Programs
“For the kingdom to come into this world, disciples must have the competence to see and the courage to act, which is a call to do as Jesus did, working for justice through loving service to the poor." Constitution 2, Article 14 of the Congregation of Holy Cross Brothers
|
B |
y following these suggestions, councils will hold programs that will attract and keep members and at the same time satisfy the requirements for the Supreme Star Council Award, the Michigan Achievement Award, and the Michigan Star Council Award. Make this year the best year ever for the council and for the Knights of Columbus in Michigan. Do your best and feel a greater sense of accomplishment.
Any council will earn the Michigan Achievement Award if it completes two requirements – (1) Submits the council reports specified in the table “Reports for Achievement Award” below by their due dates and (2) Completes four activities in each area of Church, Community, Family, Council, and Youth, provided they include the activities specified in the list “Activities for Achievement Award” below.
The State Membership Director will obtain council report status from State and Diocesan Directors.
The State Membership Director will obtain activity status from the councils when they submit the quarterly Council Activities Report (Michigan Form #MI 1) through their District Deputies. The reporting quarters are 1, 2, 3, 4P, and 4. The 4P (Projected 4th Quarter) report is required to receive the Achievement Award at the State Convention held each year in May. The State Council will assume the council will actually complete the projected activities. Otherwise, the award will be based on the actual fourth quarter report (Report 4) and presented later.
|
|
Council Report Due |
Form No. |
Date Due |
|
|
Service Program Personnel |
365 |
1 August |
|
|
Semi-Annual Council Audit |
1295 |
15 August |
|
|
Annual Fraternal Survey |
1728 |
31 January |
|
|
Semi-Annual Council Audit |
1295 |
15 February |
|
|
Service Program Award Entry |
STSP |
13 April |
|
|
Columbian Award Application |
SP-7 |
30 June |
|
|
Report of Council Officers |
185 |
1 July |
|
|
Council Activity 1st Quarter |
State |
30 September |
|
|
Council Activity 2nd Quarter |
State |
31 December |
|
|
Council Activity 3rd Quarter |
State |
31 March |
|
|
Council Activity 4P Projection |
State |
31 March |
|
|
Council Activity 4th Quarter |
State |
30 June |
This activity should be a specific program supporting vocations that provides information on vocations. For example, presentations by the Council’s Chaplain or a donation to Seminarians are vocations activities. The Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) is also an example. More information about the RSVP is available in the Vocations handbook (Booklet #1942) from the Supreme Council Vocations Committee. The Application for Refund Support Vocations Program (Form #2863) is due every June 30. Earn one church activities credit each time.
To meet this requirement each council must have a Family Corporate Communion a minimum of four (4) times a year. Work with the Chaplain and the Council Church Activities Director to schedule these Masses. Consider scheduling one each of the four quarters in a fraternal year. Set aside reserved pews so that knights and their family members can sit together. Earn one church activities credit each time.
To fulfill this requirement, a Council must contribute $50.00 to Morality in Media, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, New York 10115. Earn one community activities credit when $50.00 is paid in full.
Take one full credit when both the Mentally Impaired Drive Worksheet (Michigan Form #MI 13) and check are mailed on time by the due date. Earn one community activities.
Councils are required to participate in the Michigan Charities Fund Take 5 Program. Earn one community activities credit when the council sends its check.
Councils are asked to promote and support the annual Michigan Charities Raffle. Earn one community activities credit each time the council runs a promotional activity.
Identify a Family of the Month who has done something outstanding. Complete the form in Supreme booklet (Form #1933). The form requests information about the family and the reasons for the selection. To meet this requirement for Michigan Achievement, each council must do this 12 times a year. Earn one family activities credit each time.
The Family of the Year program is one of the Orders most popular programs since its inception in the early 1970’s. This recognition should be the highlight of the Council’s Fraternal Year. Select the Family of the Year and complete Form #FY-1 in the Family of the Year booklet. Submit a portfolio on the family including pictures, newspaper articles, letters of endorsement, certificates, and other family memorabilia to the State Director of Family Life. The information about the family must include their involvement in the council, parish and community. Earn one family activities credit.
The Knight of the Month program is very important. It lets the council reward members for outstanding jobs done for the council. Each council must award this 12 times a year. Earn one council activities credit each time.
Take credit for this when the Council Knight of the Year has been selected. This will meet the one requirement in this area. Earn one council activities credit.
All councils must attend the Diocesan Membership/Program meetings. The Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, other council officers, as well as the Membership Director and Program Director are expected to attend. Earn one council activities credit each time.
Each Council must send at least two (2) council officers to council officer training each year. Earn one council activities credit.
The requirement is one membership drive per quarter until the council attains its membership quota. Each council must take part in the Michigan State Council’s membership drives as scheduled in Chapter 10 “Managing the Calendar.” Earn one council activities credit each time.
Councils must hold at least four (4) First Degree initiations throughout the fraternal year. If a council does not have a first degree team, then you must make plans to have a degree team come to your council or go to a council that has one. Earn one council activities credit each time.
Take one credit each time a council’s newsletter is sent to the membership. Although newsletters should be sent monthly, a minimum of four are required to meet this requirement. Earn one council activities credit each time.
When a council pays its Holy Cross Children’s Services (Boysville) Quota in full (100%) it can take the credit. Indicate the date when the 100% check was mailed to the Michigan State Council. Earn one youth activities credit.
In addition to the above required activities, the Michigan Achievement Award form also lists suggested activities. Councils may substitute other activities for suggested activities to meet the total requirement of four activities in each of the five areas.