Knights of Columbus

[armyross]

update:
Well, I still havent become a 2nd degree. I have had numerous mail from the knights about insurance, but no one has contacted me.
I havent attended any meetings since the first one. I havent been to Mass in months. Looks like I am slipping away from the Church. I really dont think I am worthy to be a knight.

My old habits are coming back. I am single, so you know what I mean.

Anyways, my faith is still here, but what does that count if I dont practice it. I am a mess…LOL

You cannot be so hard on yourself. I am marrried now but when I was single and in the military trust me I know how hard it can be, Going to all the differant stations that I went around the world like Panama,Geramany just to name a few its tough. And I fell tons of times. Don’t let it bother you at less your trying.

 

[armyross]

I’m first degree. I just wore the same casual stuff I was wearing to church that morning, and the other guys did as well. It worked out.

With the Knights, it all depends on how much you want, or can, put into it.

The organization does a ton of great work, and I’m proud to be associated with it, even though it’s not the big area I put my time into.

Thanks that what I did wear. I am now a 1st degree Knight as of Sunday.

 

[Marauder]

Thanks that what I did wear. I am now a 1st degree Knight as of Sunday.

Congrats, welcome to the Knights.

 

[jimcav]

Thanks that what I did wear. I am now a 1st degree Knight as of Sunday.

I’m kind of surprised, because I had to wear suit or a jacket and tie or else I would not be able to take my degree. Personally, I think thats the way it should be, because this is a solemn event in your life, and dressing up is part of that. America has become way to casual for me. We don’t dress up for anything anymore, even Mass, and I think thats a shame.

As for the Knights, don’t wait for anyone to come to you, just go after it yourself. Some councils are just not that oraganized, so you may need to do the leg work yourself. Go to the meetings, meet the guys, and get involved! Make a pest of yourself if you have to, and you won’t be sorry. Most Councils need members to be active, not just names on the ledger.

Good luck, and God bless!

 

[Brian_C]

Another new 1st degree here. Outofctrl, I hope you are making it through your situation. It’s hard for all of us at times. It’s a struggle for all of us at times. Heck, for me, every year I get the ordinary time blues and kinda lose focus. Thankfully we have had a summer group of RCIA so I have been able to help out w/ that. Just taking part in a church activity helps me a great deal w/ my struggles.

As for 1st degree, wow! I was plesantly surprised by the initiation. I wasn’t expecting such an elaborate deal. It was very inspiring. I can’t wait until 2nd and 3rd degree, which I will have to wait for until the end of September.

I made sure when I initially was contacted by my council’s Grand Knight to explain my current family obligations. I have three small kids and a wife who works pretty long hours as a doctor so my time is limited. Everyone made a point to tell me that although the more I can help, the better, I need to participate as my schedule allows and taking care of my family is the most important thing. I was happy to hear such an understanding attitude. But I guess as most of the Knights come from or have pretty sizeable families themselves, they understand!

 

[Ad_Gentes]

I have thought about joining the Knights of Columbus, but have a couple of questions:

1. How can I honestly make a pledge/promise/oath if I do not know beforehand what I am pledging to/for?
2. What are the requirements to become a 2nd and 3rd degree Knight? I am not asking about the ceremonies, which I know are secret, but about things I need to do in order to qualify for these degrees.

I have read the KofC website and many posts in CAF, and I am very familiar with the great work the Knights do. They are also very active in my parish. But I cannot seem to find answers to the above questions.

Many thanks and God bless!

 

[Brian_C]

1. It’s nothing bad and if you do find it so you can always leave…
2. About the only requirements for 2nd and 3rd are that you have gone through 1st. 4th degree is the only one that has a real requirement that you have been a 3rd degree for a year or more.

SInce my last post, I have gone through 2nd and 3rd degrees. Wow, what an experience. I am proud to be a knight!

 

[park205]

Hee, Hee,

If you think last night was great wait until you get your 2nd and 3rd degree’s. Get those as soon as you can you will only regret it if you do not. Welcome and Vivat Jesus.

