Societies, Organizations Are Strength of Church

By Msgr. Robert H. Aucoin
HERALD Columnist
(From the issue of 1/24/02)

For many years I have been privileged to be a member of the Knights of Columbus. They are an example of a Church-related organization that has helped to strengthen God’s people for many years. In addition to the Knights are the many fine members of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Holy Name Society, the Ladies of Charity, and their various auxiliaries, to name but a few. Unfortunately, many do not know the numerous good works done by these groups. So, just as in the commercial world, maybe it is time to advertise and promote oneself, but ever so discretely, especially through the use of the Internet.

An example of what a club or organization can do is seen in the Web site of a Knights of Columbus Council from Bethesda, Md. accessible at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Cyprus/3999/. This is a great example because it is simple yet full of the necessary information. It is also easy to work with, and it is a model of an efficient Web site built, more than likely, at the local level with local talent.

The main page is simply a table of boxes with main headings which include the council’s history, goals, meetings and more. In fact, the headings are similar to those which any club or activity would have. So, if you plan on building a Web site for your club, decide right away to have the same basic elements as found here. They are the essentials. We shall look at some of the items that should be in each of these headings.

The histories of the local, national or international organization are very important. Such histories show the history and reasons for the organization’s founding. It is reassuring to know that a club does have a past on which to build its future.

It is also important for a club to explain clearly its reason for existing now. In the case of the Knights of Columbus, there are four purposes: Catholic, fraternal, family, and service. In the Catholic section, the names and locations of the members’ parishes and what they do in the parishes are listed. With very few words, but with great clarity highlighted with photographs, the other sections explain the social programs (fraternal), the family activities and the many good works (service) done by the local council. It is very appropriate for an organization to state its many good works. Some may see that as tooting one’s own horn. But, in this case, that is fine, even desirable. Every club should be most willing to state what it does for its own members and for the Church and the community.

The Internet is an ideal location to post an organization’s printed materials, especially newsletters and bulletins. With the great proliferation of computers in our communities and with improved connections, the Internet may eventually become a favored means of communication.

Most organizations are interested in increasing their memberships. The example that we are following this week has a section on how to become a member. I think that it is interesting to note that this explanation is placed only after a thorough presentation of the works done by the society, rather than up front.

Finally, the Web site includes information about the structures of the Knights of Columbus at the local, state, regional, national and international levels.

The Knights of Columbus are noted for their terrific work on behalf of the Church. Other organizations are likewise very dedicated. No matter what the organization, the Internet can be effectively used to promote the activity, to encourage new membership and to explain to non-members what the organization does.

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