Knights Of Columbus Funeral Protocol? Quick Answer

Funerals vary depending on where you are in the world and the religious needs and desires of the deceased and their family. However, it is not uncommon in the United States to see an open coffin for loved ones to say their final goodbyes. But why do they always cover their legs when contemplating this?

They cover the legs in a coffin because in many cases the deceased does not wear shoes because it is difficult to put them on on stiff feet. Funeral directors may also recommend it to save money, for religious reasons, in case of trauma, for easier transportation, or for large bodies.

In most cases, people follow traditional customs when planning a funeral, and this includes covering the deceased’s legs during viewing. However, if you’re not sure what’s best, read on. This article details why feet are usually covered so that you can make the most appropriate choice when the time comes.

Shoes often no longer fit properly after death

One of the most common reasons they cover the legs in a coffin is that the body often does not wear shoes. This is because the shape of the feet can change dramatically after a person dies.

First, the body experiences rigor mortis as the muscles in the body stiffen. When the blood stops flowing, it is common for fingers and toes to deform and change shape. Rigor mortis can last from a few hours to a few days.

The body then relaxes and becomes flexible again.

In preparation for the funeral, the body is massaged and brought into a condition suitable for embalming. Embalming is done to keep the body firm and preserved, and the focus is mostly on the face.

While they can ensure feet are straight, adding shoes to a stiff foot can be very difficult. Because when we put on our shoes, we twist and push our soft feet into place, which is not possible with an embalmed foot.

For this reason, bodies are often left shoeless for burial and burial.

Religious or cultural reasons for covering the legs in a coffin

Like many other traditions, religion and culture play a large role in deciding whether or not to cover the legs of the deceased in a coffin.

For example, in Judaism it is appropriate to cover the legs of the deceased to honor modesty and show respect to the deceased.

While religion can play a part in the decision, sometimes it’s just a matter of culture or proximity. In fact, it can be more common than you think, as many people seek intimacy when experiencing loss.

Sometimes the decision is made based on what is customary in the area. Families or churches often pass on burial traditions. Or if someone was at a funeral where the deceased’s legs were covered, they may choose to do the same when the time comes.

Cover legs to save money

If the funeral home needs to pay more attention to the whole body (not just the face and hands), they have to spend more time and resources, which often costs more.

After all, the legs and feet not only need to be cared for and dressed, but they also need to be placed in such a way that they look presentable and are cared for during transport.

So, covering the deceased’s legs can save time as the embalmer or undertaker can focus on making sure the deceased is presentable on top.

Although budget isn’t an issue for some when it comes to the loss of a loved one, it’s worth considering given how expensive funerals can be. In fact, the average cost of a US funeral without cremation is over $7,000 as of 2021, according to the NFDA.

If you want to know how to save some money on a coffin, visit this page on my website.

As such, some inexpensive options may need to come into play for those who may be struggling to afford a funeral.

This allows mourners to focus on the face of the deceased

One of the focal points of an embalmer and funeral home is the face of the deceased.

Family and friends often want to see the face of their loved ones to find closure and peace after their death. With legs covered, it is easier to focus attention on the face so loved ones can begin healing.

This is not the only reason why it is important to emphasize the face of the deceased. There are many studies like this one from OMEGA – The Journal Of Death And Dying that suggest that the face of a deceased person can evoke a strong emotional response in others.

This study suggests that the facial expressions left by the deceased during the funeral influence the course of the grieving process. So if they appear happy, peaceful, and calm, it can help loved ones grieve faster and healthier because they believe their loved one is at peace.

Covering the legs in a coffin is recommended by Funeral Home

Sometimes the decision to cover a deceased loved one’s legs comes down to the recommendation of a funeral home.

You can recommend this for many different reasons, including the ones mentioned above. But let’s talk about some other possible reasons a funeral home might recommend this.

In case of lower body trauma

If your loved one has suffered trauma to the lower half of their body, the funeral home may recommend covering that part completely.

Whether it was a tragic accident or simply something that happened earlier in their lives, it will rarely be ideal for drawing attention to the deceased’s imperfections.

If your loved one’s legs or feet need to be removed at any point in their life, a funeral home will likely recommend half a couch coffin so the main focus can remain on the upper half of the body.

Drawing attention to lost or damaged limbs can be a painful reminder of what the loved one has been through. Therefore, families and directors often avoid it.

Allow flowers on the coffin

Another reason a funeral home might recommend covering the deceased’s legs is to provide a place for flowers or tokens of love.

You probably don’t want every flower that is present at the funeral to be buried with your loved one, and it is common practice in many places to bring flowers and wreaths to pay tribute to you.

When the coffin is fully opened, people can put flowers and gifts in the coffin near their legs so as not to cover their face. On this page of my website you will find more information about burial in an open coffin.

To prevent this, half-couch coffins can provide space for loved ones to give those items without touching the body or overcrowding the coffin. Then, when the service is over, the gifts can be easily removed from the top of the coffin and given to the family of the deceased.

To help the deceased fit the coffin

The funeral director may also recommend keeping your legs covered if they have difficulty placing your loved one in the coffin they have chosen.

Of course, the undertaker and embalmer will never injure or twist your loved one’s body to fit in a coffin, but it’s not always a perfect fit. For example, sometimes the knees need to be bent slightly to ensure they fit properly.

In this case, it is better to keep your legs covered so as not to attract unwanted attention. It’s even possible that some people take bent legs as a sign that the deceased is uncomfortable and upset.

So instead of flaunting bent knees, most funeral homes recommend keeping them covered.

Easy transportation

Finally, funeral directors might recommend covering the deceased’s legs, as this makes the body easier to handle during transport and services.

The last thing the director wants is for the body to move or still in a way that doesn’t look comfortable or natural, and legs and feet can be difficult to hold during the service.

As such, they may recommend covering their legs to make their job easier and prevent them from having to adjust the body in front of friends and family in case something goes wrong.

How do funeral homes fit large bodies in a coffin?

Funeral directors fit large bodies into a coffin by slightly bending the knees of oversized bodies. However, this is not always possible, in this case the family will have to order a longer coffin. Many companies offer larger coffins for people who are too tall to fit in an ordinary coffin.

One of the biggest concerns of people with large family members is whether or not they will fit in a coffin when the time comes.

Fortunately, most funeral homes are experienced enough to know when to recommend a larger coffin for larger bodies. However, they don’t always get it right, so family members are concerned they might cut or distort bodies to fit them.

Desecration of the deceased is a crime

If you have a large loved one who has recently passed away, you can have peace of mind knowing that there are laws to protect the integrity of their bodies. For example, embalmers and undertakers are not allowed to make physical changes to a body that the family does not agree with.

Otherwise, they face criminal charges and up to 10 years in prison for dismembering or desecrating a corpse (depending on state law).

Check your individual state laws to see how you and your loved ones are protected.

You bend your knees

With that peace of mind, let’s talk about what they actually do when your loved one is too big for a coffin.

First, the undertaker will bend the deceased’s knees slightly to save space.

Bending your knees without distorting or damaging your body is a great workaround for larger bodies. Caskets are typically two feet wide, allowing for decent flexing without breaking or damaging the body.

Funeral directors can save a few inches of height with this simple action.

They will suggest a larger coffin

If the above doesn’t work, you will need to purchase a larger coffin, which the undertaker will tactfully suggest when the time comes.

Not much more can be done at this point if you are trying to save on the expense without damaging, destroying or breaking the body of the deceased. For most people, this is something they don’t even want to consider. A new coffin may therefore be required.

At this point, you can purchase a new, oversized coffin to accommodate your loved one. Unfortunately, there are currently no other ways to fit a body into a regular-sized coffin if it’s too big.

With this in mind, you need to choose the coffin very carefully.

cremation

If your loved one does not fit in the casket you have chosen, consider cremation as a last resort.

There are many factors to consider when cremation, such as: B. the wishes of the deceased and relevant religious reasons. But the increasing popularity of cremation has proven that it is a valid option, and possibly for your loved ones too.

