Who Are We
The Knights of Columbus is a service organization of Catholic men who
dedicate themselves to promoting charity, unity and family life. The Victor C.
Cote Council 9671 supports a wide variety of programs in the community.
General membership meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
If you are 18 years of age or older and are a practicing Catholic gentleman, you
are exactly what we are looking for to be a new member of the number one
council in Ontario of the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus here at
Good Shepherd Parish are composed of Catholic men such as yourself who are
seeking ways to meet new fellow brothers and to assist the parish and
surrounding community. Chaplain Fr. Gary Goyeau, our spiritual leader, challenges us to live out our four core principles:
- Charity: Our Catholic faith teaches us to "Love thy neighbour as thyself".Members of the Knights of Columbus show love in many different ways by reaching out to the poor and those in need. 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 everyday.
- 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: The Venerable 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. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.
- 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. Council 9671 here at Good Shepherd Parish, was awarded the number one council in all of Ontario for the year 2013-2014. We are a strong bond of brothers who work hand in hand to support the needy of the community and the parish. Our first principle of charity is very important to us. We currently donate approximately $40,000 per year to local charities. We offer financial assistance to over 30 organizations in the community. We put on the largest picnic in the community each September welcoming over 700 people. We award a total of a $5,000 bursary to students of Good Shepherd Parish who are entering their first
year of college or university. Last year, 10 students each received $500. We would be happy to show you exactly what we do as Knights and walk you through the three simple steps to knighthood. The lists of accomplishments of this council are incredible. We hope you take a moment and look at the walls of the hall and see for yourself exactly what we do and how we became 'council of the year'. We would love nothing better than to have you as a fellow brother knight in Fr. Victor C. Cote Council 9671 of Good Shepherd Parish. The fraternal brotherhood is amazing and we have a great time together. Please do not miss the opportunity of a life time to join the best council in Ontario and become a Knight of Columbus.
Brother Paul Lauzon, Grand Knight
Fr. Victor C. Cote Council 9671