This Cross is erected to the memory of Father Padilla, a Franciscan Missionary, who stood with Coronado at the erection of the first Christian Cross on these Kansas prairies. Father Padilla devoted his life to the service of the cross and to the Indians of Quivira and suffered a martyr's death in that service in the year of Our Lord 1542.

The symbol on the cross is inscribed "Jesus Christ, Victor," and expresses the victory of faith and sacrifice.  The square, quartered by the cross, denotes the four corners of the World brought into Christian unity when Father Padilla carried the cross of Christianity to the center of the New World.

This monument is a gift to the People of Kansas by the Knights of Columbus of this State.  Erected 1950.

Each year the Kansas Knights of Columbus offer assistance to all qualifying Kansas Catholic parishes and Catholic High Schools through its Religious Education Fund Raffle. The State Council will solicit 1,500 donations of $100.00 each, raising a total of $150,000.00.

$60,000 of this total will go for 22 separate prizes, the breakdown being:  Grand Prize: $25,000.00, 1st Place Prize $6,000.00, 2nd Place Prize $4,000.00, 3rd Place Prize $4,000.00, 4th Place Prize $4,000.00 and seventeen 5th Place Prizes of $1,000.00 each.

The District Deputies receive their tickets in July for distribution to local councils immediately. The number of tickets per council is determined by the size of the Council, Assemblies and Circles.

Ticket donations may be solicited from any interested party, and are not limited to K of C members. The donor will retain the ticket stub. The remaining portion of the ticket will be completed and returned to the Religious Education Chairman along with the donated funds on or before November 1st.

Prizes will be drawn at the Midwinter Meeting of the District Deputies in December. Grand Knights and successful ticket holders will be notified immediately after the drawing.

The remainder amount ($90,000) is used to support Catholic Religious Education programs in our Kansas parishes and Catholic High Schools.  Request for funds are to be submitted to the State Chaplain before October 1st. The State Chaplain and his committee will evaluate requests for funds.

Requirements for money from this fund MUST be used solely for the improvement of a Religious Education Program either in a Catholic School or a parish religious education program. This would be an improvement, which a Pastor or a Director of Religious Education would make, if they had the necessary funds on hand.

Requests will be funded as proceeds allow. Distributions are not expected to exceed $300.00 per application. Request forms for each council are given to the District Deputies in July and they distribute these request forms to the Grand Knights. These "requests for funds" can be filled out by the parish priest or Parish Administrator, Religious Education Coordinator or, if they are too busy, even by the Grand Knight, if he is in consultation with the above.

IMPORTANT: Only one request from each parish can be considered. If a parish has a Catholic School and a Religious Education Program, then the funds must be split between the two or given to one or the other.

The amount of monies to be dispersed will be determined during the midwinter meeting in early December and the Grand Knights should receive the check by the end of the year.

Each October, you see the Kansas Knights in front of Churches, stores and other places offering a candy bar for a donation. Over the past few years the candy bar has been Tootsie Rolls. (NOTE:Tootsie Roll does not donate the candy -- the Knights purchase each and every roll for wholesale prices).

Why do we do this? The Kansas State Council of the Kansas Knights of Columbus is THE prime sponsor of the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament held each March at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.  Each year over a thousand of special Olympians proudly compete and bring home honors from Hays, Kansas.  The donations we receive for the candy bars funds this event and as well as programs for people with mental retardation in the four dioceses of Kansas.

Each child of God, regardless of their physical abilities, has intrinsic worth. The Kansas Knights of Columbus proudly offer their hard work so these athletes can compete and enjoy themselves in the Special Olympics. Funds are also given each year to the four bishops of Kansas to use in programs for people with mental retardation and those with special needs.

Next time you see one of the Kansas Knights offering you a Tootsie Roll or some other candy bar, give a nice donation -- it goes to a very worthy and needed cause.

Priests, Brothers, Nuns
They Need Us
We Need Them

Vocations Are Everybody's Business

Prayer To Know One's Vocation

Lord Jesus, up until now you have been quietly preparing me to be your disciple. Now the time of preparation is ending. I seem to hear you say to me as once to Peter: "Will you also go away?" You were saddened then by friends who failed you. But Peter did not fail. "Lord," he said, "to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

I stand with Peter. Through prayer and counsel, show me, Lord, where it is in your vineyard that you want me to serve. Then give me strength to be faithful.

Mary, Mother and Model, help me to respond in generous love to the call of your divine Son.

Prayer For Vocations

Heavenly Father, bless your Church with an abundance of holy and zealous priests, deacons, brothers and sisters. Give those you have called to the married state and those you have chosen to live as single persons in the world, the special graces that their lives require. Form us all in the likeness of your Son so that in him, with him and through him we may love you more deeply and serve you more faithfully, always and everywhere. With Mary we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

R.S.V.P.

