The Tar Heel Knight

As we approach the close of the calendar year, let us not lose sight of the obligations that sustain our mission. Councils should continue to submit Form 10784s each month for every Faith in Action program conducted. Remember—the 10784s from this calendar year are how your council becomes eligible for awards at the State Convention. Please include photos with your submissions—these help us share your witness of fraternity and service on the State Facebook page. Now is also the time to begin filling out your Fraternal Activities Form 1728, which determines your council’s eligibility for the State Deputy Award and the Charity, Unity, and Fraternity Awards. Looking ahead, start discerning and nominating your Rookie of the Year, Knight of the Year, Golden Knight, Family of the Year, Priest of the Year, Deacon of the Year, and other annual recognitions. These honors not only celebrate individuals but also inspire councils across North Carolina to be ever more deeply Transformed by Christ.
This month, we reflect on the virtue of Fraternity, the third principle of the Knights of Columbus. Fraternity is more than camaraderie—it is the Christ-centered brotherhood that binds us together. The exemplification ceremony reminds us: “Fraternity means that as Knights we are united as brothers to bear one another’s burdens, support each other in difficulties, and strengthen each other in the faith.”
November is filled with opportunities to live this truth. Halloween, All Saints, and All Souls Day remind us of the communion of saints and the hope of eternal life. The start of Advent later in the month calls us to prepare together for Christ’s coming. Veterans Day on November 11 reminds us to honor the men and women who served our nation, many of whom are our brother Knights. This is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the spirit of the Knights’ program “Leave No Neighbor Behind.” Take time to check in on veterans, widows, and elderly parishioners. A phone call, a visit, or an invitation to share a meal can make a lasting impact. And of course, November brings prime football season and Thanksgiving—both moments when families and friends gather in fellowship. Let’s not stop at sharing meals or cheering for our favorite teams; let’s extend fraternity by inviting a brother Knight to Mass, strengthening friendships, and ensuring no one is left behind.
The Eucharistic Prayer I names the Apostles in order, and this month we arrive at Saint James the Less and Saint Philip. Saint James the Less, often called “the brother of the Lord,” became the first bishop of Jerusalem. He is remembered for his deep piety and leadership of the early Church. His feast day is May 3, shared with Philip, and he is the patron of fullers and pharmacists. Tradition tells us he was martyred in Jerusalem for his steadfast witness to Christ. Saint Philip, a friend and follower of John the Baptist before following Christ, was quick to invite others, saying, “Come and see” (John 1:46). He is the patron saint of pastry chefs and hatters, and his feast also falls on May 3. Philip reminds us that fraternity begins with invitation and sharing Christ with others. Both apostles show us that being transformed by Christ means being willing to lead, to suffer, and to invite others into the joy of the Gospel.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, consider adding this simple prayer to your council gatherings and family meals:
“Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for the countless blessings You bestow on us each day. Transform our hearts to be more like Yours—generous, loving, and steadfast in fraternity. May our gratitude overflow into service for our families, parishes, and communities. Amen.”
As we enter November, let us give thanks for our fraternity and for the gift of serving Christ through the Knights of Columbus. Thank you, brothers, for your dedication, your time, and your sacrifice. May this month’s observances—All Saints Day (Nov. 1), All Souls Day (Nov. 2), Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), and the beginning of Advent—remind us of the unity of heaven and earth, the bond we share as Knights, and the gratitude we owe to God.
Vivat Jesus!