College Knights Gather in New Haven

This weekend, on Sept. 28-30, approximately 150 college members of the Knights of Columbus will gather in New Haven, Conn., for the annual College Conference. Representing over 70 councils from the United States, Canada and Dominican Republic, these Knights will have the opportunity to develop relationships, exchange program ideas, and discuss the challenges facing their councils and campuses. The conference provides the chance for attendees to grow in faith and leadership through a series of talks, breakout sessions and the celebration of Mass.

Members of the advisory board will arrive in New Haven on Thursday evening. This group of college Knights has worked over the past year planning this conference. These individuals will also lead a series of breakout sessions on Saturday morning and afternoon, covering best practices on topics including membership and retention, council management, leadership and service event planning.

Registration for the weekend conference begins on Friday, with delegates arriving throughout the afternoon. The awards banquet will take place Friday night. Attendees will be addressed by Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, and councils will be recognized for outstanding programs in membership recruitment, insurance promotion and service programs. The prestigious Outstanding College Council Award will also be handed out. An evening social will take place following the dinner.

Saturday will begin with Mass. Father Gregory Gresko, Chaplain of the Blessed John Paul II Shrine in Washington, D.C., will be the celebrant. Knights will then gather for an opening session before splitting off into breakout sessions. In the early afternoon, Fr. Gresko will speak on “The Man of God in the Year of Faith.”

Following Fr. Gresko’s talk, college Knights will be separated by geographic region for regional caucuses. These caucuses allow Knights in close proximity to meet, discuss successes and challenges, and collaborate on future events. A trip and social to the Knights of Columbus Museum will follow. The evening will close with a Holy Hour and Benediction at St. Mary’s Church.

Knights will again meet for Mass and breakfast on Sunday morning. After Supreme Advocate John Marrella gives closing remarks, attendees will then return to their respective campuses.