Paul Koppie, State Treasurer; Dick Haight Charities Coordinator and Terry Cunniff, Membership Coordinator present a check to Bishop Lynch from the Knights of Columbus in support of Pinellas Hope.

My work week began with a pleasant surprise. Three representatives of the Knights of Columbus came to my office this morning to present me with a check for approximately $11,450 which was to be used to feed the homeless at Pinellas Hope. It seems that nationwide the Knights of Columbus challenged their member Councils to prove how much each year they give to the poor and needy. Any local Council which could sufficiently document a certain amount of money contributed credits toward their State Council. The Knights of Columbus nationally had made available $1,000,000 which would be awarded to state councils based on their eligibility and combined credits. The money would then be divided among the dioceses of the state based on population and the bishop given a check to use for feeding the poor. The portion allotted to the Diocese of St. Petersburg was the $11,450 presented to me today. And the good news is that national is again challenging their local council affiliates to do the same for at least another year and next year there will be another distribution.

What amazed me about this particular offer was that the national Knights of Columbus was not asking the local councils to adopt a project but merely to reflect and verify what they were currently doing. I think the incentive for gaining credits will encourage my brother Knights to expand their outreach but for the moment, this literally “out-of-the-sky” gift is gratefully received.

The K of C do many good things for our Church and in our community and remains probably the largest, strongest and most faithful Catholic men’s organizati0n in the nation and perhaps even the world. I salute them not just for this latest gesture of good will but for their commitment to the protection of life, their support for our seminarians and future priests, and their love of their Church. I hope young men will continue to consider joining this fraternal organization which does a world of good. Thanks, Knights.

+RNL

Tags: Knights of Columbus, Photo, Pinellas Hope

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