Squires program provides opportunities to young men

Who says the U.S. doesn't have royalty? In the northern part of the Albany Diocese, there are about two dozen squires.

The Columbian Squires is a youth group for boys, 10-17, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

Although the organization has existed since the mid-1920s, only two groups (known as "circles") are currently active in the Diocese: one in Glens Falls and another in Saratoga Springs. Each circle has 12 to 15 members.

Goals

According to Chris Anderson, adult chief counselor for the Glens Falls circle, the group teaches leadership skills, promotes community service, and provides opportunities for increasing faith and making new friends for its members, who run the circles themselves.

The squires' activities have run the gamut from service projects, like participating in a juvenile diabetes walk, to playing paintball for fun.

That range attracted Saratoga High senior Lee Shortell to the Saratoga circle: "I was just looking for something to do; I wanted to be a part of something."

Youth in charge

Since his older brother was already a squire, Lee decided to join while in seventh grade. He has reached the level of "deputy chief squire," which means he helps to run the monthly meetings.

While Lee allowed that there are many youth groups available for teens, he likes the squires' focus on service. "I'm glad to be helping people and not doing something else," he remarked.

Along with half-a-dozen other squires, Lee has gotten to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference and World Youth Day. The parishioner of St. Clement's Church in Saratoga Springs said he "really enjoyed" the faith-based activities.

Priorities

Mr. Anderson, a member of St. Mary/St. Alphonsus parish in Glens Falls, noted that the circles' faith component is always a priority. For example, the Glens Falls circle is currently planning a retreat at the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec.

The squires "are about community spirit and religious affiliation," he explained. "We join this organization because we are Catholic."

When they reach 18, squires can decide whether to join the K of C, an organization they're already familiar with, since they often pitch in at K of C functions. For now, Lee is more concerned with recruiting friends to join the squires. When he meets someone he thinks would like the group, he tells them he would appreciate it if they would just attend a meeting.

"Some people come, and they like it," he noted. "It gives me a good feeling."

(Rev. Richard Severson is chaplain for the two Columbian Squires circles. Call him for information, 581-1750.)

(11/20/03) [[In-content Ad]]