Family of the Month

As Knights of Columbus, we have always been interested in the development of strong, vibrant families. To support this philosophy and create an even greater awareness of our many fine Knights of Columbus families, the Supreme Council instituted the “Family of the Month” program in 1978. Since that time, the “Family of the Month” program has grown to be one of the Order’s most successful programs.

To participate in the program, your council must first select a member and his family as the “Family of the Month” using the guidelines explained below. Then, complete and submit the corresponding “Family of the Month” report form (#10668). A copy must be sent to the State Chairman by the 15th day of the following month.

On the 15th day of each month — from August through July — 100 “Family of the Month” reporting forms will be drawn at random from among all entries received at the Supreme Council office for the previous month. Each of the 100 selected families will receive a beautiful Holy Family gift, along with a personal letter of congratulations from our Supreme Knight. These items will be sent directly to the families at their home addresses.

Guidelines:

Each council should establish a committee charged with the responsibility of selecting a “Family of the Month” each month. Set up guidelines to help your committee choose the most deserving council family for this honor. Listed below are some suggestions that may prove helpful to your committee.

  • Committees should be made up of members who know many of the council families and who want to support family life.
  • Committee members should interview parish priests, neighbors, council members, etc., to get recommendations, references and evaluations concerning council families. They should also speak directly to the families considered.
  • The committee should consider the following factors in their search for a “Family of the Month:”
    • Has the family made significant contributions to the Church, community and/or council?
    • Is the family tight knight? Does the family spend quality time together?
    • Does the family attend weekly Mass together?
    • Does the family pray together outside of Mass?
    • Does the family serve as a model of Catholic family values?
  • The “Family of the Month” committee doesn’t need to seek out a “super family” each month. The committee should look for a family that lives traditional Christian family values and deserves recognition for doing so.

Be sure your council honors the family chosen as “Family of the Month.” Invite the entire family to a meeting to receive the council’s “Family of the Month” award. The Supreme Council office has a full-color “Family of the Month” certificate(#1843) available for presentation. The certificate is 8½” x 11” and may be obtained from the Supreme Council Supply Department. “Family of the Month” certificate (#1843)

Family of the Year

Each year, those councils participating in the “Family of the Month” program should also select a “Family of the Year.”

When selecting your council’s “Family of the Year,” follow guidelines similar to those used by the committee in choosing each “Family of the Month.” Usually the “Family of the Year” is chosen from those families named “Family of the Month” in the preceding twelve months. Your judging committee should consider whether each family has continued to exemplify the traits of a solid Knights of Columbus family. Determine which council family stands above the rest in promotion of the principles of our Church and our Order. Which family can best be called the “model” family for all in the council to follow? In every aspect of service to the Church, community and council, as well as to each other, which family most deserves the title, “Family of the Year”?

Your council’s “Family of the Year” should also receive a fitting tribute. To help you honor your “Family of the Year,” the Supreme Council office makes available a full-color “Family of the Year” certificate (#1843A). The certificate measures 8½” x 11” and is signed by our Supreme Knight. Certificates are available from the Supreme Council Supply Department.

The California State Council will conduct a statewide “Family of the Year” competition. The Supreme Council’s “International Family of the Year” will be chosen from among the state and provincial winners. Once your council selects a “Family of the Year,” use the “Family of the Year” Entry Form (#10680) to enter that family into the California State Council competition. The nominations must be received by the State Chairman no later than June 1. Be sure to choose and enter your council winner in time for the California State Council competition.

James E. Hart, Chairman
(661) 878-2183
jimhart63@yahoo.com