In service to one,
In service to all
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Who Are The Knights? The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization with over 1.72 million members. The order, begun in 1882 in the United States by founder Father Michael J. McGivney, is dedicated to promoting the concepts of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church,their communities, families and young people. In 2007, the Knights donated more than 68 million hours of volunteer & charitable service (valued at over $1.1 billion) and, in the 2006 fraternal year, a record $143.8 million (US) to charitable and benevolent causes. "In service to One, In service to all." In 2004, our Dr. Tillman Briggs Council #4597 was the third largest Council in the BC/Yukon State area. Per capita donation amount for the BC & Yukon State region in 2007 was the highest of the entire Order, at $328 per member. The next highest was Virgina at $162 per member.
Membership Benefits
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 - insurance in force of more than $60 billion, A++ {Superior}
A.M. Best rating and AAA {Extremely Strong} Standard & Poor's rating
- and many more family and personal benefits.
How To Join
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.
Membership recruitment is unique in this Council in that it draws from the entire Comox Valley as well as a large Canadian Forces Base at Comox. For detailed membership information, please contact the Dr. Tillman Briggs Council Membership Director, Brother Larry Jangula at 334-9373.
4th Degree
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.
If you are interested and wish more information on becoming a Fourth Degree Knight, please contact any Brother Fourth Degree Knight.
Ladies Auxiliary
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 help with setting up and beautifying the
hall for events.
At present, the Dr. Briggs Council 4597 does not have a Ladies Auxiliary programme, but does work closely with the Christ the King Parish Catholic Women's League, and is also generously supported in its efforts and activities by the Knights' spouses.
Squires
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 Dr. Briggs Council 4597 does not currently have an associated Squires circle programme.
This page last updated: 30 March 2008 (L-E. Wadelius).
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