Knights of Columbus

From State Deputy Gary Wondra

Brother Knights,     

April marks a pivotal moment in our fraternal year as we enter the fourth quarter. Now is the time to reflect, assess, and finish strong. Every council should be asking: are we on track to achieve Star Council? This prestigious recognition is within reach, but it requires diligence and action.

Take a moment to review your council’s progress:
   • Have all required forms been submitted?
   • Is your council fully compliant with Safe Environment requirements?
   • Have you hosted the required Fraternal Benefit Nights?
   • Are you on pace to meet or exceed your membership goals?

One key requirement that cannot be overlooked is the submission of Form 1728 – Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity. This report tells the story of your council’s charitable impact and is essential for Star Council consideration.

Now is the time to submit your SP-7 Columbian Award Application. Submitting early allows time to make any necessary corrections if it is not accepted by Supreme Council.

We must also address a growing concern: too many councils are not membership active. April is the time to change that. Host an exemplification this month and get your council off the list. Every new member strengthens your council, your parish, our Order, and our mission.

This year, Kansas is blessed with a record number of OCIA candidates entering the Catholic Church at Easter. These men are experiencing a profound, life-changing moment and we must be present. Invite them to join the Knights of Columbus and walk alongside them as brothers in faith. Their journey is just beginning; the brotherhood of the Knights of Columbus will help shape it.

Likewise, we must reach out to high school seniors. At a time when many young adults drift away from the Church, the Knights of Columbus offers a path of engagement, brotherhood, and purpose. Invite these young men to join and remain rooted in their Catholic faith through eMembership. This program keeps them connected through ongoing communication and faith formation.

As these young men move on to college, the military, or the workforce, there is no better organization for them to join than a local Knights of Columbus council. There, they will find like-minded individuals who will support their spiritual growth and provide a lifelong brotherhood. No matter where life takes them, there will always be a council nearby.

By becoming an eMember, these men will also be eligible for one of three $1,000 scholarships to be awarded by the Kansas State Council on May 31, 2026. Additionally, they may apply for scholarships through the Supreme Council if they attend a Catholic college.

Finally, I encourage every council member and their family to attend the 125th Annual Kansas State Convention, May 1 through May 3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita. This milestone celebration will feature special events honoring 125 years of the Knights of Columbus in Kansas.

We are especially honored to welcome Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, who will inspire us with two powerful presentations:
 • “Staying Awake in a Woke Culture”
 • “Catholic Families: The Model for a Culture of Love and Life”

Let us come together to celebrate our past, strengthen our present, and build our future.

As we celebrate the joy of the Easter season, let us carry that spirit of renewal into our families, parishes, councils, and communities.

Happy Easter to you and your families!

Continuing the Legacy of Faith, Family & Fraternity!

Vivat Jesus,

Gary L. Wondra

Haga clic AQUÍ para inglés

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)