The Knights of Columbus
Fr. Bill Betson Council
Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families, and to provide charitable assistance to those on the margins of society. The Knights are proud to have been recognized for 70 million hours of volunteer service and $170 million in charitable contributions during the last fiscal year.
The Father Bill Betson Council, Knights of Columbus (so named in honor of the former priest who served in all three Moline parishes before his untimely death) is open to all practicing Catholic men 18 and above. We meet in the Believers Together Center library at 7pm on the third Monday of each month. Join us at our next meeting!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A KNIGHT?
It means a life of faith in action, a life of boldness in brotherhood, a life worth living. Join 2 million Catholic men on a mission.
OUR Mission:
Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, and work in their community.
Our council is involved in a number of events
benefiting Christ the King Catholic Church and other local and state wide activities including:
- Pancake breakfasts where all proceeds collected are
donated to Charitable organizations.
- Intellectual Disabilities Drive (better known as the Tootsie Roll Drive)
- Support the Religious Education fund at Christ the King parish
- Support Teens Encounter Christ, Blackhawk Special Education Center, Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities and Illinois State housing program for disabled adults
- Pro Life Activities
- Annual Mitten Drive (Winter mittens, gloves, hats, scarves are donated to local schools)
- Social Concerns yard sale and Arrowhead Ranch activities
- Funeral Luncheons assistance
- Landscaping projects on church property
Some council members have advanced to membership in the Father Bader Assembly, the patriotic arm of the Knights. Activities include:
- Escorting the Bishop during formal ceremonies including confirmations, priest funerals
- Funeral casket guard and wake chalice presentations
- Parades where a banner displays recognition of the Knights being the front runners
- Flag presentations, and flag retirement ceremonies
- Masses of Calvary Cemetery (for the unborn) (for Veterans and deceased KC members on Memorial Day)
- Special occasions as requested by the Diocese and local Parishes, parish anniversaries, and special masses
congress guaranteeing “One Nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance
