Life Programs Chairman
Angelo Battisti
When I joined the Knights about 25 years ago my primary reason was fellowship with a group of Catholic men of faith and service for God. Service to others in our community and my Pro-Life view has dovetailed into participation with several annual March for Life events, support to Pregnancy Aid of Kent and assistance to Special Olympics.
Featured ProgramMarch for Life
Overview
The Knights of Columbus encourages others to choose life through public support of the pro-life cause. Knights can organize and participate in local/state/province/regional Marches for Life and/or organize participation of Knights/parishioners/students/etc., in bus trips to the national Marches in Washington, D.C., Ottawa, Mexico City, throughout the Philippines, or in other countries.
A Higher Purpose
Show public support for the right to life. Knights of Columbus councils are encouraged to participate in or sponsor local, state/province, regional or national Marches for Life.
Featured ProgramUltrasound Program
Overview
The Knights of Columbus works together as an organization to purchase ultrasound machines for qualifying pregnancy centers. After the state and/or local council raises 50% of the cost, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council will provide the other 50% to complete funding for purchase of an ultrasound. Or, if the council raises 100% of the cost of a vehicle outfitted to serve as a mobile medical unit for a pregnancy center, the Supreme Council will provide 100% of the funds for an ultrasound machine to be used in that vehicle.
A Higher Purpose
Save lives by helping women choose life by giving them the opportunity to view their unborn children on ultrasound machines at pro-life pregnancy centers. This initiative is funded by Knights of Columbus state and local councils with matching grants from the Supreme Council’s Culture of Life Fund.
Featured ProgramSpecial Olympics
Overview
The Knights of Columbus has a unique partnership with the Special Olympics and has helped disabled athletes train for and compete in games around the world. Knights of Columbus councils have assisted with all aspects of the program from fundraising to feeding the athletes, organizing and judging events, and providing equipment and awards. Without the support of the Knights, participants would not be able to train for the events that they love.
A Higher Purpose
Celebrate the worth and dignity of every human being through the Special Olympics. Knights of Columbus councils can work with Special Olympics affiliates to determine how best to fund, sponsor or volunteer for events in the local community.
Featured ProgramPregnancy Center Support
Overview
More than 3,000 pro-life pregnancy centers now operate throughout territories of the Knights of Columbus. By the very nature of its founding, the Knights of Columbus is called to care for the widow and orphan. Abortion-vulnerable unborn children and mothers experiencing unexpected pregnancies certainly fall within that mandate. With aid from the Knights, pregnancy centers can offer support to help women choose life. Councils can “adopt” a pregnancy center and provide material, labor, and spiritual support throughout the year.
A Higher Purpose
Change hearts and minds about abortion by showing that the Knights of Columbus loves both mother and child before and after birth. Councils can provide material, financial, labor and other support to pro-life pregnancy centers that help women during pregnancy and following the birth of their newborn children.