(Published in One Voice, October 6, 2000. "The Bishop Chats", Bishop David E. Foley, D. D. Rev. Foley is the Bishop of the diocese of Birmingham, AL)
The other topic this week, is the Knights of Columbus. October has been set aside as "Knights of Columbus Month", in the State of Alabama. October is the time for enrollment in this largest of Catholic Organizations in the world. Just as with other groups, the Knights set aside a time for Catholic men who are interested to make contact and join them.
Most Catholic men have heard of the Knights, but many do not realize the spiritual support, being a Knight brings. Let's face it. You and I all need help in remaining what we should be. Raised Catholic or converted to the Catholic Faith, we are challenged by a secular lifestyle. We need some place to go and things to do that will keep us with people who share our values and think of others as important to them.
I see the Knights of Columbus as a way to be involved in the life of the Catholic Church and work for its goals. The Knights definitely have an agenda and its agenda is the support of the Holy Father, the bishops and the priests in furthering the mission of the Catholic Faith.
Here in our diocese, the Knights meet regularly in their Councils giving linkage to the 12,000 Councils in the United States and throughout the world. These Councils unite over 1.6 million Catholic men. The Right-to-Life movement is supported and strengthened through, Knights of Columbus. You have no doubt seen, in various locations in our diocese, the memorial tombs to the unborn.
Our Seminarians benefit from the gifts and prayerful encouragement of the Knights.
You may have experienced the Tootsie Roll Drive conducted by the Knights. It realizes, in our state, over $170,000 to help the mentally challenged.
Family is a consideration for becoming a Knight. Wives can join the Ladies Auxiliary, which back up and give support to the work of the Knights of Columbus. Spouses together realize a new focus for making time to share with others the joys and sorrows of just living. You find, people together in friendships as Catholics happy to be united in charity and helping the Catholic Church.
As the Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham, I welcome you as a perspective member for the Knights. Talk to your parish priest and contact the Council in your area. This is the month for you to enroll and be introduced to what, I know, will be a blessing for you, your family, and the Church.
I am very grateful for the presence and support of so many Knights of Columbus in the Diocese of Birmingham. With these new members this month, we will be further blessed.