Growing number of young men join Knights of Columbus college councils

Published: 2007-08-09

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As the Knights of Columbus celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, a growing number of young men have been joining its ranks through councils on their college campuses. Whether they are attracted by the group's dedication to volunteer service, the camaraderie of other young Catholic men or the chance to become leaders in their local church communities, these young councils are constantly replenished by recruiting freshmen each year. College councils are able not only to develop fresh ideas for ministry projects and service trips, but to implement them as well, said Stephen Walther, coordinator for the college councils for the Knights of Columbus. "This is a hands-on kind of organization, which I think college students are very into," he said. Since 2003, the number of members serving on college campuses has grown by an average of more than 1,600 each year. Even with members graduating and leaving their college councils to serve elsewhere, the net gain of these councils' membership has been more than 6,000 in the last five years. The number of college councils around the world has grown from 162 in 2003 to 215 in 2007.

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