The grand knight is responsible for the welfare of the council. He presides over council meetings, acts as ex-officio member at all committees, appoints a membership and programming director, convenes officers for a monthly meeting, and ensures all necessary reports are submitted to the state and Supreme Council. He should also be aware of council’s financial status and ensure that his signature appears on all checks drawn. For more specific duties and responsibilities refer to the Grand Knights Handbook (#915).
The deputy grand knight is second in command. He assists the grand knight with council affairs and fulfills all duties assigned to him by the grand knight. Should the grand knight be absent from a council meeting, the deputy grand knight will preside. He is chairman of the council’s retention committee and also a member of the Advisory Board charged with overseeing the council sponsored Columbian Squires circle.
The chaplain is the spiritual advisor of the council. He is expected to make a report at council meetings on religious matters. The grand knight appoints a priest in accordance with any rules established by the bishop of the diocese to serve as council chaplain. For more specific duties, responsibilities, refer to the Chaplains Handbook (#945)
The chancellor has a variety of responsibilities. Primarily, he assists the grand knight and the deputy grand knight in the execution of their duties and oversees the council in both their absences. He is charged with strengthening the members’ interest in council activities. The chancellor is chairman of the admission committee and a member of the Columbian Squire circle ceremonial team.
The recorder is similar to a court reporter or a secretary. He is responsible for maintaining a true record of all actions of the council and it’s correspondence. A Record’s Minutes Book (#1043) is available from the Knights of Columbus Supply Department for keeping record of council meetings.
The financial secretary is appointed by the supreme knight, upon recommendation of the council. His main area of responsibilities is maintaining all financial and membership records. He collects and receives all moneys from all sources, including annual dues from council members. He also handles supply orders for the council officers and members, filing the Report of Officer (#185) and submitting all membership transactions to the Supreme Council. For more specific duties and responsibilities refer to the Financial Secretary Handbook (#1410).
The treasurer is responsible for the safekeeping and maintaining records of all council funds and accounts. He is responsible for depositing money into the council’s accounts and provides a certificate of such monies to the grand knight. He is also responsible for payment of all expenses.
The lecturer is appointed by the grand knight to provide both educational and entertaining programs to the council. He is responsible for the Good of the Order portion of council meetings in order to provide members with informative and educational programs, he must be knowledgeable and aware of all council programming.
The advocate is the legal representative of the council and serves as the council’s attorney at trails and investigations of any interest to the council. While he does not need to be a member of the legal profession, he should be familiar with the council by-laws, the Order’s Charter, Constitution and laws (#30), Methods of Conducting a Council Meeting (#1937) and Robert’s Rules of Order.
The warden is the “watchdog” for council property and degree paraphernalia, except the property of the financial secretary, treasurer and recorder. He is also responsible for setting up the council chambers for meetings and ceremonial work. During ceremonial exemplifications, he will appoint and supervise guards.
The guards have similar responsibilities, but distinct differences. The outside guard tends to the outer door admitting visitors and members to the inner door Once at the inner door, the inside guard checks to make sure that their membership cards are current.
The board of trustees consists of three members elected by the council and the grand knight, who serves as chairman of the board. They oversee the work of the financial secretary and treasurer, and with the deputy grand knight serve on the council’s retention committee. During council elections, only the three-year trustee is voted on, with the others moving on to become two- and one-year trustees, respectively.
The Grand Knight names the Program Director. Following consultation with program director, grand knight appoints individual service directors for Church, Community, Council, Family, and Youth. Meetings are held for directors to discuss and plan programming for fraternal year. These programs correspond to line items of the Council Budget. Each service director will appoint activity event chairman.
Ministering to The Needs of The Church
The lay apostolate must respond to the constant call for active involvement in the work of the Church.
Parish Round Table Lay Apostolate Evangelization
Father Michael J. McGivney Vocations Parochial Services
Religious Devotions Keep Christ in Christmas
Shaping the World Around Us
Wherever we live we have our own perceptions of “community”. It is the place we call home – with all it’s good and bad features. Your community offers limitless opportunity for action that can be seen, felt and judged for it’s true worth.
Pro-Life Volunteerism Human Needs Civic Involvement
Environment Public Safety Health Services Decency
Honor Columbus
Entertaining, Enjoyable and Beneficial
Programs and activities that come under the council activities section are unlimited – golfing, softball, tennis, bowling, holiday dances, picnics, open houses, - all the events that are an important part of fraternal life.
Public Relations Fraternalism Cultural Social
Blood Donors Athletics
Strengthening Family Life
Today’s society makes it hard to be a family. The family is under heavy attack today. To survive, the family needs support. Its primary source of strength must be found in a growing religious and parish life. But it also can be helped substantially by an organization such as ours.
Family Programs Education Communications Family of The
Month/Year Recreation Survivors’ Assistance Memorials
Building Leaders for the Future
Today’s youth are looking for a challenge, for responsibility , for faith and trust. As Knights of Columbus, it is our responsibility to provide youth with the means and the opportunities to become personally committed and involved in meeting the challenges of our times.
Columbian Squires Youth Groups Athletics Educational
Programs Youth Welfare Religious Activities Social Activities