Brother Knights,

During last month’s meeting, our Deputy Grand Knight, Pat Nakagawa, mentioned that several of our new Council members are working on obtaining a Shining Armor Award, which I had not heard of before in all my many years as a Knight.  So I went on the Supreme Council website for more information. What I found is a great program designed for members to engage in and maintain an active level of participation in council programs and activities.  

To qualify for the Shining Armor Award, during the fraternal year, brother Knights must:

• Be involved in at least 3 Council service programs
• Attend at least 3 Council business meetings
• Receive their Formation and Knighthood degrees
• Meet with the Council’s insurance representative
• Recruit at least one new member.

Qualification Cards are available to help members keep track of their progress toward attaining the Award and to verify to the Grand Knight that they have completed the requirements. Certificates of Recognition and Shining Armor Lapel Pins are awarded upon completion of the qualifications.

I believe this is a great program because it accomplishes several goals for the Council as a whole and for the individual members.  While there are many goals that could be mentioned, the program basically makes the Council much more effective in providing charitable services to our Church and community.  By encouraging active involvement, it builds the important feelings of unity and fraternity; and can expand membership (…the harvest is great, but the workers are few).

For the individual, there is a no feeling as great as working with others in service to our Church, family, and community as Christ asks us to do.  Many of us need the specific goals that the program establishes for our own personal growth and for the growth of our faith community.

In addition, the program also makes us aware of the insurance products that are available from the Order for the protection of our families.  After all, the Knights of Columbus was founded by Father Michael McGivney who organized a group of men as a mutual benefit society.  The primary purpose of this organization was to provide insurance to care for widows and orphans left behind when the main income earner died.  Knights of Columbus Insurance is a top rated company and is recognized as the world’s most ethical company.

While this program appears to be focused on new members, I think it should be a challenge to all members to accomplish the qualification goals for the Shining Armor Award during this fraternal year. For those of us who have already received Formation and Knighthood Degrees, we should commit to attending a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree exemplification for new members.  “In Service to One, In Service to All”

Respectfully submitted,

Cy Henke
Council 15706 Lecturer
Vivat Jesus