Established in 1985, the “To Be a Patriot” Award annually recognizes the three best patriotic programs conducted by Fourth Degree Assemblies each fraternal year. Entries are judged at the district, provincial, and international levels of the Knights of Columbus organization. We are pleased and proud to announce that our very own Council has been awarded this great honor. Council #8872 received this recognition because of their presentation of “Once Upon a Mattress.” As you know, they raised $11,000 to pay for the purchase of 66 beds for the apartments at the St. Michael the Archangel Haven Project in Walla Walla. Through their efforts and cooperation with Catholic Charities, they were able to give homeless veterans and their families hope for a better future. Congratulations to our Knights for this international award!

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's, fraternal, service organization. Founded in 1882 by the venerable Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, CT, the organization has grown to approximately 2 Million members in 16 countries throughout the world and today is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Becoming a Knight of Columbus can transform your life as you have the opportunity to support your parish, give back to your community, and grow in your faith. For the year ended December 13, 2014, the Knights of Columbus provided more than 70,000,000 hours of volunteer service and $170,000,000 in contributions worldwide. In addition, the Knights of Columbus is one of the largest life insurers in North America and the largest Catholic life insurer in the world.  The Knights of Columbus has more than two million active contracts in force. That means that hundreds of thousands of brother Knights have elected to help protect their families and their futures with the Knights of Columbus.

Our Council here at St. Joseph Parish is 200 members strong. With the small gift of each individual Knights´ time, we are able to accomplish great things as we live the example of Charity. The organization focuses on six different areas of service: Church, Community, Family, Youth, Culture of Life, and Council. A partial listing of some of these activities is as follows:

• Coats for Kids
• Donation of Wheelchairs to people without mobility
• Cutting Firewood for those in need
• Aid victims of natural disasters
• Support Catholic Charities (CAPA) Childbirth and Parenting Assistance Program
• Food for Families
• Pray the Rosary Monthly
• Support programs that help people with intellectual disabilities
• Safe Halloween environment for Parish and neighborhood youth
• Parish Wine Experience
• Parish Lenten Dinners after Stations of the Cross
• Charter Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop
• Habitat for Humanity Work
• Support Other Charitable Organizations through Fundraising Plays
• College Scholarship Money for High School Seniors
• Support of our Seminarians through Breakfasts and Other Activities