Knights of Columbus

Charity - Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.

Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.

Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.

Fraternity – The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.

                          Revised Supreme Awards'  Criteria  

The coronavirus pandemic impacted fraternal operations and activities. Many councils that might have qualified for council awards may be unable to meet the criteria because of circumstances  beyond their control. 

Our goal is to recognize those councils that were on track for success before the crisis and those that are continuing fraternal operations despite pandemic restrictions. Accordingly, the  following criteria revisions are instituted to make council awards more achievable in the current fraternal year:

(1) Columbian Award (Programs) 

· Conduct at least 10 program activities (reduced from 16)

· At least 2 activities in each program category of Faith, Family, Community, and Life

· At least a total of 2 additional activities in program categories of your choosing

· The program categories no longer have specific “Required Programs” 

(2) McGivney Award (Membership) 

· Achieve Revised Membership Goal (40% reduction from original quota) 

(3) Founders Award (Insurance)  

· Host a virtual or in person benefits seminar with the field agent before June 30, or 

· Achieve Revised Insurance Goal (50% reduction from original quota)

(4) Star Council Award

· Payment of Supreme assessments and per capita are not required

· All other Star Council requirements (reports, safe environment, etc.) remain in effect

Note: We will discuss these revised criteria in detail during the next webinar this Thursday, April 30, at 8:00 PM EDT. Registration information will be sent separately.

The coronavirus pandemic greatly increased the need for charitable works. In challenging times, good leaders step forward and make great things happen. I encourage you to think outside  of the box, be creative, and help others get through this terrible pandemic. Our Leave  No Neighbor Behind program is a great place to start making a difference. 

Please do your best to achieve these revised criteria for council awards. The Supreme Council looks forward to recognizing your accomplishments.

March 15, 2020

Brothers,

The Coronavirus situation in Newfoundland and Labrador is escalating. We now have our first presumptive case of COVID-19.

Accordingly, the State Board is strongly recommending that effective immediately and until further notice, all councils, and council corporations, cancel ALL planned events, where people would gather This includes regular and executive meetings, bingo, card games, birthday parties, dances, dinners, holiday celebrations etc. 

Plans are continuing for our State Convention 2020, but that could change at a moment’s notice. An update will be issued as soon as any decision is made with respect to changes to the Convention.

The State Board has been and is continuing to monitor the Coronavirus situation and its impact on the province. As conditions change, we will make decisions and issues updates on the situation. 

Brothers, the safety and health of our members, and the general public, is of the utmost importance in the things that we do. Therefore, I urge all councils to take immediate action and cancel any and all activities the council or the home corporation, if applicable, has planned, for the immediate future.

Brothers, as the Supreme Knight indicated in his memo of last week, there are many ways to continue council operations without face to face contact.  Here are some suggestions:

· Conduct meetings by conference call, Skype, or other methods.

· Allow member votes by email or text to approve bills and candidate admissions. 

· Set up a call tree to contact members and ascertain their wellbeing.

· Conduct degree ceremonies in homes using the videos 

I am asking all Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries to please advise me when they receive this memo. I am also asking all District Deputies to ensure that each council they are responsible for, receives a copy of this memo.

Should you have any further questions, please contact me at your convenience.

Fraternally,

Gordon Lannon

State Deputy

Newfoundland and Labrador