Knights' Mission

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is not an invitation to do something once in a while just to make you feel good. Rather it’s an invitation to be someone and to be a part of a team. As Catholic men committed to charity we are compelled to act on behalf of those less fortunate than ourselves. We are a community of brothers who see those who suffer and those who are in need.

Our nation is reeling from the weight of different and concurrent states of emergency – we are battling natural disasters from wildfires to hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, while continuing to respond the COVID-19 pandemic. Riots across the nation are tearing our cities and the people who live there apart. As a society, we continue to attempt to respond and recover to all these events simultaneously while political polarization and vitriolic propaganda bombards us incessantly night and day.

In spite of the current state of national and state affairs, our council can play a vital role in addressing some of these challenges we face at the local level. We often think of our principles of charity, unity and fraternity as something to be lived within the Catholic community. But living these principles in our community, particularly in light of current events, is also an expression of our patriotism as Americans.

This fall, COVID-19 restrictions will probably hamper or prevent us from pursuing some of the things we typically do during the year. Last year, we were modestly successful implementing our Faith in Action programs through the Life, Family, Community and Faith committees. While we will continue some of those programs by sponsoring different events like the Celebrate Marriage retreat, March for Life, the student citizens essay contest or the Christmas poster contest, others will have to be on hold indefinitely. A couple of examples include breakfast fundraisers, or Tootsie Roll drives at Kroger with the Boy Scouts. We may be able to have Trunk or Treat, but that is to be determined.

What we can do is focus on using our four Faith In Action committees in the following areas of involvement:

1. Supporting our Brother Knights. We can’t support anyone or anything if we don’t know how.

a. We need to learn how to do things – your position as a council officer and parliamentary procedures that govern the manner in which we are supposed to conduct meetings. We can and should spend council meeting time to learn what our duties and responsibilities entail and how to do the best in those roles.

b. Another way we can support Brother Knights is be contacting or visiting members of the council to ensure they are well. Doing this is a phone call or visit away. If COVID restrictions prevent us from visiting people, then at least a phone call will do. We have an 11-page membership roster and a 16-page contact list of members who are Third Degree members. We have printed enough for everyone to take at least one page. If you have a 2018 parish directory, then cross-reference them to get phone numbers or email addresses. Be prepared to ask them how they and their family is doing or coping with the COVID pandemic. Ask them if they would be interested in helping us as a blood donor on the 1st of November. If they are, make a note of this and email Alan Inkenbrandt and myself. Ask them if they would be interested in joining us for the next social event scheduled for the 23rd of September, which, by the way, will include a K of C insurance program presentation by David Dickinson.

2. Supporting OLG. We have a strong relationship with Father Todd and Father Vinny. We have been able to earn their trust and respect.

a. They will be looking to us to support the Parish leading up to the OLG Feast Day Parish Mission during the 3rd of October through the 7th. Thanks to Wayne Armborst for coordinating with the Feast Day planning committee and keeping us informed as to the Feast Day plans. We have been asked to financially support the event – which we have budgeted for – and to set up and cook hot dogs, hamburgers following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday the 3rd of October. We have handouts which will give you a more detailed description of what will occur this year.

b. Since Patriotism is one of four principles of our order, and not just the exclusive domain of Fourth Degree assemblies, I am proposing we host seminars or workshops for the parish that focus on why America is an exceptional nation and what we can do to ensure it remains exceptional. We can also discuss issues of religious liberty, stress the importance of voter registration and emphasize the need to be well read on the issues of the upcoming elections. I will propose these ideas to Father Todd at my next meeting with him.

3. Supporting our community and feeding the hungry. OLG has developed a go-to reputation among food pantries in Johnson County and central Indiana. We have been involved in food pickups and off-loading of groceries for Nancy Kilroy predating the COVID crisis. She continues to rely on us now. We have calendars posted so you can sign up and volunteer to pick up food products at either Papa John’s Pizza or Starbucks coffee shop.

4. Participate in blood drives. On the 1st of November, we will host a Red Cross blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Alan Inkenbrandt has volunteered to lead this effort and I have told him that I, for one, will support him. If there are others of you that can assist, so much the better. Tom Renken has volunteered to staff a concession stand with his senior Boy Scouts. If you want to help see Alan and I after our meeting for more details.

What we will not be doing. We had expressed interest in operating concession stands at Lucas Oil Stadium as a means to fund-raise for this year. After walking the terrain at the stadium, reading the volunteer requirements and then consulting with Father Todd and the council officers, I have decided that we do not have the resources to meet the terms and conditions from contacting the concession supervisors – Centerplate LLC this year, we can however, revisit this opportunity in the 2021-2022 time frame.

Attaining unity of effort within the council and demonstrating unity of purpose through our good works, are among the best things we can do as Knights, Parish members and as American citizens. However, obtaining and maintaining commitment from you and others in our council to participate in these events will play a significant role in determining the outcome in the four initiatives I’ve described above.

Vivat Jesus,

Steve Pappas, Grand Knight