History of Mater Christi Council

In the fall of 2006, members of the Illinois State Council met with Fr. Jason Torba, pastor of St. Ferdinand’s parish, to discuss the formation of a Knights of Columbus council that would draw from parishes in close proximity to St. Ferdinand’s that did not have affiliation to a Knights of Columbus council. 

Fr. Torba, a strong supporter of the Knights of Columbus was very receptive to the idea and gave his permission and support to conduct recruitment drives in the fall of 2006.  As membership drives were conducted over the fall and winter, degrees were held both at St. Ferdinand’s and at Fr. Francis Ryan Council. 

On April 23^rd, 2007 the goal of 30 members required to form a council was met, on this date Mater Christi Council 14284 was chartered and the first election of officers was held.

The name Mater Christi Council was suggested by Rev. Jason Torba, pastor of St. Ferdinand Church who felt we should use a Latin name, as the church was starting to promote the use of Latin again in the mass.  The name Mater Christi is Mother of Christ in English and the membership present at the first formation meeting voted this name as the Council Name. 

Mater Christi Council draws members from three churches on the Northwest side of Chicago, St. Pascal, St. Priscilla and St. Ferdinand.  In mid summer of 2007 the pastors of St. Pascal’s and St. Priscilla’s church were contacted and requests to expand the council into these two churches were made.  Presentations were made both to the pastors and to the parish board of St. Pascal’s.  In fall of 2007 permission was granted and target dates for recruiting were established for early January 2008.  

The council quickly established its identity by obtaining a council banner and ordered light blue shirts with the emblem of the order and name of the council monogrammed on them.  Blue was chosen as the official color as it is the color of the Blessed Mother.  The council now has a strong presence in all three churches and continues to support the parishes. 

In January of 2009, The Ladies Auxiliary of Mater Christi Council was established.  This dynamic group of women has been volunteering in the community and church since they were established.  To find out more about the Ladies Auxiliary and how to join please click here.  

Mater Christi’s plans for the new Fraternal Year of 2010-2011 include exploring the possibility of establishing a Squires Circle for young men in the community.

In the time that the council has been in existence all goals set by the Supreme Council and Illinois State Council have been met or exceeded.  Thanks to robust growth in membership, the council has programs that serve not only the parishes but the community as well.  Examples of some of the programming are: Soccer Challenge, Substance Abuse Project, Free Throw Competition, Altar Server Recognition, Spelling Bee, St. Mary of the Lake Seminary Visit, Chicago Wolves Game, Lincoln Park Zoo picnic, Boat Cruise on Lake Michigan, Clergy Appreciation Day, Vatican International Exhibition, Annunciation Mass, Immaculate Conception Mass and celebration to honor patroness of the United States, Prolife holy hour each month, poppy sale for veterans, Tootsie Roll sale for ID, voter registration, food pantry drive and many other programs. 

Guided by the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism, the Brother Knights of Mater Christi Council and the Ladies of our Auxiliary will continue to work together for the uplifting of our Church, the strengthening of our communities and the preservation of our families.

Virgin and Child, Giambettino Cignaroli, (1706-1770) / S. Maria Formosa, Venice, Italy 

How to Join

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is offered to all men 18 years of age or older who are practical Catholics in union with the Holy See.  A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Catholic Church.

The plight of the needy, the mission of the Church, the well being of families and the protection of life in all its stages are of particular interest to the Knights of Columbus.

Application forms are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.  Every Knight is happy to propose eligible Catholic men for membership.  Click here to complete a membership application worksheet.

For additional information, please contact our Membership Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it of Mater Christi Council and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.