Squires
The Columbian Squires, the official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus, is a leadership and character development program for Catholic young men, 10-18 years old.
Founded in 1925, the Columbian Squires is an international fraternity of approximately 30,000 Catholic young men in over 1,400 local parish units, called Circles, throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Panama, Cuba, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and on U.S. military bases abroad.
The Squires program endeavors to promote the domestic church, a family united to Christ, both in prayer and in practice. Our mission begins and ends with protecting the sanctity of life from natural conception to natural death. In addition, we promote our love for Christ by showing love for our neighbor through the Corporal Works of Mercy. Squires are involved in promoting vocations, marching in defense of unborn life, feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, supporting Special Olympics and promoting Catholic education, among countless other activities. Squires also have fun, meet new friends, travel, play sports and socialize.
Leader Development
Opportunity to build personal leadership skills.
Events & Activities
Participation in a variety of family, youth, social and athletic programs and activities conducted by local Circles.
College Scholarships
Eligibility for college Scholarships.
K of C Rosary
Blessed rosary by the Supreme Chaplain.
The program is structured with five levels of achievement:
• The Page
• The Shield Bearer
• The Swordsman
• The Lancer
• The Squire of the Body of Christ
The Squires program is designed to develop young men as leaders who understand their Catholic religion, who have a strong commitment to the Church and who are ready, willing and capable of patterning their lives after Christ. Squires are involved in programs that benefit the Church and community as well as in recreational and social activities sponsored by local Knights of Columbus parish Councils and Assemblies. The Squires Circle is designed to be run by and for young men under the guidance of several Knights who serve as counselors. Squires are given the opportunity to take charge and to lead by running their own meetings, empowering their own members, setting their Circles’ agenda and implementing their own program of activities.
SQUIRES EMBLEM
The Squires Emblem includes a Maltese Cross upon which are the letters “P”, (physical fitness); “I”, (intellectual development); “S”, (spiritual growth and the practice of our faith); and “C”, (citizenship and civic life). The large letters “C” and “S” intertwined with the Cross respectively represent Christ and Squires. The “K” centered on the cross symbolizes the Knights of Columbus. Esto Dignus, the Squires’ motto encircling the emblem, is Latin of “Be Worthy.
If you are a Catholic young man, 10-17 years old, and you want to meet new friends, travel, play sports, have fun and make a difference, you should join the nearest Columbian Squires Circle today! Contact the California State Council Squires Committee for information and assistance with the development of your Columbian Squires Circle in your Council or Assembly today.
Armando L. Mena, Chairman
(760) 213-1535
americanaztec@sbcglobal.net
