Welcome To The Knights of Columbus New Hyde Park Council # 2852

1. Welcome To The Knights of Columbus New Hyde Park Council # 2852 Open House – October 8 2008

2. Welcome – Grand Knight Joe Renta History and Principles of K of C Video – NHP K of C Year In Review The Knights Organization Meetings & Events Insurance Program The “24 Hour Knight” Q & A Next Steps Agenda

3. History On October 2, 1881, Father Michael J. McGivney, 29-year-old assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, brought together a group of laymen with whom he discussed his dream for a Catholic fraternal benefit society. It not only would assist widows and orphans of deceased members through its life insurance program, but also would boost members' sense of pride in their Catholic religion, then frequently challenged in the anti-Catholic climate of 19th-century America. Father McGivney and his associates met several more times over the next several months to continue planning, and the new organization --the Knights of Columbus -- was formally launched in early February, 1882. James T. Mullen First Supreme Knight Father Michael J McGivney The founder and first officers of the fledgling organization chose the name "Knights of Columbus" because they felt that, as a Catholic group, it should relate to Christopher Columbus, the Catholic discoverer of America. This would emphasize that it was Catholics who discovered, explored and colonized the North American continent. At the same time "Knights" would signify that the membership embodied knightly ideals of spirituality and service to Church, country and fellowman.

4. History The Emblem of the Order dates from the Second Supreme meeting, May 12, 1883, when it was designed by James T. Mullen, who was then the first Supreme Knight. A quick glance at the Emblem indicates a shield mounted upon a cross similar to a Maltese cross, turned sideways. The shield is that associated with a medieval Knight. The cross of Malta is the representation, in a traditionally artistic design, of the Cross of Christ through which all graces of redemption were procured for mankind. This, then, represents the Catholic spirit of the Order. • White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God's Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God had for man, and of the overwhelming affection which the God-man had for each individual. White then is the symbol of Christ-like Charity. • Blue is the color of Our Lady's mantle, in which she draped her beloved Son, through Whom salvation came to a sinful world. Blue is then the symbol of Hope.

5. History "The Knights of Columbus flag combines in its field, red and white colors from the emblem of the Order, yellow from the papal flag and white and green from the expeditionary flag of Columbus. A broad band of yellow and a narrow band of red, in parallel, divide the flag diagonally from lower left to upper right corners. The triangular white upper field features the green cross of the ensign flown by Christopher Columbus on his voyages of discovery. On the triangular blue lower field is the emblem of the Knights of Columbus."

6. The Principles of the Order Charity Charity is the first principle of the Order. Knights are followers of Christ and men of faith. As St. James reminds us, “faith without works is dead.” Therefore, as Knights we are committed to charity, easing the plight of those less fortunate. Unity Unity is the second principle of the Knights of Columbus. In unity there is strength. Existing in an environment that was openly hostile to Catholics, the founders of the Order relied on the strength of unity to remain steadfast in the Faith while claiming their rightful place in society. Today the Order uses that strength to speak out for religiously-grounded moral values in a culture that has forsaken them. Fraternity Fraternity is the third principle of Order. In 19th century America, life insurance was beyond the financial reach of many poor Catholics, and social services did not exist. Through the Knights of Columbus men were able to band together as brothers to help one another in times of distress, sickness and death. Patriotism Patriotism is the principle of the Fourth Degree. One of the reasons the Order was founded was to emphasize that Catholics are proud citizens of their countries. Today Fourth Degree Knights in full regalia, the visible arm of the Order, serve to witness to the values of devotion to God and country, the bedrock of patriotism.

7. History & Principles 1942 New Hyde Park Council 2852 was founded in 1942 through the efforts of fifty-eight male residents of the New Hyde Park area who felt that they wanted to get involved in religion, in charity, in a united organization, and in each other. The answer to their needs was, of course, The Knights of Columbus. Other communities had charters, why not New Hyde Park? Requirements, as set forth by Supreme, were met by eager men who knew what they wanted. On February 15, 1942 New Hyde Park Council became a reality. 2008 The New  Hyde Park Council 2852 works closely with the Holy Spirit and Notre Dame Parishes in New Hyde Park, and Our Lady of The Snows Parish in Floral Park, providing funds for various projects, participating in fundraisers and council members being active participants in the parish. The council also works closely with the New Hyde Park community area providing funds where needed, such as local charities and little league, and council member participation in community affairs such as fundraisers, parades and street fairs.

