by Liz Hayes staff writer
At Penn State Behrend there are dozens and dozens of
student organizations that are leadership, academically, or socially oriented. However,
there are also a few religiously affiliated organizations that few seem to know about,
The Behrend Knights of Columbus K of C - is one such organization. Many are probably
slightly more familiar with the parent organization that has branches in many communities.
This organization was founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney in St. Mary's Church, New
Haven, CT. The Behrend K of C was started in the early 1990's with the help of a local K
of C chapter.
Back in the 1800's, the organization was founded with the intent of providing support
for the great influx of Catholic immigrants. According to Grand Knight Richard Zmijewski,
the College's chapter has the slightly more modernized aim of stressing support of [the]
Catholic campus ministry, various service projects, and the spirit of fraternity."
One of the main activities the K of C is involved in is assisting with the setup of the
Sunday masses in the Reed Commons. They also sponsor many activities throughout the year.
One service-oriented activity that is approaching is their annual food drive for the
Second Harvest Food Bank. Members take plastic bags to surrounding communities and leave
them at people's residences, attaching a note stating that the bags will be picked up in
one week, hopefully filled with food goods. In the past six years, the K of C has raised
over 10 tons of food with this activity.
The Behrend Knights of Columbus is open only to male Catholics. While it may appear
that the club is open to a very small amount of people, Zmijewski pointed out that 60% of
Behrend's students are, indeed, Catholic. The club holds meetings the first Sunday of
every month at 9:00 p.m., but they, too, are only open to Catholic men.
For those interested in the K of C, the club can be reached several ways. They have a
recently launched website at www.clubs.psu.edu/kofc.
By phone, students can contact the club through Father Santor or Sister Mary at the
Catholic Ministry. The number is that of the Student Activities Office, extension 6171.
The national website for the Knights of Columbus can be reached at www.kofc.org
Also, the club is sponsoring an Open House next Thursday, October 14th. Those
interested should meet at the RUB desk at 7:30 p.m.
(excerpt taken from the Penn State Behend Beacon, October 8,
1999, pg 11)