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Greetings,
Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you in connection with our Parishes Knights of Columbus Council #4012. I am Knight of Columbus as well and a Fourth Degree Knight. The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded by the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882, it was named in honor of the mariner, Christopher Columbus. Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to low-income immigrant Catholics, it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services, promoting Catholic education, and actively defending Catholicism.
The Order is dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The men who can join the Knights must be “practical" (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Catholic Church; a Catholic gentleman who accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with its precepts, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church. In 2020, the Order introduced a combined exemplification for new members, allowing them to reach Third-Degree Knighthood immediately, exemplifying the virtue of charity, unity, and fraternity in one ceremony. The Fourth Degree, the highest and most prestigious degree within the Knights of Columbus, are Knights dedicated to the service of their Church, and their Country.
We at St. Patrick’s Parish, clergy, staff and parishioners are grateful for the Fr. John Lafarge Council 4012 of the Knights of Columbus for their overall support of our Parish activities including, but not limited, Seminarian Support for the Priesthood, Food for Families, Special Olympics, Educational Scholarships to our Grade School, Respect Life fundraisers, Communion and Altar Server Breakfasts, Hospitality, Ushering during the Covid Pandemic, and support to our Military, Veterans, as well as, First Responders.
The Spirit of St. Patrick's has been active in our area for over one hundred years and guided us through the many changes. Today our registration is over 4,800 families who are served by our dedicated Priests Deacons, and Staff, along with our many ministries and organizations, particularly the great volunteer service of our Knights of Columbus Council!
The Spirit of St. Patrick's never rests. It continues to inspire a large and enthusiastic army of staff and volunteers who serve our community in so many ways. In addition to touring the Knights website to inquire your desire to become a Knight of Columbus, please feel free to also peruse the pages of our St. Patrick’s Parish website: https://www.stpatricks-yorktown.org/ As you will see, there are many opportunities for spiritual growth and pastoral service in our parish family and neighboring community.
May the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and our Patron Saint Patrick continue to bless us abundantly and guide us into deeper spiritual growth and expanding works of charity, unity, and community in the next one hundred years.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Monsignor Joseph Giandurco
Pastor, St. Patrick, Yorktown NY.