Knights of Peter Claver, Inc.
Archbishop James P. Lyke ~ Unit #340
History ~ Archbishop James P. Lyke Unit #340
Early in 1994, a small group of St. John’s parishioners approached our Pastor Father Gracz (later vested as Monsignor) to seek his approval to form a unit of the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary, and Juniors at our parish. Father Gracz gave his approval to establish a council and court but added that we should delay including the youth until such time that the Knights and Ladies were well organized. Upon receiving Father Gracz’s approval, the group moved forward with our membership recruitment campaign for potential Knights and Ladies.
On July 28, 1994, the Council and Court of St. Peter Claver at St. John's were established. The initiation was held at St. John's in Daly Hall, occurring during the 79th Knights of Peter Claver National Convention. This was particularly special as Supreme Knight, A. Jackie Elly, and Supreme Lady, Dorothy Henderson, conducted the initiation. Eight men and eleven women from St. John's were initiated. The unit took the name, Archbishop James P. Lyke, in honor of our recently deceased Archbishop for Atlanta.
Sometime later, we established our Junior Knights and Junior Daughters in order to address the needs of our Catholic youth.
Since formation, we have continued to strive to be a visible lay ministry at St. John's while continuing to keep our focus on our mission--to serve God, the Catholic Church, our pastor, and our Noble Order through efforts to execute works of charity, evangelization and social outreach.
We are indebted to Monsignor Gracz for being the one who gave us the opportunity to establish a unit of Knights of Peter Claver at St. John’s. We are also grateful to Father Douglass and Father Parker for their unwavering support. Our prayer is that we, Archbishop James P. Lyke Council and Court #340 Family, remain active, add to our membership, and continue to be of service to our Church and to our community.
Excerpt taken from St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and School 50th Anniversary (1954 – 2004) Commemorative Booklet
Unit #340 - 29th Anniversary Picture ~ July 30, 2023
We are also grateful to Father Edward Thein (now Monsignor Thein, whom we initiated into the Knights) for his support during his time at St. John the Evangelist. Father Michael Onyekuru, our current pastor, has continued to give unwavering support and guidance.
Archbishop James P. Lyke
A glimpse of events and activities sponsored through the years!!!!
[click link to view 2019 slide show]
Your Invitation to Catholic Action!
We extend a cordial invitation to all Catholics to join or reinstate your membership in the Knights of Peter Claver, Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, the Junior Knights or the Junior Daughters.
Goals and Objectives of the Order
To be a supporter to the local parishes and to the Bishop of the diocese
To participate collectively in various parish and community activities
To promote civic improvements and social justice
To encourage Lay Apostolic and Catholic action
To make contributions to worthwhile causes
To award scholarships and support education
To foster recreational assemblies and facilities
To develop youth in a positive, nurturing environment
To provide social and intellectual fellowship for its members
“Trust in God” is our password, “Onward” is our cry
Source: https://www.kofpc.org/
The Knights of Peter Claver
The Knights of Peter Claver was originally founded November 7, 1909 in Mobile, Alabama as an organization to allow men of color membership in a Catholic fraternal society. The organization was incorporated July 12, 1911 at Mobile, Alabama. Divisions of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc were established as follows:
1917 Fourth Degree ( Authorized)
1917 Junior Knights (Authorized)
1922 Ladies Auxiliary (Authorized)
1926 Ladies Auxiliary Division ( Established)
1930 Junior Daughters Division (Established)
1935 Junior Knights Division (Established)
1980 Ladies of Grace Meritorious Division (Established)
With strong support of The Church throughout the years, the Order now has over 700 subordinate units throughout the United States and a Unit in Colombia, South America. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Order is comprised of over 18,000 Catholic family members. We continue our expansion efforts welcoming all Catholics to join. The Order is a member of the International Alliance Catholic Knights.
Who is the KPC Ladies Auxiliary?
We are Ladies who are young and yearning, wise and seasoned, vivacious and vibrant, studious and stunning, bold and bodacious, awesome and awe-inspiring, dedicated and determined.
We are strong, proud and independent women willing to be of service to Our Noble Order.
We are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends with a common goal of Faith, Unity, and Christian Charity.
We are Ladies with our own unique identities who possess self-confidence, integrity, and the courage to express our opinions.
We are Ladies willing to ensure the continuation of Our Noble Order for another 100 years.
To effect change in our communities, we must have the courage to demand the impossible and challenge ourselves. We must promote who we are as an organization. We all play a role in shaping our future. Will you join us?