New Knights

January 9, 2003: L to R Front Row, Bros. Rafael Gay-De Nonntella, John Bell, Peter Dunlop and Paul Gerritsen. Back Row (Members attending the First Degree): Jim Schell, and Doug Brown. Most recent new member: Bro. Nick de Carlo shown with his uncle, Bro. Paul de Carlo [Charter Grand Knight of our council!]

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.6 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.

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.

Father Fred Cahill Council 8471 serves the community and the parish in many ways.

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.

Any member of Council 8471 can help you join the Knights of Columbus. The Membership Director is Bro. James Doyle Phone: (403) 251-4958.

 
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.

Father Doucet Assembly meets at the St. Cecilia Church on the third Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. Mass is at 7 p.m. The Faithful Navigator is Sir Knight Rudolph Valerio (Phone: (403) 251-3144). Bro. Rudolph is also a member of Council 8471 and is Trustee 3 Years for our council. Father Doucet Assembly is not the only one in Calgary, but several of Council 8471 members are also Fourth Degree members of Father Doucet Assembly.

The Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to support the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.

Wives and friends of members of Council 8471 have always helped with the activities of the Knights. The Giant Garage Sale depends heavily on the efforts of wives of the Knights for its success. As yet, no one has formed an official "Ladies Auxilliary."

Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.

The Squires' Circle in the Holy Spirit Parish is dormant. Our council supports the forming of a new Squires' Circle and we encourage young men to form a new group. If you are interested in starting a Squires' Circle phone the Grand Knight, Bro. John Toltesi at 281-6929. You will get all the help and support that you need to run a Squires' Circle.

Send comments or questions to the Council 8471 web page editor, jessgilmore@shaw.ca.