Murrieta’s Knights of Columbus Council #11393 decided to request donations one Sunday in April following each Mass. The goal was to attain enough to receive a matching funds grant offered by the Knights Supreme Council in New Haven, Connecticut. The local chapter has been an active supporter of anti-abortion efforts, leading marches, conducting prayer vigils, and providing financial support for area Birth Choice facilities. Birth Choice provides no cost services including confirmation tests, ultrasounds, educational resources and support throughout a woman’s pregnancy.
This project was spearheaded jointly by Frank Lippman and Marvin Hayes, both long time parishioners at St. Martha and Knights of Columbus. This parish is the third largest in the Diocese with 8,300 families. On the Sunday of the event, more than $30,000 was donated. In addition, two individuals each generously contributed the full amount needed to purchase two machines. With the matching funds from the Supreme Council, over $70,000 was raised, enough to buy four ultrasound machines. Council 11393 was the only Knights chapter where four units were purchased in the United States. After consulting with the State
and Supreme organizations, the equipment was designated for locations in Temecula, Hemet, Duarte, and Inglewood.
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s fraternal organization founded by Father Michael McGinney in 1882. Initial emphasis was on helping families of men who died, leaving widows and children behind. Local chapters focus on supporting various ministries both inside the Church and in the community. Its core principles are charity, unity, and fraternity.