KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

HOLY MARTYRS OF JAPAN CHURCH BRADFORD COUNCIL # 4915

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  ABOUT US

  The greatness of a man is not always defined by what that he has done but by what he has the potential to do.

  The ability to act on behalf of others. The wisdom to learn from our actions. The courage to make right what is wrong. These things, among others, help define mankind. And our organization. The Knights of Columbus was created to unite men in their faith, as well as helping others in times of need. Since our founding, the Order has grown into an impressive 1.7 million members worldwide. Men who have raised more then a billion dollars for charitable causes. And our hopes and dreams for tomorrow are greater, because the need is too. The Knights of Columbus is an organization fortified by its past, and driven to its goals for the future. Whether it's through the support of local athletic programs, sponsoring of special events or hosting family focused activities, Knights serve in your community as valuable role models for other Catholic men, as well as mentors for all children. As men of faith, Knights are committed to making a difference by helping others, including the poor and physically challenged. Together Knights have a powerful voice, One that speaks out for religion and moral values, speaking out against fear and indifference. Realizing that through service and fellowship one man can impact the world.

  Worldwide when over 1.7 million Knights and their families contribute more then 63 million volunteer hours and donate over 136 million to charitable programsannually, they are helping each other and society to realize that membership in the Order is the Experience of a Lifetime. The Knights of Columbus began in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882,  when Father Michael J. McGivney called together a small group of Catholic laymen and founded a society designed to unite Catholic men in their faith and provide financial assistance to the widows and orphans of its members. The order quickly grew into an organization of Catholic men and their families dedicated to the principles of UNITY as a group of people with similar values and beliefs. CHARITY towards your fellow man in hopes of building a better world, FRATERNITY towards your brother Knights and  PATRIOTISM that shows their loyalty toward their country of birth. Over the years, the Knights of Columbus has become a very   diverse organization. Our members belong to many races, cultures and economic backgrounds. It is this diversity that we draw our strength from as we share the experience of membership, When you join our order,  you are joining the largest Catholic lay organization in the world.
 

OFFICER TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS

GRAND KNIGHT

The grand knight is responsible for the welfare of the council. He presides over council meetings, acts as an ex-officio member of all committees, appoints a membership and programming director, convenes officers for a monthly meeting, and ensures all necessary reports are submitted to the state and Supreme Council. He should also be aware of the council's financial status and ensure that his signature appears on all checks drawn. The grand knight is a member of of the Advisory Board with general supervision of the Columbian Squire circle.

CHAPLAIN

The chaplain is the spiritual advisor of the council. He is expected to make a report of the council. He is expected to make a report of council meetings on religious matters. The grand knight appoints a priest in accordance with any rules established by the bishop of the diocese to serve as council chaplain.

DEPUTY GRAND KNIGHT

The Deputy Grand Knight is second in command. He assists the Grand Knight fulfill his duties assigned to him by the Grand Knight. Should the Grand Knight  be absent from a meeting then the Deputy Grand Knight presides over the meeting. He is chairman of the council's retention committee and is a member of  the Advisory Board charged with overseeing the council's sponsored Columbian Squires circle.

CHANCELLOR

The Chancellor has a variety of responsibilities: He assists the Grand Knight and the Deputy Grand Knight in the execution of their duties and oversees the council in both of their absences. He is charged with strengthening member interests in all council activities. He is chairperson of the admission committee   and a member of the Columbian Squires circle ceremonial team

RECORDER

The Recorder is similar to a court reporter or a secretary. He is responsible for maintaining a true record of all actions of the council and its correspondence.     A recorder's Minute Book (#1043) is available from the Knights of Columbus Supply Department for keeping a record of all council meetings.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

The Financial Secretary is appointed by the Supreme Knight upon recommendation of the council. His main area of responsibility is maintaining all the   financial and membership records. He collects and receives all the monies from all sources, including annual dues from council members. He handles supply orders for the council officers and members, filing the Report of Officer (#185) and submitting all membership transactions to the Supreme Council. For more duties see the Financial Secretary Handbook (#1410)

TREASURER

The Treasurer is responsible for the safekeeping and maintaining records of all council funds and accounts. He is responsible for depositing money into the council's accounts and provides a certificate of such monies to the Grand Knight. He is also responsible for payment of all expenses.

LECTURER

The Lecturer is appointed by the Grand Knight to provide both educational and entertaining programs to the council. He is responsible for the "good of the order" portion of council meetings, He provides members with informative and educational program, he must be knowledgeable and aware of council programming.

ADVOCATE

The Advocate is the legal representative of the council and serves as the council's attorney at trials and investigations of any interest to the council. He     does not need to be part of a legal profession bu should be familiar with the councils by-laws, the Orders Charter, Constitution and Laws (#30), Methods of conducting a Council Meeting (#193) and Robert's Rules of Order.

WARDEN

The Warden is the watchdog for council property and degree paraphernalia, except the property of the financial secretary, treasure and recorder. He sets up council chambers for meetings and ceremonial work. During ceremonial exemplifications he will appoint and supervise guards.

INSIDE & OUTSIDE GUARDS

The guards have similar responsibilities but distinct differences. The outside guard tends to the outer door admitting visitors and members to the inside door. Once at the inner door the inside guard checks to make sure membership cards are current.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The board of trustees consist of three members elected by the council and the Grand Knight, they serve as chairman of the board. They oversee the work of  the financial secretary and treasurer, and together with the Deputy Grand Knight serve on the council's retention committee. During council elections, only the three year trustee is voted on, with the others moving on to become two and one year trustees. respectively.