded organization.   DESCRIPTION:  Communities throughout the region sponsor a Christmas parade.  Many knights have traditionally participated in these by either building a float or marching as a group in the parade.  Coordinating the council’s efforts in participating with those of the local Fourth Degree Assembly, a large contingent of brother knights could participate both on a float and marching.  Some communities have tried to change the event from a “Christmas Parade” to a “Holiday Parade”; but through the efforts of Knights of Columbus, the plan failed.  A banner proclaiming “Keep Christ in Christmas” on the sides of the float emphasizes “the reason for the season”.  In addition, the handing out of candy to the children along the parade route is a must.  Of course, the candy of choice is tootsie rolls, and to pass them out, the local members of the Columbian Squires.  The camaraderie established during the different phases of the planning, organizing and executing of this project could very well enhance the recruiting efforts of all groups.  Working together for a common goal also helps to bond these organizations into a single brotherhood.    RESOURCES:  The appointment of a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and resourceful individual as chairman is paramount to accomplishing these goals.  The importance of starting early, even six (06) months to plan and organize is essential.  The coordination and cooperation required between the Columbian Squires Circle, the local assembly and your council needed to bring this task to a successful conclusion may be demanding, but rewarding in the long term.  The building of a float will require a flatbed trailer and a vehicle to tow it.  A generator for the sound system and the lighting for the float will also be needed.   For the tootsie rolls that will be given out, have a wagon to cart them down the parade route.  Aprons for the Squires handing out the candy could be the ones used for the Tootsie Roll drive.   IMPORTANCE:  4   Tip:  Proper planning of this program cannot be over emphasized.  Coordinating the planning, keeping the lines of communications open and working together is essential.  Nurturing civilian contacts in the community through the use of Certificates of Appreciation or in some other recognized manner could simplify future voluntary participation.

    TITLE:  COUNCIL ADOPT A HIGHWAY/ROAD PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE:  To support the environment by accepting the responsibility for a short stretch of highway and agree to keep the roadside clean of litter.   DESCRIPTION:  All too often while driving the highways and byways, we see the accumulated trash strewn from passing vehicles.  We see the Styrofoam cups, wrappers from the hamburgers, beer bottles and cans, the newspapers and assorted trash carelessly thrown from our cars and trucks.  The lit cigarette thrown from the car lands next to a piece of paper and ignites.  Thus starts another wild fire, the possible destruction of an ecosystem, our homes and even the lives of wildlife.  Organizations volunteering to help clean up the environment need to contact the state or local highway department for guidance.  Typically, once a section of roadway is assigned, (usually a half mile to two (02) miles), a sign is posted on the roadside identifying the group or organization responsible for its cleanliness.    RESOURCES:  Not much is required other than volunteers, (six to eight members) to clean up the roadside is needed.   Supplies of bags are provided by the state or local highway department.  If not provided reflective orange safety vests should be purchased and worn.   IMPORTANCE:  4   TIP:  Make sure that once on the roadway, safety is observed.  At least one individual should be assigned to monitor traffic.  When picking up trash, gloves should be worn to avoid contamination and if possible

    TITLE:  CANNED FOOD DRIVE FOR FOOD PANTRY   OBJECTIVE:       To raise food supplies for the local food kitchen/pantry.       DESCRIPTION:  Regardless of the name, whether it is called the food pantry of the food kitchen, most cities have one located therein.  Every day meal is provided gratis to the poor, homeless or to the destitute in the area.  Since they operate as a charitable organization, funding is not available through the local government.  They are totally reliant on the generosity of the community to fund and provide the necessities for their program.  Through the collection of canned goods and dry goods a council can help support this worthwhile group.  The collection can be a one time or a continuous on going project with deliveries monthly, quarterly or as often as needed or practical.  When coordinated with the staff of the food pantry, the collection can be specific, such as for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.   RESOURCES:  Not much more than having a chairman and a collection point is required.  Eventually though, a means of transporting the collected food stuffs will be needed.  You will also need the assistance of a few brother knights to help in the delivery of the donated food.   IMPORTANCE:  6   TIP:  Check with the local food pantry as to what specific needs they may have.  Maintain a close liaison with them in order to update requirements as needed.  Ensure that information on the program is well publicized.

    TITLE:  MEAL SERVERS AT THE FOOD KITCHEN   OBJECTIVE:  To assist the local soup kitchen in providing a meal to the poor, homeless or destitute persons in the community.   DESCRIPTION:  Members of a council only need to serve a prepared meal at the local soup kitchen.  The kitchen already has a dedicated staff to prepare the meal but can always use assistance in serving it.  Six to eight members are required.  The continuous need for volunteers to assist in providing meals makes this a much desired activity.   RESOURCES:  The only requirement is for volunteers to assist in serving the meal. Several brother knights and their spouses could be formed into teams thereby reducing the actual number of knights needed for any one meal.  This would allow for the opportunity to help more often without utilizing the same individuals every time.   IMPORTANCE:  4   TIP:  Selecting a chairman to coordinate with the director of the soup kitchen will simplify your commitment.  Appointing team captains will also simplify communications between the members and prevent possible confusion as to their date of participation

    TITLE:  BINGO AT THE VETERANS HOSPITAL/HOME   OBJECTIVE:  To provide an hour or two of entertainment to the residents/patients in the local VA Hospital or Veterans home.   DESCRIPTION:  The Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) coordinates volunteer efforts at all Veterans facilities in the United States.  Members of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus are primarily responsible for providing support to veterans.  Councils located within the local area of a veteran’s facility may also provide support by sponsoring bingo games.  If not specifically sponsoring an evening themselves, a council may support an assembly by assisting them.  Patients/residents look forward to these games and are very appreciative of the efforts made to provide this entertainment.  In some instances, some patients/residents rarely have visitors and the interactions they have with visitors such as the knights are the only ones have.  It is not unusual to find brother knights and their spouses working side by side in providing an evening of entertainment.    RESOURCES:  The amount of support varies from place to place.  When scheduling an evening, the social director at the hospital/home can help in determining requirements.  Traditionally, six (06) to twelve (12) members are needed.  Refreshments and snacks which are provided either during or after the games are also needed.  Snacks could be packages of crackers and cheese or crackers and peanut butter or even ice cream cups.  Bottles of soda, such as cola, root beer, grape or orange flavored served in an 8 ounce cup are acceptable.   The cost of refreshments and snacks would vary depending on the amount of players and visitors but $15.00 should be sufficient for most.  Game winners receive $1.00 and the final black out game is usually worth about $10.00.   IMPORTANCE:  3   TIP:  An experienced bingo caller, in addition to volunteers to verify winners and some to actually assist veterans in playing their cards would be needed.  Diet drinks would also be preferable due to potential medical (diabetic) reactions.

