Sacred Heart of Jesus Council 2408 5501 Monticello Rd   •   Shawnee, KS 66226
	On Oct. 2, 1881, a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith. These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882. The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents, and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. Father McGivney's founding vision for the Order also included a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Order provides the highest quality insurance, annuity and long-term care products to its members, along with many other fraternal benefits. We are a worldwide Catholic family fraternal service organization of dedicated individuals—1.7 million members strong, and growing with over 34,300 members in the state of Kansas. We are men of faith, comprising over 12,500 Knights of Columbus councils at home and overseas. Guided not only by our belief in God and the Catholic Church, but by our belief in each other, and in ourselves. The Knights of Columbus was founded and is built on core values of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Faith, Community, Family, Youth, and Fellowship are the 5 primary areas of service the Knights of Columbus provide. We need you to help us make a difference here at Sacred Heart of Jesus and our local communities of Bonner Springs, Edwardsville, and Shawnee. As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits. 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. To learn more about becoming a member, contact: Edward Stork, Membership Director Phone: 913-422-8552 or Email: edstork@yahoo.com 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.
	© Copyright 1999 - 2002 by Knights of Columbus. All Rights Reserved. Send comments or questions to the web page editor, gfritter@everestkc.net.