The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic faternal organization, named after Christopher Columbus. Often referred to as the "strong right arm of the church" by Pope John Paul II, they work to promote both the spiritual and phsyical well-being of men. 

Our council is a very visible, active group of men who work tirelessly to benefit those in both our parish and community. 

Knights of Columbus
Pope John Paul II Council #10417
Milton, VT

 
The Knights of Columbus is a worldwide fraternal organization which was originally founded by a Catholic Priest at St Mary’s Church in New Haven, CT in 1881.  Fr. Michel J. McGivney started the organization with a small group of Catholic men in response to hardships by persecution of Catholics, religious and ethnic discrimination against them, and to provide insurance to women and orphans left behind by the death or incapacitation of the male wage earner.  This was at a time before government programs were in effect.
 
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of adult Catholic men with the mottos of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.  The K of C in Milton was founded in 1990 with a group of 30 original charter members.   It has since grown to a membership of over 150 Catholic men.  The K of C councils fall under a state council as well as a supreme council which is headquartered in New Haven, CT.
 
This local council in Milton assists the priest and the parish, as well as the community, by works of charity.  We hold monthly business meetings.  Throughout the year, we hold at least three large dinners and three breakfasts which help to satisfy our own financial needs to run the council and to provide financial assistance to charitable causes.  We have a scholarship fund which assists high school students in funding their college or post-secondary education.  We have a Coats for Kids drive which provides new coats for children in the community who are in need.  There is a fundraiser to assist the youth of the parish in their Christian foundation and also works with them in the fundraising to give them leadership skills and to serve as a good Christian example of stewardship.  We run an on-going food drive to help the unfortunate with their nutritional needs.
 
Our local council has assisted brother knights and other community members with financial and personal burdens.  Some examples of our work include assistance after a personal loss like a fire or flooding, building wheelchair ramps for injured people, supporting Special Olympics and other intellectually challenged, Right to Life events, providing transportation to medical appointments, visiting hospitalized brother knights, and prayerful support of those in need.
 
The K of C has been a visible presence in the Independence Day parade in Milton, the Memorial Day remembrance to our veterans, as well as honor guards at wakes and funerals of brother knights or their families and in support of our local emergency public safety organizations.  Honor guards also process with other councils at ordinations, confirmations, funerals for the clergy, or other Catholic events.