    TITLE:  WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE FOR NEEDY   OBJECTIVE:  To collect winter clothing for the poor or needy within the area.   DESCRIPTION:  Every year we tend to keep an eye on the styles of the day and buy clothing accordingly.  During this annual renewal of clothing, we find ourselves over burdened with an accumulation of clothing we could consider excess.  This is the clothing that we will not wear for various reasons; whether it is because of style or preference or even because we have outgrown it.  Rather than keeping it and cluttering our closets why not give it to a charitable organization who can give it to someone in need.  The need for warm, serviceable winter clothing is forever present and organizations such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul are always looking for some.  The collection could be done over a weekend or in conjunction with monthly meetings.   RESOURCES:  Without saying, a chairman is should be appointed and with the help of a few members this could be accomplished without too much difficulty.  A place to temporarily store the collected items will be needed, as will boxes to transport the donated clothing to the charitable organization.  All items received will have to be checked for cleanliness and serviceability before packing.  Sorting items by size and sex is not required but items needing repairs should only be given after the repairs have been made.    IMPORTANCE:  8   TIP:  Requests for clothing should specify that the items be cleaned and serviceable.  That is to say, no holes, no buttons missing or broken zippers in the items collected.

    TITLE:  BATTERED WOMEN SUPPORT DRIVE   OBJECTIVE:  To help provide necessary or needed health and comfort items and possibly other items as requested by the local Social Services Director in support of a battered women shelter.   DESCRIPTION:  The local community Social Services Program sponsors a battered women shelter program.  This program assists these victims of abuse by providing them with a secure living space and aids them in restarting their lives.  These women sometimes with children are provided a secure living environment in order to protect them from an abusing spouse or partner.  More often than not, they arrive at the shelter without funds and maybe with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing.  Through the director of the shelter, a list of needed supplies can be obtained and councils can sponsor a drive to collect as much as they can.  Once collected, a phone call to the director can be made to coordinate the delivery.    RESOURCES:  As with any other collection drive, a place to store the received donations, boxes to pack them up and finally transport to deliver them.  Publicize your program and have sufficient members maybe four or five to handle the program.  The collection could be done in conjunction with your regular monthly meeting or as an all out collection drive.   IMPORTANCE:  4   TIP:  Remember that in order to protect the victims of abuse, the location of these shelters are kept confidential and chances are that you will be asked to deliver the collected items to an office or a predetermined meeting place.

    TITLE:  NEIGHBORHOOD SPRING CLEANING   OBJECTIVE:  To participate in a community wide spring neighborhood cleanup program.   DESCRIPTION:  Communities throughout the country sponsor spring cleaning programs within the city/town.  These programs assist the neighborhood in getting their streets, sidewalks, parks and playgrounds cleaned from the accumulated trash and debris from the winter.  Participating in such a program provides the council with the opportunity to become recognized and a part of the local community.  The importance of fostering and maintaining good public relations within the community is necessary if the council intends to grow.  Assisting in their cleanup activities allows you the opportunity to become known and demonstrates to the community your desire to be active within the area.   RESOURCES:  The participation of the membership is imperative to the success of this program.  Besides members, you will need shovels, brooms, rakes and trash barrels.  Separate recyclables from the trash and dispose appropriately.   IMPORTANCE:  3   TIP:  Once the cleanup program is completed it may be appropriate to continue a monthly walk through to ensure the area remains clean.

    TITLE:  SUPPORT FOR MARCH FOR LIFE PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE:  To show our support for the Right to Life program by organizing and/or participating in the annual campaign.   DESCRIPTION:  During January of every year and in conjunction with the date of the Roe v. Wade decision by the U. S. Supreme Court legalizing abortion, pro-life supporters from across the country gather in Washington, D.C. to conduct the annual March for Life.  The Knights of Columbus have been a visible participant in these marches since 1973.  Since everyone who would like to participate in this event cannot, why not organize a March for Life in your community.   RESOURCES:  With the assistance of the Council Pro-life couple, organize a march for life or demonstration within your community.  Contact your chaplain, the pastors of the local parishes and members of the clergy requesting their support.  Request they advertise your actions in their parish bulletins and to make a pulpit invitation to their parishioners to participate.  Contact pro-life organizations in the area and ask for their support and participation in the event.  Invite Pro-Life elected officials to show their support by addressing the group and invite.   IMPORTANCE:  6   TIP:  Local pro-life organizations may already have a planned activity in the works, in which case you could easily offer your support and participation.  Since January is mid winter and if your activity is outside; be sure to provide someplace to warm up and possibly some hot coffee.

    TITLE:  BLUE MASS TO HONOR LAW ENFORCEMENTOFFICIALS   OBJECTIVE:  To render honors to our police officers, lawyers, judges and all others involved in law enforcement in any capacity.   DESCRIPTION:  This program allows us and everyone else in the community to show their support for these special individuals.  Following the mass, a brief program honoring the “Officer of the Year” or “Lawyer of the Year” could be presented with an award and followed with a short reception.  Annually, the Diocese of Manchester holds such a mass with the assistance of the legal profession.  Coordinating with the Diocese, the Manchester area councils could assist them in their program.  Other cities and towns could coordinate with others to do the same in their area.       RESOURCES:  Coordinate efforts with the local police department and with legal offices in the area.  Law firms could be instrumental in helping with the reception part of the program.  They could also be of assistance in gaining support from others to participate.  Your local parish can sponsor the mass and provide the hall for the reception.  Besides a chairman you should also plan for the cleanup afterwards.  This is also a good time to set up a display showing how the Knights of Columbus support and honor their “blue knights” by explaining the spiritual and material benefits of membership in the order.  Who knows, you could pick up a few new members.  Requesting nominations for these awards from the various police departments and from the lawyers groups could encourage their participation in the program.  It would also be highly advantageous to have the Knights of Columbus Insurance Agency represented.   IMPORTANCE:  2   TIP:  In order to gain acceptance and participation remind officials that this program is nondenominational and open to all.   Consider inviting the governor, mayor or other elected official to make the presentation.

