About Us
Who are the Knights of Columbus?
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.7 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.
In the spring of 1882, a quiet unassuming curate of St. Mary’s Parish in New Haven, Connecticut banded a small group of men together to help with serious problems facing Catholics and the Church in the last half of the century problems such as anti-Catholicism and ethnic prejudice, unemployment and the were conceived: to aide in times of sickness or death by means of simple insurance plans so that families would not face poverty; to strengthen themselves and each other in their faith; to strengthen families and family life; to be a pillar of support for the clergy; and to be in service to the Church and community and to those in most need.
The young Priest was the Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney and his men became known as the Knights of Columbus. The need is still there.
The South Milwaukee Knights Columbus
)))em The South Milwaukee Council was founded in 1914 through the efforts of the charter members. It is named after the city it was founded in. The South Milwaukee Council works closely with the following parishes in our area: Divine Mercy in South Milwaukee; Nativity of the Lord in Cudahy; and St. Matthews in Oak Creek, providing funds for various projects, members being active participants in their parish. etc.
OUR BEGINNING:
A journey started in I9l3 when two men who always traveled from South Milwaukee to Racine to attend their Knights of Columbus meeting discussed forming a Council in South Milwaukee which would be of great value and interest to Catholic men their families in the surrounding area. That dream turned into reality on November 23, l9I3 when Supreme Board of Directors granted a charter and South Milwaukee Council l709 was established. A clubhouse was then completed in 1972 providing the Council with a meeting place and a facility that helps conduct fundraisers for the increasing charities
needing help. The Council is blest to have an active Ladies Auxiliary that was established in 1969 and continues to be an integral part of the Community to this day. Council L709 has been a driving force for over 100 years and will continue to be for many years to come meeting the challenges that will help us grow stronger.
CHARITY GROUPS WE SUPPORT:
Xaverian Missionaries, St. Anne’s Center, The Honor Flight, St. John Bosco Youth Roll, Vets Roll, Project Concern Divine Mercy, St. Matthews, Nativity of The Lord, Military Chaplains Scholarship Fund.
STATE SERVICE PROGRAMS COUNCIL 1709 PARTICIPATES IN:
Tootsie Roll Program helping intellectually challenged, Life Savers for Life aiding prolife, Soccer Penalty Kick, Free Throw Contest, Math and Knowledge Contests.
FAMILY COUNCIL EVENTS:
Corporate Communions three in our local churches and Council Clubhouse, All Souls Day Mass, Packer Parties, pot luck dinners, Pancakes with Santa, Adult Christmas Party, Pancakes with the Easter Bunny, Casino Trip.
COUNCIL FUND RAISERS:
State Charity Raffle, weekly Monday night Bingo, fish fries, Harvest Food Drive, Super Bowl Party, Ladies’ Auxiliary Craft Fair.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
South Milwaukee Council 1709
Grand Knight: Tony Bloom
(414) 499-1568
Deputy Grand Knight: John Stepanovich
(414)216-1535
District Deputy Les Kostera
(414) 418-7409
Membership Director Tony Bloom
(414) 449-1586
Click Here for membership info
LADIES AUXILIARY Diane Fritsch
(414) 481-5028
NOT FOR SELF BUT FOR OTHERS
PLEASE JOIN US IN OUR JOUNEY
BENEFITS
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of Columbia magazine, the world’s largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.
We hold many events throughout the year including Church Activities, Youth Activities, Family Activities, Community Service and Council Activities.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.
Contact Tony Bloom Membership Director, at (414) 499-1568 for more information on becoming a member.
4th DEGREE
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights’ respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called “assemblies”). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.
Currently most of our 4th Degree Council members are also members of the St. Josephat’s Basilica 4th Degree Link to Assembly 3210 website in Milwaukee, WI. Contact Mark Anhalt, Faithful Navigator (414)218-9231 for more information.
LADIES AUXILIARY
The Ladies Auxiliary’s main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events/activities, cooking for events/activities, and providing monetary assistance. They also generally help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.
The Ladies Auxiliary meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at the KC Clubhouse. Contact Diane Fritsch at (414) 481-5028 for more information.
SQUIRES
Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires’ activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.
We currently do not have a Squires Circle in our Council.