The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, Family, Fraternal Service Organization. As of June 30, 2002 there were 12,079 councils order wide with a membership of 1,647,771. Councils exist in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Phillipines.

The order was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882 in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut. The principles of the order are Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

The Knights of Columbus has four degrees within the order. The head of the order overall is known as the Supreme Knight. He resides in New Haven, Connecticut with several directors and Program Chairmen reporting to him.

At the more local level, the highest ranking officer within the province (state) is known as the State Deputy. Likewise there are a number of other State Board members as well as District Deputies, Program Chairmen that report to the State Deputy.

At the council level, the Grand Knight is responsible for his council and he has several program chairmen reporting to him.

All levels of the order have an appointed Chaplain and they are known from the top down as Supreme Chaplain, State Chaplain and Council Chaplain. Membership is open to all practical Catholic gentlemen at least 18 years of age.

The order has a very successful Insurance Program with assets totalling $ 9.2 billion as of June 30, 2002. Insurance is only available to Knights of Columbus members and their families.

Charitable contributions in 2001 by the Knights of Columbus of all levels of the organization totaled $125 million. Hours of volunteer service by Knights in 2001 was 58.9 million.

Father Burns Council #5949 holds their monthly meetings at St. Cecilia Parish in the Burns Room on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., following the Monday evening 7:00 p.m. mass Executive meets on the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Hogan Room. The council was named after Father John Burns, pastor of St. Cecilia from 1957 to 1964.

All Knights of Columbus members are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information about the Knights of Columbus, please contact:

• Grand Knight Barie Rink
  
• Lou Daze, Church Director
• Claude LeFebvre, Membership Director,
  757-5372

Fundraising is done throughout the year. In June, an awards night is held with financial awards being made to deserving groups and individuals in the community.

Elections are also held in June.

Knights in the News (May 2002). Father Burns Council No. 5949 assists Santa Maria Nursing Home.

Additional information and history about the Knights of Columbus is available on the official web site www.kofc.org