Knight of the month program
A Higher Purpose
Acknowledge actions demonstrated by the commitment to the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. The Family Activity Director administers the Knight of the Month process from nomination to awarding the recipient his certificate. All Knights in good standing are eligible for this award.
Overview
Each month, the Knight of the Month Award committee selects a member whose contribution to the Church, Council and Community have gone above and beyond the norm. This award is your council’s way of saying, “Thank You for Your Efforts!”
Knight of the Month selection is based on a combination of factors, such as volunteer service hours reported each month, observed service of the Knight, and nominations made by other Knights on behalf of the individual. To be selected as Knight of the Month, each Knight should stand out as an exemplary model to others in his Church, Council and Community. He should meet the following criteria to be considered a nominee:
o Promoting the ideals of Catholic Christian Fellowship.
o Providing Service of time and talents to the Church, Council and Community.
o Practice of the Catholic Faith in thoughts, deeds and actions.
The overarching criteria to consider when nominating a Knight, is that he went above and beyond the normal duties he may have in the Council to support the Council.
Nominations should be accepted, discussed and voted upon during regular Officers/Directors meeting held each month. Nominations are due by the 15th day of the following month. Use of the Knight of the Month Entry Form is the means to be used for nominating a Knight. (see below)
Recognize the Knight of the Month in your Church, Council and community through a variety of efforts:
o Bulletin announcements
o Pulpit announcements
o Posting on your council and church website / social media pages
Knight of the Month Selection Deadlines
July Knight – DUE by August 15
August Knight – DUE by September 15
September Knight – DUE by October 15
October Knight – DUE by November 15
November Knight – DUE by December 15
December Knight – DUE by January 15
January Knight – DUE by February 15
February Knight – DUE by March 15
March Knight – DUE by April 15
April Knight – DUE by May 15
May Knight – DUE by June 15
June Knight – DUE by July 15
Family of the Month program
A Higher Purpose
Stimulate and support the development of strong and vibrant families. Local councils will establish a committee to recognize a deserving Family of the Month and Family of the Year with potential for recognition on the international level.
Overview
Working with your pastor, put together a committee of council and parish leaders to serve as that year’s Family of the Month Committee.
Each month, the council Family of the Month committee selects one parish family that models Christian family values and visibly lives them every day. Once a year, each participating council also selects one of the previous twelve Family of the Month winners to represent the council/parish as the potential international Family of the Year. The Knights of Columbus Family of the Year is chosen by the Supreme Council and recognized each year at the annual Supreme Convention.
Order the Family of the Month Kit (forthcoming) through Supplies Online, the supply ordering portal available on Officers Online.
Each month, hold a committee meeting to select the Family of the Month. To be selected as Family of the Month, each family should stand out as an exemplary model to others in the parish. They should meet the following criteria:
o Is the family tight-knit? Does the family spend quality time together?
o Does the family attend weekly Mass together? Does the family pray together outside of Mass?
o Has the family made significant contributions to the parish and church community?
o Does the family serve as a model of Catholic family values?
Once the Family of the Month has been selected, formally present the Family of the Month Certificate (#1843) to them. Make sure that they are duly recognized! This could be after a Mass, at a Knights of Columbus event, or at another parish event. Enlist a fellow Knight or community member to photograph the event.
Use the Family of the Month sample press release as a model to create and distribute a tailored release to local media.
Recognize the Family of the Month in your parish and larger community through a variety of efforts:
o Bulletin announcements
o Pulpit announcements
o Posting on your council and parish website / social media pages
At the end of the fraternal year, prior to your state convention, select one of the previous twelve monthly winning families to represent your council and parish as Family of the Year. Make sure to contact your state family chairman to stay informed of deadlines and where to send entries.
To gain credit for your program, complete the associated reporting forms and submit them to the Supreme Council Department of Fraternal Mission. Remember to retain copies for your council records.
o By the 15th day of the month following recognition, complete and submit the Family of the Month Report Form (#10668). For example, the Report Form for the September Family of the Month should be submitted by October 15.
o At the end of the fraternal year, complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784) and your Columbian Award Application (#SP-7)