I joined the Knights of Columbus last February and got Treasurers position. I am also a Second Degree Knight. The yearly fee here is $25.00. This is a new council so all of us have our problems that have to over come such as correct acknowledgement at meeting when one wants to stand up a offer suggestions or make a motion. It takes time to get use to it and to find out all you can about the Knights of Columbus. Patience is required of all member and care must be added to that so as not to misunderstand. Another words a good listnener. As far as insurance. I have a problem with that because of my age. They have very good rates for younger members married or single. You will just have to ask the agent at the next meeting if he does not come to your home.

 

[Ad_Gentes]

Brian, thanks for your response.

1. It’s nothing bad and if you do find it so you can always leave…

I’m sure it’s nothing bad; so many good Catholics would not be part of the KofC if it were. But if I’m going to promise something or make some type of commitment, wouldn’t it be better if I knew what it was before I said “yes” or “I do”?

To give you an example, some time ago I went through a Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreat. It was a wonderful experience and the team was made up of some fine gentlemen (many of them KofC). On the post-retreat meeting, we were encouraged to become part of the team that was offering the next retreat. Next thing you know, we were given a “contract” that said we would give priority to all CRHP activities. The current team members were expecting the participants to sign it then and there since they already had some kind of ceremony prepared for us. It put me and others in an awkward position. I, for one, wanted to think it thoroughly before making another big commitment since I am involved with five other ministries in the parish, have small children at home and two jobs. I knew I couldn’t make CRHP my first priority.

To better illustrate this, Puzzleannie said the following:

You should put this [referring to the KofC] as a priority after God, family and job, and before other outside commitments.

What if I’m involved with other ministries or apostolates that I feel are bigger priorities?

1. It’s nothing bad and if you do find it so you can always leave…

I certainly wouldn’t want to walk out in the middle of the ceremony, especially without thinking it through. But back to my original question, how can I make a commitment without knowing what it is? What if I don’t think I can fulfill the pledge/commitment? Should I walk out of the ceremony? Or should I brake my promise instead? Do you see my dilemma ?

1. About the only requirements for 2nd and 3rd are that you have gone through 1st. 4th degree is the only one that has a real requirement that you have been a 3rd degree for a year or more.

So there are no requirements that I go to a number of meetings, pay some fee, receive some training, or recruit another member? All I have to do is show up and/or decide I want to go trough the next degree?

Brian, again, thank you for answering my questions. I don’t mean to be difficult; I know that the Knights of Columbus is a great organization. I just want to be sure that it’s right for me.

 

[Catholic_Kenpo]

Brian, thanks for your response.

I certainly wouldn’t want to walk out in the middle of the ceremony, especially without thinking it through. But back to my original question, how can I make a commitment without knowing what it is? What if I don’t think I can fulfill the pledge/commitment? Should I walk out of the ceremony? Or should I brake my promise instead? Do you see my dilemma ?

So there are no requirements that I go to a number of meetings, pay some fee, receive some training, or recruit another member? All I have to do is show up and/or decide I want to go trough the next degree?

Brian, again, thank you for answering my questions. I don’t mean to be difficult; I know that the Knights of Columbus is a great organization. I just want to be sure that it’s right for me.

Let me see if I can give you some answers here. The Knights are a volunteer organization, and there is never any pressure to give of your time beyond what you feel comfortable with. If you can make an event a week - great! If you can only make one event a year - great! The point is to give you a way to live out your Catholic faith. If you can make the meetings, you’ll find it easier to get to know the guys in your parish, but again there’s nothing saying you have to go. As to the monetary part, the only true “requirement” is your annual dues, which amount to all of $25 - $30. Anything beyond that is going to be totally voluntary. Yes, they will offer you insurance, but there is absolutely nothing that says you must buy it. I don’t have insurance through the Knights, and no-one should ever give you a hard time for opting out.

As to the commitment question - this one is a bit more tricky. I think all of us had some doubts as to whether or not it was something we wanted to commit to going in to that 1st degree ceremony. I’m not sure that there’s anything I can tell you that is going to completely alleviate your doubts. I just trusted something this closely aligned with (and fully endorsed by) the Catholic Church wouldn’t put me in a position where I would be forced into something I wasn’t comfortable with. It’s a bit of a leap of faith.

