Knights Of Columbus - Columbus Council #126

September 11
The Knights of Columbus were one of the first organizations to offer relief to families of
fallen police, firefighters and emergency personnel – within two days of the September
11 terrorist attacks. Since 2001, the Knights have also taken the lead in helping the
country to remember the day in a prayerful way.
Among the highlights of the Knights activities in the aftermath of September 11:
• $1.49 million in immediate aid provided to 419 relatives of fallen emergency
personnel through the Knights’ Heroes Fund, which began distributing checks to
family members – regardless of religious affiliation – within two days of the
attacks.
• More than $3500 distributed to each recipient for emergency needs.
• The fund was established September 12, 2001, and the first checks were
delivered September 13.
• More than 40 members of the Knights of Columbus members were killed on
September 11.
• Full scholarships to the Catholic college of their choice are available to 29
children of members killed or disabled in the line of duty on September 11
through the Order’s Matthews and Swift Educational Trust Scholarship program.
• The Knights organized a memorial Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception on the first anniversary of September 11 in 2002.
• On September 11, 2002, at the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven,
Conn., the Knights unveiled an exhibit of September 11 artifacts, photos and
news accounts of that day. The exhibit ran for one year, and now on permanent
display are a wall of names dedicated to Knights killed in the attacks, girders from
the World Trade Center, and a replica helmet of a member killed in the collapse
of the towers.
• Beginning in 2004, the Knights of Columbus dedicated September 11 as the
World Day of Prayer for Peace.

Why Join the Knights of Columbus?

Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference.   Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. Come see just what we are all about and take the first steps to enhance your personal life by viewing the segment, "Why Join?" Video For an inspiring look at what it means to be part of the Knights of Columbus, see the video introduction, "In Service to One. In Service to All" (running time, 32 seconds). Our eight-page Overview Booklet (pdf, 415k) gives additional information about what it means to be a member of the Knights of Columbus. Hear what Knights have to say in their own words about their membership in the world's largest Catholic family service organization. "Experience of a Lifetime" (running time, 10:59 min.).

As a fraternal benefit organization, the KofC also provides volunteer opportunities for its members. In 2003 Knights reported raising and donating $130 million to charity and giving 61 million hours of service to the Catholic Church and their communities through the 13,000 local councils throughout North America.