    TITLE:  RED MASS TO HONOR FIREFIGHTERS AND PARAMEDICS   OBJECTIVE:  To honor the firefighters, their support crews and the paramedics in our community.   DESCRIPTION:  This program allows us and the community the opportunity to thank these hard working professionals who daily risk their lives to provide us a safe environment to live in.  The risk to firefighters is constant and they live with the knowledge that their chosen profession is highly dangerous.  Once again, working with our local parishes and these organizations we could put a program together of a mass with a reception following.  At the reception you could honor the selected “Firefighter of the Year” and “Paramedic of the Year” with an appropriate award.  Invite the local elected officials to attend and make the presentation with you.     RESOURCES:  Coordinate your efforts with the local fire department and paramedic/ambulance service. Ensure they understand that this is open to all and not only Catholics.  Once again, work with your parishes to plan the mass and reception.  Solicit the aid and support of local businesses in providing refreshments and snacks for the reception.  Request that the fire department and paramedics provide you with the names with a short bio for each candidate for the awards.   IMPORTANCE:  3   TIP:  Remember to set up an information booth/table and invite the insurance program representatives. Set aside time and personnel for cleanup afterwards.

    TITLE:  GET OUT THE VOTE PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE:  To assist voters to get to the polls to vote during an election.   DESCRIPTION:  Records show that during an election, in some instances less than half of the registered voters go to the polls to vote.  There are many reasons for this and for a good number of them it is that they have no means of getting there.  Excuses range from working, going to school, too busy to go; it won’t make a difference or didn’t have a way to get there.  Whatever the reason, possibly the worst is not being able to get there.   We have the opportunity to help decide how our government will operate.  We cannot afford to lose that right by not voting. We must do everything we can to go out and vote and to help others do the same.     RESOURCES:  Contact your local election officials to provide you with the information needed to set up a transportation system for elections.  People desiring to vote would call a number and a driver would be dispatched to pick them up, take them to the polls and return them home.   IMPORTANCE:  2   TIP:  Attempt to pick up several people in one trip to minimize fuel expenditure.

    TITLE:  TOOTSIE ROLL CAMPAIGN   OBJECTIVE:  To collect funds by selling tootsie rolls for handicapped children community programs.   DESCRIPTION:  Every year knights across the country hold a tootsie roll campaign in order to collect funds to assist organizations working with and helping handicapped children.  Knights gather at a pre-selected site, and solicit donations in exchange for a tootsie roll.  This is also a time for members to socialize, have fun and meet people.   Ideal locations are malls, department stores, home improvement centers and grocery stores.    RESOURCES:  Unless your council has never conducted such an event, most of the required materials should already by on hand.  Standard equipment includes the donation cans and aprons.  If you do not have any, they maybe requisitioned at the same time that you place your order for tootsie rolls with the State Council chairman.  Once you receive your supplies, select a chairman and have him organize the drive.  Once completed, submit the collected funds to the state chairman and inform him to whom you wish the donation to go to.  He will in turn ensure that after the cost of supplies is deducted, that a check is issued to that charitable organization and forwarded to you for delivery to them.    IMPORTANCE:  8   TIP:   When organizing your drive; prepare a time schedule for member’s participation.  Unless members want to stay longer, the average time slot for each should be no longer than about two to three hours.  Very often people will want to know who you are and why you’re doing this.  Try to have someone available to answer questions and talk to them. This could be a great time to recruit.

    TITLE:  CHRISTMAS BELL RINGING     OBJECTIVE:  To assist the Salvation Army raise funds to support their Christmas assistance programs.   DESCRIPTION:  Annually from Thanksgiving to Christmas the Salvation Army has bell ringers with collection pots located almost everywhere.  Through these collections, they are able to fund their food basket, toys, and clothing and assorted gift donations for needy families during the holiday season.  Most bell ringers are volunteers from various organizations and sometimes individuals giving of their time to help others.  Councils who have participated in this activity have had an enormous great time singing and ringing and wishing others greetings of the season.  What a great way to spend time with fellow knights than by wishing others a merry Christmas an a happy New Year.  After all, it is a festive time and most everyone is happy to donate.   RESOURCES:  Select a chairman and have him contact the local Salvation Army center.  They will add you to their volunteer list and supply you with the place and time.  Although they do not require a minimum amount of time, an eight hour time from would be ideal.  Two or three members, filling a two hour time slot would be great.   IMPORTANCE:  4   TIP:  Since it is cold out, dress warmly and have someone bring coffee or hot chocolate to refresh.

    TITLE:  MONTHLY ROSARY TO END ABORTION   OBJECTIVE:  To pray the rosary monthly to end abortion.   DESCRIPTION:  With the assistance of the parish, you could organize a monthly prayer group to pray the rosary to end abortion. Our Holy Mother has requested us to pray the rosary and this is one way to accomplish that goal.  This simple act is an effective tool to combat the evils of the world.  Besides praying the rosary ourselves, we could get many more people involved by doing it at our parishes.   RESOURCES:  Supreme has a poster (#2073) urging the recitation of the rosary and a prayer card with the pro-life prayer by Pope John Paul II on the back (#2072) are available at no charge from the supply Department.  Request the use of the church from your pastor and ask that he insert a notice in the parish bulletin explaining the program.    IMPORTANCE:  8   TIP:  Ask for volunteers to lead each decade of the rosary.   This could be arranged to be held on a regular schedule.

    TITLE:  RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE:  To conduct a blood drive to assist the American Red Cross in maintaining a supply of blood for emergency uses.   The Knights of Columbus Blood Drive Program has been in existence for many years.  There are members who on their own donate blood every three months.  There are councils who conduct blood drives at least quarterly.  The need for blood is an ever present requirement.  The Red Cross is always asking for blood donations and we can help in getting it for them.  It may also be possible to assist another organization in conducting a blood drive.  It is not necessary that you have a location to hold the drive, since the Red Cross may already have that.    RESOURCES:  Contact the local Red Cross to set up a date.  They will coordinate where and when to hold a drive.  The drive may be held at their facility or somewhere else.  If not in their facility, they would need help in setting up.  A crew of eight to ten members would be ideal to assist in the setting up, serving drinks and snacks and the tear down following the drive.   IMPORTANCE:  8   TIP:  The ideal location for a blood drive is one where there are no stairs involved.  In addition, once the drive is completed, ensure a report is submitted to the State Council Blood Drive Chairman.

    TITLE:  COMMEMORATE CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS   OBJECTIVE:  To pay tribute our Order’s patron and to commemorate his accomplishments.   DESCRIPTION:  In 1492 Christopher Columbus led Europe to a new world.  In 1493, he first set foot in what is now Puerto Rico, and in following years explored much of what we now know as Cuba, coastal Central and South America.  This is also a means of honoring the man who expanded the known world and brought Christianity to new peoples.  There are many ways of accomplishing this.  Councils could sponsor a youth essay or a poster contest.   You could donate books, recordings or videos on Columbus to your local parishes or school library.   RESOURCES:  Posters, books and videos are available from Order’s supply department.  Available are also coloring books (#2016) and crayons (AD 26) which could be donated to pre-schools or handed out during Columbus Day activities.   IMPORTANCE:  2   TIP:  Most items are free of charge, some like the coloring books and crayons have a cost of $.25 each.  For a minor expense you could achieve much.

