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One of the things Rich Gorman of the Saratoga Knights of Columbus most admires about the K of C is that it has remained true to the principles laid down by its founder in 1882, while adapting to changing times.

"I find it helpful, when conducting K of C business, to reflect back upon the small group of parishioners that assembled with the Rev. Michael J. McGivney in a church basement in Connecticut to establish an order that would unite men in their faith as well as providing for Catholic families in times of need," said Mr. Gorman, who is grand knight for his council.

Noting that the K of C is "the largest Catholic fraternal and humanitarian organization ever created," Mr. Gorman recalled that early members were determined to help others overcome the hardships of the day, which included unemployment and poverty.

Hard choices
That the nature of the requests has diversified and one no longer needs to be a Catholic to benefit from K of C charity has become a double-edged sword for the organization, he added.

"We welcome requests for assistance from all sectors and find it hard to say no to anyone, but the tough economic times we're in have wrought an unprecedented flood of requests for assistance," Mr. Gorman explained.

To that end, the Saratoga K of C - which raises and distributes an estimated $20,000 a year - recently reviewed and revised its donation guidelines.

"First consideration is now given to our parishes, our Catholic schools and youth groups followed by community needs," said Mr. Gorman.

The long-term solution, he said, involves maintaining an active membership and increasing fundraising efforts: "The more sleeves that can be rolled up and the more money we can bring in, the more we can do to help those in need."

Need knights
District deputy James Mihal-ko, one of a dozen K of C district deputies representing the 55 K of C Councils across the Albany Diocese, said members currently range in age "from 18 to their upper 90s."

Mr. Mihalko is seeking ways to add more members to the younger end of that spectrum, so the knights can continue their century-plus of service in the Diocese.

Mr. Gorman is among knights representing St. Mary's parish in Ballston Spa, St. Peter's and St. Clement's in Saratoga Springs, St. Joseph's in Greenfield Center and surrounding towns.

The grand knight called the Saratoga K of C hall "the place where most of the funds that are used to help others are raised. It's here that we host banquets and all sorts of other activities that bring in the dollars needed to meet the many requests we receive for donations."

Recent fundraisers included a dinner held in honor of a Redemptorist priest with Saratoga County ties who founded a halfway house in Brazil for alcoholic clergy (see a previous story at www.evangelist.org).

In addition to being presented with a generous check to support his mission, Rev. William Tracy received chalices be-queathed to the council by deceased K of C members to be passed along to priests in impoverished parts of South America.

The Saratoga K of C also hosts bingo games and events such as Elvis Nights, with a goal of raising $1,000 a month.

"We also contribute funds to not-for-profits like Saratoga EOC [Equal Opportunity Com-mission]. We've also pledged to support the establishment of a shelter for homeless female veterans in Ballston Spa," Mr. Gorman added.

Commuting corps
Lesser known is a long-running program that involves transporting a busload of veterans each month from the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany to the K of C hall in Saratoga Springs for a free lunch followed by indoor bocce ball and card games. As an extension of this program, the Saratoga knights negotiated with with Boscov's stores to get sweat suits for people in need.

Members are also assisting with the construction of a chapel inside of Saratoga Central Catholic High School (see story in the Jan. 14 issue).

Grand knight John R. (Dick) Adair, who leads the oldest K of C group in the Albany Diocese, said his Albany council members are facing challenges similar to those outlined by Mr. Gorman.

"The good news is that our council now has about 320 members; the bad news is that they are not all active members," he explained. "A number of them are elderly or are away in Florida during the winter. We need more manpower year-round.

Carrying on
"Our challenge today is to recruit more young people who are interested in volunteering for a charitable organization. That's not as easy as it was in the days before TV and computers."

Mr. Adair carries a K of C sword that was worn by his maternal grandfather, Adam Gander, more than half a century ago, Mr. Adair's late grandfather and his father, John Adair, were also members of the Albany council.

Years ago, the group met at a hall built specifically for them on Ontario Street in Albany in the early 1950s. When active membership dwindled, members decided to sell the building to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and now rent space there for monthly K of C meetings.

Proceeds from the sale of the property now help the Albany knights provide such things as scholarships for children of K of C members. The council also spearheaded the rededication of the Right to Life monument that was moved to Mater Christi parish in Albany when St. Teresa of Avila Church closed.


(01/21/10)



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