Knights of Peter Claver & Ladies Auxiliary
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The Knights of Peter Claver, named after St. Peter Claver, a Spanish Jesuit priest, is an international Catholic fraternal service order founded in 1909 (four decades after the Emancipation Proclamation, when at the time Black members were not allowed in any of the Councils of the Knights of Columbus). It was founded by parishioners from Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, in Mobile, Alabama. The Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1922. The Knights and Ladies together are considered to be the largest and oldest Black Catholic lay-led organization still in existence. The Mission of the “Noble Order” is to spread faith, hope, and love, through friendship, unity, and Christian charity
The Order has as its present focus: social justice, support for vocations (especially from the Black Catholic community), and evangelization.
As of 2022, there are approximately 15,000 Knights and Ladies nationally and growing. In 2021, the Bishop Emerson J. Moore Council and Court 404 were established at St. Charles Borromeo Church, in Harlem. This is the first establishment of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary in the Archdiocese of New York.
The focus of Court 404 in 2023 is to rebuild “The “Village” supporting youth and seniors.
To learn more about the Order go to kofpc.org/info
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The Claver Prayer
God our Heavenly Father, You have given us life
through the Death and Resurrection
of Your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ;
Jesus, our Saving Lord, You came into a world
darkened by man’s sin
and gave it light through your teachings;
Holy Spirit, the Breath of God within us,
you guide and enlighten us
and give us the strength of our convictions;
St. Peter Claver, who became an example for us,
you showed us the Love of God,
The Light of Christ, and the strength of the Holy Spirit;
We pray now that all we say and do, in your honor,
be a continuation of your work here on earth.
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
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THE GIVING TREE PROJECT CEREMONY
The KPCLA BEJM Court 404, in an attempt to strengthen our relationship within the senior community of Harlem, under the direction of our president, Grand Lady Hodge, established an outreach project entitled, “The Giving Tree Project.”
We invited the residents of John Paul II Housing Development to participate in The Giving Tree Project during the holiday season. We explained to the manager, Ms. Veronica, that “The Giving Tree Project,” would provide gifts or gift cards to the residents of John Paul II based on their solicited requests.
Ms. Veronica agreed with this opportunity for the residents. She was then asked to have the residents fill out pre-prepared slips to indicate what they would like to receive (a specific gift or gift card not exceeding $25). The slips were later returned via email to the relief director,
Lady Burns, so that the gifts could be fulfilled.
Court 404, was made aware of the gift requests. On a weekly basis, the Court generously made donations of beautifully wrapped gifts and gift cards to be given to the residents of John Paul II.
During The Giving Tree Project Ceremony, the residents enjoyed meeting the members of the Ladies of Court 404 Sunshine Committee and receiving their donated gifts. Photos were taken of some of the residents and the members of the Sunshine Committee while receiving their gifts and Peter Claver Prayer Cards.
This project was the beginning of our loving outreach to members of the Harlem Community which was well received. Thus, strengthening our relationship with some of the seniors of the community of Harlem.
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AUGUST 15, 2021 Three leaders from the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary introduced the men and women of the parish who became the first members of a new council (the men) and a new court (the women). The 3 leaders included: Micaella Le Blanc Supreme Lady, Kim Procter District Deputy Northern States, and Grant Jones Executive Director.
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frequently asked questions
What are the qualifications to join? Be a Catholic in good standing with the church.
Do I have to be Black to join? No, the Knights of Peter Claver is a diverse organization with members of all races and ethnicities.
Can I also be a Knight of Columbus? Yes we are all part of the International Association of Catholic Knights we are all here to serve not to compete.
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