Happy Anniversary KC Council 12529

Much has been written about this amazing oranization founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney. Knights of Columbus have been called the strong right arm of the Church and exist throughout America and in several other countries. I have been a member for 10 years. And I do not pretend to know all about the organization, nor can I quote statistics about membership or the insurance company other than what I read in Columbia magazine. By the way, not just a great magazine for Knights but a first class Catholic magazine. But I digress!

The purpose of this post today is to honor my local council that tonight celebrates its 10th anniversary. St. Jane de Chantal Council 12529 began in July 1999 with 74 charter members. Today we boast of over 140 members and have been credited with invigorating service programs throughout our parish and community. We are a unique council as we strive not to run bingos or bank lots of money for a building fund. No, we stress the spiritual and the community aspect of being a Knight.

Our 1st project was to erect a pro-life monument dedicated to Our Lady of Gaudalupe and the culture of life. We began an aggressive Keep Christ in Christmas program and began a Fish Fry during Lent with the ultimate goal not financial but to increase attendance at Stations of the Cross.

Like many other KC councils, we adopted special children programs, the needy, the food bank, our local seminarians, the scouts (actually establishing both a Boy Scout and Cub Scout troop) and so much more. We have marched for life and other church causes. One of our members, Ed Jeanfreau started a Knights for Life program that has helped raise over $ 800,000 for ultra sound machines at Access Pregnancy Centers and Northlake Crisis Pregnancy Center.

From among our ranks, one member became a Priest and 2 became Deacons, yours truly in that number. Our support of our parish, our Priests and our church facility is strong. We also boast of a mayor, a couple of alderman, a state representative and a state commissioner of agriculture among our membership.

We are a strong council that tonight celebrates our 10 years of dedicated service. Tonight we are very grateful to God for all the blessings He has bestowed on us. We recognize Him as the source of all our good. We understand that alone we can do nothing but with Him all things are possible.

So congratulations Council 12529, the Knights of Columbus of St. Jane de Chantal, Abita Springs, La. VivatJesus!