The Twelve Days of Christmas is a festive Christian season that begins on December 25 and ends on January 5, celebrating the Nativity of Jesus.
The “12 Days of Christmas” take on a deep, enriching meaning from a Knights of Columbus perspective. Let’s step into this festive tradition with a blend of brotherhood, faith, and charity:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree: This symbolizes Jesus Christ, our Savior, who selflessly sacrificed for humanity. As Knights, we strive to emulate His love and devotion in our charitable acts.
Two Turtle Doves: These represent the Old and New Testaments, the bedrock of our faith. Knights cherish the wisdom and guidance these Scriptures provide, anchoring our spiritual journey.
Three French Hens: Signifying Faith, Hope, and Charity, the cardinal virtues Knights of Columbus embody. These virtues guide our actions in serving the Church and community.
Four Calling Birds: Symbolizing the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Knights disseminate these messages of Christ’s teachings, striving to live and promote them daily.
Five Golden Rings: Representing the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch. These books hold the foundation of our faith, and as Knights, we value these teachings in our lives and works.
Six Geese A-Laying: These signify the six days of creation, celebrating God’s wondrous works. Knights recognize our responsibility to protect and cherish the world He created.
Seven Swans A-Swimming: Representing the seven sacraments, vital to our spiritual life. Knights uphold these sacred rites, promoting their significance within our families and communities.
Eight Maids A-Milking: These represent the eight Beatitudes, teachings that guide Knights toward humility, compassion, and righteousness in all our endeavors.
Nine Ladies Dancing: Symbolizing the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Knights strive to cultivate these virtues in our lives.
Ten Lords A-Leaping: These signify the Ten Commandments, the cornerstone of ethical conduct. Knights adhere to these commandments, living lives of moral integrity.
Eleven Pipers Piping: Representing the eleven faithful apostles who spread Christ’s message. Knights are modern-day apostles, committed to spreading faith through our actions and words.
Twelve Drummers Drumming: Signifying the twelve points of the Apostles’ Creed, a summary of our faith. Knights champion this creed, affirming our commitment to its profound truths.
For the Knights of Columbus, the “12 Days of Christmas” is more than a song; it’s a call to reflect, rejoice, and re-commit to the principles that define our brotherhood and faith.
What traditions do you follow during this festive season?
Decorating the gym in preparation of the 2024 Council Christmas Party.
Sir Knights presented the Council’s Gibault Christmas gifts at the 4th Degree Christmas Party.
Message from the Grand Knight
Winter is here but the days will now be longer as we move past the Winter Solstice. Spring will be here before we know it! We continue to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ as we move through the Christmas season. As we move past the Christmas season and this celebration, we draw closer to Lent. The following is a description of what our founder brought forth when his dream of building a Men’s group to help those in need was formed:
“Blessed Michael McGivney can give us a helping hand in our Lenten self-denial and spiritual growth. The help he offers is embedded in the very principles of charity, unity and fraternity upon which he built the Knights of Columbus.”
Before we know it the annual Knights of Columbus Fish Fries will be here as well as our Mother’s Day Flower sale, Port a Pit Chicken, Cluck and Oink and maybe a surprise or two as we move forward through 2025. The funds earned at these events go back to our parish, school and parish community.
Our council achieved a Triple Star award for 2023-2024. What is Triple Star? Our council is given a quota every year to increase our membership, and we were able to triple that quota. A wonderful achievement. We are currently working toward a Double Star for 2024-2025 and hope to reach the Triple Star level again.
If you are or know of any Catholic Gentlemen who attends mass regularly and is of good standing in the church, ask them to join our council. They can sign up online (easiest way) or by application. If you have any questions, please contact any council member. The link below highlights the benefits of being a Knight of Columbus! https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/about-membership/benefits-of-membership.html
As Knights we are called to “To follow Christ”!
God Bless all of you. Be safe! Vivat Jesus! (Jesus Lives!)
Bruce Garwood, Grand Knight
Roundtable Becomes A New Council
The Saint Stanislaus Kostka Roundtable became Council 18574.
In recognition of the accomplishment our Council presented the Saint Stanislaus Kostka Council with a Join Us Banner for their recruiting efforts.
Salvation Army Kettle Day
On December 14th we had 20 Knights,4 Wives and 1 Daughter ringing the bells from 10am to 7pm where we raised $1,032.54 for the Salvation Army.
We had music and we sang carols . Bell Ringing is always a good community service “Fun-Raiser”.
Paul Aquino receives the Knight if the Year Award and Bonnie Gross receives he Lady Knight of the Year Award at this year’s Christmas Party.
Grand Knight Bruce Garwood and Program Director John Wolfsier with the Council’s Triple Star Award. The Triple Star Award is a prestigious recognition given by the Knights of Columbus. It is awarded to councils that achieve 300 percent of their net membership goal and demonstrate exceptional commitment to council activities