The number of cremations has doubled in the last 15 years, and with good reason:

It’s cheaper than a traditional burial.

It is easier to transport a loved one in an urn if necessary.

The coffin is often rented, which means you don’t have to worry as much about finding the perfect option.

Final Thoughts

Covering the legs of the deceased is a common funeral custom in various places around the world. Although there are many valid reasons for this, in the end the decision is often left to the family of the deceased.

The most common reason for this is that the corpse is not wearing shoes at the funeral. But it can also be a matter of religious preferences or a money-saving method.

If you need guidance on what is best for you, contact the funeral home. They can help you make the best decision for your loved one.

Sources

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Attending a funeral can raise many questions about proper behavior and the various practices of funeral etiquette. In this guide, we address some of the most common questions about attending funerals, including when to send flowers, where to sit, and what to say.

Here are our 15 tips for attending a funeral

1: Who should attend?

Basically everyone is welcome at a funeral and you don’t have to wait for an invitation. This includes those who did not know the deceased but would like to offer their support to the family or another guest. Witnessing a large turnout at a funeral is often a great source of comfort to the bereaved.

Some families choose to have a private funeral service, in this case by invitation only. Covid-19 restrictions also mean there is currently a limit on the number of people who can attend a funeral. A close friend or family member of the deceased should be able to advise you on whether you can attend.

2 children

Children are welcome at funerals unless specifically requested by the bereaved. If your child is older, it is important to ask if they would like to participate. It can be helpful to talk to them about what will happen at the funeral and how they might be feeling.

Younger children and babies can find it difficult to sit still during the funeral service. Therefore, consider the relationship your child had with the deceased, their understanding of the funeral, and how immediate family will feel if your child becomes fussy.

It may not be possible to leave a newborn or breastfed baby at home. In this case, you might sit near an exit and step outside as your baby becomes restless. Alternatively, you could invite someone with the sole purpose of looking after your baby during the service.

3: Attendance at funerals of different faiths

If you attend the religious funeral of someone whose beliefs do not reflect your own, there is no pressure on you to participate in religious practices with which you are unfamiliar or unfamiliar. A funeral is about showing respect to the deceased and this can be done simply by listening to the service and being respectful of the other mourners.

4: clothing

What you wear to a funeral is an important way to show respect to the deceased and the other mourners in attendance. First and foremost, you should consider the culture or beliefs of the deceased and dress traditionally.

In general, it is best to dress conservatively in black or dark colors. If a specific dress code has been established, e.g. B. Wearing a certain color, try to stick to it as best you can.

You don’t have to worry about what to wear. Your attendance at the funeral is far more important than your clothing.

5: What to take

Good preparation can help make a funeral feel more comfortable for you. Some recommended items are:

tissue

Money for a charity donation (please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, cash donations are not being collected at this time)

A sympathy card

A personal story or memory of the deceased

An umbrella or weather-appropriate items

6: Entrance to the funeral

Traditional church funeral etiquette requires guests to be seated prior to the arrival of the coffin. In crematoria, the congregation usually follows the coffin and the main mourners into the chapel. Not all funerals follow the same traditions, however, so please follow the funeral director’s instructions on the day.

7: Where to sit

At a funeral, the first few rows are usually allocated to the immediate family (main mourners). The rest of the seats are free for everyone else, and you don’t have to choose a specific side. Avoid sitting too far back in larger venues – this evens out the spread of guests to ensure there isn’t a huge gap between the guests and the main mourners.

8: Funeral etiquette

During the funeral service, it is important to be subtle and respectful;

Arrive early, ten to twenty minutes before the start time

Turn off your phone or put it on silent. If the bell rings, don’t answer it during the service

Keep conversations to a minimum while in the venue

Do not eat or drink during the funeral service

If there are moments that require your participation, such as B. Singing or standing, participate as best you can

9: When should I leave a funeral?

At the end of a funeral service, after the main mourners have left, the remaining guests leave row by row, starting at the front and working their way backwards.

Depending on whether a person is being buried or cremated, there may be an additional funeral service after the burial. Sometimes the briefing is reserved for immediate family and friends only, so inquire beforehand if you can attend.

10: Taking pictures at the funeral

As with any big event in life, there can be a temptation to snap photos and document the occasion, especially when reuniting with old friends and family members. However, it is advisable not to take photographs at a funeral unless you have permission from a close family member of the deceased. This includes selfies, which are likely to appear disrespectful to the family of the deceased.

If you’ve been given permission to take photos at a funeral, be subtle, turn off the flash and make sure you ask permission before taking a picture of anyone. Waiting until after the funeral service, when you are outside and away from the other mourners, is often the best time to take a picture.

11: Posting on social media

Always refer to the family of the deceased – wait for them to announce the death on social media before posting anything yourself. Often the most respectful way to engage on social media is simply to comment on a post that has already been uploaded by a family member and offer them our heartfelt condolences.

The simplest rule of thumb when it comes to funeral etiquette at the funeral service is to avoid posting altogether. You might be tempted to “check in” on your social media pages or talk about the funeral, but doing so could be seen as both insensitive and a violation of the family’s right to privacy.

12: How to express your condolences

Finding the right words to say to someone who has experienced loss can be challenging, and you might worry about saying the wrong thing. Planning ahead of time what you want to say can usually help you find the right words in the moment. Some tricky phrases might include;

I’m sorry for your loss

He/she will be greatly missed

You are in my thoughts

If you want to talk, I’m here

Let me know how I can support you

Sharing stories and memories of the deceased is another way to offer your support to the bereaved.

If the funeral is crowded or the family seems very distressed, addressing the family at the service may not be appropriate. Sending a condolence card will also be gratefully accepted.

13: Should I show my feelings at a funeral?

There is no right or wrong way to show emotion at a funeral, and everyone will react differently to the emotions of the day. Crying is a completely normal reaction, so let your emotions out if necessary. Preparing with tissues can help you feel more comfortable. If your emotions are feeling overwhelming, leaving the funeral in silence for a few moments is perfectly acceptable.

14: Should I send flowers?

Sending flowers is a thoughtful gesture, but it’s important that you understand the wishes of the bereaved and any religious or cultural practices before organizing an arrangement.

If funeral flowers and tributes are welcome, they should be organized at least 48 hours before the funeral. They can be sent directly to the funeral home before the service on the day of the funeral.

An alternative to sending funeral flowers is sending condolence flowers to the bereaved. Avoid handing them over at the funeral service. These should be sent directly to the family at home along with a card or a piece of paper.

15: Make funeral donations

Nowadays, it is common for bereaved relatives to ask for charity donations instead of flowers. Typically, cash donations will be collected at the funeral service, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, donations are likely to be collected by the funeral directors who oversee the funeral via online payments. There is no specific amount you should donate, just pay what you can afford. A good place to start is to pay as much as you would for flowers.

Whether you are organizing a funeral or hosting a funeral, our team of funeral organizers will be happy to answer all your questions about funeral etiquette. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us on 01525 372210 or use our contact form where we can answer your questions.

Male first name

For the central figure of Christianity, see Jesus

Jesus Pronunciation Gender Male Origin Word/Name Hebrew Other Names Related Names Joshua, Yeshua, Yashu.

Jesus ( ) is a male given name, derived from Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς; Iesus in Classical Latin), the ancient Greek form of the Hebrew and Aramaic name Yeshua or Y’shua (Hebrew: ישוע).[1][2] Since its roots are in the name Yeshua/Y’shua, it is etymologically related to another biblical name, Joshua.[3]

“Jesus” is not typically used as a given name in the English-speaking world, while its counterparts have long been popular among people from other language backgrounds, such as Spanish Jesús.

