Our Principles
All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles:
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.
Fraternity – Blessed 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.
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.
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In Memory of Brother Matt Maciejeski
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of our Worthy Brother Matt Maciejeski. Brother Matt passed away Tuesday night at 9:52 pm. Mr. Maciejeski was a very active...
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V.A. turnout 1-21-24
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Knights of Columbus Wheelchair Distributions
On Jan.21st. We will be having an Video Film crew present to interview our Veterans whom received 150 wheelchairs along with our State Deputy Terry Fruge and his First Lady Beth Fruge. Please do your best...
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December 2023 Chapter Minutes are now posted!
You must be a registered user on the GHKnights.org website to access the meeting minutes on secure member only page. Posted on 1/1/2024
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WINTER DIOCESAN CONFERENCE
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Announcement: Chapter PO Box Change
Worthy Grand Knights, District Deputies and Chapter Delegates, I am pleased to announce the Chapter post office mailbox has been changed to a new address. The previous PO Box address in Spring, TX is...
- Form AGH Chapter Delegate 2023-2024
- Father Mc Givney Statue
- Knights of Columbus support Catholic Literary Arts Fearless Writing Camp
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Chapter By-Laws (Signed by Supreme Advocate) are Posted!
Dear Brother, The By-Laws for Galveston-Houston Knights of Columbus Chapter are now posted in the Resources button at the top of the home page - RESOURCES >> FORMS >> CHAPTER BY-LAWS YOU MUST BE A...
Shield a Badge with a Prayer
The “Shield a Badge with a Prayer” program is designed to show support to local Law Enforcement Officers through daily prayer. The Texas State Council is promoting this program as a “Community” Activity” and encourages your Council or Assembly to start a “Shield a Badge with a Prayer” program. The goal of “Shield a Badge” is to have every officer “adopted” and to have a daily prayer said for that officer’s Safety, Good Judgment, and a Safe Return Home. The commitment is for ONE year. A daily prayer is offered up for the safety of the assigned officer. The officer’s name and badge number is given to the prayer sponsor. There are NO promises beyond a prayer every day (no personal contact, no phone calls, and no gifts.) Communication with the officer is limited to a card or note several times a year letting them know you are praying for them. If an officer retires during the year, the prayer sponsor will be notified and a new officers name will be given. As new officers are hired, new prayer sponsors will be assigned.
Implementing the Program
- A liaison is needed from the Council/Assembly to contact the local Police / Sheriff Department. Ultimately, the program needs to be approved by the Chief of Police or Sheriff. The liaison will need to explain the program to the Chief and get the approval. Meeting with the Police Chaplin or the Community Officer may help or assist when presenting the program to the Chief. The Chief or Chaplin can then explain the program to the rest of the department so they are aware and have a better understanding of the program. It should be stressed to the Chief that only the officers name and badge number will be given to the prayer sponsor. Any communication with the officer will be limited to a card or note several times a year letting the officer know that the sponsor is praying for them and their safety. Seasonal cards are welcome; but only cards, NO GIFTS. And there should be NO attempt to make personal contact with the officer.
- Once the Chief approves the program, a list of officers will need to be obtained and the program coordinator from the council/assembly will begin assigning officers to a prayer sponsor. There are no limits to how many officers a prayer sponsor can have. Just like membership drives, a sign up drive can be done following all masses involving more than just council members.
- The coordinator will need to keep track of the prayer sponsors, which includes the name, address, email, and phone number. He will also need to track the prayer sponsor with the assigned officer to ensure that all officers are adopted out. If a prayer sponsor wishes to withdraw from the program another sponsor will be assigned to that officer. – See attached sheet.
- The coordinator will also need to periodically check with the police department for any officers who retire or leave the force. When that happens, the prayer sponsor will be notified and another officer assigned to that sponsor.
- When a prayer sponsor signs up, they will be given a “Prayer Card” with the officer’s name, ID, and mailing address of the police station (see example). The “Prayer Card” can be placed somewhere as a reminder to pray for that particular officer. The prayer sponsor will also be given some guidelines and what is expected of the prayer sponsor. In larger cities with larger police departments, the council can support the local substation or a specialized unit.
- There is no operational expense for the “Shield a Badge” program. The prayer sponsor is responsible for cost of mailing cards to the officer.
Other things to consider:
- There is power in prayer and there are no prescribed prayers for this program. Not sure how to pray or what prayer to use, don’t despair. Just talk with God respectfully and openly. Prayer is a conversation with God. When praying, do not worry about how the prayer is phrased. Pray for others whenever you think of them (at work, home, doing chores, in the car.) A prayer for a police officer can be as simple as “Dear Lord, please keep Officer _______ safe today.”
- One thing that frustrates officers is when a parent points to an officer and tells their child that if they continue to misbehave, the officer is going to take them to jail. Officers want children to know that they are someone the child can trust and someone that they can go to when they are scared, lost or needing help. Participating in the “Shield a Badge” program and getting the children to pray for an officers safety is a great way to build a strong bond with a police officer.
- Check out the original Shield a Badge website: www.shield-a-badge.org
- If you have any questions or need any help getting this started in your community, please call or email me: Pat Henz, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 817-501-5197
Testimonials:
"Those officers put their lives on the line everyday to keep us safe; the least I could do is say a prayer for their safety" - Mrs. Houters -prayer sponsor
"I was the first officer on the scene of a person with a gun call. When I arrived, he put the gun down and no one was hurt. I knew my prayer sponsors prayers were answered" - Officer Moreno
"In a time when police are so often criticized, observing awful things or working long hours - just receiving a personal note made the day a little brighter!" - Officer Brock
"Knowing that someone would take the time to pray for me who dosen't even know me, was very powerful" - Officer Minton