The Order supports and defends family life through programs of family prayer and family participation in the parish liturgy, promotion of Christian values in the home, "Family of the Month/Year Awards," days of family recreation, etc. Also supports family life by funding the North American campus of the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.

Donations to charity for the needy, victims of disaster, homes for the aged, community projects, educational purposes, gifts of clothing and food totaled over $105 million last year.

Conducting an Order-wide "Crusade for Life" campaign to bring an end to the legalized slaughter of the innocent unborn. Almost $9 million donated to bishops' pro-life education and public information campaign to date. Millions of pieces of pro-life literature printed and made available free of charge.

Over $42.9 billion worth of insurance in force. Wide variety of top-quality life insurance and annuity programs are available to members and their families.

A million-dollar Educational Trust provides a four year college education at a Catholic college for children of members who are killed or permanently and totally disabled (a) from a cause directly connected with a military conflict or (b) as a result of criminal violence in the performance of time law-enforce-their duties as full-time law enforcement officers or firemen.

Over 54,000 low-interest student loans, ($80 million) disbursed to knights, their families, priests, brothers, sisters, seminarians and postulants since 1971. Members and families also eligible for the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria (U.S. and Canada), Mexico, Puerto Rico and Philippines undergraduate scholarships; the Bishop Greco and The Catholic University of America graduate fellowships.

Last year, Knights of Columbus officers, program directors, committeemen and members volunteered over 50 million hours in community service.

State and local council vocations committees foster vocations through prayer and other activities. Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) has contributed nearly $14.8 million to thousands of seminarians and postulants. $8.25 million Vocations Scholarship Fund provides $2,500 scholarships to seminarians in theology.

Since 1948 when the program began, the Catholic Information Service has provided free religious pamphlets to more than 8 million inquirers and has enrolled more than 750,000 persons in the Catholic Correspondence Course. And the mailbox is always open to those who need advice and can't bring themselves to ring a rectory doorbell.

The Order's highest degree promoting patriotism and responsible citizenship through our Catholic heritage. Nearly 245,000 Knights belong to over 2,147 assemblies and are recognized by their colorful capes and chapeaux.