I joined the Knights of Columbus because of the fraternal aspect of Knighthood and a will to be more involved in the parish.   Since then I have discovered that the Knights of Columbus is more than just a group of friends getting together to fry fish at Lent.  The Order has been called the “the right arm of the church” by Pope John Paul II and our council is the right arm of the Parish.  Whether it is funding the refurbishment of the façade at St. Peter’s in Rome or hosting a golf tournament to help our Parish school, the Knights of Columbus lives up to its’ slogan of “In Service to One. In Service to All.

Tom Schuler 46 yrs old & a 4th Degree Knight.

In one of Luke’s Gospels, we are told:  “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”   I believe he’s directing us toward the first premise of the Knights of Columbus – Charity.

It is through the charitable activities with the Knights that I am able to fulfill my personal need to be part of something larger than myself.  The Knights afford me the opportunity to apply my talents (or gifts) in support of others who are less fortunate. In my opinion me this is the greatest call any of us can answer.

From the cries of “all for one and one for all” to the more recent “it takes a village” we have often been called to join together to work for a “higher purpose.”  This is first and foremost what the Knights of Columbus is all about and why I have been “In Service to One. In Service to All” for three years now.

Christopher Werner 53 yrs old & a 4th Degree Knight.

I became a Knight because my father was a Knight. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, serving as an officer and Grand Knight at his council. While growing up, I remember seeing first hand the example he was to our family, our church and our community. He was a well-rounded and respected individual by all who met him, and he was also a charitable individual, helping anyone who had a need. He worked with his own abilities and talents to make life better for anyone he could, while always being guided by his faith.

I have a desire to be a similar individual, yet unique in my own way. To be well rounded in my faith, family, and community. I desire to use my talents to offer aid to those who are in need, and to provide service through my own abilities. I desire to be strengthened and guided by my faith, and to feel the reward of helping to make a difference.

So just like my father, I recognized that the Knights of Columbus is an organization that would assist me in becoming the individual I desired to be.

Alex J. Fago Chancellor/Membership Director 49 yrs old and 4th Degree Knight

I doubt that any Brother Knight had my motivation for joining the Knights. For a few years one of our past Grand Knights had been “on my case” to join our local Council, #9923.

In late 2002 I lost my first wife, Betty, suddenly and very unexpectedly. During the next year, I was basically useless and listless. Then Brother Miguel “started up on me”. I really did not have the push or drive to do anything much, so I respectfully declined. Then in April, 2005, I met Frances…at the cemetery (her deceased husband is buried about 20 yards from Betty) Nine months later, Frances and I were married, amidst more attempts by Brother Miguel to encourage me to become a Knight.

Well, Brother Miguel must have stayed all night one night to come up with the offer I could not refuse. If I joined the local Council, Miguel would arrange for a Knights’ Honor Guard at the wedding. I did and he did. The Honor Guard was so very impressive, and from that day forward my life became as before, active and rewarding. Life was of interest again. Credit that to Frances, my six children, and Council #9923

My four years with the Knights has been of sincere satisfaction. I’ve been able to contribute to various drives, projects etc. I’ve made many new friends and the biggest benefit to me is that my contributions have given me the opportunity to give back to the Lord for what He has provided me in the past .My only regret is that it took so long for me to say ”Yes “ to Miguel. And God is good!!

Gene Schayeryrs 75 yrs old & a 4th Degree Knight.