Etymology[ edit ]

There have been various suggestions as to the literal etymological meaning of the name Yəhôšuaʿ (Joshua, Hebrew: יְהוֹשֻׁעַ‎‎), including Yahweh/Jehowah saves, (is) salvation, (is) a cry for salvation, (is) a cry for salvation, (is) a cry for help, (is) my help.[4][5][6][7]

This early Biblical Hebrew name יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshuaʿ) was shortened to a later Biblical יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshuaʿ/Y’shuaʿ), as found in the Hebrew text of verses Ezra 2:2, 2:6, 2:36, 2:40, 3:2, 3:8, 3:9, 3:10, 3:18, 4:3, 8:33; Nehemiah 3:19, 7:7, 7:11, 7:39, 7:43, 8:7, 8:17, 9:4, 9:5, 11:26, 12:1, 12:7, 12 :8, 12:10, 12:24, 12:26; 1 Chronicles 24:11; and 2 Chronicles 31:15 – as well as in Biblical Aramaic in verse Ezra 5:2. These Bible verses refer to ten persons (in Nehemiah 8:17 the name refers to Joshua son of Nun).

This historical change could be due to a phonological shift that weakened guttural phonemes, including [h].[8] Usually, the traditional theophoric element יהו (Yahu) was abbreviated to יו (Yo-) at the beginning of a name and יה (-yah) at the end. In the contraction of Yehoshuaʿ to Yeshuaʿ, the vowel is prefixed instead (perhaps due to the influence of the y in the triliteral root y-š-ʿ). Yeshua/Y’shua was commonly used by Jews during the Second Temple period and many Jewish religious figures bear the name, including Joshua in the Hebrew Bible and Jesus in the New Testament.[2][1]

During the post-biblical period, the more abbreviated form Yeshu was adopted by Hebrew-speaking Jews to refer to the Christian Jesus, but Yehoshua continued to be used for the other figures named Jesus.[9] However, both the Western and the Eastern Syriac Christian tradition use the Aramaic name Fl.

The name Jesus derives from the Hebrew name Yeshua/Y’shua, which is based on the Semitic root y-š-ʕ (Hebrew: ישע) and means “deliver, save”.[11][12][13 ] Probably off deriving from Proto-Semitic (yṯ’), it appears in several non-Hebrew Semitic personal names, such as the Aramaic name Hadad Yith’i, meaning “Hadad is my salvation”. Its oldest recorded use is in an Amorite personal name from 2048 BC. [14]

When the New Testament was written, in the 3rd century B.C., the Septuagint had ישוע (Yeshuaʿ) already transliterated into Koine Greek as accurately as possible, the result was Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous). Since there was no equivalent in Greek to the Semitic letter ש‎ shin [ʃ], it was replaced by a σ sigma [s] and a masculine singular ending [-s] was added in the nominative case to accommodate the name to in the grammar of Greek Language can be inflected for the case (nominative, accusative, etc.). The diphthongal vowel [a] of the Masoretic Yehoshuaʿ or Yeshuaʿ would not have been present in Hebrew/Aramaic pronunciation during this period, and some scholars believe that some dialects dropped the pharyngeal sound of the final letter ע‎ ʿayin [ʕ] if the case had no equivalent in ancient Greek. The Greek writings of Philo of Alexandria[15] and Josephus frequently mention this name. In the Panarion of Epiphanius of Salamis, the name Iesous comes from the Hebrew/Aramaic meaning “healer or physician and savior” and that the earliest Christians were called Jessaans on the basis of this name before they were called Christians. This etymology of “doctor” may have come from the θεραπευταί (Therapeutae) sect with which Ephanius was acquainted.[16]

From Greek Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) switched to Latin at least by the time of the Vetus Latina. The morphological leap this time was not as large as previous changes between language families. Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) was transliterated into Latin IESVS, where it stood for many centuries. The Latin name has an irregular declension with genitive, dative, ablative and vocative of Jesu, accusative of Jesus and nominative of Jesus. Lower case letters were developed around 800 and some time later the U was invented to distinguish the vowel from the consonant and the J to distinguish the consonant from the I. Similarly, Greek minuscules were invented at about the same time, before the name was capitalized (ΙΗϹΟΥϹ) or abbreviated as (ΙΗϹ) with a dash above it, see also Christogram.

Modern English Jesus derives from Early Middle English Iesu (attested 12th century). The name took part in the great vowel shift in late Middle English (15th century). The letter J was first distinguished from “I” by the Frenchman Pierre Ramus in the 16th century, but it did not become common in modern English until the 17th century, so works of the early 17th century such as the first edition of the King James Version of the Bible (1611) continued to print the name with an I.[17]

From Latin, the English language takes the forms “Jesus” (from the nominative form) and “Jesu” (from the vocative and oblique forms). “Jesus” is the predominant form used, while “Jesu” lingers in some of the more archaic texts.

Declension [ edit ]

In both Latin and Greek, the name is irregularly declined: [citation needed]

Latin Greek nominative Jēsūs Iēsūs ( Iēsus ) Ἰησοῦς accusative Jēsūm Iēsūm ( Iēsum ) Ἰησοῦν dative Jēsū Iēsū Ἰησοῦ genitive vocative ablative –

Biblical references[edit]

The name Jesus (Yeshua) seems to have been in use in the land of Israel at the time of Jesus’ birth.[2][18] Furthermore, Philo’s reference in point 121 of Mutatione Nominum to Joshua (Ἰησοῦς), meaning salvation (σωτηρία) of the Lord, shows that the etymology of Joshua was known outside of Israel.[19] Other figures named Jesus are Jesus Barabbas, Jesus ben Ananias and Jesus ben Sirach.

In the New Testament in Luke 1:31 an angel tells Mary to name her child Jesus, and in Matthew 1:21 an angel tells Joseph to name the child Jesus during Joseph’s first dream. Matthew 1:21 points to the redemptive implications of the name Jesus when the angel instructs Joseph, “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”[20][21] It is the only passage in the New Testament where “save his people” occurs with “sins.”[22] Matthew 1:21 provides the beginnings of the Christology of the name of Jesus. At the same time, it achieves the twin goals of affirming Jesus as Savior and emphasizing that the name was not chosen at random but was based on a heavenly command.[23]

Other usage[edit]

Medieval English and Jesus[ edit ]

John Wycliffe (1380s) used the spelling Ihesus and also Ihesu (‘J’ was then a swash glyph variant of ‘I’, which first appeared in the Cambridge 1st Revision King James Bible of 1629, in the ‘Jesus’ , was considered a separate letter ) in oblique cases and also in the accusative and sometimes seemingly without motivation even for the nominative. Tyndale occasionally has Iesu in oblique cases and in the vocative in the 16th century; The 1611 King James Version uses Iesus throughout, regardless of syntax. Jesu was used in English, especially in hymns.

Jesu (JEE-zoo; from Latin Iesu) is sometimes used as the vocative of Jesus in English. The oblique form, Iesu., was used in Middle English.

Other languages[edit]

Isho or Eesho, the or, the Aramaic-Syrian name of Jesus

In Eastern Scandinavia, German and several other languages, the name Jesus is used. Some other language usages are as follows:

See also[edit]

References[ edit ]

After 142 years, the Knights of Columbus are lifting a veil of secrecy surrounding their initiation ceremonies to better reflect the order’s core principles and its commitment to helping Catholic men become disciples.

Since its inception, the initiation ceremonies for the first three degrees of Knight membership – which focus on the principles of charity, unity and brotherhood – have been separate and open only to members. The fourth degree, dedicated to the principle of patriotism, was added later and is also secret.

But as of 2020, the Knights have instituted a new ceremony, described as an example of charity, unity and brotherhood, combining initiation for their first three degrees into a single ceremony that will be open to family, friends and other parishioners.

“We don’t do anything that’s secret or has to be secret,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “We decided this was a way to let other community members and family members know what Knights of Columbus is all about. And we like that.”

The Knights of Columbus are a fraternal organization of Catholic men founded in 1882 by the Venerable Father Michael McGivney, a young priest at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Today the Order has more than 2 million members internationally.

In 2018, the Knights of Columbus donated $185.7 million to charity and donated 76.7 million hours of hands-on service.

