What is the Knights of Columbus?
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal organization that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, CT. From this start there are now over 13,000 Councils and 1.7. million members throughout the United States and countries around the world.

The K of C is an organization committed to UNITY as a Catholic lay organization, CHARITY to those in need, and FRATERNITY with fellow brother knights. Today, Knights and their families remain true to these principles and work to spread Columbianism around the world. You and your family will benefit from membership in the Knights of Columbus. Join today and help make a better tomorrow.

Where/when do we meet?
Good Shepherd of the Hills Council #13623 meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 8 p.m. in the Dining Hall, St. Celestine’s Parish Center. It is NOT expected that you attend all meetings.

Who can join?
Any man who is at least 18 years of age and a practicing Catholic is welcome to join the Knights of Columbus.  We welcome any and all new members!

What is our purpose?
The Good Shepherd of the Hills Council serves, in any way possible, the Pastor, Parishes and Parishioners of Sacred Heart, St. Celestine, and St. Raphael as well as the community. A few of the ways we have served our community are: fundraisers to benefit organizations specializing in helping the physically and mentally challenged, donations of time and talents on community and parish projects, and financial help to severl local elderly and disabled parishioners.  The Council has also shown for Seminarians with monetary donations and shown general support for our clergy and our local pastors whenever requested. Along with the Indiana Knights of Columbus State organization we support The Gibault School for troubled children outside Terre Haute.

What has our Council done?

• Using Council funds along with our annual Tootsie Roll drive we support handicapped and at risk children. We have recently donated to: Freedom Reigns, Dubois Co. Special Olympics & the Gibault School.
• Shown support for vocations by donating to SOS ( Support Our Seminarians). Our council was recently recognized by the state K of C for our outstanding effort.
• Held a Men and Boys' Breakfast for local families with a motivational speaker.
• Held our third annual fundraising fish fry and shooting match at the Celestine Community Club.
• Held Men and Boys' breakfast, fostering brotherhood and spirituality among the male members of our parishes.
• Pledged  a lead donation on a much needed sidewalk hand rail for the St. Celestine Church.
• Paid for a required accessibility ramp for a fellow parishioner in need.
• Financilly assisted a parishioner in need with their utility bill.
• Held our local round of a national K of C free throw contest for middle school aged boys and girls.
• In cooperation with the American Legion, placed flags on the graves of all veterans in the Celestine cemetery for Memorial Day.
• We stand ready fo any projects suggested by our pastors that we could provide assistance.
• Made donations to support disaster relief efforts of hurricane's Katrina and Rita.  Also supported a seminarian from the affected area in their time of crisis.
  
   

What does it cost to be a member?
Our annual dues are $25.00 per year. As a member you have the right to purchase Knights of Columbus Insurance for yourself and your family. This is voluntary.

What do we expect from new members?
* Attend and participate in meetings, at least 6 times a year.
* Commit some of your time and talents to support our projects.
* Sponsor a new member.
* Work on committees for special projects.
* Serve at our Shooting Match, Tootsie Roll drive, Free Throw Shoot and Breakfasts.
* Experience the fun and satisfaction that our ourganization creates through our 
  meetings, efforts and events.

How to join the Knights of Columbus
Contact any member for a brief application. After being accepted and your dues are paid, you will be required to participate in an induction ceremony in the 1^st degree of our order.  After that, you will have the opportunity to take the 2nd and 3rd degrees.  There is also a 4th degree (highest degree) than can be taken.
If you would like more information or might be interested in joining the Knights of Columbus please contact any current member of the council and we will be glad to help answer any questions that you may have or assist you with joining.

2007-2008 Officers:
Grand Knight: Mark Gessner
Deputy Grand Knight: Mike Hassfurther
Financial Secretary: David Gudorf
Treasurer: Tony Buechler
Recorder: Ted Schnackertz
Chancellor: Gerald Vonderheide
Trustee: Stan Goodman