    TITLE:  VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION NIGHT   OBJECTIVE:  To recognize outstanding volunteer efforts by members of the Knights of Columbus.   DESCRIPTION:  There are those amongst us who are always at the front of the line when the call for assistance is made.  They are the ones who consistently volunteer their time and talents to ensure things get done.  Whether it is to prepare for a function, to clean the council home or do the landscaping around it or   to come forward and assist with the cooking or serving of meals for functions or to clean up afterwards. They are the ones who are always there; at every meeting, at every function, whenever a group of knights get together.  It is not only for the Knights of Columbus but they are also there for their parish and community.  An appropriate way of honoring these individuals is to organize a council dinner and award presentation.   RESOURCES:  In the United States, one week in April is designated as “National Volunteer Week”.  In 2008 it is April 27 – May 3. This is a great time to offer your volunteers some well deserved praise.  Certificates may be ordered through the Financial Secretary from the supply department as well as presentation folders.   IMPORTANCE:  10   TIP:  Plan this event well in advance to ensure certificates are on hand for presentation.  It is also appropriate to recognize the spouses of these volunteers.  If it wasn’t for the blessings of the spouse, they would not be the volunteers that they are.

    
     

• Council Activity Ideas - State Council Director Joe Kowalik, GK 4961 

  • Note: These ideas for Council Programs were the initial development of Robert Jursik Your local council continues this vital purpose by providing programs distinctly created for members alone. Naturally, all councils concentrate on programs of charity for youth and families, for their churches, and for their communities. But as fundamental as any of these must be charity for ourselves. Fraternal programs are identified as those activities undertaken by councils that provide for the building of unity and brotherhood among its members. Though these programs may have ancillary benefit to a local church, or to members' families and so on, their prime objective is for the benefit of the brotherhood. What follows here is a description of 20 fraternal programs your council may consider as part of your portfolio of service. They may be implemented as stand-alone projects or they may be incorporated as part of other projects. They may be adapted to the particular arrangements and circumstances of your local council for maximum effect – or they may serve as an inspiration for different fraternal programs altogether. In any event, their purpose is to build an appreciation for the imperative necessity of fraternalism.

    TITLE: NAME BADGE PROGRAM  OBJECTIVE: To assist members in identifying each other and themselves at functions and meetings   DESCRIPTION: All Knights have seen them before at one time or another: various-colored name badges clipped to a shirt pocket identifying a member, his council, and any office held in the administration. They have become as ubiquitous at dinners, meetings and seminars as water pitchers or breath mints. Although I personally consider myself smart, I can forget a brother Knight's name even after several introductions. Remembering his council can be an even greater challenge. The name badge has therefore become a staple within the K of C, as recognizable to our membership as the 4th Degree's plumed chapeau. For local councils, the plain blue badge with the 3rd Degree logo is normal, both for officers and regular members. Assemblies may have the same color with the 4th Degree logo. The clip-on badge for shirt and jacket breast pockets tends to be the most common, less so the pin-on variety. Many councils purchase name badges for members as a routine expense out of their annual dues. They may also have members make monthly contributions of a dollar to pay for individual badges. In any case, a name badge program helps create council morale and unity, and is a useful way for members to form better relationships with brother Knights throughout the Order.   RESOURCES: Name badges created by The English Company or Lynch & Kelly are considered standard throughout the Order. These can usually be purchased and personalized for less than $10 each, with a nominal expense for shipping. Some councils may have particularly creative members who could produce badges for considerably less cost, if not for free. However, these rarely, if ever appear authentic and tend to characterize the council as parsimonious to a fault. Professional-looking badges signify professional organizations, and are indicative of a Catholic gentleman worthy of respect.   IMPORTANCE: 8   TIP: Similar programs can be started to purchase K of C ballcaps, jackets, medals, or any number of promotional items. Find out what your council members might like.

    TITLE: COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To keep council members informed of upcoming events and K of C news   DESCRIPTION: Few programs are as absolutely essential to a council's survival as the establishment and maintenance of an informative newsletter. I cannot begin to count the number of times I have encountered council members who have not attended a meeting in years nor have taken any part in charitable projects. Why is that, I would ask. Their answer was constant: they never knew anything was coming up. Councils without a working newsletter, produced and distributed on a fixed, repeatable schedule, are effectively doomed. Councils simply cannot efficiently communicate with their membership any other way. Although the internet has opened many new avenues of information to members, numerous Knights do not even own a computer. For them, the mailed newsletter is THE prime source of messages from council leadership. If your council does not have one, start one. If it does have one, ensure that its chairman is publishing-savvy enough to keep it current and interesting. Successful newsletters should always have a calendar of upcoming events, including State Council and church parish events. The Grand Knight should have a monthly message, either written by himself or written for him by another under his supervision. Never underestimate the value of entertainment in a newsletter either. You must endeavor to have members WANT to read it.   RESOURCES: Your newsletter chairman needs to be experienced with current desktop publishing practices. He should have some writing skill, knowledge of word processing software, and an internet connection of significant reliability. Once the letter is produced, enough copies should be printed to allow for mailing to every member on your roster. A large photocopying service can help. Office supply stores such as Staples or Office Depot can accept photocopying jobs directly over the internet. So can photocopying specialty stores such as Kinko's. Once the copies are produced, it is typical for a Financial Secretary – or any officer with access to the members' addresses – to mail them out. Inquire at your local post office about bulk rates for non-profit organizations. The expense of producing the newsletter, copying, and mailing should be a basic operating cost calculated into a council's annual dues. If it is not already so calculated, adjust your annual dues accordingly for the following year.   IMPORTANCE: 10   TIP: Contact your State Program Director for information on the requirements for consideration for an annual Newsletter Program award. Regardless of your council's chances of winning, those requirements can give you an excellent skeleton on which to hang your individual news stories. Also check out the newsletters of other councils for ideas for your own.