The order is also one of the largest life insurers in North America, building on Father McGivney’s goal of providing for families left destitute at the death of his breadwinner.

Although overall membership in the Order is growing, not all areas are showing membership growth, Anderson said. It’s a trend that follows what’s happening in the church as a whole, he added.

“I think the Catholic Church is growing faster in some areas than in other areas. These trends are also affecting us,” he said. “If you see dioceses having closed parishes, it must affect all Catholic organizations in those dioceses.”

At last summer’s Supreme Convention, a resolution was passed by the Illinois delegation calling for the first, second, and third degree ceremonies to be combined into one and the secrecy condition lifted. Anderson led an in-depth review of the ceremonies “aimed at staying true to our roots while presenting more clearly and convincingly our principles of charity, unity and brotherhood.”

At the semiannual meeting of the Order’s State Deputies, the highest officials in each jurisdiction, in Orlando, Florida in November, Anderson unveiled the new ceremony “which stays true to our traditions while addressing the needs of our time.” The Fourth Degree Ceremony remains unchanged and is still open to members only.

“Secrecy must be understood in the context of the 19th century,” Anderson said. “There was an incredible bigotry against Catholics,” with the anti-Catholic Know-Nothings then in political control in New England, and later the Ku Klux Klan became a powerful political force across the country, he said. “There was an appeal for secrecy.”

Even then, the idea of ​​going through the degrees as a journey to knighthood was popular.

But today, those traits have proven to be a barrier to men joining, particularly young men, Anderson said.

Over the years, the order has spoken to members involved in recruitment efforts and new members and has found that many young men have found attending three separate ceremonies too time-consuming and difficult, Anderson said. Also, many councils lacked teams to perform the ceremonies, which could delay men for months, he added.

Young men today often find secrecy unnecessary, Anderson said.

With a new, single ceremony lasting about 30 minutes, more councils can have their own ceremonies team and have more degrees more frequently, Anderson said. “We think it will help us get started with more degrees in more places.”

Densifying the ceremony should give it greater impact, Anderson said. “Sometimes less is more in the sense that sometimes the shorter, more compact, more powerful statement is easier to remember than a longer ceremony.”

By opening the ceremony to the public, “families and friends can see what we’re about and hopefully decide if I should be there, or my brother, or my husband,” Anderson said.

The new Closing Ceremony builds on the three previous ceremonies to pass on the history of the Order and the importance of the principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

“We need to make it clear to members the importance of charity, unity and brotherhood, how they are interconnected and how in Father McGivney’s vision of Christian discipleship…charity, unity and brotherhood become a path of discipleship for the Catholic man,” said Anderson .

The ceremony is “an important way to teach the Principles and teach them in a way that men will remember,” Anderson said. “It’s a way not just to give a lecture, but to give a dramatic impression of the principles of the Order.”

A ceremony that focuses on the principles of charity, unity and brotherhood increases the Knights’ involvement in the church’s evangelizing work, Anderson said.

“I think it’s central,” he said. The principles of the Order “are really at the heart of Catholic life, and (the new ceremony) makes it clear that we have a responsibility, and the responsibility extends to the whole person, the spiritual dimension, the fraternal dimension and the financial dimension. … We try to take a holistic approach. This underscores this new ceremony.”

The script for the new degree calls for the ceremony to be conducted in a church or other similarly appropriate location, with the participation of a priest or deacon. The expectation is that the new ceremony can be held after a Mass, when the congregation can be invited to stay and watch.

“It’s an exciting development for the Knights of Columbus,” said Tennessee State Representative Michael McCusker. “How often do we walk home from our graduations with hearts on fire and we desperately needed to share it with our families but we couldn’t? For me it is like hiding your light under a bushel.”

“The more people who know about who and what we are, the more likely they are to join,” reiterated Tracy Staller, director of ceremonies for the Tennessee State Council and former state representative. “And the new ceremony beautifully explains who and what the Knights are.”

“What I also like is that it takes away the struggle of getting a man to go through all three different grades,” said McCusker, a member of Council 9317 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Cordova, a suburb of Memphis , Tennessee. “I like that they go, they and their families see what they are involved in, and the moment they go they are full members of the Knights of Columbus.”

The script for the new ceremony was made available to all councils on January 15. It has been left to each MP to decide how and when the new ceremony will be introduced in their area of ​​responsibility. The Connecticut State Council first used the new ceremony on January 1 at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, the birthplace of the order.

“Connecticut, where the Knights of Columbus were formed, wanted to hold the first ceremony of the year,” Anderson said.

Fifty-two candidates from Connecticut councils attended the new ceremony on Jan. 1. About 200 people attended the demonstration, including Anderson.

“They had a very large turnout and it was very well received,” Anderson said. “That’s our experience across the country.”

In Tennessee, councils are encouraged to use the new ceremony when they are ready, but all councils must use the new ceremony on March 29, Founder’s Day for the order, and thereafter, McCusker said.

Council 6099 in Chattanooga, Tenn. plans to use the new ceremony at its regular monthly graduation ceremony on February 27. Masses to celebrate Founder’s Day are planned in the cathedrals of Tennessee’s three dioceses – Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis. A closing ceremony based on the new script will be held after the Knoxville and Nashville Masses, while the Knights leaders in the Diocese of Memphis are still working to organize one there as well.

“We’re excited to use them,” said Staller, a member of Council 12961 at Holy Family Church in Seymour, Tennessee. “The sooner we get it going, the more impact it will have.”

The short answer is “YES!”

What is the Church’s position on divorce?

The Church believes that God, the author of marriage, established it as an enduring union. When two people get married, they form an inseparable bond. Jesus Himself taught that marriage is permanent (Matthew 19:3-6), and Paul affirmed this teaching (see 1 Cor 7:10-11 and Eph 5:31-32). The Church does not recognize a civil divorce because the state cannot dissolve the indissoluble. See Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2382-2386.

Are divorced people excommunicated from the Catholic Church?

no Divorced people are full members of the Church and are encouraged to participate in its activities.

Can a divorced Catholic receive Holy Communion?

Yes. Divorced Catholics in good standing with the Church who have not remarried or who have remarried after an annulment may receive the sacraments.

If you have remarried without having your previous marriage annulled, please speak to your pastor about how to resolve your situation so that you can receive Holy Communion.

What support does the Church provide for divorced people?

The Church understands the pain of those trapped in this situation. When divorce is the only possible solution, the Church offers her support to those involved and encourages them to remain close to the Lord through frequent reception of the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist. (US Catholic Catechism for Adults, p. 287). Many dioceses have programs and support groups for divorced and separated people. Catholic Divorce Work, The Beginning Experience, and Journey of Hope are helpful resources.

I am a divorced Catholic and would like to remarry into the Catholic Church. What should I do?

Unless your ex-spouse is deceased, you must apply for an annulment.

I’m divorced. I’m not a Catholic, but I plan to marry a Catholic. We’ve been told I need to get an annulment before we can get married in the Catholic Church. I don’t understand that as I didn’t get married Catholic.

The Catholic Church respects all marriages and considers them valid. For example, it regards the marriage of two Protestants, Jews or even non-believers as binding. Any question of dissolution must be brought before a church court (tribunal). This teaching can be difficult to understand, especially if you come from a faith tradition that accepts divorce and remarriage. Some couples in a situation similar to yours have found it helpful to speak to a priest or deacon. Going through the annulment process can be a sign of great love for your intended spouse.

Related Resources:

Divorce and Beyond, a book that offers a ten-session program to guide people through the grieving process of a divorce. Suitable for individuals or divorce support groups, helps begin the healing process through study, reflection and discussion. Also available in Spanish.

The Catholic’s DIVORCE SURVIVAL Guide, a 12-DVD series of guides for either personal use or as a community program. Includes Catholic authors Rose Sweet, Dr. Ray Guarendi, Christopher West, and Fr. Mitch Pacwa. Ascent Press, 1-800-376-0520.