If, after taking the 1st degree, you decide it’s not something you’re interested in, you are under no obligation to proceed with the other ceremonies. I don’t think you’ll want out after the 1st degree, but that’s your call. If you still have questions, feel free to ask and I or any of the other Knights will be happy to answer as much as we can. God bless.

-CK

 

[jnofs]

I’m sure it’s nothing bad; so many good Catholics would not be part of the KofC if it were. But if I’m going to promise something or make some type of commitment, wouldn’t it be better if I knew what it was before I said “yes” or “I do”?

In so much as I remember, the “oath” is nothing more than what you already signed for on the Form 100. Basically, be a good Catholic in communion with the Holy See.

So there are no requirements that I go to a number of meetings, pay some fee, receive some training, or recruit another member? All I have to do is show up and/or decide I want to go trough the next degree?

There are no obligations, except for the dues which are quite small, really. There is training, but only if/when you become a new officer.

Our most recent Membership Blitz stressed all we are looking for is a 24-hour Knight. If you can commit to at least 24-hours a year, that is fine with us. And, this is how that 24 hours could be broken down:

* 12 hours a year reading the weekly church bulletin, the state and local council newsletters and the monthly Supreme Council magazine COLUMBIA.
* 2 hours a year volunteering at a council event of their interest
* 2 hours a year attending two council prayer services with their family
* 2 hours a year on a council sponsored family project or event
* 2 hours a year attending one council meeting, (you'll probably attend more, if you give at least one meeting a shot)
* 4 hours a year attending a council social function with their family

–Jeremy
3rd Degree Knight, Council #521

 

[Ad_Gentes]

Catholic_Kenpo/jnofs,

Thank you for the information. It was very valuable.

AG

 

[seeker_of_God]

I’m looking to get my first degree soon. Every time it’s come up so far, I’ve either been sick, or the other time the priest taking us there was sick. Until then, I’m trying to help out with as many service projects as possible. They do a lot of service projects around our campus.

 

[Catholic_Kenpo]

I’m glad you’re finally going to get to go through with it. Let us know what you thought of it afterwards.

-CK

 

[FIC]

Seems some are a little skeptic of the KofC Insurance program, so let me clear up a few things.

First, let me just say that I have all my life insurance with the Knights. I truly believe in the cause because I truly believe in what Father McGivney was trying to promote at a time when nobody was advocating for those poor, early members. Even today, we really don’t have a Catholic advocate for such a thing as important as life insurance EXCEPT the Knights.

When I pass away (as we we all will) I take comfort in the fact that there will be a BROTHER KNIGHT to deliver that check to my wife. A Brother Knight who took all the same degrees and learned the same principals that I did. The alternative is for my wife to scramble and call some random 1-800 number to a company who I may not agree with, ethically. The Knights invest your money (conservatively) in things that do not negate our Catholic morals. If I go with company ABC, are they investing in abortion? I can’t be sure… but with the Knights I can be sure.

Because the Field Agent has such a role in the council, it is to our advantage that when something DOES happen to one of our members, he is notified through the council and can get a start on the claim process: contact the widow and let her know what to do next. The alternative is for the widow to hunt down an insurance company during a time when 1) she may need the money NOW and 2) if the company is even around anymore. In my opinion, this is a great fraternal advantage.

The Knights of Columbus Insurance program is the main source of income for the Order. We are a non-profit, tax-exempt fraternal organization, so with the earnings that come from the insurance program, it allows us to give the hundreds of millions of dollars ($145 Million in 2007) to charity. Things like the Katrina relief, the Hero’s Fund, and many other programs are a reality because of the insurance program. I’m not sure if I can go with any other company knowing that my money is being used in such a manner. While heads of other insurance companies are begging the federal government for a bailout, ours is meeting with the Pope at the Vatican and publishing books such as “The Civilization of Love”.

The Knights of Columbus is also rated A++ and AAA with A.M. Best and Standards and Poors. These are the highest ratings a company can possibly get. These ratings dictate the company’s financial strength and ability to pay claims. With the very good track record our Order has, I feel confident that my wife will not have to hassle or fear she may not get a check.

