Knights are called to serve others. Our first principle is Charity – at home with our families and in our communities. When Knights of Columbus members come together as through our council and parish, we accomplish great things. Currently, COMMUNITY activities are coordinated by Josh Bull.
Coats for Kids
Families struggling to make ends meet use their scarce resources to meet the most basic needs and cannot always afford the vital essential of a new winter coat. The goal of the Coats for Kids program is to ensure that no child in North America goes without a coat during the winter season. Through the dedication of councils across the United States and Canada, hundreds of thousands of new winter coats have been distributed to children since program inception.
Our Council organizes a coat drive each fall. However please donate now to support this great cause.
Helping Hands
The Helping Hands program is designed to recognize the important work many councils already do to care for the most disadvantaged members of our communities – the homeless, the addicted, the elderly who may feel isolated and abandoned, and many others. Through this program, councils will aid the needy through the activities they feel best suit their community, such as serving at or running a soup kitchen, repairing the facilities of a local service organization or something entirely unique.
Lourdes House Ministry
Our Council Undertakes a ministry to provide a monthly luncheon to the residents of Lourdes House
What is Lourdes House?
Facing an unplanned pregnancy is a frightening and lonely experience. Lourdes house, located in Harrisburg, is the only facility that provides specialized, comprehensive maternity care and residential services to women in need in South Central Pennsylvania. The 16-bedroom facility houses up to 16 residents at a time. Our clients are typically single women who have no family support, including homeless women or women coming out prison. The program closely monitors medical care and nutrition to ensure a healthy mother and child. Through counseling and case work services, women are helped through pregnancy and learn how to care for their family. Women can stay at Lourdes house throughout the term of their pregnancy and up to six months after the birth. Mothers and infants continue to receive support through the baby’s first year. Lourdes house is part of the Pennsylvania “Real Alternatives” program. This initiative provides alternatives to women considering abortion by offering counseling and support services.
Program Services
- Housing
- Intensive case management to address barriers to self-sufficiency
- Childbirth education
- Parenting classes
- Hot, nutritious meals provided on site
- Access to other Catholic Charities services such as free, licensed outpatient counseling and adoption services for those unable to care for their babies
- Transportation to pre-natal and post-delivery medical appointments
- Aftercare
- Pantry items for people in the community with children twelve months or younger
What is the cost?
Services at Lourdes house are offered at no charge to the client.
Ways we help:
- Volunteer to work events.
- You say, “My wife and I work so we can’t do this” Consider donating cookies, cake, rolls, bread, lunch meat, “salad stuff”, grocery store gift cards, etc.
- Team up with Brother Knights and form a two-person team.
- Include your wife, children to participate with you.
We ask that you consider joining us in this Ministry to serve women who have chosen LIFE for their unborn children. We have a team in place to assist you in preparing your first luncheon with suggestions and recommended menu items. You will not be “on your own” as the team will escort you to Lourdes House.
If you desire further information please contact: Brother Rick Mowery (717-512-9645) or Brother George Essip (717-796-1949)
Click here to sign-up for a volunteer opportunity.
Soccer Shootout
The Soccer Challenge is a fun way for Knights of Columbus councils to engage youth (ages 9-14) in the community with an athletic event that encourages the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition. Children demonstrate the most important skill in soccer – shooting accuracy on the penalty kick – and compete to reach the international level of competition. The program also offers an opportunity to introduce the Knights of Columbus to the community and recruit faithful family men of service.
Sign Up HereBasketball Free Throw
Since 1972, councils have sponsored the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14 to provide an athletic outlet and encourage the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition. Kids compete within their own gender and age and progress from local level to district, regional and state/province competitions.