For further reading:

Healing After Divorce: Hope for Catholics by Susan Rowland

The Gift of Self: A Spiritual Guide for the Separated and Divorced Faithful to the Sacrament of Matrimony by Maria Pia Campanella

A man receives his rosary as he is inducted into the Knights of Columbus during a ceremony March 1 at St. John Neumann Parish in Canton. Historically, the initiation ceremony for new knights was a secret, closed-door affair, but to attract younger men and encourage family participation, the 138-year-old organization recently opened the ceremony to the public. (Photos by Naomi Vrazo | Special to Detroit Catholic)

The streamlined process of example building attracts younger men and includes families in the knight community, say state and local council leaders

CANTON – The Knights of Columbus have always been an “out there” organization.

From organizing wardrobe drives and handing out Tootsie Rolls on the streets, to community barbecues and donations to pro-life causes, the Knights serve the public in very visible ways in the tradition of the Venerable Fr. Michael McGivney, who in 1882 founded the Brotherhood of Catholic Men.

But despite their public nature, the Knights have always kept one element secret: their alignment.

Like many fraternities, the Knights kept the initiation of new members hidden from the world for decades—a special moment for members only.

Earlier this year, however, the Knights began opening the curtains to allow family and friends to witness a man become a Knight.

Men receive their rosaries during a ceremony at St. John Neumann Parish in Canton. New Knights receive a rosary, a Knights of Columbus pin, and a cross, and are taught the four “degrees” of organization of charity, unity, brotherhood, and patriotism.

“We’ve been trying to be known as a family organization for years,” Michigan Knights of Columbus state assemblyman William Chasse told Detroit Catholic. “We wanted to open the exemplification ceremony to the family; We don’t want to take fathers away from the family. In addition, we open the doors to everyone; We want the public to see our ceremonies to see what it’s all about.”

The changes to the Demonstration Ceremony and the “Program of Studies” are part of an effort to encourage enrollment among younger members and make it easier for men to join the Knights and advance through their ranks.

Historically, Knights of Columbus are initiated through four “degrees,” each representing one of the organization’s four principles: charity, unity, brotherhood, and patriotism. Most people are initiated through three degrees; The optional “fourth degree” includes knights who can participate, among other things, in the visible color guard present at many civic and church events.

The new Exemplification Ceremony inducts new members simultaneously into the first, second, and third degrees, where they are entrusted with a rosary, a Knights of Columbus pin, and a cross. The ceremony lasts approximately 30 minutes as opposed to being divided into three parts and lasting 2 ½ hours.

New knights raise their hands to pledge adherence to the organization’s Catholic and family values.

Men are also invited to watch a 10-minute video commented by Baltimore Archbishop William Lori, the Knights’ national chaplain.

“What the Supreme Council (of the Knights of Columbus) is doing is taking what we would teach in the three degrees and putting together videos that will go online for members to watch at their leisure,” Eugene said Murawski, the State’s Ceremonial Director.

There has been some opposition to the newer, tighter ceremony, Murawski said, but other members have expressed their appreciation.

“The new illustration still goes back to the early days of the Knights of Columbus and shows how the organization began,” Murawski said. “It’s about what charity is, what unity is, what brotherhood is. As a state head of ceremonies, I think it’s important that they know what they’re getting themselves into.”

In honor of the upcoming beatification of Fr. McGivney, who is described as “blessed” by the church on October 31, the Knights are offering free membership to anyone who joins in August. McGivney’s birth month. Members joining online can use promo code MCGIVNEY2020.

A benefit of the new initiation ceremony is that family members can be present, children and spouses are included, and greater awareness of the Knights’ mission and values ​​is encouraged.

The Knights also offer online memberships in hopes of attracting younger Knights.

State membership leader Jim Kraus said the Knights had reformed the graduation and example program to make the organization more open and accommodating to men with young families.

“Some of the men felt uncomfortable with the secrecy,” Kraus said. “They were hampered that families couldn’t be included, that families didn’t seem welcome at the Knights of Columbus.”

The origin of the secret supplications goes back to the anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment that was prevalent in parts of the country in the 19th century, Kraus said.

“Previously, you went through the first degree course to get started and then at some point you went through the second and third degree course for half a day,” says Kraus. “The thought process (with the new scheme) is that everyone is busier and it’s harder to make a commitment like that these days. So now a man can complete the journey to full knighthood, the third degree, teach him the core messages and allow him to be an officer on his council.”

Charles E. McCuen III, state guardian of the Michigan Knights of Columbus, prepares rosaries to be presented to new knights March 1 at St. John Neumann Parish in Canton.

Philip McKay of St. John Neumann Parish in Canton joined the Knights in February and was delighted his family could witness his role model.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to be there at the ceremony, see the community in action and see the different phases of the ceremony,” said McKay. “When I got the cross, the rosary, the pin, my kids asked me what they were for, what it all meant.”

Michigan has an estimated 65,000 Knights of Columbus on 430 councils, but with an average age of 62, the new exemplification ceremony is a way to encourage younger men to join.

Younger members not only ensure the organization’s future, but also bring an energy and vitality that keeps the Knights strong, Kraus said.

“Younger members may be more likely to get involved in a work project, perhaps building a handicap ramp in the church or helping the pastor with something that requires manual labor,” Kraus said. “It’s easier for a 30-year-old to get involved in this type of work than for an older gentleman who can no longer do this physical work.”

New knights smile during their initiation ceremony March 1 at the parish of St. John Neumann in Canton. Pictured is Fr. Paul Ballien, center, pastor of St. John Neumann and new Michigan Knights State Chaplain.

McKay agrees that the open, less time-constrained elements of the new Exemplification ceremony will make it easier for younger men like him to join.

It will also be part of its own recruitment strategy to attract young men seeking faith, fellowship and service to join.

“The time factor has a lot to do with people attending, so cutting the ceremony down from two hours to 30 minutes or a little longer is a huge benefit for me,” McKay said. “I think it will help attract a younger audience. Men are going to see us younger active members, and they’re going to want to join the Knights of Columbus, see what we’re doing, and think, ‘This is something I want to be a part of.'”

1882 founded catholic brother service

Not to be confused with Knights of St. Columba

The Knights of Columbus (K of C) are a worldwide Catholic fraternal service organization founded on March 29, 1882 by Blessed Michael J. McGivney.[1] Membership is limited to practical Catholic men.[3] It is led by Patrick E. Kelly, the 14th Knight General of the Order.[3][4]

The organization was founded in March 1882 as a mutual benefit organization for working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States. It has grown to support refugee relief, Catholic education, local parishes and dioceses, and global Catholic social and political causes.[1][6][7] The Knights represent the Catholic perspective on public policy issues, including opposition to same-sex marriage[8] and abortion.[9] Between 2008 and 2012, K of C gave at least $15 million to lobbies opposed to same-sex marriage.[8]: 1

The organization also provides certain financial services to the individual and institutional Catholic market.[10] Its wholly owned insurance company, one of the largest in the world, underwrites more than two million insurance policies for a total of more than $100 billion in life insurance in force.[11] The Order also owns the Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, a money management firm that invests in accordance with Catholic social teaching.

As of 2019, there were nearly two million members worldwide.[13][14] Women can participate in K of C through the Columbiettes and other female auxiliaries, and boys can join the Columbian Squires. The Order comprises four distinct “Grades”, each exemplifying one of the Order’s core principles.[1] There are more than 16,000 local councils of the Knights of Columbus around the world,[13] including over 300 on college campuses.[15][16]

history [edit]

Early years[edit]

St. Mary`s Church

American Catholic priest Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 as a mutual benefit organization for Catholic immigrants in New Haven, Connecticut.[18]

Early 20th century[ edit ]

During World War I, the Knights established welfare centers for soldiers in the United States and abroad. After the war, the Knights participated in educational, professional training, and employment programs for veterans.

The Oregon Compulsory Education Act of 1922 would have banned parochial schools, including Catholic schools, in that state.[23][24] The Knights of Columbus challenged the law in court, and in a landmark 1925 judgment (Pierce v. Society of Sisters), the US Supreme Court struck down it.

