By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles
LAKE CHARLES — A group of mostly college students signed up to be Soldiers of Christ on November 21 as part of the newly launched Knights of Columbus Council at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.
Rev. Paul Jussen was the celebrant for a special Mass at 5:00 p.m. on the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Brother Knights from Our Lady Queen of Heaven Council 4562 and St. Theodore Council 3622 assisted with the exemplification ceremony for the newly installed Third Degree Knights following Mass.
Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and a group of parishioners. Their intent was to bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled, and less fortunate.
“The Knights of Columbus is a wonderful fraternal organization that seeks to defend the Catholic Church in all its glory and all its wonder,” said Father Jussen. “To have the Council being launched here is such a beautiful gift. The Holy Spirit has been moving in the ministry of Cowboy Catholics and Our Lady of Good Counsel.”
Father Jussen said the time seemed right after some interest in young men involved with Cowboy Catholics, a ministry for college students at the McNeese Newman Center.
“As the Cowboy Catholics Chaplain, I knew that this was the movement of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “I encouraged them, but these young men were the ones who took ownership of making this happen. I did what I could to help facilitate it.”
Father Jussen continued, “We are here to gather to consecrate ourselves to Our Lord, but also to consecrate our lives to the mission of the Church through the Knights of Columbus. As men of God, we need to rise up to defend Holy Mother Church.”
As each college Knight was given a rosary, he was instructed to “carry it always and pray it as often has you can.”
Daniel Reyes of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Council 4562 told the young Knights that the world continues to need saints. He reminded them of the opportunity they have to live a life of heroic virtue through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
“Let the promises you made here today challenge you to live your life from this day forward holding fast to our principles of charity, unity, and fraternity,” said Reyes, “so that on the last day of your souls, filled with happiness, you may enjoy your reward of a life well spent, an eternity in the presence of God himself.”
The newly installed college Knights for Cowboy Catholics are Logan Bertrand, Chad W. Cary, Damien L. Cormier, Sean Fontenot, Kyle Guidry, Kristopher Hill, Matthew Johnson, Andrew Landry, Nicholas Rougeau, Reed Rougeau, Evyn Soileau, Nick Verrett, and Conner Williams.
Father Jussen pointed out that the fraternal organization is open to parishioners at Our Lady of Good Counsel as well.
“The Knights of Columbus is trying to reach out to young men on college campuses around the country. However, our Council is open to parishioners who would like to help these young men grow as men of God,” he said.
Brother Knights hosted a reception in the Newman Center following the ceremony. Those from Council 4562 were Daniel Reyes, Jay Madison, Dick Stine, Bob Killingsworth, and Ken Chamberlain; and Brandon Landry from Council 3622.
For more information on joining the Knights of Columbus chapter at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, please contact the office at 337-477-1434.
