Community
Every community has its unique needs. For the Knights of Columbus, whose first principle is charity, finding ways to help those in need in their communities is a mission its members embrace. Through their good works, whether it be bringing food to the hungry, warm coats to the cold, wheelchairs to those who can’t walk, or any of the many other programs conducted to help those in need, the Knights of Columbus practices a charity that evangelizes.
These are just some of the ways our council ministers to the local community.
- Volunteerism
- Good Shepherd House
- Military
- Special Olympics
- Polar Plunge
- Columbus Day Dinner
- Parades
- 21 Day Flag Salute
- Health – Blood Pressure
- LAMB Foundation
The last, LAMB Foundation, is a major initiative of the Knights of Columbus in North Carolina. Our council maintains a leadership position in this worthy organization.
Coats For Kids 2021
Coats for Kids was introduced to St. Mark Parish and School by the Knights of Columbus in September, 2020. This is a National Program which provides high quality winter coats to thousands of kids across America every winter. Our Council budgets for 120 coats from its own funds but with the generous support of parishioners and the school we are able to increase that number substantially. Our target this year is to distribute 240 coats to as many as 5 sites the weekend of November 19-21. We work with Catholic Charities to determine sites in true need. Last year we distributed to Santa Clara Mission in Magnolia, Christ the King in Riegelwood, and to the Domestic Violence Shelter.
A table will be set up and manned by Knights before and after each Mass the weekend of 10/2-3. By the Grace of God and the generosity of our Parishioners, we hope to bring smiles to hundreds of children this winter just in time for Thanksgiving!
Wreaths Across America
The Father James E. Waters Columbiettes is a sponsor of Wreaths Across America, an organization that each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad including Wilmington's National Cemetery.
The goal for Wilmington's National Cemetery is to place a wreath on each of the more than 5,200 graves. Last year, due to the pandemic, 20% were not adorned. Wreaths cost $15 each and are delivered directly to the cemetery in time for Wreaths Across America Day which falls on December 18 this year. On that day volunteers from many organizations participate in placing the wreaths on the graves. In past years our Columbiettes and other local Knights councils lent hands.
Wreaths can be purchased by printing out this form and mailing the payment. Also, wreaths can be purchased on line here and click on Local Sponsorship Group under Sponsor Wreaths and on the next page enter "NC0378P" where it asks "Select Group to Support" so that credit is properly applied. For every two wreaths purchased, a third wreath is donated by Wreaths Across America.
Watch this video, "A lighthearted look at The James E. Waters Council Activities & Good Works For 2014-2015", and enjoy!
