If these good intentions are going to bear fruit, if the Church is going to not only exist, but thrive in today’s society, men and women throughout our communities must come forward and take an active part. Far more action of an ecumenical nature is needed. As Knights of Columbus, our prime responsibility is to encourage and promote that action. The lay apostolate must respond to the constant call for active involvement in the work of the Church. Your council has the numbers, the organization, and the communication ability to get involved and spread the word throughout the Christian community. Appeal for greater unity, understanding and ecumenism among all religions. Initiate those programs through which members can practice their Catholic duties in the fields of charity, devotion and education. Strive to sponsor activities which enable the individual Knight to set a constant and worthy example as an ideal Catholic to his family, his community and his fellow members. Please note your council, the council number, meeting times and the parish to which they service. • Council 879: St. Leo the Great (San Jose Council); San Jose, Ca. - Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month; 7:30pm • Council 2692: Holy Spirit (George A. Coit Council); Fremont, Ca. - Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month; 7:00pm • Council 4112: St. Victor; San Jose, Ca. - Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month; 7:00pm • Council 6288: Our Lady of the Rosary; Union City, Ca. - Meets every 1st Monday of the month; 7:00pm • Council 8747: St. Elizabeth; Milpitas, Ca. - Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month; 7:30pm • Council 8627: St. Anne; Union City, Ca. - Meets every 4th Wednesday of the month; 8:00pm • Council 14541: St. James the Apostle; Fremont, Ca. - Meets every 3rd Monday of the month; 7:30pm ROLES AND DUTIES OF COUNCIL OFFICERS • 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 the Advisory Board with general supervision of the council’s Columbian Squire circle. • Chaplain The chaplain is the spiritual advisor of the council. He is expected to make a report at 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 with council affairs and fulfills all duties assigned to him by the grand knight. Should the grand knight be absent from a council meeting, the deputy grand knight will preside. He is chairman of the council’s retention committee and also a member of the Advisory Board charged with overseeing the council’s sponsored Columbian Squires circle. • Chancellor The chancellor has a variety of responsibilities. Primarily, he assists the grand knight and the deputy grand knight in the execution of their duties and oversees the council in both their absences. He is charged with strengthening the members’ interests in council activities. The chancellor is chairman 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 it’s correspondence. • Financial Secretary The financial secretary is appointed by the Supreme Knight, upon recommendation of the council. His main area of responsibilities is maintaining all financial and membership records. He collects and receives all moneys from all sources, including annual dues from council members. He also handles supply orders for the council officers and members, filing the Report of Officer, and submitting all membership transactions to the Supreme Council. • 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. In order to provide members with informative and educational programs, he must be knowledgeable and aware of all 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. While he does not need to be a member of the legal profession, he should be familiar • Warden The warden is the ‘watchdog’ for council property and degree paraphernalia, except the property of the financial secretary, treasurer and recorder. He is also responsible for setting up the 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 inner door. Once at the inner door, the inside guard checks to make sure that their membership cards are current. • Board of Trustees The board of trustees consists of three members elected by the council and the grand knight, who serves as chairman of the board. They oversee the work of the financial secretary and treasurer, and 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. |
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Catholics are searching for ways to further develop the ministry of our Church.