KNIGHTS CORNER – January 17, 2021
"The best way to dominate and gain control over people is to spread despair and discouragement, even under the guise of defending certain values. Today, in many countries, hyperbole, extremism, and polarization have become political tools. Employing a strategy of ridicule, suspicion, and relentless criticism, in a variety of ways one denies the right of others to exist or to have an opinion." -
Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti
(On Fraternity and Social Friendship).
The above quote, taken from the new social encyclical penned by Pope Francis, seems to speak directly to recent political events in the United States. Just a week ago, Americans witnessed hundreds of protesters, many of them armed, illegally storm the capitol building in Washington, D. C. in order to disrupt formal proceedings of our government. In something that resembled an armed insurrection, members of our lawful government had to scramble for their safety in the face of a lawless hoard who apparently thought that their political views were the only ones that mattered. In a breath of fresh air, most Americans have condemned the events of a week ago. I believe that Pope Francis' analysis of the gross individualism, polarization, and intolerance of others affecting so many countries today does speak to some of the root causes of our current malaise.
In his new encyclical, Pope Francis points out that the loss of a feeling of solidarity with others, coupled with the gross individualism that pervades modern society, can make people insensitive to the needs and opinions of others. People end up living in their own little bubble, and are less likely to view people who do not live and think as they do as part of the same human family. May we as Roman Catholic Christians heed the advice of the Holy Father and practice human solidarity with others throughout the year 2021. The fate of our fragile republic, and perhaps the future of human civilization, may be in the balance.
Men interested in joining the Knights of Columbus should contact Mark Scott at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Phone:(317)364-6206. Or look up the Knights of Columbus website at https://www.kofc.org/joinus.
Mike Wininger, Grand Knight Council 529
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(317 )800-4327
About the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882, it was named in honor of the mariner Christopher Columbus. Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to low-income immigrant Catholics, it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services, promoting Catholic education and actively defending Roman Catholicism in various nations.
There are 1,883,598 members in nearly 15,000 councils, with 302 councils on college campuses. Membership is limited to "practical" Catholic men aged 18 or older. Membership consists of four different degrees, each exemplifying a different principle of the Order. The Order is a member of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights.
Councils have been chartered in the United States (including the territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam), Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Panama, the Bahamas, Cuba, Guatemala, Saipan, South Korea, Ukraine, Lithuania, and on US military bases around the world. The Knights' official junior organization, the Columbian Squires, has over 5,000 circles and the Order's patriotic arm, the Fourth Degree, has more than 2,500 assemblies.
For their support for the Church and local communities, as well as for their philanthropic efforts, Pope John Paul II referred to the Order as a "strong right arm of the Church." In 2014, the Order gave over US$173 million directly to charity and performed over 71.5 million man-hours of voluntary service. Over 413,000 US pints (195,000 l; 344,000 imp pt) of blood were donated in 2010.
The Knights were formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief, and public relief works.
K of C # 5290 meets in Fr. Conen Hall cafeteria on the 1st Thursday of the month. We will work to help our parish family any way we can.
If you know any past Grand Knight or family member of a past Grand Knight, please let them know we have personal items for each Past Grand Knight or widow of a past Grand Knight that we would like to give the family.
St. Joseph Council 5290
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
6944 E. 46th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46226-3704
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
UPDATES AND COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
For updates and other council activities visit http://kofc5290.mcmn.us
Latest NEWS