Knights of Columbus Yuba City Council #5978

1. Knights of Columbus Yuba City Council #5978 Supporting our: Church Parish Priests Bishops (Use Mouse or Keyboard Arrows to Advance Slide Show)

2. Who are the Knights of Columbus? On October 2, 1881, a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary’s Church on Hillhouse Ave. in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization.

3. Who are the Knights of Columbus? They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause. They vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith.

4. Who are the Knights of Columbus? These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882. THEY WERE THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

5. Who are the Knights of Columbus? Our Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by Popes, Presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.

6. OUR FOUNDER The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney Father McGivney began his priestly ministry on Christmas Day in 1877 as curate at St. Mary's Church in New Haven. It was the city's first parish. A new stone church had been built after the old one burned, on one of New Haven's finest residential streets, Hillhouse Avenue. There was neighborhood objection which even the New York Times noted in 1879, under the headline: "How An Aristocratic Avenue Was Blemished By A Roman Church Edifice." So Father McGivney's priestly ministry in New Haven began with tension and defensiveness among the working-class Irish families he served.

7. The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney Father McGivney went to the small district schools of Waterbury's working-class neighborhoods. A good child, he was admired by his school principal for “…excellent deportment and proficiency in his studies." Then, after the Civil War, when Connecticut's metals industry was booming, he left school at age 13 to go to work. His job in the spoon-making department of a brass factory provided a few more dollars for family survival.

8. The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney In 1868, when Michael reached the age of 16, he left the factory. With the priesthood clearly in mind, he traveled with his Waterbury pastor to Quebec, Canada. There he registered at the French-run College of St. Hyacinthe. He worked hard on subjects which would prepare him to apply for seminary admission.

9. The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney Father McGivney worked closely with the young people of St. Mary's parish, holding catechism classes and organizing a total abstinence society to fight alcoholism. In 1881 he began to explore with various laymen the idea of a Catholic, fraternal benefit society. In an era when parish clubs and fraternal societies had wide popular appeal, the young priest felt there should be some way to strengthen religious faith and at the same time provide for the financial needs of families overwhelmed by illness or death of the breadwinner.

10. The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney He discussed this concept with Bishop Lawrence McMahon of Hartford, and received his approval. He traveled to Boston to talk with the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, and traveled to Brooklyn to consult the Catholic Benevolent Legion. He met with other priests of the diocese. Wherever he could, he sought information that would help the Catholic laymen to organize themselves into a benefit society.

11. The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney Father McGivney had suggested Sons of Columbus as a name for the Order. This would bind Catholicism and Americanism together through the faith and bold vision of the New World's discoverer. The word “Knights" replaced “Sons" because key members of the organizing group who were Irish-born Civil War veterans felt it would help to apply a noble ritual in support of the emerging cause of Catholic civil liberty.

12. The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney In the first public reference to the Order on February 8, 1882, the New Haven Morning Journaland Courier said the Knights of Columbus' initial meeting had been held the night before. On March 29, the Connecticut legislature granted a charter to the Knights of Columbus, formally establishing it as a legal corporation. The Order's principles in 1882 were "Unity" and "Charity." The concepts of "Fraternity" and "Patriotism" were added later. Each of these ideals played a major role in ceremonials from the beginning. The Columbus-linked themes, says historian Christopher J. Kauffman, “…reverberated with pride in the American promise of liberty, equality and opportunity."

13. The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney On August 14, 1890, Father Michael J. McGivney died at the age of 38. In his 13 brief, busy years as a priest, Father McGivney's piety and compassion had won the love of those he served as curate and pastor. His Christian inspiration, leadership and administrative drive had brought him the loyalty and affection of thousands who knew him as the founder of the Knights of Columbus.

14. Knights of Columbus Remarkably developed from its simple beginnings in a church basement, the Knights of Columbus today combines Catholic fraternalism and one of the most successful American insurance enterprises. The four towers of the international headquarters symbolize the Order's worldwide commitment to Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. More than 12,000 fraternal councils are active in 13 countries. Nearly 1.7 million Knights contribute about $130 million and  61,000,000 hours of volunteer service to charitable causes each year.

15. Yuba City Council #5978

16. Knights in Action Workday Around the Parish The sky is blue, the air is crisp, but the coats are already starting to come off.

17. Knights in Action Workday Around the Parish

18. Knights in Action Tootsie Roll Drive Fundraiser For Persons with Special Needs

19. Knights in Action Pancake Breakfast and Blood Drive

20. Knights in Action Support of our St. Isidore Catholic School Bible Presentation to 2nd grade class

21. Knights in Action Support of St. Isidore Catholic School A certificate from St. Isidore Catholic School was presented to PGK Rusty Gordon by wrestler Eric Wallace and Coach Frank Hamrah. Also displayed is a wrestler's singlet, purchased with funds provided by our Council. The singlets were imprinted with the school banner and Tiger mascot.