    TITLE: COUNCIL WEBSITE PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To provide a council with an online, 24-hour internet presence – making council information available to membership and prospective membership alike   DESCRIPTION: No council can argue the importance of telephones, post offices, airplanes, or photocopiers when it comes to putting information into the hands of the community. But it is amazing how many councils will argue over whether they need their own website. The argument is over. The internet has made so dramatic an impact on society's ability to transmit information that debating it further is a waste of time. No other communications tool can offer the opportunity to simultaneously reach the family next door or a family in Bangladesh – any day of the week, any time of the day. Nor can any other tool offer access to council news, photos, directories, polls, e-mail addresses and so on with a few clicks of a mouse. Middle-schoolers can build web pages that can put entire corporations to shame. It is a brave, new world indeed – and your council is as welcome to plunge into it as anyone else. Your website can post three-month calendars, contact information for officers, news about Squires Circles or Ladies Auxiliaries, or directions to your meeting chambers. Your web page could link to sites for the Supreme Council or State Council, sites for the Diocese or your local parish, local schools, sports teams, restaurants – the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.   RESOURCES: Although the internet is a profound advancement in social communication, it is still so much of a mystery to many brother Knights that they easily pass it up. This would be a mistake. Younger members would have the greatest likelihood of understanding its complexities, and would therefore be the usual choice to chair the project. They might also have the greatest likelihood of owning the most up-to-date computers, essential in easily producing a high-quality web product. The Supreme Council has a readily-available website template that can be quickly adapted to your local council's needs. Without that, you would need a web-publishing program such as MS FrontPage to create websites. It may be necessary for a chairman to do some studying of the program before attempting to start anything. Even after that, first-time mistakes must be expected. Once the site has been created and appears to be working, your council will need a web hosting service. These are companies which will put your web pages on the internet for you and keep them there for a monthly fee. There are thousands of them out there of various quality and prices. Some research will let you know more about which one to select. Once your site is up and running, you must promote it through advertising. Put your website's domain name on your newsletters, stationery, awards, church bulletins – anything where members, and potential members, can find it. The site must be periodically checked for completeness, accuracy, and relevancy. Old pages and data must be deleted, updates must be posted. It requires patience and time – but the value of a council website is hard to overestimate.   IMPORTANCE: 9   TIP: Many web designers starting their own small businesses will be willing to assist your council in creating a presence for you on the internet. Invite them to a council business meeting and exchange ideas.

    TITLE: 1st DEGREE TEAM PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To confer initiation upon recruited candidates and teach the Order's primary principle of charity   DESCRIPTION: State Councils manage the exemplifications of the 4th and 3rd Degrees. District Deputies create and manage 2nd Degree Teams. But it is the local council which has the unique and critical role of introducing the recruit to the concept of Knighthood and our devotion to charity. This is, first and foremost, a practical necessity. Without a working 1st Degree Team of its own, councils are left to the good  graces of other councils to initiate their new members – something similar to depending on the kindness of strangers. Although there is nothing legally improper in that arrangement, it is nonetheless a poor first impression for the recruit, who must plainly wonder why he must be driven to a ceremony miles outside of his town just so he could belong to a council populated by his next-door neighbors. For practical purposes, having a working 1st Degree Team in your council allows you to control your own initiations: their dates, their times, their sizes, and the business meeting that is designed to follow immediately after. Beyond practicality, however, councils should maintain a 1st Degree Team as a matter of moral obligation. It is likely that you would not be reading these words now if you did not, in some deeper way, truly care about the Knights of Columbus. That concern for the Order and its legacy deserves to be propagated to further generations of brothers, and it is through the ceremonials that we are able to ingrain it onto their souls. A 1st Degree Team is not only useful but a tangible means by which we perpetuate the McGivney vision.   RESOURCES: Time is the best friend of the Degree Team. Team Captains must not think in terms of weeks but in months. Few, if any, council members will have public speaking or performance experience, and so the task of memorizing and reciting lines may be as foreign to them as space travel. Patience and a long deadline run-up are vital. All councils have 1st Degree booklets which are the responsibility of the Financial Secretary. If your council cannot find yours, reports will have to be made through Supreme before new ones are issued. Consult with your District Deputy. Eventually, the council will need the usual robes (or ceremonial baldrics), paraphernalia, and supplies required in the exemplification. Once everything is in place, your District Deputy will need to observe and then certify your Team to begin exemplifying Degrees. The State Council will list your Team's exemplifications on their calendar and release word of them to other councils. From then on, a repeatable schedule of exemplifications should be started and maintained.   IMPORTANCE: 5   TIP: Nothing helps a Team progress faster than to see the Degree exemplified at other councils. Have your Team members become “experts” on the Degree by observing it as many times during the year as possible.

    TITLE: SOCIAL FUNCTIONS PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To provide members and their families opportunities for non-business networking and recreation   DESCRIPTION: The true symbol of the Knights of Columbus may not be the Maltese Cross logo of the 3rd Degree nor the plumed chapeau of the 4th. It may instead be the spatula and fork. Knights must be as readily known for their dinner functions as they are for Tootsie Roll Drives. Our wives and girlfriends could immediately attest to their guys' love for all things dining, and it is rare to find any Knights program that doesn't feature food somewhere. For that reason, making dinners a standard feature of a council's service year probably does not need much encouragement or explanation. However, if your council is that one which does not sponsor dinners, cook-outs or parties, you are indeed missing out. Knights are typically men who join the Order so as to do more work for their parish, for their community, and for their families. But they will also join to share even further camaraderie with their friends. Knights enjoy each other's company at meetings and at fund raisers, so it is only natural that they would further enjoy that company at dinners and parties. Almost anything can be an excuse to chow down: Christmas, summertime, ladies appreciation, kids picnics, and so on. Such social functions can also offer opportunities for 50/50 raffles, award presentations, dancing, and hosts of other ideas. Knights who would never set foot in a meeting might start jogging to get to a dinner in time. And the recruitment opportunities for prospective members should be more than obvious. What more needs to be said? Stop reading, start eating.   RESOURCES: Unless your council has never hosted such an event, most resources should already be available in any good-sized church hall. Your primary resource must be personnel, Knights or their spouses who have some experience in preparing food for many dozens of people. The menu must be decided early and the money allocated to garner the ingredients. No question is too basic. How will the people be served? Will the hall be available at that time? What other events could potentially compete with yours? Who will cook? Decorate? Publicize? The work does not end when the desserts are brought out, either. Clean-up can be laborious unless many helpers are on hand. Financial profits can range anywhere between phenomenal to non-existent. Yet, few programs can bring more recognition to a council than a well-received social event.   IMPORTANCE: 7   TIP: Separate councils of smaller size can actually combine their efforts to produce exceptional events. Involve your District Deputies in the process of bringing councils together to arrange big social gatherings.

