The "24 Hour" Knight
Today’s young man faces many commitments. From his duty to his family to his obligation to his work place,
there are constant calls on his time. How many times have you thought of becoming a Knight of Columbus, but thought “I
don’t have much time to give to the Knights, so why should I join?” It’s a common concern among many prospects
that they just don’t have the time to be a part of the Knights of Columbus.
Imagine if you were just able to just give 24 hours a year to the Knights of Columbus and could make a
positive difference in your Community and Church. Below is an illustration of just how little time it takes to be an
active part of the Knights of Columbus. Even with this minimal commitment you can be an important part of a Council and
reap the benefits of what membership in the Knights of Columbus has to offer you and you family. When considering joining
our Order, try breaking down the time commitment in this way:
• 12 hours a year reading the weekly parish bulletin, the State and local Council newsletters, Columbia magazine,
and surfing the State Council and Supreme Council Web sites.
• 2 hours a year volunteering at the Council’s annual drive for people with intellectual disabilities.
• 2 hours a year attending, with your family, two Council corporate Communions or prayer services at the
Parish.
• 2 hours a year on a Council-sponsored Church, Community, Council Family or Youth project of your choosing.
• 2 hours a year attending one Council meeting. (If it’s a well-run interesting meeting you might
even come back for a second.)
• 4 hours a year enjoying (again, with your entire family) a Council social function such as a dinner,
dance, picnic, etc.
When you consider the time commitment of joining the Knights of Columbus in this way, it doesn’t
seem very intimidating at all. Once a man becomes a member and sees how rewarding being a part of the Knights of Columbus
is, he’ll want to dedicate more of his time to the Order.
If your prospective Council doesn’t conduct some of the types of programs mentioned above, consider implementing
them or similar ones. If your prospective Council doesn’t have a newsletter consider starting one — there is no
better way to keep your members informed and active.
There are 8,760 hours in a year. By giving the Knights of Columbus 24 of those hours (less than .3 percent), a man
can be a better Catholic, a better father, a better husband and a better person. Think of the difference the Knights of Columbus
can make in our communities if you join us. You just have to look at it this way, and you can see that there is time
to join and make a difference in your Community and the Church in just 24 hours.
