*All tickets purchased from the start of the raffle until 12 Noon on September 30 will be eligible to win the first Early Bird prize. All tickets purchased from the start of the raffle until Noon on October 28 will be eligible to win the second Early Bird prize, including the winning ticket in the first Early Bird draw. The winning tickets in the Early Bird draws will also be eligible to win in the Final draw on November 23

The Knights of Columbus was founded on February 6, 1882, by a 29-year old assistant pastor, Father Michael J. McGivney, of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, “to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies antithetical to church teaching, uniting Catholic men and help families of deceased members.”

The Order began in one humble Church and is now established in many countries around the world. In Alberta, it began in 1907 when a Council was formed in Edmonton and we have grown to 180 Councils throughout Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

The KofC.org website excerpts below best describe the practicalities of the four Principles of our Order:

Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.

Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.

Fraternity – Blessed Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do the good works of individual Knights, who gave more than 49 million service hours in 2022, illustrating how Catholics serve each other in fraternity and mercy.

Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.

The winner will be contacted and announced on our webpage: www.kofc.ab.ca.