THE ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS VICTORIA
SERVICE AND CHRISTIANITY
Catholic Men committed to promoting the Christian way of life throughout Australia
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA BRANCH
ABOUT OUR BRANCH
The Northern Peninsula Branch is a combined group of members the Knights of the Southern Cross which has existed across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston area for over 70 years, and in that time has served the Parishes of Western Port Parish Hastings, St Macartans Mornington, St Francis Xavier Frankston. Many of the regular functions the Knights have served primarily are based on service within their Parish communities and advancing Christian values in society. Fundraising activities such as Bunnings sausage sizzles, with monies raised going to support students from local Catholic Parish Schools within our Branch area as they advance to their Catholic Secondary College of Choice.
Regular monthly meetings, along with spiritual and social activities, are a major part of Branch life.
For those male parishioners who seek to serve their Parish and wider community joining the Knights is a great way to get involved.
WHO ARE THE KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS
#An Order of Catholic laymen with a Catholic family base, who participate in the mission of the Church…….
#Through services to the Church and community.
#Through good example of and witness to the Christian way of life.
# Through exercising a Christian influence in the world around us
OBJECTS OF THE ORDER
• To promote the advancement of Australia
• To foster the Christian way of life throughout the nation
• To promote the welfare of its members and their families
• To encourage social and intellectual activities amongst its members
• To conduct and support Educational, Charitable, Religious and Social Welfare work
OUR HISTORY
The Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross was instituted by the Australian Catholic Hierarchy in 1919 to improve the well-being of Catholics in the wider community. The following decades saw great strides made in • The reduction of discrimination • Better Employment and promotional prospects • Justice in Public funding of Catholic Schools- This was largely due to the efforts and sacrifices of these early Knights.
In 1968, the Order established Southern Cross Homes (now known as Mercy Care Southern Cross Care(Vic), which has grown to become one of the largest and most respected Aged Care providers in Australia
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A KNIGHT?
A desire to make a difference in any area that is in harmony with the Objects of the Order. Through your talents and the support of like-minded Knights, you can achieve great strides. The Objects are quite broad and allow you to work in almost any sphere of your interest. This work greatly enhances the four dimensions of our lives -the intelligence, the emotions, the physical and the spiritual. A key vehicle to achieve these aims is regular attendance at Branch level. It is here that support and encouragement can be formed. At times your energy will be directed towards issues in your local area, at other times you will focus on Diocesan, State or National level issues. Meetings also include prayer and opportunities for spiritual formation. Members of the Order realise the high privilege and honour bestowed on them and a member is obligated to recite daily the Knights’ Prayer and maintain his financial membership.
One of the many fundraising initiatives the Knights perform in local communities- the Bunnings sausage sizzle.
THE KNIGHT’S PRAYER
O God Please bless all fellow Members of the Knights of the Southern Cross and their families. Bless all our activities and inspire us at all times to work for the greater glory of God and salvation of mankind. May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. AMEN
For more information, please contact Brian Stahl ber.bri@bigpond.com 0407683525 or John Brennan jabrennan@omni.net.au 0405465530