Knights of Columbus

From State Deputy Gary Wondra

Brother Knights,     

   As we enter the final month of the 2025–2026 fraternal year, I ask every council and every member to help us finish strong. We are now within reach of the Pinnacle Award, one of the highest recognitions a jurisdiction can receive from the Supreme Council. With fewer than 175 new members needed to reach this goal, we have an incredible opportunity before us.

   Achieving the Pinnacle Award is about more than numbers. This achievement reflects the vitality of our councils, the strength of our parishes, and our commitment to the mission of the Knights of Columbus. It demonstrates that Catholic men in Kansas are answering the call to faith-filled leadership and service. Reaching this milestone during the year we celebrated 125 years of the Knights of Columbus in Kansas would be a fitting tribute to the generations of Knights who built the strong foundation we enjoy today.

   I encourage every Knight to extend one more invitation. Think of the men in your parish, your workplace, your neighborhood, and your family. Is there someone who would benefit from the faith, fraternity, and purpose that our Order provides? Often, all it takes is a simple invitation. Share your experience and explain how the Knights of Columbus has strengthened your faith and enriched your life. Together, we can ensure that the next generation of Catholic men continues the important work of our Order.

   As schools across Kansas celebrate graduation season, I would especially encourage councils and parish leaders to invite young men who are graduating from high school and turning 18 years old to join the Knights of Columbus through our E-Membership program. To help welcome these young men into our Order, the Kansas State Council will award three $1,000 scholarships to 18-year-old men in Kansas who join through E-Membership before June 30. There is no essay or additional application required. Eligible young men simply need to complete the E-Membership process and verify their email address after joining. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce a new generation of Catholic men to the faith, fraternity, leadership, and service opportunities that the Knights of Columbus provides.

   I also encourage every council to review its progress toward Star Council. If there are forms still to be submitted, a Fraternal Benefit Event yet to be completed, Safe Environment requirements to be fulfilled, or additional members needed to reach quota, now is the time. Star Council is more than an award. Star Council is recognition of a council's commitment to excellence and its dedication to fulfilling the mission of Blessed Michael McGivney. Let's make these final weeks count and help as many councils as possible achieve this important recognition.

   As the 2025–2026 fraternal year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished together and to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. This year has been especially meaningful as we celebrated 125 years of the Knights of Columbus in Kansas under our theme, "Continuing a Legacy of Faith, Family & Fraternity." Your dedication to our Order and your commitment to our principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism have made this a truly remarkable year.

   Over the past twelve months, Knights across Kansas have continued the legacy established by those who came before us. Through your service, generosity, and faith, you have strengthened our parishes, supported our clergy, assisted seminarians and religious, defended the dignity of life, cared for those with intellectual disabilities, provided coats for children, and offered hope and assistance to mothers through our Aid and Support After Pregnancy efforts. You have been the hands and feet of Christ in your communities, and your work has touched countless lives.

   This year, we also celebrated significant milestones. Kansas Knights were honored with the Lumen Vitae Award from St. Benedict's Abbey, recognizing the impact our members have had in building up the Church throughout our state. Our councils continue to support numerous charitable programs, and our jurisdiction remains strong and active in the Order. These accomplishments belong not to any one individual, but to every Knight, family member, chaplain, and council that has answered the call to serve.

   As we prepare to begin a new fraternal year, let us remember that we are not simply preserving a legacy, we are continuing it. The men who founded the Knights of Columbus in Kansas 125 years ago entrusted us with a mission. It is now our responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit an even stronger Order, rooted in faith, devoted to family, and united in fraternity.

   Thank you, Brother Knights, for your service, your sacrifices, your prayers, and your commitment to our Order. As the State Deputy of Kansas, it has been a privilege and an honor for my family and I to serve alongside you. Together, let us continue a legacy of Faith, Family & Fraternity for generations to come.

Vivat Jesus,

Gary L. Wondra

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We will update Fraternal Benefit Event dates here and the calendar as they become available!

Please welcome our newest Sir Knights from the Schoenchen Exemplification!

* The 2025 - 2026 Program and Membership Guide is now available - Click Here *

Here is a short message from Bishop Carl A. Kemme (Wichita Diocese) 
HERE IS A SHORT MESSAGE FROM REV. ANTHONY SAIKI (SPANISH)

The Knights of Columbus released "The Magazine and the Miracle: Finding Father Kapaun," a short documentary highlighting the extraordinary life and legacy of Servant of God, U.S. Army Chaplain, and Medal of Honor recipient Fr. Emil Kapaun. To view the video click HERE. 

Membership and Missing Forms Reports

How is your council progressing in its quest for the Star Council Award? The requirements for the Star Council Award are 1) make the membership goal, 2) host two Fraternal Benefit Seminars, 3) complete and submit three forms to the Supreme office. Click on the links below to view the progress your council is making towards achieving these goals. These reports will be updated weekly, so check back often!

Membership Report
Report Summary

The 2025-2026 theme for inviting men to our order this year is “125 Years: Continuing a Legacy of Faith, Family, and Fraternity”. You are encouraged to offer membership to any Catholic male age 18 or older. It’s simple, all you have to do is ask them. 

Kansas Knight of the Month

For the Month of September
The Ted Brock Family
Council #2955, Dodge City

For the Month of August
The John Russell Family
Council #8411, Topeka - Christ the King

Supreme Faith in Action Program

Supreme Council Faith in Action Program information can be found at
https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/faith-in-action-programs/index.html

Safe Environment Program

Our Safe Environment Program safeguards children and other vulnerable persons, assures members and their families that we maintain a safe environment, protects members from awkward situations, misunderstandings, and appearances of impropriety, builds trust with arch/dioceses and parishes, and protects the good name of the Knights of Columbus.

Three training modules are required for members serving in youth leader and certain officer roles: “Meet Sam,”addressing the issue of sexual abuse awareness, “Duty to Report", covering legal reporting obligations, and “Know Your Policies”, a review of Knights of Columbus safe environment policies. We also maintain a youth leader screening process, including background checks, specifically for members who lead Knights of Columbus youth activities.

Please click on link below to access Supreme Councils webpage for more information and what positions are required to acquire this training:
                                                  Praesidium (Safe Enviroment)