    TITLE: BUSINESS MEETING RAFFLE PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To provide financial incentive for meeting attendance and assist the NH State Council Kidney Fund   DESCRIPTION: No one, it is often said, joins the Knights of Columbus to go to meetings. Yet, meetings there are – dozens of them every year. Who can deny that attending all or even most of them is likely to become a chore, even if they are typically brief and offer socializing with one's brothers. To combat the tedium, some councils sweeten the deal by running a 50/50 raffle at every business meeting. After each member has bought their ticket (frequently costing $1.00), a winning number is drawn and the ticket-holder takes home 50% of the profit. The other 50% is collected and sent to benefit the NH State Kidney Fund, providing prescription assistance to renal disease patients. Amounts are never significant - such raffles can provide $10.00 or less to the Fund – but over the span of a year, and if multiplied by 70+ local councils, the collaborative results can become impressive. At the very least, Knights may soon get the message that higher attendance totals mean higher winnings, and show up more often.   RESOURCES: Little more than a roll of cardboard tickets – available at any office supply outlet for a nominal expense – is required. Sale of the tickets can be entrusted to the council Warden, who normally approaches members at meetings anyway for travel cards. At my own council, winners have developed the habit of not even taking home the money, choosing instead to donate the entire collected amount to the Kidney Fund. Meager though the funds may be, winners should be at least honored with a mention in the newsletter the following month.   IMPORTANCE: 2   TIP: Naturally, other raffles can be performed at the business meeting, with varying prizes or varying beneficiaries for the fund raising. Their character, however, must always be under our twin umbrella of charity and Catholicism. Such games of chance should never become so elaborate as to be mistaken for gambling, nor should they be made available beyond the doors of the council chamber itself. Although our Order may frequently operate on the red side of the ledger, Knights should never forget that our real treasure is being stored up beyond this world.

    TITLE: BUSINESS MEETING FOOD DRIVE PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To use the monthly business meeting as a tool for raising supplies for local food pantries   DESCRIPTION: While the business meeting raffle described earlier assists in raising funds for the State Kidney Fund, the business meeting can also be used as a charitable program in itself for other worthy causes. For instance, members may begin a policy of bringing non-perishable food items to the meeting on behalf of the local food pantry. These may include canned goods, dry goods, grains, even condiments and seasonings. Non-food items are also useful, everything from paper products to cleansers to children's clothing can be ultimately donated to charity. Such programs are extremely practical since they may be conducted all year, require no great personal effort by the membership, require no permission from store owners or local government, no solicitation of the public, and satisfy the council service program requirement for Columbian Awards and other recognitions. When such drives are co-ordinated with pantry directors, membership can actually be informed ahead of time of what kinds of goods are needed that month – almost like a “shopping list” for charitable donations. Friends and family would, of course, be welcome to contribute as well.   RESOURCES: Not much more is necessary for this program than a collection point for the donated items and a brother Knight willing to finally transport them to the charity. Your council should already have a solid working relationship with other charitable organizations in your town, but if it does not then one will need to be developed for this program. For eventual reporting purposes, your council should keep careful track of your donations, no matter how small. Working from an advanced notice of what your pantry needs will help.   IMPORTANCE: 3   TIP: The adaptability of this program is huge. If your council is established enough, you can provide winter clothing for Goodwill, board games for nursing homes or hospitals, even crayons, pens, and construction paper for schools. My own council created a program one year to provide birdfeeders to the Extended Care wing of Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro. The donations are limited only by your membership's imagination.

    TITLE: BUSINESS MEETING REFRESHMENTS PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To increase attendance and membership morale by providing snacks/coffee at meetings   DESCRIPTION: Meetings are a necessity in the Knights of Columbus – but that does not mean that they need to be painful ones. Any steps a council can take to relieve some of the monotony should be more than welcome, and – as usual – food can come to the rescue. It is the rare council which does not get a coffee pot started as soon as someone arrives at the chamber. Many other councils will assign a member to bring donuts or other treats to be served at the meeting's end. Some councils go so far as to cook up a rash of hot dogs, or have members meet at local restaurants for dinner. But the purpose of all these is two-fold. First, serving such refreshments promotes a relaxed, casual atmosphere for members to associate after business is over. For some members, their only contact with the council may be through the monthly meeting. Socializing over snacks affords them an opportunity to talk and network with brothers they might not see otherwise. Second, serving refreshments can help “humanize” K of C meetings, making them more palatable to those members not attracted to sterile discussions of plans and policies. There are such members who would come to meetings for nothing more than the cookies.   RESOURCES: Although the actual providing of refreshments at meetings sounds like a simple enough task, the real issue quickly becomes who will be responsible to do it. There is more than one solution. A Grand Knight, for instance, may take the task on himself as part of his normal monthly duties. A list may be drawn up which rotates refreshment duties among the membership – although this may be prove cumbersome if a member misses a meeting or, worse still, stops attending altogether. The best solution, however, was actually provided by the earliest councils under Father McGivney's supervision: assign the refreshment duty to the council's Lecturer. The Lecturer is the one council officer whose duties exclusively revolve around the council's enrichment. Bringing snacks certainly qualifies in that department. As for funding, collecting donations from members when the meeting is over should more than compensate for the Lecturer's expenses.   IMPORTANCE: 6   TIP: Remember to be sensitive to the medical needs of members. Be sure to frequently offer sugar-free items, fat-free foods, low-sodium foods, caffeine-free drinks and so on. Pay attention to any members who might have food allergies or are keeping a vegetarian diet.

    TITLE: COUNCIL SPORTS LEAGUES PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To promote physical fitness and further council social cohesion through sports leagues   DESCRIPTION: Opportunities for socializing with council brothers may be infrequent but they can be augmented through participating in sports leagues. If your council is near a local bowling alley, and several of its members are regulars there, than establishing a bowling team and joining a league makes common sense. Some councils may take such leagues seriously, creating logos, shirts, and carefully tracking stats for individual awards. But bowling is not the only type of league out there. Council members may be interested in lower-impact activities such as darts, horseshoes, or even playing cards – all of which can be organized into leagues and tournaments. If your council is more of the “observant” type rather than participating, your members may be interested in fantasy baseball, football, or basketball leagues – all of which could be organized and regulated through online services, many for free. Brainier types may want to start a league for trivia, chess, dominoes, and much more. Again, the possibilities are limited only by your brother Knights' imaginations. Such leagues serve the primary purpose of bringing brothers together for purposes other than K of C-related. As mentioned before, brother Knights who enjoy each others' company at business meetings would naturally seek out other areas of common interest. Creating sports leagues would almost guarantee increases in social networking.   RESOURCES: While sports leagues are designed fun and games, you may find it more difficult to organize one than you think. The major drawback tends to be finding participants. Even for something as simple as bowling, you would still need at least three to four brother Knights for a team, all of which should have similar personal schedules to allow for practice and competition. A sports league meets over several weeks, some even meet multiple times in a week. You must have members who are not intimidated by the schedule, and will be committed enough to stay with it to the end – even after the first flush of the opening rounds, when enthusiasm is at its highest and the losses have not yet piled up. Careful tracking of results and statistics would help generate interest and permit individual achievements to be recognized. Finally, the question of prizes will eventually need to be addressed. Significant cash prizes might mean a greater likelihood of cheating or disputes, which means a greater necessity for adjudication and oversight on the council's part. Small cash prizes ($100 or less) would help mitigate that. Non-cash prizes might mean an expense for a trophy or certificates. In any case, it will be necessary to determine at the outset what members will be playing for.   IMPORTANCE: 2   TIP: Be sure to keep relationships in the sports league separate from those in the council. You may compete to the fullest against your brother Knight on a golf course, but join together again to carry out the council's charitable mission.

