Youth trained to be leaders of tomorrow
The B.C. Catholic
The “spirit of Knights of Columbus charity” is an important lesson for the youth of today, writes supreme knight Carl Anderson.
“Last year, councils and assemblies contributed a total of nearly $18 million to youth programs,” wrote Anderson in the Knights 2015 annual report.
“We have no higher priority than the protection of our children. We strive to maintain the highest standards regarding the protection of young people.”
The Knights have sponsored 1,341 Scouts in 129 Scouting units in Canada. “Working closely with the National Catholic Committee on Scouting and their local dioceses, our councils determine the best ways to promote the formation of our Scouts,” wrote Anderson.
The knights also recognize the importance of supporting local youth vocations through their Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP). There are “3,068 local units providing $3,687,161 to 6,248 seminarians through RSVP. Since 1981, RSVP has provided more than $63 million to more than 104,000 men and women pursuing vocations,” he wrote.
“Local councils and assemblies also provided $7.1 million in other scholarships and an additional $1.5 million for youth athletic programs.”
The Columbian Squires “concluded the year with 23,976 members in 1,826 active Squires circles,” Anderson wrote. “They donated more than $110,000 and over 250,000 volunteer hours.”
“The Columbian Squires are the official youth organization of the Knights,” noted B.C. and Yukon state deputy Arcie Lim. “It teaches young individuals leadership and fellowship, and exposes them to doing charitable works.”
“Individual councils offer programs that are tailored to their local needs. Some councils sponsor parish youth to attend summer camps or retreats.”
Andrew Sangalang, the Squires’ State Coordinator, said the Squires’ purpose is “about developing leadership skills … to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
The local Columbian Squires attend weekly Mass and engage the local community by “serving coffee and doughnuts to our church attendees. This is a good way for the Squires to … be recognized for the service we give to the community.”
Besides providing doughnuts, the Squires take part in “recruitment drives” and assist in the Knights’ pancake breakfast.
“Just recently, our Port Coquitlam Council 9125 celebrated its 30th anniversary,” said Sangalang. “The Squires, along with a few Squirettes, attended to help serve Knights and guests and clean up.”
Sangalang recommended interested parents engage their children with the Squires and Squirettes. The program “engages in God’s teachings,” and “a council sponsoring a Squires and/or a Squirettes circle means they have their next generation of leaders and brother Knights.”
“We are training the leaders of tomorrow today.”
