Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society.
The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 13,000 councils and 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri is home to two Knights of Columbus Councils: St. Vincent's Council #1111, Danny Michael, Grand Knight, and Fr. Marquette Council #11205, Steve LeGrand, Grand Knight. Both Councils invite and encourage men of the Roman Catholic Faith, 18 years and older, to join this fraternal organization.
As a service to Old St. Vincent Church, both Councils have graciously accepted an invitation from the Old St. Vincent Church Council to provide their members to participate within a Sunday Mass in each quarter of the year. On these Sundays, each council will serve as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Servers, Greeters/Gift Bearers, and ushers as follows:
Sunday, January 31, 2010 St. Vincent Council #1111
Sunday, May 30, 2010 Fr. Marquette Council #11205
Sunday, August 29, 2010 St. Vincent Council #1111
Sunday, October 31, 2010 Fr. Marquette Council #11205
Old St. Vincent Church thanks and appreciates the service that both councils provide to the Church, to their families, and to their community.
