Web Site: http://www.kofc.ab.ca/chapter.htm
Meetings: Second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm Church Hall (Doucet Room)
Father Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 at St. Mary’s in New Haven, CT. as an organization committed to Unity as a Catholic lay organization, Charity to those in need and Fraternity with fellow brother knights.
Today, Knights and their families remain true to these principles and work to spread Columbianism around the world.
You and your family will benefit from membership in the Knights of Columbus, Join today and help make a better tomorrow.
For more information please contact us.
Activities in Council 8470
The Knights of St. Patrick’s Council is visible within the Parish. Some activities are for the Parish at large, some are for ourselves, but all of them have an aspect of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.
- Parish Breakfast: Every month after all Sunday Masses, pancakes, sausages and desert are served to approximately 500 parishioners. Monies raised go to various charities.
- Ladies’ Night: Annual social evening to honour our Spouses and Friends.
- Student of the Month: Certificates and plaques are presented to students for various activities.
- Respect for Life: “I do not hesitate to proclaim before you, the World, that all human life – from the moment of conception and through all subsequent stages – is sacred.” Pope John Paul II
- The Magic of Christmas: Dedicated to spreading the love, caring and sharing associated with the most joyous time of the year, we visit on Christmas Eve more than 250 families plus shelters, hospitals and nursing homes.
- Chili Cook-Off & Dance: Who can make the best Chili?
- The Handi-Boat Society: Formed in June 1997 by a member of our Council, we provide unique recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and senior citizens. We take them for an afternoon boat ride on a specially built pontoon boat, complete with BBQ facilities.
- Winter Carnival: Held at one of the local lakes. Families skate, toboggan and have a sing song around a campfire. Hot chocolate and marshmallows are roasted and served.
- Annual Lobster Boil/Dance: Open to members and the community at large. A Down East fun evening complete with fish chowder, lobster, Maritime music and refreshments.
- Polar Bear Steak BBQ/Dance: January is the date. Cook your steak on our BBQ and enjoy the warmth of all who attend.
- St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance: Enjoy an Irish Jig and a bowl of stew! Everyone welcome!
- Stampede Breakfast: Annual Breakfast at the beginning of the Calgary Stampede
- Columbian Squires & Squirettes: Official youth group of the Knights of Columbus
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to join?
Practicing Catholic men 18 years of age and older.
What events can I get involved in?
We organize or support many parish and community events, some of which are:
- Annual Parish social events (i.e. Stampede Breakfast, St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Dance, Lobster Boil & Dance)
- Assist St. Vincent de Paul Society, The Magic of Christmas Society
- Annual Youth Freethrow Basketball Championships – local, district & regional levels; annual Substance Abuse Awareness poster contest in our schools
- Social events for members and our families: Members monthly meeting and social
Can my family get involved?
On top of helping at any of the Knights-sponsored events, we have several events that your family can participate in and enjoy, such as:
- Family dinners in our Parish hall
- Our regular Sunday morning pancake breakfasts
- The Handiboat Society and The Magic of Christmas Society are always looking for family volunteers
What about strengthening my Faith?
We have faith retreats that members can attend. At our monthly Council meeting we also share with our clergy members our thoughts on a selected scripture reading and reflection before we discuss business. We also host prayer services.
What charities are supported with our time and fund raising?
We raise money through social events and other projects to provide our time and funding to support some of the following charities:
- Youth in our Parish and schools (Bursaries and scholarships, retreat participation)
- Calgary Community Organizations – Father Lacombe Care Center, KARA, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Handiboat Society, The Magic of Christmas Society, etc.
- Prolife – Hike for Life, Pro-Life calendars, prayer service for the unborn
- Provide time and money to support our parish and priests, aiding seminarians and St. Mary’s University College.
- Annual Bishop’s Dinner and Bishop’s Cup Hockey Game.
What is expected of me?
We expect our members to participate in at least 2 or 3 events per year and when you are less busy with your life, we would like to have you participate once or twice a month.
How do I find out more?
We would like you to come and visit with you and your family in your home and show you a 12 minute video about the Knights of Columbus, as well as tell you more about our local Council, so that if you decide to join, you are well informed about what you are joining. For more information, contact the parish office.
Who are the Knights of Columbus?
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, family-oriented, men’s fraternal organization. Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney, the K of C received it’s charter on March 29, 1882 in New Haven, Connecticut. The first and foremost purpose for founding the K of C was Charity. We still adhere to this purpose today in that we:
Help Catholic men remain steadfast in their faith through mutual encouragement. Promote close ties of fraternity among the members.
Set up a basic insurance program so that widows and orphans will be provided for in the event the death of a member. Maintain ideals of spirituality and service to our Church, Country and Fellow Man.
In 2001, Knights Order wide raised and contributed to charity a record $125.6 million. In addition, we contributed 58.9 million hours of time to Church and civic causes. Independent Sector reported that the value of the volunteer hour grew to $15.39 in 2000. By that standard, the volunteer service provided by the Knights was $907 million. If you add that figure to the $125.6 million raised, the grand total is $1.033 billion worth of K of C charity in one year!
