Author: Chris Kremer
"God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them." — St. Augustine, City of God
As Knights of Columbus, we are on mission to build the city of God, brick by brick, through our dedication and unity. I commend all who have submitted their Form 185 and 365—your commitment is a testament to our shared mission. However, our work is not complete; we still need about 20 Form 185s and 50 Form 365s submitted to State and Supreme. Let’s continue this momentum and get them in as soon as possible. We're also making excellent progress on audits, with over half submitted, but there’s still work to be done. The Form 10784s have highlighted some remarkable accomplishments by Councils over the summer—a period when many typically slow down. If your Council was active, congratulations on your dedication! If not, now is the time to gear up, focus on recruitment, and ramp up your programs. Remember to submit your Form 10784s, and each month, I’ll spotlight a unique and impactful program from these submissions.
Unity is a core virtue that binds us together in our mission to build the city of God. This unity doesn't just strengthen our local Councils; it connects us to the broader network of State and Supreme Councils, aligning our efforts toward a common goal—creating a society rooted in Christ's teachings. As we work together, remember that even if you don’t see immediate results, your efforts locally have a ripple effect that compounds at the State, National, and international levels. The unity we share as Knights is more than just camaraderie; it's a force that defends our faith, supports our families, and empowers our communities. When we stand united, we become a powerful force for good, working tirelessly to fulfill our mission of building God’s city on earth.
St. Mother Teresa, whose feast day is celebrated on September 5th, exemplified this mission. As the patron saint of missionaries, charity workers, and the Archdiocese of Calcutta, she dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. Her unwavering commitment to the destitute made her a global symbol of selfless love and mercy. "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love," she once said, reminding us that every act of charity, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good.
At the Supreme Convention, it was heartening to hear stories like that of the Wilhelm family, who survived thanks to the unwavering support of the Knights. Their story is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together in unity and service. As we continue our mission, let us be inspired by Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly’s call to action, highlighting programs that make us pilgrims "on mission": aiding the persecuted and vulnerable, disaster relief, support for our military, pro-life movements, faith formation, and our commitment to the Eucharist. These initiatives reflect our pilgrim journey toward our Heavenly Father and our ongoing mission to build the city of God, one act of love at a time.