John Paul the Great Council 486 - Middletown, NY at 149 Cottage Street, Middletown, NY 10940 US - Columbian Squires
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At their Supreme convention in 1922, the Knights of Columbus, in response to a plea by Newark’s Archbishop Thomas J. Walsh, passed a resolution to seriously consider the possibility of a junior class of affiliated membership with the Order.
Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Since then, worldwide membership has grown to over 25,000 young men who share their Catholic Faith as a common bond. There are more than 1,300 "circles" located throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, the Caribbean, and other places where Knights of Columbus councils are located. Every circle is sponsored by a Knights of Columbus council, and Knights serve as adult counselors to the group.
Learn more about Brother Barnabas McDonald
Membership in the Squires is for practicing Catholic boys between the ages of 10 and 18. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application are available from any member of the Columbian Squires.Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officers from their own membership, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.
When you join the Squires,you'll feel like you are joining many different groups. Thats because there is always something new to discover. From activities that are athletic to spiritual to intellectual to social,the adventures seem endless. Not to mention,the friends.You'll forge friendships that will last a lifetime. Squires are encouraged to turn to one another for support. Having this network of friends helps you grow as a individual and as a group.
Membership in the Columbian Squires means many things to many people. To some it means being part of a worldwide organization of young Catholic men, and to others it means being part of a small parish or community youth group. Some look upon their membership as a chance to change the world through volunteer involvement in the Church and the community; and others look upon membership as a way they can simply help their pastor, neighbor, school or parish
Squires graduating from the program at age 18 are eligible for college and vocations scholarships offered by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council office. They are urged to join the Knights to continue their commitment to Columbanism.
Squires say ESTO DIGNUS - Be Worthy
and with God's Help We Can Do It
Columbian Squire Officers
The Chief Squire is the executive officer of the circle. The Chief Squire is an elected position, which is changed from person to person every year. He conducts the meeting and brings up new ideas or suggestions that he has talked over with the counselors. He also try's to get other ideas from the other squires.
The Deputy Chief Squire is the Chief Squire's back up. Whenever the Chief Squire can not attend the meeting the Deputy Chief squire will step in.
The Notary keeps a record of the proceedings of all circle meetings, and is responsible for keeping the state circle and the Supreme Council Department of Fraternal Services informed of the circle's status. The Notary also keeps track of the attendance.
The Bursar is the circle's treasurer. He collects and records all due's and fee's of the squires. He also gives the bank report at every meeting.
The Marshal is in charge of the materials and possessions of the squire's. This status is an appointment by the chief squire. The Arm and Pole Captains assist the marshal during investiture. Investiture is the ceremony in which the young men are turned into squires.
The Sentry is another appointed office. He has to make sure that only Columbian Squires and Knights are in the room when the meeting begins.