In the 1920s, to combat animus aimed at racial and religious minorities, the organization published a series of three books: Knights of Columbus Racial Contributions Series: The Gift of Black Folk, by W.E.B. Du Bois, The Jews in the Making of America by George Cohen and The Germans in the Making of America by Frederick Schrader.

During the nadir of American race relations, the Ku Klux Klan promoted a conspiracy theory claiming that fourth degree knights swore an oath to exterminate Freemasons and Protestants. The Knights began suing dealers for defamation to stop this, and the KKK stopped publishing the false oath.

Recent history[edit]

According to church historian Massimo Faggioli, the Knights of Columbus today are “an extreme version” of a post-Vatican II phenomenon, the rise of discrete lay groups that have become centers of power in their own right.[7]

grade [edit]

The Order is dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.[34]

Fourth-degree assemblies may form Color Guards, who are often the Knights’ most visible arm to participate in important civic and ecclesiastical events.[35]

Charity donations[ edit ]

The Knights of Columbus state that charity is their most important principle.[36][37] Beginning in 1897, the National Council encouraged local councils to set up funds to support members affected by the Depression of the 1890s. Aid was also provided in the early 20th century to help victims of natural and man-made disasters.[40] The councils also provided employment services and provided assistance to the poor and sick, as well as those with intellectual disabilities. At their 2019 convention, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said the organization donated $185 million and 76 million volunteer hours to charities in 2018.[44] Charitable activities include supporting refugees, helping victims of natural disasters and advocating Catholic ethics such as opposing same-sex marriage and abortion. After the Knights donated more than 1,000 ultrasound machines to crisis pregnancy centers from 2009 to 2019, Anderson said, “Our ultrasound initiative is now the greatest humanitarian achievement in the history of the Knights of Columbus. … We can, and I am confident that we will save millions of unborn lives.”[45]

Membership[edit]

Knights of Columbus Headquarters

Membership is restricted to adult male Catholics.[44] As of 2020 there were 2 million knights.[46][47] Each member belongs to one of more than 16,000 local “councils” around the world.[13] The College Councils program began with the formation of the University of Notre Dame Council #1477 in 1910. [48] As of 2018 there are more than 300 college councils.[15][16]

Management[ edit ]

The Supreme Council is the governing body of the Order. It elects policy members to a 24-member Board of Directors for a three-year term.[50] The salaries of the leaders are determined by the Executive Board and ratified by the delegates of the Supreme Convention.[51] The seven-figure salaries of senior K-of-C officers have been criticized as excessive.[51][52] In 1969, the Knights opened a 23-story headquarters in New Haven.[54]

Promotion of the Catholic Faith

efforts against religious discrimination

The Knights of Columbus presented a check to the Catholic University of America on the steps of the university’s McMahon Hall in 1904 to establish a chair in American history.

From its inception, the Knights of Columbus has been a “Catholic anti-defamation society”. In 1914 she set up a Commission on Religious Prejudices. As part of the effort, the order distributed pamphlets and speakers toured the country speaking about how Catholics could love and be loyal to America.

The creation of the 4th degree, with its emphasis on patriotism, performed an anti-defamation function and asserted claims of Americanism. In 1914, in response to a defamatory “false oath” circulated by the KKK, the Knights established a framework for a lecture series and educational programs to combat anti-Catholic sentiment.

New Evangelization[edit]

The knights were called upon to play a prominent role in the new evangelization.[61] The CIS published a series on the New Evangelization in 2011[62] and donations to other Catholic mass communication services is one of the Knights’ main expenses.[63] The Knights also established councils in both secular and Catholic universities.[64]

Political activity[edit]

While the Knights were politically active from an early age, in the years after Vatican II, when the Order’s “Catholic anti-defamation character” began to wane as Catholics gained acceptance, the leadership began to use their financial resources to directly influence the governance of the Church take.[7] This led to the creation of a “variety of new programs reflecting the proliferation of the Church’s new social services.”[7]

The leadership of the Order was at times both liberal and conservative. Martin H. Carmody and Luke E. Hart were both political conservatives, but John J. Phelan was a Democratic politician before becoming Supreme Knight. John Swift’s “strong support for economic democracy and social legislation marks him as a fairly representative New Deal anti-Communist,” and Francis P. Matthews was a civil rights activist and a member of Harry Truman’s cabinet. Former Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson previously served in the Office of Public Liaison under Ronald Reagan.[68]

The Knights of Columbus are classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(8) fraternal charity. Unlike the more standard 501(c)(3) nonprofits, 501(c)(8) organizations are permitted limited direct political activities without jeopardizing their tax exemptions.[69] However, as former Knight Supreme Carl Anderson said, “One of our most important traditions in our 125-year history is that as an organization we do not interfere in party politics.”[70]

The Knights of Columbus support the political awareness and activities of their members and local councils. Public policy activities are limited to issue-specific campaigns, typically dealing with issues of the Catholic family and the sanctity of life.[71][44] That’s what they say

In addition to conducting charitable work, the Knights of Columbus encourages its members to fulfill their responsibilities as Catholic citizens and to actively participate in the political life of their local communities, to vote, and to speak out on the public issues of the day. … In the political sphere this means opening our political efforts and reflections to the life of Christ and the teachings of the Church. In agreement with our bishops, the Knights of Columbus have consistently taken positions that address these concerns. The Order supports and promotes the Church’s social teachings, including a robust vision of religious freedom that embraces the proper role of religion in the private and public spheres.[71]

The Order opposed the persecution of Catholics in Mexico during the Cristero War and Communism.[74] Also in the 20th century, the Order established the Commission on Religious Prejudice and the Historical Commission of the Knights of Columbus, which combated racism. It also supported the labor movement and published the works of “the wide range of intellectuals” including George Schuster, Samuel Flagg Bemis, Allan Nevins and W.E.B. DuBois.

During the Cold War, the order had a history of anti-socialist, anti-communist, and anti-anarchist crusades. They advocated adding “under God” to the oath of allegiance as a religious response to Soviet atheism.[77][78] The Knights were active opponents of legalizing same-sex marriage and were instrumental in funding local initiatives.[8] The Knights have donated over $1 million to the Susan B. Anthony Foundation and other anti-abortion and anti-contraceptive organizations.[7][79]

Subsidiaries[ edit ]

insurance [edit]

Under the original insurance scheme devised by founder McGivney, the widow of a deceased knight was awarded a $1,000 death benefit, funded by a prorated membership contribution. There was also sick pay for members who fell ill and were unable to work.

Museum[ edit ]

On March 10, 2001, the Order opened a museum in New Haven dedicated to her story.[84][54] The 77,000-square-foot building cost $10 million to renovate. It contains mosaics on loan from the Vatican and gifts from popes, John F. Kennedy’s application for membership, and a number of other items relating to the history of the Knights.[84] Near the entrance is the cross held by Jesus Christ on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica[84] before it undergoes a renovation funded by knights.[83][84]

Knights of Columbus Financial Advisor[ edit ]

In 2015, the Knights of Columbus Order established Asset Advisors, a money management firm that invests money in accordance with Catholic social teaching.[10][85] The company uses the Guidelines for Socially Responsible Investments published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to guide its investment decisions.[10][85] The policies include protecting human life, promoting human dignity, reducing arms production, striving for economic justice, protecting the environment and promoting corporate responsibility.[a][10]

In addition to being a wholly owned subsidiary, it also acquired 20% of Boston Advisors, a boutique investment management firm that manages assets for institutional and high net worth investors.[10][87] Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors manages the fixed income strategies for its funds, while Boston Advisors advises on the equity strategies as a sub-adviser.[10][87] Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors also offers model portfolios, outsourced CIO services [clarification needed], a bank lending strategy and other alternative investment strategies.[10] In 2019, the Knights bought Boston Advisors’ institutional management business.[87]

National Shrine of John Paul II [ edit ]

