How Faith Groups Improve Communities and Others’ Lives
People who serve in volunteer leadership roles tend to live happier lives, according to a 2024 study. Many volunteers feel more fulfilled when they feel they can improve their communities.
Leadership at Gabriel Homes
Some Gabriel Homes residents are in leadership roles through the Knights of Columbus: Family of Man Council in Reston. The Knights are active in the Saint John Neumann Catholic Church (SJN) community. Some brothers may help direct parking on holidays, and others, like Rich, are altar servers or ushers during services. Once a month, the Knights hold pancake breakfasts to raise money for charity.
“Everyone embraces the brotherhood of the Knights. When you need help, more brothers show up than needed.”
Turnout is especially high when brothers hold monthly evening socials.
The Knights say socials keep the brotherhood intact. Guests catch up on each other’s lives and see if they can help someone facing hard times.
“I give Dave and Rich rides to socials since they live nearby,” Jim says. “On one ride, Dave told me he wanted to golf more. He was a yearly golfer at the Gabriel Homes annual golf tournament, and I golfed with a crew from SJN. Because I got to know Dave, I started taking him to Special Olympics golf trainings.”
Residents help serve the brotherhood as elected officers.
As warden, Dave protects the council’s property and supervises the guards. Rich is an inside guard who lets guests into meetings by checking membership cards. Chris (second from right) was in leadership and took part in business meetings for years before stepping down.
“The residents enjoy being leaders and responding to challenges. They deserve recognition for the work they put into the Knights.”
The brotherhood aims to better the world through its core values:
charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The “Family of Man” logo on the SJN council’s badges reflects members’ commitment to their families. Members who are parents like David, Jim, and Bob see the Knights as part of their extended family.
“Brothers do good for their families when they form support groups, open up to each other, and pray for others in good and bad times,” Bob says. “The brothers at Gabriel Homes make a difference because they’re involved with our community.”