Greetings and welcome to the ‘Culture of Life’ program area of the New Jersey State Council, Knights of Columbus.  When Father Michael J. McGivney founded our order in March of 1882 his concerns were for the welfare of the widows and orphans of Catholic men whose lives had been cut short leaving them rudderless in a cold world.  In short, Father McGivney was concerned over the uncertain future of Catholic families.  His efforts of drawing together the men who would ensure that the family unit was preserved helped to keep young brothers and sisters from being separated and forcibly raised by others outside of their homes, if their mothers were able to retain a home.

In modern times the family has again come under attack, from all angles it sometimes seems.  There are those who insist that the disposal of a living, unborn child should be a “right” of its mother.  The elderly and feeble, rather than being revered and respected come under attack due to their “drain” on the economy and lack of “contributing” to society at large.  We have, unfortunately, witnessed the rise of a ‘Culture of Death’.

The programs that you will find in this section were carefully organized in order to enable you to make a difference in your churches and communities by bringing about a culture and mindset that puts life at the forefront.  Life, from conception to natural death.  I and the directors and chairmen of each of these programs eagerly stand by to help you in your efforts to be successful in this endeavor.  I urge you to immerse yourself in this mindset and ask that you never hesitate to call on any of us for assistance or guidance.

Remember the words of the recently beatified Pope John Paul II when he said:

“By reason of your order’s distinguished record of concern for the poor, the disadvantaged and the unborn in particular, I am confident that the Knights of Columbus will continue to be in the forefront of the Church’s efforts to promote a “culture of life”, one which fully respects the spiritual dimension of human existence and the sublime dignity of each individual, created in the image of God and destined for eternal life with Christ.”

Jim Stoever
Culture of Life Program Director