Thursday, January 12, 2012

Groupies

Are you a groupie?  Do you like to follow a certain group of people around and see what they are up to?  When most people think of groupies the first thought that comes to mind is people who follow popular bands i.e. The Grateful Dead, The Beatles (for the old folks) and for today's crowds perhaps The Black Keys, Foo Fighters, Bush, Coldplay,  or Red Hot Chili Peppers just to name a few.  Then again we also have the Republicans, Democrats, Tea Party etc on the political scene.


As far back as the time of Jesus, people have been following one party or another as social issues fuel the fires of debates, dissents and adulation.  In regards to following any group there are two choices - either stand at a distance and observe or join the group and become involved in their cause.  


One modern day group which deserves your attention is the Knights of Columbus.  The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Roman Catholic fraternal service organization.  It was founded in the United States in 1882 by The Venerable Father Michael McGivney.  The organization consists of over 1.8 million men around the world and according to 2010 data gave over $154 million directly to charity and performed over 70 million man-hours of voluntary service.  Over the past 10 years the Knights donated over $1.406 billion in charitable contributions and 653 million man-hours in service projects.


It is very difficult after observing the Knights in action that any man would not want to join and become a part of this excellent organization.  In my parish alone the Knights have done a fantastic job of service not only to the parish but to the community as well.  Men 18 years and older who are "practical Catholics" around the world actively participate in serving the needs of others.  Although based in parishes the focus is on the community in which they live.  Their  motto "In service to one, in service to all" says it all.


Deacon Dale