Knights of Columbus Brother Spotlight: Bob Stuifbergen

     I became familiar with the Knights of Columbus when I was a youth in a small town in Nebraska. My father passed away at the early age of 39 and my mother was raising three children by herself. That was over 65 years ago. The members of our local council of Knights of Columbus always made sure that I was included in many of the youth or family events being held even though my father was not a Knight. In high school, I became a state officer for the youth group of the Knights called the Squires. College presented the challenge of getting an education to prepare for adult life, so I had limited exposure to a Knights council.    
    When we moved to Austin and became members of St. Catherine’s in 1982, I knew that one of the first organizations I wanted to become a part of was the Knights, as I remembered those days of my youth. I wanted to become part of an organization which put an emphasis on family. Family is one of the cornerstones for the founding of the Knights of Columbus.     
     Family is an essential part of a wholesome Christian life. Our early years with the Knights are still remembered by my children now in their 40s. We had so many other families in the parish we celebrated family events with. Young couples with a growing family who sought fun and Catholic companionship. Many people only hear of the public announced events of the Knights like BBQ sales or a car show. But one of the primary goals of each Knights council is to provide at the very least a quarterly event which focuses on family involvement. The exemplification ceremony of new members has changed from one which was very private to the present ceremony in which all family members are encouraged to attend. Bringing families together was, is and always will be essential to every KC council. That is why I am proud to be a member of such a group.