Tony Doherty
Knights of St. Columba
Why did I join the Knights of St. Columba? Well, I’m not overly religious, just an ordinary practising Catholic. However, I felt it was about time I did something to make my faith ‘more real’ so to speak.
I was 31 years of age and felt that I now had the inclination to ‘get involved’ and what was more to the point, I now had time; my children were approaching their ‘teen-hood’ so if I was to be out one or two nights a month it would not be too much of a strain on my family.
I was at a parish meeting where we had a visit from a member of the Knights. He was ‘touting’ for helpers for the Christian Aid week - door to door collectors and the like. His little talk gave me food for thought!
Later, I collared the Knight and asked him some pertinent questions, like, ”Who are you and what do you do?” The information he gave me certainly made me think. I found out about everything the Knights got up to, from Catholic Action to moral issues, from assisting the clergy to social activities and then the friendship element.
We are a “Fraternal Organisation” he had said. I found that with one organisation I could fully get involved in what I was interested in and give them some of my expertise. The family became a ‘member’ as well because of the diverse social activities we got up to.
That was 35 years ago and I have never regretted a day. Although 30 odd years ago times were different there is still a need in today’s world for the Order of the Knights of St. Columba and I, among others, will be there.