For Members

Bishops Ask Catholics to Pray a 'Novena for Faithful Citizenship'
With the presidential election of 2008 now just nine weeks away, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has asked all Catholics in the United States to pray a novena for life, justice and peace called the Novena for Faithful Citizenship. The bishops encourage praying the novena on nine consecutive Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 2, on nine consecutive days beginning on Oct. 26, or any other combination that works for individual or group participants. Text of prayers and podcasts.

Knights of Columbus Launch News and Information Site for Catholics
The Knights of Columbus this week launched a brand-new Internet-based news and information service for Catholics everywhere – Headline Bistro. The new Web site provides a quick digest of daily news of interest to Catholics. Whether it relates to world affairs, politics or news specifically about the Catholic Church, you'll find links to the original sources here. You'll also find video clips, detailed state-by-state information about voting and public policy, and recommended books. The Web address is headlinebistro.com.

The Father McGivney Guild
The Father Michael J. McGivney Guild serves as a source for information about the life, works and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild distributes informational materials about him, receives reports of favors granted through his intercession and oversees the distribution of relics. Guild members receive regular updates on the progress of Father McGivney's cause for canonization and are invited to participate in promoting devotion to this Venerable Servant of God. Members of the Knights of Columbus are not automatically Guild members and must elect to join the Guild.
Join the McGivney Guild

New 'Guide to Praying the Rosary' Available
"A Guide to Praying the Rosary" (#4772) is a full color pamphlet that shows a person how to pray the Rosary. This Guide (sized to easily fit into a pocket, pocketbook, or a prayer book) includes scripture passages and images associated with the mysteries of the Rosary, the prayers of the Rosary and a method of praying the Rosary. The Guide, offered in lots of 100 for $4,  can be ordered by sending an e-mail to cis@kofc.org or by calling 203-752-4267. This item is also available through the Supreme Council Supply Department.

What Catholics Should Know About Islam
Dr. Sandra T. Keating authored What Catholics Should Know About Islam (#317). The purpose of this booklet is to give non-Muslims a basic overview of the origins of the religion of Islam and its early history, as well as some of the central beliefs and practices of Muslims. In addition, several recent statements made by the Roman Catholic Church concerning its relationship to Muslims are presented here. This pamphlet makes no attempt to cover every aspect of Islamic beliefs, or of Catholic doctrine on other religions. Rather, it is intended to be an introduction to what every Catholic should know about Islam in order to more fully live Church teaching and to understand events occurring in the world today.

New Section for Military Councils
Knights interested in military councils and how the Order supports armed forces personnel and their families may be interested in our new Military Councils section. You can also reach the Web page using www.kofc.org/military.

Podcasting the Kingdom
The Catholic Information Service of the Knights of Columbus has produced a podcast version of the popular Luke E. Hart catechism course. The Luke E. Hart series, written by Professor Peter Kreeft, gives an introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 30 easy-to-read booklets. Now you can listen to them on your computer! Or you can download each program to your iPod or other mp3 player, so that you can listen while driving or jogging. You can subscribe to these podcasts on iTunes. To listen to these programs, go to www.kofc.org/cispodcasts. Now there are three easy ways of learning about your Catholic faith: order a free copy of a booklet from the CIS Web site, www.kofc.org/cis, read it on that Web  site, or listen to at www.kofc.org/cispodcasts.

Catholic Information Service Bookmarks
The Catholic Information Service bookmarks (4778 ABC) are available. There are 3 versions of the bookmark, each with a different image and the contact information for the CIS . The bookmarks are good for advertising the good work of the CIS in the councils, parishes and faith formation programs. For imformation on ordering bookmarks please contact the Catholic Information Service.

Knights of Columbus Essay Contest
As Knights, it is our obligation to fight for the Church; it is of paramount importance to strengthen the foundation of Catholic principles and teachings in the hearts and minds of the youth. The Order encourages all councils and assemblies to sponsor the Knights of Columbus Essay Contest at Catholic schools in their communities. The essay contest is a creative way to encourage young people to become citizens who are firmly grounded in the Faith.

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship
The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is a great way to provide entertainment and enjoyment for the young people in your community. To sponsor a competition, all your council needs is the Free Throw Championship Kit, a couple of basketballs, a hoop and a bunch of kids. It is a great way to get out into the public and introduce the Order to your community — while providing youths with a rewarding activity that yields a chance for local, state or provincial, and international recognition.

Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest
Each year, councils throughout our Order participate in the Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest to help make young people in their communities aware of the dangers of the abuse of drugs and alcohol, to give a positive outlook for children to embrace, and to help carry them through the peer pressure to use alcohol and drugs. The posters’ thought-provoking visuals and slogans send the message that drugs and alcohol are not the way to go.

Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge
The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge, is designed for players to demonstrate the most basic of soccer skills — the penalty kick. The Soccer Challenge is open to all boys and girls in your community, ages 10-14. The contest will take place on the council, district, regional, state, and international levels.

Ask Qualified Prospects to Join
Sometimes, the hardest thing about recruiting is taking the first step. Recruiting a new member can be as easy as asking them to join. Amazingly, many individuals haven’t joined the Knights simply because they have never been asked to join. When the opportunity arrives, take the initiative and start a conversation with a prospect. Use the link above for more information on why qualified men should join the Knights of Columbus.

The Knights and the Wheelchair Foundation
The Wheelchair Foundation distributes thousands of wheelchairs around the world with the help of partners like the Knights of Columbus. The Supreme Council has sponsored 6,000 wheelchairs for people in Afghanistan, the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico and Poland. View video of California Knights helping the foundation.

Columbian Squires
The Columbian Squires, the official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus, is one of the most dynamic leadership development organizations for young Catholic men in the world. Catholic young men between the ages of 10 and 18 are eligible for membership. Use the link above to find out more about the Squires program.