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The Mission and Values of the Knights of the Holy Temple
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Knights of the Holy Temple is to assist high school-aged men to experience Godly masculine adventure, battle, and beauty, with a foundation firmly grounded on fraternity, formation, prayer, and parish service.
The Core Values of the Knights:- Establishing a deep reverence and devotion to Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament especially within the Holy Mass
- Encouraging the Knights to properly live the faith both privately and publicly
- Fostering an environment for leadership development, Christian fellowship, and growth in relationship with God by prayer
- Committing to foster and protect a Culture of Life in society
- Assisting in vocational discernment for the priesthood, consecrated life, or married life
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The Honor Code encapsulates the mission and values of the Order and directs us in our development as Catholics, as men, and as Knights. This Honor Code is recommended to be memorized and recited communally when the Knights gather for Mass, a chapter meeting, or a social gathering.
1. In all things, we are aware of God: our place in his plan, our need of his grace, and always conscious of all we have received from him. A good man willingly submits to God’s wisdom, not his own.
2. In order to sustain our ability to fight the spiritual battle, we frequent the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. These sacraments are to be seen as the source of our strength.
3. As we are defenders of God’s Holy Church, we accept our responsibility of learning the Truth She teaches and are not afraid, reluctant, or even hesitant to defend Her honor.
4. We never underestimate the power of our witness as men to the truth of Jesus Christ and his Church. Hence, we conduct ourselves as Catholic gentlemen at all times by purity of action, decency in speech, modesty in dress, respect toward others, and a spirit of good nature.
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Daily a Brother Knight…
- Takes at least 15 minutes of personal prayer every day: Recall that if you do not spend time with a friend, the friendship will end – the same is true of our friendship with God. Remember to keep God in your heart and mind always.
- Reads or calls to mind Scripture passages to enlighten his mind and guide his path in life. He should begin to pray with and study the Bible regularly.
- Calls to mind and strives to live the Evangelical Counsels of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience according to his state in life.
Weekly a Brother Knight…- Attends and serves Sunday Mass with the Brothers.
- Strives to spend some time in Eucharistic Adoration.
- As Knights grow, they should seek to attend daily Mass occasionally and spend more time with Jesus in Adoration.
Monthly a Brother Knight…- Goes to Confession and recommits himself to living a life of holiness in union with God and his Brother Knights.
- Faithfully engages in prayer with the chapter at activities and meetings.
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Have questions about your parish chapter or starting a new chapter? We're glad to help you!
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A chapter of the Knights of the Holy Temple is established to serve the parish under the leadership of the Pastor.
A chapter requires:- permission of the Pastor
- the appointment and commitment of an ordained Chaplain
- two or three faithful and available adult men (Confreres)
- a suitable number of High School men interested in learning more about becoming a Knight of the Holy Temple.
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Notes to the chaplains and confreresChaplain – Experience has proven the value of the chaplain to the chapter. Support, encouragement, admonitions, and example will provide an immense boost to the life and vitality of the chapter. Remember, the time and effort you put forth will yield much fruit in the lives of the young men as well as the life of your parish. Your involvement will guarantee the success of your chapter: with you, the chapter will flourish; without you, the chapter will fail. You do not need to be present at everything, but your regular presence and commitment is necessary to sustain the chapter and yield fruits.
Confreres – Your primary roles are to chaperone events and to provide counsel and guidance in the life of a chapter. The young men in your charge are developing leadership skills. Thus, do not run the Chapter for them. Rather, teach them important leadership lessons and help them put them into practice. Hold them accountable for goals and decisions and offer your advice.
Officer Qualifications and Roles:
An elected brother holds his office for a period of one year. He must be a brother in good standing, meaning he must- Be a practicing Catholic who actively participates in the life of the chapter and the Church
- Show interest in the welfare of the brothers and in the affairs of the Order
- Regularly attend meetings, socials, service projects and assist at Mass
- Display conduct consistent with the ideals stated in the Honor Code.