22. Knights in Action Memorial To The Unborn The Knights of Columbus are committed to protecting and honoring the sanctity of human life. An activity in pursuit of this goal by Knights across the Nation is the establishment of Memorials to the Unborn. Yuba City Knights have established one for parishioners of and visitors to St. Isidore. This memorial was designed and constructed with materials and labor provided by the Yuba City Knights, parish members, and local businesses. The formal dedication was held on May 12, 2000.

23. Knights in Action Memorial To The Unborn The memorial is located by the grove between the church and the rectory.

24. Knights in Action Memorial To The Unborn Prayer for the Helpless Unborn: “Heavenly Father, in Your love for us, protect against the wickedness of the devil those helpless little ones whom You have given the gift of life. Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today who are not thinking of motherhood. Help them to see that the child they carry is made in Your image - as well as theirs - made for eternal life. Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts to love their babies and give them birth and all the needed care that mother alone can give. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.”

25. Knights in Action COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Grand Knight Rich Covey presents scholarship awards to Lyndsey Galownia and Tony McAuliff in 2007.

26. Knights in Action Fourth of July Fireworks Stand Annual fundraiser to support both Parish and community needs.

27. Knights in Action SOME FUN TIME TOO…OUR ANNUAL BAR-B-QUE!

28. Knights in Action Sponsorship of Columbian Squires Circle St. Joseph the Worker Circle #5087 Founded in 1925, the Columbian Squires program was created to give young boys leadership training and moral guidance that would serve them for a lifetime. Today more than 20,000 Squires ages 10 to 18 have fun and share their Catholic faith, help people in need, and enjoy the company of friends in social, family, athletic, cultural, civic and spiritual activities. The Squires motto is “Esto Dignus” (Be Worthy)

29. Knights in Action Sponsorship of Squires Circle St. Joseph the Worker Circle #5087 The Columbian Squires program was developed to enhance a young man’s opportunities in life — a chance to receive the leadership training and moral guidance needed to succeed. With so many different types of organizations for young men in today’s world, what makes the Squires different? This is a Catholic organization that builds character and develops leadership.

30. Knights in Action Sponsorship of Squires Circle St. Joseph the Worker Circle #5087 A Squires Circle is designed to be run both by and for young men. Through their circle, Squires work and socialize as a group of friends, gradually developing into Catholic leaders. The St. Joseph the Worker Circle #5087 , sponsored by Yuba City Council #5978, was chartered in July 2006 with 18 charter members. It is the first and only Squires Circle in Northern California.

31. Knights in Action Sponsorship of Squires Circle St. Joseph the Worker Circle #5087 Squires teaches the young men how to take responsibility for their actions as individuals and leaders Squires provides growth in areas such as decision making, delegation of responsibility, administration, public speaking, public relations, record-keeping, financial responsibility, and program promotion Squires teaches the young men that there are people in the community that need assistance and by working with their Circle and the Knights of Columbus Council, learn the first lesson of the Knights of Columbus--charity.

32. Knights in Action Sponsorship of Squires Circle St. Joseph the Worker Circle #5087 CHARTER MEMBERS

33. Why Join The Knights of Columbus? The Knights of Columbus is the largest nationwide lay organization in the Catholic Church. Knights throughout the United States are committed to the exemplification of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism, and Defense of the Priesthood. The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Knights of Columbus are unequivocal in their loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth. Knights are firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and the preservation and defense of the family.

34. Why Join The Knights of Columbus? We are an organization of dedicated individuals — 1.7 million members strong, and growing. An organization that since 1882, has embodied the selflessness of man as it has helped overcome the problems of the world, such as poverty, ignorance, and apathy…things which imperil not only a single individual, but the whole of humanity. We are men of faith, comprising over 12,000 Knights of Columbus councils at home and overseas. Guided not only by our belief in God and the Catholic Church, but by our belief in each other, and in ourselves.

35. Why Join The Knights of Columbus? Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference. Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. The history of the Knights of Columbus’s involvement in community life is a record of outstanding benevolent achievement. Knights volunteer in a variety of charitable enterprises to serve the people and programs of their communities.

36. Why Join The Knights of Columbus? We are men of faith, comprising over 12,000 Knights of Columbus councils at home and overseas. Guided not only by our belief in God and the Catholic Church, but by our belief in each other, and in ourselves. We are the Knights of Columbus. Believing that a man is defined by his actions as a leader in his community. Believing that a man is more then simply a man, when he bears the title of “Knight” The Knights of Columbus is an organization fortified by its past, and driven by its goals for the future. It’s through these five areas of service — faith, community, family, youth and fellowship — that we truly make a difference.

37. Why Join The Knights of Columbus? The Knights of Yuba City Council 5978 are strong in our faith and dedicated to serve the needs of our parish and our community. A lot has been accomplished but much is still to be done and we need you. We need you to join us in our noble efforts. All it takes is for you to take the first step. Your help, just a couple of hours a month, will give you rewards that are greater then you can imagine. The feeling that you will get, the feeling that you have helped, will fill your heart with great joy. Come see just what we are all about and take the first step to enhance your personal life… JOIN THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS TODAY!

38. CHARITY UNITY FRATERNITY PATRIOTISM