    TITLE: COUNCIL BLOOD DRIVE PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To support community needs by brother Knights donating blood   DESCRIPTION: All councils should be aware of the NH K of C Blood Drive program, where councils sponsor drives to collect blood from the community for the American Red Cross. Dozens of councils host such drives every year and the more ambitious ones might even host several. Yet, these are drives which draw upon the generosity of the general population. For our purposes here, we should discuss how this can become a program to develop council fraternalism. A council blood drive program need not be a project created and sponsored by the council. Rather, it may instead be a program for council members to participate in any blood drive sponsored around the town. The council may not necessarily be the organization collecting the blood, but could be instead donating it. Council members who are physically able could donate blood themselves at different times of the year. Such a program could bring some important recognition to a council when its brother Knights show up en masse at the collection facility to take part.   RESOURCES: The most important resource necessary for this program are already in the brother Knights' arms. But even here, you must be aware of those members who are unable to donate due to various medical reasons. If no such obstacles exist, then all that is needed is to stay aware of Red Cross drives in the area. A single phone call to the Red Cross could take care of that – but even if no drives are scheduled, that still may not need to be a barrier. All hospitals are in need of blood supplies and can take donations by appointment. Another call to your local hospital can help arrange that.   IMPORTANCE: 2   TIP: Programs like this are prime material for publicity. Do not forget to contact local newspapers or broadcast stations about your council's efforts. At the very least you should take plenty of photos for your council's own scrapbook, newsletter or website.

    TITLE: COUNCIL ROSARY PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To enhance the prayer life of a council through increased devotion to praying the Rosary   DESCRIPTION: From the moment we are Knights, our hands are joined in prayer and circled with the Holy Rosary of our Queen and Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. No Knight can truly describe themselves as loyal and true who does not keep it in their possession and “pray it as often as you can.” The Rosary in particular is the prayer of the Knights, our shield against the sins and corruptions of this world and our sword to combat for the divine kingship of her Son. To that end, praying the Rosary, as far as is practical, should be among the first and last things we do in any gathering. Councils can help add to this devotion by making the Rosary an integral part of the monthly meeting, a social dinner, a Degree exemplification, or at any other circumstance where time and piety permit. Councils may begin a business meeting by reciting a decade of the Rosary, and end it with a second decade. Members may pray a decade before guests arrive for a social dinner, or pray the Rosary on an extended bus trip or air flight. The Knights are always the “strong right arm” of the church – and that arm should always be holding a Rosary in prayer.   RESOURCES: Knights are expected to have a Rosary in their possession at all times, but it would be rather harsh to ask council members to prove that expectation every month. Have a small supply of Rosaries on hand so they do not feel left out. After that, councils must pay attention to time. A complete Rosary can take as little as ten minutes or as much as 20. A single decade may only need a few minutes to complete. The key is to not make the recitation a chore or an imposition. Prayer should come as naturally and easily to the Knight as breathing. It should never feel like an unnecessary labor, nor should it conflict with other responsibilities. To everything – even to prayer itself – there is a season.   IMPORTANCE: 6   TIP: Other devotions can be used at different times of the year. For instance, if your meeting will be close to the first Sunday after Easter, have your council recite the Divine Mercy. Your council may pray the Stations of the Cross during Lent. Consult your Chaplain often for other ideas.

    TITLE: COUNCIL DECEMBER YANKEE SWAP PROGRAM     OBJECTIVE: To develop council unity through the celebration of Christmas   DESCRIPTION: As Catholics who treat their faith seriously, Knights will celebrate Christmas with their churches. As men devoted to family, they will celebrate Christmas with relatives and children. But as members of a brotherhood, Knights should never pass up the chance to celebrate with their councils on this “most wonderful time of the year.” Sadly, many councils do pass it up, mistakenly believing that the business of the Knights is too important to celebrate holidays. The December meeting, therefore, becomes as serious and pro forma as a session of congress. If any time of year cries out for some joy it is this one. Your December meeting should be as relaxed and light as a genuine holiday can be. One typical idea for New England councils is to conduct a Yankee Swap, that distinctly northeastern variation on traditional gift-giving. But there is no objection to turning the whole meeting into a kind of party. Have a pot luck meal. Decorate a tree. Sing carols. C S Lewis once described his fantasy world of Narnia as a place where it was “always Winter but never Christmas.” Christmas is the light that dispels the darkness of Winter, the perpetual sign that, for God, nothing is ever too dark or too hopeless. It deserves to be celebrated, and celebrated by Knights above all. Mark your calendars now: your council's December meeting is the official Christmas meeting. Treat it as such.   RESOURCES: The Whos in Whoville exert all kinds of efforts hanging decorations, cooking meals, dressing in colorful clothes – all to prepare for the coming of Christmas. Your council must do the same. Spend the November meeting deciding who will bring what, how will food be served, what kind of price limit will there be on gifts, who will bring music, and a hundred other questions. You may want to invite wives to come as well and share the fun. Don't forget that any Knights function requires some work before the event and some work after. If you are using a public hall, you must ensure that all facilities are back to their original condition when the event is done. Creating a business-free environment will require extra effort being done in the November and January meetings.   IMPORTANCE: 9   TIP: Raffles and fund raisers are fine for most of the year, but it might be bad form to run one during the December festivities. Members are already splashing out for the Yankee Swap gifts and may feel put upon if they are also expected to buy raffle tickets. Keep the celebration as cost-free as you can.

