Joe Krebs is a Knight, a husband, and a father of eight kids. A member of the Knights of Columbus in Albany Council 1577, Joe has found that this time of pandemic has proved an important moment to bring home what he’s learned from the Knights — in particular, leading his family in faith.
“Being a Knight really helps me be a better husband and father by combining the Church’s community, the family, all together,” Joe said in a video last year marking his family’s recognition as the 2019 Knights of Columbus Family of the Year.
When a fellow parishioner invited Joe to join the Knights of Columbus four years ago, his wife, Nicole, encouraged him to join, as her own father was a Knight.
Joe soon found that the Knights of Columbus provided opportunities for his whole family to serve the Church and community — through activities like food drives, free throw contests, Keep Christ in Christmas programs, soccer challenges, pancake breakfasts, and more. He has also had the opportunity to serve his parish in ways he’s never done before, like serving as an usher.
“My Catholic faith feels like it’s gotten better and stronger since joining the Knights. I pray more now than I did before,” Joe said.
Joe is thankful to still have his job during the pandemic. Yet he looks forward to spending time outside of work with Nicole and the kids. He sees it as an opportunity to strengthen his family life.
Joe and Nicole lead their family in the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the rosary. On weekends, the Krebs stream the Mass on TV. These small acts are helping instill a sense of the importance of faith even at a time when their access to the sacraments is limited. And their kids notice.
“The thing about my parents that impresses me the most — trying to keep the faith within the family, doing the rosary anywhere we go,” Cal, the Krebs’ oldest son, said.
Though normal K of C soccer games or free-throw tournaments may be suspended during this time, Joe said that he is taking the time for family activities at home, such as playing wiffleball, throwing a football, and teaching his 4-year-old to ride a bike.
“I want to be that role model, that example that they can look to not only now but even as they grow up,” Krebs said. “When they start to become adults and look back at the things I did, that they will look back with fondness.”
To Joe, what is truly important is instilling an example of service. Being a Knight has given him the opportunity to serve in a number of ways, including as his council’s family program director. And the Krebs children are following their parents’ example of service — their oldest daughter began her service in the Air Force on Memorial Day. And Cal, their oldest son, plans to join the Knights this summer before he leaves to join the Army.
“We’re praying with them, for them, to make sure that they continue to stay safe and that everything goes well with them,” he said.
Check out this video highlighting the Krebs. Share your own story of Catholic family life by emailing knightline@kofc.org or andrew.butler@kofc.org.
Originally published in a weekly edition of Knightline, a resource for K of C leaders and members. To access Knightline’s archives, click here.
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