And finally, the insurance program prides itself on “Insurance By Brother Knights, For Brother Knights” and I sincerely believe Supreme is doing its best to give us the BEST insurance policies one can buy on the market today. Our Whole Life policies are paying a very high dividend interest and the last time I checked my annuity, it was locked in at 5% for 5 years. What’s bad about that?

All in all, many win with Knights of Columbus Insurance, and nobody loses. A good , ethical CATHOLIC company, my fraternity and Brother Knights, the highest ratings in the industry, high interest rates on both my life insurance and my annuity, AND the premiums I pay go toward all the charitble things we do? Now you know why I support the Insurance Program so much.

How did I learn all this? I gave my Field Agent the time of day! He taught me all these things and I went in with an open mind. He’s a Brother Knight that’s just trying to earn a living… not a used car salesman trying to slime his way through a sale. Even if you are not interested in participating in the insurance program, don’t down-talk it or speak negatively about it. There are many, many Brother Knights, such as I, that actually DO need the coverage.

A great disservice to a fellow Brother Knight is to discourage him from meeting with the Field Agent. Even if you don’t participate in the program, his family may need it. How would you feel if a man died without coverage, and you discouraged him from the opportunity to get it while he lived? Imagine how Father McGivney would’ve felt if you told those wanting to join back in 1882 to not be bothered with HIS insurance program?

Be a little more open minded about this great fraternal benefit. After your 1st degree, MEET with your Field Agent, listen to what he has to say - it’s not junk and it’s not slimey. It’s there for a reason, and it what keeps our financial engine running.

Vivat Jesus!

 

[Ad_Gentes]

Wow! I have given very serious thought about finally joining the Knights of Columbus. I even requested the application, although unfortunately I will not be able to attend the next 1st Degree, which is in January. I had, however, discarded getting the life insurance since I currently have a great policy. After your very good argument in favor of the KofC insurance, I will definitely listen to ALL the facts before I make up my mind and will give the points you some serious weight. Thank you FIC.

 

[FIC]

Wow! I have given very serious thought about finally joining the Knights of Columbus. I even requested the application, although unfortunately I will not be able to attend the next 1st Degree, which is in January. I had, however, discarded getting the life insurance since I currently have a great policy. After your very good argument in favor of the KofC insurance, I will definitely listen to ALL the facts before I make up my mind and will give the points you some serious weight. Thank you FIC.

Well, welcome future Brother!

The insurance extends beyond that policy offered on the Form-100. They have a TON of different plans. In fact, that small policy offered at application time will not be offered after 2009.

God Bless!

 

[Pliny]

I found the Third Degree Ceremony to be a total waste of a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Nobody needs to be “tricked” into learning those lessons, and most are totally obvious.

I am a convert and appreciate my faith, but I do not appreciate the K of C third degree ceremony, and would not recommend it to any other Catholic man.

I was suspicious it was some kind of put-on half way through, and I was wondering if perhaps that was the point–that someone should stand up and and state what was obvious–that it was a farce. Yet unbeievably, many bought it hook, line, and sinker.

Sorry–I like the idea of the K of C, and I like their breakfasts at our Church, and many of the guys are great, but I think the Third Degree Ceremony was manipulitive, silly, a waste of time, and had no value for me whatsoever, and I would not hesitate to spill the beans about it to any other potential “victim.”

 

[Pliny]

I thought the First Degree was a nice experience. I don’t remember much about the Second Degree. It was part of one very long day which combined the Second and Third Degree.

I don’t know anything about the Fourth Degree, but I would not want to be caught dead wearing one of those silly hats. It seems to me they could update their uniforms a little. I know little or nothing about the purpose of the Fourth Degree, so I should assume the best, but I just cannot help thinking how silly those old guys look walking around with their hats with the dangling tassels, and their capes and swords.

It just seems to me to be an excuse to play dress-up. And it might be fun, but I would want something a little cooler looking before I would participate.

 

[trryan5]

I went through my First Degree last night. I was nervous beforehand, and reading this forum helped calm me down. It was a great experience and like some of the others mentioned, you don’t have to do anything difficult or embarrassing. I was really impressed with how much work the other knights put into the event. I’m looking forward to being a knight. It’s going be difficult because I have two young children and my wife works insane hours, but I’m going to do my best.