The Knights of Columbus

For many years the fraternal organization, the Knights of Columbus, has done so much to promote and defend the teachings of the Catholic Church.  The Knights stress the importance of the family, and articulate and defend the rights of the unborn, the sanctity of the marriage bond, and other issues important to us as Catholics.  Some time ago, in a message to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention, Pope Francis thanked the Knights for their efforts to defend the role of religion and praised the order for its commitment to educate people in the faith and in a strong sense of civic responsibility.

The Knights also do much to demonstrate their support and appreciation for the priests of the Catholic Church.  The Knights of Columbus continues to assist in the fostering of vocations not only to the priesthood but also to the diaconate and religious life.  Many Knights currently serve as deacons in the Church.  A good number of Knights of Columbus Councils provide monthly support for seminarians in their time of training and formation.  

The Knights of Columbus Council at our parish of Saint Catherine of Siena continues to support seminarians preparing for priesthood in our diocese of Metuchen.  It provides not only financial support, but also spiritual support through the prayers of its members.

As an aid to vocation discernment, the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus has provided their “Prayer for Vocations”:

Heavenly Father, bless your Church with an

abundance of holy and zealous Priests,

Deacons, Brothers and Sisters.

Give those you have called to the married state

and those you have chosen to live as

single persons in the world the special graces

that their lives require.

Form us all in the likeness of your Son so that in Him, with Him and through Him we may love You more deeply and serve You more faithfully, always and everywhere.  With Mary we ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are invited to pray that more men and women will strive to embrace a holiness of life as they discern their proper vocation and do their part to more effectively build the Kingdom of God on earth.