The Knights of Columbus launched the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) in 1981. Under this program, local K of C councils or assemblies agree to make an annual contribution of $500 or more to an individual seminarian to help with his expenses. Councils and assemblies can sponsor more than one seminarian if their resources permit. In each case, the minimum annual contribution is $500. For every $500 donated, the council or assembly is eligible for a refund of $100 from the Supreme Council. For Columbian Squires circles, the annual contribution per seminarian is a minimum of $100, with each circle eligible to receive from the Supreme Council a refund of $20 for each $100 contributed.

Since the beginning of the program in 1981, the Knights of Columbus has given more than $20.5 million to the support of seminarians through RSVP, with the Supreme Council refunding more than $4 million to local units. Along with financial aid, the assistance through this program also involves prayer and moral support, including letters and visits. A recognition plaque is awarded to councils, assemblies, and circles that demonstrate their eligibility.

RSVP is unique in that funds go directly to the seminarian. For this reason, checks must be made out to the individual, not to a seminary, diocese, or other institution. The same holds true for members of religious orders -- the check should be made out to the individual. A brother -- seminarian or sister in the religious life can sign over the check to his or her religious institute as necessary. RSVP is central to Knights of Columbus vocations efforts, but councils and assemblies should also take part in other parish and/or diocesan vocations efforts. These other vocations efforts, however, do not qualify for a refund from the Supreme Council.

The following persons are eligible to receive RSVP funds:

• Seminarians attending college seminaries (sometimes called minor seminaries)

• Seminarians who have been accepted by a diocese and are currently in their "spirituality" year

• Seminarians attending major seminaries (usually, four years) in preparation for priestly ordination

• Seminarians in their pastoral year (most often, when they are deacons)

• Seminarians who belong to a religious institute and are currently in formation for the priesthood (religious seminarians often are called "Brother" even though they will eventually be ordained as priests)

• Men and women who are novices or postulants in religious orders or religious communities

Those eligible for assistance do include foreign seminarians studying in the United States or Canada; U.S. or Canadian seminarians studying overseas; seminarians from your home diocese currently attending seminaries in another diocese, state, or country; and seminarians from other states or dioceses attending a seminary located in your jurisdiction.

Persons not eligible for RSVP funds are the following:

• Priests or religious seeking assistance for continuing education

• Religious brothers not currently studying for the priesthood

• Candidates for the permanent diaconate.

Councils, assemblies, and circles are encouraged to assist in other ways worthy individuals who do not qualify for RSVP assistance, but such aid should not come from funds intended for RSVP.

Forms

A single application form (#2863) must be filled out and returned to the Supreme Office to qualify for a refund and for an award plaque. These forms are in the Council Report Forms Booklet or online at Supreme, #2863.

All applications should be submitted -- with copies of the canceled checks or other documentary evidence -- between April 1 and June 30 in order to qualify during that fraternal year.

Amount

For councils and assemblies to qualify for a refund, they must give at least $500; circles must give at least $100. The rule is that the sum must go to a single qualified person; it may not be  divided or apportioned to more than one recipient.

Award Plaque

To qualify for the RSVP Award Plaque, the council, assembly, or circle must:

• Donate at least $500 ($100 for circles) to a qualifying seminarian

• Write at least four letters to the adopted seminarian within the fraternal year

• Make at least one personal contact with the individual, if possible, during the fraternal year

• Demonstrate some form of involvement in parish /diocesan vocation efforts

Vocations Scholarships

The Father Michael J. McGivney Vocations Scholarships and the Bishop Thomas V. Daily Vocations Scholarships, for tuition, room and board, are granted annually to students in the first four years of theology pursing a vocation to the priesthood. The grant of $2,500 is renewable each year -- upon evidence of continued enrollment -- up to a maximum of four years. The scholarship is not in effect during any year of pastoral internship.

Any applicant having appropriate ecclesiastical approval, accepted at a major seminary and studying for a diocese or religious institute in the United States, its territories, or Canada, is eligible. The seminary must be approved as eligible for participation in the program.

For a Father Michael J. McGivney Vocations Scholarship, need must be established by the applicant by providing information from income-tax returns filed by him and his parents (if applicable).

For a Bishop Thomas V. Daily Vocations Scholarship, the applicant must include a copy of his most recent transcript and two letters of recommendation from among his bishop, pastor, rector or vocations director.

Applications are due at the Supreme Council office by June 1.

To obtain an application write to:

Department of Scholarships
Knights of Columbus Supreme Council
1 Columbus Plaza
New Haven CT 06510-3326.

Student Loans For Seminarians / Religious

Priests, brothers, seminarians and postulants at the college, seminary and postgraduate levels can apply for Knights of Columbus Student Loans. These loans are renewable on a yearly basis.

