OUR FOUNDER                              FATHER MICHAEL J. MCGIVNEY

OUR MISSION ... CHARITY, UNITY, FRATERNITY & PATRIOTISM  Knights of Columbus are Catholic Gentlemen committed to the exemplification of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism and Defense of the Priesthood.  The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The Order is unequivocal in its Loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on Earth.  It is firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death ... and to the preservation of family.  It was on these bedrock principles that the Order was founded over a century ago and remains true to them today. If you would like to join this great organization of Catholic Men ... you will find Brother Knights working to fulfill the central Mission of the Order; striving in charitable works; serving the Church and unified in following its teachings; supporting Brother Knights in their temporal and spiritual needs; acting for the good of their Country; and giving aid to widows, orphans, the sick and the poor.  This is Father McGivney's dream, echoing across the century, and living today in the hearts of his Brothers and all of those they touch. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PROFILE On October 2, 1881, Father Michael J. McGivney, a 29-year-old Assistant Pastor at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, brought together a group of laymen with whom he discussed his dream for a Catholic Fraternal Benefit Society.  It not only would assist widows and orphans of deceased members through its life insurance program, but also would boost Members' sense of pride in their Catholic Religion, then frequently challenged in the anti-Catholic climate of 19-Century America. Father McGivney and his Associates met several more times over the next several months to continue planning ... and the new Organization ... the Knights of Columbus ... was formally launched in early February, 1882. The Officers of the new Catholic Organization chose the name "Knights of Columbus" to honor Christopher Columbus, the catholic discoverer of America.  The word "Knights" is also significant.  We are ever mindful of the "Knightly Qualities of Spirituality and Service to Church" that is embodied in the Knights of Columbus. The Order has evolved into a Service Organization with a strong Family Orientation.  By the end of 1897, the Order was thoroughly rooted in New England, along the Upper Atlantic Seaboard and into Canada.  Within the next eight years, it branched out from Quebec to California ... and from Florida to Washington. The Knights of Columbus remains Headquartered in New Haven, but is now present with nearly 12,000 Councils in the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico and several other Countries. One of the "Primary Missions" of the Knights of Columbus is to support local Charities.  The Knights are a familiar sight around town during the Annual Tootsie Roll Drive for the Handicapped, which raises funds for Charities that support the Mentally-Challenged and the Handicapped.  We also support other Fund-Raising Drives to aid local Parishes and Charities. The Knights of Columbus promotes family values by providing numerous activities throughout the year that the entire family can participate in.  Additionally, the Organization provides an opportunity to ensure that a Knight's Family is provided for in the event of his death. Here is a short list of reasons youmay want to join the Knights of Columbus: *  An opportunity to become part of the World's Largest Catholilc Fraternal Organization *  Make a personal contribution to the Church and Community through Charity and Fraternity *  A "Sense of Belonging" in an Organization that shares your religious beliefs and brings together like-minded men who are joined in a common cause *  Concerns for your family and retirement years can be addressed by the Orders optional, low-cost Life Insurance Programs *  Knowing that the Knights of Columbus is "Second to None" in Support of Our Holy Father, Our Bishops and Priests ... and our Fellow Man. Be certain to read on for more information on the Knights of Columbus and Visit the other areas of this Website to learn more about Membership, Activities, Event Photos, Membership Application and a plethora of information to answer your questions.  Feel free to contact us at Council6988@KofC6988.org with any questions, comments or other information you may need. COUNCIL INFORMATION The Grand Knight for the 2007/2008 Fiscal Year is Donald H. Rochon.  Sir Knight Rochon may be contacted at (561) 626-6570 or via E-Mail at Rochon1@bellsouth.net For Membership Information, contact the Council’s Financial Secretary, Kenneth F. Kelly, at (561) 626-0235 or via E-Mail at Council6988@aol.com COUNCIL MEETINGS Regular Monthly Business Meetings for Council No. 6988 are held on the Second Monday of each Month in the Knight's Room at The Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola's Social Center.  The Business Meetings begin at 7:30 P.M.  Business Meetings are followed by a Council Fellowship Social.  Food and Refreshments are Served. Social Evenings with Guest Speakers are held on the Fourth Monday of each Month at The Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola’s Social Center at 6:30 P.M.  Social Evenings are open for Council Members, Spouses and Guests who might have an interest in Membership with the Knights of Columbus, the Ladies Auxiliary and/or the Columbian Squires Circle.  Food and Refreshments are served ABOUT OUR COUNCIL The Knights of Columbus is a lay Catholic Men’s Fraternal Service Organization that was formed to render financial aid to Members and their families.  Mutual aid and assistance are offered to the sick, disabled and needy.  Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among its Members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare and public relief works. Knights of Columbus Council No. 6988 was Chartered on October 20, 1977.  The First Grand Knight of Council No. 6988 was Michael Caforio, followed by Kenneth F. Kelly who now serves as Financial Secretary for the Council.  Council No. 6988 currently maintains a Roster of approximately 215 Council Members. Council No. 6988 works closely with The Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola providing funds and volunteer work for various Cathedral Projects and Events.  Council Members are active participants in many of the Cathedral Ministries including Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Usher Ministry, Lectors, Substitute Sacristans, Charitable and Volunteer Programs.         Knights of Columbus  Palm Beach Council No. 6988 is located at The Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  (Military Trail between PGA Boulevard & Northlake Boulevard).  Council Meetings and Social Events are held in the Cathedral’s  Parish  Social  Center.