Faith can move mountains. But faith with acts of service becomes even more powerful and impactful.

By using their collective talents, St. James Catholic Church's Knights of Columbus honor God by helping others.

"You can be a wonderful person, but we derive part of our inspiration from our Christian teachings and upbringings," said Rick Thompson, who's been St. James' Knights' membership director for two years. "We received the greatest gift (Jesus Christ), and in turn we try to repay that with the gifts we've been given. I feel my job as a Christian is more about service and providing care for people with needs. An old farmer once said to me, 'You go to church on Sunday to get recharged so you can go out and be of service.' You draw inspiration from being in your faith community."

Located at 505 Woodcrest Ave., Lititz, St. James Catholic Church's Knights of Columbus Council 10827 serves both the church and the community directly, all the while deriving companionship through interactions.

The men who are members of St. James' Knights of Columbus conduct fundraisers, cook and perform kitchen duties for church functions, lead Rosaries at Mass, actively support vocations to the priesthood, sponsor youth basketball and soccer competitions, host trivia nights and clean up a 1-mile stretch of Route 501 as part of the state's Adopt-A-Highway program. Knights of Columbus Council 10827 meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month in a classroom at the church.

During the 2024-25 fraternal year, St. James' Knights received the prestigious Star Council award for excellence in membership recruiting, parish and community support and the financial awareness of members.

"It's largely a service group. We don't do that many things just for ourselves," said Thompson. "Everything is for the larger community, the church community and the Warwick community. We do care for one another, and charity is important to us. If you're into socializing and charity, this is where the action is if you're a man."

Currently, St. James Catholic Church's Knights of Columbus boasts 115 members age 18 and up. Most of them reside in Lititz, Warwick and the surrounding areas.

"They're men who value the same things I value," said Thompson, a resident of Warwick Township. "They're the ones who put in the hours. There are people who choose to put in a lot of hours for the Knights, and there are those whose volunteer days are behind them. But we want to appeal to families."

"It's like an extended family," added Thompson. "We share the faith life, and we have enough in common. We all have to get along and serve one another."

St. James' Knights of Columbus group operates under a $10,000 to $12,000 annual budget. Among the nonprofits and programs that the Knights support are Special Olympics, Aaron's Acres, the Lititz-Warwick Community Chest food bank, youth trips and conferences, the financial health of the families of deceased Knights, A Woman's Concern and activities sponsored by the Diocese of Harrisburg.

"We try to support as many organizations as possible, but there are administrative costs involved," said Thompson. "I like growing the organization, and not just in terms of membership. I want to get people to have better communications and have better marketing. I'd like to have a greater appeal in the church."

There are nearly 20 Roman Catholic congregations worshipping in Lancaster County, and approximately a third of those churches sponsor Knights of Columbus councils. Council 10827 was formed at St. James Catholic Church in 1992.

Founded by Father Michael McGivney in 1882, the Knights of Columbus operates more than 17,000 councils in more than a dozen countries around the world.

"There is a long tradition associated with being a Knight," said Thompson. "The idea of a Knight is a reference to medieval times. The Catholic church is a hierarchy, and the pastor needs men to rely on to get things done."

For additional information about St. James' Knights of Columbus, email Thompson at rickt4951@gmail.com.