Under this program, loans of up to $2,625 are available to first-year students. Second-year students can receive loans of up to $3,500. Loans of up to $5,500 are available to third- and fourth-year students. Graduate students can receive loans of up to $8,500. These loans are available providing the school is qualified according to the U.S. Department of Education guidelines.

Application forms are furnished only on the request of a student who has been accepted, or is continuing his or her education, in an eligible institution of higher learning accredited by the Department of Education.

For further information on Knights of Columbus Student Loans, contact:

Knights of Columbus
Student Loan Committee
PO Box 1670
New Haven, CT 06507-0901.

VOCATION POSTER CONTEST

Each year a theme is announced for the "Vocation Poster Contest."

Students in Grades 1 through 8 are eligible to enter the contest.  There is also a category for students in Special Education.

The poster should be drawn freehand on paper 11 inches wide and 14 inches high. The poster must be drawn vertically (portrait) since the winning poster from all those submitted will appear on the back of next year's Program and Membership Guide. There will be winners in five categories in each diocese. Grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and Special Education.

On the back of each poster, there MUST appear the student's name, address, grade, council number, district number and diocese. Any poster not having these items listed will be disqualified. We ask the Grand Knights to make every sure this information is printed on the back of each poster, so that the child will not be disappointed by a disqualification. Your council contest may be conducted at any time, but Council winners should be sent to your District Deputy no later than March 15th of the current Fraternal Year. District Deputies must send their district winners to the State Vocations Chairman no later than April 1.

Anything sent after that deadline cannot be accepted.

Read the K. of C. Brochure "Financial Aid to Education" (pdf)

The Supreme Council sponsors numerous programs concerned with providing scholarships and student loans to members and their dependents. These include: Francis P. Matthews and John E. Swift Educational Trust Scholarships, Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships, Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria (Canada) Scholarships, graduate fellowships and student loans.

Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships -- A total of 62 Catholic college scholarships (which are not limited to Fourth Degree members), each in the amount of $1,500 per year, are available to members and the sons and daughters of members or deceased members of a council in the United States. Twelve scholarships are available at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and 50 are available to students attending other Catholic colleges in the United States. Four of the scholarships are designated for Columbian Squires. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence in the freshman year and are renewable.

Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria (Canada) Scholarships -- Twelve scholarships (which are not limited to Fourth Degree members) at colleges or universities in Canada are available to members, children of members and children of deceased members of Canadian councils. Scholarships, each of $1,500 per year, are awarded based on academic excellence for one year and are renewable.

John W McDevitt (Fourth Degree) Scholarship Fund -- The earnings of this fund will provide scholarships on the same basis as those provided under the Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarship Fund and are available to members, wives, widows, and sons and daughters of members including members who died while in good standing at the time of their death (not limited to Fourth Degree members).

Francis P Matthews and John E. Swift Educational Trust Scholarships -- A scholarship fund has been established to provide scholarships to the children of any member killed or totally and permanently disabled as a result of military action during a time of conflict or as a result of criminal violence in the performance of his duty as a full-time law-enforcement officer or firefighter. Scholarships are for undergraduate studies in a four-year program leading to a bachelor's degree at a Catholic college and includes the amount not covered by other financial aid for tuition, room, board, fees and books.

The Catholic University of America Graduate Fellowships -- Fellowships are available at The Catholic University of America for work in the fields offered in the graduate school. These fellowships are designed chiefly to train exceptional students in graduate work in the arts and sciences, with particular emphasis on preparing students to teach in universities throughout the country. These fellowships are administered by the university.

Bishop Charles P. Greco Graduate Fellowships -- Bishop Greco Graduate Fellowships are available for full- time graduate study leading to a master's degree in a program designed for the preparation of classroom teachers of children who are mentally retarded. The maximum grant is $500 a semester ($2,000 total), renewable upon evidence of satisfactory performance and subject to the discretion of the Committee on Fellowships. The applicant must be a member of the Knights of Columbus in good standing, or the wife, son or daughter of such a member or deceased member.

Student Loans -- United States citizens or resident aliens of the United States who are members of the Order and the wives, sons and daughters of members are eligible to apply for the student loans. The widow, sons and daughters of a member who was in good standing at the time of his death also qualify. Without reference to membership in the Order, the student loans are also available to priests, sisters, seminarians and postulants at the college, seminary and post-graduate levels. First year students may borrow up to $2,625 annually and second year students may borrow up to $3,500 annually. Third and fourth year students may borrow up to $5,500 a year. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 a year.

The Supreme Council has a program to assist students. The booklet Financial Aid to Education has information about the financial aid available to students through scholarships, fellowships, trust and loan programs. Ask your Grand Knight to get this booklet from Supreme so that pertinent information can be given to members of their Council and and high school councilors in their area.

More information may be obtained by writing directly to:

Director of Scholarship Aid (or Student Loan Committee)

Knights of Columbus
P.O. Box 1670
New Haven, CT 06507-0928
     or call:
203-772-2130, ext. 332.