Family

Not only does contributing to a Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build directly improve the lives of children in need, but it builds bonds between all volunteers working towards this common goal. Knights of Columbus members will collaborate with people of all ages and backgrounds - including other church groups, companies, students and caring individuals. Friendships emerge while sawing wood, sharing a meal during break time and the joy of delivering completed beds to appreciative families. Many bed builders report the uplifting teamwork and mutual support leave them feeling energized to continue serving their community. Participating side by side on a SHP project forges new connections and community spirit that will extend far beyond the workshop. Link to North Carolina Sleep in Heavenly Peace Chapters: link

Help strengthen the domestic church (our families) by providing exceptional religious education materials to all Catholics. Building the Domestic Church Kiosks contain engaging, faith-based literature and are available for councils to distribute to members, parishioners, and the general public.

Revitalize our parishes by urging our parish families to devote themselves to the ideal model of familial love set by Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Invite each family in your parish to consecrate themselves to the Holy Family.

Promote and support the development of strong and vibrant families. Each council establishes a committee to recognize a deserving Family of the Month and Family of the Year with potential for recognition on the international level.

Strengthen the bonds within our parishes and build faith-filled families. This is an opportunity for council members, their families, and the whole parish community to come together once a month for an evening of prayer, dinner, and fellowship. Help families place God and the Catholic faith at the center of their lives. Using the Family Fully Alive Booklet as a devotional guide, this program provides monthly themes, reflections, meditations, and group projects.

Dedicate a week to celebrate our families. Councils plan a special week for their parish celebrating family life. Activities presented in this program will strengthen the parish community and affirm the central importance of Catholic family life.

Help end hunger in communities across North America. Many people in our communities are struggling through hardship and unable to provide food to their families. Food for Families ensures that as few as possible go to bed hungry each night. A featured program, Food for Families counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award.

Bring families into a more robust practice and better understanding of our Catholic faith and the Triduum. In an effort to increase parish attendance and involvement, councils conduct a promotional campaign to educate their parishes on the vital importance of Good Friday.

Promote the true spirit of Christmas in homes, schools, parishes and communities. Councils will evangelize society through their faithful acts, celebrations and a variety of activities.

The purpose of this program is to help families reduce excessive screen time from televisions, phones, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices. This is especially important during the developmental years of children and teens. Today’s young people are constantly exposed to social media, online videos, texting, internet content, and other digital distractions. While technology can be useful, excessive screen use can negatively affect healthy development, attention, relationships, and family life. This program encourages families to establish healthier habits, create appropriate boundaries around technology, and spend more time interacting with one another away from screens.

The Quinceañera Support program is a great opportunity for Knights to support families and young women in their parish at an important time in their faith journeys. Councils are encouraged to propose Our Lady as a role model for girls and young women in today’s society. The Blessed Virgin’s faith, charity, humility and trust in the Lord are worthy of perfect imitation. The following resources can be distributed to families and young women as part of their initial and ongoing formation for the quinceañera.

The Remembering Our Faithful Departed program calls upon councils to honor and pray for the deceased members of their council, families, and parish community. By commemorating the dearly departed, and asking for the intercession of the saints, Knights can help others overcome the grief that accompanies the death of a loved one, strengthen family bonds, promote the unique cultural and religious traditions of their parishes, and help the suffering souls in purgatory.