The Knights of Columbus (KOC) is the world’s largest men’s Catholic fraternal benefit society. It was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in 1882 in New Haven, Connecticut. The Knights provide service to its members, their families, the community, the parish, and the pastor. Financial aid is available through its Insurance program. The Knights are involved in fundraising for many causes from graduating senior to diocesan seminarian scholarships.
The Knights are called to support parish functions such as Christmas dinner, fall festival, and other activities as requested by the Pastor. The Knights support the community through Habitat for Humanity, Parish Blood Drives, and youth basketball free throw contests. The St. Jerome K of C Council 13005 meets the 1st Thursday of each month in Raphael Hall at 6:30 pm. All current members are invited. The KOC has grown to over 14,000 councils and over 1.8 million members worldwide. There are over 100,000 Knights in Texas.
The Knights are committed to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Our order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is firmly committed to the protection of human life from conception to natural death. We believe in the support, preservation, and defense of the family and are a family organization.
St. Jerome Council 13005 was formed in November 2001. The council started with 30 members and has grown to over 175 members. Each Catholic parish in Waco has a KOC Council ready to support the pastor and the parish. Membership in the Knights is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practicing Catholics. Over the past thirteen years, this Council has received the Supreme Star Council Award eight times and the State Council Lone Star Award with Distinction seven times. In 2014, the council volunteered over 8,112 man-hours of service and raised $11,837 for our church and community.