KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

A Faith in Action Partnership

Councils Committed to the Poor

Across the nation, Knights of Columbus councils are partnering with Cross Catholic Outreach to bring relief and hope to vulnerable men, women and children by hosting Faith in Action activities with their parishes and communities.

This partnership has been a blessing to all involved, and we are excited that our programs are officially listed under the Knights’ “Helping Hands” program. Thank you to all the Knights who have made this possible. Our prayer is that we can continue to work together to bless the poor worldwide!

We’d Love to Work With You

Fill out the form to learn more about how to bring Faith in Action events to your community

A man wearing his Knights of Columbus polo and an American flag cap helps label meal packs.
Mike Stranger at a food packing event hosted by Knights in West Virginia.

Feed the Hungry

“How many of you have ever been hungry? Not just for lunch or dinner, but with a hunger that makes your stomach hurt? Now try feeling that hunger for at least two days so you can experience what it’s like for those people who we are feeding today. That is why it is so important to feed the poor through this event that involves charity, unity and fraternity.” 

With these words, Mike Stranger, a member of Council No. 12191 in Berkley Springs, West Virginia, inspired the volunteers at a recent food packing event hosted by local Knights. At Cross Catholic Outreach, we are looking to partner with faithful Catholics who share this conviction.

By hosting a food packing event, you can engage your community in the fight against the hunger crisis in developing countries. The impact this Work of Mercy has on the lives of suffering children and their families is truly transformative, and that blessing goes beyond filling empty stomachs. It nourishes hungry souls as well!

Faith in Action

The Knights of Columbus supply critically needed resources to Catholic ministries around the world! Read below about how councils nationwide answered the call to share mercifully with those in desperate need.

Engage With Cross Catholic Outreach

Serving Your Community and the Poor Worldwide

Our Advent Outreach

Invite your council to Be Someone’s Miracle this Advent by engaging in works of mercy that will uplift Guatemalan families. Cross Catholic Outreach partners with trusted ministries in Guatemala to build 224 new, safe homes and transform lives with other important outreaches.

Outreach Priests
 

Encourage your parish priest to share the needs of the poor with your community by hosting one of our Outreach Priests. Several of the priests serving in our ministry are Missionaries of Mercy — men commissioned to share the hope and healing of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Box of Joy®
 

Each year, Knights from across the U.S. bless thousands of children in need with Box of Joy gifts. Invite your council members and their wives to help spread Christ’s love and the joy of his coming again this Christmas! 

Light on a Knight

Men on a Mission

Cross Catholic Outreach appreciates the opportunity to serve alongside the Knights of Columbus nationwide. Each month we are proud to shine a “Light on a Knight” as our way of recognizing different brother Knights for putting their Faith in Action through their leadership and support of our ministry and programs.

Knights’ Reviews

What Brother Knights Have to Say About Our Programs

Jim LandowskiCouncil No. 10596, Munster, Indiana
"The joy on the faces of the people who pick up the [Box of Joy gifts]… and fill them is unmistakable. And if we are ever going to change this world from hate to the love that Jesus taught us, we need to begin with the children."
Garret KelenskeHoly Rosary Council No. 13579, Muskegon, Michigan
"I have found the food packing program to be both challenging and fulfilling. It is an opportunity to make a difference, both for the people who receive the life-giving nourishment and for those who donate their time to the program. This gift of charitable works is a win-win for all involved."
Terry WatersOur Lady of Guadalupe Council #12127 and Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Assembly #2443 Gaithersburg, Maryland
"I am incredibly proud of all [the Knights of Columbus] has accomplished during my time partnering with you [at Cross Catholic Outreach] over the past four years. Working alongside each other, we have packed over 1.1 million meals for the poor, blessed thousands of children with Box of Joy gifts, deepened our faith by participating in Father Dave Caron’s spiritual retreats, helped bring water to communities in developing countries, and enjoyed countless occasions involving charity, unity and fraternity."

Mike Martin is the Manager of Special Initiatives for Cross Catholic Outreach

Mike Martin

Manager of Special Initiatives

Mike Martin is a member of Joseph P. Solari Council No. 11172 at St. Michael’s Catholic parish in Glen Allen, Virginia. During his 26 years of service as a Knight, he has held numerous leadership positions, including that of Grand Knight, Virginia State Faith Program deputy and district warden. He is also a member of Richmond Assembly No. 1165 and serves in the Color Corps.

Mike is actively involved in his parish community as well. He is a member of the parish council, an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist and an assistant head minister at St. Michael’s.

Mike is a devoted family man — he has been married for 35 years and is father to three children. His extensive experience and unwavering dedication make him a valuable leader and a cherished member of his community. Now serving as the manager of special initiatives for Cross Catholic Outreach, Mike encourages brother Knights to build partnerships aligned with the Faith in Action goals of the Knights of Columbus. 

You Can Help Transform Lives in Your Community and Around the World

Do you want to create a lasting legacy? Are you ready to plan your will or trust? Contact our Planned Giving department to discuss ways you can make a significant gift to the poor and help further our mission.

Let’s Pray Together

We consider it an honor and a privilege to intercede for Knights and their family members. If you or someone you love needs prayer, please fill out the form below. We would love to pray for you.  

Share Your Prayer Intentions

Box of Joy is a registered trademark of Cross Catholic Outreach.