The Order owns and operates the National Shrine of Saint John Paul II in Washington D.C.[7] In 2011, the Order acquired the 130,000 square meter John Paul II Cultural Center.[88][89][7] The mission as a cultural center ended in 2009[90] and the Knights renamed it a shrine to Pope John Paul II.[ 88][89] Shortly after the Pope’s canonization, the United States Catholic Bishops’ Conference designated the building a national shrine.[90]

Each year, 64,000 pilgrims visit the shrine, which features video content, interactive displays, and John Paul’s personal effects.[90] There is also a first class relic of the Pope’s blood on display for veneration.[90] It also serves as a base for the Order in Washington, D.C.[91]

Notable Knights[ edit ]

62. President John F. Kennedy was a fourth-degree member of Bunker Hill Council No. 62.

Many notable Catholic men from around the world were Knights of Columbus. In the US, the most notable include John F. Kennedy; Ted Kennedy; Al Smith; Sargent Shriver; Samuel Alito; Conrad Hilton;[96] John Boehner;[97] Ray Flynn; Jeb Bush;[99] filmmaker John Ford;[100] and Sergeant Major Daniel Daly,[101] a two-time Medal of Honor recipient.[102]

In the sports world, Vince Lombardi, the famous former Green Bay Packers coach; James Connolly, the first modern Olympic gold medalist; Floyd Patterson, former heavyweight boxing champion,[105] and baseball legend Babe Ruth were all Knights.

On October 15, 2006, Bishop Rafael Guizar Valencia (1878-1938) was ordained by Pope Benedict XVI. canonized in Rome. In 2000, six other knights killed in the violence that followed the Mexican Revolution were proclaimed saints by Pope John Paul II.[107]

Emblem of the Order[ edit ]

The Order’s emblem was designed by former Knight Chief James T. Mullen and adopted at the second session of the Board of Governors on May 12, 1883. Shields used by medieval knights served as inspiration. The emblem consists of a shield mounted on a formée cross, which is an artistic representation of the cross of Christ. This represents the Catholic identity of the Order.[109] [Non-Primary Source Required]

Three objects are mounted on the shield: the fasces, an anchor and a dagger. In ancient Rome, the fasces were worn before the judges as an emblem of authority. The Order uses it as a “symbol of authority that must exist in any closely knit and efficiently operating organization”. of this partnership, here a symbol of the Catholic contribution to America.[110] The short sword or dagger was a weapon used by medieval knights. The shield as a whole with the letters “K of C” represents “Catholic Knighthood in organized charitable action”.[109] [Non-Primary Source Required]

Support groups[ edit ]

Women’s Auxiliaries[edit]

Many councils also have female assistants. At the turn of the 20th century, two were formed by local councils, each taking the name Daughters of Isabella. They expanded and chartered to other circles, but never merged. The newer organization renamed itself the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in 1921, and both have independent structures from the Knights of Columbus.[113] Other groups are known as Columbiettes. In the Philippines, the women’s auxiliaries are known as the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.[115]

An 1896 proposal to set up councils for women was not accepted and was never proposed again.

Colombian squires[ edit ]

The Knights’ official junior organization is the Columbian Squires. According to its founder, Barnabas McDonald, “The primary purpose of the Columbian Squires is character building.”[117]

It was founded in 1925 in Duluth, Minnesota by Barnabas McDonald.[118][119][120] The formation of new Squire Circles in the United States and Canada is discouraged because the Order wishes to move youth activities from exclusive clubs to local parish youth groups.[120]

Similar Christian Organizations[ edit ]

The Knights of Columbus are members of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights (IACK), which includes fifteen fraternal orders including the Knights of Saint Columbanus in Ireland, the Knights of St Columba in Great Britain and the Knights of Peter Claver in the United States , the Knights of the Southern Cross in Australia and New Zealand, the Knights of Marshall in Ghana, the Knights of Da Gama in South Africa, and the Knights of Saint Mulumba in Nigeria.[121]

The Loyal Orange Institution, also known as the Orange Order, is a similar organization for Protestant Christians.

See also[edit]

Notes [edit]

^ [86] Full guidelines are posted on the Bishops’ Conference website.

References[ edit ]

Works Cited[ edit ]

A funeral is a way to recognize, celebrate and honor the life of a loved one and allow family and friends to say a final goodbye. These are some common rituals that can still vary greatly depending on the religion, culture and specific wishes of the deceased.

Although organizing a funeral is a very emotional time, it’s important to provide some structure to this distressing experience. There are many options from traditional funeral services established by faith through direct cremation or memorial ceremony or even no burial at all.

To help you understand them better, we will give you an overview of the different types of funeral ceremonies that take place. Get practical funeral ideas to prepare for the final farewell.

What types of burials are there?

Belief and custom are the factors that often determine what happens at a funeral. There are many different types of burials to consider:

Traditional funeral

burial or death care

Direct burial

Direct cremation

The most common among these types are the traditional funeral service and the death service, also known as the funeral service. Direct cremation or direct burial are also common burial options. Now let’s find out what the order of services is and which of them are essential.

What does a funeral service include?

The type of burial defines what the service involves and how common ceremonies are conducted. Religious and cultural beliefs bring with them a set of guidelines for a conventional burial. Despite differences in specific rituals, funeral services tend to follow the same structure and share many similar characteristics.

Waking up or showing

A “revival” or “visiting” is an informal gathering of those close to the deceased who wish to be with them one last time before the actual funeral service. While the viewing usually takes place at the funeral home, you can hold a wake at your home or a favorite location. A viewing usually takes place in the presence of the coffin, while modern vigils take place with no coffin in sight. Each of them is a great way to say goodbye on a more personal level. They are a time to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a loved one.

Of course, not all viewings require a body display, they could even take place in the presence of an urn instead. This service is entirely optional and depends on the specific wishes of the deceased or their loved ones.

Dedicated service

A funeral service is a burial ritual that has its origins in Christianity. It symbolizes the person’s transfer to their final resting place and usually follows the main funeral ceremony. Although burial is a funerary ritual, it can also take place at the burial of the ashes or in a crematorium.

burial or cremation

Funeral and cremation follow immediately after the main ceremony and form the core of any simple funeral. Unlike other items that you can skip, completing one of these items is essential. We will make a detailed comparison between the two later in this review.

funeral service

A post-funeral reception is an optional service that offers family and friends an opportunity to spend time together and pay tribute to the life of the deceased. They usually take place in a more casual and soothing environment that suits your particular needs. When organizing a funeral ceremony, you need to choose a suitable place, prepare a catering service and, of course, share the relevant details with the guests.

memorial service

Many families are moving away from formal burial traditions and adopting memorial services in a number of different styles. They are a great way to celebrate the life of your loved one in a more personal way. A memorial service is not restricted in any way and may be something else, such as B. a classic afternoon tea, or more intimate, like a quiet reflection at home.

A comparison of the two most important types of burial: burial and cremation

What does a funeral involve?

The burial takes place after the main funeral service, when the coffin is lowered into the grave. This brief ceremony is attended by mourners and may include prayers and songs consistent with the religious beliefs of the dead.

Although burials are the most common burial practice from a religious perspective, they cost significantly more than cremation services. You will need to budget for corpse embalming, coffin transport, and other service fees that may apply. Another disadvantage of choosing a burial is that it has adverse environmental effects, as some toxic embalming fluids leach into the ground.

What is cremation?

Cremation is a process in which intense heat is used to reduce the body to its basic elements and turn it into “ashes”. It’s a popular choice for a funeral arrangement, growing in popularity over traditional burials. Some of the advantages of cremation are that it is more affordable and allows the ashes of the deceased to be kept or scattered anywhere.

Do you have to have a funeral?

Practices related to burial established by religious tradition are widely accepted. However, some find the unconventional approaches more comforting. Those who prefer to do without funeral services can honor the memory of their loved ones in a variety of ways. We will examine direct cremation, Christian burial, and non-religious ceremonies as common alternatives to the traditional funeral service.