Master– The head of the chapter, the Master is chosen by the brothers to be the leader and is to set an example of humility, servant-leadership, and responsibility.- Call chapter to order at least once per month in consultation with the Chaplain/Confrères
- Oversee the chapter and its officers
- Preside at chapter meetings and guide in establishing the vision of the chapter
- Uphold the Knight’s Honor Code through example and corrective action
Seneschal– The second in command, he acts in the Master’s absence and focuses on overseeing recruitment and the future of the chapter.- Preside at chapter meetings and events in the absence of the Master
- Coordinate recruitment and reception of new brothers
- Oversee enforcement of the attendance policy for chapter
Marshal– The third in command, he focuses on the spiritual growth of the chapter and oversees the brothers in all aspects regarding the Holy Mass.- Act as the Master of Ceremony during liturgies
- Train members to serve the Liturgy well, and coordinate serving schedules
- Arrange and direct the Initiation of new members during retreats
Commander– He is responsible for the organizing the chapter’s service and social events throughout the year focusing on the unity and health of the chapter and its brothers.- Coordinate special events of the Knights (Retreats, trips, recreation…)
- Bring brothers together at least once per month for fellowship and recreation
- Coordinate service projects (two to four service projects per year - planned and executed)
Draper– He records and assists in overseeing the finances of the chapter.- Manage the treasury for the Chapter, establishing and maintaining financial accounts
- Provide monthly accounting of Order’s finances
- Prepare the agenda for Chapter meetings (in consultation with Master & other Officers)
- Record minutes of chapter meetings & provide them to the Master
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An elected brother holds his office for a period of one year. He must be a brother in good standing. To be in good standing a brother must:
- be a practicing Catholic who actively participates in the life of the chapter and the Church
- show interest in the welfare of the brothers and in the affairs of the Order
- regularly attend meetings, socials, service projects and assist at Mass
- display conduct consistent with the ideals stated in the Honor Code
Qualifications for Nomination
A brother in good standing with these qualifications must be nominated by a brother-knight:- He has demonstrated aptitude for leadership or the capacity to develop leadership qualities
- He has had conversations with the Chaplain or Confreres about his interest in leadership
- He is able and willing to devote time and effort needed to accomplish the duties of an office
Nomination Process
The chapter must intentionally assess the strengths and weaknesses of potential candidates. It must emphasize the importance of discernment regarding the talents of each man and afford the chapter time to seek best results. The chapter must avoid elections of popularity by focusing attention on the man's character and his ability to serve the fraternity in a particular role. The question brothers must ask: “Will this man, at this time, be capable of leadership within the order?”
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Attendance: Knights are expected to attend all events and meetings unless 1) they have a legitimate excuse and 2) they properly notify the officers of their absence. Any unexcused absence should be addressed by the Master or Seneschal. If attendance issues persist, the Confreres or Chaplain should be asked to provide guidance.
Communication: The chapter should establish a regular method of communication that the chaplain, confreres, Knights, and Knights' parents can participate in. Any and all communications that relate to the whole chapter should come through here (i.e. Text, GroupMe, Flocknote, or Email). The parish chapter can determine what is the best means of communication. Any communication must include at least two adults.
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- Thoughtfully prepare an agenda and share the information, well in advance, with other officers.
- Ensure all brothers know dates, times, and locations of meetings.
- Have sufficient copies of the agenda available for brothers.
- Start the meeting on time. Meetings should not run longer than one hour. Likewise, conclude the meeting on a positive noteand with some form of recreation.
Documents available to download at bottom of website
A simple manner to reach a chapter decision:- Any brother may make a motion by stating, “I move that the chapter _____________” [He would never say, “I make a motion that…”] For example, “Brother Master, I move that we have a poker party on December 19th.”
- The motion must be seconded by another brother (otherwise the motion dies).
- The Master then directs the members to discuss the motion. He himself does not offer discussion unless his advice is sought by the chapter.
- When debate has concluded, the Master calls for a vote, asking those in favor to say “Aye” and those opposed to say “Nay.” A hand vote may be needed in a close vote.
- While the chapter is considering a motion, no other action may be taken accept by:
- Amending the motion (a proper way to change or make an addition to the original motion). For example, “I move to amend the motion by striking December 19th and inserting January 9th.” Only one amendment is offered at a time.
- Tabling the motion (effectively setting the motion aside). “Brother Master, I move to table the motion.” A majority vote must be received to table a motion.
- A brother may announce: “I move the previous question,” that is, enough has been heard, bring the motion to a vote. A majority vote must be received to move the previous question.
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A chapter roster should be maintained by a delegated officer. An up-to-date roster will benefit the chapter to effectively communicate.
Roster template available to download at bottom of website
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The Knights of the Holy Temple will attract much attention for the many good works the fraternity accomplishes. But because of the makeup of its membership - young Catholic men - the brotherhood may even attract those who would wish to accomplish great harm within her membership.
As young men, we must be prudent at all times. When anyone (especially an adult), now or in the future, attempts to lure us to do actions which we, in our conscience, deem immoral, a report should be made to the proper authorities. Teachers, coaches, Boy Scout leaders, relatives, or even clergy all have the capacity to abuse the relationship they have with us and destroy the trust we place in them.
Let this be declared and adhered to: No person is to enter within the sacred Order as a brother, a confrère, or as a chaplain, with the intention or purpose of accomplishing any act of evil or any crime (including, but not limited to sex, alcohol, drugs, vandalism, or harassment). Any brother, confrère or chaplain suspected of such behavior is to be reported immediately to the proper authorities (both civil and ecclesial). Evil will not be tolerated within the ranks of the Order.
Every diocese in the United States has published rules of protocol for adults ministering to youth. These protocols must be respected and followed. When a man fails, let us, in charity, not remain silent, but rather do what must be done to correct the situation. Whenever and wherever this is to be accomplished, it will require manly disposition and a stable boldness.
We pray, that within our ranks, this will never be an issue.
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"A man, consecrated wholly to God’s name, to live in Him and die to the world, is a sacrifice.” - St. Augustine
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Branding Resources
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Chapter Resources
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Knights of the Holy Temple
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Office of Vocations
3155 S. 200 W.
Kokomo, IN 46902
(765) 477-0070 | [email protected]
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