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| Knights of Saint Columba Council 64 Ormskirk |
The
Knights of Saint Columba – Article by Heather Wright
When
my husband were married I have to confess, that at first, as a
practising Anglican there were many aspects of Catholicism that were
a complete mystery to me. I regarded myself as cosmopolitan having
lived in Glasgow, Birmingham and Liverpool; some of the most
multicultural cities in Britain. Yet, my knowledge of the Catholic
Church was mainly based on what I had picked up from episodes of
Father Ted.
Attending
Mass at first was very daunting. What if I stood up or sat down at
the wrong time? Would I be denounced as an imposter? Not only did I
learn quickly that there were more similarities than differences in
our two faiths, but also that the congregation of St Anne's Church in Ormksirk couldn't
have been more welcoming.
Even
so, when my husband was approached to join the Knights of St Columba,
I was a little baffled. I had seen their events on the weekly
bulletin sheet. But were they an historic re-enactment society, or a
masonic order? I didn't know. Of course, they are neither and in
fact play a vital, if perhaps not widely enough known part in Church
life.
The
Knights of St Columba (KSC) were founded in 1919 by a group of
Catholic men in Glasgow who had served in the trenches of World War I
France. These men became inspired by ethos and activities of the
American Knights of Columbus. By the early 1920's, based on the
fundamental virtues of charity, unity and fraternity “Councils”
of Knights, had crossed the border to England with a foundation in
Liverpool. Council 64 soon followed in Ormskirk in 1923. By 1925
the Order had reached London.
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Knights of Saint Columba ‘service’ badge & ribbon medallion (1930’s) |
The
period following the Second World War was an active period and
membership continued to grow, but during the late 1950's and early
1960's, with the decline of the inner city parishes and consequent
dispersement of the Catholic population, recruitment slowed. However
the Order still continued to develop and in 1982, the Knights of
Saint Columba had a very public role, as stewards, during the visit
to the country by Pope John Paul II.
The
KSC has continued to evolve to meet the changing education, spiritual
and financial needs of the Catholic community. It continues to be
one of the strongest and most active Catholic organisations with over
4600 members nationally.
On
his recent visit to the UK, Pope Benedict XVI stated that the lay
faithful should be examples of faith in public and should put the
case for the promotion of faith's wisdom and vision in the public
forum. The Knights' aim to do this. From what I have observed
locally, they fulfil their motto of 'serving God by serving others'.
Next
year, 2013, will be the 90th anniversary of the KSC in Ormskirk
(Council 64). The the projects they have been involved in over
almost a century are numerous. These include holding Lenten house
groups, sponsoring young people to go to Lourdes and fund raising for
local and international charities. Another important activity is
that of visiting the sick and providing support for the widows of
former Knights. My husband was in hospital for a couple of weeks
before Christmas and it was lovely for both of us to be offered
support and prayers by his fellow Knights.
The
Knights can be recognised, when attending Church in their official
capacity, by their distinctive collarettes and can be seen stewarding
at some of the key services and events throughout the liturgical
year.
The
frequent fund raising activities continue, usually in the parish
centre, and are an ideal way of supporting a good cause and having
fun in the process. I recommend that you come along and see for
yourself.
For
my husband and I the Order has already had a positive impact on our
lives, both spiritually and socially and hopefully will continue to
do so for many years!
The
Knights of Saint Columba is open to all Catholic men of faith, the
Ormskirk order meets on the first Wednesday of every month in St
Anne's Parish Social Centre and welcomes enquiries from those
interested in joining and carrying on the good work.
For
more information on the Knights and the charitable work they carry
out in your Parish, please visit www.ksc.org.uk
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