No funeral, only cremation

Direct cremation

Direct cremation or simple cremation are terms used to describe a funeral service that does not involve ceremonies or rituals. It’s an easy way to conduct a cremation at minimal cost. The only formality required is the completion of the relevant legal paperwork.

After the cremation is complete, the remains of the deceased are handed over to the relatives. The organization of a memorial service afterwards is a great opportunity to celebrate their life in a special and personal way.

Scattering of Ashes Ceremony

Once you have received the remains of your loved one, you may want to think of a meaningful way to honor their ashes. This is part of the grieving process, but you can still get creative to create a lasting memory. There are a number of notable things to do with the ashes, and you can even celebrate them with a special ceremony.

Some ideas for scattering the ashes ceremony are having a memorial service with a special fireworks display or burying them and planting a tree with family and friends. If you prefer more traditional approaches, you can keep your loved one’s ashes in a bespoke urn that perfectly reflects their personality, or scatter their ashes in a special place.

Christian funerals

Christian funerals are heavily influenced by the Church’s beliefs about death. They follow a strict structure of rituals and services according to religious burial etiquette.

The service takes place a week after death and begins with a reading of Psalms from the Bible and personal readings. Christian hymns, prayers and a minute’s silence follow in memory of the deceased. Christian burial ends with a burial rite performed at the grave before the body is buried. Cultural rituals such as the priest and relatives of the dead throwing at the coffin are also common. They symbolize that the soul is detached from the body and the deceased returns to earth as their final resting place.

Many Catholic families follow the Church of England funeral service, which is slightly different. It begins with songs and initiation rites, followed by the Liturgy of the Word and the celebration of the Eucharist. The Catholic funeral concludes with the final commendation and burial rite, when prayer is preceded by burial or cremation.

Non-religious and humanistic funerals

Atheist Funerals

As more people embrace new philosophical views of life, atheist funerals are becoming more common. These funerals have no religious connection but are still a way of honoring the life of a deceased. They celebrate the most beautiful moments in the life of the deceased. Memories and stories can be shared by loved ones. Music and readings are also common as they help the grieving family maintain hope during their difficult time.

Humanistic ceremonies

Similar to atheistic funerals, humanistic and non-religious services are increasing in importance. They follow a specific structure that is not constrained by any set script or ritual. It is important to find a humanistic funeral director who is qualified to host the funeral and provide the services you have chosen.

The ceremony will be opened with music and words of welcome. Reflections, readings and tributes to a person’s life in a non-religious context follow. The last part of the humanistic funeral includes a minute’s silence, the funeral service and closing words on the final farewell.

festivals of life

Unlike the funeral, which is a more somber occasion, a celebration of life is a commemorative event centered around the positive moments in a person’s life. Because many traditions allow for both mourning and joy, you can choose how to celebrate life in a way that is meaningful to the deceased. Whether you choose a funeral or cremation, you can hold a separate event to meet with loved ones and reflect on the person’s life.

If you already have specific wishes regarding your funeral service or final resting place, early planning makes sense. Not only will you save yourself the ever-increasing cost of burial, you’ll save your family additional hardship and hassle when the time comes.

Traditions and rituals help us to express our deepest thoughts about the most important events in life. Special ceremonies like graduations, weddings, and baby dedications involve traditions and rituals that help us mark important milestones in life. When a loved one dies, rituals and traditions can also help us mark a significant event and spend time remembering and finding healing.

What makes a ritual so effective? First, rituals are symbolic. When we lose a loved one, we can use symbolic actions such as lighting a candle for the loved one, raising a balloon or lantern, or setting a place on a birthday or anniversary. These symbols help us to remember that our loved one is always with us in our hearts.

Second, rituals help us express emotions. dr Alan Wolfelt, renowned grief counselor and educator, is often quoted as saying, “When words aren’t enough, have a ritual.” Sometimes we need an outlet to express our deepest feelings, and words aren’t enough. When loss occurs, the wound is often so deep that the pain exceeds our ability to process it with language. In times of great need, a ritual can be more comforting and healing than 1000 eloquent words.

Finally, rituals unite people in a common, shared experience. Funerals, visits, candlelight services, memorial services, and celebrations of life ceremonies help us feel some solidarity with others who share our grief and loss. Knowing that we are not alone and that others are supporting us as we navigate our grief fills us with a unique sense of comfort.

We know that rituals and traditions can heal the wounded heart. We know that ceremonies and gatherings help us to feel connected to others and to be supported by the presence of loved ones. We know that rituals help us express our deepest feelings as we seek healing and reconciliation with grief. Below are some examples of how you can incorporate the power of ritual into your healing journey.

LIGHT A CANDLE – Set up a spot at the table or create a memorial area at home and light a candle when you want to honor the memory of a loved one. You can light a candle every day or on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. Lighting a candle symbolizes the light your loved one has brought to you and the memory of that person that lives on in your heart.

Release Balloons, Doves, Butterflies or Paper Lanterns – Releasing a balloon or lantern is a ritual symbolizing releasing a lost loved one or sending loving thoughts to their spirit. Some people write notes and attach them to balloons or lanterns. Some people release doves or butterflies to symbolize a loved one’s ascension into heaven or the transition into a new spiritual form.

Make Memories – Family and friends can gather on special occasions to share memories and honor a loved one. This can happen on the first anniversary of death, at family reunions, or on important days like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

Go to the Grave – Some people who are grieving find solace in visiting their loved one’s grave, leaving fresh flowers, or simply spending time reflecting on the loss. Mourners often visit the grave on special days or any day they wish to feel close to their loved one.

Participate in a support group or special memorial service – Certain community events such as support groups, grief workshops, or memorial services such as candlelight vigils can also bring comfort and healing. Such events help us connect with others who are also feeling the pain of loss, which can lead to a greater sense of peace.

Carry a memento – Sometimes a small keepsake like a handkerchief, watch, piece of jewelry, or a small heirloom can serve as a reminder of a lost loved one. If you don’t have a souvenir, you can choose memorial jewelry designed to carry ashes or a lock of hair, or ones that have a deceased person’s fingerprint printed on them. You can even have a diamond made from a loved one’s ashes! Heirlooms and keepsakes also serve as a daily reminder that often brings comfort to those who mourn.

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Five important reasons for a funeral service

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Please consider the following benefits before making final decisions about funeral and memorial services:

1). The experience of the ritual

Attending a formal funeral service often serves as an important rite of passage with cultural and religious significance. It is seen as an important milestone and growing experience on our journey to adulthood as it marks the time in our lives when we must face and deal with the reality of death. It also allows us to fulfill our cultural and religious obligations not only to the deceased but also to our family and community.

2). Reconnecting with friends and family

Funerals, memorial services and wakes bring loved ones together. Our close family and friends, as well as those we may not have seen in a while, come to support us in times of need. In fact, they form our support system – they offer us their advice and loving touch. With them we can share stories and fond memories of the deceased – and paint a bigger and more beautiful picture of his or her life and the impact it had on others.

3). beginning of the healing process

Funerals give us a chance to begin the healing process. Instead of keeping our intense feelings under wraps, we are able to grieve openly in a safe and supportive environment where discarding or expressing such emotions is encouraged and appropriate. With the help of friends and family, we have the opportunity to release our emotional burdens and the time to sort out our complex feelings—feelings that, when suppressed, can have harmful effects on ourselves and those around us.

4). honor your memory

A funeral serves to care for the deceased with dignity and respect. The event itself is our way of paying special tribute to the life of a loved one and the positive impact they have had on our lives. Conducting the service makes us feel that we have done the right and honorable thing for them. It’s also our chance to remember and honor them in our way, not just in the way they would like it to be, but in ways that matter to us.

5). Say goodbye

A funeral gives us a sense of completion. It is the time and place for us to say our final goodbyes. It gives us the opportunity to say to our loved one the things we didn’t say or couldn’t say while we were alive. And it’s the great opportunity to publicly express how much we loved her and how much we will miss her. Simply put, the funeral is an opportunity for us to say our peace and move on with our lives.