Knights reaching out to community
There's a new pack in town.
Cub Scout Pack 4283 is in the process of forming and having its first roundup at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 at Plainfield's Ridge Elementary School.
This is a great chance for boys and their parents to check out the pack, ask questions and sign up if they are interested.
"We are excited about starting this pack," said Ken Hinkle, grand Knight of Council St. Francis Xavier 14283 out of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Plainfield. The Knights of Columbus will be the charter organization for the pack.
Meeting dates and location are still undetermined. The hope is that the pack will meet at St. Francis Xavier Church.
This is just one of many ways the St. Francis Xavier Knights are reaching out to children and the community at large.
In fact, for the past two years, Council 14283 has won the Columbian Spirit Award in recognition of its charitable and family events. To win the award, the council both years held four events in four categories: council, community, family and church. This is impressive in itself, but even more so because the council is only 2½ years old. As impressive as it is, it is not a surprise.
Hinkle has been a Knight for eight years, starting with St. Mary's Good Sheppard 5513. There he was the family director, and he and his wife ran events such as the Easter egg hunt, the Christmas party, picnics and fishing derbies.
"The Knights is very family oriented," said Hinkle. "We have 39 members. We meet twice a month, but we don't expect everyone to make everything. You do what works for your family. We believe in faith first, then family and then fraternity." Hinkle said that the Knights is made up of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.
One of the great thing about the Knights is that when dad is a member, everyone benefits and, even more importantly, everyone learns to serve. "When we do a charitable event, the whole family gets involved, even the kids, whether it is selling Tootsie Rolls or raffle tickets.
Even though St. Francis Xavier Knights is only two and a half years old, they collectively brought in more than $10,000 in the last Tootsie Roll drive.
Dads, you don't have to belong to the parish to be a Knight. To be a Knight you only have to be age 18 or over and a practicing Catholic. Moms, you can join the ladies auxiliary if you are 18 or older and a Christian woman.
Hinkle says that the Cub Scouts is just one of many programs they hope to institute for local youths.
"The hope is, as we grow and as our parish children grow, we will start a Columbian Squires Program as well," Hinkle said. "This program is for boys 10-18 years old and prepares them to become Knights."
If you are interested in learning more about the St. Francis Xavier Knights of Columbus, e-mail Hinkle at kofc14283@gmail.com or call 815-603-2562.
Jean Dunning writes about kid friendly and positive kid groups, programs and activities. Contact her at storiesbyjd@sbcglobal.net.
