membership

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
Council 4282

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic organization for men over the age of 18. Founded by Father Michael McGivney, to provide assistance to the families of members and assist the parish priests.
From these humble beginnings in New Haven, CT., the Knights of Columbus of today has grown to over 13,000 Councils. The principals of the Order, Charity, Unity, Fraternalism and Patriotism, were set by Father McGivney. The Knights of today continue these practices throughout the United States and other countries where the Knights have Councils

The Knights of Columbus have an excellent Insurance program for the members and their families. Also available are various Scholarships for the son and daughters and spouses of members in the Knights of Columbus. There are Scholarships available on the State level and also on the National Level.
The Pennsylvania State Council also has an Educational Loan Foundation through which loans are made available to Students attending higher education at a very reasonable rate, in addition when the loan is repaid without any arrears, the state will provide an interest rebate of up to $500.

At the local level the Knights of Columbus sponsors various events throughout the year. Each month we present a Rose and a Rosary to the Mothers of Infants baptized at Holy Family and Sacred Heart Churches. January, the council hosts a Free Throw Competition for boys and girls from 10-14. The winners of each age group advance to the District level competition and the winners from the District in each group advance to the Regional level and can go all the way to the National level. All participants at the Local Level receive a Certificate and Patch, the boy and girl who are top shooters in their age group receive a Plaque and go on to the District Shoots, the District winners receive a Medallion and the Regional winners receive a Trophy.

During the Lenten Season the council sponsors a Fish Fest on Fridays to raise money to support the Seminarians. March to May the council conducts a fund raising collection for P.A.R.C. - (Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens). As part of a State wide fund raiser to raise a goal of over $200,000. The money collected locally at these drives goes to the local Lehigh/ Northampton County ARC., to be used for local programs for the mentally retarded. November the council has a Memorial Mass for all deceased members of the council, and attends Mass as a group with their families. December the council has a Christmas Party for all Knights and their Families with plenty of food and refreshments. At this time the Council also honors a member of the Council as Knight of the Year and also honors a Family as Family of the Year. These awards are presented to recognize Knights and members Families that set a good example as Knights of Columbus thru their actions in the Church and Community

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.

Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

The Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.

Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.

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