Our Council Mission
The Father Jon O’Brien (FJOB) Council of the Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of Catholic men from the St. Katharine Drexel Mission Catholic Church in Haymarket, Virginia. Chartered initially to assist the Pastor in building a physical church, today they actively support local and international efforts for those most in need of assistance. This support is in terms of prayer, manpower, leadership and funding.
Outreach and structure
FJOB Knights have taken an active role supporting and advancing ongoing efforts to build the physical structure for a St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church. The church will be located at the base of the Bull Run Mountain. This has included fundraising, establishing an annual Pledge for funding the capital campaign, awareness efforts for Catholics in the local community and assistance in improving the small Mission Office in Haymarket.
The men of the FJOB Council live faith-in-action through shared beliefs and values. It is in the name of Charity, the greatest of virtues, that drives all of FJOB Knights efforts. The Council’s four principles of focus: Change a Man’s Life, Increase His Faith, Support and Build the Family, and Support Life from conception to natural death. They do this all while fostering spiritual and family growth.
Charitable works through a series of faith programs enkindles the spirit of dedication and living with purpose required to provide tangible results within the Haymarket/Gainesville community. In accordance with applicable IRS code, the council was chartered in 2017 as a 501(c) (8) charitable fraternal organization.
SUPPORTing our community at home and abroad
Families experience hardship and struggle for many reasons – loss of income, natural disasters, illnesses, or medical emergencies. The FJOB Knights supports our local community neighbors and families through various programs devoting either manpower (hours of support), raising funds, or both.
A sampling of these programs include
- Special Olympics for the physically and intellectually challenged
- Food for Families – St. Lucy Project and Haymarket Regional Food Pantry
- Sponsorship assistance for seminarians to pursue their priesthood vocation
- Veteran Support and Appreciation
- Student scholarships and financial assistance for young men and women
The FJOB Knights have undertaken a new World-Wide commitment to support efforts to help Christian refugees fleeing persecution and oppression. In partnership with over 65 charitable organizations they have designated a fund-raising initiative to provide funds for shelter, food, clean water and access to medical care. The Knights of Columbus support local and international disaster preparedness, relief and recovery efforts wherever and whenever needed and contribute to the care and education of orphans and families left homeless.
MEETINGS
Our meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 PM. The meetings are held at the St. Katharine Drexel Mission Office at 4100 Mill Creek Rd, Haymarket
Our Principles
Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually.
Fraternity – Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely.
Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country and believe in standing up for both.