    TITLE: COUNCIL ADMISSIONS/RETENTION PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To strengthen council fraternalism by improving admission and retention of new members   DESCRIPTION: If you find your membership quotas being met year after year but the attendance to your meetings and functions remaining stagnant, the problem may not have anything to do with the programs. Many councils lament that their meeting attendance keeps going down although they keep recruiting. The answer lies not in how many they are recruiting but who they are recruiting. Most councils never get beyond the point of seeing the signature on the Form 100 before they are already setting up a 1st Degree for the candidate. But a working admissions committee would have probably discovered significant flaws in the candidate’s willingness to join, and thus saved the council a great deal of time. If a previously-accepted candidate stops attending meetings or never participates in any programs, a working retention committee would have probably contacted the member and discovered the cause. Too many councils see dwindling participation by members and simply throw their hands up in surrender. What can they do? In fact, these councils can do a lot: first, to ensure that unenthusiastic members are vetted out of consideration before joining; then, to signal to lapsed members that their absence is noted and missed. The council Chancellor is the officer who should be most concerned with both, as it is his particular province to admit and train new members into the Order. Likewise, the council Membership Director needs strong involvement here too. So does the Financial Secretary, the council’s Field Agent, the Program Director – anyone whose role in the life of the council directly impacts, or is impacted by, changes in membership.   RESOURCES: There are few resources needed here beyond those that are strictly procedural. Councils need to answer this single fundamental question: when we are in receipt of a signed Form 100, what do we do? No matter the answer, a working admissions committee should be immediately consulted to determine the true interest level of the candidate. The interview with the candidate must be less than an interrogation but more than a chat. Above all, the overall long-term health of the council must be evaluated in light of this application. This will require officers of singular dedication. Without their own concern for the council’s continuance, they will never be able to judge the candidate’s concern. Retention committees will need identical dedication, as well as the tools needed to contact lapsed brothers.   IMPORTANCE: 8   TIP: A major drawback to completing this program is the officers’ own fears. Too many members of these committees are worried about seeming harsh, or vetting out too many prospective members. Local councils are frequently under pressure from the State and Supreme Council to pick up membership numbers. Be not afraid! Let not your heart be troubled. Your officers’ allegiance must be to your own brothers first, especially when seriously considering admissions. This is how a local council can touch its own future.

    TITLE: KNIGHT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To provide recognition for individual Knights who have performed exemplary service   DESCRIPTION: More than once, I have heard some Knights complain that the reason they do not submit service program reports is that “they don't care about whether they get trophies for doing something.” That kind of disavowal of individual honors sounds cool in the sports pages but is soon forgotten when you are the one holding the MVP. The fact is that nearly every professional organization of any dimension administers some type of honors upon those individuals who have provided exemplary service. Your council brothers deserve honor too, and a Knight of the Month program – followed by a Knight of the Year – may be the perfect device for it. Individual Knights may have mixed reactions to trophies, but the honors are not strictly for them alone. Such honors are also for the better health and morale of the entire council. They are a solid proof that officers and membership are paying attention to exceptional Knights, that someone is noticing hard work and achievement. Honors are also useful as incentive for other Knights who might be too ready to walk away from effort, mistakenly believing that no one sees it or appreciates it. Honors and recognition can also be proud moments for wives and children who get a chance, in front of a whole council, to see the respect and admiration that Knights have for their Dad. Most men find grasping humility to be easy, especially when it is accompanied by spotlights and laurel wreaths. Try passing around the trophies first – and then see how many give them back.   RESOURCES: Several outlets exist to provide Knights of the Month with elegant-looking certificates of achievement. The more rich and detailed you can make your certificates look, the better it will be received by the honoree. If you can, see if it is affordable to put the certificate in a frame for an even more swanky effect. You may want to contact the English Company or Lynch & Kelly to find out about Knight of the Year name badges or pins. More importantly, please do not forget to alert the State Council Director of your selections. Your submissions are vital for our ability to gauge council participation. Council with a high percentage of submissions are themselves honored at the annual State Convention. Few programs are as easy to implement as this – so long as you do not keep your nominations a secret.   IMPORTANCE: 7   TIP: Knight of the Month (Year) nominations should always be the exclusive province of the Grand Knight. Never choose your selection from a random mechanism such as a lottery, or open the selection up for a membership-wide vote. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a faster way to demolish honors than that.

    TITLE: COUNCIL SCRAPBOOK PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To build council morale and unity by creating a visual album of photos and news articles   DESCRIPTION: Families often gather together for holidays, weddings and 1st Communions. When they do, a great highlight of that time is turning the pages of the old family photo album. Through it, families share their history, their common memories, and instill knowledge and respect of their heritage. It is no different for local councils, who can build our 2nd principle of Unity by carefully preserving their character in a council scrapbook. The sooner, the better – as new members are joining all the time and they could not possibly be expected to know or appreciate your council's unique story. Scrapbooks allow for anyone to learn about your council, both members and non-members alike. A picture is truly worth a thousand words, and through your photos and images you will be reaching legions of potential members who would not stand for thirty seconds to read a recruitment flyer. We should also acknowledge the tremendous legacy that a scrapbook provides for deceased members. By way of actual images, brother Knights can remember and celebrate those friends who have left this world before them – and, in a permanent way, connect the council of today with its own past. Many councils have taken to collecting scrapbook material and putting it on their websites. Such an arrangement would be fine if we could all have true faith in the digital world. Anyone who has ever had an e-mail go to the wrong destination would be happy to comment on that. There may be no substitute for the actual photograph in one's hands. It requires no hard drive, no formatting, no electricity or modems. The council scrapbook is a powerful, permanent tool for defining the council's identity.   RESOURCES: Although storing the scrapbook online may be questionable, it is an excellent idea to use a computer to create it. Numerous software programs are out there which will help a council step-by-step. The product is  a complete and elegant book that would be the envy of any organization. But even if you created yours the old-fashioned way, a careful process of editing could still produce an excellent work. Certainly, your council should always be aware of the bottom line financially, but for the scrapbook project you must not be afraid to splurge to get the beautiful legacy you want. This album should be a treasure of your membership. This could also be an excellent way to increase the involvement of your Ladies Auxiliary chapter. Many of our ladies have far superiority over men in appreciating art, design, and the decorative skills. At the least, a consultation with your council's women will offer great insights you might otherwise miss. Do not forget to bring your scrapbooks to the annual State Convention, too. Prizes are awarded for extraordinary albums.   IMPORTANCE: 6   TIP: Digital photography has so overwhelmed the snapshot industry that it is probably fruitless to stand in its way. A good digital camera, therefore, is a responsible council expense these days. Many great ones can be found for less than $150. Very good ones can be even cheaper. Make sure, however, that it is stored in a safe location and that it is used by a member in whom you have confidence.

    TITLE: COUNCIL MASS PROGRAM   OBJECTIVE: To increase council unity and piety through the celebration of the Holy Mass   DESCRIPTION: If the Eucharist is the “source and summit of Christian life,” as Vatican II strongly declared, then the Mass is the great orienting of the human soul to that summit. It is, of course, the instrument created by the Savior himself for us to remember Him and receive His love again and again. The Mass must therefore be a vital part of your council's life, just as it is a vital part of your own. Numerous councils celebrate a “Corporate Mass,” a liturgy to remember