8. Video – NHP Year in Review History & Principles The Knights of Columbus is a lay Catholic family fraternal service organization and membership is open to all practical Catholic men, age eighteen and above, who are in communion with the Holy See. The term practical Catholic implies that a person accepts the precepts and tenets of the Catholic church, and abides by the Commandments of God. The Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and defense of the priesthood. All priests and religious brothers who have made application for membership, and have participated in the ceremonials become honorary life members of the Order, and are exempt from payment of dues. The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is unequivocal in its loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth. The Knights of Columbus are firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the family. It was on these bedrock principles that the Order was founded over a century ago, and it remains true to them today. The 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, Catholic education, programs of evangelization, civic involvement, and aid to those in need. <go to video>

9. Organizations The Knights Structure Leaders Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight The Supreme Council is responsible for the development of the organization as a whole, establishing it in new regions and setting up regional authorities, defining and advancing its values and goals, undertaking organization-wide initiatives, promoting awareness of the Knights' mission worldwide, and protecting the families of members through its extensive insurance program. State Edward F. Castellazzi, State Deputy Coordinates the activities of all the Councils throughout New York State. Chapter James R. Bellotti, Nassau Chapter President Coordinates the activities of all the Councils throughout Nassau County. District Richard laws, District Deputy Several Councils within the same geographic area join together in a District under the guidance of the District Deputy and his assistant, the District Warden. Supreme

10. Organizations The Knights Structure Leaders Joesph Renta, Grand Knight All members of the Knights of Columbus belong to a particular Council, and any group of at least thirty men may apply to found a new Council in their area. The highest elected officer of each Council is the Grand Knight, who, with the other Council Officers, is elected by the membership every two years. The Grand Knight appoints various Program Directors and Chairmen to run the Council's activities for the year. All Council activities except Membership activities, fall into one of the Program Areas, each with a Director. The Directors consist of Church Activities, Community Activities, Council Activities, Family Activities, Technology and Vocations, who report to a General Programs Director (Deputy Grand knight), who in turn reports to the Grand Knight. The majority of the Knights' beneficial work, is carried on by members working in local councils. Therefore, the organizational and financial structure of the Knights of Columbus plays a vital role in the success of the Knights' mission. Council

11. The Knights Structure [ Appointed ] [ Elected ]

12. Knights In Action • Hurricane Relief

13. Knights In Action

14. Meetings & Events • 2nd Tuesday Every Month – 8pm • 4th Tuesday – Selected Months – Open Meetings • “Keep Christ In Christmas” • Christmas Decorating Council • Christmas Light Up For Christ • Right To Life - St Patrick's Cathedral • Right To Life - March on Washington • Parades - NHP Memorial Day and St Patrick's Day

15. Insurance Program

16. Insurance Program • Permanent Plans – Policy lasts as long as you live, premium stays the same. • Annuities – Provides an income that is guaranteed for life. • Long Term Care – Provides funds for long-term, out-of-hospital care. • Term Plans – Policy ends at end of specified term: renewable or convertible.

17. The “24 Hour Knight” I don't have muchtime to give to the Knights, so why should I join? The following is an illustration of just how little time it takes to be an active part of the Order. Even with this minimal commitment a man can be an important part of his council, and reap the benefit membership has to offer him and his family. ”12 hours a year” reading the weekly parish bulletin, the state and local council newsletters, Columbia magazine, and surfing the local council, state council and Supreme Council Web sites. “Two hours a year” volunteering at the council’s annual work with kids in Special Olympics Basketball or other worthy causes.

18. The “24 Hour Knight” “Two hours a year “ attending, with his family, memorial services, wake services or parish / council prayer services. “Two hours a year” on a council-sponsored Church, community, council, family or youth project of his choosing. These include Soup Kitchens, and recruitment drives at churches and street fairs. “Two hours a year” attending one council meeting. “Four hours a year “ enjoying (again, with his entire family) a council social function such as a dinner, dance, picnic, Christmas gatherings, etc.

19. If a man can actually give the Council 26 Hours of his time, there is always a need for Bingo Volunteers. These volunteers can be ‘Callers’ or “Floor Workers”. Once a month on a Thursday evening and volunteering 2 hours of his time; helps the Council achieve it’s Charity goals! The “24 Hour Knight” I don't have muchtime to give to the Knights, so why should I join?

20. Questions???? Next Steps>>>