Family Week
Chairman Mark Glatzel Family Programs
Family Week
Today, as at our founding, the family stands at the core of the Knights of Columbus’ beliefs and ideals as a Catholic, family, fraternal service organization. The Knights of Columbus has always strongly supported the family at the local, state and international levels in many ways, especially through our award-winning insurance program. Councils throughout the Order regularly sponsor support groups for new parents, scholarships, babysitting services, fund-raisers for families in need, pro-life activities, family recognition programs, and other family-related projects.
Throughout the year, councils should work to strengthen families by encouraging wholesome home life. Urge families to make time to enjoy each other’s company, talk and be active together. Encourage members and their families to choose the Holy Family as their model of interdependence, sharing and respect for each other.
Knights of Columbus Family Week is a special opportunity for our Order to celebrate and emphasize the importance of the family through programs that support the Church and the parish, and unite Knights and Squires with their families and the community at large. These programs should be fun and enjoyable for all, but also meaningful in their message. Our celebration of the family shouldn’t be a private matter. Open it to nonmembers, prospects, parishioners, friends, priests, religious and everyone else in your community. Advertise your events and show the world that families are the backbone of communities and our Order.
Family of the month
The structure of the family is built on strength, faith and love. Strength comes from a bond of togetherness, experience and respect for one another. Families build a strong foundation of faith as they pray, attend Mass and spend time together.
The Supreme Council encourages every council to participate in the Order’s “Family of the Month” program. To take part a council selects a member and his family as its “Family of the Month” using the guidelines explained in the Family of the Month booklet (#1993) provided to each council in its “Surge …with Service” kit.
Items that your committee should look for (but not be restricted to) in their selections are:
• Has the family made significant contributions to the Church, community, and/or council?
• Does the family get along?
• Does the family share experiences?
• Does the family communicate openly and honestly?
• Does the family pray and attend Mass together?
After having chosen a family, complete and submit the corresponding monthly form from the Family of the Month. A copy of this form is also available online at 10784 Family of the Month form These forms are sent to the Supreme Council office. On the 15th day of each month 100 Family of the Month reporting forms are randomly selected and the families chosen receive a Holy Family plaque.