COUNCIL / FRATERNITY                                                                   
Time and again, Knights have proven that, through unfaltering fellowship, our individual efforts to improve our communities are magnified. And by creating strong, friendly, and supportive atmospheres in local councils, we also create a better Order worldwide. Additionally, each local council also strives to: Promote and sponsor cultural activities for Knights and their families. Hold a variety of social activities exclusively or Knights. Endorse athletic activities, including Knights of Columbus softball teams. Educate members and non-members about the history of the Order.


Knight of the Month
Each month during the year, a brother Knight who has demonstrated one of the four principles of the Knights of Columbus is acknowledged at the monthly business meeting with a "Knight of the Month" certificate. This is one way we show our appreciation to our fellow brothers for their efforts and service to the council.


Council Golf Outing
Each year the council conducts a golf outing, it is also a major fundraiser for the charitable activities for the council. Held at a local golf course council members and non members enjoy a day of friendly banter, food, and laughs.
 

Pancake Breakfast
Twice a year, brother Knights host a pancake breakfast to raise funds for a variety of good causes such as the Gregory Youth Ministry. Funds collected help the youth ministry with their trip to Appalachia as well as being distributed for other pertinent community needs. Knights assist with the preparation for the breakfast at 5:30 AM. Breakfast is served in the Parish Center’s Ferrante Hall, after the 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM Masses. Omelets, sausages, eggs, coffee and more are offered.


"Knights" Installation Dinner
Each year, the Knights celebrate the election of the new Executive Board. The board is primarily responsible for overseeing the council, members and all the various activities sponsored to help the church and community. Prior to honoring the new Executive Board with a dinner, the new board member and guest attend a Mass at St. Gregory the Great Church. The Mass is celebrated by the Council Chaplain and co-celebrated by the Pastor, Father Ian Trammell. This ceremony is open to all brother Knights. Afterwards, members gather for dinner at a local restaurant where awards are given to the outstanding Knights from the previous Columbian Year. 


Christmas Party
During January, after the holidays have past, the Council Members, their families and friends celebrate with one another at a dinner at a local restaurant. This is an event whereby the Knights and their wives come together to enjoy a night of food, drink, entertainment and unity.


Past Grand Knight's Dinner 
As a way to thank our Grand Knight of the previous Columbian Year, a dinner or "Roast" is held in his honor.  Members pay tribute to his year as the Grand Knight of our Council. Laughter, praise and thanks, abound. All members and their wives are welcome!


New Jersey State Convention
Every year in July members of the council attend the New Jersey State Knights of Columbus Convention in North WIldwood, New Jersey. State executive board members are nominated and voted into office.
 

Senior Citizen Award
Each year at the Past Grand Knight's Dinner, a brother Knight (who must also be a senior citizen) is awarded for his outstanding accomplishments in service to the Knights. It gives us great pleasure to recognize the efforts of a fellow brother who continues to exemplify and actively practice the principles of the order.    
 
 
Football Frenzy  
The following fundraiser is just another way the Knights raise money in an effort to distribute funds throughout the church & community. Starting at the end of October (for the last 10 NFL Football weekends) ticket purchasers have the opportunity to win one of several cash prizes via their game ticket. This is a major fundraiser for the council. Funds collected go to help support the Visitation Home and other activities of the council.
 
 
Holiday Billboard (Keep Christ in Christmas)
In an effort to bring greater visibility to the community about our faith,  the Council sponsors a Billboard Road Sign, which conveys the importance of KEEPING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS. The road sign is rented from the beginning to December to the beginning of January.
 
 
Christmas Wreaths
Each year starting the third weekend of November, the council starts their Christmas Wreath Sales (Fundraiser). Orders are taken in the Gathering Space and Christmas Wreaths are sold from the Shed in the rear of the church parking lot. Again, this is just another way, we as Knights, try to raise funds in order to help those within the community through our charitable works.
 
  
Recycling Program (Ink cartridges)
Empty printer ink cartridges are returned to Staples. In return, a monthly Staple’s redemption check is issued. The amount can only be used in Staples and this helps to offset the purchase of paper and ink for printing of various forms for the council’s operation.
 
 
Membership Drives (Recruitment)
Twice a year the council conducts a Membership Drive. Members are stationed in the church Gathering Space to answer questions from the parishioners. If a male parishioner is interested in joining the council, his name is taken and he is told that he will be notified of an Open House, where additional information is given and where he can, if he decides to join, complete a Membership Application. This is the first step in becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus.
 
  
Open House (Recruitment)
After the Membership Drive an Open House is conducted where a short video is shown to prospective new members. The Chancellor, the Grand Knight and the Deputy Grand Knight present different perspectives of the Knights of the Columbus and our Council. All Brother Knights are invited to share their experiences with the candidates in an effort to help the new members decide if they would like to pursue to opportunity to join the council.                  
 
 
Degree Ceremonies
Since Knights live by four principles, Charity, Unity, Fraternity & Patriotism we hold ceremonies honoring each of these principles. Members can attend and achieve all four of these degrees throughout their tenure as a Knight, but they must, at the minimum, hold a first degree in order to attend monthly council meetings.
 
 
Website, Council
The Council Web Site is one of the major means of communicating with the members of the council. Members not only receive communications, but they can find all kinds of important council information within the site. Information is also emailed to those members who have a working e-mail address listed in the Supreme Date Records.